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Dragon Kings #9
Dragon Marked
I would sell my dragon soul to possess her…
From the moment I saw her, she held me enthralled. It was more than her beauty. It was in the very way she looked at the world.
The way she looked at me.
She saw me as no one ever had. The scars I tried to bury, the wounds no one else knew about. She saw the worst parts of me—and she didn’t look away.
Together we pursue a shared nemesis. While a terrifying foe stalks us at every turn.
Whatever enemy dares to get close, I will slay. Whatever path she walks, I will be beside her.
For I am hers. Utterly. Completely.
She’s my greatest temptation. The other half of my soul.
My mate.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant delivers a powerful story of redemption, danger, and passion in the next chapter of the Dragon King series.
From the moment I saw her, she held me enthralled. It was more than her beauty. It was in the very way she looked at the world.
The way she looked at me.
She saw me as no one ever had. The scars I tried to bury, the wounds no one else knew about. She saw the worst parts of me—and she didn’t look away.
Together we pursue a shared nemesis. While a terrifying foe stalks us at every turn.
Whatever enemy dares to get close, I will slay. Whatever path she walks, I will be beside her.
For I am hers. Utterly. Completely.
She’s my greatest temptation. The other half of my soul.
My mate.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant delivers a powerful story of redemption, danger, and passion in the next chapter of the Dragon King series.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
74 people are currently reading
7862 people want to read
About the author
Donna Grant
299 books4,767 followersDonna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
March 25, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC team on Netgalley and loved it!
The story:
A redemption journey ending in hea. I mean, can't get better!
The plot:
He was deceived by the enemy and feels he betrayed his kind, in pain, regretting his past decisions, and filled with rage.
She was led to believed dragons killed her family, and spent the last years of her life hunting them. Now that she knows the truth, feels gilty about the lifes she unfairly took.
Together, they embarc a travesy to find the real culprit of their sins and make her pay. Only they never expected to find a bigger threat and also fall in love in the process.
Let me begin telling you this book number 10th in a series. So there's A LOT-and I mean A LOT- of history in this world, which is probably reviewed in the previous books and you are not seeing. You can tell both mmc and fmc development goes a long way back, and it shows in the complexity of their feelings and relationships.
That being said, you can TOTALLY read this and understand the entirety of the story if you haven't read any of the previous books ( such as me), so kudos to Donna for it. You nailed it.
I loved the complexity of the world, the magic system, and how you get several races intertwined. It's really unique. Also loved the multiples pov's tho I prefer them to be identified as such. you learn who's talking on the first page of the character, but no name on the title.
🌶Spice lvl is open door, but there's not much along the story. You get THE scene, and it all goes done beautifully.
All in all, 4,5 stars out of 5 for me.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Definitely recommend if you love fantasy and romance stories ✨️
The story:
A redemption journey ending in hea. I mean, can't get better!
The plot:
He was deceived by the enemy and feels he betrayed his kind, in pain, regretting his past decisions, and filled with rage.
She was led to believed dragons killed her family, and spent the last years of her life hunting them. Now that she knows the truth, feels gilty about the lifes she unfairly took.
Together, they embarc a travesy to find the real culprit of their sins and make her pay. Only they never expected to find a bigger threat and also fall in love in the process.
Let me begin telling you this book number 10th in a series. So there's A LOT-and I mean A LOT- of history in this world, which is probably reviewed in the previous books and you are not seeing. You can tell both mmc and fmc development goes a long way back, and it shows in the complexity of their feelings and relationships.
That being said, you can TOTALLY read this and understand the entirety of the story if you haven't read any of the previous books ( such as me), so kudos to Donna for it. You nailed it.
I loved the complexity of the world, the magic system, and how you get several races intertwined. It's really unique. Also loved the multiples pov's tho I prefer them to be identified as such. you learn who's talking on the first page of the character, but no name on the title.
🌶Spice lvl is open door, but there's not much along the story. You get THE scene, and it all goes done beautifully.
All in all, 4,5 stars out of 5 for me.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Definitely recommend if you love fantasy and romance stories ✨️
March 15, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of Dragon Marked. This book isn’t just about dragons and destiny—it’s about healing, resilience, and the power of connection.
And the Scottish accents? Absolute perfection.
If you love stories that blend fantasy with emotional depth, Dragon Marked is a must-read. It’s a book about finding light in the darkest of places, and it left me with a full heart and a deep appreciation for the journey these characters took. Highly recommend!
And the Scottish accents? Absolute perfection.
If you love stories that blend fantasy with emotional depth, Dragon Marked is a must-read. It’s a book about finding light in the darkest of places, and it left me with a full heart and a deep appreciation for the journey these characters took. Highly recommend!
April 13, 2025
The story we have all been waiting for is finally here… we get to see Merrill finally fall in love. But to say his story is an easy one would be a lie. I honestly cried more reading this story than any other story I have ever read and truly I doubted they would get their HEA right up to the very end so be prepared with a lot of tissues and whatever support snacks (I recommend chocolate) will keep you from sobbing uncontrollably! Donna Gant takes us on a wild ride all over the world of Zora as Merrill and his future mate Katla fight against their enemies and try to bring an end to their greatest foe. Merrill has finally decided that he is done with Stonemore and he is going to return to the fold of the Kings, but he finds himself drawn to follow the enchanting druid Katla and when he finds her protecting three children he is determined to be by her side as enemies are around every corner. Katla has done things she can never forgive herself for, but she will give her all to protect her young charges and once they are safe she is determined to avenge her bad decisions by defeating Villette, the Star Person that took centuries from her. When Katla and Merrill team up to defeat their enemy, their attraction to one another becomes harder and harder to resist, but when it becomes clear they have a bigger challenge on the horizon, they have to trust one another implicitly if they hope to survive—and have a chance at a future together.
In a story of enemies becoming friends and friends becoming deadly enemies, Katla and Merrill quickly learn that the kind of trust they have developed is much more than just friends, but is their mate bond strong enough to overcome everything thrown at them? I loved getting to see Katla find her way back from the darkness that she lived for so long after Villette led her to make the wrong choices. She doesn’t make excuses for the bad deeds she has done, owning up to the lives she has destroyed and remorseful for all the lives she’s taken, but she also knows that she can’t atone for those mistakes but doing nothing or just giving up. She is brave, sweet, smart, and loving for those that she offers her heart to, but she is also wary of trusting again. When she opened her heart to Merrill they both became the fullhearted beings they were always meant to be, dropping walls and finally accepting their destiny. Before he accepts his love for Katla, Merrill doubts his own worth way too much, due to his recent actions and the pain that he is finally no longer able to keep leashed after millennia of hiding it. He has always been a strong, caring, and loving alpha male, but now he no longer has the touchstone he has depended on to keep him level and without it he is unable to keep his balance, but luckily Katla offers his a newer even stronger focus. The love between these two is undeniable and beautiful, though painful at times, to watch develop and I was caught up in every moment of their action-packed story. I am dying for the next in this series where alliances seem to shift with each new installment and we learn about new heroes and new villains with each introduction. Where else will Donna take us on this adventure through Zora?
In a story of enemies becoming friends and friends becoming deadly enemies, Katla and Merrill quickly learn that the kind of trust they have developed is much more than just friends, but is their mate bond strong enough to overcome everything thrown at them? I loved getting to see Katla find her way back from the darkness that she lived for so long after Villette led her to make the wrong choices. She doesn’t make excuses for the bad deeds she has done, owning up to the lives she has destroyed and remorseful for all the lives she’s taken, but she also knows that she can’t atone for those mistakes but doing nothing or just giving up. She is brave, sweet, smart, and loving for those that she offers her heart to, but she is also wary of trusting again. When she opened her heart to Merrill they both became the fullhearted beings they were always meant to be, dropping walls and finally accepting their destiny. Before he accepts his love for Katla, Merrill doubts his own worth way too much, due to his recent actions and the pain that he is finally no longer able to keep leashed after millennia of hiding it. He has always been a strong, caring, and loving alpha male, but now he no longer has the touchstone he has depended on to keep him level and without it he is unable to keep his balance, but luckily Katla offers his a newer even stronger focus. The love between these two is undeniable and beautiful, though painful at times, to watch develop and I was caught up in every moment of their action-packed story. I am dying for the next in this series where alliances seem to shift with each new installment and we learn about new heroes and new villains with each introduction. Where else will Donna take us on this adventure through Zora?
April 13, 2025
Back on Zora, back with our dragons, and finally—finally—it’s Merrill’s turn to take center stage. After playing the eternal supporting role in everyone else’s fiery drama, the spotlight is where it belongs. And oh, was it worth the wait.
Donna Grant, queen of the long game and even longer emotional whiplash, somehow manages again to drop a new villain worse than the last, as if her imagination runs on dragon fire instead of coffee. Every time I think, “She can’t possibly top the last threat,” she pulls out a new horror, and I’m left slack-jawed and clutching my emotional support blanket.
Katla and Merrill: two souls battered by the weight of their pasts, navigating not just treacherous terrain, but also the even more dangerous inner landscape of guilt, healing, and trust. Their journey is half action-packed thrill ride, half emotional therapy session—with dragons, obviously. One moment you're flying through firestorms, the next you're ugly crying and whispering “they deserve happiness” like it's a prayer.
Let’s be clear: this book is not gentle. It grabs you by the throat, spins you like a cyclone, breaks your heart into little glittering shards, and still manages to serve up a swoony HEA because, well, it’s Donna “Grant-ed” after all. Pun fully intended.
So here I am again, emotionally wrung out, mascara somewhere around my collarbone, and already desperate for the next installment. Because if you think anything is truly resolved, think again. Zora always has more secrets, and Donna Grant always has more dragons—and more ways to ruin us beautifully.
Donna Grant, queen of the long game and even longer emotional whiplash, somehow manages again to drop a new villain worse than the last, as if her imagination runs on dragon fire instead of coffee. Every time I think, “She can’t possibly top the last threat,” she pulls out a new horror, and I’m left slack-jawed and clutching my emotional support blanket.
Katla and Merrill: two souls battered by the weight of their pasts, navigating not just treacherous terrain, but also the even more dangerous inner landscape of guilt, healing, and trust. Their journey is half action-packed thrill ride, half emotional therapy session—with dragons, obviously. One moment you're flying through firestorms, the next you're ugly crying and whispering “they deserve happiness” like it's a prayer.
Let’s be clear: this book is not gentle. It grabs you by the throat, spins you like a cyclone, breaks your heart into little glittering shards, and still manages to serve up a swoony HEA because, well, it’s Donna “Grant-ed” after all. Pun fully intended.
So here I am again, emotionally wrung out, mascara somewhere around my collarbone, and already desperate for the next installment. Because if you think anything is truly resolved, think again. Zora always has more secrets, and Donna Grant always has more dragons—and more ways to ruin us beautifully.
April 2, 2025
I just finished this book.
It is the 9th full book and there are countless novellas
This is a fully formed world with a large cast of characters.
You MUST pay attention to the list of characters at the beginning. Without it, you’ll be lost.
Even still, I read this as a standalone, though I could understand what was happening at about a 85% rate, I did feel like having the history of the earlier books and novellas would have grounded the story and given it more depth.
I know it’s a big ask.
I lost count at 70 books on Goodreads attributed to this series.
Personally, I can’t give the time to read it.
I think it would be worth it for those that can.
The characters have a lot of interesting traits and plot flows well.
I liked the dual redemption arc and the love story.
It is the 9th full book and there are countless novellas
This is a fully formed world with a large cast of characters.
You MUST pay attention to the list of characters at the beginning. Without it, you’ll be lost.
Even still, I read this as a standalone, though I could understand what was happening at about a 85% rate, I did feel like having the history of the earlier books and novellas would have grounded the story and given it more depth.
I know it’s a big ask.
I lost count at 70 books on Goodreads attributed to this series.
Personally, I can’t give the time to read it.
I think it would be worth it for those that can.
The characters have a lot of interesting traits and plot flows well.
I liked the dual redemption arc and the love story.
March 20, 2025
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book from NetGally, and let me tell you it was amazing 🤩.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Okay I have to be honest when I applied for this ARC I was unaware that it was book 9 💀. However it can be read as a standalone! Even though I came in the middle of the overarching plot line this book follows a new couple. And was fantastic on its own! ( I read it in a 24hr time frame )
The world and story were really easy to follow, which is impressive considering the fact that I had no prior context. Now I would recommend reading all of the books in order so that you have a more in depth and detailed understanding of what had happened prior to the events of this book. But even if you don’t want to commit to something that long this book is still AMAZING!
The character growth was evident and this couples relationship was just so wholesome. I was out here giggling and kicking my feet for these two. On top of that there was a captivating story line that kept me on my toes the whole time.
Donna Grants ability to make me feel a spectrum of emotions in such a short amount of time is truly impressive and I would 100% recommend this book to fantasy and romantasy readers!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Okay I have to be honest when I applied for this ARC I was unaware that it was book 9 💀. However it can be read as a standalone! Even though I came in the middle of the overarching plot line this book follows a new couple. And was fantastic on its own! ( I read it in a 24hr time frame )
The world and story were really easy to follow, which is impressive considering the fact that I had no prior context. Now I would recommend reading all of the books in order so that you have a more in depth and detailed understanding of what had happened prior to the events of this book. But even if you don’t want to commit to something that long this book is still AMAZING!
The character growth was evident and this couples relationship was just so wholesome. I was out here giggling and kicking my feet for these two. On top of that there was a captivating story line that kept me on my toes the whole time.
Donna Grants ability to make me feel a spectrum of emotions in such a short amount of time is truly impressive and I would 100% recommend this book to fantasy and romantasy readers!
March 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Nowhere does it say this is book 9 in a series!! 💀 HA! I’m dead! Welp, though this is part of series, I still kept on reading and it ended up being like a stand alone! So that was nice!
However, I feel like as a reader, I should have read the previous books just so I have a better visual of characters, plot, and world building. I think I would have appreciated the greatness behind it! 😊❤️
The world building was FLAWLESS nonetheless! It was easy to imagine, simple yet complex, and the author gives you a visual for returning readers or new!
I do have to say…if you were hoping for ROMANTIC romance…you came to the wrong place. This romance is on an emotional level that will pull at your heartstrings and make you feel everything! The possessive dragon is a plus! 😮💨🤌🏼😍 Not only for yourself but for the characters!
I do wish there was some comedy mixed in with some banter from these characters…? I felt like it felt rushed almost. It did FEEEEEL like an enemies to lovers story. Like maybe the authors heart was just trying to put closure on some characters or side story from the series…? But I wouldn’t know cuz this is the only book I read! 🤷♀️
Also, Merrill darling, you need to TAKE your own emotional advice that you give others.
But again, we are being told the emotions, I wasn’t seeing them act them out soooo.
Nowhere does it say this is book 9 in a series!! 💀 HA! I’m dead! Welp, though this is part of series, I still kept on reading and it ended up being like a stand alone! So that was nice!
However, I feel like as a reader, I should have read the previous books just so I have a better visual of characters, plot, and world building. I think I would have appreciated the greatness behind it! 😊❤️
The world building was FLAWLESS nonetheless! It was easy to imagine, simple yet complex, and the author gives you a visual for returning readers or new!
I do have to say…if you were hoping for ROMANTIC romance…you came to the wrong place. This romance is on an emotional level that will pull at your heartstrings and make you feel everything! The possessive dragon is a plus! 😮💨🤌🏼😍 Not only for yourself but for the characters!
I do wish there was some comedy mixed in with some banter from these characters…? I felt like it felt rushed almost. It did FEEEEEL like an enemies to lovers story. Like maybe the authors heart was just trying to put closure on some characters or side story from the series…? But I wouldn’t know cuz this is the only book I read! 🤷♀️
Also, Merrill darling, you need to TAKE your own emotional advice that you give others.
But again, we are being told the emotions, I wasn’t seeing them act them out soooo.
March 16, 2025
Katla is a Druid and for many many years lived in a valley filled with vines that would trap dragons. She finds out that a Star Person, Villette, manipulated her and finally breaks free of her. Merrill is an orange Dragon King and was held captive by Villette. Merrill and Katla both feel they need to prove themselves by defeating Villette. But while hunting her, a couple of more enemies start to pursue them. Merrill will do whatever it takes to stay with Katla.
These are such good books but are so hard to explain. Dragons. Strange entity. Forgiveness. Action. Steamy. Second chance for love.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
These are such good books but are so hard to explain. Dragons. Strange entity. Forgiveness. Action. Steamy. Second chance for love.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
April 21, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Merrill’s story, and it was everything I hoped for and more. His bond with Katla is raw, emotional, and beautifully healing. Both carry heavy scars from their pasts, and watching them find strength and redemption in each other was powerful. Their journey across Zora, battling Villette and confronting old wounds, kept me hooked from start to finish. The emotional depth, the intense action, and the undeniable chemistry between Merrill and Katla made this one of my favorite reads in the Dragon Kings series. Donna Grant’s world-building is as magical as ever. This is a heartfelt, action-packed romance that lingers long after the final page.
June 26, 2025
Donna Grant's dragons are some of my favorites to read. Often with Scottish accents, you'll never find a sexier dragon shifter than in this series.
Building upon a larger storyline, each book in the series expands on the mythology and world-building and this book is no exception.
I thoroughly enjoyed the action, drama and romance that this book had. Grant's writing style is very easy to read and understand. As this is my favorite series from this author, I had some high hopes, but I am very disappointed. These books have become comfort reads for me. I am already looking forward to the next book, DRAGON FORGED.
Building upon a larger storyline, each book in the series expands on the mythology and world-building and this book is no exception.
I thoroughly enjoyed the action, drama and romance that this book had. Grant's writing style is very easy to read and understand. As this is my favorite series from this author, I had some high hopes, but I am very disappointed. These books have become comfort reads for me. I am already looking forward to the next book, DRAGON FORGED.
March 25, 2025
honestly I did really like this book but it started off super slow for me and I just couldn't get into it as much as I wanted to but I continued to read in hopes it would get better. Maybe it was the writing I wasn't used to, some words were difficult to understand and most of the time it would confuse me, like-
EX: "It's verra strong" (very??)
"That isna to say I didna want to. I did. Which is why I didna.”
Maybe it's just me but I just wasnt a fan of the writing🤧.
Anyway... If you push past that it's a good book.
Also the spice was great 👀
Thanks netgalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻!
EX: "It's verra strong" (very??)
"That isna to say I didna want to. I did. Which is why I didna.”
Maybe it's just me but I just wasnt a fan of the writing🤧.
Anyway... If you push past that it's a good book.
Also the spice was great 👀
Thanks netgalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻!
March 15, 2025
I was honored to read this book (I absolutely love dragons) as an arc and I honestly enjoyed the story. This book has everything you look for in a fantasy novel.
I loved the characters and the depth of healing and emotional connection within this book. I will definitely be recommending it to anyone who is looking for their next adventure. I had such an amazing journey with this read and I will most definitely be checking out more reads by this author.
I loved the characters and the depth of healing and emotional connection within this book. I will definitely be recommending it to anyone who is looking for their next adventure. I had such an amazing journey with this read and I will most definitely be checking out more reads by this author.
March 17, 2025
Pop on the kettle and get settled in for a world submerged with magic, mates and a whole lot of Scottish accents (if you have an inner monologue like myself it’s fabulous listening to the voices in your head as you read!). This book beautifully encapsulates Merrill’s and Katla’s past to be able to appreciate their journey throughout the pages of this book.
I was fortunate to receive Dragon Marked as an ARC which was such a pleasure to read - Donna balanced emotion with drama perfectly.
I was fortunate to receive Dragon Marked as an ARC which was such a pleasure to read - Donna balanced emotion with drama perfectly.
May 16, 2025
When the one who listens and helps everyone in their dark times goes rogue, who will be there to support him? Merrill is well loved and known as the Dragon King who helps those who are feeling hopeless. For centuries, he provided the hope for his brethren to carry on. For the one day they could be reunited with their dragons. That day has come and gone. Merrill should be ecstatic. Instead, he feels lost and irrelevant. Refusing support from all those he supported, Merrill downward spirals into a destructive woman's plans.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 7, 2025
﹙ two stars ﹚
ignore the rating and my whole review this was the book that got me out of my slump lol
— overall thoughts
dragon marked at its core is about redemption, forgiveness, and healing—for both merrill and katya. when they meet, they are both hurt and haunted by their pasts, and are offered a chance to make amends together. even as danger dogs their steps and they face a daunting foe, an inevitable trust and undeniable devotion starts to grow between them.
i love books about mates. i don’t care that it’s pretty much insta-love; i don’t care that sometimes it forgoes the relationship development that i adore and crave in every romance. something about mates just scratches the feral part of my brain that needs them to love each other so much they will do anything for each other. so going into dragon marked, i already knew the romance would hit for me.
and i think that’s maybe the only thing that did.
— the history
and there is a lot of it. i have known about donna grant and her dragon books for a very long time. and yet i have never read donna grant or any of her dragon books until now—the ninth book in, i think, the fourth or fifth inter-connected series that she has. not a great choice! alas, here we are.
i get that it is on me that i don’t know a lot of the history here. but not knowing the intricate backstories diminished my enjoyment of the side character relationships and the overall plot. the first 40-50% of this book feels like just exposition. we are told exactly how katya and merrill got to their emotional low points; we are told what i feel like is a whole series-worth of backstory regarding how the dragons came to be on zora and slew of history as to what has happened to them here so far; we are told why the villain villette is the villain and also what she has done. basically, we are told a lot of things.
and yet i was still confused. and even worse: i am not sure if my confusion is just because i don’t have a lot of the backstory or if it actually just doesn’t make sense, logically. but i will give it the benefit of the doubt, because again, i get it, it’s on me.
i will say though—if you just want to read for the romance, then go for it. but if plot inconsistencies and uncertain characterizations and questionable choices will bother you, read at least some of the books before this one.
— mates mates mates
the thing i liked most about this book was the relationship development—grant does not take the easy mate route of insta-love. that interest and attraction is there initially, of course, but what i really appreciated (and where the full two stars of this rating comes from) are the conversations that merrill and katya had to get to know each other’s pain. it built genuine care and an understandable bond between the two of them. they both so desperately needed someone, but didn’t know how to ask for help. and with each other, they never had to ask.
some of the conversations were tied up in the exposition, and there was a point where i felt it got a little repetitive, but never egregiously, and then the plot got rolling and there was action and more concrete problems for them to deal with which spurred the romance, so i got over it.
it was a short book, so i can’t say that it didn’t move fast. however, there was solid growth there, and i appreciate that.
— final notes
there were a few shining moments in dragon marked, but for me, it was just muddled in too much history that i didn’t fully understand the gravity of, and character choices and some plotlines that just didn’t land for me. the parts of this book i enjoyed the most were when merrill and katya’s relationship was put in the spotlight, whether on a quiet rainy evening when they were opening up to each other, or when their bond was the reason they got out of perilous situations. and yet these brief moments were never quite able to outshine all my other hesitations, and thus, once again, here we are.
— thank you to donna grant and the publisher for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
ignore the rating and my whole review this was the book that got me out of my slump lol
— overall thoughts
dragon marked at its core is about redemption, forgiveness, and healing—for both merrill and katya. when they meet, they are both hurt and haunted by their pasts, and are offered a chance to make amends together. even as danger dogs their steps and they face a daunting foe, an inevitable trust and undeniable devotion starts to grow between them.
i love books about mates. i don’t care that it’s pretty much insta-love; i don’t care that sometimes it forgoes the relationship development that i adore and crave in every romance. something about mates just scratches the feral part of my brain that needs them to love each other so much they will do anything for each other. so going into dragon marked, i already knew the romance would hit for me.
and i think that’s maybe the only thing that did.
— the history
and there is a lot of it. i have known about donna grant and her dragon books for a very long time. and yet i have never read donna grant or any of her dragon books until now—the ninth book in, i think, the fourth or fifth inter-connected series that she has. not a great choice! alas, here we are.
i get that it is on me that i don’t know a lot of the history here. but not knowing the intricate backstories diminished my enjoyment of the side character relationships and the overall plot. the first 40-50% of this book feels like just exposition. we are told exactly how katya and merrill got to their emotional low points; we are told what i feel like is a whole series-worth of backstory regarding how the dragons came to be on zora and slew of history as to what has happened to them here so far; we are told why the villain villette is the villain and also what she has done. basically, we are told a lot of things.
and yet i was still confused. and even worse: i am not sure if my confusion is just because i don’t have a lot of the backstory or if it actually just doesn’t make sense, logically. but i will give it the benefit of the doubt, because again, i get it, it’s on me.
i will say though—if you just want to read for the romance, then go for it. but if plot inconsistencies and uncertain characterizations and questionable choices will bother you, read at least some of the books before this one.
— mates mates mates
the thing i liked most about this book was the relationship development—grant does not take the easy mate route of insta-love. that interest and attraction is there initially, of course, but what i really appreciated (and where the full two stars of this rating comes from) are the conversations that merrill and katya had to get to know each other’s pain. it built genuine care and an understandable bond between the two of them. they both so desperately needed someone, but didn’t know how to ask for help. and with each other, they never had to ask.
some of the conversations were tied up in the exposition, and there was a point where i felt it got a little repetitive, but never egregiously, and then the plot got rolling and there was action and more concrete problems for them to deal with which spurred the romance, so i got over it.
it was a short book, so i can’t say that it didn’t move fast. however, there was solid growth there, and i appreciate that.
— final notes
there were a few shining moments in dragon marked, but for me, it was just muddled in too much history that i didn’t fully understand the gravity of, and character choices and some plotlines that just didn’t land for me. the parts of this book i enjoyed the most were when merrill and katya’s relationship was put in the spotlight, whether on a quiet rainy evening when they were opening up to each other, or when their bond was the reason they got out of perilous situations. and yet these brief moments were never quite able to outshine all my other hesitations, and thus, once again, here we are.
— thank you to donna grant and the publisher for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
April 15, 2025
4.25stars-DRAGON MARKED is the ninth instalment in Donna Grant’s adult DRAGON KINGS paranormal, fantasy romance series set in the author’s multi-interconnected series. This is orange dragon Merrill, and Druid Katla’s story line. DRAGON MARKED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine and the people of Stonemore.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Merrill and Katla) DRAGON MARKED focuses on the return of Merrill. For months Merrill has been the enslaved by a woman known as Villette but Merrill’s choice to remain with Villette has been his own until the day Merrill comes face to face with his future in the guise of Katla, a Druid who is unaware of her powers. Katla was once under the control of the same woman who once controlled our story line hero but Katla struggles with the guilt of those she broke and destroyed, and our heroine is determined to destroy Villette on her own. Merrill believes he is unworthy of the friendships and family he created as a Dragon King, having lost his ability to control his rage but falling for a woman who is just as broken as he, Merrill see a future with Katla, even though he believes, he has not future as a King. As Merrill and Katla journey towards their fate, the unknown entity and the Orgate warriors take aim at our story line couple.
Once again, the world building is detailed and complex, therefore I recommend reading the series in order. Merrill and Katla are determined to destroy the woman who has destroyed so many lives but circumstances change when Merrill and Katla face their own demise.
The relationship between Merrill and Katla begins acrimoniously as both are struggling with what happened and why. Having been taken prisoner and forced to work with a woman determined to take down the Dragon Kings, Merrill and Katla must come to terms with their past, and redirect their anger going forward. The lone $ex scene is passionate.
Again, there is a large ensemble cast of energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several Dragon Kings: Con and Rhi, Varek, Ulrik and Brandr, and many more.
DRAGON MARKED is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, manipulation and freedom, sacrifice and love. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is subtle and seductive; the characters are broken yet determined.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine and the people of Stonemore.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Merrill and Katla) DRAGON MARKED focuses on the return of Merrill. For months Merrill has been the enslaved by a woman known as Villette but Merrill’s choice to remain with Villette has been his own until the day Merrill comes face to face with his future in the guise of Katla, a Druid who is unaware of her powers. Katla was once under the control of the same woman who once controlled our story line hero but Katla struggles with the guilt of those she broke and destroyed, and our heroine is determined to destroy Villette on her own. Merrill believes he is unworthy of the friendships and family he created as a Dragon King, having lost his ability to control his rage but falling for a woman who is just as broken as he, Merrill see a future with Katla, even though he believes, he has not future as a King. As Merrill and Katla journey towards their fate, the unknown entity and the Orgate warriors take aim at our story line couple.
Once again, the world building is detailed and complex, therefore I recommend reading the series in order. Merrill and Katla are determined to destroy the woman who has destroyed so many lives but circumstances change when Merrill and Katla face their own demise.
The relationship between Merrill and Katla begins acrimoniously as both are struggling with what happened and why. Having been taken prisoner and forced to work with a woman determined to take down the Dragon Kings, Merrill and Katla must come to terms with their past, and redirect their anger going forward. The lone $ex scene is passionate.
Again, there is a large ensemble cast of energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several Dragon Kings: Con and Rhi, Varek, Ulrik and Brandr, and many more.
DRAGON MARKED is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, manipulation and freedom, sacrifice and love. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is subtle and seductive; the characters are broken yet determined.
copy supplied for review
March 17, 2025
Netgalley Arc Review
I’m a long time Donna Grant fan and have been following the Dark Kings/Dragon Kings series since the beginning. Merrill’s book has been one I have been looking forward to for a very long time and it breaks my heart to say I didn’t love it.
Merrill has been on quite a journey. The last King of the Oranges, he’s a natural empath and has been a rock for his fellow Kings during their worst times; especially for his best friend Varek. The problem with shouldering everyone else’s pain, is that Merrill never gave himself the same outlet or let his friends help him through his own pain. This has caused millennia of pain and resentment to build up inside him and now that he’s on Zora, it’s bubbling over. It doesn’t help that he fell into Villette’s clutches and now Merrill has given into his anger and pain.
Merrill is no longer the dragon he once was. The once joyful, playful, generous Dragon King who always knew what to say to cheer others up wants to burn the world to the ground.
Katla was not who I would have chosen to pair Merrill with. Katla is a druid who once lost her family and entire village to a dragon, who also fell into Villette’s clutches and was manipulated into becoming a villain for 1500 years. After encountering Henry and Melisse in a previous book, being defeated and then helping the Kings against Villette; Katla is carrying her own guilt, fear and depression as well as a need to bring Villette down.
Merrill and Katla team up to find and take down Villette and their entire journey is so very depressing and dull. It’s a constant back and fourth of Katla saying “I’m a bad person, I deserve to be punished” and Merrill responding “No, you were manipulated it’s not your fault” and Katla telling Merrill he should let his friends help him or Varek begging Merrill to come back to his friends and Merrill refusing because even though he helped all of them in the past he just has to do this on his own. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.
There is no chemistry and there is barely anytime spent actually building up the relationship or romance. They have one kiss that gets interrupted by the villain and then they are separated for several chapters and suddenly Merrill is claiming Katla is his mate and declaring his love and they are immediately getting a mating ceremony when past characters who have been together longer still haven’t had theirs.
My biggest disappointment is that the author seems to have forgotten to have fun with the series. There is no joy, no humor, no silliness or sexiness that past books have had. I was hoping Merrill would have been paired with someone who would have helped bring back his joyfulness and reminded him about how fun he used to be while also helping him through his pain and I was hoping he would lean on his friends more.
I gave 3 stars instead of 2 because we finally got closure on the entity so it felt like there was some progression with the story line.
I’m a long time Donna Grant fan and have been following the Dark Kings/Dragon Kings series since the beginning. Merrill’s book has been one I have been looking forward to for a very long time and it breaks my heart to say I didn’t love it.
Merrill has been on quite a journey. The last King of the Oranges, he’s a natural empath and has been a rock for his fellow Kings during their worst times; especially for his best friend Varek. The problem with shouldering everyone else’s pain, is that Merrill never gave himself the same outlet or let his friends help him through his own pain. This has caused millennia of pain and resentment to build up inside him and now that he’s on Zora, it’s bubbling over. It doesn’t help that he fell into Villette’s clutches and now Merrill has given into his anger and pain.
Merrill is no longer the dragon he once was. The once joyful, playful, generous Dragon King who always knew what to say to cheer others up wants to burn the world to the ground.
Katla was not who I would have chosen to pair Merrill with. Katla is a druid who once lost her family and entire village to a dragon, who also fell into Villette’s clutches and was manipulated into becoming a villain for 1500 years. After encountering Henry and Melisse in a previous book, being defeated and then helping the Kings against Villette; Katla is carrying her own guilt, fear and depression as well as a need to bring Villette down.
Merrill and Katla team up to find and take down Villette and their entire journey is so very depressing and dull. It’s a constant back and fourth of Katla saying “I’m a bad person, I deserve to be punished” and Merrill responding “No, you were manipulated it’s not your fault” and Katla telling Merrill he should let his friends help him or Varek begging Merrill to come back to his friends and Merrill refusing because even though he helped all of them in the past he just has to do this on his own. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.
There is no chemistry and there is barely anytime spent actually building up the relationship or romance. They have one kiss that gets interrupted by the villain and then they are separated for several chapters and suddenly Merrill is claiming Katla is his mate and declaring his love and they are immediately getting a mating ceremony when past characters who have been together longer still haven’t had theirs.
My biggest disappointment is that the author seems to have forgotten to have fun with the series. There is no joy, no humor, no silliness or sexiness that past books have had. I was hoping Merrill would have been paired with someone who would have helped bring back his joyfulness and reminded him about how fun he used to be while also helping him through his pain and I was hoping he would lean on his friends more.
I gave 3 stars instead of 2 because we finally got closure on the entity so it felt like there was some progression with the story line.
April 13, 2025
Emotionally raw and intense
This is the Dragon King story I have been waiting for, and Donna Grant ensured there were a gamut of emotions to be experienced. DRAGON MARKED is Merrill's story, King of the Oranges and an empath. Pairing the Druid Katla with him was surprising, yet completely understandable. Their journey was one of healing, understanding, with emotions that were raw and intense, and held me completely captivated and mesmerized.
Merrill had always been the playful dragon, the one who brought laughter and joy to all the dragons, the one who was always there to listen to and understand the pain they were feeling. Yet he was hiding his own pain, allowing it to build a point where it had turned to resentment and simmering anger, and he is now struggling to control his emotions. Katla has also suffered, when her village was attacked, she lost not only her family but also the entire village, she was the sole survivor. Taken by Villette, she was a victim of Villette's manipulation for over 1500 years, carrying out all of Villette's evil plans. All that changed when Henry and Melisse, Dragon Born: A Dragon Kings Novel, free her and tell her what Villette had been doing to her. Katla carries a lot of guilt for what she was made to do and is determined to make amends.
Merrill and Katla's journey was emotionally intense, redemptive, filled with love, understanding, and reduced me to tears. I enjoyed the push and pull between them, the friendship that developed and evolved, the support they gave each other, but it was their emotions and their thoughts that really held me captivated. They were healing each other without fully realising, repairing the brokenness the past had left inside. What will happen when their world is torn apart, who will survive the danger that is continually hunting and haunting them?
DRAGON MARKED is another wonderful and suspenseful addition to Donna Grant's Dark Universe. As usual, her world building was vivid and descriptive, and her character development was second to none. Some of my questions were answered, but now I have even more. I can't wait for the next book in the series, Dragon Forged. While DRAGON MARKED can be read as a standalone, I suggest the previous books in the series be read for a greater understanding of the happenings on Zora.
A highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
This is the Dragon King story I have been waiting for, and Donna Grant ensured there were a gamut of emotions to be experienced. DRAGON MARKED is Merrill's story, King of the Oranges and an empath. Pairing the Druid Katla with him was surprising, yet completely understandable. Their journey was one of healing, understanding, with emotions that were raw and intense, and held me completely captivated and mesmerized.
Merrill had always been the playful dragon, the one who brought laughter and joy to all the dragons, the one who was always there to listen to and understand the pain they were feeling. Yet he was hiding his own pain, allowing it to build a point where it had turned to resentment and simmering anger, and he is now struggling to control his emotions. Katla has also suffered, when her village was attacked, she lost not only her family but also the entire village, she was the sole survivor. Taken by Villette, she was a victim of Villette's manipulation for over 1500 years, carrying out all of Villette's evil plans. All that changed when Henry and Melisse, Dragon Born: A Dragon Kings Novel, free her and tell her what Villette had been doing to her. Katla carries a lot of guilt for what she was made to do and is determined to make amends.
Merrill and Katla's journey was emotionally intense, redemptive, filled with love, understanding, and reduced me to tears. I enjoyed the push and pull between them, the friendship that developed and evolved, the support they gave each other, but it was their emotions and their thoughts that really held me captivated. They were healing each other without fully realising, repairing the brokenness the past had left inside. What will happen when their world is torn apart, who will survive the danger that is continually hunting and haunting them?
DRAGON MARKED is another wonderful and suspenseful addition to Donna Grant's Dark Universe. As usual, her world building was vivid and descriptive, and her character development was second to none. Some of my questions were answered, but now I have even more. I can't wait for the next book in the series, Dragon Forged. While DRAGON MARKED can be read as a standalone, I suggest the previous books in the series be read for a greater understanding of the happenings on Zora.
A highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
March 17, 2025
I received an ARC of Dragon Marked in a Goodreads giveaway (thank you) and was thrilled - Dragons, Highlanders, Fae? Yum!
I thought Marked was a story set in the Dragon Kings world but it is actually a next-in-series and this put me at a severe disadvantage as an ARC reader. Ms Grant did an excellent job in getting me up-to-speed on where things stand now on Zora without a boring info-dump but it still felt like a LOT (too much?) to recap and took until 20% into the book. So, that’s MY issue.
Katya is coming to terms with what she was made to do by the villainous Villette. Katya was used by Villette to lure dragons to their deaths in a valley surrounded by sentient vines (these gave me Sleeping Beauty vibes) while being told she was the last remaining human. She felt no hunger, was unaware of the passage of time, and was held there for so long that she forgot everything but her anger against dragons. But she knows she has to kill Villette even if she can never atone.
Merrill was more problematic for me. Really, you’re over a million years old and still have anger issues?! Maybe because I hadn’t read the previous books I could never ascertain exactly why he wished to slaughter humans. He says at one point he hates that he protected them at the expense of dragons but 🤷♀️
“Yet here he was. Facing those same arduous emotions all over again millions of years later. And they still terrified him.”
He’s apparently been a huge help to his fellow Kings with their emotional challenges but refuses any help from them now. Also, wtf did he stay and sleep with Villette once he knew what she was doing? And now he’s conflicted and hates himself for it? That felt unexplained in this book.
During Merrill and Katya’s quest to extract vengeance on Villette their relationship progresses from antagonists to lovers and felt pretty natural and unrushed, given Katya’s backstory but I wasn’t feeling especially invested. I’m not sure why there seemed to be a layer between me and their feelings - again, possibly readers of previous books may already know all of these emotions I’m missing out on because I’m being told but not shown the characters are feeling them.
So while I’m giving ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I probably missed so many nuances, those readers fortunate to have read the previous books first (🙈) might well find it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
I thought Marked was a story set in the Dragon Kings world but it is actually a next-in-series and this put me at a severe disadvantage as an ARC reader. Ms Grant did an excellent job in getting me up-to-speed on where things stand now on Zora without a boring info-dump but it still felt like a LOT (too much?) to recap and took until 20% into the book. So, that’s MY issue.
Katya is coming to terms with what she was made to do by the villainous Villette. Katya was used by Villette to lure dragons to their deaths in a valley surrounded by sentient vines (these gave me Sleeping Beauty vibes) while being told she was the last remaining human. She felt no hunger, was unaware of the passage of time, and was held there for so long that she forgot everything but her anger against dragons. But she knows she has to kill Villette even if she can never atone.
Merrill was more problematic for me. Really, you’re over a million years old and still have anger issues?! Maybe because I hadn’t read the previous books I could never ascertain exactly why he wished to slaughter humans. He says at one point he hates that he protected them at the expense of dragons but 🤷♀️
“Yet here he was. Facing those same arduous emotions all over again millions of years later. And they still terrified him.”
He’s apparently been a huge help to his fellow Kings with their emotional challenges but refuses any help from them now. Also, wtf did he stay and sleep with Villette once he knew what she was doing? And now he’s conflicted and hates himself for it? That felt unexplained in this book.
During Merrill and Katya’s quest to extract vengeance on Villette their relationship progresses from antagonists to lovers and felt pretty natural and unrushed, given Katya’s backstory but I wasn’t feeling especially invested. I’m not sure why there seemed to be a layer between me and their feelings - again, possibly readers of previous books may already know all of these emotions I’m missing out on because I’m being told but not shown the characters are feeling them.
So while I’m giving ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I probably missed so many nuances, those readers fortunate to have read the previous books first (🙈) might well find it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
Wow. I’m sure with a graduate degree in education I could come up with something more profound and eloquent since this book took me on a journey with the intensity I haven’t experienced since Con’s (The King of Dragon Kings) and Ulrick’s (The redeemed King of Silvers) stories. I was both overwhelmed and overjoyed by this story. We have Merrick, who in previous books and series was always the “pep talk” guy (dragon) with an easy grin. That persona, though, hid eons worth of pain and loss and once that band-aid was ripped off, we see how much he suffered. Then there’s Katla, who has been committing unspeakable acts against dragons in the name of revenge for her lost family, but all was not what it seemed.
These two have so much pain, guilt and danger to face both together and apart. Both are looking for redemption. Neither are looking for love, but it finds them nonetheless. This is not a light and breezy story and though I’ve read countless Donna Grant books, right up to the end I started to doubt that a HEA was coming for these two who have suffered so much.
I was overjoyed that my FAVORITE King (Ulrick) made an important appearance from Earth. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him playing an active role in these stories. I am currently enjoying the audio book, perfectly narrated by Antony Ferguson, and I know this book will be one of my periodic rereads.
Although the HEA we’re promised did happen for these two (loved where they went for their honeymoon, missed that place, too!) there are still so many unanswered questions on Zora, and more enemies to vanquish. I’ll just sit here and wait patiently (okay, not really) until the next installment. Perhaps a reread of the entire series is in order in the meantime.
These two have so much pain, guilt and danger to face both together and apart. Both are looking for redemption. Neither are looking for love, but it finds them nonetheless. This is not a light and breezy story and though I’ve read countless Donna Grant books, right up to the end I started to doubt that a HEA was coming for these two who have suffered so much.
I was overjoyed that my FAVORITE King (Ulrick) made an important appearance from Earth. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him playing an active role in these stories. I am currently enjoying the audio book, perfectly narrated by Antony Ferguson, and I know this book will be one of my periodic rereads.
Although the HEA we’re promised did happen for these two (loved where they went for their honeymoon, missed that place, too!) there are still so many unanswered questions on Zora, and more enemies to vanquish. I’ll just sit here and wait patiently (okay, not really) until the next installment. Perhaps a reread of the entire series is in order in the meantime.
April 10, 2025
SERIES: Yes, this book is the tenth in the DRAGON KING series – a spinoff from the author’s DARK KINGS books.
This series is also connected to her DARK SWORD, DARK WARRIORS, REAPER, ELVEN KINGDOM books. Same world/universe.
Merrill is the Dragon King of the Oranges. He has always been there for his dragon brethren when they were at their lowest. However, Merrill wants to face his emotional and mental demons on his own. He sees a kindred spirit in Katla. Will Merrill find the redemption he desperately seeks?
Katla is a druid who has been manipulated by the enemy for centuries. She strives for restoration of her past sins. Katla wants to find Villette – the villain who exploited her – and make her pay. She never expected to encounter someone like Merrill on her journey.
I rarely DNF a book. Normally, I can push myself to finish whatever I am reading. This time I could not.
Whenever I start a book, I always set a daily percentage reading goal (15 to 20%) for myself. Sometimes I go over that, sometimes I barely make it. I could only make it to five to ten percent with this story before disinterest set in. I knew, after reaching fifty percent and still not into the book or characters, it was time to call it quits.
The characters and plots are getting repetitious and stale to me, especially the heroines. I have noticed, for some time now, they all feel the same to me (personality wise, interests, etc), just with different appearances. They are starting to blur together.
Or perhaps I am getting burnt out on the entire series. It feels like the series has run its course. This can happen with long running series.
This series is also connected to her DARK SWORD, DARK WARRIORS, REAPER, ELVEN KINGDOM books. Same world/universe.
Merrill is the Dragon King of the Oranges. He has always been there for his dragon brethren when they were at their lowest. However, Merrill wants to face his emotional and mental demons on his own. He sees a kindred spirit in Katla. Will Merrill find the redemption he desperately seeks?
Katla is a druid who has been manipulated by the enemy for centuries. She strives for restoration of her past sins. Katla wants to find Villette – the villain who exploited her – and make her pay. She never expected to encounter someone like Merrill on her journey.
I rarely DNF a book. Normally, I can push myself to finish whatever I am reading. This time I could not.
Whenever I start a book, I always set a daily percentage reading goal (15 to 20%) for myself. Sometimes I go over that, sometimes I barely make it. I could only make it to five to ten percent with this story before disinterest set in. I knew, after reaching fifty percent and still not into the book or characters, it was time to call it quits.
The characters and plots are getting repetitious and stale to me, especially the heroines. I have noticed, for some time now, they all feel the same to me (personality wise, interests, etc), just with different appearances. They are starting to blur together.
Or perhaps I am getting burnt out on the entire series. It feels like the series has run its course. This can happen with long running series.
April 17, 2025
Vulnerabilities are exposed as the Dragon Kings discover their magic might not be the strongest of all.
This book followed a similar pattern as the others in the series. Merrill and Katla started out as wary partners, united in their quest for vengeance against Villette. They spent a lot of time trying to figure out where to go and what to do, using that time getting to know each other and liking what they learned. The fated mates situation overrode any objections I might have had to how fast their relationship developed.
As usual, the fight scenes were nail-biting and tense and not entirely predictable. The story took a bit of a meander to get going and then it was edge-of-your-seat intense until the end. We got to see Ulrik’s powers in action and the imagery that described how it worked was vivid and emotional. It warmed the heart to see the Kings and their mates band together. Ultimately, this was about redemption and forgiveness, including forgiving yourself.
Villette is like the proverbial bad penny and I cannot wait to see the back of her. The fate of Zora and its inhabitants is still uncertain. I eagerly anticipate any progress that will be made by the next couple in this long-running series. I can recommend this entire series if you like dragon shifters, magic, and steamy romance. This series should definitely be read in order. It is part of Donna Grant’s bigger Dark World and follows the events of the Dark Kings series.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
This book followed a similar pattern as the others in the series. Merrill and Katla started out as wary partners, united in their quest for vengeance against Villette. They spent a lot of time trying to figure out where to go and what to do, using that time getting to know each other and liking what they learned. The fated mates situation overrode any objections I might have had to how fast their relationship developed.
As usual, the fight scenes were nail-biting and tense and not entirely predictable. The story took a bit of a meander to get going and then it was edge-of-your-seat intense until the end. We got to see Ulrik’s powers in action and the imagery that described how it worked was vivid and emotional. It warmed the heart to see the Kings and their mates band together. Ultimately, this was about redemption and forgiveness, including forgiving yourself.
Villette is like the proverbial bad penny and I cannot wait to see the back of her. The fate of Zora and its inhabitants is still uncertain. I eagerly anticipate any progress that will be made by the next couple in this long-running series. I can recommend this entire series if you like dragon shifters, magic, and steamy romance. This series should definitely be read in order. It is part of Donna Grant’s bigger Dark World and follows the events of the Dark Kings series.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
May 2, 2025
Fair warning - this world is gigantic and we are several books deep in this Zora spinoff, so if you aren’t familiar with this world, these characters, or the baggage we’ve accumulated along the way, you probably aren’t going to quite get the same thing out of this book as I did.
I’ve been along for this wild and crazy ride since the start, so I know all the players. This book is about Merrill and Katla. Merrill ran away on purpose (sort-of) from his fellow dragon kings to help process some of the anger and hatred he never got around to dealing with for… a lot of years post-human war. Now on Zora, he was given a unique opportunity to hide out with the enemy but ultimately join the gang again. Now lurking around a kingdom without a ruler, he finds himself taken by Katla.
Katla is also a bad guy turned good guy in this story. She was capturing and probably resulting in the horrible death of many many dragons over her countless years. Was she duped by the big bad? Yes. Does she maybe have special powers above-and-beyond standard Druid powers? Probably. Either way she is struggling with her guilt and on her path to redemption. She’s taken some of the kids that were supposed to be sacrificed and treated them like her own. When Merrill offers them sanctuary, she reluctantly agrees and then they set off on their very poorly planned attempt to track down the current big bad. As is the case with these books, we don’t see the big bad get theirs, but we do see a coupling between these two guilt-ridden folks and progress in the larger story. With a world containing so many active characters, you can’t accomplish everything at once!
I’ve been along for this wild and crazy ride since the start, so I know all the players. This book is about Merrill and Katla. Merrill ran away on purpose (sort-of) from his fellow dragon kings to help process some of the anger and hatred he never got around to dealing with for… a lot of years post-human war. Now on Zora, he was given a unique opportunity to hide out with the enemy but ultimately join the gang again. Now lurking around a kingdom without a ruler, he finds himself taken by Katla.
Katla is also a bad guy turned good guy in this story. She was capturing and probably resulting in the horrible death of many many dragons over her countless years. Was she duped by the big bad? Yes. Does she maybe have special powers above-and-beyond standard Druid powers? Probably. Either way she is struggling with her guilt and on her path to redemption. She’s taken some of the kids that were supposed to be sacrificed and treated them like her own. When Merrill offers them sanctuary, she reluctantly agrees and then they set off on their very poorly planned attempt to track down the current big bad. As is the case with these books, we don’t see the big bad get theirs, but we do see a coupling between these two guilt-ridden folks and progress in the larger story. With a world containing so many active characters, you can’t accomplish everything at once!
April 15, 2025
Back on Zora, back with the dragons—and finally, it’s Merrill’s turn to shine. I’ve waited so long for him to step out of the shadows, and let me tell you: it was absolutely worth it.
Donna Grant does what she does best: she builds the tension slowly, plays with our emotions, and just when you think you’ve survived the worst—bam! A new villain appears, even more terrifying than the last one. Honestly, I think her imagination runs on dragon fire, not caffeine. Every time I think, “She can’t possibly go further,” she proves me wrong. Again.
And then there’s Katla and Merrill. Two broken souls, each carrying their own pain, trying to make sense of the past while surviving the chaos around them. Their story isn’t just action and danger—it’s emotional and raw. One minute you're holding your breath through a battle, the next you're quietly wiping away tears and hoping these two finally find some peace.
Make no mistake—this book doesn’t go easy on your feelings. It pulls you in, shakes you up, breaks your heart… and somehow still gives you a beautiful, satisfying ending. Because, let’s face it, it’s Donna Grant. She knows exactly how to destroy us—and how to make it all feel worth it.
So here I am again, emotionally drained, needing tissues, and already impatient for the next book. Because Zora still holds secrets, the dragons are far from done, and Donna Grant? She’s only just getting started.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntary.
Donna Grant does what she does best: she builds the tension slowly, plays with our emotions, and just when you think you’ve survived the worst—bam! A new villain appears, even more terrifying than the last one. Honestly, I think her imagination runs on dragon fire, not caffeine. Every time I think, “She can’t possibly go further,” she proves me wrong. Again.
And then there’s Katla and Merrill. Two broken souls, each carrying their own pain, trying to make sense of the past while surviving the chaos around them. Their story isn’t just action and danger—it’s emotional and raw. One minute you're holding your breath through a battle, the next you're quietly wiping away tears and hoping these two finally find some peace.
Make no mistake—this book doesn’t go easy on your feelings. It pulls you in, shakes you up, breaks your heart… and somehow still gives you a beautiful, satisfying ending. Because, let’s face it, it’s Donna Grant. She knows exactly how to destroy us—and how to make it all feel worth it.
So here I am again, emotionally drained, needing tissues, and already impatient for the next book. Because Zora still holds secrets, the dragons are far from done, and Donna Grant? She’s only just getting started.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntary.
April 22, 2025
4.5 Stars
Dragon Marked is one of those books that I have been waiting for and it did not disappoint.
Merrill was betrayed by the enemy, which caused him to portray his own kind. Realizing this Merrill decides he has finished and seeks to reunite with the kings. Katra was led to believe that dragons killed her family and she spent years taking revenge upon them, hunting them down.
Two people who have both been wrong, learn the truth and seek to make things right. Along the way, a dragon and a druid cross pass. Katra may have done things that she cannot forgive herself for, but she gives every bit of her being to protect the children with magic. Merrill helps getting the children to safety and all the wild find himself being drawn, almost enchanted to the druid.
Donna Grant has done it once again. Dragon Marked is a fantastic book to allow yourself to get lost in. As always, Donna Grant’s world building is top-notch. The details are so in depth you can truly close your eyes and the vision of Zora can perfectly be displayed in your mind. Merrill and Katra are undoubtably attracted to each other and the more time they spend together the harder it is to deny what they feel. Or you to resist. They are on a journey where dangerous is coming from everywhere, they’re trying to keep themselves in the innocent safe all while feeling something they didn’t expect, but realizing they want more than anything. Dragon Marked was so good. I have waited for Merrill’s story for quite some time and I have to say it did not disappoint in any way.
Dragon Marked is one of those books that I have been waiting for and it did not disappoint.
Merrill was betrayed by the enemy, which caused him to portray his own kind. Realizing this Merrill decides he has finished and seeks to reunite with the kings. Katra was led to believe that dragons killed her family and she spent years taking revenge upon them, hunting them down.
Two people who have both been wrong, learn the truth and seek to make things right. Along the way, a dragon and a druid cross pass. Katra may have done things that she cannot forgive herself for, but she gives every bit of her being to protect the children with magic. Merrill helps getting the children to safety and all the wild find himself being drawn, almost enchanted to the druid.
Donna Grant has done it once again. Dragon Marked is a fantastic book to allow yourself to get lost in. As always, Donna Grant’s world building is top-notch. The details are so in depth you can truly close your eyes and the vision of Zora can perfectly be displayed in your mind. Merrill and Katra are undoubtably attracted to each other and the more time they spend together the harder it is to deny what they feel. Or you to resist. They are on a journey where dangerous is coming from everywhere, they’re trying to keep themselves in the innocent safe all while feeling something they didn’t expect, but realizing they want more than anything. Dragon Marked was so good. I have waited for Merrill’s story for quite some time and I have to say it did not disappoint in any way.
May 1, 2025
Dragon Marked by Donna Grant
Dragon Kings #9
The complex and often complicated universe created by Donna Grant includes a wide variety of paranormal beings that have their own laws, customs, and belief. I have not read all of the book from beginning to end but find myself being able to slip back in without trouble even if I have missed a book from time to time.
The dragon kings series has a large backstory that was summed up and referred to in this book well enough for a new reader to probably follow but having some background did help me when reading Katla and Merrill’s finding of one another as soul mates.
The story is an action-packed emotional thrill-ride from beginning to end that had me rooting for the couple and the dragons as they saved children, fought for their lives, were tortured, reconnected with family, and fell in love. Both Merrill and Katla feel guilty for past actions and seek redemption even though they both were manipulated by Villetta, a star person with a cruel streak. They seek to right wrongs, end evil beings, and find their way into a meaningful future.
The plot was well crafted, pace was perfect, setting perfectly described, characters easy to see and relate to, and the story excellently crafted with a twist at the end that evoked emotion. The ending indicated that Villetta plans to cause more chaos and gave me an idea of who will star in the next book of the series.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Dragon Kings #9
The complex and often complicated universe created by Donna Grant includes a wide variety of paranormal beings that have their own laws, customs, and belief. I have not read all of the book from beginning to end but find myself being able to slip back in without trouble even if I have missed a book from time to time.
The dragon kings series has a large backstory that was summed up and referred to in this book well enough for a new reader to probably follow but having some background did help me when reading Katla and Merrill’s finding of one another as soul mates.
The story is an action-packed emotional thrill-ride from beginning to end that had me rooting for the couple and the dragons as they saved children, fought for their lives, were tortured, reconnected with family, and fell in love. Both Merrill and Katla feel guilty for past actions and seek redemption even though they both were manipulated by Villetta, a star person with a cruel streak. They seek to right wrongs, end evil beings, and find their way into a meaningful future.
The plot was well crafted, pace was perfect, setting perfectly described, characters easy to see and relate to, and the story excellently crafted with a twist at the end that evoked emotion. The ending indicated that Villetta plans to cause more chaos and gave me an idea of who will star in the next book of the series.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
April 16, 2025
Dragon Marked is the 9th book in the series Dragon Kings. It is a wonderful story written by Donna Grant. She is an exceptional author who brings her characters and their stories to life like no one else. In this book, Ms. Grant provides background information on all her Dragon Kings to refresh our memories and provide insight for new readers of her books. This story centers on Merrill, a Dragon King who has been living at Stonemore and has distanced himself from the other Dragon Kings. He is carrying around a lot of baggage with the full range of emotions to go with it. Katia is a druid who helped the Evil Villette, a powerful Star Person, destroy dragons and anyone with magic. She was duped into believing lies about the dragons believing they killed her family. She meets Merrill and there is an instant attraction between them. They fight it for a long time for various personal reasons especially with trust issues. When Merrill finds Katia defending some children, he decides to help her, and they start working together to fight Villette. They work through a lot of issues during this time and their attraction continues to grow. Merrill realizes that Katia is his mate and together they fall in love but it’s a rocky road for them but happily ever after is possible if they learn to drop their walls and trust each other. I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
April 11, 2025
A Tortured Dragon – in Mind & Body
Merrill, the King of the Oranges, finally gets his story!
Since coming to Zora, Merrill has not been the same. The horrors of sending the dragons away, the wars over the millennia, finding the dragons on Zora and learning they hate the Dragon Kings, it all changed Merrill. Now that he feels guilty about having been involved with Villette, he must find himself again, or he may never be comfortable with his brethren.
Merrill, while at the ruins of Stonemore, finds an ally. The journey that Merrill and his ally take (I don’t want to spoil who it is for anyone!) brings them closer to each other, but they encounter the Entity again. The Entity has been a big unknown for our Dragon Kings – how is it able to hurt the Kings, is someone controlling it, why is it targeting the Kings? We find out some answers, but I feel like there are new questions.
This story has been much anticipated – Merrill has seemed so tortured, and I have been wondering how Donna Grant was going tell his story. Dragon Marked had me gasping in concern for our main couple, bawling my eyes out and screaming that I could not believe Ms. Grant would do such a thing! But oh, was it all worth it – as always, Donna Grant took us on an amazing emotional journey. Now her readers have to wait for what comes next…
Merrill, the King of the Oranges, finally gets his story!
Since coming to Zora, Merrill has not been the same. The horrors of sending the dragons away, the wars over the millennia, finding the dragons on Zora and learning they hate the Dragon Kings, it all changed Merrill. Now that he feels guilty about having been involved with Villette, he must find himself again, or he may never be comfortable with his brethren.
Merrill, while at the ruins of Stonemore, finds an ally. The journey that Merrill and his ally take (I don’t want to spoil who it is for anyone!) brings them closer to each other, but they encounter the Entity again. The Entity has been a big unknown for our Dragon Kings – how is it able to hurt the Kings, is someone controlling it, why is it targeting the Kings? We find out some answers, but I feel like there are new questions.
This story has been much anticipated – Merrill has seemed so tortured, and I have been wondering how Donna Grant was going tell his story. Dragon Marked had me gasping in concern for our main couple, bawling my eyes out and screaming that I could not believe Ms. Grant would do such a thing! But oh, was it all worth it – as always, Donna Grant took us on an amazing emotional journey. Now her readers have to wait for what comes next…
April 15, 2025
Finally, we get to read Merrill’s story and once again, another great read! Although Merrill was in the previous book who reemerged to assist the Dragon Kings defeat Miena, we now get the back story of his disappearance. He also finds his Mate, who happens to be Katla, the Druid, who was once a deadly enemy of the Dragons. Katla’s family was murder many years ago and she was led to believe, by Vinette that the Dragons were responsible for their murders, which caused her to kill countless Dragons for revenge. Once Katla learned the truth, she suffered agonizing guilt that put her on a path to destroy Vinette and Merrill decided to assist her, for reasons of his own. Merrill and Katla was an amazing couple, but they both had overwhelming issues that need to be resolved, before they had their HEA. At first, Katla rejected Merrill’s help, but eventfully they began to trust and rely on each other for support. Merrill was determined to resolve his issues, before rejoining his brethren, but due to an invisible threat that could even kill a Dragon King, he reached out for help. This book was an emotional rollercoaster that will have you in both tears and joy. I highly recommend this book, and cannot wait for the next installment.
April 15, 2025
Donna Grant opened this novel with a complete synopsis of all the dragons and their stories which provided a refresher for all readers past and new as this is an incredibly long series and a launching pad if you are new to the series and need to be grounded in this world. Then the story fully turns to Merrill and Katla. It is so past time for this dragon king to get his story. And, we met Katla in a previous novel, but you just knew she would return. When you are the strong one that everyone depends on it is hard to deal with your issues and Merrill has been that king for all the dragons. So to see him struggle to cope with his past and put himself and his need to find his inner strength and his future was rewarding. Then we have Katla whose past makes her feel guilty and alone, though not of her choosing, trying to "right the wrong" by ending Villette, an evil Star Person. Needless to say, the attraction between Merrill and Katla is undeniable. Their finding each other is nothing short of romantic and sexy in a subtle yet completely satisfying way. Will they finally be able to end the evil that exists in Zora? A very enjoyable read.
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