Zoey Draven’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series is an engaging blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and steamy romance that immerses readers in the futuristic and dystopian world of Dakkar. This series is for anyone that wanted a happy ending for Daenerys and Khal Drogo!
Horde Kings of Dakkar is a must-read if you’re into steamy alien romances, fated mates tropes, strong heroines, and rich world-building.
Series Grade: A
Spice Level: HOT
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On the harsh planet of Dakkar, a young woman lives a quiet life, avoiding conflict with the powerful and merciless Dakkari aliens. But when her brother makes a critical mistake, the fearsome horde king, a battle-scarred Dakkari leader, arrives demanding retribution. To save her brother, she offers herself as the horde king’s war prize, agreeing to leave her family behind and join the nomadic horde. While preparing for a life as his concubine, she learns the horde king has a different plan—he wants her as his queen.
Tropes: barbarian hero, alpha hero, warrior hero, virgin heroine, strong heroine, poor heroine, tortured heroine, interspecies, futuristic, dystopian, abduction, angst, insta-love, fated mates, enemies to lovers, forced proximity & forced marriage.
Grade: A
A fantastic start to this sci-fi romance series! The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable and the world-building engaging.
In a harsh human settlement on the plains of Dakkar, a lonely and outcast young woman survives by secretly hunting, defying the strict Dakkari laws. Her actions draw the attention of a ruthless Dakkari horde king, a cold and powerful warrior who punishes her for her defiance. Yet, instead of ending her life, he claims her as his own, taking her to his battle-hardened horde. As she navigates her new life, warming his bed and forging bargains with him under cold, starry skies, she begins to see not a monster but a complex demon king who ensnares her soul. Despite the pain, she wonders if she truly wants him to ever let her go.
Tropes: barbarian hero, alpha hero, warrior hero, virgin heroine, poor heroine, strong heroine, interspecies, futuristic, dystopian, abduction, angst, fated mated, forced proximity, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, pregnancy, second chances & groveling.
Grade: A
Second chances and groveling done RIGHT!
A year after being taken from her human village to serve the brutal alien Ghertun, a young woman is sent on a dangerous mission to deliver a message to Dakkar’s capital city, a place no human has ever dared venture. Before she can complete her task, she is captured by a Horde King—a ruthless and war-bred leader of the barbaric Dakkari race. This particular Horde King, known for his scarred face, glowing red eyes, and a wicked grin that masks a dark past, takes her as his own. Though meek and fearful, she finds herself drawn to his touch and awakening desires she struggles to suppress, all while trying to protect her family.
Tropes: barbarian hero, alpha hero, warrior hero, tortured hero, magically gifted hero, magically gifted heroine, shy heroine, tortured heroine, interspecies, angst, enemies to lovers, fated mates, forced proximity, futuristic, dystopian & pregnancy.
Grade: A
Our favorite in the series! This Vorakkar is so tortured and only his sweet Vienne will do.
As a child, she fell in love with Kiran, the Dakkari prince destined to become the greatest horde king of their clan. He was her protector and her friend, with a mischievous smile and golden eyes that captured her heart—until he shattered it completely and left without a backward glance. Nine years later, Kiran returns, no longer a prince but a cold and powerful horde king, hardened by war and duty. Though she’s vowed never to love him again, Kiran is determined to prove her wrong, not only seeking her heart but demanding she become his queen.
Tropes: barbarian hero, alpha hero, warrior hero, virgin heroine, proud heroine, tortured heroine, interspecies, friends to lovers, angst, futuristic, dystopian, fated mates, forced proximity, second chances, groveling & pregnancy.
Grade: B-
Second chances and groveling done WRONG! While Draven mainstains the same excellent quality of writing as in previous books, Broken by the Horde King falls lower on the grading scale due to a “hard to like” hero. Kiran was too much of a hurtful f*ckboi (IMO) and some scenes were painfuly cringy to read (Maeva, get UP girl!).
To stop a fatal curse spreading across Dakkar, a desperate woman strikes a dangerous deal with an alien witch: deliver the heart of a horde king. But the horde king she targets is a fearsome warrior with glowing eyes, a battle-hardened body, and a dangerous grin. When she offers herself to lure him in, his touch ignites a fiery desire that awakens instincts she can’t ignore. However, when he uncovers her betrayal, the enraged king claims her as his prize, vowing she will serve him in every way.
Tropes: barbarian hero, alpha hero, warrior hero, virgin heroine, shy heroine, tortured heroine, poor heroine, magically gifted heroine, interspecies, abduction, futuristic, dystopian, forced marriage, fated mates, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, betrayal & revenge.
Grade: A
Best book cover in the series for sure! Perfect for lovers of alpha heroes that swear revenge on heroines but instead become putty in their hands.
In the icy northlands of Dakkar, a sheltered hybrid female—half-Dakkari, half-human—has lived a quiet life, hidden away by priestesses to protect her from the dangers of the hordes and the greedy king in Dothik. But her secret existence is shattered when a ruthless and cunning horde king arrives at the temple gates. With molten eyes and the body of a warrior god, he is the male from her dreams, though far more dangerous than she imagined. He takes her from the temple, planning to use her for his own mysterious purposes, but she proves more defiant than he expected. As forbidden lust ignites between them, she discovers the horde king harbors a secret of his own.
Tropes: barbarian hero, alpha hero, warrior hero, tortured hero, virgin heroine, magically gifted heroine, futuristic, dystopian, angst, forced proximity, fated mates, friends to lovers, second chances, groveling, & pregnancy.
Grade: B+
Throne of the Horde King falls a little lower on the grading scale from the other books in this series for two reasons: (1) the hero makes a decision that some readers will find polarizing (despite the good angst and grovel), and (2) the narrative drags on for a little too long in an attempt to wrap up the story.
