Fun idea. Could only get two lines. Ty.

v.clever.

Great. Really tricky. Got the mongrel royal group, gave up when I could see two more groups but only three of one and two of another. Restarted five mins later, solved it in 1.50 and got all the links. Guessed the Hardtack link, because of Hardtack - had no idea about the other clues for til I checked.

Very good. Thank you

Very fun grid! I got all the lines with five seconds to spare, but was only able to identify three of the connections - the "hardtack" line refers to a subject about which I know nothing. So, I got 7/10, and was very pleased with that.

Tricky but great fun (Oops put 2 stars not 4 for difficulty!)