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New Haven [Season 1]: Chained in Darkness #1-6
Chained in Darkness
The MM paranormal series you didn't know you needed in your life. Noel's day could have turned out a whole lot better than it did as far as he was concerned. Betrayed by a trusted friend, captured by his enemy--the vampires--and chained naked to a wall in a cold, dark prison isn't his idea of a fun time. He knows he's as good as dead. You just don't rebel against the supes and think you're going to get away with it. And he caused one particular dangerous vampire and a lot of trouble and money. Only time will tell if they make his death quick and hopefully painless, or slow and extremely painful. Théoden, the Lord of District Five, has had his sights set on Noel from the moment the annoying human set fire to one of his very profitable businesses. Normally, he'd kill anyone who crossed him, but Noel has something special. Something that reminds Théoden of himself and he has plans for the handsome human. Plans and punishment, because he still needs to pay for pissing Théoden off. Reader Stubborn mates, possessive alpha males, more kinks than you can count, and colorful language that may cause severe blushing. Adult content, graphic violence, and all kinds of sexual situations. Proceed with caution. 18+ mature readers only.
402 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2014
71 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Bella
94 books1,078 followersAbout The Maniac Who Wrote These Books
I'm the author of deliciously dark, sexy, and thrilling MM fiction in various genres. I corrupt readers with salacious tales of possessive men staking their claims on the men who make their blood rise in certain places. I know... I should be ashamed, but I'm shameless. I'm a public menace that can't be stopped, and my characters are rude, sassy, charming, arrogant, and hotter than sinners in hell. They tell me what they want and I follow orders. When I'm not hunched over my keyboard typing away, I love to watch movies and TV shows (You should check out my reviews.)
Find Your Next Obsession from my literary offerings on my website.
Join my VIPs if you're the type who enjoys spoiling yourself with exclusive content and rewards.
I love interacting with my readers, so hit me up and follow me on my Social Media.
I'm the author of deliciously dark, sexy, and thrilling MM fiction in various genres. I corrupt readers with salacious tales of possessive men staking their claims on the men who make their blood rise in certain places. I know... I should be ashamed, but I'm shameless. I'm a public menace that can't be stopped, and my characters are rude, sassy, charming, arrogant, and hotter than sinners in hell. They tell me what they want and I follow orders. When I'm not hunched over my keyboard typing away, I love to watch movies and TV shows (You should check out my reviews.)
Find Your Next Obsession from my literary offerings on my website.
Join my VIPs if you're the type who enjoys spoiling yourself with exclusive content and rewards.
I love interacting with my readers, so hit me up and follow me on my Social Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
January 23, 2024
Oh that’s not… okay look, I don’t have any words… and I don’t even have an explanation for why I finished this. I won’t mince words, this is the wildest thing I’ve ever read. I’ve reached the end of the line, I think. Anything crazier than this and I’ll pass. If that makes me a vanilla boy, then so be it! Got to draw the line somewhere. Would you believe me if I told you that I thought this would be gay I am Legend? Yeah well, this certainly wasn’t gay I am Legend. But here’s the real question; did I like this? Well… I’ll get to that eventually. Pay no attention to my rating. On an unrelated note, whenever my friend is showing me new music, he always skips around the song to the parts that he deems “the best bits,” as if sitting and listening to a three-minute song is too much of a task. To which he'd then ask me whether or not I liked the song!? I never understood how someone could live like that… until I read this book. This is my way of saying that the best way for me to get through it at points was to, kind of, zone out because I wanted to get to the best bits. One moment it’d have my full attention (ha ha) and then the next I’d be like, “yeah, I probably could’ve gone the rest of my life without reading that sentence with my own two eyes.” Freak, freak, freak nasty. Did you know I said I was going to read more classics this year? Damn, well I’m off to a great start. I probably seem really negative, but it's not that, I think I’m just numb. Hm, how did I even get here? After reading this I know for sure that I’m going to need some kind of reset! A genre switch, a palate cleanser, a new start, whatever you want to call it. Hell, I’ll probably need one of those memory flashy thingies from Men in Black! I’m just about done with all these fucking vampires.
All I know is that I’m not really sure whether or not this was “good” in any sense of the word. A page-turner definitely, but I wouldn’t exactly say that I had a good time here. I will say that despite clutching my pearls in the last paragraph, I did start to become desensitized to everything going on (and there were a lot of thing going on). It didn’t help that the description has one of those “this is the grossest thing you’ll ever read, so don’t even dare whine about anything because I warned you how messed up it is” disclaimers that always makes me roll my eyes. Made me want to whine even more, you know? And if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s whine and complain! I remember there was this book called Sick Bastards that I read a long time ago that had a very similar warning. And they’re always the same too! They try to be really edgy even though it always amounts to those old Tumblr “welcome to my sick and twisted mind” headers. And guess what? It turns out that saying stuff like that is just as cringey now as it was back then. When you dedicate your story to the most awful and depraved stuff your mind can think of, upping the ante with every chapter, unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before your audience gets desensitized to your whole shtick. I’m ashamed to admit it, but there was a certain point in this book where I didn’t even flinch at anything happening anymore. The book would be like, “get a load of this awful thing” and I’d be like, “yup, that’s pretty awful.” And then what’s left when there’s nothing that can shock me? Boredom. Alright, that’s enough. Would I recommend this? Absolutely not. But did I like it? Um… I’ll be taking no more questions at this time. Bye.
All I know is that I’m not really sure whether or not this was “good” in any sense of the word. A page-turner definitely, but I wouldn’t exactly say that I had a good time here. I will say that despite clutching my pearls in the last paragraph, I did start to become desensitized to everything going on (and there were a lot of thing going on). It didn’t help that the description has one of those “this is the grossest thing you’ll ever read, so don’t even dare whine about anything because I warned you how messed up it is” disclaimers that always makes me roll my eyes. Made me want to whine even more, you know? And if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s whine and complain! I remember there was this book called Sick Bastards that I read a long time ago that had a very similar warning. And they’re always the same too! They try to be really edgy even though it always amounts to those old Tumblr “welcome to my sick and twisted mind” headers. And guess what? It turns out that saying stuff like that is just as cringey now as it was back then. When you dedicate your story to the most awful and depraved stuff your mind can think of, upping the ante with every chapter, unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before your audience gets desensitized to your whole shtick. I’m ashamed to admit it, but there was a certain point in this book where I didn’t even flinch at anything happening anymore. The book would be like, “get a load of this awful thing” and I’d be like, “yup, that’s pretty awful.” And then what’s left when there’s nothing that can shock me? Boredom. Alright, that’s enough. Would I recommend this? Absolutely not. But did I like it? Um… I’ll be taking no more questions at this time. Bye.
April 13, 2019
I have some random thoughts about two series by Nicholas Bella which I would like to present here. And basically compare the two main characters in the two series.
If you haven't read "The Demon Gate" series,you will not probably understand my point. But if you love demon dark MM erotica, I suggest you give it a try.
So far I have read stories with two kind of creatures by the author: vampires (New Haven series) and demons (The Demon Gate series). And I have to say that demons have pique my interest, while vampires has been just an ok read.
Maybe because the Brian is the Demon Series is a more likable character. He certainly has more depth than Noel from the New Haven Series, i.e. besides his life as a demon, he also has a normal everyday life where we can see how he interacts with other people and we can experience how lovable he is. Moreover his character has a good development. His strangling with the feelings about his new life feels reals and his constant battle with his bruised egotism and masculinity is palpable through pages. His final submission to his feelings and his new self is understandable and acceptable. And he develops as a character as the series continues, the same way like his mate Raphael develops.
On the other hand Noel is thrown into the den of the damnation straight away. He has no way to show his character and he is basically the boy toy and the gang's bitch without catching his breath. Which is fine in a way, because this is unapologetic dark erotica and all that but I want a bit of complicated story as well in order to be engaged in Noel's drama. I am not sure if things process satisfactory in the next episodes.
I may give it a try later, but so far I am happy with the adventures of Brian and Raphael.
Lastly I need to add that:
1. The Demon Gate series happen in our time period and demons coexist with humans while humans do not know their existence.
2. The New Haven Series happen in a future dystopian time period and vampires, dragons and wolves are ruling the earth while humans know their existence and they are at the bottom of the food chain.
I think the way the author's writing style is engaging and cool, so I will read more books about these disturbing worlds.
If you haven't read "The Demon Gate" series,you will not probably understand my point. But if you love demon dark MM erotica, I suggest you give it a try.
So far I have read stories with two kind of creatures by the author: vampires (New Haven series) and demons (The Demon Gate series). And I have to say that demons have pique my interest, while vampires has been just an ok read.
Maybe because the Brian is the Demon Series is a more likable character. He certainly has more depth than Noel from the New Haven Series, i.e. besides his life as a demon, he also has a normal everyday life where we can see how he interacts with other people and we can experience how lovable he is. Moreover his character has a good development. His strangling with the feelings about his new life feels reals and his constant battle with his bruised egotism and masculinity is palpable through pages. His final submission to his feelings and his new self is understandable and acceptable. And he develops as a character as the series continues, the same way like his mate Raphael develops.
On the other hand Noel is thrown into the den of the damnation straight away. He has no way to show his character and he is basically the boy toy and the gang's bitch without catching his breath. Which is fine in a way, because this is unapologetic dark erotica and all that but I want a bit of complicated story as well in order to be engaged in Noel's drama. I am not sure if things process satisfactory in the next episodes.
I may give it a try later, but so far I am happy with the adventures of Brian and Raphael.
Lastly I need to add that:
1. The Demon Gate series happen in our time period and demons coexist with humans while humans do not know their existence.
2. The New Haven Series happen in a future dystopian time period and vampires, dragons and wolves are ruling the earth while humans know their existence and they are at the bottom of the food chain.
I think the way the author's writing style is engaging and cool, so I will read more books about these disturbing worlds.
October 9, 2017
Epic, simply epic, dark, dangerous, violent, so ridiculously sexy you need a fan and some "alone time" when reading them.
But more, way way more, than just porn without plot. These are superbly detailed, vicious and alluring men working in mysterious ways, all powerful, corrupting, enthralling, sensual and sadistic.
I love these books and I love Nicholas Bella's worlds.
But more, way way more, than just porn without plot. These are superbly detailed, vicious and alluring men working in mysterious ways, all powerful, corrupting, enthralling, sensual and sadistic.
I love these books and I love Nicholas Bella's worlds.
May 8, 2024
Noel cree que lo peor que le puede pasar es morir a manos de sus enemigos, los vampiros, pero pronto se dará cuenta que es mucho peor su suerte. Condenado a ser un vampiro, debe aprender su lugar entre los "hijos" de su nuevo Maestro o Sire, pero las lecciones son difíciles y están diseñadas para hacerle olvidar lo que es un ser humano y abrazar su nueva naturaleza. Podrá Noel pasar sus pruebas y convertirse en uno de los "hijos" de su Sire? Cuanto dolor deberá enfrentar antes de aceptar su lugar? Dejará completamente su humanidad atrás?
Este es uno de mis placeres culposos. Un libro francamente pornográfico de lo erótico que es, además involucra un poco de BDSM del mas oscuro, y para mas, con vampiros!!. Tenía todo lo que me gusta cuando quiero leer algo sin sentido. Pero había tanto sexo, tanto castigo y tan rápida aceptación, que resulto monótono. El universo es interesante, igual que el mundo distópico post-apocalíptico en el que esta, pero muchas de las orgías fueron sin sentido. Los poderes de los vampiros, dragones y otros seres sobrenaturales, fueron dejados de lado, solo para enfocarse en la "alimentación" que este Sire y sus hijos deben tener.
Sin embargo, estoy intrigada por saber que va a pasar ahora que ya es aceptado entre los otros "hijos" del Sire, y cuales serán sus nuevas responsabilidades. También quiero ver que tanto perdió su humanidad realmente cuando se enfrente a las "tareas" que deben tener todos en este reino. Así que voy a leer la próxima temporada, esperando que resulte mas interesante que esta.
Este es uno de mis placeres culposos. Un libro francamente pornográfico de lo erótico que es, además involucra un poco de BDSM del mas oscuro, y para mas, con vampiros!!. Tenía todo lo que me gusta cuando quiero leer algo sin sentido. Pero había tanto sexo, tanto castigo y tan rápida aceptación, que resulto monótono. El universo es interesante, igual que el mundo distópico post-apocalíptico en el que esta, pero muchas de las orgías fueron sin sentido. Los poderes de los vampiros, dragones y otros seres sobrenaturales, fueron dejados de lado, solo para enfocarse en la "alimentación" que este Sire y sus hijos deben tener.
Sin embargo, estoy intrigada por saber que va a pasar ahora que ya es aceptado entre los otros "hijos" del Sire, y cuales serán sus nuevas responsabilidades. También quiero ver que tanto perdió su humanidad realmente cuando se enfrente a las "tareas" que deben tener todos en este reino. Así que voy a leer la próxima temporada, esperando que resulte mas interesante que esta.
May 26, 2018
It takes a lot to shock me and this book truly shocked the (excuse my language) SHIT out of me! With this book Nicholas Bella has crafted a cum soaked vampiric tale of sex, graphic violence, and blood and I LOVED every damn page of it! The smorgasbord of debauchery that lies within the pages of this awesome novel is delicious! I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH!!!
September 15, 2015
Collection: Chained in Darkness #1-6
#1 Embraced
**** 4 embraced stars ****
------------------------------
"Go to hell," I cursed.
Again, he laughed (...)
"You're about to become the thing you hate. Let the game begin," he whispered into my ear.
------------------------------
Meet Noel, part of the resistance against the vampires, werewolves and dragons who's taken over the world, ruling along side those humans who has changed side and joined them.
Some human fractions still fights and have eluded capture, until Noel is sold out by one of his own.
This story is where Noel gets embraced (aka turned) by a vampire called Théoden.
I really liked it! The writing was good, and it sucked me in right away. The plot and world build was solid just from these few pages (49 pages). It's written from Noel's POV, and I liked both him and Théoden. Théoden was a brutal bastard, but then Noel has been a thorn in his side for some time.
It's brutal, raw and erotic and make no excuses for it. I knew it going in and had no problem with it.
I blame Julie. ;)
#2 Punishment
**** 4 punishing stars ****
----------------------
When they said he was the most sadistic vampire in the city, they had no idea.
----------------------
Ehm... fitting title. Noel gets what is coming to him after not complying. And man, I'm glad I'm not kidnapped by a sadistic vampire. The good thing is that Noel is a vampire too, so he heals. Quickly. If nothing prevents it, that is...
The story is still good, but brutal and raw. I could do without the words "pussy" and "bitch", though.
----------------------
It's nice to know that you are paying attention, my little pussy-boy bitch." Théoden said.
----------------------
#3 Lessons
----------------------------
"YOU! I belong to you, Master," I yelled.
----------------------------
This was weirdly hot and awful. It's like a train wreck, you just cannot look!
The silver tongue! :-O
(One of) Theoden's secrets are revealed.
"Nice" outfit for Noel. I don't see why he had to wear them, though, just for degrading, I guess?
Marco and his "anaconda" scared the bejeezus out of me. Ouch! They'r fast-healing vampires, but still. O.o *hides*
----------------------------
Oh, I was getting sick and fucking tired of them calling my asshole female body parts.
----------------------------
Agreed! ^^^^
#5 Control
**** 4,5 controlling stars ****
------------------------
I don't know how to fight anymore. I have no anchor to keep me strong, and every time I try, he finds another way to destroy my support. What is going to be left of me when he's done?
"Perfection. That is what will be left when I am done training you," Theoden whispered.
------------------------
Uhm..... wow.
Just.... wow.
Holy shit!
I think this is my fav so far. *smirks*
Don't judge!
Summation:
Can't look away.
Pretty much.
LOL.
#6 Acceptance
** 2 acceptance stars **
The previous book in this series was the best, I think, this one however was the worst.
I've pretty much taken everything this series has thrown at me well, and believe me at has been a lot. This was just horrible. That family, Jonah, the silver thingy, Marco really was too much, that butch comment again. It went on forever, and I skimmed just to get through it. I didn't enjoy this at all. I had to struggle to finish.
Ugh!
#1 Embraced
**** 4 embraced stars ****
------------------------------
"Go to hell," I cursed.
Again, he laughed (...)
"You're about to become the thing you hate. Let the game begin," he whispered into my ear.
------------------------------
Meet Noel, part of the resistance against the vampires, werewolves and dragons who's taken over the world, ruling along side those humans who has changed side and joined them.
Some human fractions still fights and have eluded capture, until Noel is sold out by one of his own.
This story is where Noel gets embraced (aka turned) by a vampire called Théoden.
I really liked it! The writing was good, and it sucked me in right away. The plot and world build was solid just from these few pages (49 pages). It's written from Noel's POV, and I liked both him and Théoden. Théoden was a brutal bastard, but then Noel has been a thorn in his side for some time.
It's brutal, raw and erotic and make no excuses for it. I knew it going in and had no problem with it.
I blame Julie. ;)
#2 Punishment
**** 4 punishing stars ****
----------------------
When they said he was the most sadistic vampire in the city, they had no idea.
----------------------
Ehm... fitting title. Noel gets what is coming to him after not complying. And man, I'm glad I'm not kidnapped by a sadistic vampire. The good thing is that Noel is a vampire too, so he heals. Quickly. If nothing prevents it, that is...
The story is still good, but brutal and raw. I could do without the words "pussy" and "bitch", though.
----------------------
It's nice to know that you are paying attention, my little pussy-boy bitch." Théoden said.
----------------------
#3 Lessons
*** 3 lesson learned stars ***
--------------------------------
I may not have been interested in men before, but that was no longer an option for me. I knew that now.
Lessons learned.
--------------------------------
Uhm... wow, crude language is crude. Holy heck.
The story is still raw and pushing limits without derogatory name calling. And... is it meant to be more degrading by using feminine sexual slang? Ugh.
I'm not scared off, though! It would just have been more "enjoyable" without all those words.
Next!
#4 Submission
*** 3,5 submission stars ***
----------------------------
"YOU! I belong to you, Master," I yelled.
----------------------------
This was weirdly hot and awful. It's like a train wreck, you just cannot look!
The silver tongue! :-O
(One of) Theoden's secrets are revealed.
"Nice" outfit for Noel. I don't see why he had to wear them, though, just for degrading, I guess?
Marco and his "anaconda" scared the bejeezus out of me. Ouch! They'r fast-healing vampires, but still. O.o *hides*
----------------------------
Oh, I was getting sick and fucking tired of them calling my asshole female body parts.
----------------------------
Agreed! ^^^^
#5 Control
**** 4,5 controlling stars ****
------------------------
I don't know how to fight anymore. I have no anchor to keep me strong, and every time I try, he finds another way to destroy my support. What is going to be left of me when he's done?
"Perfection. That is what will be left when I am done training you," Theoden whispered.
------------------------
Uhm..... wow.
Just.... wow.
Holy shit!
I think this is my fav so far. *smirks*
Don't judge!
Summation:
Can't look away.
Pretty much.
LOL.
#6 Acceptance
** 2 acceptance stars **
The previous book in this series was the best, I think, this one however was the worst.
I've pretty much taken everything this series has thrown at me well, and believe me at has been a lot. This was just horrible. That family, Jonah, the silver thingy, Marco really was too much, that butch comment again. It went on forever, and I skimmed just to get through it. I didn't enjoy this at all. I had to struggle to finish.
Ugh!
June 12, 2022
Chained In Darkness
By Nicholas Bella
Nicholas Bella is a writer who pretty much has his own little nitch of style. However his writing style is most definitely not for everyone. Where most vampire and werewolf stories are somewhat romanticized, Nicholas' are seriously lacking in any kind of romance. Hell, all of his stories lack romance. They're all about overbearing, over the top alpha male types, with A LOT of dubcon, physical pain, body piercings, raw sex, etc etc. So if you're not into some or any of that he is not a writer for you.
This book series is about Noel who is a rebel of the human resistance. When he is betrayed by a comrade his captor and new vampire 'Father', Theoden, makes an example of him and brings him into his vampire family of sons teaching him what it means to be a vampire using physical pain and sexual torture to break him down. Make no mistake... there is no romance involved and the only type of love here is seriously twisted.
By Nicholas Bella
Nicholas Bella is a writer who pretty much has his own little nitch of style. However his writing style is most definitely not for everyone. Where most vampire and werewolf stories are somewhat romanticized, Nicholas' are seriously lacking in any kind of romance. Hell, all of his stories lack romance. They're all about overbearing, over the top alpha male types, with A LOT of dubcon, physical pain, body piercings, raw sex, etc etc. So if you're not into some or any of that he is not a writer for you.
This book series is about Noel who is a rebel of the human resistance. When he is betrayed by a comrade his captor and new vampire 'Father', Theoden, makes an example of him and brings him into his vampire family of sons teaching him what it means to be a vampire using physical pain and sexual torture to break him down. Make no mistake... there is no romance involved and the only type of love here is seriously twisted.
March 19, 2021
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. This is my first book by Nicholas Bella but I already bought the second in the series. I hope all of his books live up to this one. Great characters, great fun reading.
December 7, 2015
3,8 stars... there's more to come, right??? I need MORE!
This series is hardcore, a raw gritty mindfuck. Don’t expect romance, you won’t get any!
Welcome into a world where vampires, dragons and werewolves are the final link in the food chain. Humans are only food. Like cattle their lives are not worth anything.
Forget the bullshit you’ve read in those paranormal romance books where the vampires with dark pasts are all noble and shit and just want to fall in love with their soul mates. Fuck that shit. If you believe they’re like that, you’re already dead. The vampires in my reality are cruel, vicious, manipulative, brutal and blood-thirsty, and that has nothing to do with their hunger, which, by the way, is damn near insatiable... That was the shit you saw in movies, hell, they even sparkled in the fucking world of fiction. The vampires in my reality don’t fucking sparkle, twinkle, or glow in the dark…
Noel has to embrace his new life as a vampire, and his lord Theoden shows no mercy, the whole first New Haven season is about punishment, pain… and finally pleasure.
Noels journey into his new life is addictive, though. Once you get into it you just can’t stop reading anymore. Sometimes the non stop sex is a bit tiring (WTF? Yeah, I know what you think right now… but what if you aren’t able to count the cocks and amount of cum anymore and your brain just short circuits?) Duh… :)))
But every time I was tempted to take a break something different happened (the scene with the dragon lord Tylendel and his dragon-venom kept me awake after reading a non stop sex marathon).
I would have loved to get a glimpse inside of Theoden’s head, though. Just started reading the first book of the 2nd season and discovered his POV. Yay!
Recommended if you love dark, gritty, challenging mindfucks… please read warnings, though.
March 20, 2016
★★★★☆ ~ 4 Stars
Noel is a resistance fighter against the paranormal elements who have taken over. He is set up and captured by one of the highest ranked vampires, Theoden. Instead of being executed, he is changed and is taken home to be indoctrinated by Theoden and his new 'brothers'. Except Noel is straight and it doesn't matter.
I tend to like the darker elements and I really liked this serial bundle. I think this is the way to read it - each season compiled together.
Noel is an unwilling participant at first, but after punishment (multiple) comes to accept his new reality and slowly begins to enjoy whether he wants to or not. Theoden is a dragon/vampire mix which means that . This is not a love story. It's rough and nasty and multiple partners and hot!
The world building is interesting and because this was Noel's indoctrination, there wasn't much outside details but I expect that to change in future installments.
I want to read the next season.
My only complaint is that it could use more editing.
Noel is a resistance fighter against the paranormal elements who have taken over. He is set up and captured by one of the highest ranked vampires, Theoden. Instead of being executed, he is changed and is taken home to be indoctrinated by Theoden and his new 'brothers'. Except Noel is straight and it doesn't matter.
I tend to like the darker elements and I really liked this serial bundle. I think this is the way to read it - each season compiled together.
Noel is an unwilling participant at first, but after punishment (multiple) comes to accept his new reality and slowly begins to enjoy whether he wants to or not. Theoden is a dragon/vampire mix which means that . This is not a love story. It's rough and nasty and multiple partners and hot!
The world building is interesting and because this was Noel's indoctrination, there wasn't much outside details but I expect that to change in future installments.
I want to read the next season.
My only complaint is that it could use more editing.
October 15, 2025
The audiobook is a waste of money. I wouldn't bother unless you have a perfectly quiet environment to listen to it. Don't attempt to vacuum or go outside or shop, if there's any background noise, you're screwed. Audiobooks should be LOUD enough that I can turn the volume down if needed! There was a strong wind outside, so I could barely understand! no thanks
August 23, 2015
I need to get a grip onto my thoughts about this... This was overwhelming and shocking!!
review to come
- Book 1:
Embraced (0-15%)
****My goodness... This isn't anything I have read before.. No sparkling vampires here!!! This particular vampire Théoden is sardistic and clearly gets off in dominating and
torturing his "children"
Introduced is Noel, a changed vampire who refuses to submit to Théoden. But Théoden has ways to make sure he does and Noel will do so willingly ..
"You can force me, but don't ever make the fucking mistake that you made me submit." - Noel
- Book 2:
Punishment (15-25%)
****Noel comes to realize it's no use in fighting against what Théoden requires of him. The consequenses are severe.
This was my life now. If I was going to survive it, I knew I had to say good-bye to the man I was in order to embrace the vampire I am.
I just hope I don’t lose the part of me that’s still human.
- Book 3:
Lessons (25-39%)
***Well the lesson to be learned was easy but a lottttttt to swallow.... A bit too much but I get what was meant here!!
"Having to be honest with him... with myself, was tearing me up inside. I didn't know what to think or even how to feel."
- Book 4:
Submission (39-59%)
***"You may hate me for what I must do, and that is of no concern to me. I will mold you into a vampire that I can take pride in calling mine.You will stand at my side, a perfect reflection of me.... of who I am. When you walk the streets with my insigna in full view of all who gaze upon you,they wil know that you were born from greatness. That superiority flows through your veins, that you are worthy.
- Book 5:
Control (59-76%)
****Well.... Now I know what dragon venom will do with a vampire!!
"Oh, God, what the hell am I talking about? I'm considering myself his son... his child. I am truly his, I think I've stopped figthing it now."
- Book 6:
Acceptance
(76-100%) ****“You. Are. Mine!” he growled passionately.
I felt a chill go through me when he said that. It was because it was true.
“Yes, Father.” I was his.
February 6, 2020
I saw this compared to "The Flesh Cartel" so I was on board and ready.
Not comparable. From the first installment of the Flesh Cartel I was hooked. I felt love for Matt, and knew there would be no stopping me from finishing the whole thing. I wanted to cradle Matt in my arms a whisper that everything would be okay in the end. I did not feel that way here.
I have no emotions for any of the characters here. I kept going, waiting for the story to kick in. It never did.
Theoden just makes me think of a cheesy mustache classic evil villain. I have no feelings for him.
Not negative or positive. I should feel something, even if it's just to detest him. I don't.
Noel- I just don't care. I should be feeling outrage, or supportive. I don't. He could have died at the end and I wouldn't have shed a tear.
This is porn. And porn is okay. I like porn. But I was expecting a story with a great chunk of dark possibly boundary pushing porn. I didn't fell like there was enough story to count this as anything other than strait up porn.
My boundaries were not pushed, because I wasn't feeling the characters. Don't get me wrong, there were some things that were out of my comfort zone. But I couldn't bring myself to care what happened to the character.
Not comparable. From the first installment of the Flesh Cartel I was hooked. I felt love for Matt, and knew there would be no stopping me from finishing the whole thing. I wanted to cradle Matt in my arms a whisper that everything would be okay in the end. I did not feel that way here.
I have no emotions for any of the characters here. I kept going, waiting for the story to kick in. It never did.
Theoden just makes me think of a cheesy mustache classic evil villain. I have no feelings for him.
Not negative or positive. I should feel something, even if it's just to detest him. I don't.
Noel- I just don't care. I should be feeling outrage, or supportive. I don't. He could have died at the end and I wouldn't have shed a tear.
This is porn. And porn is okay. I like porn. But I was expecting a story with a great chunk of dark possibly boundary pushing porn. I didn't fell like there was enough story to count this as anything other than strait up porn.
My boundaries were not pushed, because I wasn't feeling the characters. Don't get me wrong, there were some things that were out of my comfort zone. But I couldn't bring myself to care what happened to the character.
December 30, 2015
Look the quality of the writing here is actually very good, but the story itself isn't my cup of tea. I like my books to have at least a little bit of romance in it. If that hadn't been chosen for me I never would have read it. While the extreme violence and degradation don't bother me per se, without the trappings over a romance, some softening in the characters towards each other, it doesn't appeal either. Knowing that the second book is just more of the same doesn't interest me in reading it either to see if things get better. This is basically just one long torture and fuck session. Somewhat hot, but ultimately for me as a hopeless romantic, unfulfilling.
May 18, 2016
I didn't like Noel at first, but he grew on me. The sex was hot and seeing Noel learn to accept his new life, yet still retain his own personality, was a very good story to read. My favorite of his new brothers was Donovan and I hope his character gets revealed more in later books.
November 15, 2022
3½ stars. I came across this series in October while searching for vampire reads. The book started out rocky for me, and not just because it's outside of my reading comfort zone. The prose is unimpressive and riddled with errors and grammatical mistakes. The most glaring of which, in my opinion, is the inconsistent tense. I honestly don't know if the point-of-view is meant to be past or present tense. Also, I was squicked out by the unnecessarily brutal punishments inflicted upon the protagonist, Noel, by his vampire maker, Théoden. However, the brutality becomes less frequent and intense as Noel adapts to his situation and learns to follow Théoden's rules. Though the writing is subpar, it's not unreadable, and I found the story oddly compelling. So, to my surprise, I ended up enjoying this.
I am peeved by reviews for this book which say something along the lines of "just smut, no plot." In my opinion, the plotting is the book's strongest element. In the Erotica genre, the sexual journey is the plot. Chained in Darkness has a clear, structured, convincing sexual journey. Noel's internal struggle—humanity vs. vampirism—drives his character arc (i.e., journey), which plays out in an erotic context and develops in distinct phases: total defiance, reluctant submission, and finally acceptance. In each chapter, Noel confronts aspects of his vampiric identity and explores his new sexual desires. The sex is inextricable from the plot and serves a crucial purpose: to bring Noel closer to letting go of his humanity and accepting his new life as a vampire. The story is bookended by two ceremonial events which symbolize the beginning and end of Noel's journey. In the first, Noel is turned—against his will—into a vampire. In the second, Noel is branded—willingly—with the insignia of his maker's House.
As much as I appreciated the well-developed, coherent story-telling, I probably won't continue this series. Théoden and the other vampires in his House are not particularly intriguing to me. But, I would definitely try another book/series from this author!
Content Warnings:
Sexual Content Details:
I am peeved by reviews for this book which say something along the lines of "just smut, no plot." In my opinion, the plotting is the book's strongest element. In the Erotica genre, the sexual journey is the plot. Chained in Darkness has a clear, structured, convincing sexual journey. Noel's internal struggle—humanity vs. vampirism—drives his character arc (i.e., journey), which plays out in an erotic context and develops in distinct phases: total defiance, reluctant submission, and finally acceptance. In each chapter, Noel confronts aspects of his vampiric identity and explores his new sexual desires. The sex is inextricable from the plot and serves a crucial purpose: to bring Noel closer to letting go of his humanity and accepting his new life as a vampire. The story is bookended by two ceremonial events which symbolize the beginning and end of Noel's journey. In the first, Noel is turned—against his will—into a vampire. In the second, Noel is branded—willingly—with the insignia of his maker's House.
“Did you enjoy yourself tonight?” He was studying me, now.
Again, I was stuck with the truth. “Yes, Master.”
“The killing, feeding, fucking?”
To my shame, I had to answer. “Yes, Master.”
“Then stop lying to yourself, Noel. You do want to indulge in your vampire nature. You’re just afraid that you’ll see yourself as a hypocrite. You’ve judged our kind for so long, not fully understanding that you were just jealous. That’s what your little Resistance movement is. The plight of the envious wanting what they are not worthy to have. […] You will accept your nature and your place among my children this night, Noel. Of that, I promise you.”
As much as I appreciated the well-developed, coherent story-telling, I probably won't continue this series. Théoden and the other vampires in his House are not particularly intriguing to me. But, I would definitely try another book/series from this author!
Content Warnings:
Sexual Content Details:
September 11, 2018
Omg all time faves! This definitely leans more towards erotica then romance...however as the series goes on you do get to know the charachters and become invested in them. This was crazy good and unlike anything else I've ever read...For those who are like me and like extra kinky, extra hot, extra dirty this is for you...I mean This series is HOT! Nicholas Bella manages the perfect combination of writing an amazing story while still including LOTS of sex/taboo/kink!! The storyline is great and I absolutely fell in love with the characters (vampires & shifters) ! Quality of writing is amazing. I literally could not put this series down.
I will say there are some serious Taboo subjects not limited to dubcon/noncon, bdsm, fetish ,kink etc. So if you're not a fan of that sort of thing this may not be for you. I've re-read this series several times and I'm obsessed. Even with all the dark elements, and some asshole behavior from MCs, I still loved their characters in the end.
I will say there are some serious Taboo subjects not limited to dubcon/noncon, bdsm, fetish ,kink etc. So if you're not a fan of that sort of thing this may not be for you. I've re-read this series several times and I'm obsessed. Even with all the dark elements, and some asshole behavior from MCs, I still loved their characters in the end.
March 22, 2015
Chained in Darkness is phenomenal. Even if you aren't a fan of bdsm, the season (along with House of Theoden which is season two) grips the reader tight and refuses to let go.
The whole pain, pleasure, punishment thing is really well described in each scene, with just enough storyline thrown in to keep the reader turning the pages.
I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the final episode in season two and pray there will be a third season.
I give this season (and season two) 5 of 5 paws.
The whole pain, pleasure, punishment thing is really well described in each scene, with just enough storyline thrown in to keep the reader turning the pages.
I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the final episode in season two and pray there will be a third season.
I give this season (and season two) 5 of 5 paws.
July 19, 2015
I've been raving about this series to anyone that will hear me. What can I say other than I DAMN WELL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesus Mary and Joseph this series is HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know a lot of readers flick through sex scenes when reading a story, but not this one...The sex is hard core gritty and down right seedy and what's more I can't get enough of it!
I have to applaud Nicholas Bell for this is probably one of my favourite reads to date <3
Jesus Mary and Joseph this series is HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know a lot of readers flick through sex scenes when reading a story, but not this one...The sex is hard core gritty and down right seedy and what's more I can't get enough of it!
I have to applaud Nicholas Bell for this is probably one of my favourite reads to date <3
January 21, 2019
Eyeroll...
August 1, 2019
No story. Just one big porn book.
June 17, 2016
Quite the ride to reread this...what bastards they are but I love them all. Yeah, it's a sick twisted addiction but worth every cringe. Onto my favorite Season...The House of Theoden.
***
*Spoiler Free Review*
I’ve slept and I still cannot stop thinking about this series. Now if you have followed me at all in my addictive ride this week, then you are probably thinking…5 Stars??? But your ratings/review for each book (see below for links below) never exceeded 4.5 Stars…and one even received 3 Stars. And yes…your question is warranted. So here ya go…
Yes, as a reader, I have my no no’s, I have words and phrases that drive me bat shit crazy, I have situations that make me so uncomfortable…long story short…I have limits. But this is the human reaction. And as crazy as this sounds, you have to turn off that part of your brain and go with the ride you are on. This is not a romance...this is not a couple...this is not cheating...this is a different world with different rules.
This book is about Vampires who feed off of the elixirs of men. Yes elixir”S” plural. They are savage, brutal horny bastards and why?? Well, it’s a journey and it’s a journey that is well explained in graphic detail.
Now this is the story of Noel…his transformation from human to vampire. What I love most is that we get his every thought, his every “What the fuck” moment and it’s unbelievably accurate. As a reader you are totally on this journey with him…thinking the same things, wincing, cringing to near sickness. You can buy into this story because he himself questions everything. And is beaten into Submission…into Acceptance. And while this sounds brutal (and yes it is), he is no longer Human. He is a Vampire and part of this is learning to accept this new life, this new family.
I am not sure many authors can take you on a journey like this. I feel like I was “Embraced” alongside of Noel and left wanting more with each page. As he states “What the fuck is happening to me?” No shit. I cannot explain what happens reading a series like this. It is all consuming to the point of crazy.
As I have stated, I have no idea who to recommend this to. It is sex filled. It is brutal. And yet there is a connection that happens between these characters that cannot be dismissed. Nicholas has totally captured the desire between Vampires and done so amazingly well. The moments between Noel and Theoden are my absolute favorite.
So…of course…more to come. Season 2, splits POV between our dear Father and Sire (that twisted fuck Theoden) and Noel. I eagerly await my next fix.
***
My "reviews" (more like thoughts of a lunatic)...
Book 1: Embraced
Book 2: Punishment
Book 3: Lessons
Book 4: Submission
Book 5: Control
Book 6: Acceptance
August 8, 2019
No sé si es una novela pornográfica, o una sucesión de encuentros sexuales encadenados a cada cual más extraño que el anterior. Pero con la escusa de que son seres imaginarios no resulta tan escabroso, y como la trama te tiene entretenida, podría denominarse novela.
A mi la verdad, me gustó, ojo, dentro de su estilo, por eso voy con las cuatro estrellas.
A mi la verdad, me gustó, ojo, dentro de su estilo, por eso voy con las cuatro estrellas.
April 26, 2021
Quite literally torture porn. This has to be the most depraved thing I've ever read. Why did I finish this? Honestly, the disclaimer felt like a challenge and I accepted. Was it worth it? Nope.
I expected dub-con (dubious consent), but I didn't expect the entire book to essentially be one long sequence of torture and rape. I understand that the unending hopelessness that the MC feels about his predicament is quite literally the point of his story but damn was it really not fun to read.
The worldbuilding is pretty meh but easily handwaved away by suspending disbelief. The writing reads like a bad-on-purpose porn film, so simultaneously bad but some occasional charm or humour. I didn't expect -much- plot but this didn't have -any- plot.
The most depraved scene has to be when . This honestly makes me feel better about myself knowing I'm not as fucked up as I previously thought.
If you detach the context of the larger situation from the sex scenes they can be enjoyable, but so much of this book seemed to be edgy for the sake of being edgy, which really weakens the impact of the horrendous stuff happening.
Will I be reading the sequels? Absolutely not. I need my smut to have some sense of happiness or coziness. This was the literary equivalent of every DC superhero film having bland, greyscale cinematography to be "gritty".
I expected dub-con (dubious consent), but I didn't expect the entire book to essentially be one long sequence of torture and rape. I understand that the unending hopelessness that the MC feels about his predicament is quite literally the point of his story but damn was it really not fun to read.
The worldbuilding is pretty meh but easily handwaved away by suspending disbelief. The writing reads like a bad-on-purpose porn film, so simultaneously bad but some occasional charm or humour. I didn't expect -much- plot but this didn't have -any- plot.
The most depraved scene has to be when . This honestly makes me feel better about myself knowing I'm not as fucked up as I previously thought.
If you detach the context of the larger situation from the sex scenes they can be enjoyable, but so much of this book seemed to be edgy for the sake of being edgy, which really weakens the impact of the horrendous stuff happening.
Will I be reading the sequels? Absolutely not. I need my smut to have some sense of happiness or coziness. This was the literary equivalent of every DC superhero film having bland, greyscale cinematography to be "gritty".
Read
November 12, 2017There's an authors warning that comes with this story. And it isn't to be taken lightly. Not one bit. I was prepared for torture and violence but this book was something else. Not even your deepest darkest imagination can prepare you for the disturbing shit that happened in this story.
The entire story is told from Noel's POV. We're in his head for the entire journey of his capture and his acceptance into his new life. I really loved Noel's personally as a human. And found myself laughing outright at some of thoughts in his head. And the way he talked back. But little by little we see him getting broken down and eventually becomes a shell of his former life and self. It was very hard to read the things he endured and went through at the hands of his Sire Theodon and his brother's. It was truly sick and disturbing but I couldn't put the book down! I don't know what that says about me as a person but... I was throughly engrossed in this story.
There's a ton of grammar mistakes and the story doesn't have much world building. Just torture and disturbing kinky sex scenes page after page. Literally nothing happens to further along the story besides sex and torture. Sex and torture. It's exhausting tbqh. Not sure why this story gets so many five star ratings besides maybe people get off on this sort of offensive shit? Who knows?
As much as I couldn't put the book down I'm not sure if I care enough to read more of this.
The entire story is told from Noel's POV. We're in his head for the entire journey of his capture and his acceptance into his new life. I really loved Noel's personally as a human. And found myself laughing outright at some of thoughts in his head. And the way he talked back. But little by little we see him getting broken down and eventually becomes a shell of his former life and self. It was very hard to read the things he endured and went through at the hands of his Sire Theodon and his brother's. It was truly sick and disturbing but I couldn't put the book down! I don't know what that says about me as a person but... I was throughly engrossed in this story.
There's a ton of grammar mistakes and the story doesn't have much world building. Just torture and disturbing kinky sex scenes page after page. Literally nothing happens to further along the story besides sex and torture. Sex and torture. It's exhausting tbqh. Not sure why this story gets so many five star ratings besides maybe people get off on this sort of offensive shit? Who knows?
As much as I couldn't put the book down I'm not sure if I care enough to read more of this.
January 21, 2020
I'm DNF this book after the piss scene. Usually i'm pretty tough in dark romance or in this case dark erotica but this book disgust me in so many levels. The slurs about the character has a "pussy" until earn the privilege of use the name of a male part is disgusting and so, so, so misogynistic. I'm shooked that the author is a woman (i was so sure that was a male author) and so many women rating this 5 stars. Are you all crazy? Jesus! And the book is in resume torture porn. Isn't Sexy or Hot. It's disgusting. But if you like this, boo, go ahead because will have a treat. Isn't my cup of tea and as said before the piss scene was it for me. Noel was trying do the best in a world that goes to insanity and not enough was betrayed but had to bear the person who betrayed him and was the reason for his capture and the death of so many of his friends to piss him... Well this was too much for me. Again... How this book has so many 5 star ratings?! It doesn't get in my head! And the ideia of "the master" commands even in your own head. This is sickining! The beginning of all the rape and in worst way because Noel can't say "No" even in your own head. I was ready to read a book about a character being indoctrinated but this as said torture porn and nothing more. There isn't any story being told here just pages and pages of torture porn. This book really make me sick, i wanna to puke, maybe i will do yet. I never ever had feel so disgusted with a book in my life!
December 29, 2015
These Vampire do not sparkle
Nicholas' vampires , wolves and dragons are NOT for the faint of heart. Absolutely love this series. There are elements (sexually) that squick me out and skip all together but trust me, the world Nicholas created is so vibrant, rich and well thought out that you can't help but get absorbed in it. The plot line is engaging. I care about the characters and what becomes of them.
A word of caution:
this series though an excellent read (for me) is NOT for everyone. It's chock full of: rape, Non- con and sexual acts / BDSM ( Sadist in this instance), that some may find objectionable. If these elements do not appeal to you this series may not be the one for you despite the excellence of the overall plot line.
I'm hooked and already am reading the latest release: Retribution
Well done Nicholas Bella! I'm hooked!
FYI: If you're a fan of The Flesh Cartel #1: Capture or Bloodraven you'll def like this series.
July 22, 2023
Imma keep this short. This book....was something. That's all I got really. It wasn't for me honestly. The author said this wasn't a romance and she was right. If you like heavy sexual sado masochism and torture then you'll probably vibe with this. By no means am I sensitive but this book made me uncomfortable at times. I don't feel like the author was trying to tell a dark sexy tale. It seemed as though she just wanted to be shocking at times. This book is half extremely kinky and really gross. I was also not happy about the murder of very young children in this book. Also I really wanted to punch a lot of characters in this book. A lot. I will say if you trigger easy to avoid this. While I wouldn't say this book was trash, again it wasn't for me. I didn't enjoy it but people with particular tastes will eat this up.
February 9, 2020
This book was basically just smut. It was simply torture porn in my opinion. And I still have no idea how having a bunch of sex with all of your "brothers" is supposed to make you a better vampire. Like, that was seriously all that Noel's training consisted of. This is a good read for those who want something filthy and raunchy, but if you're looking for a book with a plot and bloodsucking creatures that dedicate their time to things other than fucking, than you should skip this book. I wanted vampires that struggled to control their bloodlust. I wanted vampires that stalked prey in the night. I was sorely disappointed that I didn't get any of that with this story. I only got PWP.
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