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Ever Dark #4
The Vampire King's Promise
While Julian and Christian have been struggling to understand what their new Vampire lives will be going forward, they haven’t counted on their prior human lives being much more complicated. But that’s exactly the case as Christian’s parents come to dinner at Ravenscroft Manor. But the boys are not the only ones finding out that their pasts are going to interfere with their presents. Balthazar is struggling to accept that he is the Immortal Eyros reborn. But he may not be the only other Immortal that is back… or maybe never left.
This is a long serial that is divided into book-length segments. Every single one ends in a cliffhanger. We anticipate there being 7 to 8 volumes. This series will not be in KU, because it is on the Raythe Reign serial website. There is also a free podcast on Youtube with a full voice cast!
This is a long serial that is divided into book-length segments. Every single one ends in a cliffhanger. We anticipate there being 7 to 8 volumes. This series will not be in KU, because it is on the Raythe Reign serial website. There is also a free podcast on Youtube with a full voice cast!
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2023
37 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
90 books706 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 7, 2024
“You’ve lived 200 years, had countless lovers, and yet I’m still able to make you speechless. You must like me very much”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my favorite volume so far. The plot continues to thicken, some of the antagonists don't seem as bad as I thought, Daemon is naked at a family dinner, and all my favorite vampires are horny as fuck. I cannot tell you how many times I've heard the word 🐓 in a SINGLE chapter. Honestly, I had a blast! This is also the first time I've listened instead of read full smut scenes, and let me tell you, I'm still blushing. It made me wonder if the voice actors blushed too, especially the guy who kept saying 🐓. I knew smut was coming, but I didn't think it would shock me that much. It felt like the first time I'd ever read adult romance. I definitely like audiobooks, now 🤭
Moreover, I don't have much to say about the main characters. Nothing much has changed about them since the last volume. Not that I expect character development in every volume. They are fifteen chapters each after all, and well-written character arcs should develop gradually. What does move really fast is the romance. As I've said before, I am not a fan of insta-love, and it does irritate me a little bit when I read it, but I can look past it when it comes to fated mates and master-fledgling relationships. It comes with the territory.
Besides, both couples are so cute! I can't get enough of them. They are especially horny, too, which is exactly my cup of tea. In my defense, it's such a shame to write vampire romance and not add a good amount of smut to go with it. Sure, there are YA vampire romance books that I love with my entire heart, but I'd be lying if I said they wouldn't be even better with a little more detail.🤷🏻♀️What's more, I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the shenanigans they go through in this volume. The whole subplot with Balthazar and Daemon meeting Christian's parents (and Julian's guardians), only for Daemon to end up naked and completely unbothered by it before the dinner even starts. I was on the floor wheezing while listening to that chapter.
Lastly, as I've already mentioned, I was surprised by some of the characters I thought would be villains but don't quite fit that category now. To be fair, I can't be certain that they will actually switch sides or even stay with the good guys. In fact, one character is still a shitty person even if he is questioning what he is being told. I didn't care much about these characters before, but their subplots are becoming too interesting to ignore and I can see myself obsessing over their stories in the following volumes. I can't wait to find out how the story progresses.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my favorite volume so far. The plot continues to thicken, some of the antagonists don't seem as bad as I thought, Daemon is naked at a family dinner, and all my favorite vampires are horny as fuck. I cannot tell you how many times I've heard the word 🐓 in a SINGLE chapter. Honestly, I had a blast! This is also the first time I've listened instead of read full smut scenes, and let me tell you, I'm still blushing. It made me wonder if the voice actors blushed too, especially the guy who kept saying 🐓. I knew smut was coming, but I didn't think it would shock me that much. It felt like the first time I'd ever read adult romance. I definitely like audiobooks, now 🤭
Moreover, I don't have much to say about the main characters. Nothing much has changed about them since the last volume. Not that I expect character development in every volume. They are fifteen chapters each after all, and well-written character arcs should develop gradually. What does move really fast is the romance. As I've said before, I am not a fan of insta-love, and it does irritate me a little bit when I read it, but I can look past it when it comes to fated mates and master-fledgling relationships. It comes with the territory.
Besides, both couples are so cute! I can't get enough of them. They are especially horny, too, which is exactly my cup of tea. In my defense, it's such a shame to write vampire romance and not add a good amount of smut to go with it. Sure, there are YA vampire romance books that I love with my entire heart, but I'd be lying if I said they wouldn't be even better with a little more detail.🤷🏻♀️What's more, I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the shenanigans they go through in this volume. The whole subplot with Balthazar and Daemon meeting Christian's parents (and Julian's guardians), only for Daemon to end up naked and completely unbothered by it before the dinner even starts. I was on the floor wheezing while listening to that chapter.
Lastly, as I've already mentioned, I was surprised by some of the characters I thought would be villains but don't quite fit that category now. To be fair, I can't be certain that they will actually switch sides or even stay with the good guys. In fact, one character is still a shitty person even if he is questioning what he is being told. I didn't care much about these characters before, but their subplots are becoming too interesting to ignore and I can see myself obsessing over their stories in the following volumes. I can't wait to find out how the story progresses.
March 26, 2025
Continued good world building, but for some reason I could put this book down, didn't grip me like the earlier books. Maybe just need a break from the series and I may come back to it.
April 28, 2025
This was such a good book. I was super interested to see more of the development of the characters in this one compared to the last one.
I really liked getting to see more of Christian’s parents. I liked getting to see a little bit of them from the end of the last book when Daemon and Julian met with them. However, it was good seeing them interact not only with Julian but also with Christian. I really loved getting to see Balthazar absolutely fumble his way through that whole interaction.
I also really liked learning more about Fiona. I was honestly super annoyed by Fiona as a character for pretty much the whole third book. I feel like after reading this book I actually started to learn more about her, and it made her a little bit more of a likable character. I liked that Balthazar was starting to interact with her and Arcius together more. There were also more opportunities for intimate moments between the couples. This also meant that the spicy rating was a level 5.
Overall, I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. It was a little bit slow in the middle but overall super cute and exciting and a good book for development.
I really liked getting to see more of Christian’s parents. I liked getting to see a little bit of them from the end of the last book when Daemon and Julian met with them. However, it was good seeing them interact not only with Julian but also with Christian. I really loved getting to see Balthazar absolutely fumble his way through that whole interaction.
I also really liked learning more about Fiona. I was honestly super annoyed by Fiona as a character for pretty much the whole third book. I feel like after reading this book I actually started to learn more about her, and it made her a little bit more of a likable character. I liked that Balthazar was starting to interact with her and Arcius together more. There were also more opportunities for intimate moments between the couples. This also meant that the spicy rating was a level 5.
Overall, I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. It was a little bit slow in the middle but overall super cute and exciting and a good book for development.
September 10, 2025
4.5 stars. Audiobook. Vampires and humans and love romances and bromances and friendships. Series of nine books with wonderful world building and a large cast of characters. Exceptionally well done character introductions, spaced out and different enough to keep them all straight, narration is with multiple actors, so that helped too. Low angst, low drama, a lot goes right for these characters and they actively try to fix hurts and heal emotional wounds for themselves and each other. Not OTT super sweet, but lots of support and caring. Felt like a mini series or soap opera since there were multiple romances and many different storylines with multiple POV. Really enjoyed the story, kept moving, stayed interesting. Totally binge-able, no tedious recapping. Recommend reading them all together or very close together due to the large cast and many plots, you need to remember who everyone is for the full impact at the end. Must read all installments for the HEA as many end on cliffhangers.
Sounded like there was a spinoff, Vampire Academy, that I would be interested in just to see what the characters are up to.
HEA, series, vampires, humans, m/m, urban fantasy vibes.
Sounded like there was a spinoff, Vampire Academy, that I would be interested in just to see what the characters are up to.
HEA, series, vampires, humans, m/m, urban fantasy vibes.
December 6, 2023
The plot thickens. I am very excited to see how the series will continue.
June 22, 2023
As things continue to progress this book takes some times to slow down as well and truly check in on the characters that have so far simply been dragged along.
Christian and Julian have been moving forwards ever since they got turned, having to keep moving as the world forced them onwards. But now with Christian's parents coming to see them it is time to slow down and assess all that has happened. This was a really good turn in the book as it gave each a time to assess what has happened and what they want to come in the future. It also gave them time with their respective partners/masters to see what the relationship will be and what support they have. Christian confronted his own past and how it has held him back, seeing what he wanted with Balthazar and what was to come between them. Meanwhile, Julian confronted his more recent past and the hurts he faced with his isolated and near deadly turning, and what it can mean for trusting the person who is supposed to hold his future. It was a good moment of contemplation and loving support.
At the same time the story progresses ever onwards as the threats facing Daemon and his supporters have not ended. Caemorn is still coming for them to stop the threat to his power, but the people pulling his strings may want even more than that. At the same time other immortals are slowly being revealed as it becomes clear that none of them can truly die and each will appear again somewhere, possibly somewhere close to Daemon.
Another really good look in this book was into Daemon's choices. The wars, the religion, the changes and closing of the vampire world has all truly stemmed from Daemon leaving. While it was clear that he thought he was leaving things in good hands with his fellow Immortals, it was also clear that he didn't quite care. Daemon decided to sleep until he could have his own fledgling and the needs of his people and he friends couldn't sway him from that. This was in some ways an extraordinarily selfish decision. This is brought up and gone into, which was interesting, as until this moment it has always seemed as though Daemon would be above reproach. Though he isn't human it is interesting to learn that Daemon does still have fallibility. It will also make it better for people to see if he is truly to step forward as king once again.
A slightly calmer and quieter midpoint book, this was also a setup for what is sure to be some major action moving forward. The pressure is building against Daemon and it will be interesting to see what actions are taken next and what other allies and enemies will reveal themselves as it all happens!
Christian and Julian have been moving forwards ever since they got turned, having to keep moving as the world forced them onwards. But now with Christian's parents coming to see them it is time to slow down and assess all that has happened. This was a really good turn in the book as it gave each a time to assess what has happened and what they want to come in the future. It also gave them time with their respective partners/masters to see what the relationship will be and what support they have. Christian confronted his own past and how it has held him back, seeing what he wanted with Balthazar and what was to come between them. Meanwhile, Julian confronted his more recent past and the hurts he faced with his isolated and near deadly turning, and what it can mean for trusting the person who is supposed to hold his future. It was a good moment of contemplation and loving support.
At the same time the story progresses ever onwards as the threats facing Daemon and his supporters have not ended. Caemorn is still coming for them to stop the threat to his power, but the people pulling his strings may want even more than that. At the same time other immortals are slowly being revealed as it becomes clear that none of them can truly die and each will appear again somewhere, possibly somewhere close to Daemon.
Another really good look in this book was into Daemon's choices. The wars, the religion, the changes and closing of the vampire world has all truly stemmed from Daemon leaving. While it was clear that he thought he was leaving things in good hands with his fellow Immortals, it was also clear that he didn't quite care. Daemon decided to sleep until he could have his own fledgling and the needs of his people and he friends couldn't sway him from that. This was in some ways an extraordinarily selfish decision. This is brought up and gone into, which was interesting, as until this moment it has always seemed as though Daemon would be above reproach. Though he isn't human it is interesting to learn that Daemon does still have fallibility. It will also make it better for people to see if he is truly to step forward as king once again.
A slightly calmer and quieter midpoint book, this was also a setup for what is sure to be some major action moving forward. The pressure is building against Daemon and it will be interesting to see what actions are taken next and what other allies and enemies will reveal themselves as it all happens!
September 7, 2025
Finally we’re getting somewhere! This is the 4th installment in the series and my favorite so far. There is finally some spice ppl! I would have preferred more of course but it was done so sensually I can’t be mad about the lack. I just figured this series was going to be a slow burn without any spice at all so I was happy the 2 main couples are finally getting some!
What made this book stand out is the increase in humor and banter along with the action. I never thought I’d enjoy a series with such low heat but I stand corrected.
Can’t wait to find out how things end.
What made this book stand out is the increase in humor and banter along with the action. I never thought I’d enjoy a series with such low heat but I stand corrected.
Can’t wait to find out how things end.
June 16, 2023
I anticipate that the upcoming smack down will be epic
It’s pretty evident that Kaly has no real clue how much Daemon would do to protect Julian. He wouldn’t simply allow another to use Julian as a pawn, but would rather descend like a wrathful storm on anyone who would dare try. And that’s not even taking what Julian himself would do in retaliation. I’d love to see Caemorn try to obey his Master and fail spectacularly due to Julian’s own strengths.
It’s pretty evident that Kaly has no real clue how much Daemon would do to protect Julian. He wouldn’t simply allow another to use Julian as a pawn, but would rather descend like a wrathful storm on anyone who would dare try. And that’s not even taking what Julian himself would do in retaliation. I’d love to see Caemorn try to obey his Master and fail spectacularly due to Julian’s own strengths.
December 30, 2024
OK now Christian‘s mom really got on my damn nerves for real. I felt like she needed to smacked I am glad that Baltazar finally got in through to her. I am interested in finding out what happens next it’s just getting deeper and deeper. Off to the next book.
October 12, 2025
rating - 3.5 stars
Again super good if you're just looking for something quick and not that complex. I like that the relationships are really starting to progress and the plot is becoming more interesting.
Again super good if you're just looking for something quick and not that complex. I like that the relationships are really starting to progress and the plot is becoming more interesting.
October 11, 2024
Like always great!!!!
December 9, 2023
"In the fourth installment of the Ever Dark series, there's a noticeable departure in pacing compared to its predecessors. The narrative adopts a deliberate, slow burn approach, providing readers with an opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of character development. This shift enables substantial growth arcs for pivotal figures like Balazaar, Christian, and Julien.
Given the expansive series length, this deliberate pacing feels purposeful, allowing readers a chance to immerse themselves more fully in the characters' evolution as the series approaches its climactic resolution. The measured cadence serves as a thoughtful build-up, enriching the overall narrative experience."
Given the expansive series length, this deliberate pacing feels purposeful, allowing readers a chance to immerse themselves more fully in the characters' evolution as the series approaches its climactic resolution. The measured cadence serves as a thoughtful build-up, enriching the overall narrative experience."
October 19, 2025
Excellent, would be better if edited.
These stories are excellent and I enjoy them thoroughly. I could only wish that they could be better edited; the lack of editing and clear language breaks the flow, is annoying and frustrating and is reflected in my 4 stars. This could be a 5 star story if correctly edited.
These stories are excellent and I enjoy them thoroughly. I could only wish that they could be better edited; the lack of editing and clear language breaks the flow, is annoying and frustrating and is reflected in my 4 stars. This could be a 5 star story if correctly edited.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews