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After the battle at Masada, the Neteru team returns to San Diego believing forty-thousand demons had been eradicated and that Lilith's spawn has been killed. But somehow the treacherous little creature got away. Just as had been prophesized at the dawn of the Armageddon, the anti-Christ has been born and will soon rise to power.Rewarded for her creation, Lilith is given the daylight bite and power to make Councilmen day-walkers. Having Fallon Nuit and Sebastian able to withstand sunlight is a huge problem, especially when they are adding new master vampires at record-breaking levels. Meanwhile the dark realms are healing and adding to what had previously been wiped out—feeding off the dark energy of the newly created anti-christ who is only waiting to emerge.

Mass Market Paperback

First published February 5, 2008

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1943 people want to read

About the author

L.A. Banks

59 books1,263 followers
A pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant

L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.

Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks

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5 stars
954 (58%)
4 stars
425 (26%)
3 stars
202 (12%)
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31 (1%)
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16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for M.J..
373 reviews23 followers
July 17, 2014
This is one of my favorites in the series, I love that the The Neteru Council of Kings and Queens play a more active role with Guiding our young Neterus and giving them some much need time away from the team.. I love that you get see more of the guradians and their spouses interact and we get a few little surprises as well. I was not a fan Vampire books, however this series is Awesome! I loved every one of these books. they are well written, have a great plot (the never end struggle of Good versus Evil) and great characters. I really don't know how to categorize these books as they have so many elements, drama, suspense, love, mystery, these book have it all. if you are looking for great series to read this some I highly recommend this one!
***Summary***
In the 10 installment of the VHS, we begin with the team at their new compound in San Diego, relaxing after a battle in Masada where they believe the anti-Christ and 40,000 demons where killed, but the injured anti-Christ chrysalis was able to escape. Believing his heir has died, the unnamed one is ready to punish his wife, but Lilith, is able to save their son. Her Husband rewards her with the day walker bite, which she can only deliver to the council, who now has 2 new members Dracula's wife, Elizabeth Bathory as Sebastian’s mate & Lucretia Borgia as Fallon’s Mate, Carlos’ inside man, Yonnie gives the teams some vital information, which may have dire consequences for him, and one of the team members young Daughter is displaying some unusual gifts. Upset, that his son was injured at the hands of the Neterus, the Unnamed One decides to divert the Guardian team’s attention away from his healing heir by unleashing Hell on earth, and attacking someone very close to the Guardians, unleashing a Darkness that paralyzes him and infect Carlos.
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
September 12, 2016
It has been quite some time, years, since I read this series. However, my objective was to finish this 13 book series, and try to see how her werewolf series is. I did try her angel's series, about 2 books back in 2012, and strongly disliked it. It didn't even feel or read like her writing style. Anyhoo, this book started off okay, then bored me, until the ending. Of course, girl meets boy, and then somehow they end up together regardless of their preference(s), meaning one is a vamp and other is an angel. Sounds like some "Charmed" mess. I guess I only have a few more books to go and instead of getting better, I am surely less impressed. I was stunned to read about Abel, whom in the Bible was killed by his elder brother, Cain...and Seth had to carry the seed. They were cameos in this book with Adam and Eve as well. Just seemed awkward to me but quite intriguing when they did get their short appearances.
Profile Image for Rebecca Lien.
176 reviews
June 28, 2023
Commentary

I found that Damali (the main character) is a person young women need in their lives as more than a book. I want her to be portrayed in films! As a young adult I looked to Damali as a role model of who I wanted to be. She is charismatic, a bad ass and a strong lover. I do think that the only down side to Damili's story is that rarely the addict changes as Carlos has which leads the plot to being less realistic. Although I am in love with the way Damili navigates his needs while keeping her own in balance.

Tarot Card - Page of Pentacles

At this point the characters know what to do and have been battle tested but they can't fight what they don’t know.
Profile Image for Amber.
997 reviews15 followers
November 10, 2017
Loved it. So we've got the emergence of the Anti Christ, the breaking of the seals, the end of days is in progress. Heaven against hell in an all out war for earth. And in the midst of it all, Damali and Carlos once again become expectant parents. There are only two books left, I have high hopes for the end of this series. Don't disappoint me Banks! I've loved this series so far. Five out of five stars to The Darkness.
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
3,515 reviews38 followers
January 27, 2018
Each one in the series improves on itself. The love and relationship interactions inspire although some of the propaganda is heavy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katerina.
1,033 reviews29 followers
March 19, 2019
I'm very happy about Yonnie, but I felt like the book dragged at some points with a lot of inner dialogs. I'm curious about Yaya.
177 reviews45 followers
July 11, 2021
Finally finished this series after so long in hiatus. But although I read it out of order, I do understand that eventually Light wins against Darkness.
Profile Image for Phyllis | Mocha Drop.
416 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2009
The Darkness is the tenth installment of the Vampire Huntress Legend series and picks up some months after the last battle at Masada where the anti-Christ chrysalis made a death-defying escape. In this episode, Lucifer becomes more active when he hatches a plan to ensure his heir matures in an optimal environment. Quite naturally, this involves creating hell on earth and forcing the Biblical prophesies leading to Armageddon to come to fruition. Rewarding Lillith for her role in bringing forth his progeny, he elevates her to a coveted council seat where she bestows the day-walking power and daylight bite to Nuit, Sebastian, and Yonnie. To round out the council chairs, poison-welding Lucretia Borgia and Dracula's wife, Elizabeth Bathory, are resurrected as mates for Nuit and Sebastian respectively. They raise an army from the dark realms wrecking havoc everywhere to keep the good side busy while the anti-Christ heals and strengthens in an undisclosed location.

The Neteru team is well-rested and as sharp as ever. Yonnie surprisingly finds love in a new character and finally leaves Tara to her husband. Inez's daughter displays unusual gifts and seems destined to play a larger role in future segments. Carlos and Damali are working well as Generals and wisely heeding advice from the Kings and Queens. However, when Lucifer attacks a seasoned team member, he strategically weakens and poisons Carlos's mind which places the team and him in peril. His purge involves assistance from the upper realms and the power of prayer leads to some unexpected results; giving power to the adage of being careful of what is prayed for as it may just happen.

I found this story refreshing in that the 'good' side seemed to take more of a proactive stance against evil. The Neteru Council is actively involved and the earth-based team is more focused, more cunning, and more in control. They are collaborating well with world-wide forces to make their mark (literally and figuratively) on the face of Darkness. Banks delivers with the goods that fans of the series love and expect: action, passion, and mysticism inspired by numerology, folklore, and multi-religion based beliefs. When the third seal is eventually broken, it only fuels anticipation for The Shadows scheduled for a July 2008 release. The advanced reading copy I reviewed contained four black-and-white illustrations that greatly enhanced the reading experience. I hope to see this trend repeated in future editions.

Reviewed by Phyllis
Profile Image for Sasquatch.
619 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2021
i read it, but overall the series took a massive "Supernatural" turn and fell off the monster hunter train and into the land of the biblical. i imagine the rest of these books are the same.
Profile Image for July.
675 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2008
“L.A. Banks latest book The Darkness finds the gang in the Armageddon days. Seals are being broken. Carlos and Damali are trying to find the anti-Christ so the can put a stop to it before it can rise to power. Nuit and Sebastian talk Lilith into letting them have mates and making them Council Seat Members. Yonnie is walking a very thin line trying to help his brother Carlo's out this time. All in All I thought the book very good.”

Profile Image for pianogal.
3,243 reviews52 followers
November 10, 2008
A little more intense than what I was looking for right now, but I thought the story line of this one was good. Sometimes I can get bogged down with Banks' writing, but this one moved along pretty well. I'm getting ready to see how this all turns out - I think I've got 2 more books in the series to read until I'll find out what happens.
Profile Image for Heather.
480 reviews
April 12, 2010
Another intense, action packed novel in this series. Something was missing for me in this one; almost like we spent too much time on the darkside, I feel like I didn't get enough of the banter I've come to love between the Guardian team. Still a good read and look forward to finding out what happens in the next book!
Profile Image for Erin.
200 reviews
October 5, 2012
The action really becomes deeper, more serious, and more sinister in these last few books. I couldn't put them down, because I was worried about main characters dying. I was a part of their family. I am such a nerd! Haha.
Profile Image for Lizzy DeMarco.
501 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2025
As always Ms Banks does not disappoint. I can't wait to see how she ends the series in the next 2 books. I am also so happy with Yonnie's part in this one. This series is must read for anyone who loves a good vs evil epic.
Profile Image for Debbie Chittenden.
1,096 reviews
January 11, 2016
As many times as I have read and re-read this series, I never tire of the excitement or the power of L. A. Banks words. Her style and her abilities are truly missed. She was blessed with her skills. A truly awesome book chasing the Antichrist!!!!
Profile Image for Steve.
17 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2008
Carlos faces the Unnamed One for the first time, and lives to tell about it
23 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2009
The entire series ROCKS!!! The last book of the series called THIRTEENTH will be available Feb 2009.
264 reviews
August 15, 2010
Seemed like page I turned, the Light had another member. Makes me wonder how the "other" side lives to fight in two more books. Gotta love Rider & the little one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2012
I liked it, I think it could have been without about 100 pages though. Of course I'm on to the next one, The Shadows.
Profile Image for Alexis.
33 reviews
August 8, 2012
The story, her level of detail, the depth of her world and mythology - just amazing. I hope I still have this series somewhere because I am in the mood to reread it! It was that good.
Profile Image for Angel.
110 reviews
January 2, 2013
Great author, great books, great series...I will miss her writing!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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