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Solomon Dark
Love has its own agenda in this twisty supernatural thriller steeped in the backdrop of the 1800s where a tortured slave is bitten by a vampire and gains supernatural abilities that sets him on a path of death and destruction as he searches to rescue his long-lost wife. In the year 1845, Solomon is a tortured slave on the Walken Plantation in South Carolina. Born a slave, Solomon yearns for his freedom. He’s married to Irene, the love of his life. One day, she’s sold off by master to a nearby plantation to pay off Master Walken’s debt. Heartbroken, Solomon escapes one night to find Irene so that they can escape north, to freedom. It’s dark, it’s cold, and slave catchers and dogs are tracking him down. Solomon meets a stranger, a unique black man he assumes is a free man, running into a nearby cabin. This stranger promises Solomon everything he yearns for—freedom, Irene, even power. But it comes with a cost.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2024
23 people are currently reading
2759 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 5, 2025
A vampire book set in the time of slavery that is super hard to read, but super important to read.
Book Stats:
📖: 273 pages
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Publisher: Black Odyssey Media
Format: ebook via NetGalley
Series: 🚫
Themes:
🧛🏾♂️ :Taking your freedom
🧛🏾♂️: The power of love
🧛🏾♂️: Letting go of things you can't control
Representation:
🥀 : Accurate depiction of slavery
🥀: Black cast
Tropes:
💗: Vampires
🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: Racism, violence, rape, slavery **check authors page/socials for full list.
Short Synopsis:
Solomon is a slave on a cotton plantation who yearns for freedom, his wife and safety. When he is forced into an unspeakable deed in order to protect his wife, he goes on the run from his slave owner. Solomon meets a suspicious man in the woods who promises him everything he's ever wanted, but at a cost. Given ultimate power, Solomon goes on a rampage of destruction and revenge.
General Thoughts:
This book is super dark and super hard to read. While the themes that it accurately displays are super important and is meant to make you uncomfortable, and it should make you uncomfortable, I definitely had to injest this book in small doses. I highly recommend checking the triggers for your mental health. If accurate did dictations of slavery and violence are hard for you to read.
Solomon was an extremely layered character. At his base, he is just a man who will do anything to love and protect his wife. He wants family and security. He also knows that any thought of safety is a thin veil of lies. He's constantly afraid for his wife and feels powerless.
The real shining aspect of this book is the way it made me FEEL. I have never felt so much from the beginning to the end of the book. I was on a roller coaster of emotion and I was powerless to stop it. I sobbed like a giant baby at several points in this book. Again, this book is hard to read.
The writing style wasn't completely meshing with my tastes overall. I found it very disjointed and the flow of the story was off to me at times. But it didn't have a large impact on my reading.
Overall, it's an important book to read and it definitely held my attention for the duration. If you can handle the subject matter it's a impactful book to read with a well done supernatural element.
Disclaimer: I read this book via an e-book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Book Stats:
📖: 273 pages
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Publisher: Black Odyssey Media
Format: ebook via NetGalley
Series: 🚫
Themes:
🧛🏾♂️ :Taking your freedom
🧛🏾♂️: The power of love
🧛🏾♂️: Letting go of things you can't control
Representation:
🥀 : Accurate depiction of slavery
🥀: Black cast
Tropes:
💗: Vampires
🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: Racism, violence, rape, slavery **check authors page/socials for full list.
Short Synopsis:
Solomon is a slave on a cotton plantation who yearns for freedom, his wife and safety. When he is forced into an unspeakable deed in order to protect his wife, he goes on the run from his slave owner. Solomon meets a suspicious man in the woods who promises him everything he's ever wanted, but at a cost. Given ultimate power, Solomon goes on a rampage of destruction and revenge.
General Thoughts:
This book is super dark and super hard to read. While the themes that it accurately displays are super important and is meant to make you uncomfortable, and it should make you uncomfortable, I definitely had to injest this book in small doses. I highly recommend checking the triggers for your mental health. If accurate did dictations of slavery and violence are hard for you to read.
Solomon was an extremely layered character. At his base, he is just a man who will do anything to love and protect his wife. He wants family and security. He also knows that any thought of safety is a thin veil of lies. He's constantly afraid for his wife and feels powerless.
The real shining aspect of this book is the way it made me FEEL. I have never felt so much from the beginning to the end of the book. I was on a roller coaster of emotion and I was powerless to stop it. I sobbed like a giant baby at several points in this book. Again, this book is hard to read.
The writing style wasn't completely meshing with my tastes overall. I found it very disjointed and the flow of the story was off to me at times. But it didn't have a large impact on my reading.
Overall, it's an important book to read and it definitely held my attention for the duration. If you can handle the subject matter it's a impactful book to read with a well done supernatural element.
Disclaimer: I read this book via an e-book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 6, 2025
Thank you, Black Odyssey Media, for the digital arc.
This was a quick paced thriller set in Southern America during the years of slavery. While I enjoyed the storytelling, please be forewarned that the subject matters addressed in this story are not enjoyable. The story is set during slavery and the characters' speech, behaviors, and thought patterns are all very heavily reflective of that.
The action started from the very first chapter as we met Akasha and witnessed his transformation as well as the birth of his vengeance. We later meet Solomon and his wife Irene on the plantation and see the strength of their love in the midst of a horror filled reality. I appreciated that the author gave the perspectives of various characters throughout the novel as this created a very full picture of the environment for the reader. The wickedness and audacious thinking of the plantation owners were very palpable and easily juxtaposed to the fear and oppression of the enslaved people. Every time the vampires took center stage, I kept hoping and cheering for them. I really hoped that Akasha would have seen past his personal vengeance and viewed the full picture and how he could have aided more people to the path of freedom. But alas, the complexities of the situations and character development made this story very interesting, and the ending definitely leaves room for a continuation.
This was a quick paced thriller set in Southern America during the years of slavery. While I enjoyed the storytelling, please be forewarned that the subject matters addressed in this story are not enjoyable. The story is set during slavery and the characters' speech, behaviors, and thought patterns are all very heavily reflective of that.
The action started from the very first chapter as we met Akasha and witnessed his transformation as well as the birth of his vengeance. We later meet Solomon and his wife Irene on the plantation and see the strength of their love in the midst of a horror filled reality. I appreciated that the author gave the perspectives of various characters throughout the novel as this created a very full picture of the environment for the reader. The wickedness and audacious thinking of the plantation owners were very palpable and easily juxtaposed to the fear and oppression of the enslaved people. Every time the vampires took center stage, I kept hoping and cheering for them. I really hoped that Akasha would have seen past his personal vengeance and viewed the full picture and how he could have aided more people to the path of freedom. But alas, the complexities of the situations and character development made this story very interesting, and the ending definitely leaves room for a continuation.
July 17, 2025
5 Stars – Gritty, Gripping, and Unforgettable
WOW—what a wild, emotional, action-packed ride! If you took Django Unchained, added a supernatural twist, and cranked the intensity all the way up, you’d get Solomon Dark.
Set in the brutal backdrop of the 1800s during slavery, this story doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time. It’s raw, visceral, and at times gut-wrenching—so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.
The story hooks you from the very first page. Solomon, an enslaved man desperate for freedom and safety for himself and his wife, escapes and encounters Akasha in the woods. He offers him what he desires—but at a cost. Once gifted with immense, dark power, Solomon begins an intense and bloody journey to reclaim his wife, who was traded away, all while leaving a storm of vengeance in his wake.
This book made me feel everything—grief, rage, hope, triumph, and excitement. The pacing is relentless, especially in audio (which I devoured in record time), and I couldn’t stop listening. It’s the kind of story that gets under your skin and doesn’t let go.
There was a small lull toward the end, and Akasha’s motives got a bit murky, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience. The ending? Left me wanting more. I’m really hoping there’s a sequel in the works because I’m not ready to let go of Solomon’s story just yet.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for something bold, emotional, and truly unique.
Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
WOW—what a wild, emotional, action-packed ride! If you took Django Unchained, added a supernatural twist, and cranked the intensity all the way up, you’d get Solomon Dark.
Set in the brutal backdrop of the 1800s during slavery, this story doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time. It’s raw, visceral, and at times gut-wrenching—so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.
The story hooks you from the very first page. Solomon, an enslaved man desperate for freedom and safety for himself and his wife, escapes and encounters Akasha in the woods. He offers him what he desires—but at a cost. Once gifted with immense, dark power, Solomon begins an intense and bloody journey to reclaim his wife, who was traded away, all while leaving a storm of vengeance in his wake.
This book made me feel everything—grief, rage, hope, triumph, and excitement. The pacing is relentless, especially in audio (which I devoured in record time), and I couldn’t stop listening. It’s the kind of story that gets under your skin and doesn’t let go.
There was a small lull toward the end, and Akasha’s motives got a bit murky, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience. The ending? Left me wanting more. I’m really hoping there’s a sequel in the works because I’m not ready to let go of Solomon’s story just yet.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for something bold, emotional, and truly unique.
Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ *ARC REVIEW* Okay this one was a little harder for me to rate lol. It was very entertaining! It gave me some Django and Nat turner vibes but with vampires. That's why I rated it higher. But, I was a little confused with the plot for the main vampire. At first I thought he was protecting the enslaved and killing those who enslaved them, but it seemed like he didn't care who died as long as he got vengeance. The enslaved were going through hell already, and it seemed like he made it even worse without caring to help. I wanted to scream help the people! I was also confused with the way the vampires origin connected to the biblical times with Cain. And omg warning ⚠️ there are some gruesome scenes and action in this book. Take into account that this was during slavery times so alot of evil and disgusting things were happening to people. I had to close my eyes on some parts and i wasn't even watching a movie. But overall i was glued them pages!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
I was in the mood for a Black vampire book set in the South and that book is just that. The book follows Solomon a slave on the walk in plantation who life changes drastically when he runs away and encounters Akasha, a mysterious figure. With hopes of Akasha helping Solomon return to his true love, Irene. I will warn you due to the setting and time period, I would check trigger warnings as some of the material was hard to digest. One thing I did appreciate was the moral complexity of the story.
May 24, 2025
📖 Title: Solomon Dark-a standalone
✍🏾 Author: Erick S. Gray-new to me author
📅Publication date: 7/23/24 | Read 5/23/25
📃 Format:e-Book 273 pgs.
Genre:
*Historical Fiction
*AA Interests
*Supernatural Thriller
Tropes:
*vampires
*rebellion/vengeance
*quest
*The Slave Bible-the master removes pages from the Bible and keeps the mentions of slavery as God's will
*See movies: Nat Turner's Rebellion-Birth of a Nation/Django Unchained
👆🏾POV: 3rd person multiple
⚠️TW: slavery, torture/abuse, r*pe, mob justice
🌎 Setting: The South 1845
Summary: Solomon and his wife are slaves on a plantation, but when their overseer has a wandering eye for Irene Solomon rebels. He escapes and is recaptured but refuses to be a victim anymore.
👨🏾 Hero: Solomon-the plantation blacksmith who goes through a transformation after enduring so much abuse.
🎭 Other Characters:
* Akasha- from MidAtlantic slave trade turned vampire, from 1755 abroad the Abigail slave ship
* Irene-Solomon's wife,a field slave who picks cotton
* Cornwell Walken-the plantation master
* Coleman-Walken's overseer
* Randall McHenry-another master Irene is sold to
* Kaiser Adelberg-a German bounty hunter that kills rogue vampires, buys 2 slave Noah and Melody to help him
🤔 My Thoughts: This was triggering but a part of history that needed to be told. The supernatural twist added a thrill to an otherwise tragic story. Akasha was a polarizing figure for me and hated the way he doled out justice. Solomon had a moral compass and was steadfast in his quest to find Irene.
It ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait!
Rating: 5/5 ✨
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Erick S. Gary for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Erick S. Gray-new to me author
📅Publication date: 7/23/24 | Read 5/23/25
📃 Format:e-Book 273 pgs.
Genre:
*Historical Fiction
*AA Interests
*Supernatural Thriller
Tropes:
*vampires
*rebellion/vengeance
*quest
*The Slave Bible-the master removes pages from the Bible and keeps the mentions of slavery as God's will
*See movies: Nat Turner's Rebellion-Birth of a Nation/Django Unchained
👆🏾POV: 3rd person multiple
⚠️TW: slavery, torture/abuse, r*pe, mob justice
🌎 Setting: The South 1845
Summary: Solomon and his wife are slaves on a plantation, but when their overseer has a wandering eye for Irene Solomon rebels. He escapes and is recaptured but refuses to be a victim anymore.
👨🏾 Hero: Solomon-the plantation blacksmith who goes through a transformation after enduring so much abuse.
🎭 Other Characters:
* Akasha- from MidAtlantic slave trade turned vampire, from 1755 abroad the Abigail slave ship
* Irene-Solomon's wife,a field slave who picks cotton
* Cornwell Walken-the plantation master
* Coleman-Walken's overseer
* Randall McHenry-another master Irene is sold to
* Kaiser Adelberg-a German bounty hunter that kills rogue vampires, buys 2 slave Noah and Melody to help him
🤔 My Thoughts: This was triggering but a part of history that needed to be told. The supernatural twist added a thrill to an otherwise tragic story. Akasha was a polarizing figure for me and hated the way he doled out justice. Solomon had a moral compass and was steadfast in his quest to find Irene.
It ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait!
Rating: 5/5 ✨
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Erick S. Gary for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
May 28, 2025
3.75 Stars. This book was definitely something else—in a good way! Just a heads-up: make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in, as the story explores some intense and heavy themes.
What initially drew me in was the premise, especially since the movie Sinners just came out and I’ve been eager to read more stories featuring Black vampires. Solomon Dark did not disappoint. It’s a dark, vengeful vampire tale primarily set in the 1800s during slavery, which adds a unique and powerful layer to the narrative.
Akasha, a former slave turned vampire, is awakened and driven by revenge—unstoppable and unapologetic. On the other side, you have Solomon, a man determined to protect his wife at all costs. Their paths collide in a gripping and emotional journey filled with tension, bloodlust, and love.
I’d describe this as a dark paranormal love story with a lot of promise. While I really enjoyed the concept and the characters, I felt like there were quite a few loose ends. That said, it seems like a sequel might be in the works, so I’m hoping it’ll bring more closure.
Overall, I think this book is a bold and refreshing take on Black vampire lore, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next. Thank you Net galley and Black Odyssey Media for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
What initially drew me in was the premise, especially since the movie Sinners just came out and I’ve been eager to read more stories featuring Black vampires. Solomon Dark did not disappoint. It’s a dark, vengeful vampire tale primarily set in the 1800s during slavery, which adds a unique and powerful layer to the narrative.
Akasha, a former slave turned vampire, is awakened and driven by revenge—unstoppable and unapologetic. On the other side, you have Solomon, a man determined to protect his wife at all costs. Their paths collide in a gripping and emotional journey filled with tension, bloodlust, and love.
I’d describe this as a dark paranormal love story with a lot of promise. While I really enjoyed the concept and the characters, I felt like there were quite a few loose ends. That said, it seems like a sequel might be in the works, so I’m hoping it’ll bring more closure.
Overall, I think this book is a bold and refreshing take on Black vampire lore, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next. Thank you Net galley and Black Odyssey Media for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 19, 2024
Django Unchained meets Dracula
Django Unchained meets Dracula in Solomon Dark by Erick S. Gray. Set in the deep south in 1845, an enslaved man named Solomon plots to escape his sadistic slave owner and flee to the north with wife, Irene. But after a confrontation with the slave overseer, Solomon is punished with Irene sold off to another plantation. Meanwhile, tension in the south reaches a fever pitch when rumors that the slaves are planning a revolt after several slave owners and their families are brutally slaughtered and Solomon is the number one suspect. After escaping, Solomon meets a free man named Akasha, a former slave turned vampire, who offers Solomon power, freedom, and a chance to reunite with his wife but he must agree to help him carry out his vendetta to destroy the institution of slavery and the people that uphold it.
I enjoyed this story, but I understand how it could be a hard read for some people. The N word is used a LOT and there are graphic scenes of sexual assault and humiliation from slave owners that can be triggering. However, if you can bear through those things, this captivating, dark thriller tells an entertaining story of a supernatural civil war.
Django Unchained meets Dracula in Solomon Dark by Erick S. Gray. Set in the deep south in 1845, an enslaved man named Solomon plots to escape his sadistic slave owner and flee to the north with wife, Irene. But after a confrontation with the slave overseer, Solomon is punished with Irene sold off to another plantation. Meanwhile, tension in the south reaches a fever pitch when rumors that the slaves are planning a revolt after several slave owners and their families are brutally slaughtered and Solomon is the number one suspect. After escaping, Solomon meets a free man named Akasha, a former slave turned vampire, who offers Solomon power, freedom, and a chance to reunite with his wife but he must agree to help him carry out his vendetta to destroy the institution of slavery and the people that uphold it.
I enjoyed this story, but I understand how it could be a hard read for some people. The N word is used a LOT and there are graphic scenes of sexual assault and humiliation from slave owners that can be triggering. However, if you can bear through those things, this captivating, dark thriller tells an entertaining story of a supernatural civil war.
November 9, 2025
Solomon Dark by Erick S. Gray was worth every read. First of all, I adore historical fiction and our main character Solomon, his story is set in an 1845 South Carolina plantation, as a slave who is hellbent on rescuing his wife and both of them escaping to the north to freedom.
Until Akasha arrives.
What I really loved about this book was the atmosphere and emotion, you really get a sense of the enslaved life in that time. Also, the strong motivation of the main character. Solomon's love for Irene and desire for freedom gives the story heart.
Finally, the pacing and the hook was on point; from the very beginning, it was on! I loved that.
This book really impressed me by tackling a brutal historical reality and injecting supernatural horror, it worked.
Warning: this was a quick but not light read. There's slavery, torture and abuse, so trigger warning alert. However, once you keep reading, it will not disappoint.
Thank you Black Odessey Media, NetGalley and Erick S Gray for this ark.
Great work!
4 STARS
Until Akasha arrives.
What I really loved about this book was the atmosphere and emotion, you really get a sense of the enslaved life in that time. Also, the strong motivation of the main character. Solomon's love for Irene and desire for freedom gives the story heart.
Finally, the pacing and the hook was on point; from the very beginning, it was on! I loved that.
This book really impressed me by tackling a brutal historical reality and injecting supernatural horror, it worked.
Warning: this was a quick but not light read. There's slavery, torture and abuse, so trigger warning alert. However, once you keep reading, it will not disappoint.
Thank you Black Odessey Media, NetGalley and Erick S Gray for this ark.
Great work!
4 STARS
July 5, 2025
ARC Received: NetGally - Black Odessy Media
Publication Date: June 23, 2024
This twisty supernatural thriller blends rebellion, love, and vampirism against the brutal backdrop of 1845 South Carolina. Solomon’s journey from tortured slave to supernatural force is both tragic and enthralling. The story wastes no time pulling you into its dark atmosphere—slavery, betrayal, the burning need for freedom, and a chilling offer that changes everything.
The vampire twist adds a whole new layer to Solomon’s quest to find Irene, turning his desperation into a blood-soaked path of vengeance and power. I loved the historical setting fused with gothic horror—it gave the story real stakes (pun fully intended) and emotional depth. Plus, a mysterious Black vampire mentor? I need more of that lore ASAP. If you’re into rebellion, vampires, and revenge-fueled redemption arcs, this one’s for you. And with the way it ended? I need book two on my shelf yesterday.
Publication Date: June 23, 2024
This twisty supernatural thriller blends rebellion, love, and vampirism against the brutal backdrop of 1845 South Carolina. Solomon’s journey from tortured slave to supernatural force is both tragic and enthralling. The story wastes no time pulling you into its dark atmosphere—slavery, betrayal, the burning need for freedom, and a chilling offer that changes everything.
The vampire twist adds a whole new layer to Solomon’s quest to find Irene, turning his desperation into a blood-soaked path of vengeance and power. I loved the historical setting fused with gothic horror—it gave the story real stakes (pun fully intended) and emotional depth. Plus, a mysterious Black vampire mentor? I need more of that lore ASAP. If you’re into rebellion, vampires, and revenge-fueled redemption arcs, this one’s for you. And with the way it ended? I need book two on my shelf yesterday.
August 9, 2024
Solomon Dark is a Vampire story set during the 1800s, so please be prepared for EVERYTHING that comes with slavery. Solomon Dark is a supernatural love story about a slave named Solomon. Solomon dreams of freedom for himself and his wife Irene. He just wants to be a good husband and protect his wife from all the things that happens to female slaves. Akasha is a former slave who is now vampire hell bent on revenge at any cost. Akasha's need for revenge sets off a chain of events that in MY opinion could have been avoided if he just turned all the slaves into vampires and dealt with things differently. Then again like I said he was hell bent on revenge! I give this book 3.6 while I did enjoy the story parts seemed rushed, and the climax feel flat for me. The end was left open for a second book.
May 13, 2025
4⭐️
Van Hesling/Dracula x Deep South slavery. If you just saw Sinners and loved it, this will continue to give you the high and fix you need.
Extremely fast and well paced, you are gripped from the first page. Submerging you into Deep South slavery, you follow the story of Solomon and his life on a plantation and crossing paths with Akasha, our vampire.
You get multiple POVs that are written extremely well. The fight scenes are descriptive and immersive. This was well done and I found myself not wanting it to end.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: This book is set in 1850s Deep South USA. Racism, murder, and rape are heavily present. If you’re not comfortable, do not proceed.
Van Hesling/Dracula x Deep South slavery. If you just saw Sinners and loved it, this will continue to give you the high and fix you need.
Extremely fast and well paced, you are gripped from the first page. Submerging you into Deep South slavery, you follow the story of Solomon and his life on a plantation and crossing paths with Akasha, our vampire.
You get multiple POVs that are written extremely well. The fight scenes are descriptive and immersive. This was well done and I found myself not wanting it to end.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: This book is set in 1850s Deep South USA. Racism, murder, and rape are heavily present. If you’re not comfortable, do not proceed.
July 22, 2025
Solomon Dark is an intense book that covers slavery and the horrible atrocious acts committed by white plantation owners. It is also about survival, resilience, and love. There is also a vampire who wants revenge, and you can't help but root for his success and enjoy his bloody gory kills.
I enjoyed this book so much!! Yes, it was hard to read at times, but it is necessary so that we never forget. I enjoyed Irene and Solomon's love story. I never wanted Kaiser Adelberg to ever find Akasha. The pacing was perfect, the storyline was great, and the end???? Chef's kiss!
Thank you, Netgalley and Black Odyssey Media, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoyed this book so much!! Yes, it was hard to read at times, but it is necessary so that we never forget. I enjoyed Irene and Solomon's love story. I never wanted Kaiser Adelberg to ever find Akasha. The pacing was perfect, the storyline was great, and the end???? Chef's kiss!
Thank you, Netgalley and Black Odyssey Media, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
June 6, 2025
Thank you Black Odyssey Media for the ARC (via Netgalley).
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing style, hence the 4 star rating, but the plot? Wow! And while it was released a year earlier; it will perfectly scratch the itch anyone got after watching Sinners. It also took me back to the slave ship scene in American Gods, Octavia Butler’s Kindred, Roots and Django unchained.
TW:
Racism
Sexual assault
Degradation
Misogyny
Abuse
The vampire killings did not bother me, clearly the victims mostly “deserves it”.
The vampire lore was unique and kept me hooked to the story.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing style, hence the 4 star rating, but the plot? Wow! And while it was released a year earlier; it will perfectly scratch the itch anyone got after watching Sinners. It also took me back to the slave ship scene in American Gods, Octavia Butler’s Kindred, Roots and Django unchained.
TW:
Racism
Sexual assault
Degradation
Misogyny
Abuse
The vampire killings did not bother me, clearly the victims mostly “deserves it”.
The vampire lore was unique and kept me hooked to the story.
August 4, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
I thought this was a pretty good book. It has heavy topics that it doesn't shy away from. The characters are well written and really keep you gripped in the story. It is dark and violent. The only issue i had with the book was the writing style. It didn't really work for me a lot of the time. However the characters did keep me interested.
I thought this was a pretty good book. It has heavy topics that it doesn't shy away from. The characters are well written and really keep you gripped in the story. It is dark and violent. The only issue i had with the book was the writing style. It didn't really work for me a lot of the time. However the characters did keep me interested.
July 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I really hate to say this but I had to DNF this one. Throughout my 50 days of reading this, I could barely pick it up, and when I did, I forced myself to read it. I think I made it through 1/4 before I called it quits. I guess I just wasn't in the right mood for this one at the time.
April 25, 2025
If you’re looking for a book like the movie Sinners look no further. If you’re new to paranormal and love historical fiction this is definitely the book for you. Well written. Can’t wait for the second book.
May 6, 2025
Wow!
This was so so epic! The horrors of slavery and humanity truly do rival the horrors or traditional monsters. This book really illuminated that, along with bad ass revenge plots and the surprise ending. I loved it!
This was so so epic! The horrors of slavery and humanity truly do rival the horrors or traditional monsters. This book really illuminated that, along with bad ass revenge plots and the surprise ending. I loved it!
June 23, 2025
Very interesting, intense, heartbreaking, and powerful.
January 10, 2026
This book is insane! A vengeful vampire, Akasha, is unleashed on the American South after dying on a slave ship. His bloody rampage sparks fear and rumors of a slave revolt, but he's only after the cruel slave owners. Things get even crazier when he turns another slave, Solomon, into a vampire. Solomon's torn he has to feed, but he tries to spare the innocent. And then there's the vampire hunter, Kaiser Adelberg with a hidden sword in his walking stick is a total badass. It's a wild ride with a compelling love story at its heart. Thank you too Black Odyssey media and NetGalley for this Advanced reader copy all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews