Samael's Descent: Crimson Quarter Chronicles

by Pricilla Stone

A chance encounter in a dark alley turns Samael's already tortured life into a nightmare when a female vampire transforms him against his will. Abandoned to navigate the brutal transition alone, Samael succumbs to blood lust and takes his first victim--his wife. Plunged into a murderous spiral, he becomes the infamous "vampire stalker". Redemption beckons in the form of an older vampire seeking to mend the tarnished image of their rejected species. Can Samael break free from his monstrous nature, or is he destined to be forever known by the chilling title he earned? Explore the dark depths of humanity and vampiric struggles in this gripping erptic horror novella.


This book is a prequel to a novel called Marked Mortality. It follows the origin story of a vampire named Samael Hart on his journey from an already troubled man to a vampire who becomes a serial killer. He ends up being mentored by one of the original vampires who is trying to make vampires a respectable part of society. This book contains sex, gore and many other taboo topic so please read the trigger warnings.

Genres: Vampires

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2024

Reviews

[Megan’s Library xo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great prequel learning about Samaels past and I’m intrigued to read ‘Marked Mortality’ when it’s released.

I had a real love hate relationship with Samael. One minute I loved him and the next I was cussing him into next week😅. Especially with the cheating. I was fuming😂. But I felt sorry for him in the end.

This was a super fast paced book with a lot going on and a lot of different characters. But it left me wanting more and I can’t wait to see what happens next and how the story develops🫶🏻

[Laken Bordner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this novella. This new indie author is someone you should be wanting to follow. Her words in this book are pure poetry as they flow together. The descriptions of the characters and details in this novella are amazing.

As someone that usually begins with hating a main character to falling in love with them I was obsessed with Samael aka Sam throughout this whole novella. His bruiting yet troubled personality kept me wanting more. His demeanor toward women in the beginning rubbed me the wrong way the way he used them. Although, his obsession toward his wife was so endearing and the separation of the two was amazing. His demeanor toward “whores” as he called them was a way for him not to hurt his family. In a way he shuts off his humanity after a horrible event. **definitely need to read to find out.**

Later on in the book a savior comes to help Sam control these urges he is facing and to embrace his new form. Gabriel is someone I have come to love and his soul is by far one I am ready to follow in the Novel Marked Mortality coming in the future.

If you love vampires and troubled souls this is for you. Spice is limited but it’s definitely on point if you don’t want something too overwhelming. Excited to see where this author takes these characters and what journeys they will go on.

[Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the word choice in this book, it helped with imagery immensely. Very refreshing to read. It is a prequel short story about Samuel and his descent into darkness aka the vampire world.

Sam is an army vet w toxic traits, he cheats on his wife and gets into fights. Well one of the nights he tries to help a homeless man from being jumped and ends up getting into a deadly knife fight. But then an ethereal woman comes and saves him but little does he know this second chance at life is not a blessing from above.
Sam realizes too late he is a vampire.

After destroying his family he seeks solitude and purpose. A master vampire takes notice and takes him under his wing figuratively speaking. Showing Sam what vampiric life is all about, rules, how to control urges and hunger. As well as the politics of it. They settle down together and decide to build their own corner of the world if you will.

Would I recommend? I’d say yes IF you’re willing to read the rest of the series cuz by itself it’s a little lack luster for the ending. Otherwise I enjoyed it and look forward to continuing reading the series.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priscilla Stone’s Samael’s Descent reimagines the vampire story by focusing less on the thrill of immortality and more on the sorrow of transformation. Rather than portraying the change as a seductive gift, Stone presents it as a devastating loss. Samael’s journey emphasizes the pain of being stripped of his humanity—losing his relationships, his sense of self, and even the ability to experience life as he once knew it. The novel treats vampirism not as liberation, but as a haunting reminder of everything that has been taken away.

What makes the story stand out is its refusal to romanticize the vampire myth. Stone highlights the physical and emotional torment of conversion, placing the reader in Samael’s position as he struggles with emptiness and grief. Instead of focusing on supernatural battles or gothic glamor, the narrative turns inward, showing the cost of sacrifice and the loneliness of unending existence. This shift makes Samael’s Descent not just a vampire novel, but also a powerful reflection on loss, identity, and the meaning of humanity.

[Sarah Jayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella to the Crimson Quarter Chronicles.

I absolutely loved the dark origins of Samael as he became a vampire unwillingly. It was heartbreaking and something he is going to struggle with for the rest of his vampiric life. As the case is with most novellas, I did want more. But thinking about Sam's story as a whole, I wouldn't want more, this was perfect. This novella offers a great stepping stone and starting point for the vampire empire to come.

I loved the writing in this novella, the Gothic poetry of it all set the tone perfectly.

What I want more of will happen in the novel, the author told me! And I can't wait for the first novel!
I can't wait for more vampires, more hierarchy, more lore, and more characters!
And I can't wait for more Gabriel and his dark sophistication.

[Mynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful prequel, loved the character building, can't wait for the upcoming novel. I know Samael is the main focus, but helluuurrr Gabriel just loved his big brother, take you under my wing vibe. 😍🖤 Embark on this journey as Samael is learning how to be a better vampire after his maker left him to figure it out on his own, out for blood, his first victim being someone he truly loves, leaving behind his humanity and loved ones, he moves to start afresh on the path of darkness, only to have stumbled into the wrong town, with some original vampires... Who don't love the disturbances and attention this new stalker vampire has brought to their town. Will they manage to reform the young new blood and set him on a controlled path? ..... Loved it 🖤

[EP Gazette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️(Taboo, check triggers)
☠️☠️☠️

First off, this story was intriguing and I'd like to know more about this world! As this was a short prequel we don't get to see much of the world but I was interested in the concepts presented.

Check the triggers for sure, none bothered me too much. I just felt that the first 2/3rds of the book could have been compressed and the ending/redemption arc fleshed out a bit more. I was left with a few questions and loose ends during the mentoring as things moved really fast and then it was over.

Overall a good dark fantasy and an interesting peek into this world. I'm sure great things are to come!

[Shauna Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a faced paced, quick read prequel novella that delves into the creation of Samael.

He's a husband and father damaged by his experiences. Prone to drinking and regularly cheating on his wife, treating women like objects until one night, his whole world changes in a dark alley.

Watching him fall deeper into darkness without a guide was tough. Enter Gabriel, his saviour. Someone to nuture and mentor him.

I couldn't wait to dive straight into Masked Mortality to find out what happens next 🥰

[Jennifer Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED THIS!! It helps you understand the dynamics of Samael’s character! Things that we experience in life shape and mold us inyo who we become… it’s no different with these characters. To have that understanding by reading this is very powerful work by the author. It’s setting the stage for the novel, and I can’t wait to read it!! It’s exciting, and above all DIFFERENT than any other series, and I’m counting down the days to delve into the world of the Crimson Quarter.

[hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY. VAMPIRE. 🥵🥵🥵

This is a quick, fast paced novella filled with violence, spice, and a fantastic plot.
If you want a vampire MMC that you hate but simultaneously love. Then this is absolutely a novella you should read.

Check your triggers of course but you definitely need this hot vampire in your life 🫡😍

Such a fantastic origin story with amazing characters. I can't wait to read more from Pricilla!

[LeAnn Hale]

Samuel's story was a wild ride! He was such a wild guy. He didn't deserve what he got but he should've been better to his wife. It was sad that he couldn't see his children anymore. He is lucky that Gabriel found him when he did. Gabriel gave Samuel a life and revenge against his maker. For a novella, it was a big story. It laid a lot of ground work for the next story in this series! I can't wait to see what is next!

[Joe B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a captivating read, skillfully blending dark and erotic elements. It was well thot out, seamlessly flowing from 1 scene to the next. I appreciated how it delved into the characters without feeling drawn out, making it engaging for a male reader like myself. The overall atmosphere was both intense and alluring. Ive never got into the erotic book stuff. But this was a great read!

[Sammyreadsdarkthings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you author for the ARC copy of this novella!

If you’re looking for something spicy, with a plot, and filled with vampires: this is the book for you. This is the origin story of Sam and how he became a vampire. It’s a wild road so please check your trigger warning!

[Stephanie Vicente · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and fast read for me. Vampires and spice? Say less. It was definitely a captivating read and had me hooked from the start. It was a beautiful read with great character development. I loved getting to read this short little novella and I can’t wait to read more from this author

[Kearstin Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think twilight meets mafia, spice, and intense dark romance

This was definitely a dark novella but I loved it!
Sam was not who he seemed to be on the outside, breaking his wife’s heart.

He becomes a vampire and life changed tremendously

Definitely a must read!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great attempt at a first book

Love the storyline but it could be a little more fleshed out. Being a novella however minimizes the number of pages for character development and background. The characters will I’m sure, have their chance to grow in the upcoming full book.

[Veronica Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a novella prequel to Marked Mortality. After reading this amazing story, I’m all in for Marked Mortality! If you’re a fan of vampires, spice, and some graphic details-this is definitely for you! I loved it!

[Gabysbookshelf · Rating 1 out of 5]

this prequel was not for me, hopefully marked mortality is actually good lol

[DBR Editing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where’re we going?

So maybe SJ isn’t so mean 😂. My friend thanks for this recommendation. I can’t wait to see where the series goes. Also, Pricilla, your teacher was an idiot!

[Samreadsbooks28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing book! It’s the novella to her upcoming novel Marked Mortality and I was honored to have read this story! Vampires and Mafia are my absolute favorite and I loved this! 10/10 recommend!

[Heather. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to read Samael's origin story! Loved the darkness of the story. Can't wait to see what happens next as he continues learning what being a Vampire is all about.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, I read this after having already read Book 1 and Book 2 of the series so I was very familiar with the characters but I still absolutely loved it! I need a Samael for myself!

[Angelique Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samael's Descent is a dark book that follows Samael from his devious human beginnings to his descent into being a vampire. It reads like an origin story with a nod to feeling like interview with a vampire, but better. Prepare yourself for everything a vampire is, dark, and violent and spicy! Overall, ADDICTIVE. Pricilla writes vampires the way they are meant to be written, and I can't wait for more stories from her. 5 chilis and 5 stars!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chaos and spice had me hooked! It had parts that had me close to crying lol. So good!!!!! Gabriel and Samael had me fighting for my life! They both had me losing my mind.... In a good way! I almost cried when Samael killed his wife! I kinda felt bad for him! He was a new vampire and couldn't control it..

[io greymoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an excellent novella introducing Samael Hart, he was a man, who became a vampire, and then a serial killer. He finds solace with an OG vampire wanting to groom vampires into acceptable members of society. Excellent novella. Can’t want for Marked Morality!