Degradation

The Brethren Lords #3

by Ellie Sanders

I never lived a day until he came along and found me…


Forced to compete for our Chapter Lord’s hand in marriage, I silently pray through each and every degrading ritual that I will not be chosen. But when my nightmare becomes a reality, my life turns into nothing short of hell, and I spend my days with silent submission in public and brutal assault in private.

My dear Lord husband chose me because he needs an heir. He doesn’t care for my needs, he doesn’t even see me as a person.

I’m a thing to own, a vessel to use.

But amongst the horror, amongst the abuse, there’s one shining light; Devin. One of my Chapter Guards. I’m not meant to look at him, let alone know his name.

And as the months drag on my apparent lack of fertility pushes my husband to more reckless measures. Measures that throw us all into a web of lies, deceit, and danger that can only end in one outcome.

And when it all comes to a head, I’m left with a choice; save myself or save the man I love?

Ultimately, there are no winners here. After all, the Brethren never forgive and the Brethren never forget...


This is Devin and Paitlyn's story. Here's what to

- Pitch Black Plot
- Serious on page NC
- Breeding / Forced Breeding
- Cultish / Religious themes

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Adult, Romance, Dark, Smut, Abuse

616 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

International bestselling author of Pitch Black Romance.


Ellie Sanders lives in rural Hampshire, in the U.K. with her partner and two troublesome dogs.

She has a BA Hons degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing and enjoys spending her time, when not endlessly writing, exploring the countryside around her home.



Hit her up on her the following accounts.....

FB Group: The Hot Steamy Writer
Instagram: @hotsteamywriter
TikTok: @hotsteamywriter
Twitter: @hotsteamywriter

Reviews

[alexleasins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t know why I even read it

[Cole Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alrighty everybody let’s talk about the third book in this series! This book basically made me realize that Ellie Sanders our author can definitely go darker. After I finished depravity in my head, I thought there was no way that this book could be darker than this Ellie could go darker, is she basically went bet I can make it darker and absolutely did. There were times I was listening to this book where I was just sitting there having to pause after a chapter. Think about what I just heard had to go back and relisten to certain parts to make sure I heard it right and then sit there again for a couple seconds again. But the amazing voices of Derek and Roxy. They did an absolutely amazing job and I love, especially that this was the first audiobook that I ever got to hear either of them do and they basically just knocked this out the park and is such a great job, especially for such a very pitch black not romance type book. This is a horror erotic type book. This is not romance. There is nothing about our main male character in this book that is redeemable. When I tell you to check your trigger warnings and I know I’m not really somebody that reads or listen to trigger warnings with this series. Please do definitely check your trigger warnings because your mental health does matter and a lot of stuff does happen in this book and in this entire series. I want to give another big shout out to Blue Nose AUDIO and to Ellie Sanders, for bringing these books to like. I’ve had an absolutely amazing time getting to listen to all three books this series so far I can’t wait for books 4 and five, and I hope that they get to come to audio as well!

[Mehvish · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is wayyyyyy too dark! The hero literally plucks the heroine eyeballs and put it in jar that made me stop reading the book! The whole book the heroine is raped. This shit is so messy even for dark romance reader, so fucked up dont waste your time

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another pitch black book in the Brethren Lords series and I loved it! IMO, this was lighter than the first two books, but still check your TW because it is still VERY dark! For as many red flags that Devin has, honestly I was loving him and his obsession with Paitlyn. Despite everything she is forced to endure, Paitlyn is such a strong FMC and so determined to not give up. And Devin is determined to save her and make her his….low key was here for how he couldn’t resist her.

The audio is performed in duet by Roxy Isles & Derek Duvall.  They brought this book to life and made it so easy to listen to! Would definitely recommend the audio if you’re considering reading this book! 

𝔚𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔬 𝔢𝔵𝔭𝔢𝔠𝔱:
🖤Captor x prey
🖤Obsessive & possessive MMC
🖤Touch her & die
🖤Pitch black
🖤Forced sharing

Thank you to Ellie Sanders and Blue Nose Audio for letting me listen and review an ALC of this!

[Lorna Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie has outdone herself again!!
Before I go on, I will say please check your triggers warnings. If you choose to ignore them, then do at your own risk and dont come for the author if you couldn't handle it!! Now thats out of the way onto the review.
So Degradation is book three of The Breathen Lords books, and I've been so looking forward to reading this! Books one and two are also pitch black with no real HEA for the FMCs but it depends on how you look at it.
So book three follows Devin (youngest of the Blake brothers) and Paitlyn (a founder)
I would say this book is a lot lighter that the 1st two books and to say I actually liked Devin is a stranger concept as he was no hero throughout the book, but he is redeemable and protects Paitlyn later on after realising that she hadn't betrayed him when he suffered his own misery.
I won't list the triggers and im sure my review won't get approved plus the list is long!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ or ♾️ if I could
Spicy rating n/a 😬

Happy Reading 📚

[Optimisticbooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

another pitch black romance from the queen herself and oh my god!! the darkness is DAAAARRRRKKKK

Sansa/Hound inspired from game of thrones and that is all I needed to hear LOL

[MiSsE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 - FMC throws herself out of second floor window to get away from the brutality the MMC has inflicted upon her. She’s raped, sodomized, branded with a burn, but she can still walk and talk and ends up with a HEA with the MMC.

Book 2 - FMC has her spine broken by the MMC and has a lobotomy done. She herself is also raped, sodomized, tortured, has her damn tongue cut out, and is now paralyzed from the MMC breaking her spine on purpose so that she can’t fight him anymore. They end up with a HEA.

Now we have a FMC who literally has her EYEBALLS CUT OUT OF HER HEAD by the MMC so he can keep her vibrant eyes all to himself!! She is raped, sodomized, shared by MULTIPLE AND I MEAN MULTIPLE MEN, and humiliated. This poor girl has endured so damn much. Had her CLIT CUT OFF!!! Now she’s pregnant and won’t be able to ever see what her child looks like because the H took that away from her! But she’s in love with him now lol. Ooooomg…

I was so looking forward to this story. Devin and Pailtyn have been mentioned since book one and I was so happy that their story has finally been released, but I got my hopes up for nothing. Each brother is more and more crazier than the last. Why would they want their woman crippled and blind? Like what purpose does that serve? Idk all I can do is shake my head at this point lol cause WTF!?

Waiting patiently for Antonio’s story which is next. I’m sure Grace will be butchered up too. Amputation maybe? Losing all her limbs? Guess we shall see…

[Lollysb00ks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Degredation by Ellie Sanders

(Book #3 of The Brethern Lords series)

⭐️ 5/5 ⭐️

The second I started reading, I knew she had me!!! I ate this up in a day. Just like the last two, this is a pitch black story. This one follows one of the other Blake brothers, Devin. Devin is assigned to guard the chapter lord whom Paitlyn is forced to marry. I also absolutely love seeing the past characters pop up from the previous books. All of these stories are intertwined so beautifully. I really loved getting a glimpse of everyone through the lens of varying characters. It makes me feel like I really know them lol. This whole world she has created has me enraptured.

Devin is more monster than he is man. The way his obsession with Paitlyn happens is almost against his control, it’s pure possessive animalistic obsession. AND I ATE IT UP!!!!!!!!
Similar to the last ones (YET SOMEHOW DARKER) you should know the lines he crosses may be too far for some. Be warned.

When we first meet Paitlyn she is so purely innocent and untouchable.. that quickly changes…
Following her through the seemingly never ending pain and trauma she endures was such a devastatingly beautiful journey. The way she allows her darkness to become a source of her strength. Ugh, Amazing read. Cannot wait for the rest of this series.
❌⛓️❤️‍🔥👁️🖤👁️❤️‍🔥⛓️❌

Some quotes I love:
“𝑀𝒶𝓁𝓉𝒶𝓀ā 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓃𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝓈𝓁𝒾𝓅𝓈 𝓅𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝓅. 𝐼𝓉 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓌. 𝒫𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓈 𝒾𝓉 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃’𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓏𝑒 𝒾𝓉”

“𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓉𝓎 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈. 𝐿𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓈𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓀𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒷𝓁𝓊𝑒 𝒹𝒾𝒶𝓂𝑜𝓃𝒹𝓈. 𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝐼’𝓂 𝑔𝑜𝓃𝓃𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝒸𝓇𝓎 𝓈𝑜 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓉’𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒“

“𝑀𝓎 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓇, 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝑔𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝐼 𝒸𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝒾𝓁𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓂𝓊𝓁𝓉𝒶𝓃𝑒𝑜𝓊𝓈𝓁𝓎 𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝒷𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓈𝒻𝓊𝓁 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓇𝑒𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇.“

[Meggan Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but not as much as the other two.

I’ve read all three, I enjoyed them, questioned myself, this ones ending was soft, not expected but nice. I will say though, this one had a lot of typos that took me out of it a few times and

***spoiler***

At times it felt like the author forgot the FMC was blind and then moments later would say, “oh right, I can’t see” instead of just scraping the sentence altogether. It happened often and I felt a tiny bit annoyed by it.

I did however appreciate that most of the noncon wasn’t done by him because at a point I feel like there isn’t a way the two would fall in love. Yes taking her eyes was super f’ed but the constant grape by her husband honestly would have been worse to me lol. Anyway looking forward to the next two in the series. Crossing my fingers for less editing errors though! 🤍🤍🤍

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

so fucking good . I can't wait to read book four to find out if they find out about Devils baby and if he will ne a boy or a girl

[Dark Romance Girlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re meeting in a cave, as if this couldn’t be anymore clandestine.
Paitlyn’s hand is firmly clasped in mine, and I’ll admit, I get a thrill from the feeling of her fingers digging into my flesh.
Something has changed with her. Something tangible. She no longer flinches when I touch her, she no longer hides herself from me when she thinks I won’t notice.
She is mine. Wholeheartedly mine. I can feel it. She’s not just given in, not just accepted this as some form of submission, but she’s mine, heart, body, fucking soul too. I own her in a way no one has ever had.
I want to shout it from the rooftops. I want to scream it loud enough that all of heaven knows it. I feel like a boy, a child caught in his first throws of love. In truth, I feel free, I feel finally like I know what it is to be alive.

Paitlyn sticks close to me, partly because she’s blind and has no idea where to go, and partly because she’s petrified. Once we’re up over the rocks and into the lower chamber I stop for a moment and try to reassure her, only it does little to help.
“Here,” I say, pulling out my dagger and fixing it into her palm. “No one is going to touch you but if it makes you feel better then you can keep this.”
She nods, before pulling a face, “What if I accidentally stab you?”
I let out a chuckle, “If that’s the risk I have to take to ensure you’re comfortable, then it’s worth it.”
She mutters back about me becoming “soft”, but I see her tuck the blade into her waistband, concealing it from view.
And I also see the way her shoulders drop, the way the tension in her bones seems to ease. I doubt in all honesty the dagger will do much but if it keeps her happy then that alone is a good job.

She goes to lift her hand, to instinctively cup her belly and I murmur ‘no’ as quietly as I can. She’s grown careless, not intentionally so, but she’s forgotten all these little tells, all these little cues we give away about ourselves. Being blind has stripped her of that awareness.
I don’t want anyone to know, I don’t want anyone to realise.
We need to get back to America, get my wife safely home. We both know now that she’s not just carrying our own family’s future but the entire Brethren’s future too. Because Paitlyn is pregnant with my son. Paitlyn is pregnant with our future Chapter Lord.As the mass of people start to walk out, we slowly shuffle behind them. I can’t help thinking as I leave this cathedral that the game has changed, though even Magnus doesn’t yet realize it.
They say the future belongs to those bold enough to seize it, and my son will be raised with that boldness in his blood. When he comes of age, when he returns to claim his birthright, these old stones will witness a new kind of ceremony, not the blessing of tradition, but the coronation of revolution.
The brotherhood’s future has been born tonight, though not in the way any of them realised.

Liked this one an book 2 is still definitely my favorite 😍. Can't wait for book 4.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in The Brethren Lords series by Ellie Sanders: Devin & Paitlyn's story.
If you've read the first two detailing Magnus & Conrad's stories then you know how truly pitch black this series is.
Devin & Paitlyn's story is marginally not quite as black but that doesn't mean this one isn't black, bleak, brutal & bloodcurdling.
So why a 5 star rating?
Because the author's superb word crafting skill completely immersed me DEEP into this horrifying yet mesmerizing tale from the very beginning to the last, made me part of the story: I could feel the character's emotions & see the images detailed.
From the first book about the 3 Blake brothers, peeks of Devin & Paitlyn intrigued me: just WHAT had Paitlyn done to deserve the bone deep loathing of Magnus & the rabid hate of Devin? What had she done to be taken to the doomed hell of Oblivion?

This third book answers those questions & the truth is black, bleak, brutal & bloodcurdling.
And despite this horrific darkness, I had to continue their story to the end.
The author, for me, swirled me thoroughly into the world of The Brethren Lords: their obsession for control, money, power & internal politics; how even the mightiest of them could be outmaneuvered & pulled down; how fanatic they could be; how vengeful.
I found myself both horrified AND thoroughly enthralled; yanked so completely into the story that I read it straight through.
The writing IMO is the star of this book, immediately followed by the detailing/fleshing out of the characters, their dark/pitch black back stories & deeds as well as the absolutely gripping & engrossing plot all perfectly blended together for a riveting tale of horror, obsession, madness & vengeance I consumed with unreserved fervor.

HOWEVER, READ the author's trigger warnings carefully. This is NOT a story for those who do not crave pitch black horror romance. The author does not flinch from writing on page heinous acts/deeds & her excellent writing skill makes these scenes searingly intense, deeply impactive emotionally & frighteningly hard to erase from your mind.

So, what this story IS, is a true dark horror romance reader's perfect read: beyond DARK, loaded with characters your heart bleeds for, that you pray will receive brutal retribution, that you hope will survive.

I can NOT wait for the Antonio's story . . . .

[Ruth Bookish Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Degradation: The Brethren Lords Book 3
By Ellie Sanders

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

Always remember to check your trigger warnings!
This book has extremely dark themes…lister discretion is advised!

Tropes:
🖤Pitch Black
🖤Serious on page NC
🖤Forced sharing
🖤Cultish / Religious themes
🖤Captor x prey
🖤Obsessive/possessive MMC
🖤Touch her & ☠️

+ So much more!

Produced by Blue Nose Audio
Performed in duet by…
✨Roxy Isles
✨Derek Duvall 

Degradation is the third instalment of The Brethren Lords series by Ellie Sanders, and it’s extremely dark… even more so than the first two.

Hold on the your headphones because you’re in for one hell of a ride. Super dark and very unhinged. The MMC Devin, is possessive and cruel although he redeems himself later on…or does he. Can one be redeemable after such vile behaviour?

The storyline is full of sadistic and unrelenting acts of pure torture and torment. Be ready for some serious pitch black darkness. You will be dragged into this unforgiving world kicking and screaming… unexpected twists will leave the most unfeeling among us reeling in shock!

Paitlyn our FMC, is put through some serious trauma. The things she endures are heartbreaking and purely horrific!

The entire audio experience was absolutely brilliant and utterly brutal. Amazing performances by incredible voice actors with superb commitment and dedication to this super dark narrative.

Derek Duvall, played his roles with impeccable acting, bringing his characters to life. The emotional impact and depth of character was immense and beyond beautifully crafted by this amazing actor!

Roxy Isles gave such an incredible and beautiful and powerful portrayal of her character, Paitlyn! Stunning work that will have you feeling all the feels. I am in awe…

An amazing performance from both our voice artists. This audio experience will gently drag you through this beautifully crafted and uniquely pitch black ordeal with a delicate balance of emotionally satisfying performances and unexpected and enthralling moments.

A truly emotional experience.

*

Quotes:

"Maltakā The name slips past my lip. It feels like a curse now. Perhaps it always was and I just didn't realize it"

"She really does have such pretty eyes. Like sparkling blue diamonds. One day I'm gonna make those eyes cry so much and it'll all be for me"

"My body and mind are at war, playing a sick game where I crave liberation while simultaneously dreaming of a blissful surrender."

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Sanders doesn’t hold back in this one, and anyone picking it up should take the content warnings very seriously. This is an extreme dark romance that dives into brutality, abuse, and psychological torment without flinching.

The story centers on Paitlyn, a Founder girl groomed for obedience, and Devin, one of Gunther’s guards whose loyalty and rage make him one of the most dangerous men in the Brethren. Paitlyn is forced into marriage with Chapter Lord Gunther, a grotesque and sadistic man whose depravity drives much of the horror in this book. The “Choosing Ceremony,” where she is displayed naked alongside other Founder daughters, is one of the most disturbing early scenes and sets the tone for the nightmare that follows.

From there, Sanders layers escalating trauma—ritual abuse, humiliation, and constant violations of Paitlyn’s body and will. Her mother and uncle are complicit, prioritizing power over her survival, which makes the betrayals cut even deeper. The scenes of forced “purification” with the priest are especially hard to stomach, because they show how institutionalized the violence is.

Devin is not a hero in any traditional sense. His attraction to Paitlyn is mixed with fury, possessiveness, and cruelty. When Paitlyn is found over Gunther’s body with Devin’s dagger, he views it as a personal betrayal, convinced she manipulated him and set him up. From there, his obsession only grows darker—wanting to break her, to make her suffer, yet also unable to let her go. But the truth is that she isn’t the one who killed him, and she pays a devastating price for being framed. Magnus then gives her to Gunther’s brother, and her trauma only deepens.

I enjoy dark romance, but this one is pitch black. Chapters 43 and 60 were especially difficult to read, even for me. If you thought Brynn had it bad in Depravity, Degradation proves that pitch black can indeed go even darker.

The alternating perspectives of Devin and Paitlyn highlight how twisted their bond becomes—one born not from romance in any conventional sense, but from captivity, degradation, and warped dependency.

[Jan Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to start by saying what I shouldn’t have to say. Dark romance particularly pitch black is getting a lot of hate at the minute. It’s not fair on the readers of the authors! If it’s not your genre that’s okay just skip it, but don’t hate on those that write and read it!

This book is very dark! Although I think it’s the most tame out of the 3 books it’s still PITCH BLACK. The author lists pages of trigger warnings! Pay attention to them.. your mental health matters! If you choose to ignore them, then do so at your own risk and dont come for the author if you couldn’t handle it

A Captive Romance (The Brethren Lords Book 3). I loved this book. I think it might be my favourite of the 3. It’s not quite as dark as the previous 2 (but don’t be mistaken it’s still dark). Ellie had me in a chokehold again with this, I ate it up and finished it in 2 days (which is fast for me). It entwines with the previous 2 books perfectly and also sets up ready for the next one which I can NOT wait for!

Devin is more monster than he is man! As Ellie said he’s not meant to be admired, he is a monster by design. Yet I still find myself drawn to him. While I think he might be the most dangerous of the brothers I think deep down he is also the most dare I say redeemable. He genuinely deep down somewhere in that twisted Black heart cares for Paitlyn. Paitlyn was so pure and innocent. She did not deserve what happened to her and had she not endured it all I don’t think she would have fallen for Devin! Whether this is a HEA is debatable but again as Ellie says Paitlyn’s happy ever after is a lot truer and happier than Liliana and Brynn will ever experience. I love how Paitlyn uses her pain and the darkness to become her strength.

I have adored the whole series and I cannot wait to read the next two! Nor can I wait to read more of Ellie’s work. I can’t get enough.

If you love dark romance and are brave enough to go PITCH BLACK then give this series a read.

[Rebecca Cuevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW

Degradation by Ellie Sanders

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Dark: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤♾️
Recommend: 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽♾️


You wanted dark? She delivered.


Well, Ellie Sanders has done it again. She has completely blown my mind and made me wonder what the *beep* is wrong with me and my mind. This book was darker than the first two by far.

I am still reeling over this entire book, not to mention the series. This series is engraved in my freaking soul. The Darkness is so unhinged and the characters are unredeemable.

Of course Devin does have some good qualities, but you don't see those till the end. I am seriously wondering what in the world did I read. The plot in this book is so dark you will not be able to control the anger and disgust of what happens. You will be dragged into this world and to be honest you won't want to leave.

The things Paitlyn had to endure was so horrific amd my heart shattered for her. She was too innocent and too perfect. Devin on the other hand was well, what can I say, he is a Blake, and we all know how these Blake men are.

The eyes.... OMG. IYKYK. I am still reeling over that because like what the heck man. The other thing that happened, I am in complete and utter shock. You need to read this book to understand. You will be sitting there blinking your eyes and wondering what did you read.

I am obsessed with this series and I can't wait for the next installment.

I will recommend this series for the rest of my life. It is branded on my soul and my mind. Ellie Sanders knows how to give you the darkness and depravity you crave. Look no further, I promise. Her books will back you keep coming back for more.

[AshleyReadsSmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would have been a full 5 ⭐️s — but ya know, the eyeballs. 😵‍💫

Thankfully, his book makes up for my biggest gripes with the first two books:
1. Deviant lacked any sort of desire from the MMC toward the FMC for the first, like 75% of the book.
2. In Depravity, FMC lacked ANY sort of self perseveration skills. (Girl did nothing, I mean NOTHING to help herself)

We knew going into it that Devin actually wants Paitlyn, so that's a plus. And Paitlyn knew when to mitigate the abuse and when to fight back.

As with the other books, it’s completely fucked and pushes all your boundaries without any soft moments as a reprieve. But this one does have the "happiest" of endings, that's for sure.

Here's my thing with the eyeballs: *technically* he was ordered to remove them — albeit he did it willingly and literally kept them in a jar sooo (he did wish she had them back at the end so there’s that). My biggest issue is that it would have been nice to have a FMC make it to the end with her body intact lol

𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Series
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: The Brethren Lords #3
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Duet narration

𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: M/F
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: HFN (for the couple) + 🧗‍♀️ (for the series)
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🚫
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: 🚫
𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Pailtyn + Devin

𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
- pitch black
- erotic horror
- secret society with cultish vibes
- morally black
- abuse + so much non-con
- revenge

⚠️ I don’t frequently stress this: BUT READ THE F’ING TRIGGER WARNINGS on this series. Don’t try and go in blind, *even if* you are a seasoned dark romance/erotic horror reader.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~Degradation~The Brethren Lords Series Book 3~Ellie Sanders~

~Duet Narration~Roxy Isles & Derek Duvall~

~Production~Blue Nose Audio~

"When all you have is darkness, the pain proves you’re alive. The pain proves you’re still human."

~I honestly didn't think this series could get darker & with that Ellie said "BET"....and here I sit staring at a wall unable to process my thoughts from the amount of whiplash my brain encountered during this crazy read! With that being said I freaking loved this series so take that as you will cuz even I'm over here wondering why I'm rooting for the bad guy because when I tell you there is absolutely nothing redeemable about any character in this book or in this entire series I mean it with my ENTIRE CHEST! I fear this is what it feels to have SS yet I'm over here wanting more.

The duet narration for this audiobook was fantastic! Roxy & Derek both did a phenomenal job bringing each and every character they voiced to life. The distinct difference between each character truly sounded like a multi-cast narration & was amazing to hear come from two narrators!

I'm not a trigger reader but when I tell you to read the triggers before you read this book/series I mean it!~

~As Always Happy Reading~

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!

Definitely the best one so far!

Really enjoyed the story in this book, might be becoming my favourite author too 😀

Was so hyped to read this one after Conrans story and it did not disappoint, took a big break halfway through but finally finished it tonight, i loved Paitlyns character and her whole development through the story, especially the fact she was mentioned in the first book- really makes me want to go back and re-read it to pick up on all the details foreshadowed!

I think for me my favourite part was how much she wanted him back in the end, it didnt feel like she was being forced to do it out of obligation, she genuinely wanted him and craved him and NEEDED HIM.

And he is just absolutely mental but i loved every seccond of it, the crazy 5 year revenge plot, the fact they both thought the other person was guilty for so long and the fact the seccond he found out it wasnt her he immediately went back to loving her.

Of course its dark and messed up but thats the beauty of it all, the fact he wanted to be the one to take her sight so he could permanently own her soul is kind of beautiful, he is definitely the brother i like the most and can see myself in him (cus trauma innit)

overall an amazing edition to the series and i cannot wait to see what comes next.

[Hannah Bobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️⚠️ TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️⚠️
I don’t know how else to say this but if you’re squeamish or have any triggers at all please don’t even try to pick this book up. This is a PITCH BLACK HORROR novel. The FMC, Paitlyn, goes through unimaginable abuse and torture. There are serious scenes of degradation and humiliation that some will find disturbing and uncomfortable. I would love to say that things get better for our girl but there’s no version of this that isn’t hell.

We see a series of men abuse, torture, and use as they see fit to their agendas - using her as a pawn to further their own ambition. This is her story of pain and using it as her shield and weapon against anyone who stands in her way.

The MMCs in this book are unredeemable. I thought that Magnus & Conrad were sadistic but they had nothing on Gunther & Guntherie and Devin…. I don’t know how we forgive Devin….

I’m so glad that some scenes are mentioned on page but didn’t have a written scene because it was a punch to the gut as a woman.

I don’t know how these stories get darker and more violent but somethings wrong with me because I just want more.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Sanders keeps saying this is not a love story, but I am starting to feel like I am being gaslit. Because if this is not love, dark and warped and born in the ashes of survival, then what exactly am I feeling right now?

Devin is unapologetic. He does not beg, he does not soften, he does not pretend to be good. Every brutal choice and every unrelenting act still drip with devotion. His loyalty is its own kind of madness, but it is real. He does not love gently, but he does love completely.

Roxy Isles and Derek Duvall absolutely devour this duet performance. Derek is menace incarnate. His delivery is smooth and calm even when the scene is anything but, and that contrast makes him terrifying in the best way. You can hear his control, his obsession, and the ache buried underneath all of it. Roxy brings Paitlyn to life with such emotional range that you can feel her voice crack, steady, and sharpen as Paitlyn grows stronger, harder, and smarter in this world that wants to destroy her.

The story itself is everything I love about Ellie’s writing: pitch-black atmosphere, psychological torment, and an emotional throughline that makes you question your sanity for rooting for anyone. The way this ties into the other Brethren books had me whispering “oh no” and “oh yes” like a lunatic.

Ellie can call it erotic horror all she wants, but I am calling it what it is: a love story disguised as damnation. If we are calling Conrad and Brynne a romance, then Devin and Paitlyn deserve their own toxic love anthem. Because honestly, he was a monster, but he was her monster.

[LoveMeDarkly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg...this is the darkest in the series so far (in my opinion) and I can't wait for book 4 to release February 28th!
This story follows Devin and Paitlyn. Paitlyn is mentioned in book 1, Deviant, and finally gets her story out there. So if you haven't read book 1, then get moving before you read this!

The things Paitlyn endures in this book is horrific and despicable. Gunther and Devin are completely unhinged. But I absolutely loved it. There is nothing redeeming about these men. This series is not for the faint heart or if you want more of a romantic vibe with dark themes.

🚩MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING.

Quotes:
- " I own you now, and I can and will use you however I want."

- "You are here to be used, wife. To be enjoyed as I see fit. That is your purpose. That is your existence. It doesn't matter if you want me to be gentle, it doesn't matter what you want. Your wants mean nothing to me. You as a person mean nothing. You are a vessel, a cunt to fuck, and a womb to full, do you understand?"

- "Filthy fucking slut. That's all you bitches are."

- "When I finally break you, you're going to scream my name like I'm your God."

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um. No. Just no.
I would have DNF'd this at around 40% or you know.... the eyeballs. But my personality doesn't let me do that.
First of all. This is NOT romance. Not in the slightest. And misgenre-ing (I just made up that word) gives Dark Romance, even pitch black, a bad name. This is erotic horror at best. There was absolutely no romance.
The book was too long. I got bored. It was the same thing over and over and over again. And after a point I don't really care to read about how bad the antagonist smells.
I'm really not trying to be offensive, but I'm having a difficult time understanding how this has over a 4 star average. Is it the shock factor? Because again THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE.
The first book (which is still mediocre) I can understand. Still not a romance, but she has Stockholm syndrome. This one? The MMC jumps straight to mutilating her body, there's not even time for the brainwashing.
If you are wanting erotic horror, then you might enjoy it. But if you are looking for dark romance...run. Run far away.

[Ashlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Degradation wrecked me in the best way possible. This is by far my favorite book of the series—an emotional rollercoaster I couldn’t step off of.

The topics are dark and heavy, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to take the trigger warnings seriously. Ellie Sanders doesn’t flinch from the hard truths, and that rawness is exactly what makes this story so unforgettable.

I absolutely fell in love with Paitlyn and Devin in this book. Their bond, their pain, their resilience—it broke me and healed me all at once. My heart shattered for Paitlyn when she lost her eyesight, and even more so for Devin, who had to carry the weight of doing something he never should have had to decide. That pain bled right through the page.

On the other side, I hated Gunther and Paitlyn’s mom with every ounce of me. The way they treated her made my blood boil and added so much to the intensity of the story.

While the first two books gave their couples their own happily-ever-afters, Degradation felt like the one that tied them all together. It gave everyone their closure, their collective HEA, and it was the perfect way to bring the entire arc full circle…. So far. 😇

Dark, devastating, and consuming—this is Ellie at her absolute best.

xx

[alisha jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie always hits it out out the park with these pitch black goodness. Honestly, i am kind of still reeling from what i read especially chapter 43 (IFYYK) These books are extremely dark so check your triggers. The characters a pieces of shit and so unredeemable its not even funny.

The book felt like more than the others because you get the before deviant and the after- so you get the whole picture of what is really going on. The anger and hatred i had felt while reading this was unmatched . The things sweet Paitlyn had to go though and experience was not fair in the slightest. It was Horrific is the only word you could use.

We have Devin, who truly embraces the darkness. These Blakes are wired differently because there is something absolutely messed up about them, You kind of get some good qualities but you know he's still a piece of crap.

I need the next book asap, because i know its going to be a ride!!!!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless

Book 3 in the Brethren Lords series was an experience.....


I have once again been left utterly speechless. Everytime I think Ellie cant shock me anymore she just manages to go that little bit further.


Paityn endures so much and so many horrific acts (most not by the MMC Devin although he does have his moments). The first half of the book is so dark I contemplated putting the book in the freezer. The second half is a bit lighter and i loved Paityn finding her voice and seeing more of her.

Devin is the youngest Blake sibling who is wild, reckless and impossible to keep in line. He also causes Magnus a fair bit of stress too - which is quite funny. The way he talks about his siblings too is so accurate (his POV of Magnus being announced as Chapter Lord had me howling).



If you haven't read this series, do take the trigger warnings seriously as this is pitch black.

[Samantha aka samsbookspam · Rating 5 out of 5]

TROPES:
captor x prey/captive
touch her and x
PITCH BLACK
obsessive and possessive MMC
forced sharing

All kinds of pitch black. ALL KINDS!!! Book 1 and 2 in my option were by far the darkest...BUT this book...though many horrid things are done to our FMC, we do end with a HEA in my opinion.

Our MMC ends up being her bodyguard. Paitlyn our FMC is married off to a horrible human being...very used and abused so pleaseeeeee please please check your trigger warnings.

This audio was soooo good! This was my first time listening to Derek Duvall and Roxy Isles, they were beyond perfect for these two characters!

[Theresa Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark doesn’t even come close with this series — this is straight-up pitch black. Coming from someone with zero triggers, I can honestly say Ellie Sanders is out here trying to find one for me.

Devin? Oh, he’s absolutely the devil I want. 100%. The man is dangerous, commanding, and completely irresistible. And Paitlyn might just be my favorite FMC in the whole series so far. Her struggle, her surrender, and the way she ultimately finds and owns her own darkness is nothing short of divine.

If you’re into dark romance that actually goes there, this one will ruin you in the best way-This audiobook isn’t for the faint of heart. And trust me — earbuds are a must for this one. 🔥

[Luis León · Rating 5 out of 5]

bueno, pensé en que calificación ponerle, pero al final se queda en 5/5.

primera vez que un libro me hace sentir miedo, Y es que la escena donde le arranca los ojos fué demasiado heavy, y las escenas después de eso me dieron lástima por ella.

no me gustó que la mayoría del Libro fuera de algo que pasó en el pasado, me daba rabia, pero bueh.

este también me hizo chillar, creo que Devin es el hermano más amable de todos, o al menos el más "blando."

Ahora que lo pienso le agarré más que cariño a la historia.

Díos, recuerdo que en este libro Magnus se me hizo súper malo, y misogino aunque este ya lo era en los anteriores libros.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Check the triggers!!!!
PITCH BLACK/HORROR EROTICA

This is my favorite one thus far! The plot and romance (if you can call it that 😂) the relationship, were more of an importance but do not let that full you!

This shit was still crazy af!
Derek Duvall and Roxy Isles outdid themselves! They are why some books are just taken to the next level on audio!
I have a rule where some authors I read are ones I must listen to on audio and Ellie is being added to that list!

Just when I think Ellie cannot top the last book she leaves me wronged! I was left shocked, shook, jaw on the floor, staring at the wall!

What to expect
Captor x captive
Touch her and xxx
Pitch black
sharing (forced)

Thank you Ellie and Blue Nose Audio for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this as an ALC💛