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The Nightshades
"Vampyres were the reason why we were legally chained to the sun, and they were chained to the moon."
It’s 2120, where Vampyres and Sun Dweller humans co-exist under strict curfew laws. The Nightshades clan lurks in the deepest shadows of the night—and pulls Draven Hawthorne into their darkness as an adolescent after a tragic incident. As Draven’s human past haunts him, he yearns for the outlawed life in the light–but the sun betrays the Vampyres’ skin with severe burns and the threat of execution looms. Nonetheless, he was molded to be brutal, forced to commit heinous crimes in his new family’s name, and embrace the Nightshades wholeheartedly.
What is supposed to be a routine arson turns sour when Draven catches the scent of a human woman named Briar breaking curfew. Despite the pressure to kill the only witness to his crime before the Alpha finds out, he is drawn to the woman’s willingness to break curfew and the general lack of concern for his species.
As Uriah King, Alpha of the Nightshades, embarks on an unethical agenda to bring the Vampyres back to the light, Draven struggles to maintain his loyalties to the clan, protect the only human who doesn’t see him as a monster, and resist the illegal desire to be by her side.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Talia Wall
5 books10 followersTalia spent most of her life in North Carolina and had the lifelong dream of becoming an author since she was five. She not only loves to write but also to draw and paint. She has a loving husband and Persian cat named Thor who often interrupts her writing and painting sessions. She writes young and new adult, supernatural, fantasy, and dystopian genres with the intent to send powerful, relevant messages and warnings through fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 7, 2024
This book was fantastic—I devoured it in just a few days! The dystopian world the author created, where humans rule the day and vampires claim the night, is the perfect backdrop for a gripping story. This setting adds a constant layer of tension, casting a dark, ominous veil over every character interaction. The dangers and allure of connecting with the vampire world as a “sun dweller” are always lurking, making each page turn suspenseful. The alternating perspectives between the main characters were skillfully handled, adding depth to the story and making it easy to connect with each of them. Every character felt essential to the story, fitting seamlessly into this dark world.
They were exceptionally well-written, with personalities that harmonized perfectly with the setting. Briar, the rebellious protagonist with a troubled past, stood out for me. She’s fearless, almost indifferent to her own fate, driven simply by the desire to feel alive. She boldly steps into a realm most humans fear—a vampire-controlled world—without a second thought. I don’t want to spoil too much, but this story is nerve-wracking, keeping you on edge the whole way through. The main plot is strong, but there’s also a bigger picture that unfolds subtly at first and intensifies as the story progresses, adding another layer of danger for the protagonists.
The characters, dialogue, and emotional depth were incredibly well done, making this book a true pleasure to read. The decisions they face and their actions—superb! The story had countless moments that left me breathless.
At times, I thought it might even develop into a romance, but it seems that’s something for the next book to explore. The cliffhanger ending of this first book left me eagerly awaiting the sequel!
Miss Wall did a fantastic job with this book, and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves suspenseful, immersive dystopian fiction with a mix of adventure!
They were exceptionally well-written, with personalities that harmonized perfectly with the setting. Briar, the rebellious protagonist with a troubled past, stood out for me. She’s fearless, almost indifferent to her own fate, driven simply by the desire to feel alive. She boldly steps into a realm most humans fear—a vampire-controlled world—without a second thought. I don’t want to spoil too much, but this story is nerve-wracking, keeping you on edge the whole way through. The main plot is strong, but there’s also a bigger picture that unfolds subtly at first and intensifies as the story progresses, adding another layer of danger for the protagonists.
The characters, dialogue, and emotional depth were incredibly well done, making this book a true pleasure to read. The decisions they face and their actions—superb! The story had countless moments that left me breathless.
At times, I thought it might even develop into a romance, but it seems that’s something for the next book to explore. The cliffhanger ending of this first book left me eagerly awaiting the sequel!
Miss Wall did a fantastic job with this book, and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves suspenseful, immersive dystopian fiction with a mix of adventure!
August 29, 2025
The Nightshades dropped me straight into a world where humans rule the day and Vampyres own the night, and the tension between the two felt like a slow-burning fuse from page one.
The worldbuilding is what grabbed me first. Set in 2120, where humans are chained to the sun by law and Vampyres are forbidden from the daylight, the setting felt both futuristic and primal. It’s one of those rare dystopian backdrops that feels eerily plausible and entirely immersive, especially with the constant threat that breaking curfew brings. I loved the balance of control vs chaos in the way society is structured here.
Then came Draven... a Vampyre torn between his brutal past and the life he secretly craves. He was raised in darkness (literally and emotionally), shaped into a weapon by the Nightshades clan. Watching him navigate the line between loyalty to his violent chosen family and his yearning for something better was one of the strongest parts of the book for me. His internal conflict adds real weight to every decision he makes, and I felt for him more than I expected to.
Briar, the curfew-breaking human who unexpectedly crosses Draven’s path, is just as compelling. She’s reckless in a way that doesn’t feel performative. Her boredom, her restlessness, and her refusal to be boxed in by fear gave her a sharp edge I admired. Their chemistry builds slowly, but it’s there, simmering under every interaction. And while this book doesn’t dive fully into romance, the potential is strong, and I’m eager to see where it goes in the next installment.
The alternating perspectives between Briar and Draven worked really well. Both voices felt distinct, and getting to see the world through both sides of the human/Vampyre divide deepened the story’s emotional stakes.
There’s also a larger plot unfolding beneath the surface, centered around Uriah King, the Alpha of the Nightshades, and his secretive (and clearly dangerous) plans to bring Vampyres back into the light. It’s still early days for that storyline, but the setup is intriguing, and the ending left me on edge in the best way.
What I loved:
A unique dystopian/paranormal mashup that feels fresh and high-stakes
Briar’s fearlessness and emotional complexity
Draven’s internal war between brutality and humanity
The pacing.. it was fast but never rushed
The cliffhanger ending that definitely guarantees I’ll be reading book two
If you’re into paranormal dystopian stories with sharp tension, morally conflicted characters, and just the right amount of forbidden attraction, The Nightshades is absolutely worth picking up. The sequel can’t come fast enough.
The worldbuilding is what grabbed me first. Set in 2120, where humans are chained to the sun by law and Vampyres are forbidden from the daylight, the setting felt both futuristic and primal. It’s one of those rare dystopian backdrops that feels eerily plausible and entirely immersive, especially with the constant threat that breaking curfew brings. I loved the balance of control vs chaos in the way society is structured here.
Then came Draven... a Vampyre torn between his brutal past and the life he secretly craves. He was raised in darkness (literally and emotionally), shaped into a weapon by the Nightshades clan. Watching him navigate the line between loyalty to his violent chosen family and his yearning for something better was one of the strongest parts of the book for me. His internal conflict adds real weight to every decision he makes, and I felt for him more than I expected to.
Briar, the curfew-breaking human who unexpectedly crosses Draven’s path, is just as compelling. She’s reckless in a way that doesn’t feel performative. Her boredom, her restlessness, and her refusal to be boxed in by fear gave her a sharp edge I admired. Their chemistry builds slowly, but it’s there, simmering under every interaction. And while this book doesn’t dive fully into romance, the potential is strong, and I’m eager to see where it goes in the next installment.
The alternating perspectives between Briar and Draven worked really well. Both voices felt distinct, and getting to see the world through both sides of the human/Vampyre divide deepened the story’s emotional stakes.
There’s also a larger plot unfolding beneath the surface, centered around Uriah King, the Alpha of the Nightshades, and his secretive (and clearly dangerous) plans to bring Vampyres back into the light. It’s still early days for that storyline, but the setup is intriguing, and the ending left me on edge in the best way.
What I loved:
A unique dystopian/paranormal mashup that feels fresh and high-stakes
Briar’s fearlessness and emotional complexity
Draven’s internal war between brutality and humanity
The pacing.. it was fast but never rushed
The cliffhanger ending that definitely guarantees I’ll be reading book two
If you’re into paranormal dystopian stories with sharp tension, morally conflicted characters, and just the right amount of forbidden attraction, The Nightshades is absolutely worth picking up. The sequel can’t come fast enough.
June 30, 2026
I want to start this review by mentioning that I met the author, Talia, at a book fair in Wilmington. For reasons I honestly can't remember, maybe because her booth was so inviting, I ended up chatting with her and her husband for a few minutes. I really appreciated that she shared her book with genuine enthusiasm but never pressured me to buy it. Instead, she simply asked if I liked vampires. 🧛
I answered, "Yes," while simultaneously realizing I'd never actually gotten into vampire books (or even *the movies* that so many people seem to love.) But after talking with Talia and her husband, seeing how excited they both were about the story (the first in a trilogy), and learning that she lived in Greenville, NC, and bonding over that (where I went to school), I decided to buy a copy.
Even after bringing it home, it took me a while to unwrap it because it was packaged so beautifully. It was wrapped in elegant gothic black paper and included gorgeous handmade artwork, bookmarks, and the author's signature. It felt like opening a special gift. I liked having it on my bookshelf and took lots of pictures before finally opening it 🤣 (side note: I believe if you order off of her website, you will be pleasantly greeted with the same packaging)
When I finally started reading The Nightshades, I was so glad I did. This was such a wonderfully written story - - entertaining from beginning to end, with memorable characters, engaging storylines, and just enough world building and character building that never felt overwhelming. After reading several books lately that were overly complicated and packed with too much going on, this was exactly what I needed & wanted.
Every night I read, it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. Quickly, I stopped saving it just for bedtime and started reading on weekend mornings and as soon as I got home from work. I grew genuinely attached to the characters - Briar, Draven, and even Sterling and Caspian - and found myself constantly wondering what would happen next in this world of Sun Dwellers (humans) and Vampyres.
I literally just finished the first book, and I already know I'll be ordering the second in the trilogy from her website by the end of the week.
To my friends on here who usually enjoy the same kinds of books I do, I highly recommend giving this one a chance. 😊And if you're from Greenville, it's even more reason to support a talented local author. 💜💛 I certainly can't wait to see where the story goes next ☀️🌓🧛🆎🩸💉
I answered, "Yes," while simultaneously realizing I'd never actually gotten into vampire books (or even *the movies* that so many people seem to love.) But after talking with Talia and her husband, seeing how excited they both were about the story (the first in a trilogy), and learning that she lived in Greenville, NC, and bonding over that (where I went to school), I decided to buy a copy.
Even after bringing it home, it took me a while to unwrap it because it was packaged so beautifully. It was wrapped in elegant gothic black paper and included gorgeous handmade artwork, bookmarks, and the author's signature. It felt like opening a special gift. I liked having it on my bookshelf and took lots of pictures before finally opening it 🤣 (side note: I believe if you order off of her website, you will be pleasantly greeted with the same packaging)
When I finally started reading The Nightshades, I was so glad I did. This was such a wonderfully written story - - entertaining from beginning to end, with memorable characters, engaging storylines, and just enough world building and character building that never felt overwhelming. After reading several books lately that were overly complicated and packed with too much going on, this was exactly what I needed & wanted.
Every night I read, it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. Quickly, I stopped saving it just for bedtime and started reading on weekend mornings and as soon as I got home from work. I grew genuinely attached to the characters - Briar, Draven, and even Sterling and Caspian - and found myself constantly wondering what would happen next in this world of Sun Dwellers (humans) and Vampyres.
I literally just finished the first book, and I already know I'll be ordering the second in the trilogy from her website by the end of the week.
To my friends on here who usually enjoy the same kinds of books I do, I highly recommend giving this one a chance. 😊And if you're from Greenville, it's even more reason to support a talented local author. 💜💛 I certainly can't wait to see where the story goes next ☀️🌓🧛🆎🩸💉
May 27, 2026
What stayed with me after reading The Nightshades is the way it builds its world around enforced separation sun versus moon, human versus vampyre, law versus instinct where identity itself is shaped and restricted by survival rules rather than choice.
Draven Hawthorne stands out as a character pulled between two imposed lives: the violent identity he’s been trained into within the Nightshades and the lingering pull of a human past that refuses to fully disappear.
What gives the story its tension is not just the forbidden attraction between Draven and Briar, but the larger pressure of systems designed to eliminate exactly that kind of connection. Every interaction feels like it carries consequences beyond the immediate moment.
The Nightshades clan and its hierarchy add another layer of control, where loyalty is enforced through fear, and deviation is treated as betrayal, making Draven’s internal conflict feel constant rather than situational.
Readers who are drawn to dystopian paranormal romance with moral tension, forbidden connection, and identity conflict will likely connect with this approach.
What lingers is the sense that in this world, even choosing who to care about becomes an act of rebellion.
Draven Hawthorne stands out as a character pulled between two imposed lives: the violent identity he’s been trained into within the Nightshades and the lingering pull of a human past that refuses to fully disappear.
What gives the story its tension is not just the forbidden attraction between Draven and Briar, but the larger pressure of systems designed to eliminate exactly that kind of connection. Every interaction feels like it carries consequences beyond the immediate moment.
The Nightshades clan and its hierarchy add another layer of control, where loyalty is enforced through fear, and deviation is treated as betrayal, making Draven’s internal conflict feel constant rather than situational.
Readers who are drawn to dystopian paranormal romance with moral tension, forbidden connection, and identity conflict will likely connect with this approach.
What lingers is the sense that in this world, even choosing who to care about becomes an act of rebellion.
November 4, 2025
Talia Wall’s The Nightshades: Until Equinox completely consumed me from the very first page. The world-building is cinematic — full of danger, beauty, and emotion that drips from every scene. Draven’s brutal, haunted perspective mixed with Briar’s fierce determination created such a powerful contrast that I couldn’t stop reading. The way Wall writes vampires (or “Vampyres”) feels fresh and alive — gritty yet poetic, full of pain, passion, and humanity.
What really stood out to me was how immersive the story is. Every chapter pulls you deeper into this vivid, neon-lit world where survival, love, and morality collide. The tension between light and dark — both literal and emotional — is written so perfectly that it lingers even after you’re done. I loved every intense moment, every heartbreak, and every spark of hope between the chaos. Talia Wall has a gift for turning darkness into something beautiful. The Nightshades isn’t just a vampire story — it’s a story about what it means to be human. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What really stood out to me was how immersive the story is. Every chapter pulls you deeper into this vivid, neon-lit world where survival, love, and morality collide. The tension between light and dark — both literal and emotional — is written so perfectly that it lingers even after you’re done. I loved every intense moment, every heartbreak, and every spark of hope between the chaos. Talia Wall has a gift for turning darkness into something beautiful. The Nightshades isn’t just a vampire story — it’s a story about what it means to be human. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2026
He’s made for the night. She’s not supposed to be out in it at all. Naturally… they meet.
Draven is stuck working for a powerful Vampyre boss, slowly losing himself in a life he never wanted. Briar is human, bored, and beyond tired of curfews, so she starts sneaking out and taking night jobs—because why not? That’s how their worlds collide, and things spiral from there.
Things get complicated fast. Their connection is risky, intense, and hard to ignore, especially once Draven’s past starts catching up with him. What follows is a tense, character-driven story about pushing boundaries, finding yourself, and paying the price for it.
This dystopian paranormal romance pulled me in right away, and by the end, I was already ready for the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Draven is stuck working for a powerful Vampyre boss, slowly losing himself in a life he never wanted. Briar is human, bored, and beyond tired of curfews, so she starts sneaking out and taking night jobs—because why not? That’s how their worlds collide, and things spiral from there.
Things get complicated fast. Their connection is risky, intense, and hard to ignore, especially once Draven’s past starts catching up with him. What follows is a tense, character-driven story about pushing boundaries, finding yourself, and paying the price for it.
This dystopian paranormal romance pulled me in right away, and by the end, I was already ready for the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2026
If you love dystopian worlds and vampires this one is for you.
In a world where humans are chained to the daytime, enforced by police with a strict curfew, vampires rule the night.
I went into this really excited from the blurb and it did NOT disappoint. This is full of twists and just when you think you understand the plot, an even bigger overall plot is playing out. This has a little bit of a vampire mob vibe and I ate it up. I devoured this book and wanted to ignore all my responsibilities to keep reading it.
The world building is done so well, its easy to understand and unfolds beautifully. The pacing is spot on and keeps you engaged and needing to know more without going too fast. I loved how the characters were developed and how we got to know them and their personalities and motives so well.
I absolutely can't wait to see where book two goes after that ending!
In a world where humans are chained to the daytime, enforced by police with a strict curfew, vampires rule the night.
I went into this really excited from the blurb and it did NOT disappoint. This is full of twists and just when you think you understand the plot, an even bigger overall plot is playing out. This has a little bit of a vampire mob vibe and I ate it up. I devoured this book and wanted to ignore all my responsibilities to keep reading it.
The world building is done so well, its easy to understand and unfolds beautifully. The pacing is spot on and keeps you engaged and needing to know more without going too fast. I loved how the characters were developed and how we got to know them and their personalities and motives so well.
I absolutely can't wait to see where book two goes after that ending!
October 5, 2024
He is bound to the night. She is prohibited to be out after dark, yet they find each other. Are their destinies intertwined? Or are they forcing a proximity that should not be? Draven is struggling with his humanity after years of living a forced life as a right-hand man to a vampyre mob boss. Briar is bored with life and tired of the nationwide curfew in place for the humans. From sneaking out after curfew to securing a nighttime job and meeting Draven, Briar is living her best life. That is, until Draven's job catches up to him.
Come immerse yourself in this dystopian paranormal romance with well written characters that you can feel come to life in its pages. Feel their struggles, their happiness, and sadness, all superbly laid out in the pages. I look forward to seeing the story unfold and continue on in the sequel.
Get your copy today, you won’t be disappointed!
Come immerse yourself in this dystopian paranormal romance with well written characters that you can feel come to life in its pages. Feel their struggles, their happiness, and sadness, all superbly laid out in the pages. I look forward to seeing the story unfold and continue on in the sequel.
Get your copy today, you won’t be disappointed!
April 1, 2026
This book was a wild ride. I jumped on this rollercoaster and didn’t want to get off. The depth and description of this book was amazing. There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about this. The vibes and the characters were awesome. I was so intrigued with this one. Can’t want to jump into the next book.
November 11, 2025
This is a wild ride. The characters are well written and the plot is well thought through. Definitely a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2025
I really enjoyed how each character was introduced. I was immediately hooked and the book only got better the further in I got. around 70% through the book the waterworks just started going. I will be binging the rest of these ASAP
March 31, 2026
Very cool punk vibes, gripping from the start!
January 11, 2026
“There was a twinkle in those grey eyes, like starlight, as if she was a shooting star full of unfulfilled wishes.”
“The Nightshades,” by Talia Wells
It was a really good vampire x human book. The best part of the book was the fresh take on vampire and human world. The humans took control of the city during the day, and vampires took over the world at night (humans are forbidden to go out at night). I liked the main characters; Briar is really brave for a human, and Draven is trying to be less monstrous. I can’t wait for the next book in the series after that cliffhanger. 4 out of 5 stars.
-Dystopian
-Slowburn
-Forbidden Romance
-Morally Grey Characters
-Mafia
-Vampire X Human
-Multi/ Dual POV
Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.
“The Nightshades,” by Talia Wells
It was a really good vampire x human book. The best part of the book was the fresh take on vampire and human world. The humans took control of the city during the day, and vampires took over the world at night (humans are forbidden to go out at night). I liked the main characters; Briar is really brave for a human, and Draven is trying to be less monstrous. I can’t wait for the next book in the series after that cliffhanger. 4 out of 5 stars.
-Dystopian
-Slowburn
-Forbidden Romance
-Morally Grey Characters
-Mafia
-Vampire X Human
-Multi/ Dual POV
Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews