What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkfell Vampire Clan #1
Night Marked
A virgin queen determined to choose her own fate.
An ancient warrior marked by darkness.
And the king who will kill them both to keep the throne.
I was plucked from my ordinary, ho-hum life and plunked into a nightmare.
Abducted by a corrupt vampire king, I’ve gone from night classes to navigating the dangerous world of the Darkfell Clan, where the courts are a maze of deception, you test your wine before you drink it and never, ever sit with your back to a door.
They say I’m the strongest queen in a thousand years. Destined to overthrow the king and take back my kingdom. I don’t know about all that, but I know I can’t face him alone.
I’m building my own army, and while my bonded warriors are few, they love me, and together, we’ll defeat Viktor.
Or die trying.
I might be a queen, but this isn’t like any other fairytale.
Midnight Marked is the first book in the Darkfell Vampire Clan series, which is intended for adults. This MMFM is filled with unforgettable characters, magic and steamy romance! * Recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.
An ancient warrior marked by darkness.
And the king who will kill them both to keep the throne.
I was plucked from my ordinary, ho-hum life and plunked into a nightmare.
Abducted by a corrupt vampire king, I’ve gone from night classes to navigating the dangerous world of the Darkfell Clan, where the courts are a maze of deception, you test your wine before you drink it and never, ever sit with your back to a door.
They say I’m the strongest queen in a thousand years. Destined to overthrow the king and take back my kingdom. I don’t know about all that, but I know I can’t face him alone.
I’m building my own army, and while my bonded warriors are few, they love me, and together, we’ll defeat Viktor.
Or die trying.
I might be a queen, but this isn’t like any other fairytale.
Midnight Marked is the first book in the Darkfell Vampire Clan series, which is intended for adults. This MMFM is filled with unforgettable characters, magic and steamy romance! * Recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.
Unknown Binding
First published July 30, 2021
611 people are currently reading
1156 people want to read
About the author
L.A. McGinnis
123 books371 followersFueled by black coffee, ice cream and bad nineties music, L.A. McGinnis spends her days writing best-selling steamy fantasies filled with damaged heroes who long to be whole and smart, authentic heroines. A life-long fascination with storytelling inspired her to weave these contemporary tales of legendary fated mates where the princess never needs rescuing, but sometimes the hero does.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
December 16, 2021
WARNING - SPOILERS
I really wanted to love this book!! RH, Vampires, actual horror and not sparkly creatures of the night!?!?! This book promised to have it all, but it fell short for me. To start there were some editing issues. For example, at one part it said "We stayed ahead of them until Izzy was killed. After that, I found a town in Maine that was so remote, I figured Victor would never find us. That's where Izzy grew up." Now, I know it is supposed to say "that is where Seraphina grew up," but stuff like that bugs me. Second, the insta love between Luther and Seraphina? Okay, cool I can hop on board with some insta love to get the book moving. But when she is supposed to be completely in love with him, and then just jumps into bed with Cyrus without at least talking to Luther first? That just didn't work for me. Especially since the connection to Seraphina and Cyrus didn't seem to be strong until the moment they needed to get together. Then the last chapter? What??? Overall, it was a solid start that I didn't love, but I did like. I will be reading the second book in hopes that it gets better.
I really wanted to love this book!! RH, Vampires, actual horror and not sparkly creatures of the night!?!?! This book promised to have it all, but it fell short for me. To start there were some editing issues. For example, at one part it said "We stayed ahead of them until Izzy was killed. After that, I found a town in Maine that was so remote, I figured Victor would never find us. That's where Izzy grew up." Now, I know it is supposed to say "that is where Seraphina grew up," but stuff like that bugs me. Second, the insta love between Luther and Seraphina? Okay, cool I can hop on board with some insta love to get the book moving. But when she is supposed to be completely in love with him, and then just jumps into bed with Cyrus without at least talking to Luther first? That just didn't work for me. Especially since the connection to Seraphina and Cyrus didn't seem to be strong until the moment they needed to get together. Then the last chapter? What??? Overall, it was a solid start that I didn't love, but I did like. I will be reading the second book in hopes that it gets better.
August 3, 2021
Vampire Schmampire
This book read like it was fanfic of the tv show The Originals, which, itself, was the spin-off of the televised incarnation of The Vampire Diaries.
This book read like it was fanfic of the tv show The Originals, which, itself, was the spin-off of the televised incarnation of The Vampire Diaries.
Want to read
March 28, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/30/2021)! 🎁
September 2, 2021
Review to be added!
July 30, 2021
Really Good Story 4.5 rating
Seraphina/Fina is the virgin queen. She has no clue she is destined to become a queen. Lyra, the maternal Grandmother, kept secrets of her linage and kept them out of sight and on the run. Seraphina finds the strength to be more than a human, but there are hills and obstacles to overcome.
Two ancient warriors, Luthor and Cyrus, are marked by darkness and doomed to languish in prison until their queen is unexpectedly thrown in the dungeon with them. Luthor must find the strength to escape the clutches of an evil King, Viktor, or die trying. He enlists Cyrus to aid him but must overcome all the torcher the king has inflicted on them both, and they can do little till they can gain their strength back. By feeding on the blood that Fina gives them.
Fina must survive her new life with Luthor and Cyrus as her new beloveds. At the same time become what she is destined for. Will her strength and determination prevail, or will she lose all and become a victim of Viktors wrath and lose not only her life but the lives of her new vampire mates.
King Viktor will destroy them all if they cannot find a way to kill them all to keep his thrown that he took away from the rightful queen over a hundred years ago.
Night Marker, by L A McGinnis, is a great first book in the series. It is well written, and the story is a good one. I look forward to the next book.
Seraphina/Fina is the virgin queen. She has no clue she is destined to become a queen. Lyra, the maternal Grandmother, kept secrets of her linage and kept them out of sight and on the run. Seraphina finds the strength to be more than a human, but there are hills and obstacles to overcome.
Two ancient warriors, Luthor and Cyrus, are marked by darkness and doomed to languish in prison until their queen is unexpectedly thrown in the dungeon with them. Luthor must find the strength to escape the clutches of an evil King, Viktor, or die trying. He enlists Cyrus to aid him but must overcome all the torcher the king has inflicted on them both, and they can do little till they can gain their strength back. By feeding on the blood that Fina gives them.
Fina must survive her new life with Luthor and Cyrus as her new beloveds. At the same time become what she is destined for. Will her strength and determination prevail, or will she lose all and become a victim of Viktors wrath and lose not only her life but the lives of her new vampire mates.
King Viktor will destroy them all if they cannot find a way to kill them all to keep his thrown that he took away from the rightful queen over a hundred years ago.
Night Marker, by L A McGinnis, is a great first book in the series. It is well written, and the story is a good one. I look forward to the next book.
December 1, 2024
DNF 34%. Interesting concept irrevocably mishandled to be both cringe and barely make any sense.
She’s trained in martial arts, but relied on the good ol’ knee to the groin alone to evade an assailant, then promptly folded like a cheap tent? Get serious.
She comes to conclusions in conversations that were not even somewhat heading there, decides she’s a vampire, but then demands to be turned into one when she thinks she’s dying. So, which is it?
We’re given enough information to feel like we should have learned something while actually becoming even more lost on the rules of supernatural in this world, her upbringing that seems like an afterthought by the author, and start to feel as brainless as the main character is.
I gave up in the middle of a spice scene. Yeah. That’s how you know it’s bad. A random, ridiculous, spice scene. I could no longer stand the writing nor the idea of these ridiculous characters finding any semblance of joy.
She’s trained in martial arts, but relied on the good ol’ knee to the groin alone to evade an assailant, then promptly folded like a cheap tent? Get serious.
She comes to conclusions in conversations that were not even somewhat heading there, decides she’s a vampire, but then demands to be turned into one when she thinks she’s dying. So, which is it?
We’re given enough information to feel like we should have learned something while actually becoming even more lost on the rules of supernatural in this world, her upbringing that seems like an afterthought by the author, and start to feel as brainless as the main character is.
I gave up in the middle of a spice scene. Yeah. That’s how you know it’s bad. A random, ridiculous, spice scene. I could no longer stand the writing nor the idea of these ridiculous characters finding any semblance of joy.
January 3, 2022
A good start to a series that I will continue reading. The plot is similar to other series of this theming, but also solely original and different. I really like Seraphina as a character. She is as brave and loyal at the beginning of the book as she is throughout. The twists were just ok and the insta-love thing is always dubious to me. It was exciting to read and the ending was HFN which was ok for my stress. A quick steamy and hot read. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
July 30, 2021
What do you do when you are taken from the world and life you know and put in as Royalty?
You gather fine strong men and followers who will help you over throw the man who is hurting the kingdom , and this is the first book in this story and it pulled me in ,I am so ready for the second book
You gather fine strong men and followers who will help you over throw the man who is hurting the kingdom , and this is the first book in this story and it pulled me in ,I am so ready for the second book
March 26, 2025
Controversial, but i’m so excited to see what happens with Deston… 🤞🏼
August 8, 2021
"Well, yes, Seraphina, it seems your life has taken a turn for the crazy."
Seraphina is a college student just trying to get through her classes at Tulane University when she is abducted and thrown into a dungeon. She soon finds out that her fellow captives include other young women and vampires. Yeah, vampires.
The cell next to hers contains a hungry, battered vampire named Luthor, who tells her that she is destined to become a Queen. First, vampires are real and now she's a Queen? Really?
Fina, Luthor and another vamp named Cyrus manage to escape the evil clutches of Viktor, self-proclaimed Vampire King, who wants to kill off his competition. The trio travel to the home of Fina's Gram, Claire Malleve. That's when Seraphina learns the truth about herself.
I am a longtime fan of vampire novels, so I am always looking for the next great one. This was a well-written book with plenty of twists, magic, hot and steamy scenes and villains. However, maybe I have read too many of this type of book. In a nutshell, young woman finds out that she is magical in some way after being raised by her mother or grandmother as a normal girl (the father never seems to enter into the picture). Then, she finds out that she is supposed to save the world while also becoming romantically involved with the hot supernatural male that is helping her. You get the idea.
Also, I didn't realize that this was a reverse harem story (which I am not a fan of), but that is my fault, not the fault of the author. So, if you love this type of story with RH elements, this is a well-written start to what will probably be a great series. I was given the chance to read an ARC of this book through a book club and chose to review it.
Seraphina is a college student just trying to get through her classes at Tulane University when she is abducted and thrown into a dungeon. She soon finds out that her fellow captives include other young women and vampires. Yeah, vampires.
The cell next to hers contains a hungry, battered vampire named Luthor, who tells her that she is destined to become a Queen. First, vampires are real and now she's a Queen? Really?
Fina, Luthor and another vamp named Cyrus manage to escape the evil clutches of Viktor, self-proclaimed Vampire King, who wants to kill off his competition. The trio travel to the home of Fina's Gram, Claire Malleve. That's when Seraphina learns the truth about herself.
I am a longtime fan of vampire novels, so I am always looking for the next great one. This was a well-written book with plenty of twists, magic, hot and steamy scenes and villains. However, maybe I have read too many of this type of book. In a nutshell, young woman finds out that she is magical in some way after being raised by her mother or grandmother as a normal girl (the father never seems to enter into the picture). Then, she finds out that she is supposed to save the world while also becoming romantically involved with the hot supernatural male that is helping her. You get the idea.
Also, I didn't realize that this was a reverse harem story (which I am not a fan of), but that is my fault, not the fault of the author. So, if you love this type of story with RH elements, this is a well-written start to what will probably be a great series. I was given the chance to read an ARC of this book through a book club and chose to review it.
February 16, 2024
4.5 🌟!!!!! really really really really good.
I kind of adored this book. It had a kind of? sloggy part in the middle because there's a lot of talking, and also sex, but I knew about the latter before jumping in. This is also my first reverse harem series and I was really nervous but it's whatever. I like it actually.
I love vampires soooo much especially when they still have heartbeats/are warmblooded!!! And yippee magic and everyone has different powers and there's like!!! blood magic!!! This author really leans into the eroticism and intimacy of vampires and bloodsucking and I'm LIVING for it.
Slight spoilers? Not of actions/plotpoints but of names n stuff. Scary villain and high stakes and a heroine who is very powerful but doesn't have a grasp on her power, or her world because of how she was thrust into it? YES PLEASE ! I loveee Seraphina. And I liked Luthor but thought he was quite whiny (and now that I'm halfway through the second book, I like him even less). Love Cyrus:). And then Deston De Rayne wasintroduced and it was OVER FOR ME he's everything. I've not felt this strongly about a character in soooo long I was like kicking my feet n giggling when he was on page, like what's wrong with meeeee 😭😭😭😭.
I went into this with mild or low expectations and came out of it so so so excited to keep reading. While I obviously wasn't reading books with smut in middle school this book (and so far the second one, even more than the first!) has absolutely transfixed me and transported me back to the time when reading was genuinely the most fun I'd ever had. I've been on the edge of my seat reading these books and this book, while it felt a tad bit slow like I said, was a great introduction to the story and its characters and world. It's all slowly unfurling and it's sooo so so so good.
Annoying things (slight spoilers, kinda in desc. of book): Luthor and Fina's insta-love, Luthor at all, the use of the word 'male' (It's just cringe I'm so sorry), ummm I know this is a steamy romance and very much on purpose so saying sex here would be like, against the genre but 🧍♀️ I was skimming can I bfr. Just not my taste but honestly those scenes are written well too!!! This author knows what she's doing fr fr and this entire book feels like it was written FOR ME 😭😭😭😭😭.
The reason this isn't a 5 star is because while I did enjoy it and love it a lot by the ending, GETTING to the ending was a little bit of a hefty task. I enjoyed it for the most part but it took until the last 150ish pages before I was FULLY on board. Which is okay! I have a hard time connecting to stories when I read books so I know this is way more a me issue than the book's issue, especially since it's gotten me so damn ensnared now LOL. And there were a few editing errors but that's normal, and the book more than made up for it.
That all being said. I'm halfway through the second book now and just like ... jaw drope favorite series of the year and I read it in FEBRUARY ?? say it isn't so. ok anyways I wish I could give this a better review but idk what to say other than it was SOLID!!!
I kind of adored this book. It had a kind of? sloggy part in the middle because there's a lot of talking, and also sex, but I knew about the latter before jumping in. This is also my first reverse harem series and I was really nervous but it's whatever. I like it actually.
I love vampires soooo much especially when they still have heartbeats/are warmblooded!!! And yippee magic and everyone has different powers and there's like!!! blood magic!!! This author really leans into the eroticism and intimacy of vampires and bloodsucking and I'm LIVING for it.
Slight spoilers? Not of actions/plotpoints but of names n stuff. Scary villain and high stakes and a heroine who is very powerful but doesn't have a grasp on her power, or her world because of how she was thrust into it? YES PLEASE ! I loveee Seraphina. And I liked Luthor but thought he was quite whiny (and now that I'm halfway through the second book, I like him even less). Love Cyrus:). And then Deston De Rayne wasintroduced and it was OVER FOR ME he's everything. I've not felt this strongly about a character in soooo long I was like kicking my feet n giggling when he was on page, like what's wrong with meeeee 😭😭😭😭.
I went into this with mild or low expectations and came out of it so so so excited to keep reading. While I obviously wasn't reading books with smut in middle school this book (and so far the second one, even more than the first!) has absolutely transfixed me and transported me back to the time when reading was genuinely the most fun I'd ever had. I've been on the edge of my seat reading these books and this book, while it felt a tad bit slow like I said, was a great introduction to the story and its characters and world. It's all slowly unfurling and it's sooo so so so good.
Annoying things (slight spoilers, kinda in desc. of book): Luthor and Fina's insta-love, Luthor at all, the use of the word 'male' (It's just cringe I'm so sorry), ummm I know this is a steamy romance and very much on purpose so saying sex here would be like, against the genre but 🧍♀️ I was skimming can I bfr. Just not my taste but honestly those scenes are written well too!!! This author knows what she's doing fr fr and this entire book feels like it was written FOR ME 😭😭😭😭😭.
The reason this isn't a 5 star is because while I did enjoy it and love it a lot by the ending, GETTING to the ending was a little bit of a hefty task. I enjoyed it for the most part but it took until the last 150ish pages before I was FULLY on board. Which is okay! I have a hard time connecting to stories when I read books so I know this is way more a me issue than the book's issue, especially since it's gotten me so damn ensnared now LOL. And there were a few editing errors but that's normal, and the book more than made up for it.
That all being said. I'm halfway through the second book now and just like ... jaw drope favorite series of the year and I read it in FEBRUARY ?? say it isn't so. ok anyways I wish I could give this a better review but idk what to say other than it was SOLID!!!
August 5, 2021
Let me get this out of the way: I hate the pretty cover of this novel. Why? Because this is a seriously gripping story with adults and real consequences and the cover feels young adult-ish. I don't believe it does this story justice since I plowed through it with minimal bathroom breaks and the occasional "leave me alone. Very busy" to my poor son who only wanted to see how I was doing. Thank goodness hes old enough to make his own food. Even well meaning family wasn't going to keep me from this story.
I will say that there were many elements that reminded me of other series. Are they the same? No. And its a compliment, as these elements were used extremely well to drive the narrative. You have a human college student who accidentally discovers she's a long lost vampire queen. Seraphina (love the name) is an absolutely fantastic heroine from the start. Loved how there was a learning curve, but nothing changed who she was as a person. There was no personal revelation (besides the obvious) or change because she was always a brave and loyal person, even without magic. You have the beginnings of her court forming, and Luthor and Cyrus were wonderfully well rounded characters. After the first half of the story, you as the reader get a sense of understanding these characters and their actions. And you have a great villain who is enjoyable to read about.
The dialogue is simple, but it crackles with expectation and tension.
"“It’s really just a matter of a yes or no, Deston. In or out? It matters little to Cyrus and me, and we can train Seraphina ourselves, though it will take longer. You are merely an accelerated means to an end.”
I even love the chapter heading fonts that look very gothic, and the terrific character quote the author puts at the very beginning. (I won't spoil, but it immediately sets the stage on what to expect from that character.) Its got a couple of nice twists toward the end, but they aren't overwhelming, and it ends on a HFN. I was 110% engrossed in this story and immediately want more. (Cue child stamping foot gif) It may remind you of another vampire series too, but when its done THIS well? Who cares. I'm in.
I will say that there were many elements that reminded me of other series. Are they the same? No. And its a compliment, as these elements were used extremely well to drive the narrative. You have a human college student who accidentally discovers she's a long lost vampire queen. Seraphina (love the name) is an absolutely fantastic heroine from the start. Loved how there was a learning curve, but nothing changed who she was as a person. There was no personal revelation (besides the obvious) or change because she was always a brave and loyal person, even without magic. You have the beginnings of her court forming, and Luthor and Cyrus were wonderfully well rounded characters. After the first half of the story, you as the reader get a sense of understanding these characters and their actions. And you have a great villain who is enjoyable to read about.
The dialogue is simple, but it crackles with expectation and tension.
"“It’s really just a matter of a yes or no, Deston. In or out? It matters little to Cyrus and me, and we can train Seraphina ourselves, though it will take longer. You are merely an accelerated means to an end.”
I even love the chapter heading fonts that look very gothic, and the terrific character quote the author puts at the very beginning. (I won't spoil, but it immediately sets the stage on what to expect from that character.) Its got a couple of nice twists toward the end, but they aren't overwhelming, and it ends on a HFN. I was 110% engrossed in this story and immediately want more. (Cue child stamping foot gif) It may remind you of another vampire series too, but when its done THIS well? Who cares. I'm in.
December 6, 2022
I'm going to give this book the benefit of the doubt because there was a lot the author did right. The world-building was thorough and engaging. The writing (for the most part) was clear, easy to read, and well-paced - though there were quite a few typographical errors, none of these were book-breaking.
I loved Serafina as the main character. She wasn't perfect. She was quick to anger and was stubborn to a fault, but she was also filled with kindness, loyalty, and bravery. Luthor was perhaps my second favorite character, but one of the problems I found with the writing in this book, was that the further the story went on, the more the characters began to sound the same.
And this brings us to the biggest problem I had with the book: there were times when it felt rushed, particularly in the second half. It felt like the author was pushing to get through the process of finishing the book, and so scenes started to be skimmed over. Events skipped time. Sex scenes went from thorough and incredibly sultry to an afterthought. It began to get harder to follow parts of the story.
Also, I sincerely wish the last four paragraphs could be erased from my memory because frankly, it was an infuriating ending to the book. I hate it. I wish it didn't exist. It doesn't even make sense. Ugh.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I'm glad I read it, and I'd continue to read further into the series. I have some hope that it will get better as the story goes on. Was it perfect? No. I think the author and the editor did this story a disservice by not being more thorough in making the story a uniform quality throughout and fixing the multitude of typographical errors.
I loved Serafina as the main character. She wasn't perfect. She was quick to anger and was stubborn to a fault, but she was also filled with kindness, loyalty, and bravery. Luthor was perhaps my second favorite character, but one of the problems I found with the writing in this book, was that the further the story went on, the more the characters began to sound the same.
And this brings us to the biggest problem I had with the book: there were times when it felt rushed, particularly in the second half. It felt like the author was pushing to get through the process of finishing the book, and so scenes started to be skimmed over. Events skipped time. Sex scenes went from thorough and incredibly sultry to an afterthought. It began to get harder to follow parts of the story.
Also, I sincerely wish the last four paragraphs could be erased from my memory because frankly, it was an infuriating ending to the book. I hate it. I wish it didn't exist. It doesn't even make sense. Ugh.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I'm glad I read it, and I'd continue to read further into the series. I have some hope that it will get better as the story goes on. Was it perfect? No. I think the author and the editor did this story a disservice by not being more thorough in making the story a uniform quality throughout and fixing the multitude of typographical errors.
August 19, 2021
Holy hemoglobin! I love this book! This is an awesome first part of what I hope will be a long series. It's a fantasy, reverse harem romance with vampires in New Orleans who have magic. There's plenty of fast-paced action, thrilling suspense, steamy scenes, and an evil villain or two. I love how the main character, Seraphina, is suddenly thrown into the Vampire world but maintains her wits, sass, and snark. I thoroughly enjoyed how funny her inner monologue was. There's a bit of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," a pinch of "Game of Thrones," a dash of the Their Vampire Queen series, and tons of twists on old tropes.
I think my favorite thing is how some scenes are a little horrifying while mostly funny. There's also some fun with Vampire cliches. It's hilarious. Example: Deston all dressed up with nowhere to go. I have to wonder if he's seen too many vampire movies, or if he was using his magic to be over the top annoying.
I was chuckling at Luthor's struggle to understand the modern world while Cyrus seemed to know what cell phones were. Seraphina is fun to watch as she unwittingly blows things up or opens a box of worms when she asks questions. Her grandmother is a grumpy and kickass character, who I wished would have been around longer.
I also like how each vampire has different magical powers. I want to know more about what Seraphina, Luthor, Cyrus, and Deston can do. Not just with their own magic, but what can they do when they combine their magics?
I am excited to read the next book in the series!
I think my favorite thing is how some scenes are a little horrifying while mostly funny. There's also some fun with Vampire cliches. It's hilarious. Example: Deston all dressed up with nowhere to go. I have to wonder if he's seen too many vampire movies, or if he was using his magic to be over the top annoying.
I was chuckling at Luthor's struggle to understand the modern world while Cyrus seemed to know what cell phones were. Seraphina is fun to watch as she unwittingly blows things up or opens a box of worms when she asks questions. Her grandmother is a grumpy and kickass character, who I wished would have been around longer.
I also like how each vampire has different magical powers. I want to know more about what Seraphina, Luthor, Cyrus, and Deston can do. Not just with their own magic, but what can they do when they combine their magics?
I am excited to read the next book in the series!
August 23, 2021
This exciting novel from L.A. Mcginnis is definitely worth a read for fans of Reverse Harem (RH). It has great paranormal adventure, court politics, magic, and spice.
Our heroine, Seraphina, is your average college student until she is abducted off the street by the cruel king of the Darkfell vampire clan. She is a brave, modern woman thrown into the paranormal world as an unwilling chosen one.
I appreciated that her knights were not perfect. They had physical and emotional scars that added to the depth of their characters. I enjoyed reading from multiple POVs. The world building of the clan families was very intriguing and I liked learning about the different types of magic in this world.
Deston was my favorite character because of his complexity. He uses magic and charm to hide his truths and that scene in the garden left me very intrigued. I'm excited for more training and certain revelations coming to light. This book had a few surprise revelations that enhanced the story quite nicely.
At times the overall plot was a bit predictable and the dialogue felt a bit like a YA novel which obviously doesn't fit the subject matter.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and I am looking forward to reading Shadow Bound soon.
For more book reviews, reccomendations, and content follow me on IG @amajesticread
Our heroine, Seraphina, is your average college student until she is abducted off the street by the cruel king of the Darkfell vampire clan. She is a brave, modern woman thrown into the paranormal world as an unwilling chosen one.
I appreciated that her knights were not perfect. They had physical and emotional scars that added to the depth of their characters. I enjoyed reading from multiple POVs. The world building of the clan families was very intriguing and I liked learning about the different types of magic in this world.
Deston was my favorite character because of his complexity. He uses magic and charm to hide his truths and that scene in the garden left me very intrigued. I'm excited for more training and certain revelations coming to light. This book had a few surprise revelations that enhanced the story quite nicely.
At times the overall plot was a bit predictable and the dialogue felt a bit like a YA novel which obviously doesn't fit the subject matter.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and I am looking forward to reading Shadow Bound soon.
For more book reviews, reccomendations, and content follow me on IG @amajesticread
March 21, 2022
Seraphina aka The Vampire Queen
This book had me on the first chapter. At first I thought it was going to be like some others I've read where it's a hot vampire meets damsel in distriess. This one turns it on it's head. Seraphina is just like any "normal" girl doing her own thing and bam! She's being chased after and ends up in a dungeon of all places. Freaking scary because she's thinking human trafficking and all other worse case scenarios and then she remembers that the creep who took her was not normal in any sense. Scary red eyes and pale as a ghost and azz-hat to boot.
Next to her cell is Luthor and he "smells" what she truly is and invirgorates him to vow to get her out and protect her at all cost. She can't see what he truly is, but she ends up the one coming up with a plan and figures out that she needs to help him get stronger and help them get out. Oh. My. Gah! It was good, really good. You got some major action, witches, court politics, drama, and some very steamy sessions. Oh, yeah and let's not forget the other one they pick up on the way out, Cyrus. He's a hoot and holler! Ha! Love it all!
I'm on the second book already and went to bed at 3am because I started this series on Saturday at 9pm. LOL
Thank you Kindle Unlmited for this suggestion based on my interests. %-D
This book had me on the first chapter. At first I thought it was going to be like some others I've read where it's a hot vampire meets damsel in distriess. This one turns it on it's head. Seraphina is just like any "normal" girl doing her own thing and bam! She's being chased after and ends up in a dungeon of all places. Freaking scary because she's thinking human trafficking and all other worse case scenarios and then she remembers that the creep who took her was not normal in any sense. Scary red eyes and pale as a ghost and azz-hat to boot.
Next to her cell is Luthor and he "smells" what she truly is and invirgorates him to vow to get her out and protect her at all cost. She can't see what he truly is, but she ends up the one coming up with a plan and figures out that she needs to help him get stronger and help them get out. Oh. My. Gah! It was good, really good. You got some major action, witches, court politics, drama, and some very steamy sessions. Oh, yeah and let's not forget the other one they pick up on the way out, Cyrus. He's a hoot and holler! Ha! Love it all!
I'm on the second book already and went to bed at 3am because I started this series on Saturday at 9pm. LOL
Thank you Kindle Unlmited for this suggestion based on my interests. %-D
January 4, 2022
I was immediately sucked into the world that L. A. McGinnis created. The tale they told was exciting and full of surprises. Seraphina is unaware that she is a vampire from a royal blood line until she is kidnapped on reaping night. She meets Luthor in the prison where she is held captive. Luthor is an older vampire and commander of the high guard that served the last Queen. He recognizes Seraphina’s blood immediately and she lets him feed off her to gain his strength and free them from prison. After escaping, Seraphina’s world is turned upside down! She must learn to survive while a power hungry King is out to kill her.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is solid and the characters are great. Seraphina struggles with the new world she is thrusts in, but she starts coming into her own. It’s exciting to read and I’m looking forward to reading more about the Queen she becomes. Luthor is sweet and caring. He is very deserving of being her first in literally everything. Cyrus is fun and sweet. He doesn’t feel like he offers her much advantage against threats, but he is just as good for her as Luthor. I’m really looking forward to diving into the second book to see what happens!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is solid and the characters are great. Seraphina struggles with the new world she is thrusts in, but she starts coming into her own. It’s exciting to read and I’m looking forward to reading more about the Queen she becomes. Luthor is sweet and caring. He is very deserving of being her first in literally everything. Cyrus is fun and sweet. He doesn’t feel like he offers her much advantage against threats, but he is just as good for her as Luthor. I’m really looking forward to diving into the second book to see what happens!
January 6, 2022
Serafina is a college student attending night classes when she is attacked on her way home. She does her best to fight off her attacker, but she had no way of knowing that there was no way for a human to win against a vampire. When she awakens in the cruel and corrupt kings dungeon she doesn't accept her inevitable demise, she decides to ask the vampire in the cell next to hers for help, and with the help of another prisoner they manage to escape Viktor's prison. Seraphina soon learns that she is descended from a long line of vampire queens, that the two vampires who helped her, Luthor and Cyrus, were the former queens' guards, and they are determined to make her the next queen of the vampires.
Wow, there is magic, exciting action, betrayal, and plenty of unexpected twists in the plot to keep a reader engrossed in the pages of this steamy vampire romance. I loved these characters who are fighting to survive in a world where humans seem to be blissfully ignorant of the paranormal, and yet there are wars being fought to rule another species. Fantastic book and great world building, I can hardly wait to read the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Wow, there is magic, exciting action, betrayal, and plenty of unexpected twists in the plot to keep a reader engrossed in the pages of this steamy vampire romance. I loved these characters who are fighting to survive in a world where humans seem to be blissfully ignorant of the paranormal, and yet there are wars being fought to rule another species. Fantastic book and great world building, I can hardly wait to read the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 12, 2022
Independent reviewer for Book Sirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I've had a bit of a hit and miss thing with reverse harem books, but by gosh this one was a definite hit!
Seraphina has been bought up human, but is descended from vampires. QUEENS no less. Enter Luthor, and Cyrus and a despot who wants to kill her!
It really is a kinda-creeps-up-on-ya book. Things were moving along, quite nicely, plodding even. Then BOOM! Something happened, I couldn't even tell what, and things sped up, and moved fast! They slowed down allowing me to catch my breath then BOOM! Off it went again! I couldn't put it down!
Fina has a lot to learn about court politics and she needs Luthor and Cyrus at her side. But she will need others too. And I really look forward to seeing how that'll go down with Luthor and Cyrus, given what happens here. And who else will join their little group?
It's dark and deadly, with some graphic violence. It's smexy (oh so very smexy!) and sweet, and a few funny bits too.
Everyone important has a say, even if they only get a little bit right at the end. I'm glad we did too!
I need book 2, like yesterday!
5 full and shiny but oh so bloody stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I've had a bit of a hit and miss thing with reverse harem books, but by gosh this one was a definite hit!
Seraphina has been bought up human, but is descended from vampires. QUEENS no less. Enter Luthor, and Cyrus and a despot who wants to kill her!
It really is a kinda-creeps-up-on-ya book. Things were moving along, quite nicely, plodding even. Then BOOM! Something happened, I couldn't even tell what, and things sped up, and moved fast! They slowed down allowing me to catch my breath then BOOM! Off it went again! I couldn't put it down!
Fina has a lot to learn about court politics and she needs Luthor and Cyrus at her side. But she will need others too. And I really look forward to seeing how that'll go down with Luthor and Cyrus, given what happens here. And who else will join their little group?
It's dark and deadly, with some graphic violence. It's smexy (oh so very smexy!) and sweet, and a few funny bits too.
Everyone important has a say, even if they only get a little bit right at the end. I'm glad we did too!
I need book 2, like yesterday!
5 full and shiny but oh so bloody stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
November 12, 2022
Nice blend of erotic, drama, and humor.
There is something markedly erotic about most fictional vampires, and these are no exception. From early in the book:
"Her blood hit my tongue like wine, coating it with a queen’s essence. My synapses came alive as her blood spread through my mouth, down my throat, my muscles shaking as I pulled her finger into my mouth and sucked greedily, drop by precious drop.
This was no easing of my terrible hunger, but an explosion. A firestorm of my synapses firing all at once, of the realization I’d found something I thought was lost.
In that moment, I was forged in the fire of her blood..."
It's tough to walk the line with paranormal romance. Too much and it's difficult to suspend disbelief, too little and the story feels incomplete. This book balances the Gothic vampires with modern day - literally in one chapter in fuchsia sweatpants - with grace, humor, and yes, an erotic component.
The newly found Queen was going about her life unaware, but learns quickly with two devoted, sensual, muscular, protective vampires bonded to her. The plot unfolds quickly enough to be interesting, yet slowly enough to enjoy the ride and build the world around the characters.
There is something markedly erotic about most fictional vampires, and these are no exception. From early in the book:
"Her blood hit my tongue like wine, coating it with a queen’s essence. My synapses came alive as her blood spread through my mouth, down my throat, my muscles shaking as I pulled her finger into my mouth and sucked greedily, drop by precious drop.
This was no easing of my terrible hunger, but an explosion. A firestorm of my synapses firing all at once, of the realization I’d found something I thought was lost.
In that moment, I was forged in the fire of her blood..."
It's tough to walk the line with paranormal romance. Too much and it's difficult to suspend disbelief, too little and the story feels incomplete. This book balances the Gothic vampires with modern day - literally in one chapter in fuchsia sweatpants - with grace, humor, and yes, an erotic component.
The newly found Queen was going about her life unaware, but learns quickly with two devoted, sensual, muscular, protective vampires bonded to her. The plot unfolds quickly enough to be interesting, yet slowly enough to enjoy the ride and build the world around the characters.
September 14, 2023
I was immediately sucked into the world that L. A. McGinnis created. The tale that was told was exciting and full of surprises. Seraphina is unaware that she is a vampire from a royal blood line until she is kidnapped on reaping night. She meets Luthor in the prison where she is held captive. Luthor is an older vampire and commander of the high guard that served the last Queen. He recognizes Seraphina’s blood immediately and she lets him feed off her to gain his strength and free them from prison. After escaping, Seraphina’s world is turned upside down! She must learn to survive while a power hungry King is out to kill her.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is solid and the characters are great. Seraphina struggles with the new world she is thrust in, but she starts coming into her own. It’s exciting to read and I’m looking forward to reading more about the Queen she becomes. Luthor is sweet and caring. He is very deserving of being her first in literally everything. Cyrus is fun and sweet. He doesn’t feel like he offers her much advantage against threats, but he is just as good for her as Luthor. I’m really looking forward to diving into the rest of the series to see what happens!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is solid and the characters are great. Seraphina struggles with the new world she is thrust in, but she starts coming into her own. It’s exciting to read and I’m looking forward to reading more about the Queen she becomes. Luthor is sweet and caring. He is very deserving of being her first in literally everything. Cyrus is fun and sweet. He doesn’t feel like he offers her much advantage against threats, but he is just as good for her as Luthor. I’m really looking forward to diving into the rest of the series to see what happens!
January 9, 2022
Book ONE!?!
Don't ask me how I missed that this was the first book in an incomplete series, I can't answer that. I HATE waiting, it's the worst. So, if you hate waiting too book three comes out January 18th. Not a terribly long time from now.
As a writer I understand how the proofreading and editing process can start to slip while writing, you tend to go into reader mode and overlook things. I feel like that may have happened here, the errors were enough to be distracting at times. It wasn't just grammar and punctuation, it was tense switch and even possible character confusion. I try to pay more attention to the quality of the story when reading but as I said it did become distracting at times.
As far as the story it has great potential in my opinion. I loved it overall. We got great characters with their own quirks and we got plenty of humor among the serious stuff which is always a plus for me. It was a slower burn than I prefer but it worked. There's a lot going on in this book that makes it unique and I'm honestly looking forward to finishing the series.
Don't ask me how I missed that this was the first book in an incomplete series, I can't answer that. I HATE waiting, it's the worst. So, if you hate waiting too book three comes out January 18th. Not a terribly long time from now.
As a writer I understand how the proofreading and editing process can start to slip while writing, you tend to go into reader mode and overlook things. I feel like that may have happened here, the errors were enough to be distracting at times. It wasn't just grammar and punctuation, it was tense switch and even possible character confusion. I try to pay more attention to the quality of the story when reading but as I said it did become distracting at times.
As far as the story it has great potential in my opinion. I loved it overall. We got great characters with their own quirks and we got plenty of humor among the serious stuff which is always a plus for me. It was a slower burn than I prefer but it worked. There's a lot going on in this book that makes it unique and I'm honestly looking forward to finishing the series.
May 11, 2022
Seraphina is a college student who is kidnapped walking home one night and tossed into the royal dungeons. Viktor, the vampire King, stole the throne by murdering all of Seraphina’s ancestors. But Seraphina has been raised as a human, with her magic and powers not fully in effect. The prisoner in the cell next to her - Luthor, knows that she is the rightful Queen, and helps to break her out, along with another prisoner, Cyrus. But the cut that she got from Viktor is not healing, so they get her to her grandmother’s home, where Seraphina learns the truth of her heritage. Now she will need to call on and use all her magic to defeat Viktor and retake the throne as the rightful heir.
This book borders on horror, and does quickly turn into a reverse harem. I haven’t been reading the vampire genre for some time, so it was a good jump back into the genre. I always thought that the cover depicted Luthor, but I was wrong about that, but I won’t ruin the story. There is plenty of action, and some brutal fights, but this is one of the best starts to a series I’ve read in a while. This is a four book series, and all books are available now.
This book borders on horror, and does quickly turn into a reverse harem. I haven’t been reading the vampire genre for some time, so it was a good jump back into the genre. I always thought that the cover depicted Luthor, but I was wrong about that, but I won’t ruin the story. There is plenty of action, and some brutal fights, but this is one of the best starts to a series I’ve read in a while. This is a four book series, and all books are available now.
February 14, 2025
love it except for Luther trying to self deprecate
I just know I’m going to love this series, but Luther self deprecating over his bum leg which will get better if they just kill Victor is killing my soul! He’s in love with her yet he is willing to freaking leave her?! How is that going to help her in any way, besides being able to use the shadows is helpful af so why does he think he’s so weak just cuz of his bum leg?! At least he has control of his magic and years of strategy and expertise from being a Knightsguard! He’s beyond useful to her so him putting himself down and trying to leave as soon as he finds more guards for her, if he continues that in the next book, I’m gonna want to strangle him! Also ugh Destin is such a bloody prick! How could he not realize what that would do to her regardless of if she understood court politics better or not?! And why if he loved her and she was his mate, would he have been okay with hurting her or risking her for revenge, revenge shouldn’t matter anymore if you can have love, yes still plan on getting rid of him but if he’d just included her in these plans of his, he’d be much better off. Ugh men!!!!!
I just know I’m going to love this series, but Luther self deprecating over his bum leg which will get better if they just kill Victor is killing my soul! He’s in love with her yet he is willing to freaking leave her?! How is that going to help her in any way, besides being able to use the shadows is helpful af so why does he think he’s so weak just cuz of his bum leg?! At least he has control of his magic and years of strategy and expertise from being a Knightsguard! He’s beyond useful to her so him putting himself down and trying to leave as soon as he finds more guards for her, if he continues that in the next book, I’m gonna want to strangle him! Also ugh Destin is such a bloody prick! How could he not realize what that would do to her regardless of if she understood court politics better or not?! And why if he loved her and she was his mate, would he have been okay with hurting her or risking her for revenge, revenge shouldn’t matter anymore if you can have love, yes still plan on getting rid of him but if he’d just included her in these plans of his, he’d be much better off. Ugh men!!!!!
September 14, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
First in a series - check
Thought to be human - check
Vampire - check
In hiding - check
If those four things intrigue you you'll want to read this start to the Darkfell Vampire Clan. It's real interesting to see how a person was raised to think they're one thing but turns out they're completely something different.
Serafina didn't know she was the Queen of the Vampires. Someone else has robbed her of her birthright...not that she knew she was the heir to the thrown. There's some action...two men help save her...she figures out who she really is and has to save the world like now!
Her two royal guards help protect her the best they can but Fina isn't having it. She wants to take care of herself and her guards. Stubborn much?
Anyway, this book has some action, adventure, and reverse harem action. If you're not a fan of those you probably won't like it but the rest of us will move right on to reading the rest in the series when available. :-)
First in a series - check
Thought to be human - check
Vampire - check
In hiding - check
If those four things intrigue you you'll want to read this start to the Darkfell Vampire Clan. It's real interesting to see how a person was raised to think they're one thing but turns out they're completely something different.
Serafina didn't know she was the Queen of the Vampires. Someone else has robbed her of her birthright...not that she knew she was the heir to the thrown. There's some action...two men help save her...she figures out who she really is and has to save the world like now!
Her two royal guards help protect her the best they can but Fina isn't having it. She wants to take care of herself and her guards. Stubborn much?
Anyway, this book has some action, adventure, and reverse harem action. If you're not a fan of those you probably won't like it but the rest of us will move right on to reading the rest in the series when available. :-)
October 4, 2021
Seraphina is a young college student, when all of a sudden she is grabbed from the streets while walking home. Waking up in a dungeon surrounded by vampires to discover she is destined to be the vampire queen, her whole life gets turned around. The current king isn't exactly ready to make room for her and her court...
This is the first book I have read from this author, and it was definitely a pleasant surprise. I like the combination of plenty of spice with a slow building harem/court. It feels like more men might get added to the mix in the next books and those always manage to keep me interested. The multiple POV give the reader a better understanding of all the main characters within this book. I like the combination of vampires, magic and royalty; it keeps it interesting and surprising while Seraphina's powers develop.
I recommend this start of a new series for alle vampire RH fans, especially those who like a good balance between spice and plot, and who love all types of action.
This is the first book I have read from this author, and it was definitely a pleasant surprise. I like the combination of plenty of spice with a slow building harem/court. It feels like more men might get added to the mix in the next books and those always manage to keep me interested. The multiple POV give the reader a better understanding of all the main characters within this book. I like the combination of vampires, magic and royalty; it keeps it interesting and surprising while Seraphina's powers develop.
I recommend this start of a new series for alle vampire RH fans, especially those who like a good balance between spice and plot, and who love all types of action.
February 16, 2022
(Luthor, Seraphina & Cyrus):RECEIVED THIS FREE ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW! Umm, WOW. This was a great starter book to the series. I'm literally in awe. L.A.M. really took a path with the vampire romance story. It's so freaking hot and sexy but the main story is so creepy and mysterious. I stayed on the edge of my seat. I don't want to talk too much about the story but basically, Seraphina was raised as human however, she's actually the heir to a vampire clan. She didn't know this but her grandmother did because she was also the heir… SHOCKER…. SECRETS GALORE. She comes in contact with several vampires that are either there to kill her or serve her all for a place on the throne. Sounds like GOT with vampires. The book will turn you on, make you laugh and make you cry. It's also going to turn on your sleuthing switch and make you curious to find out what Seraphina's history truly will unveil and if they will succeed in getting her to her throne. Great book
December 12, 2022
Now, it is time for Seraphina’s story; the newest Queen of the Darkfell clan. Seraphina grew up with her mother and grandmother never knowing her father. They moved all over the place, especially after her mother was killed. She is kidnapped one night along with many other innocent women and introduced to the supernatural world. A man on the other side of her cell drinks her blood and saves them. Then another appears, they are vampires. When they return to her grams house, they know each other and the whole sordid story pours out~ She is the next queen and has to suffer through an Ascension to gain her magic. Once that occurs, she will have to have her guards to use their magic to defeat the current inhumane king of the Darkfell clan, Viktor. She will learn about different magics, revenants, betrayal, love, loss and so much more~ A war has already started in part one, for her magic, throne, and love…what will happen?
June 6, 2023
Caution sexy vampires ahead
Spice🌶🌶🌶.(3)
Three hundred+ pages flew by quickly. This is an action packed tale of vampires, magic, and monsters made from nightmares. College student Emilia is caught up in a reaping by the vampire King. It is his attempt to hold onto power by eliminating all possible threats. He rules his court with fear.
Emilia who believes she is human discovers vampires which she believed only lived in books and movies. A vampire prisoner, Luthor recognizes her as a Queen. She begs him to help her escape. He and another prisoner help her escape. Viktor, the King attempts to kill her. It is then that he learns she is a Queen. It becomes his mission to destroy her.
Emilia quickly realizes vampires are real and she is one of them and the next queen. She has only a slight control of her magic and very little understanding of vampire court politics. Luthor and Cyrus try to keep her safe and train her. The journey begins.
Spice🌶🌶🌶.(3)
Three hundred+ pages flew by quickly. This is an action packed tale of vampires, magic, and monsters made from nightmares. College student Emilia is caught up in a reaping by the vampire King. It is his attempt to hold onto power by eliminating all possible threats. He rules his court with fear.
Emilia who believes she is human discovers vampires which she believed only lived in books and movies. A vampire prisoner, Luthor recognizes her as a Queen. She begs him to help her escape. He and another prisoner help her escape. Viktor, the King attempts to kill her. It is then that he learns she is a Queen. It becomes his mission to destroy her.
Emilia quickly realizes vampires are real and she is one of them and the next queen. She has only a slight control of her magic and very little understanding of vampire court politics. Luthor and Cyrus try to keep her safe and train her. The journey begins.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews