Name the Dark

by H. B. Stapley

Born with the mark of a Sentinel and subject to the whims of her secluded, hostile town's Council, Nyx is charged with defending her people against deadly creatures known as “Others.”

As her eighteenth year approaches, bringing with it the Claiming Ceremony that will seal her fate, Nyx's world is upended when an enticing golden-eyed stranger arrives looking for a new start. For the first time in her life, Nyx finds herself hopeful for freedom—but sometimes hope can be dangerous, especially when lives depend on you.

After a series of beastly attacks, the town and Council demand justice for the lives lost, but as the death count rises and her allies dwindle, Nyx must discover the killer before it finds its next victim.

Nyx’s story is a high-stakes, action-filled, dark historical fantasy brimming with mystery, forbidden romance, and a dash of horror with twist after twist. Name the Dark is a stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, and Susan Dennard.

Genres: Fantasy

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

H. B. Stapley is a working mother who thought it was the right time to finally finish that vexing novel when she had two kids under the age of three—which speaks volumes on her sanity. A Washington state native now roasting in Arizona, she has always had dark, but fantastical stories playing in her head ever since she could remember. She loves reading, baking cakes, indulging in documentaries on the illusive giant squid, watching her children learn, and cuddling with her extremely hot husband.

Reviews

[thelilcloseddoorbookgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! The setting gives off dark cottagecore vibes, at least to me. This is the type of dark historical fantasy story with folklore I have wanted to read. I didn't want to put it down, and there was never a moment where I felt like the story was dragging. The pacing is excellent. Nyx, the FMC, is an outcast in her malevolent, superstitious town, and I enjoyed going along her journey with her as she not only tries to protect the townspeople from vicious attacks but navigates their false narrative of who she is. I love how tough she is and how she can use weapons, but she also gets in touch with her feminine side. I found Gabriel, the MMC, quite charming and liked his role in the plot. I'm an absolute SUCKER for forbidden romance. It was well-balanced in the story. The characters weren't perfect, but there is literally nothing I disliked about them. Also, Marie and Luka are two of the best side characters ever, and I will take no criticism of them. Seriously, I ate this book up! The mystery kept me guessing and the twists were spot on. The theme came together well by the end of the book. I would gladly read whatever this author writes next, and I'm happy I read this book.

I do have to say, this book could have used more editing. There were some mistakes such as a missing preposition or the wrong article used here and there. There were repetitious descriptions like the FMC blushing a thousand times, and a few instances where it would have been more beneficial to the story if the narrative was showing the reader what was going on rather than just telling. I didn't specifically look for errors, I just happened to notice them. Despite my issues with the editing, I was not dissuaded from falling in love with the story. Plus, we are all human. Heck, I probably have issues in this review.

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Spice level: steamy kisses only
Content/trigger warnings: reference to SA, violence, instance of bullying, gory injuries, death, and grief

[Storylineshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name the Dark is a dark historical fantasy novel set in a world where terrifying monsters, known as “others” lurk in the shadows.

The story centers on Nyx, a sentinel tasked with protecting her town and its people. Marked for this role at birth, Nyx has spent her life fulfilling her duties with little say in her own destiny.

The village, steeped in superstition and governed by a domineering council, creates a tense and oppressive environment. When an other attacks the village, Nyx’s life is thrown into chaos, forcing her to confront everything she’s ever known.As the story unfolds, themes of identity, duty and change are explored.

While it wasn’t my favourite read, I appreciated the character dynamics, world-building, Stapley’s writing style, and the intriguing premise of the story. I also felt the romance played a more subtle role which I didn’t mind, though personally, I found myself wishing the stakes felt a little higher at times.

Thank you for the e-ARC and huge congratulations on your debut novel!

[Mel Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
this book had werewolves and a badass FMC - ate it up! love a good stand alone fantasy horror vibe

[Savannah Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a phenomenal book!!! H.B Stapley did an incredible job of creating a historical fantasy that was both original and beautifully written!! I enjoyed every second!

[Brandi Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story! I absolutely love the world the author created and I became attached to the characters really quickly. I love a main character you can connect with instantly and Nyx was definitely that. It had some fun twists and turns and I found myself unable to put it down. BUT ALSO LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ROMANCE. I loved it, it was so well done and well written. Nothing too spicy, which is what I prefer, but still totally swoon worthy. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy with a side of romance. Can't wait to read more from Ms. H.B. Stapley!

[♡ Nicole ♡ (ThroneOfSnark) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love Name the Dark more than I did. To be fair, I read half before Onyx Storm and half after, and my mind has been preoccupied with that one.

This story follows Nyx, a young girl marked as a Sentinel, bound to a life of service protecting her deeply religious small town from supernatural threats like banshees and werewolves. Enter Gabriel—a golden-eyed stranger from the city, hoping for a fresh start. He’s sweet, beautiful, and radiates golden retriever energy. But when a vicious beast starts terrorizing the town, Nyx must rise to the challenge.

The setting was stunning—historical fantasy in a tiny, atmospheric French village. The imagery was beautifully dark and immersive. Nyx was also a strong, well-developed protagonist, and I enjoyed reading from her POV.

However, the pacing dragged, feeling repetitive in the middle, only to pick up significantly in the last 15-20% when the real action kicked in. The dialogue at times felt choppy and lacked flow, and the romance between Nyx and Gabriel lacked chemistry—leaning too much into insta-love without much buildup or tension. That said, there were some interesting twists, even if a bit predictable.

While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, there’s a lot to love for fans of historical fantasy with gothic vibes.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even begin to express just how incredible this book is—seriously, you need to pick it up as soon as it’s released! From the very first chapter, I was completely immersed in the world created by the author. Each character was beautifully crafted, and I truly loved getting to know them all! Well, let’s be honest—I loved most of them. There were a few characters that had me wishing I could “curb stomp” them if I had the chance. *Ahem*

But beyond that, this book had me both giggling and crying, which in my book makes it an exceptional read. I enjoyed every moment of it! A huge thank you to H.B. Stapley for the opportunity to experience this fantastic story.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta reader. Very good story with memorable characters a good world building for a shorter book.

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and dark Romantasy filled with mystery and monsters. I loved the characters and the story from the first chapter. This is a high stakes story with twists and a touch of horror to it. You get feels of Red Riding Hood (movie) meets Tyler Lockwood (TVD). I loved this book and it was really hard to put down. And, it’s a standalone!

❤️‍🔥 Strong and Determined FMC
❤️‍🔥 Small Town
❤️‍🔥 Mysterious MMC
❤️‍🔥 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
❤️‍🔥 Lopsided grins
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn Romance
❤️‍🔥 Mysterious Attacks
❤️‍🔥 Dark Forest
❤️‍🔥 Werewolves
❤️‍🔥 HEA
❤️‍🔥 Gothic Cottagecore


5⭐️ 🫑🫑(no spice, steamy feeling moments)

[Summer Seeds · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️

“I’m not the goddess. I’m the reaper.”

Name The Dark is a standalone dark fantasy historical fiction novel set in a small, isolated village where superstition meets the supernatural. It is the debut novel of author H. B. Stapley. Dark, lush, and all around beautifully written, it is a story you do not want to miss.

The book focuses on 17-year-old Nyx. She and all those who bear the mark of the sentinel are tasked with protecting the village of Blackthorne from The Others - creatures of darkness that seek to do harm. The villagers rely on the sentinels for protection, but also fear them for not being entirely “human.” This causes Nyx to live a largely lonely life. Her only companion is her fellow sentinel and mentor Luka. That is, until the day an outsider - Gabriel - comes to town. He’s kind and open and quickly cultivates a relationship with Nyx, not caring about her shunned status. Despite herself, she finds herself opening up to the newcomer. She finds herself being to hope.

But things are not okay in the village. It has been years since a werewolf attack, not since she was a child, but when livestock start turning up mutilated and a villager is murdered, Nyx knows she must catch the monster before it kills again.

I truly enjoyed this book. Nyx is a strong and likable character. She hasn’t had an easy life, but I loved watching her thaw and embrace her feelings for Gabriel. And Gabriel is just so sincere that I couldn’t help but love him. Both are well rounded and show a fair amount of growth.

The story itself was gripping and engaging. It’s a quick read that definitely kept me wanting more until the end! I honestly thought I had the ending figured out early on, but I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Who doesn’t love a good twist ending?

Thank you to @h.b.stapley_author for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[El Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
🫑
Name the Dark was a really fantastic standalone. The dark paranormal fantasy was filled with heartbreak, horror, religious corruption, paranormal creatures, death, romance, and misogyny.
This book tore my heart out, broke it, put it back inside, tore it back out, stomped it to mush, and then formed it like clay into something that closely resembles a heart. This book is not for the faint of heart. There is gore and terror, injustice and death, and the whole book was an incredibly terrifying emotional roller coaster.
The descriptions of "the creature" were excellent. It had the hair on the back of my neck rising and chills running down my spine.
The writing in this novel was exceptional. Clearly articulated and full-bodied. I was able to fully imagine the landscapes described and the look and feel of the town.
Nyx is an incredible FMC who has experienced all the worst hardships and still stand protects and fights feircly to protect the town who's given her no thanks.
Gabriel is such an intriguing character, filled with so much warmth and light, but even in light, there are shadows lurking that fight to consume him.
There was a religious aspect to this book that did catch me a little off guard and made me feel ever so slightly uncomfortable at times because I wasn't expecting it to be such a prevalent theme in the book. However, it wasn't enough to deter me from finishing, and overall, I deeply enjoyed this book and its other overarching themes.
I look forward to reading more by H.B. Stapley in the future. Her writing and story telling is exquisite, and I am obsessed with Name the Dark.

[bookishpadawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

▸Dark historical fantasy
▸Van Helsing vibes
▸Mysterious attacks
▸Murder mystery
▸Forbidden love
▸Fierce FMC
▸Closed door romance
▸Black cat/Golden retriever
▸Supernatural/superstition
▸Standalone

Nyx is a sentinel in a small village, Blackthorne, a sentinel charged with defending villagers against deadly creatures known as “Others.” After a long time since the last werewolf attack in this village, suddenly victims start falling again, someone or whatever it is attacking the villagers and killing them, Nyx must find the killer before it finds its next victim.

I love the vibe of this book; it's gripping and scary. the story started really well but was a bit slow in the first half of the book, and the MCs, Nyx and Gabriel dive quite quickly into developing a relationship with each other even though Nyx throughout her life as a sentinel was always shunned by the people of her village and many even considered her as a soulless creature—yet Nyx easily open up with Gabriel, a newcomer from a neighboring village; but her character have grown well throughout the book. and I thought I could easily guess who the culprit was, but I was wrong... this book is awesome! it has unexpected plot twists and surprises that will make you hooked into the story. recommended!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. huge thanks to the author for giving me an advanced copy of this book! ♥️♥️

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name the Dark is a standalone dark, paranormal fantasy novel, with elements of romance and horror, that follows Nyx, a Sentinel - who protects her village from deadly creatures known as ‘Others’. Nyx’s world is upended when she meets golden-eyed Gabriel. For the first time in her life, Nyx finds herself hopeful for freedom—but sometimes hope can be dangerous, especially when lives depend on you.

Nyx is a strong and brave FMC, who also feels lost and questions her place in the world she's in - you get a sense of how young she actually is versus what she has to do and has to put up with. Both main and side characters felt well-rounded and really well fleshed out - especially considering the book's length (around 320 pages).

Name the Dark is fast-paced, with solid and easy-to-understand worldbuilding that shows the reader what goes on, but isn’t dense and heavy. The descriptions used make the world easy to visualise and follow. The setting is dark, moody and eerie. The story is full of joy and heartbreak and has several unexpected twists - which keep you on your toes.

Van Helsing vibes
The Witcher vibes (imo)
Mysterious attacks
Fierce FMC
Closed-door romance
Black cat/golden retriever
Supernatural v superstition

Check TWs before reading - TW include: SA, death, grief, gore and violence.

[Emm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born with the Sentinel mark, Nyx must serve her town and council by protecting them from supernatural beings called the ‘other.’ When live stock start to disappear and people are attacked, Nyx must find out what ‘other’ is doing it and kill it.

Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️

I knew by 20 % in that I was going to be rating this book 5/5. So much so, that as soon as the finished book was set for preorder, I ordered it! I truly loved this book and am so grateful I was given the opportunity to read the ARC.

The plot is so well driven and the writing is so clear! If a plot point is mentioned, it isn’t forgotten which is something I’ve been seeing a lot in books lately, so this was very refreshing! There are a few plot twists I didn’t seem coming which was nice as well!

Nyx was a great and dynamic character. She had struggles, mainly between her duty as a Sentinel and her wants as a normal woman. She and other characters, such as Gabriel were written really well.

This book does of course have romance. It wasn’t fast, but it wasn’t slow either, which I enjoy.

This book felt like a traditional dark fantasy. I recommend checking it out if you like forbidden romance tropes, the supernatural, and dark fantasy.

Lastly, thank you so much to H.B Stapley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ♥️🔥

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really enjoyed this story. The world building was excellent and really helped me understand Nyx and her background. I could feel her internal struggles and understand why she felt the way that she did. I loved that Nyx took control of her story. She was never weak and fought like hell to end her story on her terms.

I honestly loved that Nyx’s love interest wasn’t the sole reason for her wanting change in her life. I liked that Gabriel added to her story but it didn’t completely revolve around him. We love a strong and determined FMC!!

But also Gabriel was such a good MMC. Very swoon worthy and just a good guy. I believe that Nyx and Gabriel were each other’s light that led them out of their own darkness and I enjoyed their dynamic.

This is a great standalone story and one that drew me in completely. There were some really good plot twists that I wasn’t expecting and I love when I can’t tell what exactly is hiding around the corner.

I would love to see a little update on Nyx and Gabriel’s story in the future if possible! Or maybe a Gabriel POV chapter! But all that would just be great bonuses to an already great story 😊

[Tammy Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was saddened to have to close the cover on the final chapter of Name the Dark, by H. B. Stapley. It was easy for me to imagine the settings as the action transitioned from scene to scene. Stapley did an outstanding job of building the tension too as Nyx, the heroine, is forced into action. So believable are the fight scenes, that I found myself squirming slightly in my seat while turning pages. Even the peripheral characters were lifelike and had a viable contribution to the storyline. The pace is brisk without feeling rushed and I recall running back through the story in my head while doing daily tasks. You’ll enjoy the unexpected twists and surprises that helped keep my interest in this unique work of fantasy. Thanks H. B., I’d like to say more but I don’t want to spoil the fun for others. Any news on the sequel?

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic dark fantasy standalone story

To Name the Dark brings to life the classic werewolf story with a Witcher type protector hunting the supernatural.

Nyx is a Sentinel, viewed as a necessary evil by the very people she protects to keep the Other at bay. She’s a fierce woman struggling to accept that she will never be seen as anything other than the seemingly soulless being she was born as. She fights against deep seeded prejudice, and pushes against what she believes is wrong. I loved reading her story and watching her challenge everything that she had been taught about herself and the supernatural.

Gabriel is one of the biggest green flags I’ve seen. He is so considerate of Nyx and he helps her to see her worth. He refuses to believe that she is anything other than amazing. I am so glad that he came into Nyx’s life when he did.

There were definitely things that I was able to predict. H.B. Stapley did a great job sprinkling in those hints and handled the reveal beautifully. And there were a few twists that shocked and then utterly devastated me. I love it when a story has both elements that I expect and twists that come out of left field. This book had them.

Thank you H.B. Stapley for letting me be a member of your review team! It really was a joy to read!

[Kylee Eastwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I loved that the plot twists just kept coming and that I could never truly guess what was going to happen. Because one minute I thought I did guess then my theories got completely upended. This book gives me serious dark cottage core vibes, and to say that I loved the vibes is an understatement. I would 10/10 recommend this book to anybody who love dark fantasy/folk lore. I also kind of loved the fact that there was minimal spice. Mostly because the little steam that this book did have added to the plot. The FMC Nyx is probably in my top 10. And the MMC Gabriel is also up there for top 10 as well. This story was incredibly written and had me in a choke hold the whole time!

[✨moodyy.reader✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

🖤strong & real FMC
🖤creative plot twists
🖤sweet side characters
🖤forbidden romance

The setting & vibes were dark, moody & supernatural & I loved that. 👌🏻 When gruesome things happened, it all felt so real & didn’t shy away from the reality of what Nyx was seeing/facing, which made you empathize with her through everything. I really enjoyed Nyx & her desire to be her own person even though she was stuck in a role she was born into & everything in her life had been decided for her. The romance between Nyx & Gabriel was sweet & there were a lot of mysteries throughout the book that kept you guessing!

💫Thank you so much to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

🔥spice: YA, kissing only

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads.

The emotions I felt during this book! I laughed and cried, and I want more! H. B. Stapley ripped out my heart in parts, and I kept coming back for more.

One of the twists I had partially sussed out, but the others! I was not expecting that! The story was amazing and I was so sucked in. This book feels like Wednesday Addams but more. I loved every second of this book and watching the characters and relationships grow.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world-building was flawless, and the writing style was exceptional. The book didn’t feel like a debut at all. The horror vibes were immaculate, and I absolutely loved Nyx, the FMC—she was formidable. The village leaders were ruthless, and I truly admire Nyx for her patience with them. Gabriel was the perfect MMC anyone could hope for. There were so many twists I didn’t see coming. The ending was everything I could’ve asked for—absolutely perfect. Overall, I loved this debut and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy standalones.

[Jasmin Hesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️✨️
I was so lucky to be able to get an ARC copy of this one! This is a YA dark fantasy that had me hooked from start to finish!

I found myself thinking about this story during my workday, and when I tried to get some sleep at night, which is a great thing because it means that I really connected with it!

The thing that I loved most about this one were the characters - they were so easy to love. This ARC read was an absolute blessing, and I’m beyond grateful to have experienced it early. Thank H. B Stapley for creating such an unforgettable story.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Read if you like:
🧛🏻 Van Helsing vibes
👀 Mysterious attacks
💪 Fierce FMC
🚪 Closed-door romance
🐈‍⬛🦮 Black cat x golden retriever
🤞 Supernatural v superstition

💭 My Thoughts: Nyx was such a complex and well-written character, and I loved watching her navigate her inner turmoil throughout the story. The imagery of the town, Blackthorne, also made me completely immersed. I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see what’s next!

⚠️ CW: violence, grief

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 H.B. Stapley 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 ���𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯. (And another special thank you for your patience and understanding as I recovered from the flu!!)

[beccsbookdiary · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute, fun little read about a small town, werewolves and love interest. It was pretty slow, one of those books where you’re reading about something happening within a short amount of time so makes for a good read when you’re not wanting something too deep/involved.

It had an old school vibe with the interaction/language between the love interests that I found cute. No spice but sweet moments with a little steam.

Mostly, I absolutely LOVED the way the author tied up the ending with the belief and good in God. Something that is so rare to see in a book nowadays.

[Deandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌑ARC Review🌕

This was such an intriguing story! The dark undertone and foreboding kept me hanging on to every word. In this Dark tale you will find slow-burn Romance, Dark creatures called the ‘other’ and so much mystery! I really enjoyed the ambiance of it all. I love Nyx’s storyline and seeing her character growth throughout this book! While there were some slow parts, overall, the story flowed very well!

[c_reads_books_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️ Rating: 3 (heavy kissing)

I am blown away by the YA romantasy that I’ve been fortunate enough to read, and Name the Dark is another indie gem with great lessons to share with YA readers.

Nyx, our FMC, is a raised to be a badass warrior - and she is - but she’s also 18, awkward, unsure of herself and the world, and facing a lifelong responsibility of protecting her small town because of her blood. I loved her inner monologue; the way she tried to emulate those she looked up to, the way she questioned people’s intentions and grappled with really real, important issues of ethics, power & bigotry.

Gabriel, our MMC, is an absolute golden retriever AND cinnamon roll and is absolutely infatuated with Nyx. Their dynamic is sweet, endearing and frustrating (as first love often is). Nyx desperate to “just be a girl” and Gabriel does everything possible (I was squealing) to make that happen for her.

The story is set in 1700s France to a backdrop of werewolves, demons and superstition but somehow the lessons hidden within are universal, and are special ones for a teen audience to witness: friendship, persecution for standing up to authority, deciding for yourself whether to believe stories about someone, learning to love & grappling with loss.

That said, I would recommend this to an older teen. Nyx is 18, and there are scenes of violence, a second-hand recounting of SA, and themes of grief over a loved one.

Thank you to Stapley & The Book Realms of Jade and Ash for the opportunity to read and review Name the Dark prior to its release.

[hailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genuinely loved the story line! I just wish it had been twice as long! A great short story, something simple to cleanse the palette between series with multiple novels. I wish there had been more background on the characters, they felt so simple. But a great read nonetheless! Just finished it wishing there had been more!

[Ella Ebanks Willetts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky enough to get an advance copy of Name The Dark

A great story following a strong FMC, Nyx, having to deal with the prejudice and daily life of being a sentinel in a small village. A dark fantasy filled with love, loss and mythical creatures

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed the overall dark, spooky vibe of this story. I loved the inclusion of werewolves. The book was suspenseful and had lots of mystery and thriller aspects to it. Although, I did predict a couple of the twists, I enjoyed this one!

[Hank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.
If you like Twilight-esque series but always wanted a bit more action and some fun twists mingled with the forbidden romance, this is the book for you!