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Echoes of Eternity #1
King of the Damned
"It's like you were created solely to be my ruin, my sweet agony...but we both know you were meant for more than that, don't we?"
A god amongst his race, and a tyrant to others, Kaius Voroninov has only one desire in the
Mortality.
When whispers in the dark begin to speak of Kaius holding the cursebreaker prisoner in his Obsidian Palace, discontent festers within his once loyal subjects.
Dark forces control his fate, and his mortality is not the only thing Adelasia LeMasters unknowingly hides within her soul.
A thousand years of bloodlust has left him cruel and merciless, but Kaius must face the dreadful reality that vampirism has never been his true curse.
It’s always been her.
It will always be her.
A god amongst his race, and a tyrant to others, Kaius Voroninov has only one desire in the
Mortality.
When whispers in the dark begin to speak of Kaius holding the cursebreaker prisoner in his Obsidian Palace, discontent festers within his once loyal subjects.
Dark forces control his fate, and his mortality is not the only thing Adelasia LeMasters unknowingly hides within her soul.
A thousand years of bloodlust has left him cruel and merciless, but Kaius must face the dreadful reality that vampirism has never been his true curse.
It’s always been her.
It will always be her.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2025
209 people are currently reading
1944 people want to read
About the author
Ariel N. Anderson
8 books2,445 followersAriel Anderson is a native Texan enjoying a simple life with her husband, Helaman, her cats Lemon Pepper and Burnt Toast, and her dog, Pippin. Ariel graduated from the University of North Texas with a Criminal Justice degree. When she is not putting her characters through soul-crushing trauma, Ariel enjoys playing video games and drinking an unhealthy amount of Mountain Dew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
April 20, 2025
Omg where do I even start with this one! Gahh this book was so my jam. Ariel N. Anderson is so my jam! 😍
I’m literally obsessed.
Okay, picture this- It’s a dark and moonlit night, a few candles glowing giving a slight glow as an elegant ballerina dances for a small crowd in a courtyard of sorts.
Pirouette, twist, turn and with a sudden gust of wind the candles are blown out, and a vampire’s glowing red eyes are the only thing the delicate ballerina sees before being whisked away.
I’m screaming right now because Anderson has delivered yet again. This has all of the dark fairytale vibes your black heart could wish for!
Think like Stefan and Elena vibes from The Vampire Diaries- I wish I could say Damon ladies trust lmao. 😉 But I feel like there’s a reason for this. 👀
Think like a dark Beauty and The Beast retelling with a vampire twist.
This story was so atmospheric with the dark blood forest and the beautiful, yet somewhat mournful castle.
I absolutely loved this story, the writing was great - I was pulled into the story right away and instantly transported to this beautiful far away land. It was almost impossible to put down, in fact I fell asleep with my kindle in my hand lol.
The romance is just beautiful, it’s all very dreamlike to be honest. Curses and vows and magic. I think the author did a fantastic job at weaving in her vampire lore into the story. The worldbuilding was pretty incredible, I truly felt transported.
To those of you who have read Ariel before lol she’s said this one is a HEA - I will say, it’s not a true HEA in my opinion, but it left me with a smirk on my face , desperate to get my hands on the second book.
This story is mesmerizing, intoxicating and seductive. Highly recommend.
Mild spice. Check triggers if needed.
❤️Dark Fantasy
❤️Gothic Romance
❤️Vampire X Ballerina (Hello?! 😍)
❤️He Falls First
❤️She Falls Harder
❤️Star-Crossed Lovers
❤️Magic x Demons x Witches
❤️HEA
Expected Pub Date - 04/30/25
I’m literally obsessed.
Okay, picture this- It’s a dark and moonlit night, a few candles glowing giving a slight glow as an elegant ballerina dances for a small crowd in a courtyard of sorts.
Pirouette, twist, turn and with a sudden gust of wind the candles are blown out, and a vampire’s glowing red eyes are the only thing the delicate ballerina sees before being whisked away.
I’m screaming right now because Anderson has delivered yet again. This has all of the dark fairytale vibes your black heart could wish for!
Think like Stefan and Elena vibes from The Vampire Diaries- I wish I could say Damon ladies trust lmao. 😉 But I feel like there’s a reason for this. 👀
Think like a dark Beauty and The Beast retelling with a vampire twist.
This story was so atmospheric with the dark blood forest and the beautiful, yet somewhat mournful castle.
I absolutely loved this story, the writing was great - I was pulled into the story right away and instantly transported to this beautiful far away land. It was almost impossible to put down, in fact I fell asleep with my kindle in my hand lol.
The romance is just beautiful, it’s all very dreamlike to be honest. Curses and vows and magic. I think the author did a fantastic job at weaving in her vampire lore into the story. The worldbuilding was pretty incredible, I truly felt transported.
To those of you who have read Ariel before lol she’s said this one is a HEA - I will say, it’s not a true HEA in my opinion, but it left me with a smirk on my face , desperate to get my hands on the second book.
This story is mesmerizing, intoxicating and seductive. Highly recommend.
Mild spice. Check triggers if needed.
❤️Dark Fantasy
❤️Gothic Romance
❤️Vampire X Ballerina (Hello?! 😍)
❤️He Falls First
❤️She Falls Harder
❤️Star-Crossed Lovers
❤️Magic x Demons x Witches
❤️HEA
Expected Pub Date - 04/30/25
September 23, 2025
An update on the Echoes of Eternity series:
Hi booksties!
Well, I think we’ve learned the hard way that vampire fantasy is not my strength as a writer, and while it was difficult to come to terms with at first, I’ve learned that it’s okay! That’s the beauty of a writing career and the fun of experimenting. Things don’t always go as planned.
When I started the EoE series, I wanted it to be this EPIC vampire fantasy and to be honest, I know it fell flat and didn’t necessarily meet reader expectations. I’ve struggled a lot with writing Queen of the Wicked, because I wanted it to be good, but honestly, the characters, the story, the writing style, none of it has been working for me. QOTW was originally meant to be longer and contain more depth than KOTD, but it just isn’t coming to me that way and I’m sorry for that.
Because I feel so strongly that this series isn’t my best work, I have permanently reduced the price of the ebooks of the Echoes of Eternity series to $2.99 each, which is the lowest Amazon will allow in its current pay structure for these titles. I will look into additional pay structures to try and reduce it further. (If you preordered QOTW at the original price, you can cancel and reorder at the new price). This series will remain on KU and will also participate in free book promotions when I feel appropriate.
The good news? This series has helped me discover what my strengths are as a writer, and because of that, I’m happy to announce that I have SIX books releasing in 2026 that will be a better reflection of my writing abilities.
Thanks for sticking with me while I discover my place in the writing world. You all rock.
With Love,
Ariel N(uisance) Anderson
Hi booksties!
Well, I think we’ve learned the hard way that vampire fantasy is not my strength as a writer, and while it was difficult to come to terms with at first, I’ve learned that it’s okay! That’s the beauty of a writing career and the fun of experimenting. Things don’t always go as planned.
When I started the EoE series, I wanted it to be this EPIC vampire fantasy and to be honest, I know it fell flat and didn’t necessarily meet reader expectations. I’ve struggled a lot with writing Queen of the Wicked, because I wanted it to be good, but honestly, the characters, the story, the writing style, none of it has been working for me. QOTW was originally meant to be longer and contain more depth than KOTD, but it just isn’t coming to me that way and I’m sorry for that.
Because I feel so strongly that this series isn’t my best work, I have permanently reduced the price of the ebooks of the Echoes of Eternity series to $2.99 each, which is the lowest Amazon will allow in its current pay structure for these titles. I will look into additional pay structures to try and reduce it further. (If you preordered QOTW at the original price, you can cancel and reorder at the new price). This series will remain on KU and will also participate in free book promotions when I feel appropriate.
The good news? This series has helped me discover what my strengths are as a writer, and because of that, I’m happy to announce that I have SIX books releasing in 2026 that will be a better reflection of my writing abilities.
Thanks for sticking with me while I discover my place in the writing world. You all rock.
With Love,
Ariel N(uisance) Anderson
May 4, 2025
Thrilled to share an update on my thoughts about "King of the Damned"! As some of you may recall, I had the opportunity to read an ARC and provide feedback. Having now devoured the officially published version, I'm delighted to say that the author clearly took feedback to heart. I was so pleased to see quite a few changes implemented, which have significantly enhanced the overall reading experience. As a result, I'm happily upgrading my rating from a 3 to a 3.75 stars! It's always rewarding to see how a story evolves, and these revisions have definitely made "King of the Damned" an even more compelling read.
As someone who connected with Ariel N. Anderson's writing in 'Under Your Scars' and 'Delilah', I was eager to delve into her new Romantasy novel, "King of the Damned." Unfortunately, my experience with this ARC left me feeling like I was reading the work of a completely different author, and not solely due to the genre shift.
The writing in "King of the Damned" lacked the passion and intricate detail that drew me to Anderson's previous books. While the central plot held initial promise, this intrigue was often overshadowed by a noticeable absence of depth in the narrative execution. Considering the book's concise length of only 219 pages, there felt like a significant missed opportunity to build more substance and detail into the story.
One of the most significant disappointments was the missed opportunity for a compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic between the FMC and MMC. The potential for palpable tension and evolving passion was present, but it ultimately fell flat. The characters themselves felt underdeveloped, lacking the internal exploration and meaningful conversations necessary to truly connect with them. Their thoughts and feelings were often presented too briefly, hindering any real investment in their journey.
Furthermore, the plot moved at an unsatisfactorily rapid pace. This swiftness came at the expense of crucial world-building. I struggled to visualize the setting and understand the nuances of this new world, as descriptions were sparse. Given the brevity of the book, this lack of world-building felt particularly noticeable, as there seemed ample room to flesh out the environment. The transitions between scenes also felt abrupt and lacked a natural flow, making the overall reading experience feel disjointed.
The sole element that has piqued my curiosity enough to consider reading the next installment is the introduction of the mysterious grey-eyed man with white wings. The enigma surrounding this character offers a glimmer of potential for future development and intrigue within the series.
Ultimately, while "King of the Damned" presents an interesting initial plot concept, the execution in this ARC left much to be desired. The lack of detailed writing, underdeveloped characters, a rushed plot, and insufficient world-building – especially within the limited page count – prevented me from fully immersing myself in this new Romantasy world. While the mystery of the winged man offers a thread of hope, significant improvements in character depth, pacing, and world-building will be necessary for the series to reach its full potential.
***I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
As someone who connected with Ariel N. Anderson's writing in 'Under Your Scars' and 'Delilah', I was eager to delve into her new Romantasy novel, "King of the Damned." Unfortunately, my experience with this ARC left me feeling like I was reading the work of a completely different author, and not solely due to the genre shift.
The writing in "King of the Damned" lacked the passion and intricate detail that drew me to Anderson's previous books. While the central plot held initial promise, this intrigue was often overshadowed by a noticeable absence of depth in the narrative execution. Considering the book's concise length of only 219 pages, there felt like a significant missed opportunity to build more substance and detail into the story.
One of the most significant disappointments was the missed opportunity for a compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic between the FMC and MMC. The potential for palpable tension and evolving passion was present, but it ultimately fell flat. The characters themselves felt underdeveloped, lacking the internal exploration and meaningful conversations necessary to truly connect with them. Their thoughts and feelings were often presented too briefly, hindering any real investment in their journey.
Furthermore, the plot moved at an unsatisfactorily rapid pace. This swiftness came at the expense of crucial world-building. I struggled to visualize the setting and understand the nuances of this new world, as descriptions were sparse. Given the brevity of the book, this lack of world-building felt particularly noticeable, as there seemed ample room to flesh out the environment. The transitions between scenes also felt abrupt and lacked a natural flow, making the overall reading experience feel disjointed.
The sole element that has piqued my curiosity enough to consider reading the next installment is the introduction of the mysterious grey-eyed man with white wings. The enigma surrounding this character offers a glimmer of potential for future development and intrigue within the series.
Ultimately, while "King of the Damned" presents an interesting initial plot concept, the execution in this ARC left much to be desired. The lack of detailed writing, underdeveloped characters, a rushed plot, and insufficient world-building – especially within the limited page count – prevented me from fully immersing myself in this new Romantasy world. While the mystery of the winged man offers a thread of hope, significant improvements in character depth, pacing, and world-building will be necessary for the series to reach its full potential.
***I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Want to read
April 8, 2025This is finally back up on Goodreads so I can add it to my tbr once again, I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS <3
Want to read
April 13, 2025After reading Under Your Scars by this author, I will read anything she writes🤧
April 15, 2025
When I saw Ariel was working on another book I was extremely excited to say the least after the masterpiece she gave us with Under Your Scars. However after reading this new book, I was very disappointed but that may be partially because I had such high expectations because of her debut novel but this one fell very flat for me.
The story had promise, but the book felt very rushed. The monsters were very cool and I wish we got more exposure to them. The attempt for enemies to lovers was made, however their relationship was very rushed and did not have that slow burn time to develop from distain for each other to slowly move into the lovers territory. The MMC starts off first thing in the book saying he will never love another woman ever again after getting jaded by his first love , and then a few chapters in, he’s killing for this FMC and staking his claim over her and doing lovey stuff for her all the while screaming from the rooftops for everyone to leave her alone, that she is his. As the King of the Damned, he was not intimidating or giving off the vibe that he was this bad ass man in charge that his subordinates supposedly see him as.
The FMC throughout the book seemed to be a scared little (adult) girl - which is understandable for being in a castle supposedly with a bunch of vampires. I say supposedly because there are very little scenes you get with other resident vampires and the whole time I’m reading the book I’m picturing an empty castle because there is very little life in it (no pun intended). She’s a girl who goes through majority of the book in a state of fear and terror but at the end of the book suddenly becomes a badass out of no where, her sudden change in character development made no sense to me.
The depth of characters was not there, the book seemed very rushed and quite frankly did not read like Ariel had written it, I would’ve thought this was a different authors book. My favorite character in the book was a snake. Without giving away too much, this snake is a supporting side character and is the only one out of the book that showed promise for the next installment on this series. I hope in the next installment, it takes its time to develop the characters depth, relationships, and world building because this first one just wasn’t it. This book needed to be much longer to really get attached to the characters and the world around them.
***** I received an early ARC of this book in return for an honest review *****
The story had promise, but the book felt very rushed. The monsters were very cool and I wish we got more exposure to them. The attempt for enemies to lovers was made, however their relationship was very rushed and did not have that slow burn time to develop from distain for each other to slowly move into the lovers territory. The MMC starts off first thing in the book saying he will never love another woman ever again after getting jaded by his first love , and then a few chapters in, he’s killing for this FMC and staking his claim over her and doing lovey stuff for her all the while screaming from the rooftops for everyone to leave her alone, that she is his. As the King of the Damned, he was not intimidating or giving off the vibe that he was this bad ass man in charge that his subordinates supposedly see him as.
The FMC throughout the book seemed to be a scared little (adult) girl - which is understandable for being in a castle supposedly with a bunch of vampires. I say supposedly because there are very little scenes you get with other resident vampires and the whole time I’m reading the book I’m picturing an empty castle because there is very little life in it (no pun intended). She’s a girl who goes through majority of the book in a state of fear and terror but at the end of the book suddenly becomes a badass out of no where, her sudden change in character development made no sense to me.
The depth of characters was not there, the book seemed very rushed and quite frankly did not read like Ariel had written it, I would’ve thought this was a different authors book. My favorite character in the book was a snake. Without giving away too much, this snake is a supporting side character and is the only one out of the book that showed promise for the next installment on this series. I hope in the next installment, it takes its time to develop the characters depth, relationships, and world building because this first one just wasn’t it. This book needed to be much longer to really get attached to the characters and the world around them.
***** I received an early ARC of this book in return for an honest review *****
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ first I want to say I love this author so much. I actually really liked this book, I think the story and characters were so good and really I couldn’t put it down. I think that it was a tad rushed and that made me not connect to the characters as much so when they got together and had their scenes I wasn’t like as invested as I could be. That being said, I actually really liked everything about it it was so good. And I can’t wait for book two 🤗
April 8, 2025
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would — with blood-red glitter and a mic drop🤩
The worldbuilding? Stunning. The tension? Immaculate. The characters? To die for😮💨
Kaius and Adelasia felt so real and raw — every scene with them was filled with chemistry, pain, longing, and power. Their dynamic had me screaming into the void.
✨“Fear makes your blood taste better.”✨Tell me that isn’t the most deliciously unhinged vampire line ever written?! Kaius is a menace and I’m obsessed.
The prose is lyrical and gothic, every sentence soaked in emotion. There’s just something magical about how Ariel makes even the darkest lines feel beautiful.
✨“Tonight, I am to be a woman destined to fall in love with the moon, forced to watch it die every night only to return with no memory of me.”✨I highlighted this and just stared. It’s heartbreak in a sentence.
The plot had twists I didn’t see coming — deceit, tension, betrayal, and forbidden love all wrapped in a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers masterpiece. And the spice? Just enough to make your heart race and your soul ache.
✨“But you’re not lonely anymore,” I whisper, leaning in to press my lips to his. “You have me. Forever. I’m yours.”✨
SOBBING. This book broke me in the best way.
If you love gothic fantasy, immortal heartbreak, morally gray men, and heroines who walk through fire with their head held high — King of the Damned is calling your name.
I’m feral. I’m wrecked. I’m in love.
~
A huge thank you to Ariel for letting me ARC this masterpiece. I am so honored and grateful to have experienced this story early — and I already know it’s one I’ll reread a hundred times. You’ve created something breathtaking, brutal, and unforgettable. I can’t wait for book two!😍
The worldbuilding? Stunning. The tension? Immaculate. The characters? To die for😮💨
Kaius and Adelasia felt so real and raw — every scene with them was filled with chemistry, pain, longing, and power. Their dynamic had me screaming into the void.
✨“Fear makes your blood taste better.”✨Tell me that isn’t the most deliciously unhinged vampire line ever written?! Kaius is a menace and I’m obsessed.
The prose is lyrical and gothic, every sentence soaked in emotion. There’s just something magical about how Ariel makes even the darkest lines feel beautiful.
✨“Tonight, I am to be a woman destined to fall in love with the moon, forced to watch it die every night only to return with no memory of me.”✨I highlighted this and just stared. It’s heartbreak in a sentence.
The plot had twists I didn’t see coming — deceit, tension, betrayal, and forbidden love all wrapped in a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers masterpiece. And the spice? Just enough to make your heart race and your soul ache.
✨“But you’re not lonely anymore,” I whisper, leaning in to press my lips to his. “You have me. Forever. I’m yours.”✨
SOBBING. This book broke me in the best way.
If you love gothic fantasy, immortal heartbreak, morally gray men, and heroines who walk through fire with their head held high — King of the Damned is calling your name.
I’m feral. I’m wrecked. I’m in love.
~
A huge thank you to Ariel for letting me ARC this masterpiece. I am so honored and grateful to have experienced this story early — and I already know it’s one I’ll reread a hundred times. You’ve created something breathtaking, brutal, and unforgettable. I can’t wait for book two!😍
April 8, 2025
Listen. Listen. I knew Ariel was an amazing writer. Like I KNEW that. But this book still blew me away. It hit all the buttons in my brain. I LOVED Under Your Scars and gave it 5 stars. But this book I guess gets 6 stars because damn. This book is completely different than her debut but still holds onto the things she does best in her writing!
Ariel created such an interestng, intricate world and breathes fresh life (no pun intended) to the vampire genre. I was hooked on learning more about the world with every bit of info that was revealed. BUT THEN. The characters. You'd think the two MCs would fall into familiar, tired tropes and it would be the same old, same old. WRONG. While both have some familiar traits to the genre, they also have a perfect freshness to them.
And it wouldn't be an Ariel N. Anderson book if the ending didn't rough you up a little bit. I was left going WHAT?? THAT'S IT??? But in the BEST way possible. Like in a I-might-break-into-her-house-to-steal-book-2 kind of way. I knew this book sounded good and that I'd love her writing, and boy did Ariel deliver. She has grown so much as a writer, and it's only up from here.
Ariel has really proven herself to be talented in multiple genres, and I can't wait to get my grubby little hands on a physical copy or six of this book!
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Ariel created such an interestng, intricate world and breathes fresh life (no pun intended) to the vampire genre. I was hooked on learning more about the world with every bit of info that was revealed. BUT THEN. The characters. You'd think the two MCs would fall into familiar, tired tropes and it would be the same old, same old. WRONG. While both have some familiar traits to the genre, they also have a perfect freshness to them.
And it wouldn't be an Ariel N. Anderson book if the ending didn't rough you up a little bit. I was left going WHAT?? THAT'S IT??? But in the BEST way possible. Like in a I-might-break-into-her-house-to-steal-book-2 kind of way. I knew this book sounded good and that I'd love her writing, and boy did Ariel deliver. She has grown so much as a writer, and it's only up from here.
Ariel has really proven herself to be talented in multiple genres, and I can't wait to get my grubby little hands on a physical copy or six of this book!
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
When I tell you I’ve been waiting for another Ariel Anderson book since I finished Under Your Scars & Delilah… and the wait was WELL WORTH IT🙌🏻🥹
Ariel’s writing in this book was so beautiful, so poetic… i remember thinking a few times “wow. That sentence was so dark but she made it so beautiful?” Ok so maybe a lot of times… not just a few.
I am very new to the vampire & fantasy world, and let me tell you… it made me fall in love with the genre so much more.
I absolutely ADORED both the FMC Adelasia & our MMC Kaius… but can we also give a shoutout to Cassius? 🤭🥹he deserves the world and more. I love him.
She has created this new magical world full of vampires, creatures, witches, magic, and so much more. I seriously cannot WAIT for the second book… I just knew it would end with me needing more and i cannot wait to see what the next book brings.
I usually post slides with quotes that really resonate with me, but due to this being an ARC and most of the quotes containing spoilers… I’m going to wait until after release and give this book even more hype🥹🖤
Thank you so much Ariel for allowing me the opportunity to receive an ARC of KOTD. I am constantly in awe of your writing.
🌶️🌶️
When I tell you I’ve been waiting for another Ariel Anderson book since I finished Under Your Scars & Delilah… and the wait was WELL WORTH IT🙌🏻🥹
Ariel’s writing in this book was so beautiful, so poetic… i remember thinking a few times “wow. That sentence was so dark but she made it so beautiful?” Ok so maybe a lot of times… not just a few.
I am very new to the vampire & fantasy world, and let me tell you… it made me fall in love with the genre so much more.
I absolutely ADORED both the FMC Adelasia & our MMC Kaius… but can we also give a shoutout to Cassius? 🤭🥹he deserves the world and more. I love him.
She has created this new magical world full of vampires, creatures, witches, magic, and so much more. I seriously cannot WAIT for the second book… I just knew it would end with me needing more and i cannot wait to see what the next book brings.
I usually post slides with quotes that really resonate with me, but due to this being an ARC and most of the quotes containing spoilers… I’m going to wait until after release and give this book even more hype🥹🖤
Thank you so much Ariel for allowing me the opportunity to receive an ARC of KOTD. I am constantly in awe of your writing.
April 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
If I could only read one fantasy book for the rest of my life, I would choose this one.
I Whiskey Tango Foxtrot read this book (iykyk) and let me just say, I ATE THIS SHIT UP. Not an exaggeration, I was in Ariel’s DMs after almost every chapter and SCREAMING at her because it was so incredible.
Kai is the vampire king of my dreams and what I wouldn’t give to have been Addie on that bathroom counter 😮💨
Speaking of Addie, WE LOVE HER. OKAY. NO NOTES. NONE. ZERO.
There was a bunch of little plot twists, lots of funny moments, and moments that had me sweating and questioning my kinks. Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I finished a book so fast. Truly, it was perfect.
Ariel, I love you, I love this story so much, and I can not WAIT to see the shit that happens in book 2 😈 #RowCrow
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME READ IT EARLY ILL NEVER SHUT UP ABOUT IT
🌶️
If I could only read one fantasy book for the rest of my life, I would choose this one.
I Whiskey Tango Foxtrot read this book (iykyk) and let me just say, I ATE THIS SHIT UP. Not an exaggeration, I was in Ariel’s DMs after almost every chapter and SCREAMING at her because it was so incredible.
Kai is the vampire king of my dreams and what I wouldn’t give to have been Addie on that bathroom counter 😮💨
Speaking of Addie, WE LOVE HER. OKAY. NO NOTES. NONE. ZERO.
There was a bunch of little plot twists, lots of funny moments, and moments that had me sweating and questioning my kinks. Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I finished a book so fast. Truly, it was perfect.
Ariel, I love you, I love this story so much, and I can not WAIT to see the shit that happens in book 2 😈 #RowCrow
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME READ IT EARLY ILL NEVER SHUT UP ABOUT IT
April 15, 2025
3.5 🫣
this felt a little rushed and not enough at the same time. and then people got introduced at the end and i didn’t know who they were and their relationship to the MMC and some creatures had no definition too 😩
this felt a little rushed and not enough at the same time. and then people got introduced at the end and i didn’t know who they were and their relationship to the MMC and some creatures had no definition too 😩
April 8, 2025
A huge thank you to Ariel for the incredible opportunity to be an ARC reader for King of the Damned! I’m beyond honored to be part of this journey.
This book is a full-on sensory experience! Ariel weaves an incredibly immersive world, with breathtaking descriptions that transport you right alongside Kaius and Adelasia. Every detail is vivid and rich, enhancing the story in ways that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Kaius and Adelasia’s relationship is like nothing I’ve ever read before—perfectly balanced with a delicious tension and undeniable chemistry. Watching Kai thaw from years of vampiric coldness to find a soft, unexpected love was utterly captivating. The evolution of their connection felt so real and organic, and it had me rooting for them every step of the way. Addie, in particular, is an absolute powerhouse—strong, fierce, and brimming with determination. Her heart is as pure as her resolve, and I couldn't get enough of her!
And let’s talk about Saddiq... we love him!!!.
I was left absolutely craving more. The way this story unfolds is so gripping that I’m already dying to dive into book two. Ariel, you've knocked it out of the park with this one. Bravo! I can’t wait to see what thrilling twists and turns are coming next!
This book is a full-on sensory experience! Ariel weaves an incredibly immersive world, with breathtaking descriptions that transport you right alongside Kaius and Adelasia. Every detail is vivid and rich, enhancing the story in ways that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Kaius and Adelasia’s relationship is like nothing I’ve ever read before—perfectly balanced with a delicious tension and undeniable chemistry. Watching Kai thaw from years of vampiric coldness to find a soft, unexpected love was utterly captivating. The evolution of their connection felt so real and organic, and it had me rooting for them every step of the way. Addie, in particular, is an absolute powerhouse—strong, fierce, and brimming with determination. Her heart is as pure as her resolve, and I couldn't get enough of her!
And let’s talk about Saddiq... we love him!!!.
I was left absolutely craving more. The way this story unfolds is so gripping that I’m already dying to dive into book two. Ariel, you've knocked it out of the park with this one. Bravo! I can’t wait to see what thrilling twists and turns are coming next!
April 9, 2025
OKAY LOVE. ARC review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
But before I get to the review, THANK YOU ARIEL for giving us easy nicknames for Kaius and Adelasia. Kai and Addie are SO CUTE.
Ariel will forever be an author I’ll happily read, no questions asked. This one is completely different than Under Your Scars but she knocked it out of the park again.
She hooked me with the dedication page. I ate this book up.
I LOVE the fast paced story — the world building is built into the book versus sifting through hundreds of pages just to get to the story, and I’m thankful for that.
Hot Vampires? Check.
Enemies to lovers? Check.
He falls first? Check.
Loyal companions? Check, hello Cassius.
I’m excited to see Addie grow into her character and learn Kai’s world. Special shout out to Cassius, like I love you dude. And Rowan, you’re gonna be trouble and I’m going to love you.
Can’t wait to see how this story evolves!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
But before I get to the review, THANK YOU ARIEL for giving us easy nicknames for Kaius and Adelasia. Kai and Addie are SO CUTE.
Ariel will forever be an author I’ll happily read, no questions asked. This one is completely different than Under Your Scars but she knocked it out of the park again.
She hooked me with the dedication page. I ate this book up.
I LOVE the fast paced story — the world building is built into the book versus sifting through hundreds of pages just to get to the story, and I’m thankful for that.
Hot Vampires? Check.
Enemies to lovers? Check.
He falls first? Check.
Loyal companions? Check, hello Cassius.
I’m excited to see Addie grow into her character and learn Kai’s world. Special shout out to Cassius, like I love you dude. And Rowan, you’re gonna be trouble and I’m going to love you.
Can’t wait to see how this story evolves!
April 16, 2025
After restarting twice to confirm this was indeed the same author as “Under Your Scars”, “King of the Damned” presents a compelling vampire-and-ballerina dynamic with an intriguing premise. However, the characters just felt one-dimensional and underdeveloped, lacking the emotional depth that made UYS so impactful. While the plot holds promise, the shallow characterization left me uninvested, making it difficult to feel motivated to continue with the duology’s second installment. A stronger focus on nuanced relationships and inner conflicts—hallmarks of the author’s previous work—could have elevated this story from merely interesting to truly captivating.
dnf
June 7, 2025Dnf 34%
The world building was all over the place and the dynamic between the fmc and mmc for this being a captor/captive romance got to be too casual too fast.
The world building was all over the place and the dynamic between the fmc and mmc for this being a captor/captive romance got to be too casual too fast.
September 15, 2025
Updating my review to add I was selected to listen to an ALC 😭 this book was just so crazy being brought to life like that. The narrators did such a good job I got chills. Absolutely amazing 20 out of 10.
Im actually obsessed and need book 2 asap Ariel!!
Big, scawy vampire meets little but strong dancer? Sign me up! That ending actually gave me heart palpitations and I fear this might be one of the best vampire books I’ve ever read.
Im actually obsessed and need book 2 asap Ariel!!
Big, scawy vampire meets little but strong dancer? Sign me up! That ending actually gave me heart palpitations and I fear this might be one of the best vampire books I’ve ever read.
August 3, 2025
I’m sad to say that I can only give it 2 stars.
It felt like the story was moving to fast for this 290 pages book. There were so many big events without details and the timeframe was hard to understand. The love story felt a bit forced and i couldn’t get past how fast she just accepted here new life with the vampires after being kidnapped.
It felt like the story was moving to fast for this 290 pages book. There were so many big events without details and the timeframe was hard to understand. The love story felt a bit forced and i couldn’t get past how fast she just accepted here new life with the vampires after being kidnapped.
October 5, 2025
Ariel N. Andersson DELIVERS! I NEED book 2🥹
April 30, 2025
Ariel is one of those authors who, if she writes a shopping list or just writes anything on a piece of toilet paper, I'll go and buy it every time. We all already know that she is amazing author, but when she came up with a dark vampire romance, she hit all of my buttons, respectfully but hard! This is exactly the kind of book I've been looking for for a long time.
Kaius - the original vampire who was cursed to eternal life and bloodlust by a dark priestess who only enjoyed his company out of her own bi*ch nature, but no longer desired his full devotion and love. Her betrayal forced him to commit heinous acts that resulted in the death of his mother and later the priestess herself. However, the remaining dark witches took revenge for their sister's death and placed another curse on him. And the key to breaking it is a ballerina with zero instinct for self-preservation - Adelasia.
Let’s add some seriously spicy hot scenes, lots of rough and bloody scenes, a dark gothic mansion and one cunning and devious scaly companion. All of this is what this absolutely epic book gives you.
I’ve loved the whole story. The chemistry and interactions between the main characters were amazig and I absolutely fell in love with Cassius too.
The ending of the book deserved a little more space in my opinion and I wouldn't have rushed some of the events at such a fast pace. But I understand that the author had to leave a veil of mystery and leave quite a few questions unanswered. After the rather shocking ending, I'm really curious to see which way our main character's heart will lead. And I’m debating with myself if I’m more into fangs, scales or feathers... :))
However, it was still an absolutely amazing read even though Ariel has ventured into a whole new genre.
4.5/5⭐️
I’ve received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 🖤
Kaius - the original vampire who was cursed to eternal life and bloodlust by a dark priestess who only enjoyed his company out of her own bi*ch nature, but no longer desired his full devotion and love. Her betrayal forced him to commit heinous acts that resulted in the death of his mother and later the priestess herself. However, the remaining dark witches took revenge for their sister's death and placed another curse on him. And the key to breaking it is a ballerina with zero instinct for self-preservation - Adelasia.
Let’s add some seriously spicy hot scenes, lots of rough and bloody scenes, a dark gothic mansion and one cunning and devious scaly companion. All of this is what this absolutely epic book gives you.
I’ve loved the whole story. The chemistry and interactions between the main characters were amazig and I absolutely fell in love with Cassius too.
The ending of the book deserved a little more space in my opinion and I wouldn't have rushed some of the events at such a fast pace. But I understand that the author had to leave a veil of mystery and leave quite a few questions unanswered. After the rather shocking ending, I'm really curious to see which way our main character's heart will lead. And I’m debating with myself if I’m more into fangs, scales or feathers... :))
However, it was still an absolutely amazing read even though Ariel has ventured into a whole new genre.
4.5/5⭐️
I’ve received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 🖤
April 28, 2025
Here’s the thing… If you go into this expecting Under Your Scars then yes it won’t live up to that emotionally. Buttt if you take it for what it is, a dark VAMPIRE fun time, then you will love it. The MMC is giving Eric Northman mixed with Brad Pitt’s Louis in Interview With A Vampire. I enjoyed it and will continue the series. Recommend for my fellow vampire girlies!
April 8, 2025
6-Star Review of King of the Damned
by someone who is now spiritually, emotionally, and probably contractually bound to Kaius
If I could give this book six stars and my soul, I would. King of the Damned is a true fantasy lover’s fever dream—vampires, demons, curses, tension so thick it could crack stone, and a romance that burns slowly but consumes everything in its path.
This isn’t your average brooding vampire tale. This is a symphony of wickedness and beauty. The vampire lore has weight, meaning, and mystery wrapped in every blood-soaked page. Every twist? Didn’t see it coming. Every turn? Had me feral. And yet, it never sacrifices emotional depth for shock factor—it makes you care, it makes you ache, it makes you believe.
Let’s talk characters.
Adelasia—a 6-foot ballerina (yes, I said SIX FEET—queen behavior) thrown into a world she never asked for. She’s strong, stubborn, vulnerable, and completely mesmerizing.
Kaius—I don’t even know where to start. The sass. The rage. The centuries of pain buried beneath ice. The way he hears her say “wait” and the entire world shifts? Sir, you’re down bad and I’m here for it. The man killed guards for her before even seeing her eyes. That’s the level of obsession we want in a vampire king.
And then there’s Rowan. The drama. The tension. The way he slides into the picture with those lines?? I am not okay. “Usually you’re the one on your knees in front of me”—EXCUSE ME???
The banter? Immaculate.
The tension? Off the charts.
The vibe? Unholy perfection.
Every interaction drips with power play, fear, longing, and that razor’s edge between hate and want.
Ariel, you’re going to ruin me. And I’m ready for it.
Final thoughts:
• Yes, I volunteer to be a blood slave.
• Kaius is definitely 7 feet tall. There’s no way.
• I need book two. Yesterday.
• Team Cassius AND Team Kaius.
A keen ear may reveal more than a keen eye, but a keen reader knows when they’ve found their next obsession. This is it.
by someone who is now spiritually, emotionally, and probably contractually bound to Kaius
If I could give this book six stars and my soul, I would. King of the Damned is a true fantasy lover’s fever dream—vampires, demons, curses, tension so thick it could crack stone, and a romance that burns slowly but consumes everything in its path.
This isn’t your average brooding vampire tale. This is a symphony of wickedness and beauty. The vampire lore has weight, meaning, and mystery wrapped in every blood-soaked page. Every twist? Didn’t see it coming. Every turn? Had me feral. And yet, it never sacrifices emotional depth for shock factor—it makes you care, it makes you ache, it makes you believe.
Let’s talk characters.
Adelasia—a 6-foot ballerina (yes, I said SIX FEET—queen behavior) thrown into a world she never asked for. She’s strong, stubborn, vulnerable, and completely mesmerizing.
Kaius—I don’t even know where to start. The sass. The rage. The centuries of pain buried beneath ice. The way he hears her say “wait” and the entire world shifts? Sir, you’re down bad and I’m here for it. The man killed guards for her before even seeing her eyes. That’s the level of obsession we want in a vampire king.
And then there’s Rowan. The drama. The tension. The way he slides into the picture with those lines?? I am not okay. “Usually you’re the one on your knees in front of me”—EXCUSE ME???
The banter? Immaculate.
The tension? Off the charts.
The vibe? Unholy perfection.
Every interaction drips with power play, fear, longing, and that razor’s edge between hate and want.
Ariel, you’re going to ruin me. And I’m ready for it.
Final thoughts:
• Yes, I volunteer to be a blood slave.
• Kaius is definitely 7 feet tall. There’s no way.
• I need book two. Yesterday.
• Team Cassius AND Team Kaius.
A keen ear may reveal more than a keen eye, but a keen reader knows when they’ve found their next obsession. This is it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
5⭐️ 3.9🌶️ 5🎤
This one’s for all the vampire & fantasy lovers! Even if you’re just into romance vibes, you’ll love this one.
The author’s unique creativity is amazing. I dove right into this one with no questions asked, both feet first. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for anything with vampires, you guys nailed it from start to finish with this one.
It’s fast-paced, easy to get into, and the storyline pulls you in instantly. The narrators brought all the vibes & more for this one, Each narrator added depth to the characters, just look at the casting, it speaks for itself
(June Deborahae – Sean Masters – Willa Jaymes – Joe Arden)
Whether it’s the ebook, physical copy, or audio, you’ll enjoy it. But the audio takes it up a notch you won’t wanna miss it.
This has dark romance vibes, vampires mixed with a darker version of Beauty and the Beast (which I absolutely love), and magical scenarios.
I really enjoyed listening to this. Everything pulled me in the narrators, the story, the plot all of it! I didn’t see the twists coming, which is a huge plus for me. I love when a book catches me off guard with a quick BAM! & this one fully delivered, lol.
I loved it! I can definitely see myself listening to this again in the future. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s into fantasy/dark fantasy, dark romance, and supernatural vibes. You won’t be disappointed with this one!
This one’s for all the vampire & fantasy lovers! Even if you’re just into romance vibes, you’ll love this one.
The author’s unique creativity is amazing. I dove right into this one with no questions asked, both feet first. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for anything with vampires, you guys nailed it from start to finish with this one.
It’s fast-paced, easy to get into, and the storyline pulls you in instantly. The narrators brought all the vibes & more for this one, Each narrator added depth to the characters, just look at the casting, it speaks for itself
(June Deborahae – Sean Masters – Willa Jaymes – Joe Arden)
Whether it’s the ebook, physical copy, or audio, you’ll enjoy it. But the audio takes it up a notch you won’t wanna miss it.
This has dark romance vibes, vampires mixed with a darker version of Beauty and the Beast (which I absolutely love), and magical scenarios.
I really enjoyed listening to this. Everything pulled me in the narrators, the story, the plot all of it! I didn’t see the twists coming, which is a huge plus for me. I love when a book catches me off guard with a quick BAM! & this one fully delivered, lol.
I loved it! I can definitely see myself listening to this again in the future. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s into fantasy/dark fantasy, dark romance, and supernatural vibes. You won’t be disappointed with this one!
April 8, 2025
I am so thankful I got to receive an ARC Copy of King of the Damned. This book blew me away. I haven't read a good vampire story in a long time and this one was perfect!!
Ariel sure knows how to write an amazing story and leave you wanting more and more. This one and of course the wonderful Under Your Scars book which is one of my all time favorite books.
I cant wait to continue on in this journey in the Echos of Eternity Series. I absolutely loved Adelasia & our MMC Kaius. Their connection together was perfect and I wanted both of them to be truly happy. Kaius as a vampire, the Vampire Boyfriend you wish you had. His character was spot on for what you would think a vampire would be and then you have Adelasia, the mortal girl who is a strong FMC that I love the whole way through this book. And Of course, you cant forget the hidden character, Cassius who you will love in this book too!
This was a fantastic and very quick read for me, I read it within a day and with that ending, I already cant wait for Book 2!!! Hands Down 5 Stars. <3
Ariel sure knows how to write an amazing story and leave you wanting more and more. This one and of course the wonderful Under Your Scars book which is one of my all time favorite books.
I cant wait to continue on in this journey in the Echos of Eternity Series. I absolutely loved Adelasia & our MMC Kaius. Their connection together was perfect and I wanted both of them to be truly happy. Kaius as a vampire, the Vampire Boyfriend you wish you had. His character was spot on for what you would think a vampire would be and then you have Adelasia, the mortal girl who is a strong FMC that I love the whole way through this book. And Of course, you cant forget the hidden character, Cassius who you will love in this book too!
This was a fantastic and very quick read for me, I read it within a day and with that ending, I already cant wait for Book 2!!! Hands Down 5 Stars. <3
April 11, 2025
“You cannot fathom the thirst currently residing in my throat for you.”
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and once I started I could not stop!
I’ve been a huge fan of Ariel’s writing since I first read her novel Under Your Scars so it’s no surprise that I’m absolutely in love with her newest Romantasy!
Kai and Addie were the perfect MCs! I fell in love with them immediately! Not to mention the way the last couple chapters ended! “Kneel, Kaius Voroninov, before your queen.” Had me MELTING bc I’m such a sucker for a badass female moment!
Thank you Ariel for sending me an ARC I am dying to read book 2!
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and once I started I could not stop!
I’ve been a huge fan of Ariel’s writing since I first read her novel Under Your Scars so it’s no surprise that I’m absolutely in love with her newest Romantasy!
Kai and Addie were the perfect MCs! I fell in love with them immediately! Not to mention the way the last couple chapters ended! “Kneel, Kaius Voroninov, before your queen.” Had me MELTING bc I’m such a sucker for a badass female moment!
Thank you Ariel for sending me an ARC I am dying to read book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
2.75 rounded up. For her first attempt at a vampire/fantasy genre, it wasn't terrible. It did feel rushed but yet also didn't give enough. There is also a character (Rowan) introduced at the end that wasn't elaborated on. Is he an angel? Mythical Bird? I have questions. Go into this like it's a novella and don't expect 'Under Your Scars'.
May 14, 2025
4.3 ⭐️
“King of the Damned” spins a gothic fairytale of sweet agony and dark allure. It’s a tempting beginning with a promising echo of something (and Rowan) that begs to be darker, deeper, and more consuming
“King of the Damned” spins a gothic fairytale of sweet agony and dark allure. It’s a tempting beginning with a promising echo of something (and Rowan) that begs to be darker, deeper, and more consuming
September 16, 2025
I’m really in my vampire era and this book was definitely it! It had a really good plot that was easy to follow, I loved the fmc and the tension between the characters and I’m really excited to read the next book. I actually had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook which was multicast which is always the best 😍
September 14, 2025
Audiobook Review
King of the Damned is the first book in Ariel N. Anderson’s ‘Echoes of Eternity Duet’ featuring the story of vampire Kaius Voroninov and statuesque ballerina Adelasia. The audiobook is a full-cast: June deBorahae as Adelasia, Sean Masters as Kaius, Willa Jaymes plays the Nine Priestesses, and Joe Arden plays Dravon. The audiobook is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes long.
Kaius has been eternally cursed to be a vampire by the Ten Priestesses, and he desperately wishes to be freed. Adelasia is ripped from her safe world and into an unknown dungeon of darkness. Together, they work to understand the strings that have tied them together. A fate neither Kaius nor Adelasia can control swirls around their connection in this first book, introducing a cast of characters that enhance and build the story alongside them.
I’d like to bring attention to the powerhouse female energy that vibrates through this story by way of June and Willa. Ariel’s writing of the women in KOTD (both innocent and ominous) gave these two female performers a stage to stretch their fantastical vocal talents, and these two performers moved to Ariel’s beat. June captures Adelasia’s journey of grief during her captivity with a performance that builds to a stunning crescendo that had me craving more story. Additionally, Willa Jaymes enters the story as the Nine Priestesses, and her portrayal of Amatisi had me spellbound. Dark and deliberate delivery in these scenes gave a very theatrical feeling during my listening.
Sean and Joe are a duo of sorts - Sean plays the vampire king while Joe is Dravon, his ally and trusted right-hand. Sean exudes power and grief on a different plane than Adelasia — he has an entire kingdom yet he is so terribly alone and sentences to an eternity that leaves him so lonely. Joe’s performance of Dravon gives the aura of sneaky sidekick — can we trust him? — and it felt like Joe delivered him with the dark energy of a man who lives in the shadow of his superior.
What I really enjoyed about this story, and found was amplified in audio, is that that the plot is not all-consuming or complicated, but a steady feeling of world and character building. The characters and story woven together made KOTD easy to follow and enjoy. I am excited to see how the story will continue after the cliffhanger, and can’t wait to hear this cast wrap up this duet with Queen of the Damned.
ARC Review
Ariel N. Anderson has written an eternal vampire masterpiece with King of the Damned (KOTD). With writing equal to the meticulously poetic imagery found within the pages of Under Your Scars, KOTD wrapped an enchantment around my heart and soul that held me close from start to finish…and has left me ravenously craving the next installment.
In the prologue we meet Kaius Voroninov, who has been eternally cursed as a vampire by the Ten Priestesses. This teaser of a prologue cuts to the introduction to the FMC, a statuesque ballet dancer named Adelasia. She’s performing when suddenly her world is upended and she finds herself in an unfamiliar, sinister setting. Ariel immediately gives clues that Adelasia is not just simply a beautiful dancer, plucked at random. There is so much more revealed as this story merges Adelasia and Kaius in a perilous tangle of fate and consuming vows.
My highlights for this story are off the chart. Clocking in a 228 pages, this book was momentarily suspended time for me and is packed full of vivid imagery. One of my favorite pieces:
“Liked it?” he retorts, pulling me even closer to the edge of the counter so he can easily lean down to whisper in my ear, the very tip of his index finger on his right hand tracing up the inside of my thigh. “You cannot fathom the thirst currently residing in my throat for you.”
This story is low spice, yet Ariel provides a palpable, vibrating want that flows like its own sacred vow around these two characters. It was more satisfying than a story filled with graphic language and Ariel allowing this to build in this manner was impeccably done. The scenes that do provide the physical intimacy? Pure poetry. The way Kaius sees Adelasia is nothing short of an ethereal masterpiece.
I felt the plot and world building was succinct and well explored. I particularly fell in love with Cassius, the pet snake so loyal to Kaius and instantly bonded to Adelasia. Additionally, Ariel has left so much room for this story to grow and evolve into its next installment, Queen of the Damned. Chapter One of this story is provided at the end and I kept clicking, trying to coax chapter two to appear behind it.
King of the Damned is the first book in Ariel N. Anderson’s ‘Echoes of Eternity Duet’ featuring the story of vampire Kaius Voroninov and statuesque ballerina Adelasia. The audiobook is a full-cast: June deBorahae as Adelasia, Sean Masters as Kaius, Willa Jaymes plays the Nine Priestesses, and Joe Arden plays Dravon. The audiobook is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes long.
Kaius has been eternally cursed to be a vampire by the Ten Priestesses, and he desperately wishes to be freed. Adelasia is ripped from her safe world and into an unknown dungeon of darkness. Together, they work to understand the strings that have tied them together. A fate neither Kaius nor Adelasia can control swirls around their connection in this first book, introducing a cast of characters that enhance and build the story alongside them.
I’d like to bring attention to the powerhouse female energy that vibrates through this story by way of June and Willa. Ariel’s writing of the women in KOTD (both innocent and ominous) gave these two female performers a stage to stretch their fantastical vocal talents, and these two performers moved to Ariel’s beat. June captures Adelasia’s journey of grief during her captivity with a performance that builds to a stunning crescendo that had me craving more story. Additionally, Willa Jaymes enters the story as the Nine Priestesses, and her portrayal of Amatisi had me spellbound. Dark and deliberate delivery in these scenes gave a very theatrical feeling during my listening.
Sean and Joe are a duo of sorts - Sean plays the vampire king while Joe is Dravon, his ally and trusted right-hand. Sean exudes power and grief on a different plane than Adelasia — he has an entire kingdom yet he is so terribly alone and sentences to an eternity that leaves him so lonely. Joe’s performance of Dravon gives the aura of sneaky sidekick — can we trust him? — and it felt like Joe delivered him with the dark energy of a man who lives in the shadow of his superior.
What I really enjoyed about this story, and found was amplified in audio, is that that the plot is not all-consuming or complicated, but a steady feeling of world and character building. The characters and story woven together made KOTD easy to follow and enjoy. I am excited to see how the story will continue after the cliffhanger, and can’t wait to hear this cast wrap up this duet with Queen of the Damned.
ARC Review
Ariel N. Anderson has written an eternal vampire masterpiece with King of the Damned (KOTD). With writing equal to the meticulously poetic imagery found within the pages of Under Your Scars, KOTD wrapped an enchantment around my heart and soul that held me close from start to finish…and has left me ravenously craving the next installment.
In the prologue we meet Kaius Voroninov, who has been eternally cursed as a vampire by the Ten Priestesses. This teaser of a prologue cuts to the introduction to the FMC, a statuesque ballet dancer named Adelasia. She’s performing when suddenly her world is upended and she finds herself in an unfamiliar, sinister setting. Ariel immediately gives clues that Adelasia is not just simply a beautiful dancer, plucked at random. There is so much more revealed as this story merges Adelasia and Kaius in a perilous tangle of fate and consuming vows.
My highlights for this story are off the chart. Clocking in a 228 pages, this book was momentarily suspended time for me and is packed full of vivid imagery. One of my favorite pieces:
“Liked it?” he retorts, pulling me even closer to the edge of the counter so he can easily lean down to whisper in my ear, the very tip of his index finger on his right hand tracing up the inside of my thigh. “You cannot fathom the thirst currently residing in my throat for you.”
This story is low spice, yet Ariel provides a palpable, vibrating want that flows like its own sacred vow around these two characters. It was more satisfying than a story filled with graphic language and Ariel allowing this to build in this manner was impeccably done. The scenes that do provide the physical intimacy? Pure poetry. The way Kaius sees Adelasia is nothing short of an ethereal masterpiece.
I felt the plot and world building was succinct and well explored. I particularly fell in love with Cassius, the pet snake so loyal to Kaius and instantly bonded to Adelasia. Additionally, Ariel has left so much room for this story to grow and evolve into its next installment, Queen of the Damned. Chapter One of this story is provided at the end and I kept clicking, trying to coax chapter two to appear behind it.
April 30, 2025
Ahhhh, I finished this book in one sitting. I mean, how could you not? Kaius (the MMC) is not only immortal, he is also unforgiving, cold, stoic and slightly unhinged. But who doesn’t like an unhinged MMC?
In this book, Kaius—who has an ice block for a heart, meets Adelasia—a courageous human who despises him…to create the perfect recipe for a tension filled novel that will keep you completely engulfed in the story. And let me tell you, I was eaaaating it up.
This author has such an incredible way of writing that fully captures the depth of emotions the characters feel and it makes you feel every single moment of grief, happiness, lust and love alongside them.
And if any of you have personally experienced the infamous heartbreak Ariel N. Anderson causes in Under Your Scars, you could imagine how hard my heart was POUNDING in fear.. for the fate of these characters.
In this book, Kaius—who has an ice block for a heart, meets Adelasia—a courageous human who despises him…to create the perfect recipe for a tension filled novel that will keep you completely engulfed in the story. And let me tell you, I was eaaaating it up.
This author has such an incredible way of writing that fully captures the depth of emotions the characters feel and it makes you feel every single moment of grief, happiness, lust and love alongside them.
And if any of you have personally experienced the infamous heartbreak Ariel N. Anderson causes in Under Your Scars, you could imagine how hard my heart was POUNDING in fear.. for the fate of these characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews