Darker Still: A Dark Urban Fantasy Romance

by Xen B. Corvin

Some bonds are written by fate. Theirs was forged in shadows and blood.

Zora Haynar’s life should have ended the night she died. Instead, she woke up bound to Kálmán—the Vampir Lord who dragged her back from death and into a world of power plays and obligations she never agreed to.

Their bond is tangled in blood and secrets; a connection neither of them chose, yet one that cuts deeper than fate. Together, they must navigate treacherous alliances, rebel factions, and the suffocating grasp of the Hollós Queen, who now sets her sights on them both.

The Pulse—a supernatural plague corrupting Vampir, Táltos, and Hollós alike—has mutated into something far deadlier. As rogue factions poison Budapest’s veins, Zora finds herself at the heart of a conspiracy that threatens to shatter the fragile balance keeping their hidden world safe.

But Pulse is only the beginning.

As the Architect steps out of the shadows, Zora must confront the terrifying she isn’t a weapon to be used. She’s a catalyst. And if she loses control, it won’t just be their world that burns.

Darker Still is a dark urban fantasy romance brimming with supernatural intrigue, fated-mates tension, slow-burn spice, and a heroine who might be more dangerous than the monsters hunting her. Perfect for fans of gritty paranormal worlds, found family, and morally gray power plays.

This book contains mature themes and dark content that may not be suitable for all readers. Please check the content warnings at the beginning of the book.

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Xen B. Corvin is an author and reluctant human who was raised on horror books, rooftop climbs, and more imaginary monsters than friends. She writes because it gives her power—and because stories are the only place where fear bows to will. Demons written are demons beaten.

Her books blend urban fantasy with dark romance, shadow-wielders, and other monsters we love to hate—and hate to love.

Despite what it may seem, Xen’s books aren’t about darkness; they’re about finding light in spite of it.

As the Hollós Queen once said:

“You see... there would be no life without death. No light without darkness. How would you ever learn to appreciate anything, if the fear of it being taken away from you didn’t exist?”

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the first book, I was so pleased to receive another ARC copy. As I was so ready for more after that ending, I delved into this book with a gusto. It has been so worth it. I will leave no spoilers for those who are waiting to read, but I will say that your wait has been worth it - every second! I want more! Whatever has been promised at the beginning of the first book, it has been doubled in this one. I am so looking forward to more books by this author.

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those hidden gems of a book that feels like such a prize when you find them.

Absolutely fantastic, dark urban fantasy that I completely ate up.

I loved everything about it and there are two more books to read!

You like urban fantasy that is dark with morally grey characters and two main characters with total chemistry, then snatch this book up!

[Rainbowsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just closed the final page of The Hollós Legacy 2—and I’m screaming internally for book 3! Once again, Xen B. Corvin had me laughing, gripping the pages, and even crying real, heart-wrenching tears as I followed the journey of Zora and Kálmán. Just like with book one (Pulse Rising), I was completely glued to the story. I fell for these characters all over again, and now I’m even more desperate for the third and final installment of this incredible dark urban fantasy romance.

This world is rich with depth and fascinating worldbuilding. We meet creatures known as the Veyr, with subcategories like Vampirs, Hollós, and Táltos. The connection between the MMC and FMC is intense, and the found family element—full of characters who would die for each other (though some would rather choke than admit it 🤭)—adds so much heart to the story.

If any of this sparks your curiosity, you need to read this series. It will keep you on edge from start to finish, sprinkle in some deliciously spicy scenes, and make you both love and hate certain characters in equal measure. One chapter will have you smiling, the next will have you cursing.

This tangled, dark fantasy swept me away, and I simply couldn’t get enough. Now I’m left yearning—desperately—for book three.
Without a doubt, this is a thick, satisfying, 5-star read for me.

Note this book was recieve as a arc read and given in trust of a honest review.

[Muru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulse hunting continues!

Easy and quick to read. Things happen at the right pace, not too slow or too fast. Emotional reading, meaning while reading you really experience joy, sorrow and jealousy.... and the tension🫠

The characters are fascinating and mostly already familiar from the previous book. I think Maya's character has grown and become more interesting, which gives the opportunity to better understand her point of view.

Zora is understandably confused at the beginning of the book because of the change, powers and new life. Also, the uncertainty about Kálmán's feelings and willpower causes confusion and jealousy. I almost muttered out loud that camoon girl, don't push hottie Kálmán away!

But when Kálmán said to Zora
"...and I still want you now, after I had to defy fate itself to keep you with me..." my own stone-cold heart melted. Btw can I have one man like that, please?😇

That wasn't the only part that got me kicking my heels because oh my lord, I scream out of joy when Zora got her Hollós power back and I scream again when Loránd said the "we could share" comment...🥵 (if you know, you know)

Of course, there were other very good phrases in the book, but I can't repeat them all here so that people have something to read 😄 The end of the book was full of surprising plot twists that you just have to read.

Darker Still is darker than Pulse Rising, still in its own category without trying to be anything else. Author Xen B. Corvin has managed to get darker tones into the book without losing herself and the main character of the book along the way.

I didn't only love it, I'm obsessed 🖤

[Vero · Rating 5 out of 5]

My manicure didn’t survive the wait for this book but it was worth it. I read it in one go, I couldn’t put it down, thank god the night shift I was working was nice and slow. I loved the main characters in the first book and I really wanted to read more about the villain and the secondary characters. We get to know the secondary a bit more but what I really loved was the parts with Dannae POV. I do love villains, I mean, there’s no good book without a good antagonist and Dannae is just wow, the architect is getting there too. I do love the author’s writing, it’s really nice. Really, this second book is another must

[Sanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you once again for letting me be a part of the ARC team!

HOW will I ever be able to wait for book 3? The ending was… yeah I’m speechless! I was gripping my kindle so hard I thought I might crack it.
Thankfully I restrained myself.. 🥲

I really enjoyed book 1. But this? This is a solid 5 star read for me 🙌

I’ve been laughing, panicking, smirking, feeling all the emotions, yes all, in EVERY CHAPTER!

Please give us book 3 asap. Pretty please! 🥹

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please please don’t make us wait too long for the next book!!!

I’m so immersed into this world I don’t think I can pick up another book until I know what happens 😭

Once again amazing writing, gripping storyline that had me hooked from start to finish and perfect character arcs ❤️

[Joanne K · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending!! I’m on the edge of my seat needing book 3 now. I loved everything about this story. I got sucked into the whole world, the darkness, the magic, the intricacies,
the romance… This series is so good, you just have to read it 🖤

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first book, plot and character development is on point, we get to understand some new characters and delve into seeing how they develop as individuals and together. Some suprising plot twists that left me in the shadows as to what next?! Am awaiting the next book.

[Miss G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic sequel to Pulse Riding. The plot moves at pace whilst developing characters and their relationships. The world building is fantastic, with a great spin on the usual witch, shifter, vampire genre. We have found family, fated mates and a FMC that would tear the world apart for her man.

Cliffhanger ending, but as it’s a completed series, I’m diving straight into book 3…

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a great follow up after the first in the series. We get to learn more about the MMC, and the different POVs make it interesting to read. The plot is exciting to follow, and there is a lot going on. I’m looking forward to the next one!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m so glad I got to be an ARC reader! Truly amazing book! The growth of the characters, I have some new favourites now. The twist I didn’t see coming! Damn you need to read this book! I wish I could read it again for the first time! Well done to Xen on another amazing book!

[Paul Cobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow up to Pulse Rising

Follow along as our heroine continues the battle against Pulse. And the battle against her feelings. In book 2, we delve ever deeper into the secret lives of the Veyr.

[Shaina Purtill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it followed on so well from the first and constantly had me on the edge of my seat. I'm so excited for the next book and can't wait to see what happens.

[Tassia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All you could want and more. If like me you loved the first book pulse rising you are going to love darker still. Zora’s story develops in a way that has you gripped wanting to devour the book, as does her relationships with the other characters. The interactions between them are so believable, you become fully invested in their connections with each other and how their relationships develops. Zora is as badass as ever (more so in fact). The development of pulse sees Zora and co deal with new trials and tribulations while also navigating a mind field of emotions and interactions. This book is written with such flow that it makes it an easy enjoyable read. I NEED the next book to come out asap!

[Rachel Impey · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! what a book, i was left craving more after book one and book two did NOT dissapoint!! The story, the characters, the romance, the drama, the action... this book has everything i want and more and now i'm left gasping for book three! this has fast become one of my most favourite reads and really satisfied my love of dark fantasy.

Xen B. Corvin delivers tension, drama and complex character arcs with ease and i am hooked on every word!

100% recommend this book and can't wait for the next book. I hope i don't have to wait long. :)

[Koen Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, just as the first book, a must read...
If you like a good plot, supernaturals, unique magic and strong characters... It's all there, slow burn, intrigue, politics, fight scenes, strategy, humor... Fast paced, never boring... Immensely enjoyed it.
Xen.b. Corvin entered my list of authors of whom I'll buy the next book without any thought.