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Blood of the Damned
Coming of age should never be this brutal.
A bitter winter night during medieval Europeʼs bloody Crusades, the slaying of a
noblewoman by a dreaded vampire sends one young man on a deadly hunt for
vengeance.
The torture of a lord by the Ottoman enemy encourages another young man to
join Vlad Draculaʼs secretive Order of the Dragon in search of answers.
And again, vengeance.
Their lives defending their country against the Ottoman invaders will be changed
forever. But are they ready to risk everything? With deaths getting closer, and
loved ones under threat, their separate searches lead them both down into the
abyss, and the answers they seek come at a hefty price. And when their paths
collide, thereʼs sure to be bloodshed.
Or worse. Damnation!
Such perilous revenge barely hints at the complex vampire underworld about to
be unleashed.
Book one of the epic new Blood of the Dragon series. Part one of a two-part
story.
If you like medieval vampire thrillers, alternative history and undead origins, then
youʼll love Antony J.Stantonʼs Gothic race against time.
“Dracula” meets “Game of Thrones” meets “Castlevania.”
Buy “Blood of the Damned” today. Enter a world where vampires exist in the
shadows alongside humanity. Let your adventure begin right now.
Available for Halloween in eBook, paperback and hardback.
For updates, follow the author on his website, link in bio.
ARC readers are currently wanted.
A bitter winter night during medieval Europeʼs bloody Crusades, the slaying of a
noblewoman by a dreaded vampire sends one young man on a deadly hunt for
vengeance.
The torture of a lord by the Ottoman enemy encourages another young man to
join Vlad Draculaʼs secretive Order of the Dragon in search of answers.
And again, vengeance.
Their lives defending their country against the Ottoman invaders will be changed
forever. But are they ready to risk everything? With deaths getting closer, and
loved ones under threat, their separate searches lead them both down into the
abyss, and the answers they seek come at a hefty price. And when their paths
collide, thereʼs sure to be bloodshed.
Or worse. Damnation!
Such perilous revenge barely hints at the complex vampire underworld about to
be unleashed.
Book one of the epic new Blood of the Dragon series. Part one of a two-part
story.
If you like medieval vampire thrillers, alternative history and undead origins, then
youʼll love Antony J.Stantonʼs Gothic race against time.
“Dracula” meets “Game of Thrones” meets “Castlevania.”
Buy “Blood of the Damned” today. Enter a world where vampires exist in the
shadows alongside humanity. Let your adventure begin right now.
Available for Halloween in eBook, paperback and hardback.
For updates, follow the author on his website, link in bio.
ARC readers are currently wanted.
- GenresHorror
400 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 23, 2025
This book is not your typical vampire medieval thriller. This book combines “Game of Thrones” mixed with a vampire storyline. I can honestly say this book was well written and makes for a great story that transport you back in time. I definitely love the medieval period the book was written in. The dialogue, the clothes and the scenery was truly spellbinding.
This book focus on two men coming of age. George is a young man and also a squire. It has been his belated father dream and his own to be a crusader knight into the Order. There is no greater honor than to serves one country. He is driven by revenge to avenge is fathers death.Sometimes you’ll get exactly what you want but then you realize it isn’t truly what was made to be.
Darius, a man born into royalty has a chance encounter with something that defiles all nature. He too is driven by revenge. Although he wants to go and hunt down what killed his loved one he also must balance taking care of his sister. She has a disability that requires for her to be taken care of. Darius is torn between revenge and duty.
Each has their own hidden agenda and are in search for answers. You have to ask how far one will go for revenge? What is considered honor? Who are your true enemies? I love the characters you feel the emotions and their battles. I cannot wait for book 2. This is a good read and you’ll be very entertained the action starts from page 1. This book is highly recommended.
Thank you, Antony for providing me with this ARC I’m truly grateful and appreciative. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
This book focus on two men coming of age. George is a young man and also a squire. It has been his belated father dream and his own to be a crusader knight into the Order. There is no greater honor than to serves one country. He is driven by revenge to avenge is fathers death.Sometimes you’ll get exactly what you want but then you realize it isn’t truly what was made to be.
Darius, a man born into royalty has a chance encounter with something that defiles all nature. He too is driven by revenge. Although he wants to go and hunt down what killed his loved one he also must balance taking care of his sister. She has a disability that requires for her to be taken care of. Darius is torn between revenge and duty.
Each has their own hidden agenda and are in search for answers. You have to ask how far one will go for revenge? What is considered honor? Who are your true enemies? I love the characters you feel the emotions and their battles. I cannot wait for book 2. This is a good read and you’ll be very entertained the action starts from page 1. This book is highly recommended.
Thank you, Antony for providing me with this ARC I’m truly grateful and appreciative. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
October 28, 2025
Be transported to an era gone by and witness a Vampire story like no other.
Blood of the Damned is an immersive experience into the heart of vengeance and what that can cost. Our main characters each have their own POVs and as they find their way into the Vampires world, their stories slowly come together.
This is rich in historical world building, deep lore and lyrical prose. The classic Vampire, an evil doer with no redeeming qualities. I absolutely love that. But this has more than just the Vampire side, the author gives us relationships to root for and losses to cry over.
Anton has a killer story to sink our teeth into!
I'm excited to read more in this world.
I was honoured to be on the ARC team for this title. my thoughts are my own.
Blood of the Damned is an immersive experience into the heart of vengeance and what that can cost. Our main characters each have their own POVs and as they find their way into the Vampires world, their stories slowly come together.
This is rich in historical world building, deep lore and lyrical prose. The classic Vampire, an evil doer with no redeeming qualities. I absolutely love that. But this has more than just the Vampire side, the author gives us relationships to root for and losses to cry over.
Anton has a killer story to sink our teeth into!
I'm excited to read more in this world.
I was honoured to be on the ARC team for this title. my thoughts are my own.
November 17, 2025
People who read the classics and like the vampire genre at its beginning will love it. With all those insta stories that happen too fast we finally have a break we so desperately need. It is slow, shows the real character development and frustration that things don't always go as planned or as fast as one would want, there are almost poetic moments in it so you know that it leads to something big and devastating once it gets there.
In this first installment, we get to follow three main story lines: two boys becoming men and one creature.. also maturing... wait! So is it just a coming of age story on many levels? No. There is this creepy atmosphere looming above everything making you feel anxious because you know who the target is but the question of when grips you tight. On top of it all there is also politics which sends the main characters on side quests that may postpone their agendas.
The first boy, Darius, witnesses a terrible thing his brain has no words for so he tries to find out what he’d seen. It’s very difficult though as fate keeps him as the only protector of his sister and at the mercy of his distant family who sees him as a nuisance. While George, a squire and a young man full of aspirations, certain naivete and honour is trying to become a knight in the Order of the Dragon to fight the Ottomans because all his life he's been told this was the right thing to do, to serve in The Order and defend the helpless. But on the way both he and Darius find out that it may be something different they should fight and they both decide to do something that might endanger them even further.
In this first installment, we get to follow three main story lines: two boys becoming men and one creature.. also maturing... wait! So is it just a coming of age story on many levels? No. There is this creepy atmosphere looming above everything making you feel anxious because you know who the target is but the question of when grips you tight. On top of it all there is also politics which sends the main characters on side quests that may postpone their agendas.
The first boy, Darius, witnesses a terrible thing his brain has no words for so he tries to find out what he’d seen. It’s very difficult though as fate keeps him as the only protector of his sister and at the mercy of his distant family who sees him as a nuisance. While George, a squire and a young man full of aspirations, certain naivete and honour is trying to become a knight in the Order of the Dragon to fight the Ottomans because all his life he's been told this was the right thing to do, to serve in The Order and defend the helpless. But on the way both he and Darius find out that it may be something different they should fight and they both decide to do something that might endanger them even further.
October 31, 2025
Bloody Brilliant!
Blood of the Damned by Antony J. Stanton is a dark, gritty and seriously addictive read.
A gripping adventure takes place in a world full of hidden vampire societies, deadly secrets and ancient evil.
The writing is vivid and cinematic, packed with atmosphere and tension. The vampires are actually terrifying (as a fan of the Twilight Saga I can tell you they weren't sparkling pretty boys). The historical setting feels real and raw- if you liked The Witcher or Game of Thrones then you'll know what I mean!
This one sinks its teeth in and doesn’t let go!
Blood of the Damned by Antony J. Stanton is a dark, gritty and seriously addictive read.
A gripping adventure takes place in a world full of hidden vampire societies, deadly secrets and ancient evil.
The writing is vivid and cinematic, packed with atmosphere and tension. The vampires are actually terrifying (as a fan of the Twilight Saga I can tell you they weren't sparkling pretty boys). The historical setting feels real and raw- if you liked The Witcher or Game of Thrones then you'll know what I mean!
This one sinks its teeth in and doesn’t let go!
October 14, 2025
The Blood of the Damned is a novel by Anthony J. Stanton that kickstarts a medieval vampire escapade that was incredibly deep and entertaining
The character work from Anthony here is such a strong point. We have George, a squire, who is following his dead fathers dream to be a Crusader Knight in the Order. However, he is bloodthirsty and on the road to revenge. We have Darius, a Royal, who meets our creature. Also driven by revenge in a different way.
I enjoyed the story itself. It's layered, easy to follow and whilst the two characters have similar plotlines they are different enough that there is no confusion. The dynamic here that these two young boys are trying to become men through revenge is handled perfectly and show the struggles of growing up between duty and honour.
This may be a vampire novel but it's more than that. The vampires may be traditional but it's Stanton's ability to craft a brilliant coming of age story amidst all the terror that brought this novel to life.
The character work from Anthony here is such a strong point. We have George, a squire, who is following his dead fathers dream to be a Crusader Knight in the Order. However, he is bloodthirsty and on the road to revenge. We have Darius, a Royal, who meets our creature. Also driven by revenge in a different way.
I enjoyed the story itself. It's layered, easy to follow and whilst the two characters have similar plotlines they are different enough that there is no confusion. The dynamic here that these two young boys are trying to become men through revenge is handled perfectly and show the struggles of growing up between duty and honour.
This may be a vampire novel but it's more than that. The vampires may be traditional but it's Stanton's ability to craft a brilliant coming of age story amidst all the terror that brought this novel to life.
August 26, 2025
Feel like you're visiting the Middle Ages in the midst of war, strife, surviving the dangers of nature, and those who are unnatural. Vampires slink in the night, visiting battlefields, cottages of farmers and shepherds, and even the castles of the nobles. No one is safe despite their attempts to make a deal with the devil.
Darius struggles with his promise of revenge and how to fulfill it, while taking care of his delicate sister, all while under the thumb of his contentious uncle.
And George discovers what it truly means to be a Knight of the Dragon and whether he is cut out for it.
Meanwhile, those who have paid the price for eternal life have their own agenda.
The horror sends chills down your spine enhanced by the lyrical writing and the coarse truth of soldiers. You might be swayed and lured into the story, forgetting who the real enemy is until it is too late.
Darius struggles with his promise of revenge and how to fulfill it, while taking care of his delicate sister, all while under the thumb of his contentious uncle.
And George discovers what it truly means to be a Knight of the Dragon and whether he is cut out for it.
Meanwhile, those who have paid the price for eternal life have their own agenda.
The horror sends chills down your spine enhanced by the lyrical writing and the coarse truth of soldiers. You might be swayed and lured into the story, forgetting who the real enemy is until it is too late.
September 11, 2025
I just finished the Dark Fantasy "Blood of the Damned " by Antony J.Stanton.
It was like being on a roller-coaster. With this ride, it starts at the top. The excitement starts right away, and the builds faster as you go down. Then things slow down as you go back up builds and builds again. The main characters are well layed out and they divide into 2 different directions. I don't want to put in any spoilers so all I'll say is Dracula wasn't the 1st.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Antony is a master at dark fantasy.
If you love dark fantasy read this book, you will not be disappointed.
cheers.
Lynn 🇨🇦
It was like being on a roller-coaster. With this ride, it starts at the top. The excitement starts right away, and the builds faster as you go down. Then things slow down as you go back up builds and builds again. The main characters are well layed out and they divide into 2 different directions. I don't want to put in any spoilers so all I'll say is Dracula wasn't the 1st.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Antony is a master at dark fantasy.
If you love dark fantasy read this book, you will not be disappointed.
cheers.
Lynn 🇨🇦
October 6, 2025
This was a fairly enjoyable and likable genre effort. The multilayered story offers up quite a lot to like, bringing together a pair of leads we get to follow that are easy to follow along with, and can compare each against the other since they both manage to follow along with a similar plotline. Given that each one is trying to fight and atone for something as a symbolic gesture of growing up, with one looking to settle the score against the vampire that attacked and killed his relative and the other guy looking to follow his dreams of becoming a warrior knight which would bring vengeance to his parents, there’s a fun parallel that comes about here with each one trying to come to terms with themselves as well as the growing vampire threat among them.
That interplay and power-dynamics within each other make the book far more interesting over time as they each find that revenge might not be as important as they initially thought. There’s a fun interplay at work as the work of the vampire, moving around the countryside and getting to feed on the locals he encounters in the random confrontations with peasant locals or the attack on the castle that has a lot to like about it, draws this kind of dynamic to the forefront out in fun form with the ability to make them question their motives. It’s quite impressive how this comes together with an astounding amount of period detail involving how individuals lived and worked before getting involved in the confrontation with the main guys as the circles come complete.
That all becomes fun and engaging, which does come at the expense of the overt genre content on display. The main tone evoked on display is more medieval fantasy, especially with the character-building that goes on here, offering a build-up of how they’re both driven by revenge and how each of their chances at fulfilling that brings about their depth and intrigue. This focus on the relationship matters or the fantastic nature of the vampire actions makes for a somewhat lessened sense of fear against the main vampires, even though they still carry out the same type of traditional behavior, which does leave this one feeling rather overwhelming at times with the verbose, flowing writing style enhancing that or making it not be an issue for readers as it sets up the next part of the story.
4.5/5
That interplay and power-dynamics within each other make the book far more interesting over time as they each find that revenge might not be as important as they initially thought. There’s a fun interplay at work as the work of the vampire, moving around the countryside and getting to feed on the locals he encounters in the random confrontations with peasant locals or the attack on the castle that has a lot to like about it, draws this kind of dynamic to the forefront out in fun form with the ability to make them question their motives. It’s quite impressive how this comes together with an astounding amount of period detail involving how individuals lived and worked before getting involved in the confrontation with the main guys as the circles come complete.
That all becomes fun and engaging, which does come at the expense of the overt genre content on display. The main tone evoked on display is more medieval fantasy, especially with the character-building that goes on here, offering a build-up of how they’re both driven by revenge and how each of their chances at fulfilling that brings about their depth and intrigue. This focus on the relationship matters or the fantastic nature of the vampire actions makes for a somewhat lessened sense of fear against the main vampires, even though they still carry out the same type of traditional behavior, which does leave this one feeling rather overwhelming at times with the verbose, flowing writing style enhancing that or making it not be an issue for readers as it sets up the next part of the story.
4.5/5
November 9, 2025
What struck me most about Blood of the Damned wasn’t just the atmosphere, though it’s vivid enough to make you smell the smoke and iron, but the emotional weight behind it. Beneath the blood and brutality is a true coming-of-age story about two young men shouldering impossible expectations.
Darius and George are both haunted by loss and bound by duty—one seeking vengeance for his mother, the other for his father—and each forced to grow up far too soon in a world where honor and loyalty can be as treacherous as the enemies they face. Darius’s conviction that his mother’s killer isn’t merely human adds a fascinating supernatural thread, especially since no one, not even his own father, believes him. His isolation, his father’s decline into drink, and his fierce devotion to his sister give the story an unexpected emotional core.
What I loved most is how Antony Stanton blends realism with myth and mystery. The writing is sharp and immersive, laced with dry, dark humor that keeps the heaviness from ever sinking the story. It’s both brutal and strangely tender, a tale about vengeance, faith, and the fragile humanity that persists even in a world ruled by monsters (both of the human and supernatural variety).
If you like your vampire fiction with heart as well as teeth, and your heroes flawed, conflicted, and achingly real, Blood of the Damned is an absolute must-read.
Darius and George are both haunted by loss and bound by duty—one seeking vengeance for his mother, the other for his father—and each forced to grow up far too soon in a world where honor and loyalty can be as treacherous as the enemies they face. Darius’s conviction that his mother’s killer isn’t merely human adds a fascinating supernatural thread, especially since no one, not even his own father, believes him. His isolation, his father’s decline into drink, and his fierce devotion to his sister give the story an unexpected emotional core.
What I loved most is how Antony Stanton blends realism with myth and mystery. The writing is sharp and immersive, laced with dry, dark humor that keeps the heaviness from ever sinking the story. It’s both brutal and strangely tender, a tale about vengeance, faith, and the fragile humanity that persists even in a world ruled by monsters (both of the human and supernatural variety).
If you like your vampire fiction with heart as well as teeth, and your heroes flawed, conflicted, and achingly real, Blood of the Damned is an absolute must-read.
October 26, 2025
Okay, listen. If you ever wondered what would happen if Dracula, Game of Thrones, and Castlevania had a moody, blood-soaked baby raised by medieval knights with vengeance issues ....this is it.
We’re talking cold, brutal winters, crusaders with grudges, and vampires that don’t sparkle ....they scorch. This story doesn’t just nibble at your neck; it rips out your throat and asks for seconds.
You’ve got two young men, both wrecked by loss, both chasing vengeance through war, faith, and fangs .... and when their paths finally cross? Yeah… it’s not going to end with a polite handshake.
The world-building is lush and grimy in the best way .... like you can smell the blood and candle wax. And the lore? Deep. Dark. Deliciously twisted. It’s history dipped in horror and wrung out in heartbreak.
If you like your vampire stories epic, intelligent, and just a little bit feral, this one’s your next obsession.
💀 Brutal.
🩸 Beautiful.
🔥 Bloody brilliant.
Thank you Antony J Stanton for the gifted e arc
All opinions are my own 🖤
We’re talking cold, brutal winters, crusaders with grudges, and vampires that don’t sparkle ....they scorch. This story doesn’t just nibble at your neck; it rips out your throat and asks for seconds.
You’ve got two young men, both wrecked by loss, both chasing vengeance through war, faith, and fangs .... and when their paths finally cross? Yeah… it’s not going to end with a polite handshake.
The world-building is lush and grimy in the best way .... like you can smell the blood and candle wax. And the lore? Deep. Dark. Deliciously twisted. It’s history dipped in horror and wrung out in heartbreak.
If you like your vampire stories epic, intelligent, and just a little bit feral, this one’s your next obsession.
💀 Brutal.
🩸 Beautiful.
🔥 Bloody brilliant.
Thank you Antony J Stanton for the gifted e arc
All opinions are my own 🖤
October 13, 2025
It’s been such a long time since I’ve read a vampire book that doesn’t romanticize them. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy those too, but this one was a real breath of fresh air.
This is a medieval, gothic vampire thriller set in one of Europe’s bloodiest eras, where Dracula wasn’t the first vampire. The book is multi-POV, and we follow Darius- a 16 year old boy who witnesses his mother being killed by a vampir, George- a knight determined to serve under the Order of the Dragon, Arriana -a servant, Lucius- the hierophant of the Order, and the vampire itself.
I’m not usually into historical novels, but this one had me in its clutches. It’s ruthless, sometimes brutal, with no sugarcoating, yet it also has deep character growth, and the emotions and actions of the characters feel incredibly real. I love how much was happening, but the story is still just barely starting, and I’m anxious to see where it will take us next.
This is a medieval, gothic vampire thriller set in one of Europe’s bloodiest eras, where Dracula wasn’t the first vampire. The book is multi-POV, and we follow Darius- a 16 year old boy who witnesses his mother being killed by a vampir, George- a knight determined to serve under the Order of the Dragon, Arriana -a servant, Lucius- the hierophant of the Order, and the vampire itself.
I’m not usually into historical novels, but this one had me in its clutches. It’s ruthless, sometimes brutal, with no sugarcoating, yet it also has deep character growth, and the emotions and actions of the characters feel incredibly real. I love how much was happening, but the story is still just barely starting, and I’m anxious to see where it will take us next.
October 16, 2025
This book was really good. I really like the writing and background setups
I am not used to read about vampires but I really enjoy it.
Well done to the author who managed to perfectly immerse us in a medieval world with war and political intrigue. Vengeances and extremely realistic battle in a supernatural gothic vibes
The characters were deep and really interesting. It was nice to follow 2 different personalities from 2 different backgrounds
The pace and excellent writing keep you on your toes.
I am not used to read about vampires but I really enjoy it.
Well done to the author who managed to perfectly immerse us in a medieval world with war and political intrigue. Vengeances and extremely realistic battle in a supernatural gothic vibes
The characters were deep and really interesting. It was nice to follow 2 different personalities from 2 different backgrounds
The pace and excellent writing keep you on your toes.
August 27, 2025
What an incredible book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Well written. If you enjoy medieval battles and vampires. This is your book. George set out to become a Knight of the Order of the Dragon. What might go wrong? Does he have what it takes to be the Knight? Read to find out.
October 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
Blood of the Damned kicks off Antony J. Stanton’s Blood of the Dragon series with a bold blend of historical fiction and gothic horror. Set in the brutal heart of medieval Europe, it follows a young nobleman and a squire, caught in a hidden war between ancient vampire orders. Stanton’s atmosphere, grim, intense, and immersive, shines through, combining real historical settings with dark fantasy in a way that feels both grand and intimate.
Expect a story rich in blood, betrayal, and myth, with high stakes and moral ambiguity at its core. Fans of Game of Thrones or Dracula will likely appreciate the mix of political intrigue and supernatural dread. While the violence and dark tone won’t be for everyone, this looks like a gripping start to a new vampire saga.
Blood of the Damned kicks off Antony J. Stanton’s Blood of the Dragon series with a bold blend of historical fiction and gothic horror. Set in the brutal heart of medieval Europe, it follows a young nobleman and a squire, caught in a hidden war between ancient vampire orders. Stanton’s atmosphere, grim, intense, and immersive, shines through, combining real historical settings with dark fantasy in a way that feels both grand and intimate.
Expect a story rich in blood, betrayal, and myth, with high stakes and moral ambiguity at its core. Fans of Game of Thrones or Dracula will likely appreciate the mix of political intrigue and supernatural dread. While the violence and dark tone won’t be for everyone, this looks like a gripping start to a new vampire saga.
October 22, 2025
If you’ve been craving vampires that are actually terrifying, pull up a chair. Blood of the Damned drops you into a brutal medieval world where power is hoarded, politics cut deep, and the kind of vampire lore that feels older than church bells. We follow a young Bulgarian noble reeling from a family tragedy and a Greek squire drawn into Vlad Dracula’s secretive Order of the Dragon. Their two paths are braided by vengeance, duty, and the shadow of an ancient predator.
The vibes? Grim, earthy, and cinematic. Stanton makes the cold bite, the mud cling, and the armor ache. I loved how the story leans hard into history—Ottoman pressure at the borders, oaths and orders, battlefield faith—without losing the pulse of a sharp, propulsive vampire thriller. The fangs aren’t glittery; they’re a promise and a threat.
Pacing-wise, the opening hits fast with visceral stakes (lol), and the final act absolutely knocks you flat. There’s a quieter stretch in the middle focused on maneuvering, both political and literal, but it worked for me as a tension coil before the snap. Character-wise, both leads land with distinct moral weight: one fueled by raw grief, the other by a colder, questioning loyalty. When their trajectories collide under the Order’s banner, it gives the book its heart… and its teeth.
There were points that I absolutely loved that will have me eagerly awaiting book two. The vampire mythos feels feral and old-work, not romanticized. The atmosphere is fantastic with encroaching Ottomans, the Order of the Dragon, and frostbitten roads that smell like smoke and iron. The fight scenes are clear without losing impact, and the political intrigue seasons the bloodshed.
Grimdark fantasy fans, this book is right up your alley. Blood of the Damned is a vampiric tale sharpened on history’s grindstone, and it deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you to Antony J. Stanton and BookSirens for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
The vibes? Grim, earthy, and cinematic. Stanton makes the cold bite, the mud cling, and the armor ache. I loved how the story leans hard into history—Ottoman pressure at the borders, oaths and orders, battlefield faith—without losing the pulse of a sharp, propulsive vampire thriller. The fangs aren’t glittery; they’re a promise and a threat.
Pacing-wise, the opening hits fast with visceral stakes (lol), and the final act absolutely knocks you flat. There’s a quieter stretch in the middle focused on maneuvering, both political and literal, but it worked for me as a tension coil before the snap. Character-wise, both leads land with distinct moral weight: one fueled by raw grief, the other by a colder, questioning loyalty. When their trajectories collide under the Order’s banner, it gives the book its heart… and its teeth.
There were points that I absolutely loved that will have me eagerly awaiting book two. The vampire mythos feels feral and old-work, not romanticized. The atmosphere is fantastic with encroaching Ottomans, the Order of the Dragon, and frostbitten roads that smell like smoke and iron. The fight scenes are clear without losing impact, and the political intrigue seasons the bloodshed.
Grimdark fantasy fans, this book is right up your alley. Blood of the Damned is a vampiric tale sharpened on history’s grindstone, and it deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you to Antony J. Stanton and BookSirens for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2025
Vampires are an immediate draw to me but this book mixes the supernatural with political intrigue and brutal medieval warfare. This was a completely new take on the vampire genre that I haven’t come across.
I loved the emotional depth and range of George, torn between his honor and vengeance. Darius was also a very nuanced character. I loved his care and love for family and how it clashed with his ultimate goals. I also really enjoyed how every decision had connected themes to what transpires throughout the story. I thought the descriptions perfectly transported and held me within the timeframe. You can feel the grit and the weight of each characters dilemmas on your shoulders throughout the entire story.
The lore and stories about their mythology enveloped the story in thick fantasy and I couldn’t wait for every crumb about the goddess. I also really enjoyed the gradual changes of the “neophyte” throughout the whole journey.
I found it fast paced but descriptive enough with a succinct cadence that carries well throughout the whole story.
Favorite quote: “The end back to the beginning. For this is the beginning. Life and death, forever circling each other like ancient adversaries.”
I loved the emotional depth and range of George, torn between his honor and vengeance. Darius was also a very nuanced character. I loved his care and love for family and how it clashed with his ultimate goals. I also really enjoyed how every decision had connected themes to what transpires throughout the story. I thought the descriptions perfectly transported and held me within the timeframe. You can feel the grit and the weight of each characters dilemmas on your shoulders throughout the entire story.
The lore and stories about their mythology enveloped the story in thick fantasy and I couldn’t wait for every crumb about the goddess. I also really enjoyed the gradual changes of the “neophyte” throughout the whole journey.
I found it fast paced but descriptive enough with a succinct cadence that carries well throughout the whole story.
Favorite quote: “The end back to the beginning. For this is the beginning. Life and death, forever circling each other like ancient adversaries.”
September 10, 2025
5☆
Antony J. Stanton just hit one out of the ballpark with his debut novel, Blood of the Damned. It is as if he wrote a love letter to the vampire loving history geek that I am!
The character building is phenomenal. Each character is given the depth and quality that made me think that I knew him or her. Some characters are easy to like and relate to while others are just as easy to dislike and mistrust.
The two main characters, Darius Nikolov and Sir George are set on separate paths, but both are in search for answers about an ancient evil, the moroi. Darius has vowed to avenge the murder of his mother by the dark monster, while George is trying to understand how his induction into Vlad Dracul's Order of the Dragon brought him face to face with a dark sensuous Goddess.
The attention to historical detail is evident by descriptions of how people lived, social standards and the warfare of the mid-fifteenth century. Likewise, descriptions of the lands, cities, castles and forests flow like poetry.
Thank you Antony for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of Blood of the Damned. I am so excited to continue the saga with the next book, The Name of Vampire.
Antony J. Stanton just hit one out of the ballpark with his debut novel, Blood of the Damned. It is as if he wrote a love letter to the vampire loving history geek that I am!
The character building is phenomenal. Each character is given the depth and quality that made me think that I knew him or her. Some characters are easy to like and relate to while others are just as easy to dislike and mistrust.
The two main characters, Darius Nikolov and Sir George are set on separate paths, but both are in search for answers about an ancient evil, the moroi. Darius has vowed to avenge the murder of his mother by the dark monster, while George is trying to understand how his induction into Vlad Dracul's Order of the Dragon brought him face to face with a dark sensuous Goddess.
The attention to historical detail is evident by descriptions of how people lived, social standards and the warfare of the mid-fifteenth century. Likewise, descriptions of the lands, cities, castles and forests flow like poetry.
Thank you Antony for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of Blood of the Damned. I am so excited to continue the saga with the next book, The Name of Vampire.
December 10, 2025
Very surprised by just how much I loved this story!
Okay, yeah, I read the hype, but really? How many times do we read that something is just so wonderful but then when we actually read it, we are sorely disappointed. That is definitely not the case with Blood of the Damned. I admit, I love the old B horror flicks, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney, Jr., Boris Karloff are some of my favorites. And this story, brought me right back there with the wonderful descriptiveness of the scenery and fear and superstitious nature of the people back then. Reading this story was like a trip down Memory Lane, but…the story is a lot different. Oh, don’t be fooled Vlad Dracula is a character in this story and he is definitely cruel, but the whole idea of vampirism is totally different than anything Bela Lugosi played. Antony Stanton’s version is a lot more terrifying! If the first part is this good, I can’t wait to read the second part!
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Okay, yeah, I read the hype, but really? How many times do we read that something is just so wonderful but then when we actually read it, we are sorely disappointed. That is definitely not the case with Blood of the Damned. I admit, I love the old B horror flicks, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney, Jr., Boris Karloff are some of my favorites. And this story, brought me right back there with the wonderful descriptiveness of the scenery and fear and superstitious nature of the people back then. Reading this story was like a trip down Memory Lane, but…the story is a lot different. Oh, don’t be fooled Vlad Dracula is a character in this story and he is definitely cruel, but the whole idea of vampirism is totally different than anything Bela Lugosi played. Antony Stanton’s version is a lot more terrifying! If the first part is this good, I can’t wait to read the second part!
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
October 27, 2025
I can honestly say this book is beautifully written and makes for a great story that transports you back in time. I absolutely love the medieval period it’s set in — the dialogue, clothing, and scenery are all so vividly described that you truly feel like you’re walking through the Middle Ages yourself.
The atmosphere is dark and gripping, filled with war, strife, and the daily struggle to survive both natural and supernatural dangers. Vampires slink through the night — haunting battlefields, creeping into farmers’ cottages, and even invading the castles of nobles. No one is safe, no matter how much they try to bargain with the devil.
This book completely immersed me in its world. If you enjoy rich historical settings mixed with the eerie allure of the supernatural, this is definitely a must-read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2025
Join Darius, in his quest to avenging the death of his mother at the hands of a vampire. Set in the times of Vlad Dracula and Eastern Europe's war against the Ottaman invaders. You will find plenty to love about Blood of the Damned, if you're a fan of vampires and medieval times with knights, maidens, civalry and blood & guts battles, this book is for you.
Antony J. Stanton's first book in a series of books to come is a five star read. I really enjoyed it, and can't recommend it enough. Also, why not join Antony's mailing list. Where you will be rewarded with a free novella, Speak of the Devil. A prequel to Blood of the Damned. You can also learn about Antony's exploits of when he was kidnapped.
Whilst at it, look up Antony's three book series, Once Bitten. Set in modern day England, where zombies and vampires roam.
Antony J. Stanton's first book in a series of books to come is a five star read. I really enjoyed it, and can't recommend it enough. Also, why not join Antony's mailing list. Where you will be rewarded with a free novella, Speak of the Devil. A prequel to Blood of the Damned. You can also learn about Antony's exploits of when he was kidnapped.
Whilst at it, look up Antony's three book series, Once Bitten. Set in modern day England, where zombies and vampires roam.
October 19, 2025
Set during the wars between Europe and the Ottoman Empire, this is a great, fast paced story of love, battle, honour…and vampires
The first book in a new series by the author (I’ve also read, and loved his contemporary vampire trilogy) expertly weaves together the stories of a number of groups, including soldiers under the command of Vlad Dracula, regular peasants living under protection of their lords, and one nobleman’s son seeking to avenge the death of his mother at the hands of an unknown beast.
After some great, believable scene setting and world building with a wide cast of characters, the story ramps up and never stops. Characters are well rounded and likeable, even when presented with morally ambiguous choices.
A great read, and an excellent start to a new series by this brilliant author. Recommended
The first book in a new series by the author (I’ve also read, and loved his contemporary vampire trilogy) expertly weaves together the stories of a number of groups, including soldiers under the command of Vlad Dracula, regular peasants living under protection of their lords, and one nobleman’s son seeking to avenge the death of his mother at the hands of an unknown beast.
After some great, believable scene setting and world building with a wide cast of characters, the story ramps up and never stops. Characters are well rounded and likeable, even when presented with morally ambiguous choices.
A great read, and an excellent start to a new series by this brilliant author. Recommended
October 21, 2025
This book recaptures the essence of the genre. As soon as you start turning the pages, it's easy to feel surrounded by the dark forests of Transylvania, breathe in the terror of isolated medieval villages, and feel chills at the horror lurking in the shadows. Vibrant characters and terrifying monsters. Exquisitely set in the obscurantist Europe of the late Middle Ages and excellently documented. At times, it reads like historical fiction. The perfect storm for a horror book. Also, a killer cliffhanger at the end of the book — even though we were warned. I guess we will have to wait for the next one on the series to jump up from the abyss. A must-read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2025
I love stories set in the Middle Ages, so this book was a perfect fit for me.
But vampires aren't always part of the tales of middle-aged days.
Blood, Knights, Maidens & war are all the makings of a great book.
George wants to become a knight and Darius wants to avenge his mother's death.
Did I mention that a vampire killed his mother?
Well, grab a cup of coffee, tea, water, or a drink of your choice, a cozy blanket and get ready for a story you can't put down!
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
😈😈😈😈😈
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
But vampires aren't always part of the tales of middle-aged days.
Blood, Knights, Maidens & war are all the makings of a great book.
George wants to become a knight and Darius wants to avenge his mother's death.
Did I mention that a vampire killed his mother?
Well, grab a cup of coffee, tea, water, or a drink of your choice, a cozy blanket and get ready for a story you can't put down!
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
😈😈😈😈😈
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
October 24, 2025
Those familiar with my reviews will remember how much I enjoyed Speak of the Devil, the prequel novella.
Blood of the Damned launches Antony J. Stanton’s Blood of the Dragon series with a heady mix of historical grit and supernatural dread. Set in the blood-soaked borderlands of 15th-century Eastern Europe, the novel pits crusader knights and noble families not only against the relentless Ottoman advance but against something older, darker, and far deadlier.
Darius Civolov, a young nobleman, survives a horrific nighttime attack that slaughters his guards and mother—but no one believes his account of the inhuman predator. Elsewhere, George of Traianoupoli, an idealistic squire in the famed Order of the Dragon, trains for war, driven by his father’s violent death. As Ottoman armies mass, these two paths edge toward a collision with a monstrous truth: Dracula was never the first.
Stanton blends military historical fiction with vampire horror in an epic way. His medieval battle scenes are visceral and authentic, while the supernatural horror is chillingly intimate. Themes of duty, legacy, and the willful blindness of men who see only the enemies they expect give the narrative weight beyond its bloodletting.
Stanton’s prose is vivid, cinematic, and relentless in its pacing. Fans of The Historian, Anno Dracula, or Bernard Cornwell’s grimdark battles will find themselves equally at home in the mud of the battlefield and the shadow of the crypt.
Rich in historical authenticity and gothic menace, Blood of the Damned marks the beginning of what promises to be a ferociously compelling saga. If you love medieval warfare and political intrigue with a vampiric twist, you want to read Blood of the Damned
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
Blood of the Damned launches Antony J. Stanton’s Blood of the Dragon series with a heady mix of historical grit and supernatural dread. Set in the blood-soaked borderlands of 15th-century Eastern Europe, the novel pits crusader knights and noble families not only against the relentless Ottoman advance but against something older, darker, and far deadlier.
Darius Civolov, a young nobleman, survives a horrific nighttime attack that slaughters his guards and mother—but no one believes his account of the inhuman predator. Elsewhere, George of Traianoupoli, an idealistic squire in the famed Order of the Dragon, trains for war, driven by his father’s violent death. As Ottoman armies mass, these two paths edge toward a collision with a monstrous truth: Dracula was never the first.
Stanton blends military historical fiction with vampire horror in an epic way. His medieval battle scenes are visceral and authentic, while the supernatural horror is chillingly intimate. Themes of duty, legacy, and the willful blindness of men who see only the enemies they expect give the narrative weight beyond its bloodletting.
Stanton’s prose is vivid, cinematic, and relentless in its pacing. Fans of The Historian, Anno Dracula, or Bernard Cornwell’s grimdark battles will find themselves equally at home in the mud of the battlefield and the shadow of the crypt.
“The storm and the wolves and the Ottomans, all, were the very least of their concerns. Would never again be of the slightest consequence.”
Rich in historical authenticity and gothic menace, Blood of the Damned marks the beginning of what promises to be a ferociously compelling saga. If you love medieval warfare and political intrigue with a vampiric twist, you want to read Blood of the Damned
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
September 29, 2025
This is a must read for all who love to be scared of what lurks in the dark. It kept me up at night reading (with the lights on).
September 30, 2025
This book is so good. You won't want to put it down, even once you are finished reading.
December 11, 2025
A remarkably atmospheric tale of vengeance that was both gripping and emotional. I can't wait for the next book.
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