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Dark Crown #0.5
Baptized in Fire
THE BEAST BEFORE THE FALL
(A Prequel to Crowned in Blood — The Crowned Series)
EVERY KING HAS AN ORIGIN STORY.
HIS WAS WRITTEN IN BLOOD.
Before he was an obsession, he was a warning.
Before she was his ruin, he was the devil Chicago feared.
This isn’t a love story.
This is the knife that sharpened the king.
Nico Vitali learned
– Loyalty is carved in scars
– Power is taken, never given
– And love?
That’s the one weakness he can’t afford.
(Yet.)
This illustrated origin story
✓ The brutal rise of a crime lord
✓ Exclusive artwork
✓ The birth of a legend who’d burn the world for her—just not today
⚠️ WARNING: Contains morally black choices and the ruthless making of a man who won’t meet his match until Crowned in Blood.
You don’t fall for the king.
You fall for the man who became him.
(A Prequel to Crowned in Blood — The Crowned Series)
EVERY KING HAS AN ORIGIN STORY.
HIS WAS WRITTEN IN BLOOD.
Before he was an obsession, he was a warning.
Before she was his ruin, he was the devil Chicago feared.
This isn’t a love story.
This is the knife that sharpened the king.
Nico Vitali learned
– Loyalty is carved in scars
– Power is taken, never given
– And love?
That’s the one weakness he can’t afford.
(Yet.)
This illustrated origin story
✓ The brutal rise of a crime lord
✓ Exclusive artwork
✓ The birth of a legend who’d burn the world for her—just not today
⚠️ WARNING: Contains morally black choices and the ruthless making of a man who won’t meet his match until Crowned in Blood.
You don’t fall for the king.
You fall for the man who became him.
Audible Audio
Published September 11, 2025
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Sanni K
3 books21 followersI don’t write love stories.
I write obsessions. Addictions.
The kind of love that haunts. That hurts. That heals—after it breaks you.
My heroes are the kind of men you should run from. My heroines don’t.
They stay. They fight. And sometimes, they destroy each other just to survive the pull.
If you’re looking for romance with teeth, power plays, and heat that doesn’t apologize—welcome to my world.
I promise you one thing:
You’ll feel everything.
🔥 NEW:
I’m dropping a dark, illustrated prequel to Crowned in Blood this July.
🩸 Baptized in Fire follows Nico Vitali before the empire.
Before her.
Before the crown.
Free + exclusive to subscribers only.
I write obsessions. Addictions.
The kind of love that haunts. That hurts. That heals—after it breaks you.
My heroes are the kind of men you should run from. My heroines don’t.
They stay. They fight. And sometimes, they destroy each other just to survive the pull.
If you’re looking for romance with teeth, power plays, and heat that doesn’t apologize—welcome to my world.
I promise you one thing:
You’ll feel everything.
🔥 NEW:
I’m dropping a dark, illustrated prequel to Crowned in Blood this July.
🩸 Baptized in Fire follows Nico Vitali before the empire.
Before her.
Before the crown.
Free + exclusive to subscribers only.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 2, 2025
Infinite stars ♾️ ⭐️
I read this masterpiece in one sitting. If I was captivated by Nico in Crowned in Blood, I am now enthralled by Nico after reading his origin story. It wasn't a pretty beginning, nor was it sweet by any means. By the age of 9, he'd already been privy to things no 9 year old should ever witness or be an integral part of. He'd gotten his hands dirty in every sense of the word, and by his teen years, he'd been molded into the cold and calculating man we meet in Crowned in Blood just not as refined yet. His origin story was forged in blood and fire. He was never a child, yet he was always a king. Nico wasn't raised with grace, saccharine smiles, and imaginary friends. He was raised with an iron fist, a gun (or two), and a father who knew he had to raise his son into a fierce and ruthless man if he was going to have any chance at surviving the cold, cruel world he was born into.
The chapters read like quick, short snapshots of his life as he grew into the man we met in Crowned in Blood. The story woven into each one is spectacular. The illustrations spread throughout added to the experience. I felt like I was standing beside him as he lived through each stage of his upbringing. My heart broke for his stolen childhood, and yet it somehow makes sense that the cunning man I came to love didn't have an easy childhood. He wouldn't be him if there hadn't been his father and his grandfather before him. His mother tried to keep his innocence intact, but even she knew there was no going back when at 9, she found him scrubbing blood and dirt off his hands. She may have tried to be gentle and sing him lullabies, but let's face it, Nico takes after his father.
An incredible read. I truly believe that after reading this, no one can say they don't understand Nico. If anything, it gives us a road map to knowing him and all of his intricacies. It was an interesting journey, one I devoured in my quest to know more about Nico Vitali. ❤️
I read this masterpiece in one sitting. If I was captivated by Nico in Crowned in Blood, I am now enthralled by Nico after reading his origin story. It wasn't a pretty beginning, nor was it sweet by any means. By the age of 9, he'd already been privy to things no 9 year old should ever witness or be an integral part of. He'd gotten his hands dirty in every sense of the word, and by his teen years, he'd been molded into the cold and calculating man we meet in Crowned in Blood just not as refined yet. His origin story was forged in blood and fire. He was never a child, yet he was always a king. Nico wasn't raised with grace, saccharine smiles, and imaginary friends. He was raised with an iron fist, a gun (or two), and a father who knew he had to raise his son into a fierce and ruthless man if he was going to have any chance at surviving the cold, cruel world he was born into.
The chapters read like quick, short snapshots of his life as he grew into the man we met in Crowned in Blood. The story woven into each one is spectacular. The illustrations spread throughout added to the experience. I felt like I was standing beside him as he lived through each stage of his upbringing. My heart broke for his stolen childhood, and yet it somehow makes sense that the cunning man I came to love didn't have an easy childhood. He wouldn't be him if there hadn't been his father and his grandfather before him. His mother tried to keep his innocence intact, but even she knew there was no going back when at 9, she found him scrubbing blood and dirt off his hands. She may have tried to be gentle and sing him lullabies, but let's face it, Nico takes after his father.
An incredible read. I truly believe that after reading this, no one can say they don't understand Nico. If anything, it gives us a road map to knowing him and all of his intricacies. It was an interesting journey, one I devoured in my quest to know more about Nico Vitali. ❤️
August 12, 2025
This is a nice little prequel, gives insight into Nico, before he became the infamous Nico Vitali, his back story is sad and shows how and why he became so hard and tough.
Even get a lil insight into him and Brit
The artwork through out the lil novella is stunning
Even get a lil insight into him and Brit
The artwork through out the lil novella is stunning
March 16, 2026
Baptized in Fire is the Prequel to Crowned in Blood in The Crowned series by Sanni K. This is the back story of young Nico Vitali, and it's dark, tragic and now we know why he became what he did, because Lord the man was put through atrocities starting at just 9 and it only got worse! The chapters are short and they are snippets of what happened at what age.
August 25, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
I love the fact that this is a prequel and having not started the series yet, it worked for me having the opportunity to read the history of Nico and his upbringing. The cover also catches your eye straight away, especially if you read dark romance a lot. Fanning myself for being drawn in by Nico.
Plot
So there is plot but its more of a timeline of how Nico became who he is/was. Starting at the grand age of 9. We follow everything he goes through that adds to his character or strengthens it. Or as Sanni said unburied him.
Characters
Nico is part of the darkness, strength for being unmoveable and emotionless. How the devil of Chicago was born.
Recommend
If you like dark romance and getting to know the characters behind the start of each adventure with them. This could be for you.
Favourite Quote
“Debts are numbers,” he said. “Bodies are receipts.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I did not have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect introduction to Nico – the devil of Chicago.
Overall Wrap up
I really loved the illustrations that were before the chapters and as the chapter headings, they are uniquely beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and I am now looking for to starting the series, knowing more about Nico.
Stars: 4.25 stars.
Book Information – Baptized In Fire by Sanni K.
Genre – Dark romance.
Pages – 104 pages.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is not a series available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle only.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd July 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on Kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Sanni.
POVs – This is written in sole POV – Nico.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a timeline that progresses with Nico’s age.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in third person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Open ended to start the series.
Series or Standalone – This is the prequel for The Crowned Series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
Merged review:
My Initial Thoughts
I love the fact that this is a prequel and having not started the series yet, it worked for me having the opportunity to read the history of Nico and his upbringing. The cover also catches your eye straight away, especially if you read dark romance a lot. Fanning myself for being drawn in by Nico.
Plot
So there is plot but its more of a timeline of how Nico became who he is/was. Starting at the grand age of 9. We follow everything he goes through that adds to his character or strengthens it. Or as Sanni said unburied him.
Characters
Nico is part of the darkness, strength for being unmoveable and emotionless. How the devil of Chicago was born.
Recommend
If you like dark romance and getting to know the characters behind the start of each adventure with them. This could be for you.
Favourite Quote
“Debts are numbers,” he said. “Bodies are receipts.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I did not have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect introduction to Nico – the devil of Chicago.
Overall Wrap up
I really loved the illustrations that were before the chapters and as the chapter headings, they are uniquely beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and I am now looking for to starting the series, knowing more about Nico.
Stars: 4.25 stars.
Book Information – Baptized In Fire by Sanni K.
Genre – Dark romance.
Pages – 104 pages.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is not a series available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle only.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd July 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on Kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Sanni.
POVs – This is written in sole POV – Nico.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a timeline that progresses with Nico’s age.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in third person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Open ended to start the series.
Series or Standalone – This is the prequel for The Crowned Series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
I love the fact that this is a prequel and having not started the series yet, it worked for me having the opportunity to read the history of Nico and his upbringing. The cover also catches your eye straight away, especially if you read dark romance a lot. Fanning myself for being drawn in by Nico.
Plot
So there is plot but its more of a timeline of how Nico became who he is/was. Starting at the grand age of 9. We follow everything he goes through that adds to his character or strengthens it. Or as Sanni said unburied him.
Characters
Nico is part of the darkness, strength for being unmoveable and emotionless. How the devil of Chicago was born.
Recommend
If you like dark romance and getting to know the characters behind the start of each adventure with them. This could be for you.
Favourite Quote
“Debts are numbers,” he said. “Bodies are receipts.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I did not have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect introduction to Nico – the devil of Chicago.
Overall Wrap up
I really loved the illustrations that were before the chapters and as the chapter headings, they are uniquely beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and I am now looking for to starting the series, knowing more about Nico.
Stars: 4.25 stars.
Book Information – Baptized In Fire by Sanni K.
Genre – Dark romance.
Pages – 104 pages.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is not a series available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle only.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd July 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on Kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Sanni.
POVs – This is written in sole POV – Nico.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a timeline that progresses with Nico’s age.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in third person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Open ended to start the series.
Series or Standalone – This is the prequel for The Crowned Series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
Merged review:
My Initial Thoughts
I love the fact that this is a prequel and having not started the series yet, it worked for me having the opportunity to read the history of Nico and his upbringing. The cover also catches your eye straight away, especially if you read dark romance a lot. Fanning myself for being drawn in by Nico.
Plot
So there is plot but its more of a timeline of how Nico became who he is/was. Starting at the grand age of 9. We follow everything he goes through that adds to his character or strengthens it. Or as Sanni said unburied him.
Characters
Nico is part of the darkness, strength for being unmoveable and emotionless. How the devil of Chicago was born.
Recommend
If you like dark romance and getting to know the characters behind the start of each adventure with them. This could be for you.
Favourite Quote
“Debts are numbers,” he said. “Bodies are receipts.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I did not have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect introduction to Nico – the devil of Chicago.
Overall Wrap up
I really loved the illustrations that were before the chapters and as the chapter headings, they are uniquely beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and I am now looking for to starting the series, knowing more about Nico.
Stars: 4.25 stars.
Book Information – Baptized In Fire by Sanni K.
Genre – Dark romance.
Pages – 104 pages.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is not a series available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle only.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd July 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on Kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Sanni.
POVs – This is written in sole POV – Nico.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a timeline that progresses with Nico’s age.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in third person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Open ended to start the series.
Series or Standalone – This is the prequel for The Crowned Series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
March 15, 2026
I. NEED. MORE!! So so so glad I found Sanni K on Threads & took the leap to download the prequel before reading Crowned in Blood.
VERY eager to learn about Brittany and where she comes into Nico’s life AFTER the bookshop 😍😍😍
VERY eager to learn about Brittany and where she comes into Nico’s life AFTER the bookshop 😍😍😍
August 28, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
I love the fact that this is a prequel and having not started the series yet, it worked for me having the opportunity to read the history of Nico and his upbringing. The cover also catches your eye straight away, especially if you read dark romance a lot. Fanning myself for being drawn in by Nico.
Plot
So there is plot but its more of a timeline of how Nico became who he is/was. Starting at the grand age of 9. We follow everything he goes through that adds to his character or strengthens it. Or as Sanni said unburied him.
Characters
Nico is part of the darkness, strength for being unmoveable and emotionless. How the devil of Chicago was born.
Recommend
If you like dark romance and getting to know the characters behind the start of each adventure with them. This could be for you.
Favourite Quote
“Debts are numbers,” he said. “Bodies are receipts.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I did not have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect introduction to Nico – the devil of Chicago.
Overall Wrap up
I really loved the illustrations that were before the chapters and as the chapter headings, they are uniquely beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and I am now looking for to starting the series, knowing more about Nico.
Stars: 4.25 stars.
Book Information – Baptized In Fire by Sanni K.
Genre – Dark romance.
Pages – 104 pages.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is not a series available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle only.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd July 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on Kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Sanni.
POVs – This is written in sole POV – Nico.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a timeline that progresses with Nico’s age.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in third person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Open ended to start the series.
Series or Standalone – This is the prequel for The Crowned Series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
I love the fact that this is a prequel and having not started the series yet, it worked for me having the opportunity to read the history of Nico and his upbringing. The cover also catches your eye straight away, especially if you read dark romance a lot. Fanning myself for being drawn in by Nico.
Plot
So there is plot but its more of a timeline of how Nico became who he is/was. Starting at the grand age of 9. We follow everything he goes through that adds to his character or strengthens it. Or as Sanni said unburied him.
Characters
Nico is part of the darkness, strength for being unmoveable and emotionless. How the devil of Chicago was born.
Recommend
If you like dark romance and getting to know the characters behind the start of each adventure with them. This could be for you.
Favourite Quote
“Debts are numbers,” he said. “Bodies are receipts.”
Favourite Chapter/s
I did not have a favourite chapter.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect introduction to Nico – the devil of Chicago.
Overall Wrap up
I really loved the illustrations that were before the chapters and as the chapter headings, they are uniquely beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and I am now looking for to starting the series, knowing more about Nico.
Stars: 4.25 stars.
Book Information – Baptized In Fire by Sanni K.
Genre – Dark romance.
Pages – 104 pages.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is not a series available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle only.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd July 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on Kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Sanni.
POVs – This is written in sole POV – Nico.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a timeline that progresses with Nico’s age.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in third person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Open ended to start the series.
Series or Standalone – This is the prequel for The Crowned Series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
April 22, 2026
Nico's story
Wow this was needed how the boy became the king
This poor boy went through hell no wonder his walls were so high.
I needed this, thank you for showing how he became who he became and fate really had a play in this I see 😊
Wow this was needed how the boy became the king
This poor boy went through hell no wonder his walls were so high.
I needed this, thank you for showing how he became who he became and fate really had a play in this I see 😊
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews