Blood of the Damned: A Medieval Vampire Thriller

by Antony J. Stanton

“Game of Thrones” meets “Dracula.”
An evil that's older than empires, and it's waiting to feed.
'Death is all around you. Everywhere you turn, everyone you touch, even for you—death!'

Bulgaria, during the bloody Crusades.
Young nobleman Darius sees a creature of the night slay his mother. Swearing vengeance, he forges himself into a weapon against the darkness — but his quest endangers his frail sister’s life, and a trail of blood follows his every move.

Sir George, son of a murdered lord, is drawn into Vlad Dracula’s shadowy Order of the Dragon. He seeks justice for his father’s death, but uncovers a secret war more terrifying than the Ottoman invasion.

And beneath it all, a diabolical underworld, with age-old myths and laws, plots and prejudice and vicious predators.

As Darius and Sir George’s paths collide, they are lured into a hellish nightmare of sacred orders and blood-soaked destiny, and to survive, each must honour, family or brotherhood, in a war where immortals play for kingdoms, and their very souls are at stake.
..... 'The storm and the wolves and the Ottomans, all, were the very least of their concerns. Would never again be of the slightest consequence.' .....
Praise for "Blood of the Damned"'Stanton’s prose is vivid, cinematic, and relentless. Fans of "The Historian", or "Anno Dracula" will be at home in the mud of the battlefield and the shadow of the crypt.' - Anca Antoci - Goodreads - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A love letter to the vampire-loving history geek that I am!' - Haly - Goodreads - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.....Don't wait for the sun to rise.Scroll to the top, grab a copy, and begin your epic adventure right now!.....
Readers of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Christopher Buehlman, or Jay Kristoff's "Empire of the Vampire" will love this gritty and unique undead origins — where superstition meets cold steel, and retribution is paid in blood.

Fans of dark fantasy sagas, alternate history horror, and world-building — come, join us in the shadows.
.....
Book DetailsPart one of a two-part story.Book one of an epic vampire horror series.A slow-burn, sprawling hero's quest of brooding knights, forbidden love, and a very brutal coming of age.
Start your own epic adventure today.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Vampires, Gothic, Medieval, Thriller

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Award-winning author of the Blood of the Dragon series, a medieval vampire thriller saga, and the Blood of the Infected series, a post-apocalyptic vampire/zombie horror story.

Winner of the prestigious 2026 BookFest Award in horror for "Blood of the Damned," book one of the Blood of the Dragon series.
Lives in London.

Reviews

[Charlene (Char) ❤︎ ❀˖° ❤︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Holly Knightley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
EXCELLENT! This is one of those books that you find yourself desperate to binge read but at the same time you don’t want it to end so you consider prolonging it, but you just can’t! Vengeance. Obsession. Vampires. Blood of the Damned is a masterpiece!

Antony J. Stanton effortlessly transports his readers back to the 1400s to the time of knights, castles, and Vlad the Impaler. Stanton’s alternative history is darker—more menacing —fueled by secret cults, blood rituals, and unholy worship. I felt like I was getting to peek behind the curtain and get the ‘real’ story behind one of history’s most brutal rulers.

I was hooked from chapter one! Stanton masterfully blends historical places and figures with dual coming-of-age stories surrounded by the dark underbelly of duty and insufferable loss. Darius and George are looking for answers. Darius wants revenge for his mother, George wants to honor his father, but the further they dig, the deeper they bury themselves in the shadows, and wolves are not the only predators lurking in the dark with blood lust.

‘Blood of the Dammed’ is so well crafted. The plot is epic, the characters (minor characters included) are so richly developed and uniquely flawed that they feel real, their plights— real, their pain—real, the danger —REAL. I am left awestruck by Stanton’s skill as a storyteller. This book demands praise! I eagerly await the next in the series, ‘The Name of Vampire’!

[Stacey Markle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good medieval vampire book. It might be just a little drawn out considering not too much happened but still very enjoyable. Everything else was very very well written though. 4.4/5

[TheVampireBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to read this in exchange for a honest review, so thank you Antony!

This is my second book by him and hopefully not my last.

Okay so lets start with the top, its about vampires and if it matters they are not the sparkly ones ( hey I’m a rattie myself but variety is spice )

This was a fun spin for me as it was like vampires but the dark ages and mostly centered around two guy.

Darius who for all thoughts was born into the good life as a royal but had such a dark thing happen ( vague on purpose ha) While it would crush most men, Darius wants revenge but still has responsibilities like his sister who he takes care of.

Then you have George, who is not so lucky with his life station, but to be honest he isn’t in too bad a spot. He is a squire and wanting to work his way up, but like Darius his life took a dark turn and he is consumed with revenge.

Now I know this might seem like the same old same old, but Antony wove this tale a little differently and at some points I was wondering okay who really is the bad guy is these situations and what really is going on.

And you have to add in these aren’t grown men, they are young boys still growing up and figuring out life and then swoops in this vampire, taking the things they love with no remorse.

Sometimes what you know to be true or were raised to believe isn’t always the right thing, add that in with a vampire, love and loss and this story just sings.

This might have been my favorite of his so far.

[Graham | The Wulvers Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Brandi Badgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🇨🇦

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of the Damned is an absolute masterpiece that seamlessly weaves the grim reality of the 1400s with a chilling, alternative history of Vlad the Impaler. Antony J. Stanton has crafted a story that is as much a poignant coming-of-age tale as it is a brutal supernatural thriller. Following the dual journeys of Darius and George, two young men shouldering the heavy burdens of grief, duty, and a desperate thirst for vengeance, the book achieves a rare emotional depth that makes every stakes-heavy encounter feel incredibly real. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of smoke and iron, populated by richly flawed characters and a dark, dry humor that keeps the narrative from sinking under its own weight. It’s a refreshing return to a style of storytelling where the focus remains on the humanity of the victims and the struggle for justice, rather than just the gore. If you’re looking for a vampire epic with a beating heart and sharp teeth, this is a must-read!!

[Shannon Lorimer Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building in this book is truly captivating and the eery atmosphere gave me chills. While the pacing was a bit slower than I normally like there was plenty going on to keep me entertained. Antony's writing style had me hooked from the very beginning. As someone who loves everything to do with vampires and medieval history this book was right up my street.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Book Review**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Out Now!
@authorantonyj.stanton

Antony's writing style will draw you in and keep your attention until the very last word. Not to mention, after the last word you will search for more pages. Send the next book or send help because I'm so invested in this. We are pulled between a battle of vengeance versus family protection. How far will you go to avenge the ones you love?

"Come close, child. Come closer still."

"It was just wolves."

But is it? Pick this up and be completely consumed in your next fantasy vampire adventure.

Recommended to readers who enjoy vampires, horror, historical stories and stories of war. Antony blends all of these together perfectly all while building an incredibly immersive world full of diverse and interesting characters.

#BloodoftheDamned #vampire #horror #thriller #vengeance

[Don Anelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[I.L.Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of the Damned by Antony J Stanton

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 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.”

[Bob Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. The writing style goes back a generation to a time when vampires stories were more than just the act, which Mr. Stanton handles very well, but also stories about the victims and the ones struggling to find justice for the victims. The story follows two young men, one directly affected in his youth by a vampire, the other a new knight who is beginning to learn the ways of his world. It is the time of Vlad Dracul and his son, Dracula, the wars of the "righteous" against the "evil" Ottoman empire. Not a good time to be alive if you're not living in a castle with servants and protectors.
The writing is excellent. The pacing of the story is what struck me. Mr. Stanton fills the story with details about the characters and the minor characters, the knight training and other aspects of the lifestyles and background. It allows him to create the tension that makes the action sequences more effective and dramatic. Between the chapters he inserts three "interludes" that aren't directly in sequence with the story but they add sauce by developing a third major player that will have a significant role in the next book. I am looking forward to that story.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🖤

[Kat Šprem · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kat Šprem · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jess Krizsan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Emma_bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gritty medieval vampire adventure for sure! I like the world and character building that Antony has created. Sir George and Darius, both on their own mission of revenge and courage. A coming of age novel, a good start to what seems to be an exciting series.

There are lots of training sessions, the vampire is coming, described as Dracula meets Game of Thrones, I can see that, yes! I love the darkness created in some areas, the uplifting bits in others. I love the interludes splitting up the storyline and the artwork is stunning! I also had a smile when I first read the nicknames: Fat Joe and Toothless! There is also a Greek link and overall, you can tell the research gone into this novel.

I've also read the novella and enjoyed that also.

[Tiphaine Figeac · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lily Salinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jacqualine Martinez]

Fantastic, storyline, amazing characters and wonderful world building would recommend this book

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Players have been introduced, the plot has thickened (with blood) and the stage is now set for a real ripping tale. To be continued….

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of the Damned by Anthony J. Stanton is a blend of gothic horror, historical fiction, and vampire mythology. The story takes place during political instability and Ottoman conflicts surrounding Wallachia and the Order of the Dragon. There are whispers of creatures like the moroi and vampyres. At the center is Darius Nikolov, who is consumed by vengeance after the brutal death of his mother, Lady Nikolov. But the circumstances are far more horrifying than wolf attacks. Darius begins his training at Cherven Castle but is secretly looking for answers. The story becomes much bigger, however, with war against the Ottomans, ancient rituals, supernatural bloodlines, and the hidden corruption behind the Order. At the same time, the story follows George, Arianna, and Lucius, which deepens the mythology but also shows how grief, fear, loyalty, and ambition can make people unrecognizable.

Stanton did a wonderful job creating an atmosphere that feels cold and dangerous. I could also sense how spiritually haunted the atmosphere was, even before the supernatural horrors were fully realized. I liked the forest scene in particular, surrounding Cherven, because it felt dreadful. When Darius is standing frozen at the tree line and unable to force himself into the darkness despite his need for revenge, all the tension is there. This same kind of tension carries over inside Vlad Dracul’s castle, the underground crypt tunnels underneath Târgoviște, and the ruined temple ceremonies with the hooded knights chanting around firelight. I loved how effective the sensory-heavy scenes were as well. There are scenes with blood, ritual, moonlight, and violence.

The interludes were just as effective and important to the narrative. They were actually very haunting, featuring the neophyte and the One. Stanton wrote these sections in this ancient-like predatory folklore that actually worked well for the storyline. The way Stanton describes human blood as “the gifts of kings” just elevated the entire vampire mythology. It goes beyond horror and ties it into power, lineage, nobility, and inherited corruption. Even when it comes to the quieter scenes, like when Arianna and Mouse are talking, the dread is still there when they finally say the word “vampyre” out loud. It works because now there is a growing realization that the folklore may actually be real.

I cannot go without speaking of the characters. What Stanton did with the character work here was superb. We see Darius gradually go from a grieving boy to an isolated and obsessed person. It feels very believable. The training scenes with Sir Vallentine and Conte Samuel are not merely about swordsmanship and nobility. But they are meant to teach him emotional control while still dealing with trauma and guilt after his mom’s death. George’s storyline is just as powerful. What begins as pride in becoming a knight soon shifts to some sort of disillusionment when he sees how brutal the Order can be. One really powerful scene happens when George refuses to execute innocent villagers. Then he has to watch Sir Florian order the massacre anyway. Talk about eye-widening moments. That whole scene made me realize the twisted morality that was happening here, under the cover of righteousness. Then there is Arianna, who gives the whole story emotional counterbalance. She brings humanity into the story after we get through the heavier scenes. Even secondary characters like Mouse, Stavros, Barn, Lucius, and Elise bring emotional texture into the story, and they are still memorable.

Blood of the Damned is richly atmospheric, with horror elements and gothic mythology. If you are looking for fast-paced action, you will not find it here. This is a deliberate slow-burn, and it works very well for the narrative. Stanton really took time building the world, the environment, the political tension, mythology, and the psychological unease. Then the major revelation gradually happens. The layered lore demanded our attention, and Stanton pulled it off. Readers who can appreciate immersive gothic storytelling with moral conflicts and horror will find the gradual pacing rewarding and well worth it. Readers who enjoyed the medieval warfare, spiritual corruption, and vampiric mythology in Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire would equally appreciate Blood of the Damned. But Stanton’s novel really stands out for its psychological dread and slow corrosion of faith and identity.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing: Superb
Atmosphere: Gloomy and perfectly crafted
World Building: Top tier…there are historical elements to this story but he does a great job laying the scene out for those not familiar!

This is the take a vampires that I needed! After reading the prequel novella, Speak of the Devil, I did not know what to expect from this one besides I knew it would add a lot more meat to the sandwich per se.. but wow! All I can say is 👏🏽 bravo. This was a multifaceted vampire story for those of multi genre interests to enjoy!

If you like medieval war thrillers with a splash of grim dark and fantasy and timeless writing- this is going to be for you!!

This book follows Darius as he is trying to come into himself as a man, protect his sister, and get to the bottom of what truly happened to his mother. We also follow Sir George as he is drawn into the Order of the Dragon to fight for the crusades. It’s so interesting to follow George’s POV as well as we see him by go through all of the feelings .. and they are very valid feelings of war times.

We need a fresh view of vampires.. one dark and gritty and not romanticized, and this book fits the bill! There is something for everyone in this book looking for a truly great story! And Stanton knows how to make the culmination of all of his storylines weave together beautifully in the end that has the reader so excited and sad that the story is over for now!!
Congratulations on your new book baby Antony!!
I am ready for the second book already!

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blood of the Damned by Anthony J. Stanton is an outstanding piece of alternative history. As a first-time reader of Stanton’s work, I was thoroughly impressed by his ability to transport readers back to the 1400s. He expertly blends real historical figures like Vlad the Impaler with a menacing underbelly of secret cults and blood rituals.
​At its core, the narrative follows two young men thrust into adulthood by insufferable loss, both beautifully exploring the struggle between duty and honor.
​George is a squire determined to avenge his father's death and fulfill their shared dream of becoming a Crusader Knight. Meanwhile, Darius is a royal torn between hunting the creature that killed his mother and caring for his disabled sister.
​While both characters are driven by vengeance, their arcs are distinct, layered, and easy to follow. The depth of the characterization is exceptionally strong; every individual—minor characters included—is so well-crafted and uniquely flawed that their pain and the dangers they face feel entirely genuine.
​Though it features traditional, terrifying vampires, the novel succeeds because it is fundamentally a brilliant, emotional coming-of-age story wrapped in historical terror.
​It is an absolute page-turner that stands out as a highly recommended addition to any reading list, and I certainly look forward to reading more of Stanton’s work in the future.

[German · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story and journey this book was. Definitely WORTH a reading if you are a true fan of horror, swords, and a code. I must say, without spoiler that there was an chapter in this book, which I read at night and should not have done so because it did not let me sleep. Again, I won't be spoilery but that chapter was intense and there was DEFINITELY something there. Towards the end it is action packed, but it is not your mindless action, it is action with a purpose because the two main characters, George and Darius, through the action they experience and their decisions finally evolve and become something more, and in my opinion, they become something great.

I also love the fact that the author takes a historic approach to the Dracula tale, it tells you about his father, Vlad Dracul and then it focuses on his story, the story of Vlad Dracula, but it stays away from the seductor, suave character we have been led to believe that he was. The story stays grounded in reality and in battle. I loved that.

Really, I need book two ASAP, and I can't recommed this book enough. I feel like if I continue I might spoil things for people, but just know this, there is abandonment, there is rage, pain, horror, but there is also realization, fulfillment and I would even say that towards the end, justice.
Seriously, read this book.