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Branded by Shadow
He took me like it was his right. And the worst part is my body agrees.
I thought I was free. Free to choose who I gave my heat to. Free to disappear into science and stay untouched. But I didn’t know what I was, what slept in my blood, until he stole me.
Damon Blackwood. House Hades Alpha. He walks through shadows, commands silence with a glance, and claims Omegas the old with isolation, dominance, and zero room for refusal.
He says I carry divine blood. That I belong to him. He takes me to his underground estate, to a luxurious, suffocating, inescapable prison. There, my body unravels. Heat tears through me in waves, and vines bloom beneath my skin. Submission coils in my spine, and no formula, no logic, no plan can stop it.
I’m not the only one who wants control. House Zeus is circling, armed with lies and lightning. They want my bloodline, my research, my power, and they’ll destroy Damon to get it.
But Damon isn’t giving me up. And the longer I stay in the dark with him, the more I stop wanting him to.
If L.V. Lane’s feral dynamics and Scarlett St. Clair’s vengeful gods keep you turning pages, this is your next obsession. In this dark Omegaverse Greek myth retelling, claiming is tradition, biology always wins, and divine bloodlines rewrite destinies.
I thought I was free. Free to choose who I gave my heat to. Free to disappear into science and stay untouched. But I didn’t know what I was, what slept in my blood, until he stole me.
Damon Blackwood. House Hades Alpha. He walks through shadows, commands silence with a glance, and claims Omegas the old with isolation, dominance, and zero room for refusal.
He says I carry divine blood. That I belong to him. He takes me to his underground estate, to a luxurious, suffocating, inescapable prison. There, my body unravels. Heat tears through me in waves, and vines bloom beneath my skin. Submission coils in my spine, and no formula, no logic, no plan can stop it.
I’m not the only one who wants control. House Zeus is circling, armed with lies and lightning. They want my bloodline, my research, my power, and they’ll destroy Damon to get it.
But Damon isn’t giving me up. And the longer I stay in the dark with him, the more I stop wanting him to.
If L.V. Lane’s feral dynamics and Scarlett St. Clair’s vengeful gods keep you turning pages, this is your next obsession. In this dark Omegaverse Greek myth retelling, claiming is tradition, biology always wins, and divine bloodlines rewrite destinies.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
28 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 27, 2025
Lightly inspired in Hades and Persefone story and the Olimpic gods but as omegaverse.
Gods created the designations and now their lines clash between thems with a deep political intrigue, deceptions and alliances forged in the shadows.
Cora is a brilliant scientist and also omega.
When she presents her findings she caughts the attention of two alphas of two powerfull houses.
Not going to spoil but expect a reluctant omega,possessive alphas,divine bloodlines,political intrigue, secrets, deceptions and betrayal.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gods created the designations and now their lines clash between thems with a deep political intrigue, deceptions and alliances forged in the shadows.
Cora is a brilliant scientist and also omega.
When she presents her findings she caughts the attention of two alphas of two powerfull houses.
Not going to spoil but expect a reluctant omega,possessive alphas,divine bloodlines,political intrigue, secrets, deceptions and betrayal.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
Kept me on the edge of my seat.
This is a fantastic twist and retelling of the Hades and Persephone story from Greek mythology. Cora Ellis is a scientist and an Omega determined to free herself and other omegas from force bonds by the alphas of the Olympian House who are descendants directly from the Greek gods. Damon Blackwood is the alpha of House Hades, he had no intention of claiming an omega, but Cora is different, she carries the divine blood of House Demeter. Cora has no interest in being claimed by an alpha, but her own body betrays her, and to top it all off Damon may be the only one who can protect her from the machinations of House Zeus.
These are such wonderfully compelling characters, and whether you consider any of them good or bad, they will keep you engaged in their story. They are all so well narrated that their motives and actions are clear and easy to grasp, reprehensible or not so much so, I was engrossed from the first page. Sometimes a little dark, but very steamy fantasy romance with magic, action, fated mates and some surprising twists in the plot make this a must-read as far as I’m concerned.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.
This is a fantastic twist and retelling of the Hades and Persephone story from Greek mythology. Cora Ellis is a scientist and an Omega determined to free herself and other omegas from force bonds by the alphas of the Olympian House who are descendants directly from the Greek gods. Damon Blackwood is the alpha of House Hades, he had no intention of claiming an omega, but Cora is different, she carries the divine blood of House Demeter. Cora has no interest in being claimed by an alpha, but her own body betrays her, and to top it all off Damon may be the only one who can protect her from the machinations of House Zeus.
These are such wonderfully compelling characters, and whether you consider any of them good or bad, they will keep you engaged in their story. They are all so well narrated that their motives and actions are clear and easy to grasp, reprehensible or not so much so, I was engrossed from the first page. Sometimes a little dark, but very steamy fantasy romance with magic, action, fated mates and some surprising twists in the plot make this a must-read as far as I’m concerned.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.
December 10, 2025
WOW. I was not expecting to fall this hard for a Greek-mythology-inspired paranormal romance, but here we are. Branded by Shadow hooked me from the first chapter. It has that Hades/Persephone flavor, but with its own twist since it’s all about their descendant “houses,” which I thought was such a cool angle.
This story is dark, spicy, and absolutely unputdownable. We’ve got kidnapping, forced proximity, a whole lot of tension, and enough heat to fog up my Kindle. And the twists? Ohhh the twists. A couple of them had my jaw on the floor — especially near the end. Let’s just say the “villain” isn’t as straightforward as you think, and I loved that.
I’m still pretty new to Greek mythology retellings, but if this is where the bar is set, then sign me up for the whole series. I ate this book UP and I’m already impatient for more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is dark, spicy, and absolutely unputdownable. We’ve got kidnapping, forced proximity, a whole lot of tension, and enough heat to fog up my Kindle. And the twists? Ohhh the twists. A couple of them had my jaw on the floor — especially near the end. Let’s just say the “villain” isn’t as straightforward as you think, and I loved that.
I’m still pretty new to Greek mythology retellings, but if this is where the bar is set, then sign me up for the whole series. I ate this book UP and I’m already impatient for more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2025
This was a great retelling of Hades and Persephone with a twist of it being omegaverse! It had twists and turns at all points to keep you invested, politics playing a major part in the olympian world and likeable characters. Really enjoyed Cora and Damon as a couple once they both admitted their feelings and fought through all the trials. The ending explains so much leading into the next couple of the series and has me looking forward to that! Plus the artwork in this book is *chef's kiss*, it is just beautiful and helped bring Cora and Damon to life for me. Can easily recommend this if you fancy your omegaverse with a drop of mythology, warring olympian factions and a compelling story that will have you gripped!
December 15, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me sucked in from the start. A Hades and Persephone (Orpheus and Eurydice) retelling with a twist. Greek mythology and an omegaverse!
I loved Cora and Damon once Cora was able to accept them fully. Damon's love and protection of her was obvious from the start to me. She always meant something to him and it was powerful to watch it grow.
The twist, turns, betrayals all had me dying for more. The artwork between the chapters was a beautiful touch that was so unique!!! I was obsessed with that addition and they were so gorgeous! I can not say enough good things about this book and I can not wait for the next one!!
This book had me sucked in from the start. A Hades and Persephone (Orpheus and Eurydice) retelling with a twist. Greek mythology and an omegaverse!
I loved Cora and Damon once Cora was able to accept them fully. Damon's love and protection of her was obvious from the start to me. She always meant something to him and it was powerful to watch it grow.
The twist, turns, betrayals all had me dying for more. The artwork between the chapters was a beautiful touch that was so unique!!! I was obsessed with that addition and they were so gorgeous! I can not say enough good things about this book and I can not wait for the next one!!
December 16, 2025
This Dark Omegaverse Romance retelling of Hades and Persephone story from Greek Mythology is really intense.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. The story line is very unique with the supernatural added to the whole Omegaverse.
Cora is a scientist and developed a suppressant for the Omega's. Which attracted the attention of Damon to her and he kidnaps her to keep her away from Alexander and also for himself.
So needless to say they had a rocky start.
This story is suspenseful, lots of action, betrayal, secrets, very spicy scenes.
Please check TW before reading.
The ending was wonderful.
Eva is a wonderful author. I highly recommend this book. And I look forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. The story line is very unique with the supernatural added to the whole Omegaverse.
Cora is a scientist and developed a suppressant for the Omega's. Which attracted the attention of Damon to her and he kidnaps her to keep her away from Alexander and also for himself.
So needless to say they had a rocky start.
This story is suspenseful, lots of action, betrayal, secrets, very spicy scenes.
Please check TW before reading.
The ending was wonderful.
Eva is a wonderful author. I highly recommend this book. And I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 25, 2025
First things first, I would like to thank the Author for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Branded by Shadow.
Greek Mythology count me in!
This missed a mark for me unfortunately. The plot moved wicked slow. Only in the epilogue did we find out what the real motivation was for Stormwright, to be so aggressive and unyielding in his interference of the main characters. I wish we had a bit more insight throughout the book, or maybe another POV to help flesh out more depth. 2.5 :/
I did enjoy Bought by The Cerberus, part of the Mosters' Bride Market series and will continue with Bought by the Keres. Both by this author.
Thank you again for the ARC, I greatly appreciate it!
Greek Mythology count me in!
This missed a mark for me unfortunately. The plot moved wicked slow. Only in the epilogue did we find out what the real motivation was for Stormwright, to be so aggressive and unyielding in his interference of the main characters. I wish we had a bit more insight throughout the book, or maybe another POV to help flesh out more depth. 2.5 :/
I did enjoy Bought by The Cerberus, part of the Mosters' Bride Market series and will continue with Bought by the Keres. Both by this author.
Thank you again for the ARC, I greatly appreciate it!
November 25, 2025
This was a new author for me but they didn't disappoint.
This book had Alphas, Omegas and mythology. Eva Brandt mixed Omegaverse with Greek Mythology, spicy but I personally would have liked a bit darker.
Dr Cora Ellis has discovered a breakthrough to help Omegas suppress their heat but while giving her presentation to investors she draws the interest of two Alphas - one from House Zeus the other House Hades. Damien from House Hades needs to claim Cora before Alezander of House Zeus.
The story concept is different from the usual Omegaverse, that I have read. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
This book had Alphas, Omegas and mythology. Eva Brandt mixed Omegaverse with Greek Mythology, spicy but I personally would have liked a bit darker.
Dr Cora Ellis has discovered a breakthrough to help Omegas suppress their heat but while giving her presentation to investors she draws the interest of two Alphas - one from House Zeus the other House Hades. Damien from House Hades needs to claim Cora before Alezander of House Zeus.
The story concept is different from the usual Omegaverse, that I have read. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
November 30, 2025
4 1/2 stars = A very intense romantic story that kept me captivated. I always love reading variations of Hades and Persephone romance stories and this story didn't disappoint me. There's the dark alpha, Damon, and his omega fated mate, Dr. Cora. The characters are well defined and likable. There's twist and turns, lots of drama, and of course tension in this slow burning romance story. As Cora wants to free the omegas and their plight in the House of Hades by finding a medical solution to counteract the power of the alpha gods, she finds herself needing the protection of Hades. I'd enjoyed reading this copy I'd received and volunteer to review.
December 3, 2025
I do enjoy mythology retellings and I really love how the author brought this world into an omegaverse setting. This really shook things up for me and grabbed me right from the get-go. Dr. Cora is an omega looking to create a medical solution for omegas from the power of the alpha gods. However, this brings her to the attention of two alphas, and Damon is her fated mate. Yikes! Not something she wanted... Expect to get caught up in the action, danger, magic, twists and hot chemistry as these two work their way to a fab HEA in this slow burn romance. I like that the author has given us a segue to the next book and I can't wait for it to come out ;D
December 13, 2025
3.5 stars Check your triggers for this book
I didn’t mind this book. I quite liked Cora and how she was trying not to let herself be controlled by her biology. I also liked how she was trying to use science to help people in the same situation as her. I also liked Damon for about the first half of the book. It was a good book but I feel that some questions were left unanswered (these may be answered in future books, and I feel that there could have been more development in terms of the relationship between Damon and Cora.
About half way through the book there was a scene that was dubcon at best but for me was closer to non-con and that totally changed the way that I saw Damon and the relationship with Cora. There were no trigger warnings on the email, any of the promos or on the author’s website so I was really caught off guard by this scene, especially as I usually stay away from books with this type of content from the MMC.
I did reach out to the author and suggest that adding trigger warnings would be useful for people like me who usually stay away from content like that. I really appreciated her response to my feedback and she did let me know that she was going to add trigger warnings for future readers.
I didn’t mind this book. I quite liked Cora and how she was trying not to let herself be controlled by her biology. I also liked how she was trying to use science to help people in the same situation as her. I also liked Damon for about the first half of the book. It was a good book but I feel that some questions were left unanswered (these may be answered in future books, and I feel that there could have been more development in terms of the relationship between Damon and Cora.
About half way through the book there was a scene that was dubcon at best but for me was closer to non-con and that totally changed the way that I saw Damon and the relationship with Cora. There were no trigger warnings on the email, any of the promos or on the author’s website so I was really caught off guard by this scene, especially as I usually stay away from books with this type of content from the MMC.
I did reach out to the author and suggest that adding trigger warnings would be useful for people like me who usually stay away from content like that. I really appreciated her response to my feedback and she did let me know that she was going to add trigger warnings for future readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
A Hades and Persephone retelling with omegaverse?
Sign me up!
from the pages of the library | Pillowfort | Bookbub | LibraryThing | The Story Graph | livejournal | Litsy | Booksprouts
Sign me up!
from the pages of the library | Pillowfort | Bookbub | LibraryThing | The Story Graph | livejournal | Litsy | Booksprouts
December 13, 2025
This was a really good book, I finished it before I realised. The only downside for me was that it felt it was all action, when one thing finished another started. From pretty much the first page you were thrown straight in. If that's the type of book you like though then this is definitely for you!
I will definitely read the next in the series. Hopefully it'll follow on and answer some questions from this book.
Overall I would recommend this. It was a great read. The author is brilliant. Thank you for a great book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will definitely read the next in the series. Hopefully it'll follow on and answer some questions from this book.
Overall I would recommend this. It was a great read. The author is brilliant. Thank you for a great book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2026
This was a great book. I really enjoyed the clashes between Cora and Damon. The growth and change in their relationship and interactions was engaging. The conflict between Damon, and later Cora, and the Shadow Realm was intense and gripping, as was the love that gained them their freedom.
The political conflict was also fascinating, and I couldn't help but despise Alexander and later Helena, even if the epilogue paints their actions in a different light. I'm excited to read the sequel.
The illustrations between several of the characters were beautiful, adding another enjoyable element to this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The political conflict was also fascinating, and I couldn't help but despise Alexander and later Helena, even if the epilogue paints their actions in a different light. I'm excited to read the sequel.
The illustrations between several of the characters were beautiful, adding another enjoyable element to this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2025
From the first page, Brandt’s prose is immersive and evocative. Her writing is fluid and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world where shadows whisper secrets and desire simmers beneath every interaction. The pacing is taut, with tension—both emotional and physical—building steadily as the heroine grapples with her identity, her autonomy, and the undeniable pull toward Damon.
If you’re drawn to dark romance with mythological flair, complex power dynamics, and lush, confident writing, Branded by Shadow delivers. It’s a strong start to what promises to be a thrilling series, and I’m eager to see where Eva takes us next.
If you’re drawn to dark romance with mythological flair, complex power dynamics, and lush, confident writing, Branded by Shadow delivers. It’s a strong start to what promises to be a thrilling series, and I’m eager to see where Eva takes us next.
December 16, 2025
Pull of Biology.
A world where humans and Olympians exist dominated by alpha beta and omega tendencies was a delicious twist on the story. I really enjoyed The situation that Cora began started off with – and how Damon entered her world. Light versus dark and good versus evil always make for great suspense! These of the use of bits and pieces from mythology and the interplay of so many supernatural things really added to the story. This was a great read that was hard to put down until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A world where humans and Olympians exist dominated by alpha beta and omega tendencies was a delicious twist on the story. I really enjoyed The situation that Cora began started off with – and how Damon entered her world. Light versus dark and good versus evil always make for great suspense! These of the use of bits and pieces from mythology and the interplay of so many supernatural things really added to the story. This was a great read that was hard to put down until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2025
Book one of Olympian Alphas, Branded by Shadow is a dark retelling of Hades and Persephone with a paranormal twist. Damon, the possessive alpha who claims Cora is his fated omega. And she’s not sure what’s taking place at the beginning. The story sucked me in wholly in a way I didn’t think would happen. Twists you don’t see coming, forced proximity, spice that hits, and powerful gods. I absolutely gobbled this up and cannot wait for the next book!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2025
This is a great story, which is loosely linked to Greek Mythology.
I love the story, the characters, with a large dollop of politics dropped in there. I think this is an inspired choice to link this to the omegaverse.
I like the main characters of Cora and Damon. I love the fact that Cora is desperately vying for change and Damon cannot see past old rivals.
This is an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable read.
I love the story, the characters, with a large dollop of politics dropped in there. I think this is an inspired choice to link this to the omegaverse.
I like the main characters of Cora and Damon. I love the fact that Cora is desperately vying for change and Damon cannot see past old rivals.
This is an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 30, 2025
I absolutely loved the art work randomly found throughout the story, wish others would do this. The story is non stop action with surprises around every corner. I was drawn to Damon and Cora. The fight to save them took turns that I was not anticipating and that added to the story. I enjoyed the story and it is worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2025
Honestly—I wasn’t sure how I felt about a crossover between omegaverse and Greek mythology. Like, how would that even work? But let me tell you, it works.
I was hooked from the very beginning. The world building was so intricate and perfect, the politics and intrigue and plot twists. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next—nope! And the characters are all so well written. And the spiiiiiice.
I loved this. And I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I was hooked from the very beginning. The world building was so intricate and perfect, the politics and intrigue and plot twists. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next—nope! And the characters are all so well written. And the spiiiiiice.
I loved this. And I can’t wait to read more from this author!
December 18, 2025
Opposing Forces
Dr Cora Ellis has made a pharmaceutical breakthrough that could help Omegas everywhere, but it’s put her on the radar of the Olympians, including Damian Blackwood of House Hades. The premise of this story was fantastical and engaging, but I felt like there where frustrating inconsistencies in the characters behaviour. Additionally, the illustrations, beautiful though they were, seemed to depict Cora differently in each (different physical features). Still, a solid story.
November 23, 2025
Opposing Force
A fabulous story with a nod to a mythology tale. A nice balance of drama, intrigue and heat. House politics in a big stir. A latent omega and a dark alpha. A search for a answer to an old problem.
I loved the story how the characters own personalities weaved the story of need, want betrayal. The mix of magic and love.
A fabulous story with a nod to a mythology tale. A nice balance of drama, intrigue and heat. House politics in a big stir. A latent omega and a dark alpha. A search for a answer to an old problem.
I loved the story how the characters own personalities weaved the story of need, want betrayal. The mix of magic and love.
November 29, 2025
I have always enjoyed the story of Persephone and Hades. The darkness and the light, the hidden and the known, the craving and the desire are just a few of the themes that appeal. Dr. Cora and Alpha Damon have that compelling dynamic down. Forced proximity, fated mates, divine bloodlines all combine into a slower-burn retelling of a Greek myth.
December 1, 2025
This was my first book by this author and it was really good! Great idea, characters, spice, and dialogue. My only critique was that certain points within the book were a little confusing and hard to follow (for me personally). However, I look forward to reading more from this author and the next book in this series. Also, the artwork in the book was amazing!
December 2, 2025
This story has all of the epic Greek Mythology woven into an Alpha/Omega style romance. To say this is a page turner does not do justice to this wonderfully written tale based on Olympian gods and goddesses. Warring houses are making a power play for a previously unknown/unclaimed Omega. The chaos that ensues as powers of light and darkness war makes this an extremely hard book to put down.
December 14, 2025
This enjoyable PNR/UF storyline has drama, danger, attraction, secrets, power, and a possible HEA. The MCs are defined, determined, powerful, protective, and protective. I found this book to be entertaining and engaging. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2025
I love Greek mythology and omega verse and this book seamlessly blended the two to retell Persephone & Hades story. I was hooked from 1st page, Cora & Damon’s fated mate slow burn romance. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2025
An intense read on modern day Olympians. The fact that biology forced them together and political movements. I believe he truly falls first and she just gets in her own way.
I am still not sure if I enjoyed spicy forced biology and highly recommend reading triggers. I couldn't put the book down and turned those pages really fast!
I am still not sure if I enjoyed spicy forced biology and highly recommend reading triggers. I couldn't put the book down and turned those pages really fast!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
An intense read with a great tale and characters. Cora though she would be free to choose her life path, but when she's taken by Damon, her choices become his. This was quite a gritty read but I enjoyed in one sitting. Such books, I hate to put down and read through to the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
Wow I loved this story. It was so good. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I didn't know how this book could possibly have a happy ending. Loved that it was an Omega and Alpha Greek mythology book. I can't wait to read the next story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews