Queen of the Damned: Part One

by Emily Shore

For the bookish girlies who love dark romance, poor life choices, and have their therapist on speed dial...

BRIELLA
I ran through the woods with my abusive ex hunting me—until I found them.
Five masked men.
They dismembered him, dragged me into their abandoned mine, and shattered me.

The Initiation was meant to ruin me.
They never expected me to survive.

Now I'm trapped inside their off-the-grid compound, claimed by outlaws bound by blood and the kinship law of their leader, a literal psychopath. They call me their Queen.

But I will have revenge. I'll break these chains. And then, I'll run—before their darkness devours me.
I will never be theirs. And they will never be mine.

THE DAMNED
We are not heroes. We are monsters. We will never be redeemed.

The alpha—a calculating killer with a law written in blood.
The doctor—who stitches wounds and breaks bones in one breath.
The damaged ex-fighter—held together by rage, scars, and ink.
The sociopathic butcher—a rabid madhouse with no brakes.
The axeman—who laughs while splitting men in two.

She should have disappeared into the pit like the others.
Instead, she bleeds with us. Laughs with us. Burns with us. And bites back.

She was born for our darkness.

And if she runs, we will hunt her down and drag her back to hell.
If she chooses to rule, we will build her a throne of corpses.

Because there is no freedom without chains.

~ A morally-black, contemporary why choose romance for readers who fall for monsters, bleed in the dark, and find healing in the trauma. For mature readers only.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, BDSM, Romance, Why Choose, Smut, Polyamory

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

Reviews

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this was not a bad book. I did DNF it after getting over half way through. But that was only because the book and I stopped vibing together.
It is a good RH story, with alot of darkness.

[Jessica Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved Den of Vipers and want something on the next level of dark, go grab this book. Slow start but definitely hold on tight because it gets better I promise.

Emily, you have secretly made another fan. I have become obsessed with your work. Thank you for letting me read and review this wonderfully written masterpiece.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Queen of the Damned is brutal, feral, and unapologetically dark—a story that doesn’t pretend monsters want redemption or that survival comes without scars. From the first chase through the woods to the blood-soaked initiation, this book makes one thing clear: nothing here is safe, and no one is innocent.

Briella’s journey is harrowing and defiant. She doesn’t emerge from trauma magically healed or instantly empowered—she survives out of sheer will. Being claimed as “Queen” inside an off-the-grid compound ruled by violence and blood law is not a fantasy of comfort; it’s a cage disguised as a crown. What makes her compelling is her refusal to surrender her sense of self, even while surrounded by men who believe ownership is love and chains are freedom.

The Damned are exactly as promised—each one more unhinged than the last. They aren’t softened or excused. The alpha’s law is ruthless, the doctor’s duality chilling, and the rest of the brotherhood feels like controlled chaos barely held together by loyalty and bloodshed. Their collective voice is menacing and possessive, but it’s Briella’s ability to bite back that shifts the balance of power.

What elevates this book is its central question: is freedom something you escape with—or something you seize and reshape? The tension between running and ruling keeps the story sharp, making every interaction feel like a test of dominance, endurance, and choice.

This is not a romance for readers seeking gentleness or redemption arcs. Queen of the Damned is for those who want their dark romance raw, violent, and emotionally intense—where crowns are earned in blood and survival is the ultimate rebellion. 🖤🔥👑

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely wrecked in the best way! This book doesn’t flirt with the edge, it drags you there, throws you over, and makes you crave the descent. A story like this thrives on chaos, and the cast of deliciously unhinged men more than delivers. This is dark, intense, and unapologetic. This is definitely not a gentle read for tender hearts or unhealed wounds. But if you live for obsession, morally gray madness, and dangerous devotion, this author absolutely understood the assignment. Get ready to add a few more fictional men to your obsession list, because nothing is what they appear to be. The madness ignites when Briella is pursued by a toxic ex and quite literally collides with a group of men who don’t just solve her problem but they decide she’s theirs. What follows is chaotic, addictive, and impossible to look away from. And don’t mistake her for a damsel in distress, she matches their energy blow for blow. Watching these broken, volatile men slowly unravel for her had me hooked, especially as pieces of their darkness start to surface. I’m dying to uncover their secrets, and I need to see how Ralph handles the pressure building around them now. That cliffhanger? Brutal. I was left stunned, impatient, and desperately needing the next installment.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished part one of Queen of the Damned and it was so good!! Yes it’s dark and unhinged and has an extensive TW list (some of us call it a menu) that starts with a “run” and masks and…an axe. That is just the very beginning…

Briella is so strong and smart and witty and a total badass. My heart broke for what she had been through and then again what she goes through. The men are ruthless and brutal and have no interest in redemption….I would definitely say they are morally black…but also sometimes maybe…something else?? There are so many layers to these characters and I feel like there is still so much to unpack!!

And that ending!!!! I can’t wait for book 2!

✨What To Expect:
❤️‍🔥Why Choose
🥀Morally Black MMCs
🖤Literal Psychopath
🩺Ex-Military Doctor
🥊Brooding Ex-Fighter
🪓Lumberjack
💋Badass FMC
👀Dark Humor
❤️‍🩹Trauma
🔥Unhinged, Possessive & Obsessive MMCs
💀Unconventional Ladder

[Reygan Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am officially unwell. Per usual when I get the amazing opportunity to alpha read for MY queen - Emily Shore🖤

PLEASE NOTE : This is a deeply dark romance with heavy themes and graphic content. Please, please check the trigger warnings and author’s notes before diving in. Your mental health comes first—this story is beautiful but intense!

Emily has this insane talent for writing stories that absolutely wreck you, only to put you back together in the most beautiful, twisted way possible.
Briella is such a powerhouse; watching her take her trauma and forge it into something new while surrounded by these five “monsters” was incredible. And speaking of monsters... the guys?
• Seth: I didn't think anyone could rival my love for my favorite psycho from the Monstrous Boys series, but Seth has officially done it. He is the 'cute psycho' I didn't know I needed.
• The Doctor: As a wife of a former army medic, this hit home. Seeing how that specific type of healing and trauma-bonding played out was so unique and touched my heart.
• Vinny: A man who is a butcher but loves animals? Chef’s kiss!

This isn't just a 'why choose' romance; it’s a gritty, dark exploration of survival. & I’m freaking here for it!
I’ve already bothered Emily for part 2 already - don’t worry yall! 🖤

[Brogan Elouise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has me conflicted.

The opening is DARK. Like properly, no-warm-up, throws-you-in-the-deep-end dark. It sets a really intense tone straight away, and I know it’s going to be too much for some readers.

But then… it almost swings too far the other way.

After that heavy start, it settles into something that feels weirdly slice-of-life and, honestly, a bit mediocre in comparison. There are moments that are clearly meant to lighten things. The pranks, the back-and-forth banter, etc and sure, some of it is funny, but it felt forced and unrealistic, which pulled me out of the story more than it pulled me in.

The MMCs are interesting and definitely multifaceted, but for me they land firmly in irredeemable territory. And while I know we’re not necessarily supposed to root for them, it does make it harder to stay fully invested.

The FMC carries so much trauma before even meeting the MMCs, is then further traumatised, but instantly flips to making house with them.. it leans into Stockholm Syndrome in a way that I just didn’t fully buy. I wanted more time, more build, something to make it feel earned.

There are flashes of something compelling here, but it never quite came together in a way that hooked me.

I do think part two could potentially smooth things out and make the story feel more cohesive overall… but right now, I’m hesitant to continue.

Not a complete miss, but definitely one I’m still on the fence about.

[Priscilla]

This is my first time doing an ARC read and I was NOT disappointed lol! im very glad I read the authors note and Im also glad I really dont have any triggers. this is also my first Emily Shore book and again, not disappointed! the writing was wonderful and the wild gets going right away, which I loved. I'm dying to continue this read because WHAT HAPPENS!!!???? I can usually see the way a book is going to an extent but this had me wondering at every single turn. The characters alone are amazing and Im captivated by all of them and the way they are bonding to her in their own way. I NEED MORE!!!

[Kaylene Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brutal, especially in the beginning, so make sure to check your triggers! But I was hooked immediately! Finished it in a night, barely taking breaks long enough to adult! I can't wait for the next book!

[Lizzie Castro · Rating 2 out of 5]

oh wow….

This book was a lot. I almost dnf several times but I hate doing that to a book. Needless to say it was extremely corny and the guys were incredibly cheesy. Sooo cheesy. The sex was hot but I wished they didn’t have to open their mouths.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

TYPE OF REVIEW BASE: 🖤 1. Sensual Fiction

Title: Queen Of The Damned: Part 1 (Standalone)
Author: Emily Shore
Genre: Dark Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

● Tropes: Primal, MxM, MxF, Trauma Rep, 'Trigger heavy' (if you need to check those)

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆


Thoughts:

● TONE & THEMES:
Queen of the Damned carries heavy themes of survival. This is a concept that appears again and again - not just through Briella, but through the entire circle of men. Each of them has deep, dark backstories that we have yet to fully explore.
Emily Shore has a way of writing stories that tug at the soul; stories that speak to the quiet ache many of us carry. That matters here. While we may not find ourselves in situations like the characters do, many of us recognise the feelings beneath them - not being good enough, having to fight for yourself, holding yourself together just enough to avoid breaking or falling too far.
Despite the content, these books can feel oddly comforting. Like being seen in a strange, unexpected way. Like coming home to something familiar, and fitting into a shared understanding you didn’t realise you needed.


● PLOT & PACING:
The book appears to span roughly three weeks, with two of those weeks passing quickly through a time jump (something not unfamiliar in Emily Shore’s work). This isn’t always a bad thing, but I’m personally not a huge fan of time skips when we’ve only had about a week of on-page interaction before jumping straight into Briella being healed and ready to act. It felt like we missed out on scenes that could have added depth or enjoyment.

Example: After the skip, Jude mentioned that Briella had the choice of staying in his cabin, but chose Rory's instead. Before that, we only see her sharing a cabin with Rory, Vincent, and Seth, which made me wonder whether the other two were bypassed during the two skipped weeks, or did she end up staying with them off-page? Seemed a shame to skip over the man she trusts most, and the leader whom she both fears and finds herself intrigued with. Within such a short timeline, these gaps can become confusing and feel a little open-ended, making it harder to understand where certain dynamics truly stand.

Plot-wise, the story is currently more focused on learning the group dynamics. The men share a tight bond and were actively seeking a 'Queen' to complete them - a Queen they ultimately find in Briella, following a brutal initiation. As mentioned under themes, survival plays a huge role in the plot: emotional, physical, and psychological survival. It feels very much like a breakdown, fall apart, and rise stronger kind of story, one that I expect will continue to unfold in the next part.

At least at this stage, there doesn’t seem to be a heavy plot beyond Briella becoming part of the group and learning how to survive within it -- but that feels intentional for where the story is right now.

● CHARACTERS:
There are many characters in this book, with the main focus on the five men - Raphael, Jude, Vincent, Rory, and Seth - alongside Briella as the new initiate. Without going through everyone individually, I’ll say this: it’s always impressive when an author can juggle so many main characters and still give each of them a distinct personality and role.

Each man has a unique dynamic with the others: Raphael and Jude, Rory and Seth, Vincent and Jude. Raphael has a hold over them all as the group’s leader or ‘Alpha’. And Briella, in turn, forms different connections with each of them.

I found the most enjoyment in Rory and Seth; their upbeat, chaotic energy and dialogue kept the story feeling light even when things turned very dark.
Raphael and Jude felt grounded, confident, authoritative, and capable of handling situations even when those choices didn’t always feel right to the reader.
Vincent sat somewhere in between nurturing and protective, but more reserved, clearly needing time and space to open up.

At first, I thought Briella might fall into the typical 'captured damsel’ role (that I can also appreciate in some stories) especially based on her reactions to her ex, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t fully about her ex; it was about her trauma, her past, and everything she’s had to fight through to be free; the ex just happens to be tied to it.
Briella will fight tooth and nail (literally), and she gives as good as she gets. She’s a remarkable survivor: quick-witted, clever, and calculated in her own way. That said, she still has a lot to overcome, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for her in Part Two, especially as I hope we get more backstory for everyone.

● CHEMISTRY & SPICE:
This is a major part of the book. While the chemistry varies across the many relationships, what stands out most is 'kinship', a word that comes up often but feels perfectly suited to this group.

Individually, the spice is fun and engaging. Each character knows how to balance their partner(s), when to step in, and when to let the chaos run its course. The spice starts quite heavy, especially if you’re not used to reading this style, but softens over the book as Briella is given healing time. That shift isn’t a bad thing, for it allows space for the relationships themselves to develop without it all being based on smut.
I hope the next part continues this balance -- keeping the spice, but not losing the importance of communication and connection, especially given the short timeline.

There are MxM scenes throughout the book, and they never feel forced. The relationships between the men differ naturally, shaped by shared hardship, camaraderie, and loyalty. These bonds feel lived-in and believable, not mere showmanship.

Another side of chemistry comes through humour; in the pranks, banter, and dialogue -- particularly between Briella, Rory, and Seth. The nicknames, teasing, and tense-but-heated moments were some of my favourite scenes. They add so much personality, especially in a story where the plot is quieter.

● WRITING:
Given the fast pacing and large cast, a lot had to be packed into a short space, but it was handled well. Every character received multiple POV moments, so it never felt like anyone was consistently sidelined or forgotten. Not noticeably anyway.

The writing style was mostly smooth and engaging, and it held my attention throughout. There were only a few moments where I had to reread due to repeated actions (a mere double-throwing of a sponge, etc.) or slight confusion around positioning (at a dining table), but nothing that pulled me out of the story for long.

I LOVED the dialogue in this book. It was so beautifully written in many conversations or thoughts; Very poetic. It really brought the characters to life and gave each of them an individual voice, which I always appreciate in stories with such a heavy character focus.


● FINAL NOTES:
Overall, I found this to be a delightful read. My only real want is that the timelines in the Savage Stalker books were longer. Across all of these books, things move very quickly; sometimes it feels like there isn’t quite enough space to sit with one scene before we’re thrown into the next -- often with emotions or dynamics already shifted.

That said, I’m still invested and very curious to see where the story goes next.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
QUOTES:
1.

“He bit me. I bit him back. Simple as that.”

2.

“Five Gods among men who have conquered hell and brought you down to meet all your lovely, dark demons.”

3.

“She's a beautiful little soul carrying a ghost. One that has seen horrors, perhaps darker than ours.”

4.

“We were born in blood, sharing the same trauma bonds, the same damnation. We clawed, spit, and scraped through that hellhole together, and what we couldn't kill, we carried. They're not just brothers. They're my chains and my scars.”

5.

“She's not ready to run. But she will. And when she does, I will hunt her like I hunt all my prey.”

6.

“...but it's still a cage. Isn't it? God, it's dangerous how easily it creeps in. Safety, Security, things I haven't had in so long. I forgot what it felt like to not flinch at every sound.”

[Olivia Tabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blown, this book will have you on edge, but what is a good book without a couple psychos in it that will match your crazy. This book is not for the faint of heart so if you have some unresolved trauma this one might not be for you. But if this is one of your genres this author delivered over time and prepare to have new book husbands because no one is ever who they seem to be, totally panties on the floor or maybe ceiling . It starts with Briella getting chased by an ex when she literally runs into a group of men that not only destroys her ex they chose her as their next project. I won’t spoil it but just know baby girl gives as good as she gets. I really fell in love with the book because I know each psycho touches something inside her. They are slowly falling so I can’t wait until more of their past is revealed but also I’m looking forward to seeing how Ralph will handle everything especially now. The cliff hanger kinda messed me up cause I was waiting but I’m sooo ready for part 2.

[Izzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookFunnel and Emily shore for the ARC in exchange for my honest review <3
I apologize for not being able to get this read prior to pub date!

I absolutely ate this book up! Emily Shore has set up a very intriguing scene that leaves me dying to know more about every character. The author does a spectacular job of giving us just enough to keep their backstories believable and enticing. The banter between Briella and Rory is *chef's kiss* and made me laugh multiple times throughout.

Only other thing I have to add is that I wish there were a few more of the intense scenes, though I believe that will come in book 2. It felt somewhat unbalanced to have the most climactic spicy scene at the start, then a lot more toned down for the rest. Though this is written into the plot very well. On the same note, big kudos for it being like 50 pages!

Overall, if dark romance is your genre, this is the perfect read for you!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the wonderful opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my god, this book. It was so good, completely un-putdownable. It has an extensive TW list, so keep that in mind.

These characters are something else. They’re all so dark and complex and beautiful in their own ways. I LOVE the bits of backstory behind the five men and why they are the way they are, along with how they live their current lives. I’ve got my fingers crossed that we get more of that in part 2, and I feel the same about the FMC.

Overall this was a 10/10 read. I read an ecopy on bookfunnel and ordered the paperback as soon as I finished it, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fact about me, I write reviews for books I love, hate, and sometimes don’t finish. I always try to be as honest and unbiased as possible. With that said, I’ve discovered a new favorite author in Emily Shore. Her writing is impeccable and, unlike many others in her genre, she doesn’t overuse repetitive terms—something that often happens, especially in more intense or emotionally charged scenes.

Queen of the Damned was my introduction to her work, and it made me realize just how refreshing her writing style is. If saying Emily Shore may be my new favorite author reveals anything, it’s my commitment to honesty in my reviews.

Queen of the Damned is the third book in the Savage Stalker series, and no—you don’t need to read the first two to dive into this one. The characters are completely unique and, frankly, a little unhinged—especially the men. The story centers around six main characters: five men and one unforgettable woman. The female lead, Briella, has officially become one of my all-time favorite heroines. She’s a fierce spitfire with razor-sharp sarcasm and electric banter that perfectly matches the chaotic energy of the male cast. Raphael, Rory, Vincent, Jude, and Seth are equal parts lovable and detestable, keeping you constantly torn between swooning and shaking your head. When Briella quite literally crashes into this not-so-merry band of men in the woods, they protect her from her relentless ex—but if you think that means she’s safe, think again. That’s when a different kind of nightmare begins. However, if you’re anything like me and love reverse harem, masked alpha males, and deliciously dark themes, that nightmare quickly turns into something far more thrilling. As the story unfolds, you fall even harder for Briella, truly realizing just how strong, resilient, and fearless she really is. But here’s the funny thing—you start falling hard for all of the men, too. I’m completely torn between Vincent and Rory, and for entirely different reasons. The story does end on a cliffhanger, which means you absolutely have to read Queen of the Damned: Part 2 (and trust me, I’ve read it—it’s just as good). As always, with any book, please check the trigger warnings before reading (the dark themes I mentioned above can be VERY dark).

Second fun fact about me: if I truly love a book, I always buy a physical copy for my library. Needless to say, this one earned its spot on my shelves—along with the first two in the series (which I’ll also be reviewing soon). I can’t wait to add it to my beloved collection. I’m also excited to dive into the rest of Emily’s books, already knowing I’m going to love each and every one of them.

[Dee Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️There might be spoilers in this review - while I love all the juicy spoilers before I read a book, I haven’t decided what, if any, will be included here⚠️

This book was… 🥵🥵🥵JUST WOW!!! First and foremost - Check the triggers… and then double check for good measure - Ms. Shores didn’t give them to us for her own well being! If she says it’s there, trust me, it’s there somewhere in this masterpiece!

*out of all the triggers listed, I’m happy to say that there’s no cheating (sharing between MCs, absolutely yes 🥵 but no one outside the harem)

The level of trauma we see in such a short amount of time between our MCs is absolutely insane. Not to mention the trauma they each have endured BEFORE their first night together… yet here I am chomping at the bit to start book two!!!

I was unsure going in blind - like I mentioned above, I love knowing all the juicy tidbits before I read almost all books (just a weird quirk of mine!) but I dove in head first and blindfolded not knowing what to expect. Let’s just say I was NOT disappointed!!! This is the 3rd book in the series but you do not have to read the first 2 in order to read this one. I read the 1st book (while waiting on my ARC to arrive - btw thank you Emily Shores!!! 😍) and absolutely loved that one as well.

Ms. Shores takes us to places not many authors have the ladyballs to do. I’ve read and/or listened to 1000’s of books and this author has the rare ability to take something that should be morally gross, emotionally disturbing, and absolutely appalling and turn it into something that lives rent free in your head like the horrifyingly beautiful nightmare it is. AND TRUST ME, YOU WANT IT THERE!!!

That cliffhanger, though, was downright brutal. I’m getting ready to start my ARC (again, thank you!) of book two today, and I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT!!!

If you can handle the long list of serious triggers - this book is not for the faint hearted - then I absolutely 100% recommend that you read this book. You will feel all of the emotions that our MCs feel and it leaves you wanting more… the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the anxiety, the fear, the sadness and anger, and most definitely the molten lava warming you straight down to your core… these morally pitch black men alone would be a lot to handle but all of them together… holy f*ckng sh!t 🥵🥵🥵

*I was provided an ARC of this book and this review is based solely on thoughts and opinions that are mine and mine alone, and they are freely given.

[Cassandra Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark romance is not for the faint of heart—and it never pretends to be.

From the opening chase through the woods, the story makes one thing clear: Briella is not stepping into a love story. She’s stumbling into a nightmare. Fleeing an abusive ex, she finds herself “rescued” by five masked men who are far more terrifying than the danger behind her. What follows—an initiation meant to destroy her—sets the tone for a book steeped in violence, obsession, and psychological intensity.

The men, known collectively as The Damned, are not softened for reader comfort. They are killers, bound by blood and ruled by a leader whose law is absolute. Each man embodies a different shade of brutality—the calculating alpha, the morally fractured doctor, the rage-fueled fighter, the unhinged butcher, the ax-wielding executioner. The story does not attempt to redeem them. Instead, it leans into their monstrosity and asks a more unsettling question: what happens when the heroine doesn’t break under it?

Briella is the heart of the novel. While the premise hinges on captivity and forced proximity, her strength lies in her refusal to remain a victim. She adapts. She observes. She survives. Her transformation from hunted prey to something far more dangerous is what gives the narrative its bite. The tension isn’t just romantic—it’s psychological. Power shifts subtly and often, and the push-and-pull between control and surrender fuels much of the story’s momentum.

This is a romance built on extremes. The emotional stakes are high, the violence is explicit, and the relationships are intentionally toxic. Readers looking for redemption arcs or soft healing journeys won’t find them here. Instead, the novel explores darker fantasies: devotion twisted into possession, love laced with danger, freedom redefined through chains.

Despite its brutality, the book maintains a compelling pace. The isolated compound setting amplifies the claustrophobia, and the group dynamic creates constant tension. There’s an addictive quality to watching Briella navigate a world designed to consume her.

Ultimately, this is a story about transformation through darkness. It’s messy, morally ambiguous, and unapologetically intense. For readers who gravitate toward dark reverse-harem romances with unredeemed antiheroes and a heroine who learns to wield her own power, this one delivers exactly what it promises—no mercy, no heroes, and no easy escape.

[Hannah Middaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤⛏️ 4-STAR REVIEW: Queen of the Damned by Emily Shore ⛏️🖤

Queen of the Damned is not a light read—and it’s not meant to be. From the very beginning, this book throws you straight into the dark and never lets up. If you’re looking for morally black characters, brutal circumstances, and a story that sits heavy in your chest the entire time, this one absolutely delivers.

The pacing surprised me in the best way. It started at what I can only describe as a solid level 5 of intensity and ended at a level 10. There is no easing into this world—Emily Shore drops you into the mine with Briella and dares you to survive alongside her.

Briella has already been through hell long before the five men enter her life, and while her situation only gets more horrifying, her resilience stood out. Watching her adapt, endure, and slowly reclaim pieces of herself was compelling, even when everything around her was brutal and suffocating.

As for the Damned themselves—every single one of them is morally black and deeply unwell. These men don’t pretend to be heroes, and the story never asks you to excuse their actions. The moments where they show humanity or decency are few and far between, but when they do happen, they hit harder because of it. By the end, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to one or two of them—and that realization really underscored how well the author captured Briella’s emotional shift. A great author makes you feel what the main character feels, and as Briella slowly begins to fall for all five men despite everything, I felt that internal conflict right alongside her.

The atmosphere is oppressive, violent, and intense, but it’s also immersive. The off-the-grid compound, the twisted kinship law, and the power dynamics all work together to create a world that feels inescapable—and that’s exactly the point.

The cliffhanger ending? Cruel. Effective. I immediately needed the next book.

Overall, Queen of the Damned is dark, relentless, and emotionally heavy. It’s not an easy read, and it won’t be for everyone, but it does exactly what it sets out to do. I’m absolutely continuing the series, because I need to know where Briella’s story goes from here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 — Brutal, immersive, and unapologetically dark.

[Kylie Pittman · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🤌🏼

This is my first time doing an ARC reading and review. I have no triggers, but if you have triggers I highly suggest reading this trigger list. This book does not hold back.

I was instantly hooked and intrigued from the opening chapter! Briella has been through hell and is full of her own demons, but she has a sassy personality that just makes you love her character. She is not “woe is me”, she has come back from her trauma stronger and full of armor. She is not weak by any means.

These five Gods are broody and psychotic in all the best ways. They each bring out something different in Briella and I think it’s exactly what she needs, she just doesn’t know it yet. These men are trauma bonded by their pasts and have established their own laws. Their alpha, Raphael, has saved them all from their damnation and now they follow his law to stay safe and protect their way of life.

The reason I gave this book 3.5 stars is because it’s lacking background knowledge for me personally. I am not a slow burn girly at all, but I do appreciate a chapter or two that gives important background information and I feel that this book is lacking that. I constantly found myself wondering what happened to Briella in her past to make her the way she is today. We know bits and pieces because the books starts with her being chased by her ex and she mentions a place called Easthaven. I would just like to know what she endured during her time there. It’s the same with the guys, they all mention foster care and being trauma bonded through that but I’d love to hear more about how they decided to stick together or how Raphael saved them all. I’d love to hear about how Raphael created the Kinship Laws.

Maybe all this information will be revealed in book 2 (which I will be reading), but I personally don’t want to have to read through a series just to find out background information. If this doesn’t bother you, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book and probably give it a higher rating than I.

Don’t get me wrong, the book was great and the scenes were 🤌🏼🔥 and I absolutely will be reading book 2. Maybe I’m just picky. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that completely consumed me — the kind where you tell yourself you’ll just read the synopsis in preparation for tomorrow… and then suddenly it’s the middle of the night and you’re still turning pages.

My original plan was to simply get a feel for the story before starting properly the next day. Instead, my need to see just how dark and twisted Briella’s journey would become kept me awake far longer than intended. I had to know not only how she would survive that first night, but how she would begin to process — and ultimately accept — the sheer darkness and depravity her five “monsters” unleashed.
As with all true dark romances, this story comes with triggers that readers should absolutely be mindful of. There are scenes that strike hard and bring the narrative to its emotional pulse point. This is not a light read. It is raw, confronting, and unapologetically intense.

The characters are compelling in the most unsettling way — five deeply troubled, morally complex dark alphas paired with a young woman who carries her own shadows. Their histories add layers that make the story far more than shock value. It becomes complex, psychological, and emotionally charged. You find yourself questioning how you can enjoy something so morally twisted — and yet you do.

This is not a fluffy marshmallow romance. It will test your resolve, push your comfort zones, and challenge your emotional limits. But somehow, within all that darkness, it still delivers a strange sense of satisfaction and anticipation.
I absolutely loved Briella. She is flawed, scarred, yet fiercely resilient. There’s a quiet strength in her survival instinct that pulls you in and makes you desperate to see her rise.

As this is only Part One, be prepared — you will be left in the dark, hanging, wondering how everything will unfold for Briella and her five monsters. But one thing feels certain… the Queen is going to rise to her full power.
And I, for one, cannot wait for the next instalment. 🔥👑

[Courtny Renee Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was NOT prepared. I thought I was prepared. I was wrong.

This was an ARC read and when I tell you this book is dark… I mean DARK. Not “morally gray.” Not “shadowy.” I’m talking pitch black, no flashlight, feral energy in a cave kind of dark. And I LOVED IT.

Reverse harem? ✔
One woman, five unhinged men? ✔
Sword crossing? ✔✔✔ (yes, there is MM and it is glorious)

Meet the lineup:

Vincent – the fighter. Brutal. Protective. Touch her and die vibes.
Rory – the absolute psycho with the Scottish brogue. I would let this man ruin my life.
Raphael – the alpha, the leader, the lawmaker. Kinship law? Basically his rules.
Jude – ex-military medic, the doctor of the group, calm but lethal.
Seth – the lumberjack “sweet” one… emphasis on the quotation marks because sweet does not mean soft.

And then there’s Briella.

The men find her in the woods, running from her ex. The ex makes a fatal mistake. They kill him. And because of kinship law, she “owes” them. They take her back to their cave and initiate her into their world.

No woman has EVER survived initiation.

There are five levels.

Five.

She survives.

Because Briella is an absolute badass. She doesn’t just endure them — she earns her place. She becomes their equal. Their queen. She learns each of their roles, gets under their skin, plays pranks, builds bonds, and fully claims her power.

Is this book for everyone? Absolutely not. Check the trigger warnings. This is dark, explicit, boundary-pushing, and unapologetic. If you like your romance soft and fluffy, run the other direction.

If you like it feral, twisted, morally corrupt, and dripping in obsession? Welcome home.

The spice is intense. The dynamics are wild. The emotional undercurrent surprised me. And the way these men worship and challenge her at the same time? Chef’s kiss.

And then.

THE ENDING.

HOW. DARE. YOU.

That cliffhanger??? I am emotionally unstable. I need the next book immediately. I am not okay.

10/10.
No notes.
The darker the better and this one delivered. 🖤🔥

[Jade Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this book. A huge thank you to the author for trusting me with an early copy. I’m so grateful for the opportunity because this book completely consumed me.

Wow… where do I even start?!

This story is DARK. Twisted. Unapologetic. There were moments I genuinely had to stop and think, what am I reading right now? and yet I could not put it down. It pulled me in and refused to let go.

We meet an FMC who has already endured a horrific past. She’s been through more than anyone ever should, but she is far from weak. She’s strong, sharp, and refuses to break. Then she’s captured by five ruthless, powerful men — men who are feared, dominant, and will do whatever it takes to determine if she is worthy of being their queen and part of their clan. They may have decided she belongs to them… but that doesn’t mean she agrees.

The tension is suffocating.
The power struggles are brutal.
The chemistry? Absolutely feral.

Watching her stand her ground against five men who are used to being in control of everything was addictive. The push and pull, the darkness, the intensity it was all so well written that even when it made me uncomfortable, I couldn’t look away.

Please make sure you read the trigger warnings because this book does not hold back. But if you love a strong, sassy FMC, five possessive, muscular men who think they’re the boss, and a dark reverse harem full of tension and obsession this is absolutely for you.

And THAT cliffhanger?! 😭
How am I supposed to just move on after that ending?! Just when you think you can finally breathe… everything explodes. I sat there staring at the last page in complete shock. The unanswered questions, the chaos, the way it just cuts off at the worst possible moment and it was cruel in the best way.

Now I’m left counting down the days until the next book because I need answers. The wait is going to be torture… and I already know I’ll be first in line when it releases. 🖤

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We start off this book with our FMC running through the woods *away* from someone. She runs smack dab into the five MMCs in this book, who take care of her pursuer in a permanent way, but now they have her in their sights too. What follows is a brutal initiation into their group. Briella has been through worse though and against all odds she survives. She’s quickly initiated into the group with unhinged but calm Raphael, quiet and healing but still deadly Jude, Vincent, who is quiet but hanging on by a thread, Seth who is like a deranged golden retriever and last but not least, Rory who is a sociopath and the most unhinged of the five, which is saying something because they’re all mad. But maybe Briella is the most unhinged of them all. She’s a survivor certainly.

Oof! This book! I was worried when I saw the list of trigger warnings. They’re all in there. Each one listed out. I worried it would be too much, at some points it was nearly there, just so close to being too much. But like Briella, we skirted the line of ending things and made it through. We survived it together. I ended up really liking this book. It was definitely dark, but I feel like at the end, this group was really made for each other. Plus, that cliffhanger?? A doozy for sure! I’m so glad that the first chapter of the next book was there so that we could get a tiny bit of closure. I’ll be snatching up the next book as soon as I can. Give this book a chance. Read the trigger warnings (there’s an entire page in two columns). Read them again and be honest with yourself if it might be too much, but take the risk. It’s a dark story but hopefully within the darkness we can find that speck of light that was planted and grow out of the ground instead of being buried in it.

I received an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Shannon Fillingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not dark romance… it’s pitch black.

Queen of the Damned: Part One is raw, violent, emotionally brutal, and completely uncompromising in its darkness—and I could not look away. From the opening pages, you know this story isn’t interested in comfort or redemption. Nothing is safe, no one is innocent, and the line between survival and monstrosity is razor thin.

Briella is an FMC forged in trauma but defined by defiance. What I loved most is that she never truly surrenders—not to her past, not to captivity, and
not to the men who claim her. Even when she’s shattered, she’s still resisting, still plotting, still holding onto herself. Her refusal to give up on who she is gives the story its emotional core.

And the Damned themselves? Exactly what the book promises: monsters. Each one is violent, damaged, and morally irredeemable in their own way, yet the dynamic they form with Briella is intense, unsettling, and strangely compelling. This is very much a why-choose that leans fully into the “morally black” promise.

The tone is relentless—graphic, claustrophobic, and emotionally charged. The violence isn’t stylized or softened; it’s meant to unsettle. But beneath that brutality, there’s also a thread of trauma, survival, and the complicated ways broken people collide and connect.

If you love:
• Truly dark, morally black romance
• Why-choose with dangerous antiheroes
• FMCs who refuse to break
• Raw, violent, emotionally intense stories
• Captive/outlaw dynamics

This will absolutely be your kind of read.

Please check content warnings—this is for mature readers and does not pull its punches.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. This was harrowing, addictive, and impossible to ignore—I’m very curious to see where the darkness goes next

[Michelle Starika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this with saying that I’m trying to make my reviews better. I always feel that they’re not up to par. So, I’m trying.🙂

I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. This got its hooks in me just by reading the blurb and knowing that Emily Shore wrote it.

I digress.
This is definitely in the morally black group with the why choose, unhinged, sexy af men with muscles that never end. And I’m pretty sure I need to be tested because I agree with some very questionable decisions. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Hopefully we’ll get a more in depth peek at the guys stories from their past that made them the way they are. I definitely want to know how Raphael saved his brothers—since that’s what made him the “Alpha”. All decisions are ran through him. He always has final say.

And Briella, in short, she’s a badass. Such a sassy sarcastic mouth. I think the guys needed someone who has been through it and understands. And still comes out standing tall. I think that without her past trauma, she’d never have made it through Initiation.

I thought that Initiation was rough. I thought it was more than well written. And it could’ve been much worse. But they wanted a Queen. Someone that’s strong willed, who wants to live. Someone who will surrender to them—to give them her jagged, broken pieces and let them re-make her—put her back together even stronger. So now Briella isn’t only a sassy badass, she’s their Queen. Now they just have to make her see it and believe it.

100% can’t wait to read the next part!

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unlike anything I’ve read before in the best way. After I finished, I could not stop thinking about it. It’s absolutely dark so if you choose to read (and I highly recommend you do), CHECK THE TRIGGER MENU. I wouldn’t say it’s the darkest book I’ve read, but it’s definitely the darkest Emily Shore has written and this was only Part 1. If you enjoyed The Art of Obsession by her, you’ll probably enjoy QOTD.

Briella is one of the strongest fmcs I’ve ever read and despite being abused for years and then put through the absolute *wringer* by her men, she still maintains her ferocity and refusal to back down. This book will have you laughing—Briella’s pranks on the guys are amazing and hilarious alike, crying, angry for her and the guys, and hoping for a better future for them.

We only get a small amount of background story for all the mcs so I suspect we’ll get more info in Part 2 but even if we don’t, there’s enough information to get the overall gist of what made each of them who they are now.

This was lengthy but I honestly didn’t feel that way at all while reading it because I was thoroughly entranced and entertained. The spice, the banter, the tension, the unique mix of complimentary personalities, and the relatability of Briella’s insecurities? *Chef’s kiss*

I LOVE an unhinged slightly psycho fmc and Briella has that and then some.

They finally have their Queen, but can she get past all they’ve done to her?

Read an ARC but my review is genuinely what I think. If you enjoy dark romance, you’ll love Queen of the Damned.

[Destiny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, brutal, unhinged—and impossible to put down

Queen of the Damned is not a gentle read, and it doesn’t pretend to be. From the first page, Emily Shore drags you headfirst into a world of violence, trauma, and morally black characters—and then dares you to look away. I couldn’t.

Briella is a survivor in the rawest sense. Her journey isn’t pretty or easy, and that’s exactly what makes it compelling. She’s thrown into absolute darkness, surrounded by men who are unapologetically monsters, yet she refuses to stay broken. Watching her fight, adapt, and slowly reclaim power was both heartbreaking and addictive.

The Damned themselves are terrifying, fascinating, and disturbingly charismatic. Each one feels distinct, dangerous, and fully realized. There are no heroes here—only blood-soaked loyalty, twisted bonds, and a warped sense of protection that somehow feels earned. The “why choose” dynamic is intense, dark, and emotional, not just spicy for the sake of it.

This book leans hard into its themes: captivity, vengeance, trauma, and healing in the most unconventional ways. If you’re looking for soft romance or clear moral lines, this is not it. But if you love dark romance that commits, characters who bite back, and stories that make you uncomfortable in the best way—this book delivers.

Check the trigger warnings, clear your schedule, and maybe keep your therapist on speed dial.
Emily Shore absolutely understood the assignment.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. Let me start off saying did enjoy the book. However, I feel like a lot of things fell short for me.
This is labeled as a pitch black romance. If you even think you might have a trigger.. check the trigger warnings before reading this book. I might have a skewed idea of what pitch black romance is, but I felt like the pitch black was missing.

Briella is a fierce independent woman. She’s smart, resourceful, witty, and sassy. I throughly enjoyed her character, but felt like there was a lot missing from her backstory. Which kept me from being able to fully connect with her character. What makes her the way she is? What about her past? Why was she running from her ex? What is her trauma she’s been through but continues to be referred to? That was missing so I felt a bit confused.

The brothers… I did love them and all the things that made them unique, but also there was backstories missing on them that kept me from fully connecting with them. What was their trauma? What was it that made them how they were? They all met in a home, but why and how? Why do they live how they live?

There was a lot going on in this book, but also nothing going on at the same time. A lot of repetition and talk of “Kin-ship” laws, but no clear answer what those laws meant or what they were. This book mainly focused on the “initiation” and not much backstory. There is a part two, so maybe we will get more of that in that book. This book ends on a cliffhanger.

[Travers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring

In her opening note, the author makes a lot of promises she doesn’t deliver. The first one being her insistence that this isn’t gratuitous torture porn… which is bold, considering that’s exactly how it reads. You can tell she wants it to feel meaningful, like the brutality (especially the initiation) serves some deeper purpose, but the story never actually earns that. It’s all vibes, no substance.

The writing overall is more interested in telling you things are deep than actually showing they are. The characters don’t read like actual people either. Raphael and Rory in particular feel absurd, constantly referring to themselves as “psychopath” and “sociopath” like they’re diagnosing themselves mid-thought. Their inner dialogue feels forced, like the author is trying way too hard to convince you they fit those labels. It doesn’t come across as complex, just… cringe.

Also, nothing happens. I’m not exaggerating. We go from gang rape to homestead life and then… the book ends. The whole thing feels like the author wrote one story and then chopped it in half. I’m assuming book two will dump all the backstory and explanations, but that just makes this one feel incomplete in a way that isn’t intriguing, just empty, because it doesn’t stand up on its own, it feels like it needs the second part to make it, and maybe the overall story will be saved with part two, but that wouldn’t change that this one was bad.

And I’m just going to say it: parts of this read very ChatGPT-ish. I’m not outright accusing her since I have no proof and I don’t care enough to look for it, but I also wouldn’t be surprised.

Overall, it tries really hard to be dark and profound, but ends up slow, disconnected, and kind of pointless.

[Persephone Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy bananas. This was a deliriously unhinged, nasty, formidable, fantastic work of art. I breathed this book like it was my only source of air.

Please take care of yourself, the menu - I mean trigger warning list - is so important in this dark trauma. The mental game is strong and this book will rip you apart, especially playing with your trauma demons.

I absolutely devoured this book. Brielle is a goddess, a spicy, sassy, breath of fresh air that made me giggle, made me breath deep with her strength and fight, and just brought me so much satisfaction. Our 5 unhinged dark gods were absolutely delicious, totally frustrating, diabolical, and just touched my core. The storyline, the trauma bonding, the overall character arcs were hard and sometimes I had to step back and breathe through my own struggle connections, but this story was powerful. I often find Emily's books help pieces of me heal that I didn't realize needed that. They speak to me and help me to see some truths. She never disappoints and I'm so grateful for her stories and that she doesn't hold back her own journey through them.

The smut in this book was off the charts, super extended scenes of steaminess between our unhinged characters. It did not feel like it was all smut, but the heat was fantastic. I could not put this book down and I am so deliriously needy for book 2. Very worth the read.