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Runemarked: A Darkborn Prequel
Before the Wolf swore an oath to protect the one woman who would become his undoing…
Before the Defender was bound to a warrior who loathed him…
Before the Shield Breaker and the Huntress were doomed to an eternity of wounds carved too deep to heal…
They were four mortal warriors, renowned throughout the North, standing in the path of an ancient evil they never saw coming.
When a brutal betrayal burns their world to ash, consuming everything they love and bled for, the goddess of death offers the four a bargain no warrior could power, vengeance, and the promise that death hasn’t stolen everything from them forever.
But immortality comes with a cost far worse than death. When Sylas, Thorne, Lucian, and Arless accept Hel’s bargain, they have no idea what they are becoming—or the hunger they won’t be able to escape.
Runemarked is the prequel to The Darkborn series, an epic dark fantasy romance, and is best read before Bloodborn coming July 2026.
Before the Defender was bound to a warrior who loathed him…
Before the Shield Breaker and the Huntress were doomed to an eternity of wounds carved too deep to heal…
They were four mortal warriors, renowned throughout the North, standing in the path of an ancient evil they never saw coming.
When a brutal betrayal burns their world to ash, consuming everything they love and bled for, the goddess of death offers the four a bargain no warrior could power, vengeance, and the promise that death hasn’t stolen everything from them forever.
But immortality comes with a cost far worse than death. When Sylas, Thorne, Lucian, and Arless accept Hel’s bargain, they have no idea what they are becoming—or the hunger they won’t be able to escape.
Runemarked is the prequel to The Darkborn series, an epic dark fantasy romance, and is best read before Bloodborn coming July 2026.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Harley Blackwell
3 books27 followersBy day, Harley writes survival romance under a different name. By night, she steps into darker worlds where desire is dangerous and everything comes with a cost. Her stories are beautiful, brutal, and always leave a mark.
When she’s not writing, Harley can be found wandering the marshes with her own brooding hero, or dreaming up her next tortured soul and plotting how far she can push him before he breaks.
When she’s not writing, Harley can be found wandering the marshes with her own brooding hero, or dreaming up her next tortured soul and plotting how far she can push him before he breaks.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 13, 2026
That…. Was BRUTAL! Damn damn damn. I loved it.
June 12, 2026
I don't know how, but this very short book managed to make me feel every possible emotion. I already feel so connected to the characters and I can not wait to read this series.
June 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
I picked up this prequel novella before reading the first book in the Darkborn series that is releasing soon and I am so happy I did. Somehow the author set up introduced this fantasy world and got me invested in all of the characters within a short novella. I actually got emotional in the end.
This follows four lifelong friends who have been at war most of their lives. Now evil is coming for their home and they are about to go to war again. Tragedy strikes first and the Goddess of Death offers them the chance to get vengeance.
I am excited to read the first book and learn even more about this world.
🌶️🌶️
I picked up this prequel novella before reading the first book in the Darkborn series that is releasing soon and I am so happy I did. Somehow the author set up introduced this fantasy world and got me invested in all of the characters within a short novella. I actually got emotional in the end.
This follows four lifelong friends who have been at war most of their lives. Now evil is coming for their home and they are about to go to war again. Tragedy strikes first and the Goddess of Death offers them the chance to get vengeance.
I am excited to read the first book and learn even more about this world.
June 15, 2026
wonderful
I have just read Book one and so, strictly, did not need this prequel, but I enjoyed it so much I had to buy more while I wait very impatiently for book 2! For some reason I am reminded of Jay Kristoff, especially his Empire of the Vampire trilogy. I think it’s the effort to develop real characters and relationships rather than cardboard stereotypes. The world creation and relationships invest you in the story and it becomes impossible to walk away from these characters until their quests are complete. I need Lucian to find his happy ever after. Such a believably neurodivergent character.Read if you love Jay’s books!
I have just read Book one and so, strictly, did not need this prequel, but I enjoyed it so much I had to buy more while I wait very impatiently for book 2! For some reason I am reminded of Jay Kristoff, especially his Empire of the Vampire trilogy. I think it’s the effort to develop real characters and relationships rather than cardboard stereotypes. The world creation and relationships invest you in the story and it becomes impossible to walk away from these characters until their quests are complete. I need Lucian to find his happy ever after. Such a believably neurodivergent character.Read if you love Jay’s books!
June 16, 2026
I liked the characters in this. I would have liked a bit more information on backgrounds for each but a good set up.
June 28, 2026
What a great/sad story!
Rarely have I become this caught up in such a short story. This one, however, wow, just wow! I have gone through all the emotions, from happiness, to actually crying. I love these historical stories, always have and this one is no exception to that. I have the feeling I won’t be forgetting this story, regardless of the fact it’s a prequel, for a long, long time, even if I read all the rest of the stories in the series.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Rarely have I become this caught up in such a short story. This one, however, wow, just wow! I have gone through all the emotions, from happiness, to actually crying. I love these historical stories, always have and this one is no exception to that. I have the feeling I won’t be forgetting this story, regardless of the fact it’s a prequel, for a long, long time, even if I read all the rest of the stories in the series.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 13, 2026
To understand their vengeance and perseverance, first understand the men and women they were and the life that was ruthlessly, agonizingly torn from their grasp.
A bittersweet, harrowing and searing foundation for the series, no more than a glimpse into the warm, happy life that the Darkborn enjoyed before immortality, a life and a death that marked them more deeply than any brand singed on their skin. I am hooked.
A bittersweet, harrowing and searing foundation for the series, no more than a glimpse into the warm, happy life that the Darkborn enjoyed before immortality, a life and a death that marked them more deeply than any brand singed on their skin. I am hooked.
April 25, 2026
Harley has quite the mind to create a world where the Darkborn exist. "Some will call them vampires and demons - heathens of the broken world. Legend will revere them as Darkborn." That is a quote from Rune Marked. Read this prequel and you will be hungry for more.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews