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Bloodborn
Vikings meets The Witcher, with the immortal found family of Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Four warriors died in flames.
The Darkborn rose from the ashes.
Sylas the Wolf. Thorne the Red. Arless the Huntress. Lucian the Shield Breaker.
Four names carved into legend. Four warriors resurrected by the goddess of death and cursed with immortality. Together, they are the Darkborn—Protectors of the North, bound by blood and an unbreakable bond woven from hunger, pain, and rage.
For years, the Darkborn have held the North. Led by Sylas, they’ve kept the rot from scourging the land and their monstrous hunger contained. But when Sylas rescues the princess of a rival kingdom from an enemy dungeon, the gods deal their cruelest hand yet. Evangeline may be the key to ending the Butcher King’s tyranny, and the goddess of death has tasked the Darkborn with her protection. But the instant Sylas sensed the princess, a monstrous hunger woke inside him that cannot be mastered. And having her is a line he can never cross.
While Arless and Thorne protect the North against the Butcher King's armies, Sylas and Lucian scour the South for answers to save the realm. As Sylas fights his hunger that only sharpens, Lucian discovers the Darkborn aren't the only monsters the gods created.
Perfect for readers who came for the Vikings, stayed for the monsters, and fell in love with the immortal warriors... and the people who bring them to their knees.
Bloodborn is the first novel in The Darkborn, an epic dark fantasy romance series where immortal warriors, scheming gods, and forbidden hunger collide. In Röthgard, love is the cruelest curse of all.
*Visit the author's website for trigger warnings, companion stories, and content notes.
Four warriors died in flames.
The Darkborn rose from the ashes.
Sylas the Wolf. Thorne the Red. Arless the Huntress. Lucian the Shield Breaker.
Four names carved into legend. Four warriors resurrected by the goddess of death and cursed with immortality. Together, they are the Darkborn—Protectors of the North, bound by blood and an unbreakable bond woven from hunger, pain, and rage.
For years, the Darkborn have held the North. Led by Sylas, they’ve kept the rot from scourging the land and their monstrous hunger contained. But when Sylas rescues the princess of a rival kingdom from an enemy dungeon, the gods deal their cruelest hand yet. Evangeline may be the key to ending the Butcher King’s tyranny, and the goddess of death has tasked the Darkborn with her protection. But the instant Sylas sensed the princess, a monstrous hunger woke inside him that cannot be mastered. And having her is a line he can never cross.
While Arless and Thorne protect the North against the Butcher King's armies, Sylas and Lucian scour the South for answers to save the realm. As Sylas fights his hunger that only sharpens, Lucian discovers the Darkborn aren't the only monsters the gods created.
Perfect for readers who came for the Vikings, stayed for the monsters, and fell in love with the immortal warriors... and the people who bring them to their knees.
Bloodborn is the first novel in The Darkborn, an epic dark fantasy romance series where immortal warriors, scheming gods, and forbidden hunger collide. In Röthgard, love is the cruelest curse of all.
*Visit the author's website for trigger warnings, companion stories, and content notes.
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, ebook
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
Harley Blackwell
3 books61 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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 25, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Harley Blackwell for an ARC copy of this book. It is SUCH a wild ride and I'm thrilled to be part of it. Cause... vampires... vikings... and so many other tropes I don't want to say cause... you don't want the spoilers... take my word for it. You need to be allowed to absolutely indulge them when they happen!
While it’s not a prerequisite, absolutely take my advice and READ the prequel novella. While it will leave you positively GUTTED, to understand the depths of their situation, rage and sorrow, you can’t positively get it, until you’ve lived through that. Trust me on this.
We are following four of Hel’s warriors as she tries to bring order to the world being overrun with chaos, magic, blight and evil. I’m getting a viking warrior, Nordic clansman vibe – Sylas the Wolf, Thorne the Red, Arless the Huntress and Lucian the Shield Breaker.
Our MC’s each have lost much but together this rebirth gave them a bond, and a hunger that can’t quite be sated yet they are still trying to cling to pieces of their humanity. Learning to control this impulse is step one… because they can’t expect anyone to rally behind them if they can’t be trusted to control themselves long enough to ready them for battle. And battle they must… against evil, against magic and against the same fire that consumed them that they were reborn from.
I love our quiet protector… his story was probably my favorite and WOW it went somewhere other than where I expected... And... man... Whew. That was hawt.... damn.... okay... circle back around, April... focus... focus...
Aaaannnnnnnnyway... the angst, the pain, the rage... it's practically palpable. I mean, you can feel their personal torment of being what they must while detesting what they’ve become.
During a battle they acquire a possession of their enemy - a person of great importance and my only criticism is that the conversations with this person… absolutely did not feel like something equal to their age. It felt like a room of adults talking. Plus, knowing what we know, they wouldn’t be privy to the knowledge that is revealed. Things that are said, and exchanges made that just felt way out of place which kind of drew me out a little because I was like… naaaah this never could have happened.
The book covers quite an extended timespan and is often updated with that passage through an epistolary journal entry style. I can picture in my head pages being ripped off of a calendar and just flying into the nether until we come to the next with the image of chaos and war going on in the background (yes,I have quite a vivid imagination). LOL
Their bond is pulled thread bare as they have to separate on their journeys… and those frayed threads finally rip at the end…. And WOW what a cliffhanger.
Two of my favorite quotes:
“Bloom where I might still find you.”
“...the world remembers what it loses.”
Thank you to Harley Blackwell for an ARC copy of this book. It is SUCH a wild ride and I'm thrilled to be part of it. Cause... vampires... vikings... and so many other tropes I don't want to say cause... you don't want the spoilers... take my word for it. You need to be allowed to absolutely indulge them when they happen!
While it’s not a prerequisite, absolutely take my advice and READ the prequel novella. While it will leave you positively GUTTED, to understand the depths of their situation, rage and sorrow, you can’t positively get it, until you’ve lived through that. Trust me on this.
We are following four of Hel’s warriors as she tries to bring order to the world being overrun with chaos, magic, blight and evil. I’m getting a viking warrior, Nordic clansman vibe – Sylas the Wolf, Thorne the Red, Arless the Huntress and Lucian the Shield Breaker.
Our MC’s each have lost much but together this rebirth gave them a bond, and a hunger that can’t quite be sated yet they are still trying to cling to pieces of their humanity. Learning to control this impulse is step one… because they can’t expect anyone to rally behind them if they can’t be trusted to control themselves long enough to ready them for battle. And battle they must… against evil, against magic and against the same fire that consumed them that they were reborn from.
I love our quiet protector… his story was probably my favorite and WOW it went somewhere other than where I expected... And... man... Whew. That was hawt.... damn.... okay... circle back around, April... focus... focus...
Aaaannnnnnnnyway... the angst, the pain, the rage... it's practically palpable. I mean, you can feel their personal torment of being what they must while detesting what they’ve become.
During a battle they acquire a possession of their enemy - a person of great importance and my only criticism is that the conversations with this person… absolutely did not feel like something equal to their age. It felt like a room of adults talking. Plus, knowing what we know, they wouldn’t be privy to the knowledge that is revealed. Things that are said, and exchanges made that just felt way out of place which kind of drew me out a little because I was like… naaaah this never could have happened.
The book covers quite an extended timespan and is often updated with that passage through an epistolary journal entry style. I can picture in my head pages being ripped off of a calendar and just flying into the nether until we come to the next with the image of chaos and war going on in the background (yes,I have quite a vivid imagination). LOL
Their bond is pulled thread bare as they have to separate on their journeys… and those frayed threads finally rip at the end…. And WOW what a cliffhanger.
Two of my favorite quotes:
“Bloom where I might still find you.”
“...the world remembers what it loses.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading Journal Details
Book: Bloodborn by Harley Blackwell
Format: eBook (320 pages)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Quick Take
An atmospheric Norse-inspired fantasy where morally gray characters, meaningful consequences, and a heartfelt found family are every bit as compelling as the world itself. Bloodborn is an engaging start to a series that left me eager for the next adventure.
Full Review
One of my favorite things in fantasy is when a magical system refuses to let characters off easy, and Bloodborn embraces that philosophy beautifully.
The Darkborn isn't just an interesting concept—it demands sacrifice, restraint, and constant vigilance, making every difficult decision feel significant. Harley Blackwell never allows the curse to become stagnant background scenery, and the story is so much stronger because of it.
The heart of this novel, however, is its found family. Watching Sylas, Thorne, Arless, Lucian, and the rest of the cast weather impossible situations together made their loyalty feel earned as opposed to assumed. Their relationships developed organically through hardship, creating a group I found myself rooting for and embracing every step of the way.
Thorne and Sylas constantly competed for the title of my favorite character. Thorne's dependable nature, dry humor, and unwavering willingness to protect those around him made him feel like the quiet cornerstone of the group.
Sylas, on the other hand, fascinated me with his ongoing struggle between duty, guilt, compassion, and survival, making him one of those morally gray protagonists whose decisions are rarely simple but always understandable.
The Norse-inspired setting was another true highlight. Between the harsh landscapes, dangerous travels, brutal battles, and slower character-driven moments, the world felt fully realized without ever becoming overwhelming.
The atmosphere consistently reinforced the darker tone while remaining inviting enough that I never wanted to leave it. I mean it, putting this book down was next to impossible!
I also appreciated that the novel never shied away from showcasing the physical and psychological costs of hunger. Too often, fantasy curses become little more than intriguing labels, but here the consequences remain tangible and often a delicious part of the story. That constant tension elevated nearly every encounter and kept the stakes feeling authentic.
My few criticisms were relatively minor and often short lived. The cast is fairly expansive, and during the opening chapters I occasionally needed a moment to remember how certain secondary characters connected to the larger story. Fortunately, that became much less noticeable as everyone settled into their respective roles and relationships became more familiar.
The "Artifacts from the Royal Archives" interludes occasionally disrupted my immersion because their perspective felt slightly different from the surrounding narrative. At the same time, they accomplished the difficult task of bridging significant stretches of time without making those transitions feel abrupt, so even that choice ultimately served as an important purpose, and in turn, didn't remain a true criticism because of the intriguing purpose it served.
The romantic storylines unfold at a deliberate pace, developing naturally alongside the larger story instead of overshadowing it. This first installment leaves plenty of room for those relationships to continue evolving, and I found myself eager to spend more time with these characters beyond the final page.
More than anything, Bloodborn reminded me that the strongest fantasy stories aren't defined solely by the worlds they create, but by the characters who inhabit them. Harley Blackwell crafted a cast whose victories, struggles, and relationships felt worth investing in, and by the time I reached the final page, I wasn't ready to leave this world behind. That's one of the biggest compliments I can give the first installment of a fantasy series.
Would Recommend If...
If you enjoy Norse-inspired fantasy, morally gray heroes, dark romance, found family dynamics, and magic systems where power comes from real consequences. If those are things you gravitate toward, then Bloodborn deserves a spot in your TBR. Fans of darker fantasy with steadily developing romance and strong character relationships should feel right at home in this one.
Features & Vibes
🛡️ Fierce loyalty
🩸 Blood hunger
⚔️ Brutal battles
🌌 Rich worldbuilding
🖤 Dark romance
Advance Copy Provided By
A big thank you to Harley Blackwell for trusting me with an advance copy of Bloodborn ahead of publication. The Darkborn curse was one of the most compelling fantasy concepts I've read recently, with such meaningful consequences that never once felt superficial.
Book: Bloodborn by Harley Blackwell
Format: eBook (320 pages)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Quick Take
An atmospheric Norse-inspired fantasy where morally gray characters, meaningful consequences, and a heartfelt found family are every bit as compelling as the world itself. Bloodborn is an engaging start to a series that left me eager for the next adventure.
Full Review
One of my favorite things in fantasy is when a magical system refuses to let characters off easy, and Bloodborn embraces that philosophy beautifully.
The Darkborn isn't just an interesting concept—it demands sacrifice, restraint, and constant vigilance, making every difficult decision feel significant. Harley Blackwell never allows the curse to become stagnant background scenery, and the story is so much stronger because of it.
The heart of this novel, however, is its found family. Watching Sylas, Thorne, Arless, Lucian, and the rest of the cast weather impossible situations together made their loyalty feel earned as opposed to assumed. Their relationships developed organically through hardship, creating a group I found myself rooting for and embracing every step of the way.
Thorne and Sylas constantly competed for the title of my favorite character. Thorne's dependable nature, dry humor, and unwavering willingness to protect those around him made him feel like the quiet cornerstone of the group.
Sylas, on the other hand, fascinated me with his ongoing struggle between duty, guilt, compassion, and survival, making him one of those morally gray protagonists whose decisions are rarely simple but always understandable.
The Norse-inspired setting was another true highlight. Between the harsh landscapes, dangerous travels, brutal battles, and slower character-driven moments, the world felt fully realized without ever becoming overwhelming.
The atmosphere consistently reinforced the darker tone while remaining inviting enough that I never wanted to leave it. I mean it, putting this book down was next to impossible!
I also appreciated that the novel never shied away from showcasing the physical and psychological costs of hunger. Too often, fantasy curses become little more than intriguing labels, but here the consequences remain tangible and often a delicious part of the story. That constant tension elevated nearly every encounter and kept the stakes feeling authentic.
My few criticisms were relatively minor and often short lived. The cast is fairly expansive, and during the opening chapters I occasionally needed a moment to remember how certain secondary characters connected to the larger story. Fortunately, that became much less noticeable as everyone settled into their respective roles and relationships became more familiar.
The "Artifacts from the Royal Archives" interludes occasionally disrupted my immersion because their perspective felt slightly different from the surrounding narrative. At the same time, they accomplished the difficult task of bridging significant stretches of time without making those transitions feel abrupt, so even that choice ultimately served as an important purpose, and in turn, didn't remain a true criticism because of the intriguing purpose it served.
The romantic storylines unfold at a deliberate pace, developing naturally alongside the larger story instead of overshadowing it. This first installment leaves plenty of room for those relationships to continue evolving, and I found myself eager to spend more time with these characters beyond the final page.
More than anything, Bloodborn reminded me that the strongest fantasy stories aren't defined solely by the worlds they create, but by the characters who inhabit them. Harley Blackwell crafted a cast whose victories, struggles, and relationships felt worth investing in, and by the time I reached the final page, I wasn't ready to leave this world behind. That's one of the biggest compliments I can give the first installment of a fantasy series.
Would Recommend If...
If you enjoy Norse-inspired fantasy, morally gray heroes, dark romance, found family dynamics, and magic systems where power comes from real consequences. If those are things you gravitate toward, then Bloodborn deserves a spot in your TBR. Fans of darker fantasy with steadily developing romance and strong character relationships should feel right at home in this one.
Features & Vibes
🛡️ Fierce loyalty
🩸 Blood hunger
⚔️ Brutal battles
🌌 Rich worldbuilding
🖤 Dark romance
Advance Copy Provided By
A big thank you to Harley Blackwell for trusting me with an advance copy of Bloodborn ahead of publication. The Darkborn curse was one of the most compelling fantasy concepts I've read recently, with such meaningful consequences that never once felt superficial.
July 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
Bloodborn is the first book in the Darkborn series, but I also recommend reading the prequel novella Runemarked first. It introduces you to the four main characters and the tragedy they suffered leading them to be reborn as the Darkborn. I teared up reading the novella and already felt a connection to the characters.
This was such a unique fantasy world set up with norse mythology. Hel has made the four lifelong friends immortal by turning them into Darkborn in order to defeat the evil spreading through the land. They are now vampires, aka Darkborn, and must learn to control their monstrous side and thirst.
Meet our main characters:
Sylas the Wolf - Our tortured leader, fighting his monstrous urges to stay true to his family. He is drawn to a princess who might be the key to bringing down the evil.
Thorne the Red - The defender who longs for a woman who hates him.
Arless the Huntress - The strong and feisty female archer, who has a deep connection to Lucian, but she can't forgive him for a betrayal.
Lucian the Shield Breaker - The beautiful, neurodivergent man who has been in love with Arless forever.
They want to protect their people and get revenge, but this is not an easy task and it will lead them on a hard journey. They all have their own struggles and the angst was heavy for them all.
Lucian is my absolute favorite character and my heart broke for him the most. I was dying for him and Arless to be together, but when they are separated the story took me to places I wasn't expecting for him, and I loved it!
I am completely invested in all of these characters and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me. The world building was expertly done and easy to follow, which can be difficult with the first book in a fantasy world.
The setting felt dark, gritty, and immersive, with high stakes that kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thank you to Harley Blackwell for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️.5
Bloodborn is the first book in the Darkborn series, but I also recommend reading the prequel novella Runemarked first. It introduces you to the four main characters and the tragedy they suffered leading them to be reborn as the Darkborn. I teared up reading the novella and already felt a connection to the characters.
This was such a unique fantasy world set up with norse mythology. Hel has made the four lifelong friends immortal by turning them into Darkborn in order to defeat the evil spreading through the land. They are now vampires, aka Darkborn, and must learn to control their monstrous side and thirst.
Meet our main characters:
Sylas the Wolf - Our tortured leader, fighting his monstrous urges to stay true to his family. He is drawn to a princess who might be the key to bringing down the evil.
Thorne the Red - The defender who longs for a woman who hates him.
Arless the Huntress - The strong and feisty female archer, who has a deep connection to Lucian, but she can't forgive him for a betrayal.
Lucian the Shield Breaker - The beautiful, neurodivergent man who has been in love with Arless forever.
They want to protect their people and get revenge, but this is not an easy task and it will lead them on a hard journey. They all have their own struggles and the angst was heavy for them all.
Lucian is my absolute favorite character and my heart broke for him the most. I was dying for him and Arless to be together, but when they are separated the story took me to places I wasn't expecting for him, and I loved it!
I am completely invested in all of these characters and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me. The world building was expertly done and easy to follow, which can be difficult with the first book in a fantasy world.
The setting felt dark, gritty, and immersive, with high stakes that kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Thank you to Harley Blackwell for providing the ARC.
July 1, 2026
Harley Blackwell did an amazing job writing tjisnstoey of the struggles, the wars, the love and lives of a quarter of Darkborn, aka instruments of the Goddess Hel. She weaves in their luves with humans, their protection, their fears and angst in a way only she can do. I totally loved it! I did not read the prequel, but I will when I do a reread. I will definitely reread this book.
June 27, 2026
Thank you Harley Blackwell for the eARC!
I liked the storyline of this book but it tried to focus a little too much on the spicy. And at times the relationships were a bit confusing because of the “need” for spice. I just wanted more of the actual war/Barron/Mortis plot than the rest. The spicy just broken things up for me.
I liked the storyline of this book but it tried to focus a little too much on the spicy. And at times the relationships were a bit confusing because of the “need” for spice. I just wanted more of the actual war/Barron/Mortis plot than the rest. The spicy just broken things up for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2026
I was kindly gifted an ARC of Bloodborn by Harley Blackwell in exchange for an honest review, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read it before publication. Thank you for trusting me with this story i loved every second. ❤️.
I did not go into to Bloodborn having read the prequel as a overview was given, I will say I regret that decision with my whole chest.
I went into Bloodborn expecting vampires and Norse mythology. What I got was a story about grief, identity, redemption, and four broken people desperately trying to hold onto what makes them human.
Harley Blackwell doesn't waste time throwing you into the action. The opening is brutal, and from there the story never really lets up. The Darkborn aren't glamorous immortals, they're traumatised warriors who accepted Hel's bargain only to wake as monsters, forced to live with the consequences of that choice. Watching them wrestle with guilt while trying to control an insatiable hunger was far more compelling than I expected.
The worldbuilding was one of my favourite parts. The mythology surrounding the Soulwood, ley lines, Hel, Loki and the Root-Rotter feels rich without simply copying Norse mythology. It feels like a world that's existed long before page one and will continue long after the book ends.
Arless was easily my standout character. She's fierce, sarcastic and incredibly capable, but beneath all of that is someone who's hurting just as much as everyone else. Thorne completely stole my heart with his grief, Sylas carries the impossible weight of leadership, and Lucian... honestly, I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket and tell him everything would be okay.
Brunhild deserves a special mention because somehow she manages to become the adopted mother of four immortal murder vampires and treats them like they're simply being particularly inconvenient.
This romance brings the heat, but it's not just for shock! The intertwining of blood, intimacy, and magic system truly elevates the story instead of distracting from it.
Overall, Bloodborn is dark, emotional, surprisingly heartfelt and sets up what feels like a much bigger story. There are still so many unanswered questions about Loki's plans, the Root-Rotter and what the Darkborn are truly becoming that I'm already looking forward to Soulbound.
If you enjoy dark fantasy, morally grey characters, found family, Norse mythology and vampire stories with actual emotional depth, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
I did not go into to Bloodborn having read the prequel as a overview was given, I will say I regret that decision with my whole chest.
I went into Bloodborn expecting vampires and Norse mythology. What I got was a story about grief, identity, redemption, and four broken people desperately trying to hold onto what makes them human.
Harley Blackwell doesn't waste time throwing you into the action. The opening is brutal, and from there the story never really lets up. The Darkborn aren't glamorous immortals, they're traumatised warriors who accepted Hel's bargain only to wake as monsters, forced to live with the consequences of that choice. Watching them wrestle with guilt while trying to control an insatiable hunger was far more compelling than I expected.
The worldbuilding was one of my favourite parts. The mythology surrounding the Soulwood, ley lines, Hel, Loki and the Root-Rotter feels rich without simply copying Norse mythology. It feels like a world that's existed long before page one and will continue long after the book ends.
Arless was easily my standout character. She's fierce, sarcastic and incredibly capable, but beneath all of that is someone who's hurting just as much as everyone else. Thorne completely stole my heart with his grief, Sylas carries the impossible weight of leadership, and Lucian... honestly, I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket and tell him everything would be okay.
Brunhild deserves a special mention because somehow she manages to become the adopted mother of four immortal murder vampires and treats them like they're simply being particularly inconvenient.
This romance brings the heat, but it's not just for shock! The intertwining of blood, intimacy, and magic system truly elevates the story instead of distracting from it.
Overall, Bloodborn is dark, emotional, surprisingly heartfelt and sets up what feels like a much bigger story. There are still so many unanswered questions about Loki's plans, the Root-Rotter and what the Darkborn are truly becoming that I'm already looking forward to Soulbound.
If you enjoy dark fantasy, morally grey characters, found family, Norse mythology and vampire stories with actual emotional depth, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
July 15, 2026
Vikings and vampires, a perfect mix of these two. Harley's synopsis mentions this is a dark fantasy romance inspired by The Witcher and Black Dagger Brotherhood which are both books/shows I loved.
I started with the prequel, Runemarked, and appreciated getting to know the characters that became Darkborn. They had family, love and community before it was all stripped away.
The Darkborn are tortured by guilt of what they have become and longing for the family and community they have lost. They fight an evil that is taking over their lands and killing everyone in it's path. They feel they must fight for Hel since she saved them from death but they also question if death would have been the better alternative. Each of the Darkborn struggle to come to terms with being vampires and needing to feed on humans to survive. They each deal with it in very different ways and it was interesting to get each of their viewpoints and interactions.
I look forward to reading the next books in the series and expect more twists and revelations.
I started with the prequel, Runemarked, and appreciated getting to know the characters that became Darkborn. They had family, love and community before it was all stripped away.
The Darkborn are tortured by guilt of what they have become and longing for the family and community they have lost. They fight an evil that is taking over their lands and killing everyone in it's path. They feel they must fight for Hel since she saved them from death but they also question if death would have been the better alternative. Each of the Darkborn struggle to come to terms with being vampires and needing to feed on humans to survive. They each deal with it in very different ways and it was interesting to get each of their viewpoints and interactions.
I look forward to reading the next books in the series and expect more twists and revelations.
July 8, 2026
This book was heavy in all the right ways - there was heart ache, rich mythology, layered plot lines, and a splash of blood. I really enjoyed how plot focused this book was, the world building and layering of plot lines creates this completely immersive experience for the reader. It feels like they are walking in steps with the main characters, Sylas the Wolf, Thorne the Red, Arless the Huntress, and Lucian the Shield Breaker. Plus you can just tell that in the next books there are going to be some epic plot twists.
I like that how this book really rotates between the four main characters. When I started this book I assumed it would heavily focus one character and then rotate throughout the series. So I was more than pleasantly surprised when that wasn't the case. Which means that we get to see everyone's story evolve as they happen and creates this buildup of anticipation for what is next. Because after this first book, I have a lot of theories and I need to know how they play out.
Such a great read and I cannot wait for the next books.
I like that how this book really rotates between the four main characters. When I started this book I assumed it would heavily focus one character and then rotate throughout the series. So I was more than pleasantly surprised when that wasn't the case. Which means that we get to see everyone's story evolve as they happen and creates this buildup of anticipation for what is next. Because after this first book, I have a lot of theories and I need to know how they play out.
Such a great read and I cannot wait for the next books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great read. I enjoyed the world setting and building. It was easy to visualize as I read through the pages. Each of the characters are amazing. Although some of them make me a little frustrated when not being able to express themselves because you want them to and want them to flourish. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. It was amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book!!! I can NOT wait to see what happens with Silas in the next book!! Really great multi person POV. 10/10 recommend!!!
September 6, 2026
BLOODBORN
Four warrior friends go through unimaginable tragedy but are given a second chance. A chance to avenge their families and friends, and a new purpose to end the evil that is terrorizing the realm.
They are Hel's chosen. They are undead. They are hungry. They are angry. They are deadly. They are dangerous. They are the only hope the people have.
A beautiful blend of mythology and lore, Norsemen and vampires, grief and love, duty and desire, and a magical but apocalyptic world. I loved the dynamics between the characters, how they feel so real and in sync they are. Getting to see from each of their perspectives is my favorite storytelling. Lucians pov is my favorite, perhaps because I am also tongue-tied when I need words most. Yet he, and his pov, seem to notice and share the most on everyone else. Ari is my favorite. She's a total badass with a killer personality. They are vampires reimagined, monsters of the underworld sent to save the world from the true dark forces. It is somehow slow and savory, letting us immerse ourselves in the moment, and yet somehow fast paced. With journal entries and multiple pov the story moves quickly. There are so many layers to this story, I'm going to need another read (or 2) before the next book comes out! Oh, and shieldmaidens. Really hoping to see more of Imara and the shieldmaidens.
Dark fantasy. Vampires. Vikings. Mythology. Magic. Found family friends. Obsessive yearning. Sole survivor. Apocalyptic reckoning. Bakery sweets by Brunni.
Four warrior friends go through unimaginable tragedy but are given a second chance. A chance to avenge their families and friends, and a new purpose to end the evil that is terrorizing the realm.
They are Hel's chosen. They are undead. They are hungry. They are angry. They are deadly. They are dangerous. They are the only hope the people have.
A beautiful blend of mythology and lore, Norsemen and vampires, grief and love, duty and desire, and a magical but apocalyptic world. I loved the dynamics between the characters, how they feel so real and in sync they are. Getting to see from each of their perspectives is my favorite storytelling. Lucians pov is my favorite, perhaps because I am also tongue-tied when I need words most. Yet he, and his pov, seem to notice and share the most on everyone else. Ari is my favorite. She's a total badass with a killer personality. They are vampires reimagined, monsters of the underworld sent to save the world from the true dark forces. It is somehow slow and savory, letting us immerse ourselves in the moment, and yet somehow fast paced. With journal entries and multiple pov the story moves quickly. There are so many layers to this story, I'm going to need another read (or 2) before the next book comes out! Oh, and shieldmaidens. Really hoping to see more of Imara and the shieldmaidens.
Dark fantasy. Vampires. Vikings. Mythology. Magic. Found family friends. Obsessive yearning. Sole survivor. Apocalyptic reckoning. Bakery sweets by Brunni.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as a Kindle ARC. My first. So glad i volunteered with this author. If you like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or Jay Kristoff's Vampire Empire trilogy (and is there anyone who doesn't?)- You will love this. I just finished and cannot wait for book 2. The characters are all so interesting and human (especially those who are not). Each voice is distinct and together weave a creative tale of Norse mythology, human desires and the ongoing quest we all face to know who we are and to do what is right. I am going to grab the prequels now while I wait for book 2. This was carefully plotted to ensure those unfamiliar with the characters were quickly engaged in gripping narration, and I nevwr felt the loss of this background. It is just that book 2 is not ready yet and I need to spend more time with these new friends. Like Jay's books this dark fantasy ends on a cliff hanger; unlike jay's books everyone I love is still alive. Plenty of action, real characterisation, nicely integrated norse mythology with Hell and her father's intervention in the lives of mortals. A quest based novel that has me hooked. Read it! i can't wait for the Kickstarter signed Hard back Special Editions. They'll sit on my shelf besid Mr Kristoff's.
July 1, 2026
"We are the vengeance and wrath of those unjustly slain." I have been waiting for a story about ruthless, raging, blood thirsty vampires and now - here it is. These four great warriors were chosen and cursed by Hel herself, Queen of the Underworld, these Champions must fight for the chance to be reunited with their loved ones. But nothing is easy or straightforward. The Darkborn are tortured by guilt of what they have become and longing for the family they have lost while fighting an evil that is taking over their lands and killing their kinsmen. But can they stop this rising evil while battling their own needs and desires that being a Darkborn brings?
This is book 1 of the Darkborn Saga and this is the type of story you just want to sit down and binge read (read RuneMarked the prequel). These characters are so well written you can feel their pain and anguish through the pages. Like most characters we love they are not wholly good nor are they wholly bad, like any family the bond they share may weaken them at times - but they are always stronger united. I loved this ARC read and you will not regret picking up this book, but you'll never look at vampires or vikings the same again. Lucian is my favorite - let's see who yours will be....
This is book 1 of the Darkborn Saga and this is the type of story you just want to sit down and binge read (read RuneMarked the prequel). These characters are so well written you can feel their pain and anguish through the pages. Like most characters we love they are not wholly good nor are they wholly bad, like any family the bond they share may weaken them at times - but they are always stronger united. I loved this ARC read and you will not regret picking up this book, but you'll never look at vampires or vikings the same again. Lucian is my favorite - let's see who yours will be....
July 16, 2026
Disappointed by the repetitive nothing happening
For all that was going on I kind of felt like nothing happened. It was mostly just the sane fighting and getting no where mixed with the "need".
The rescue of the princess is obviously important but because she's too young the guy that is supposed to end up with her is just sent to left on thus other country to search for someone with no direction for years.
The entire middle of this story was repetitive and got boring. I am not invested enough to tell you who is who or what they have been doing for like 8 years.
I called the mate thing the minute the guy was obsessed and wanted to escape. They are immortal and you are matting him to a child. Yes nothing happened because he was on another continent.
I honestly have no clue what the point of the story is. I get they are at war and don't know how to win. At least when the two met up with these new people they started to try and make a plan.
I do not see myself continuing thus series.
For all that was going on I kind of felt like nothing happened. It was mostly just the sane fighting and getting no where mixed with the "need".
The rescue of the princess is obviously important but because she's too young the guy that is supposed to end up with her is just sent to left on thus other country to search for someone with no direction for years.
The entire middle of this story was repetitive and got boring. I am not invested enough to tell you who is who or what they have been doing for like 8 years.
I called the mate thing the minute the guy was obsessed and wanted to escape. They are immortal and you are matting him to a child. Yes nothing happened because he was on another continent.
I honestly have no clue what the point of the story is. I get they are at war and don't know how to win. At least when the two met up with these new people they started to try and make a plan.
I do not see myself continuing thus series.
July 19, 2026
After the intense pacing and events that happened in the prequel, I truly thought I would fly through this book. Instead, it took me a week to get through 😅
Blood Born was VERY heavy on the world building. Also, don’t be like me—I had no idea there was a glossary till I finished the book. (Yes, I’m guilty of never looking at the table of contents.) It was still simple to follow along to; I just hate that I wasn’t able to utilize it.
My favorite part about this story is I’m STILL not even certain where the romances are going. This isn’t your typical romantasy where you know right out of the gate who is going to eventually get together. I’m a big fan of the teasing and angst.
I love the move of letting the characters grow into their own person before just throwing them in a relationship.
I’m interested to see where the plot and character dynamics head in book 2! Will definitely be continuing ♥️
Blood Born was VERY heavy on the world building. Also, don’t be like me—I had no idea there was a glossary till I finished the book. (Yes, I’m guilty of never looking at the table of contents.) It was still simple to follow along to; I just hate that I wasn’t able to utilize it.
My favorite part about this story is I’m STILL not even certain where the romances are going. This isn’t your typical romantasy where you know right out of the gate who is going to eventually get together. I’m a big fan of the teasing and angst.
I love the move of letting the characters grow into their own person before just throwing them in a relationship.
I’m interested to see where the plot and character dynamics head in book 2! Will definitely be continuing ♥️
July 1, 2026
A gritty world, lost in battle and suffering by the hand of an enemy none yet understand. The Darkborn are savage and merciless in the fight to avenge their lost family, racing to protect their people and a kingdom quickly sinking into darkness. The struggle to survive their own pain and anguish, their ill-fated desires, and destinies still to be revealed, might be the one path that could stem the carnage and ultimately restore a thread of hope.
Through high-paced, bloody battlefields to tender, vulnerable moments, Harley makes sure you do not want to put this book down. This is a series to get excited about!
I do recommend reading the prequel 'Runemarked' for a bittersweet and harrowing backstory into the life, and death, of the Darkborn.
My review for 'Runemarked': https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Through high-paced, bloody battlefields to tender, vulnerable moments, Harley makes sure you do not want to put this book down. This is a series to get excited about!
I do recommend reading the prequel 'Runemarked' for a bittersweet and harrowing backstory into the life, and death, of the Darkborn.
My review for 'Runemarked': https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book One of The Darkborn is even better than the prequel!
After finishing Runemarked, I decided to read this one next. The prequel had me crying, this one has me in shock. These four warriors have been so much and their trials and tribulations are not over yet. What a great story. There are so many battles and fighting, which is to be expected from a Norse story. In this one, we also deal with relationships, not only between the four “Darkborn,” but also with their allies, enemies and everyone around them. Not to mention, there were quite a few unexpected surprises as well. I honestly cannot recommend this story highly enough and I can’t wait for the next in the series!
I received a free advanced reader’s copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
After finishing Runemarked, I decided to read this one next. The prequel had me crying, this one has me in shock. These four warriors have been so much and their trials and tribulations are not over yet. What a great story. There are so many battles and fighting, which is to be expected from a Norse story. In this one, we also deal with relationships, not only between the four “Darkborn,” but also with their allies, enemies and everyone around them. Not to mention, there were quite a few unexpected surprises as well. I honestly cannot recommend this story highly enough and I can’t wait for the next in the series!
I received a free advanced reader’s copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 4, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and here is what I thought. When I received the book it was suggested to read the prequel first which I suggest you do it adds so much depth to the characters. At first I didn’t know what to think but the more I read the more the story pulled me in. There are still so many things left to be discovered the ending left me wanting more. All the characters are unique with how they deal with the struggles and how to deal with feelings. Supernatural, gods interfering and warriors. Ari is my favorite character of the book she is so cool. Take the time to read the book it’s an interesting read.
August 29, 2026
🔥 Bloodborne had me hooked! The tension, the darkness, the chemistry, the twists—I was eating it all up. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, something else had me questioning everything.
The characters and their chemistry were definitely a highlight for me, and I loved how the story kept pulling me deeper into the world. The drama, the danger, the spice… YES. 🤌🏼
This was one of those books where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s way past your bedtime. 😂 Harley Blackwell, I’m gonna need you to keep these books coming because I’m INVESTED. 🖤🔥
The characters and their chemistry were definitely a highlight for me, and I loved how the story kept pulling me deeper into the world. The drama, the danger, the spice… YES. 🤌🏼
This was one of those books where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s way past your bedtime. 😂 Harley Blackwell, I’m gonna need you to keep these books coming because I’m INVESTED. 🖤🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book, it's super interesting, with great potential. The characters are awesome and nuanced, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the story.
However, I think some of the large time jumps were unnecessary, and I wish we had more information about everything that happens during those times, especially towards the beginning when they are figuring out how to be Darkborn.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book, it's super interesting, with great potential. The characters are awesome and nuanced, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the story.
However, I think some of the large time jumps were unnecessary, and I wish we had more information about everything that happens during those times, especially towards the beginning when they are figuring out how to be Darkborn.
July 2, 2026
This had me hooked from the start--Nordic world, warriors, action, fantasy to the max. This story and the world was everything I've been craving and more. We follow four immortal warriors, their tales, fighting good versus evil. You will not expect how this one ends, and it will leave you wanting more!!
I received a copy of this book, and these opinions are my own.
Fantastic author--loved the writing style, characters, and plot development!!
I received a copy of this book, and these opinions are my own.
Fantastic author--loved the writing style, characters, and plot development!!
August 27, 2026
This series is not my usual genre (post apocalyptic), but I love the author so I was excited to read it. I absolutely loved this book, so much adventure and emotions. I definitely recommend reading the prequel Runemarked, the background story is so important to fully understanding our four warriors. I'm really looking forward to the next book.
July 2, 2026
This is a really well written, fantasy romance. It has a spicy level, with well thought out & developed characters, set in a richly woven world. Interesting ideas, really nicely done! I do recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Clans, warriors, Shield maidens Loki, Hel. Vampire, shifters; all tied in nerve wracking bow. Gagged. The folklore, and mythology in this tale left me wanting more. The heartache our main characters endure; fighting a battle that seems impossible to win... The yearning, gods! I just wanted to shake them! The next book can't come soon enough.
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