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Nocturn
I'm not his bondmate. I’m the body he’ll claim until he snuffs me out.
The Warlord has waited centuries—long before the Sigil burned itself into my skin, marking me for what I am: the sacrifice. The vessel. The body that will carry his bondmate's soul while mine ceases to exist.
He's not coming for me.
He's coming for her.
I hate him for it. Hate the centuries he's spent sharpening himself into the thing that will end me.
Except when he touches me, everything goes quiet but the urges waking between us.
Violent.
Forbidden.
And I want him to ruin me before he hollows me out.
Everything she knows about her world is a lie. Including him.
Nocturn is a full-length dark romantasy novel, and book one of the Warlord of Ruin duet.
The Warlord of Ruin Universe contains violence, dark themes, and elements some may find disturbing. Please check the descriptions at the beginning of the book.
The Warlord has waited centuries—long before the Sigil burned itself into my skin, marking me for what I am: the sacrifice. The vessel. The body that will carry his bondmate's soul while mine ceases to exist.
He's not coming for me.
He's coming for her.
I hate him for it. Hate the centuries he's spent sharpening himself into the thing that will end me.
Except when he touches me, everything goes quiet but the urges waking between us.
Violent.
Forbidden.
And I want him to ruin me before he hollows me out.
Everything she knows about her world is a lie. Including him.
Nocturn is a full-length dark romantasy novel, and book one of the Warlord of Ruin duet.
The Warlord of Ruin Universe contains violence, dark themes, and elements some may find disturbing. Please check the descriptions at the beginning of the book.
Unknown Binding
About the author
Allie Santos
29 books250 followersAllie Santos writes dark romantasy and paranormal romance where the villain gets the girl—and doesn't apologize for it.
She's a sucker for angst, possessive MMCs, and a grovel that earns its HEA. When she's not writing, she's binging K-dramas and reading everything romance that crosses her path.
She's a sucker for angst, possessive MMCs, and a grovel that earns its HEA. When she's not writing, she's binging K-dramas and reading everything romance that crosses her path.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 19, 2026
Let me start off by saying that cliffhanger was CRIMINAL but it left me salivating for book two.
This story was definitely a wild ride of plot twists, betrayal, horror, and spice. 🥵 If you're into dark fantasy, enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-die tropes and the like, this is definitely the book for you!
I love that Allie included a glossary of the world-specific terms to better understand the events of the story. The world-building was unique but still familiar enough to understand and not get too lost in the story. There are still plenty of questions left unanswered with juicy theories to keep you guessing.
I must honestly say there wasn't as much spice in the story as I was initially expected but it actually made me appreciate the story even more. There was just enough slow burn with the warring push-and-pull feelings of desire and yearning throughout the book that made me want to simultaneously read quick to get answers but slow down to savor the spice.
Cassiel Draven (mmc) is the definition of a brooding, stubborn alpha male that you want to curse and love in equal measure. Amara is a realistic portrayal of a strong-willed fmc that isn't perfect and can make mistakes like the rest of us – especially when following one's heart. I've thoroughly enjoyed this brutal journey with these two, and can't wait to see what's in store with the next book. 🖤
I definitely won't spoil anything but I will warn y'all to be prepared to have your heart ripped out and stomped on at certain points of the journey, but the story must go on. 😭 🫶🏽
I'm an Arc reader and am willingly leaving this honest review.
This story was definitely a wild ride of plot twists, betrayal, horror, and spice. 🥵 If you're into dark fantasy, enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-die tropes and the like, this is definitely the book for you!
I love that Allie included a glossary of the world-specific terms to better understand the events of the story. The world-building was unique but still familiar enough to understand and not get too lost in the story. There are still plenty of questions left unanswered with juicy theories to keep you guessing.
I must honestly say there wasn't as much spice in the story as I was initially expected but it actually made me appreciate the story even more. There was just enough slow burn with the warring push-and-pull feelings of desire and yearning throughout the book that made me want to simultaneously read quick to get answers but slow down to savor the spice.
Cassiel Draven (mmc) is the definition of a brooding, stubborn alpha male that you want to curse and love in equal measure. Amara is a realistic portrayal of a strong-willed fmc that isn't perfect and can make mistakes like the rest of us – especially when following one's heart. I've thoroughly enjoyed this brutal journey with these two, and can't wait to see what's in store with the next book. 🖤
I definitely won't spoil anything but I will warn y'all to be prepared to have your heart ripped out and stomped on at certain points of the journey, but the story must go on. 😭 🫶🏽
I'm an Arc reader and am willingly leaving this honest review.
July 24, 2026
First, thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Nocturn was such an intriguing read, and that ending... that cliffhanger was absolutely mean. I immediately wanted to know what happens next.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the worldbuilding. I loved the premise that everything isn't quite what it seems, with a society built on carefully constructed lies that benefit only those in power. The divide between the "bluebloods" and the supposedly inferior "redbloods" creates an oppressive atmosphere that keeps you questioning who can really be trusted. It's a dark story filled with deception, betrayal, hardship, and morally gray choices, so I'd definitely recommend paying attention to the content warnings before diving in.
I also enjoyed the dynamic between Amara and Cassiel. Their relationship has a lot of potential, especially knowing from the beginning that she's destined to die by his hand. That looming fate adds tension to every interaction they have. My only criticism is that I wish we'd gotten more time to watch their relationship develop. The romance felt a little too fast for me, particularly on Amara's side. Considering everything stacked against them, I would've loved a slower burn that allowed their feelings to grow more naturally. Overall, Nocturn delivers an intriguing fantasy world, high emotional stakes, and enough twists to keep me invested until the very last page. And with an ending like that, I'll definitely be picking up the sequel.
Nocturn was such an intriguing read, and that ending... that cliffhanger was absolutely mean. I immediately wanted to know what happens next.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the worldbuilding. I loved the premise that everything isn't quite what it seems, with a society built on carefully constructed lies that benefit only those in power. The divide between the "bluebloods" and the supposedly inferior "redbloods" creates an oppressive atmosphere that keeps you questioning who can really be trusted. It's a dark story filled with deception, betrayal, hardship, and morally gray choices, so I'd definitely recommend paying attention to the content warnings before diving in.
I also enjoyed the dynamic between Amara and Cassiel. Their relationship has a lot of potential, especially knowing from the beginning that she's destined to die by his hand. That looming fate adds tension to every interaction they have. My only criticism is that I wish we'd gotten more time to watch their relationship develop. The romance felt a little too fast for me, particularly on Amara's side. Considering everything stacked against them, I would've loved a slower burn that allowed their feelings to grow more naturally. Overall, Nocturn delivers an intriguing fantasy world, high emotional stakes, and enough twists to keep me invested until the very last page. And with an ending like that, I'll definitely be picking up the sequel.
July 23, 2026
Nocturn is a dark romantasy that blends gothic atmosphere, political intrigue, and forbidden romance into an addictive slow-burn story. When Amara, a redblood servant, is marked as the Vessel of the feared immortal Warlord, Draven, she's torn from the only life she's ever known and thrust into a world of ancient magic, deadly secrets, and palace conspiracies. As she's forced to translate forgotten texts and navigate a growing Resistance, Amara discovers that the history she's been taught may be a lie, and that the monster she's destined to serve may be just as trapped as she is.
The novel shines in its immersive world-building, layered mysteries, and the gradual evolution of Amara and Draven's relationship. Their romance develops from fear and distrust into something far more complex, making the emotional moments especially compelling. The political intrigue and revelations about the kingdom keep the pages turning, and the ending leaves plenty of unanswered questions that make it hard not to reach for the sequel.
At times, the pacing slows in the middle with heavier world-building and translation scenes, and some mysteries are intentionally left unresolved by the end. Still, if you enjoy morally gray characters, gothic settings, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes fantasy with a touch of mystery, Nocturn is well worth the journey
4.5/5
The novel shines in its immersive world-building, layered mysteries, and the gradual evolution of Amara and Draven's relationship. Their romance develops from fear and distrust into something far more complex, making the emotional moments especially compelling. The political intrigue and revelations about the kingdom keep the pages turning, and the ending leaves plenty of unanswered questions that make it hard not to reach for the sequel.
At times, the pacing slows in the middle with heavier world-building and translation scenes, and some mysteries are intentionally left unresolved by the end. Still, if you enjoy morally gray characters, gothic settings, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes fantasy with a touch of mystery, Nocturn is well worth the journey
4.5/5
July 24, 2026
Beta/ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nocturn is the kind of dark romantasy that completely consumed me. With an irresistible blend of enemies-to-lovers tension, ancient magic, soul-deep longing, and heartbreaking sacrifice, this story had me hooked from the very first page.
The premise alone is captivating. Imagine discovering you’re not the chosen mate but merely the vessel meant to carry someone else’s soul. Your existence is destined to end so another can live, and the man fated to claim you has spent centuries waiting…..not for you but for the woman inside you.
Talk about emotional devastation.
One of my favorite aspects of Nocturn is the mystery woven throughout the story. Just when you think you understand the world and its rules, another revelation turns everything upside down. The promise that “everything she knows is a lie” isn’t just a tagline, it’s the driving force behind a plot filled with hidden truths, ancient secrets, and twists that kept me eagerly turning pages.
The world-building feels rich and immersive, balancing fantasy elements with emotional storytelling. The themes of identity, destiny, sacrifice, and free will give the romance real weight, making the stakes feel personal as well as epic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nocturn is the kind of dark romantasy that completely consumed me. With an irresistible blend of enemies-to-lovers tension, ancient magic, soul-deep longing, and heartbreaking sacrifice, this story had me hooked from the very first page.
The premise alone is captivating. Imagine discovering you’re not the chosen mate but merely the vessel meant to carry someone else’s soul. Your existence is destined to end so another can live, and the man fated to claim you has spent centuries waiting…..not for you but for the woman inside you.
Talk about emotional devastation.
One of my favorite aspects of Nocturn is the mystery woven throughout the story. Just when you think you understand the world and its rules, another revelation turns everything upside down. The promise that “everything she knows is a lie” isn’t just a tagline, it’s the driving force behind a plot filled with hidden truths, ancient secrets, and twists that kept me eagerly turning pages.
The world-building feels rich and immersive, balancing fantasy elements with emotional storytelling. The themes of identity, destiny, sacrifice, and free will give the romance real weight, making the stakes feel personal as well as epic.
July 20, 2026
I am very thankful the author choose me to ARC read her book. Thank you Allie! I can't wait for the next book!
Going into this book, I knew it was going to be dark—and it definitely hit the mark. The deception and betrayal worked their way through the entire story, and just as everything seemed to be coming together to bring me closure, I was hit with a massive cliffhanger.
Obviously, read the content warnings... but definitely read the spoiler content warnings, too. I was waiting for that last warning to happen, so my nerves were on edge at every single crossroads!
At the beginning, the author included a world building and pronunciation guide, which was super helpful. Being newer to fantasy, it made the whole read feel way less intimidating.
I really loved the FMC and MMC and their relationship with each other. It kept things interesting that I genuinely couldn't put the book down.
Going into this book, I knew it was going to be dark—and it definitely hit the mark. The deception and betrayal worked their way through the entire story, and just as everything seemed to be coming together to bring me closure, I was hit with a massive cliffhanger.
Obviously, read the content warnings... but definitely read the spoiler content warnings, too. I was waiting for that last warning to happen, so my nerves were on edge at every single crossroads!
At the beginning, the author included a world building and pronunciation guide, which was super helpful. Being newer to fantasy, it made the whole read feel way less intimidating.
I really loved the FMC and MMC and their relationship with each other. It kept things interesting that I genuinely couldn't put the book down.
July 23, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am thankful to Allie Santos and was excited for this ARC because I love dark fantasy romance, and this one delivered!
This book is dark, so make sure to read the content warnings (even the spoiler content warnings).
The author included a brief world building and pronunciation guide at the start of the book. This wasn’t a cumbersome glossary by any means and, personally, I really appreciated it because I often spend time looking up how to pronounce words when reading fantasy.
I enjoyed how the political intrigue/subterfuge (but simultaneous resistant longing between main characters) added emotional layers to the storyline.
The basis of the plot was unique (didn’t feel copy paste, which can happen often in this genre), and built up to a diabolical cliffhanger at the end that certainly left me wanting to read the second installment of this duet immediately! Very excited for book 2!
4.5/5 stars, but rounding up on Goodreads
This book is dark, so make sure to read the content warnings (even the spoiler content warnings).
The author included a brief world building and pronunciation guide at the start of the book. This wasn’t a cumbersome glossary by any means and, personally, I really appreciated it because I often spend time looking up how to pronounce words when reading fantasy.
I enjoyed how the political intrigue/subterfuge (but simultaneous resistant longing between main characters) added emotional layers to the storyline.
The basis of the plot was unique (didn’t feel copy paste, which can happen often in this genre), and built up to a diabolical cliffhanger at the end that certainly left me wanting to read the second installment of this duet immediately! Very excited for book 2!
4.5/5 stars, but rounding up on Goodreads
July 25, 2026
This dark romantasy was absolutely riveting! Full of forbidden romance, political greed, betrayal, gore and gothic surroundings. It pulls you in from the first few pages and does not let you go!
Amara is just an amazing FMC, she is so strong, kind and clever and her wraithling, Piper, is just adorable. I would love to have a companion that could communicate with me like that.
While being forced to translate ancient texts by the Warlord King, Cassiel Draven, she starts to uncover secrets that will impact her life and those around her. EVERYTHING starts to unravel and what she thought were truths become lies.
I was sooooo on the edge of my seat reading this, it made me scream and ….. oh god, did I cry and scream at the ending! It ends on a tremendous cliffie with shocks and twists I definitely did not see coming and I’m still comprehending all that I read. I am now very eagerly awaiting the next book 🥰
Amara is just an amazing FMC, she is so strong, kind and clever and her wraithling, Piper, is just adorable. I would love to have a companion that could communicate with me like that.
While being forced to translate ancient texts by the Warlord King, Cassiel Draven, she starts to uncover secrets that will impact her life and those around her. EVERYTHING starts to unravel and what she thought were truths become lies.
I was sooooo on the edge of my seat reading this, it made me scream and ….. oh god, did I cry and scream at the ending! It ends on a tremendous cliffie with shocks and twists I definitely did not see coming and I’m still comprehending all that I read. I am now very eagerly awaiting the next book 🥰
July 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Nocturne was such an easy book to get lost in.
The story follows Amara, who is marked by fate to become the bondmate of the feared Warlord Draven. Instead of the future she expected, she's captured and held prisoner by the very man she's destined to be with.
With political intrigue, fantasy, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of spice, this was a fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages. The plot is fairly straightforward, but that's exactly what made it so addictive—it pulls you in from the very beginning and never slows down.
And that ending... WHAT. A. CLIFFHANGER. I absolutely need to know what happens next.
If you're looking for a dark fantasy romance that's easy to binge, packed with tension and heat, Nocturne is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Nocturne was such an easy book to get lost in.
The story follows Amara, who is marked by fate to become the bondmate of the feared Warlord Draven. Instead of the future she expected, she's captured and held prisoner by the very man she's destined to be with.
With political intrigue, fantasy, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of spice, this was a fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages. The plot is fairly straightforward, but that's exactly what made it so addictive—it pulls you in from the very beginning and never slows down.
And that ending... WHAT. A. CLIFFHANGER. I absolutely need to know what happens next.
If you're looking for a dark fantasy romance that's easy to binge, packed with tension and heat, Nocturne is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶🌶🌶
Nocturn by Allie Santos
"Everything she knows about her world is a lie. Including Him."
Once a century on Nocturn, the Warlord will use a human as a vessel for his bondmates soul.
The vessel is chosen by a magic sigil that appears on the chosen's neck.
Amara has been chosen to be the Warlords vessel. But she will not go and lose her soul without a fight.
At every new discovery, Amara finds out that the world she thought she knew is a lie. The longer she stays with the Warlord, the more their pull to each other tightens.
This book had me in an absolute chokehold from the beginning. The cliffhanger at the end was absolutely SAVAGE. I can not wait to see this story continue!
Nocturn by Allie Santos
"Everything she knows about her world is a lie. Including Him."
Once a century on Nocturn, the Warlord will use a human as a vessel for his bondmates soul.
The vessel is chosen by a magic sigil that appears on the chosen's neck.
Amara has been chosen to be the Warlords vessel. But she will not go and lose her soul without a fight.
At every new discovery, Amara finds out that the world she thought she knew is a lie. The longer she stays with the Warlord, the more their pull to each other tightens.
This book had me in an absolute chokehold from the beginning. The cliffhanger at the end was absolutely SAVAGE. I can not wait to see this story continue!
July 28, 2026
Thank you to Allie Santos for the ARC! 🫶
Nocturn follows the story of Amara, a servant who has a sigil burned into her skin, marking her as the Vessel for the bondmate of the powerful Warlord, Lord Draven. After being captured, Amara quickly starts to realize that everything is not as it seems.
This was a compelling gothic dark romantasy with great world-building, political intrigue, plot twists, and betrayal. I really liked the dynamic between Draven and Amara and the way their relationship progressed throughout the story. The chemistry was fantastic and Draven has such a dirty little mouth on him. The pacing was great, and the chapter lengths kept the story moving without ever feeling rushed.
The cliffhanger is PAINFUL, and I need book two immediately! I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!
Nocturn follows the story of Amara, a servant who has a sigil burned into her skin, marking her as the Vessel for the bondmate of the powerful Warlord, Lord Draven. After being captured, Amara quickly starts to realize that everything is not as it seems.
This was a compelling gothic dark romantasy with great world-building, political intrigue, plot twists, and betrayal. I really liked the dynamic between Draven and Amara and the way their relationship progressed throughout the story. The chemistry was fantastic and Draven has such a dirty little mouth on him. The pacing was great, and the chapter lengths kept the story moving without ever feeling rushed.
The cliffhanger is PAINFUL, and I need book two immediately! I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!
July 21, 2026
I finished it in 1 day!!
I was totally captivated from start to finish!!
That ending.... I not sure what to think. I have so many questions and just a few suspicions. What I do know, is that I need book 2 as soon as possible!!
This book was filled with mystery, secrets, betrayal, and danger. Then we have some major revelations and a few plot twists.
Amara is such an incredible FMC. She is resilient, a fighter, and smart.
I really wanted to dislike Cassiel. However, I still managed to fall for him.
I think this was a fantastic beginning to Amara and Cassiel's story!!!
I was totally captivated from start to finish!!
That ending.... I not sure what to think. I have so many questions and just a few suspicions. What I do know, is that I need book 2 as soon as possible!!
This book was filled with mystery, secrets, betrayal, and danger. Then we have some major revelations and a few plot twists.
Amara is such an incredible FMC. She is resilient, a fighter, and smart.
I really wanted to dislike Cassiel. However, I still managed to fall for him.
I think this was a fantastic beginning to Amara and Cassiel's story!!!
July 23, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was gripping and characters tense and traumatic. I have so many questions so i cant wait for book 2.
You dont know whether to like or dislike the mmc. His role is definitely questionable. Which makes the story interesting. While theres spice and its quick to it in parts it doesn’t take away from the pending drama to unfold. I give this an easy 4.5 stars. I liked how ambiguous almost every character is. Keeping you guessing. Its definitely a dark fantasy. So check your triggers. Oh and it ends on a cliffhanger too so you’ve been warned.
You dont know whether to like or dislike the mmc. His role is definitely questionable. Which makes the story interesting. While theres spice and its quick to it in parts it doesn’t take away from the pending drama to unfold. I give this an easy 4.5 stars. I liked how ambiguous almost every character is. Keeping you guessing. Its definitely a dark fantasy. So check your triggers. Oh and it ends on a cliffhanger too so you’ve been warned.
July 27, 2026
I liked how quick to action this book was, the hook coming quite early in the book, the pace slowing a bit in the middle to world build and explain. The ending approached fast with a gripping cliff hanger that is appreciated. The FMC, unlike many popular other FMCs these days, not a strong warrior type, but uses determination, softness and caution to progress her goals which I liked. I hope to see the MMC growth and dialogue in the next book, as it was difficult to see his appeal other than his physique.
Curious to explore further magic system breakdown and history in the next book!
Curious to explore further magic system breakdown and history in the next book!
July 24, 2026
Nocturn yanked me out of the reading slump from Liv Zander's Heartstring Duet! I quite literally binge-read this book from cover to cover. The spice was delicious and the story had me invested; that kind of combo made it impossible to put down. As with any dark romantasy book- check your trigger warnings. This will absolutely be a must for my physical bookshelf collection and I can't wait for book 2 💜
July 25, 2026
Let’s just start with the fact that I don’t even like Romantasy and I’m begging Allie Santos for part two of this book. If you love her other series such as Moretti Academy or Crimson Cove. Because you’re addicted to her dark romance writing and morally black MMCs, then you’re in luck because no one is more morally black than this warlord. She makes you hate him so you can watch him grovel later and I can’t wait.
July 18, 2026
Holy WHAT??
Okay, Amara, girl, I'm on your side. Like, everything she put up with, even with Casiel at times, was just mind-blowing. My girl needs a huge hug. And that twist ending?? With Drusilla?? (I kept saying her name as Drizella in my head LOL) I'm honestly so excited for book 2 I can't wait 😍
Okay, Amara, girl, I'm on your side. Like, everything she put up with, even with Casiel at times, was just mind-blowing. My girl needs a huge hug. And that twist ending?? With Drusilla?? (I kept saying her name as Drizella in my head LOL) I'm honestly so excited for book 2 I can't wait 😍
July 22, 2026
⚔️Rebellion
⚔️Animal Companion
⚔️Warlord vs Human
⚔️Mates
⚔️Distopian
What 👏 A 👏 Cliffhanger 👏
This book kept me so engaged the entire time!
I am dying to know what happens next. We had political scheming, plot twists, betrayal, mate markings and more!!
Set in a very dark romantasy setting, please check your triggers before reading!
⚔️Animal Companion
⚔️Warlord vs Human
⚔️Mates
⚔️Distopian
What 👏 A 👏 Cliffhanger 👏
This book kept me so engaged the entire time!
I am dying to know what happens next. We had political scheming, plot twists, betrayal, mate markings and more!!
Set in a very dark romantasy setting, please check your triggers before reading!
July 20, 2026
Wow!!!! Loved everything about this book! The plot twists, the gore, the betrayal, the spice, ughhhh SO GOOD! If you're looking for your next DARK read, look no further, because this is it! Can't wait for the next book, that cliffhanger was brutal!
July 28, 2026
Oh my god this book was amazing. The angst is so angsty and the story is amazing. The twists and turns the fmc went through were so thrilling I had no idea where things were going. I loved it so much. I cannot wait for the next book 😍
July 21, 2026
Worth your time !
I absolutely loved the story line and the creativity of this world. The twists and turns are delicious.
I absolutely loved the story line and the creativity of this world. The twists and turns are delicious.
July 23, 2026
Can I just say what the actual f*ck!!!!! I ate this shit up but the ending!?!! How could you do this to us😭😭😭 Stayed up till 2am because I couldn’t stop reading and had to finish it even though I knew it was a cliffhanger. I will now be impatiently waiting for book two lol
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews