Bound by Darkness

The Alliance #3

by Brenda K. Davies

Determined to rescue Simone from the vampires who took her, Killean must become one of the things he’s spent his life fighting—a Savage. As he sinks further into a world filled with death, Killean struggles against his growing bloodlust as he vows to do whatever it takes to save Simone from becoming a monster like him.

When Simone looks up and sees Killean in the middle of her prison, she believes she’s imagining things. Soon, she realizes that the vampire who is supposed to be fighting to stop the Savages, and whose kiss made her feel so alive recently, has succumbed to his darkest urges and become one of the things holding her captive.

It’s not until Killean tries to rescue her that Simone realizes things aren’t what they seem. Even if Killean can save them from the vampires seeking to turn her into a Savage, can she save him from the darkness devouring his soul before it’s too late?

***The Alliance Series is a spin-off of the Vampire Awakenings series. You do not have to read the Vampire Awakenings Series in order to follow the Alliance Series, but it is recommended.***

Recommended Reading order for The Alliance Series:
Eternally Bound (Book 1)
Bound by Vengeance (Book 2)
Bound by Darkness (Book 3)

Due to violence, language, and sexual content this book is recommended for readers 18+

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Audiobook, Romance, Fantasy, Adult

366 pages, ebook

First published September 27, 2018

About the author

Brenda K. Davies is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Vampire Awakening Series, Alliance Series, Road to Hell Series, Hell on Earth Series, and historical romantic fiction. She also writes under the pen name, Erica Stevens. When not out with friends and family, she can be found at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.

Reviews

[Brenda Davies]

Bound by Darkness, The Alliance Series Book 3, IS NOW AVAILABLE!
❤️Amazon: brendakdavies.com/BBDfb
🖤iBooks: brendakdavies.com/BBDib
❤️Barnes & Noble: brendakdavies.com/BBDbn
🖤Google Play: brendakdavies.com/BBDgp
❤️Kobo: brendakdavies.com/BBDko
🖤Smashwords: brendakdavies.com/BBDsm
❤️Paperback: brendakdavies.com/BBDppbk

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storyline:
Continues to be incredibly exciting and continues to build. We are on book 3 here and the storyline is not slacking. There is a steady and consistent build keeping the reader engaged and ready for more!

FMC:
Simone is not my favorite type of FMC. By the end of the book I liked her not loved her, but that was an improvement for me. I found her missing some spice. A little on the plain side as far as sass and pizazz....yep I used the word pizazz 😂

MC:
This dude is hot and scary, and I liked it....a lot. Killian is damaged, with a tortured past, full of hatred toward hunters (which Simone is), and just down right terrifying. He was spectacular and the reason the rating made a 4 for me. It is worth the read for this characters growth and victories!

I continue to LOVE this series and I am looking forward to book 4!

Happy reading,
DD 💕

[Shernell Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was actually the best out of the series so far, and yet I didn't really enjoy it.

Killian backstory was heart breakingly sad, I know why he hates hunters so much. The lore is getting huge, and the world building is still great. The new villain is so scary!!!!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 2nd time:
I like this book more now with re-reading the series. Simone I like a lot more the 2nd time through and I still really love the depth that was added to Killean. This book was darker and I like that added aspect.

Original Review:
Simone wasn't one of my favorite characters, and that remains the case throughout this book. I do like Killean more now and I think the darkness spin added some complexity to the story but it just wasn't my favorite book in the series. Still holding out hope for a book focused on Declan.

[Loren Beeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I frackin’ love this series so much! I just finished and I feel a book hang over coming on!

Killean was my least favorite character in the series so far but his book definitely changed my view of him. His past and the reasons for why he is the way he is made my heart ache :(

Simone was honestly a little annoying.. but I think when you’re reading, you have to remember she was extremely sheltered and has no experience of the outside world. So I reminded myself of that and it helped me get through the couple times I would eye roll at her. I did really enjoy and appreciate her growth through out this book though! She was a completely different woman by the end (in a good way!). I also just really enjoyed the chemistry between her and Killean. For as weird as their circumstances were that brought them together, their story flowed very well. I truly loved that.

The way Brenda writes vampires is unique. Some parts of these books remind me of other books I’ve read in the past but overall I think what she’s done with this series is pretty original!

*Disclaimer* This book was almost a little.. scary! Parts of it really had my heart pounding from the suspense! But I felt the need to put this in here Incase some peeps are easily spooked.

Highly recommend! <3

[Lynsey A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to this series. This is the story of Killean, one of the Defenders, turning Savage in order to save his mate, Simone from becoming one after she is kidnapped by the Savages. This is a dark story, I will tell you now, with some horrifying scenes. The scene in which Killean escapes with Simone is one of the hardest I've read in awhile. I was horrified at what the Savages were doing. This series is definitely darker than her Vampire Awakenings series, of which this series is a spin-off.

Very enjoyable book.

For those who want to know some spoilers:
❖ Simone is turned into a vampire by Joseph, the "leader" of the Savages. She is not raped.

❖ Killean does actually become a bit Savage but he doesn't go full on Savage because Simone, as his mate, grounds him. Those he does kill were rapists and child molesters.

❖ He does get let back into the Defenders at the end.

❖ The scene where they escape, the Savages lead the ravenous Hunters turned vampires to a wedding reception to feed and kill and it is horrible.

♥ “Until then, I will help you get through this, no matter what it takes, and we will walk in the darkness together.”

[Erica Stevens]

Bound by Darkness, The Alliance Series Book 3, IS NOW AVAILABLE!
❤️Amazon: brendakdavies.com/BBDfb
🖤iBooks: brendakdavies.com/BBDib
❤️Barnes & Noble: brendakdavies.com/BBDbn
🖤Google Play: brendakdavies.com/BBDgp
❤️Kobo: brendakdavies.com/BBDko
🖤Smashwords: brendakdavies.com/BBDsm
❤️Paperback: brendakdavies.com/BBDppbk

***I wrote this series under my other pen name.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I did not like Killean in any of the other books. He was a jerk. I absolutely loved this book and loved getting to understand his character and how his history affected him and made him the person I didn’t like. Of course, by the end he changed my view of him. :) Simone was a meek woman until this book. I loved the changes in her. She became a warrior, as Killean put it. Their journey to escape the Savages was an intense one at times. It kept you interested as they had to flee many times and they learned more about each other and grew closer. I loved the ending with Joseph. Ha to him! I loved how Ronan saved Killean and stood up for him. This book was written well and a compelling ride! I can’t wait till the next book.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Brilliant, vividly entertaining.

Simone and Killian what an unsuspecting couple, yes we have seen hunter vampire matings already but come on here we have the demure jilted Simone who has never been out of the compound and has no idea what the real world is like I mean seriously these hunter females are sheltered more than the Amish, it's 2018 people not the dark ages.
once we get past the shock of Simone and that gorgeous women is a bundle of shocks one after the other it wasn't hard to love her but then we have Killian the 450 odd-year-old grumpy vampires who was tortured by hunters when he was a child and now he finds his one true mate is the thing he hates the most, oh the irony.... lol
I laughed, I cried, I got angry and I really cheered that ending was beyond awesome.

[Mhollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Not great. Just enough quality to keep you reading/listening while you get your chores done. Just a different wash, rinse, repeat on a vampire romance.

Listened to the Audible Audiobook. I am only leaving a review here, not on Audible, as I refuse to type out two reviews when Amazon owns both companies and refuses to link Audible to Goodreads.

[crystal smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read.

This book keeps the action going. Every twist and turn brings new challenges and emotions. Killean and Simone are by far an amazing pair.

[Teshai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killean did not disappoint. Way to come back sir!! What is the thing with the hood?

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of The Alliance Series Bundle (Books 1-3) which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (2/21/2023)! 🎁

[stacey Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Another great book by brenda k Davies loved it can't wait to read more, good story.line and great characters a real page Turner

[✨ Just Another Bookwyrm ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨
I REALLY loved Killean and Simone together 🥰

[Kirha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE!

I freaking loved this author and the book so much. When we last left off Killean left to save Simone, and in order to rescue her, he had to become one of the things he loathed. The things he did were heartbreaking, but as a result he was able to find the woman he loved.

It was interesting to see the other side of the coin when it came to the savages. The new things we learned about why a person chooses the dark side were definitely jaw dropping.

Life wasn’t all hearts and flowers when they found each other and what happens throughout the entire book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Another great story and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Rhonda &#x1f312;&#x1f315;&#x1f318; &#x1f408;‍⬛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟4/5
❤️‍🩹3/5
🥰3/5
🌶️4/5
🔎0/5
😰2/5
🎭😂1/5
🎭😭0/5
👻0/5
🔬0/5
🔫0/5
🏥0/5
✍🏼4/5
🥱0/5
🏃🏻‍♀️5/5
🌎5/5
💁🏻‍♀️5/5
🙅🏻‍♀️

⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️

Sexual Content
Blood
Gore
Injury/Injury Detail
Forced Proximity
Confinement
Profanity
Emesis
Violence
Murder
Death
Sexual Assault
Stalking
Kidnapping

🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔

I don’t know why I start these types of series that end in cliffhangers and are 8+ books long. I really don’t like them. They drive me crazy. Especially since I don’t have KU and depend on Libby and Hoopla for most of my reading.

That being said, I do kinda like this series but I’m not sure I’m all that invested. I would like to see how it ends for Killian and Simone. I’m just not sure I have the energy for it.

I’d rather read these types of books succinctly so the stories and characters stick with me otherwise, I forget who’s who and what’s going on in the story. Not sure if I’m going to continue this series or not.

🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️

Determined to rescue Simone from the vampires who took her, Killean must become the thing he's spent his life fighting--a Savage.

As he sinks further into a world filled with death, Killean struggles against his growing bloodlust as he vows to do whatever it takes to save Simone from becoming a monster like him.

The day Simone looks up and sees Killean in her prison, she believes she's imagining things. Then she realizes that the vampire whose kiss made her feel so alive has succumbed to his darkest urges and is now one of the things holding her captive.

When Killean tries to rescue her, Simone learns things aren't what they seem. Fleeing into the night, they discover Savages breathing down their necks at every turn and soon realize they must work together to survive.

However, even if Killean can save her from the vampires hunting them, can she save him from the darkness devouring his soul?

***The Alliance Series is a spin-off of the Vampire Awakenings series. You do not have to read the Vampire Awakenings Series to follow the Alliance Series.
Due to violence, language, and sexual content this book is recommended for readers 18+***

🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph

COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 56 REVIEWS

Moods
adventurous 100%
dark 50%
emotional 50%
mysterious 50%
tense 50%
Pace
medium 50%
fast 50%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 100%
Strong character development?
Yes: 100%
Loveable characters?
Yes: 100%
Diverse cast of characters?
No: 50% | Yes: 50%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
It's complicated: 50% | No: 50%
Average rating
4.14 ⭐️

RATING KEY:

🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️‍🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared🫣/Anxious😱 - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy😂/Tragedy😭
-based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky😵‍💫/Creepy🧟‍♀️ -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!
🔬 Sci-Fi -based on the Science Fiction in the book as well as the Dystopian elements.
🔫 Action/Thriller -based on if I thought this was more of a spy action type of thriller.
🏥 Medical Content -based on the amount and the accuracy of any medical content or if the book is supposed to be a medical style thriller.
✍🏼 Writing Style -based on if I enjoyed the writing style or not and how the author portrayed the world, characters, concept, plot etc.
🥱 Boredom -based on if I was bored if it held my interest or if I’d rather be doing something else 😴.
🏃🏻‍♀️ Book Pacing -Based on how quickly I thought the book moved.
🌎 World Development -Based on how well I liked the world development of the story.
💁🏻‍♀️ Character Development -Based on how well the characters were fleshed out and if I hated or loved with a passion.
🙅🏻‍♀️ DNF -based on if the book is just stupid, boring, chilgdish, overly ridiculous etc.

[Tami Bucholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book but all the s*** goes down at the final battle and um I really want to give it away but let's just say Joseph is very very difficult to kill I mean wow we saw that in the last book but it's really more evident in this book we do realize that there's more evil work at Place Joseph actually isn't the top dog we thought he was but actually he's not and let's just say if you thought Joseph was difficult to tell this one is like 10 times more difficult if not 50 times more difficult I really like how like these two this couple is like total opposite attract and it's good it's good that it shows how they're able to make it work even though they're complete opposite and actually Simone's character really grows I'm really proud of it how it developed you really think she's this innocent naive girl um just kind of like a good girl always does what she's supposed to things like that but wow does she ever let her wild nature out it's very interesting and not only that but she stands up to Killian like okay that's other thing is that's why I love about these kinds of books where you have a guy who's like the toughest freaking badass fighter and everything and he's kind of scary actually and then he goes soft for this woman so it's so interesting but it's funny how at first like in the I think in the beginning or at the last book I think we saw it a little bit how he was just like yeah whatever you know I mean he knew he had an attraction her but he was just like yeah whatever I'm just going to let it go and yeah okay it's not always easy to just you know find your mate and then just disregard them you know I mean I think Killian's character would be wonderful on the hunters series by Lara Adrian which is like a sequel of the midnight breed. his character is actually pretty cold I think everybody in the book so far has always said that about his character but it's like a total switch once he realizes about this mate and that he has to be with her you know it's just so funny that's what I love I absolutely love those but he does a few things a bit strange let's just say in the final battle um but basically this is kind of an interesting Theory to this theme about I'm just going to say roll the vampire because you know is it possible for you to go a little rogue and then to get saved like to go back to not being rogue or do you just never become a full rogue because we know once you find your mate you can't fully become Rogue especially if you bind yourself to your mate then you can't become rogue but let's just say the ending really says it best where Simone really makes him faces inner demons of his past and I think that's true for a lot of men that are you know that have those inner demons from their past and they just can't seem to get out of this pattern of just being cold and distant from people but it's very true that you know it takes a lot for you to face your demons and to deal with the problem and probably a lot more people would be better off if they did that and it's sad and unfortunate that a lot of people don't they end up just having a negative attitude about everything and it really reflects in their treatment of others yeah I love how she really brings out the best in him and I think that that's wonderful you know yeah you want him to do it on his own without the mate help but I think it's still it's still wonderful that it happened I think it's really great like role model or a really great message in the book that's what I'm trying to say but yeah looks like this book series is going to have a lot of books which I'm really excited about because I wanted a series that would have tons and tons of books like not ending very quickly like some other ones so so definitely check this book out it's great

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment in the Alliance Series definitely did NOT disappoint! This book was filled with action, drama, heartache and love. Killian was not the most likable of vampires, but he was fiercely loyal to Ronan and to the fight against savages. Killean never thought he would meet his mate, but as luck would have it, his mate turned out to be a hunter, not just any hunter, but the prim and proper Simone. We find out that Simone was captured Joseph and his savages. Killean may not want to settle down and bond with Simone, but there is no way he can leave her in that predicament to be killed or turned savage! He knows that there is only one thing he can do to find and save her and that is going to require him to do things he swore to never do. Killean makes his way into Joseph's hiding spot and there he finds Simone and the other hunters, turned and starved, but not yet savages. He needs to find a way to get her out before that happens. The problem is that he is outnumbered and has no idea where they are being kept as Joseph did not fully trust Killean enough to let know their location and kept him blindfolded each time he came and went from the compound. As Killean earns more of Joseph's trust he learns of his plans to starve the newly turned hunters then turn them loose in out of the way places that have large amounts of people for them to feed on. He convinces Joseph that he hated Simone, something that was easily believable knowing Killean's past hatred for hunters, and asks Jospeh for the chance to use and abuse Simone. Killean uses that to his advantage to get Simone away from the other savages and use their distraction during the mass feeding frenzy that Joseph had unleashed on an innocent wedding party to grab Simone and make a daring escape. The escape was successful, for now, but he has no idea where they are and he knows that Joseph and the savages will not stop hunting he and Simone down until they are dead or worse. Not only is Killean trying to get to safety, he is trying to avoid becoming something he is not. Does he have it in him to save her and himself, will Simone recognize him as her mate, will she (or he) want to complete the bond, and can Killean be saved from the monster inside? These questions are all answered in a fantastic story that will have your hear racing and have you sitting on the edge of your seat. If you want to know what happens and how you must read the book, you will not regret it!

[ForTheLoveOfBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead!!!

So I loved Killeen every time he was mentioned in all the other books. And I feel like his in between state is actually more fitting of his personality than just him being a purebreds fighting his urges.

I wasn’t expecting them to get away from Joseph’s bunker so fast but it still took so many twists and turns. I loved this. And JOSEPH IS DEAD. WOOHOO.

But now I am super intrigued with this ancient hunter. I want to know who he is? When he died? Exactly how old he is?
I cannot wait to find out.

I am so happy that Simone is no longer this stuck up hunter who was the scorned woman because she just knew she was going to be Nathan’s wife. She is this confident woman. She sticks up for self and she argues with Killeen. And she is able to bring the best of Killeen out. Even in his volatile state. And she seems to be perfect for Killeen even with his need for pain and blood in a heightened state.

But seriously JOSEPH IS DEAD. I cannot get over that. He has been a thorn in the Defenders side even before he started gathering savages and has escaped every time they have gone after him. It’s about time he was killed. And in the most brutal way. I hope Killeen will one day be able to go into the sun again but until then I know he will be just as lethal in the dark.

[Cassidy Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a few chapters to get into it but the second I was 😳 woah that was something. I love Killean, he was so amazing, I mean he became the thing he hated the most for his mate who is also the other thing he hated. I loved watching Simone grow throughout this book. When we first meet her she was this prim and proper future hunter wife and by the time this book was done she was so much more than that, no longer the "seem but not heard" kind of person she was supposed to be but someone with a spine of steel who would do anything for those she loved. I also loved getting to know more about Killean and why he was the way he was and how he got his scar, I really think he probably the only character who could get that close to the edge without going the rest of the way. I'm also happy that we learned more about the Savages and the mastermind behind the other side, while it was a little creepy at times it did help them overall. the only part that I didn't really like that much was that we didn't get to see the other characters that much or that it wasn't until the last little bit till we did, which the story wouldn't have worked if we saw them the whole time but I do like reading about them all too. I did enjoy this book and I can't wait to see where we go next with these characters.

[Oriana vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book at first i was kind of hesitant about it because you know you want to hate the girl that was possibly going to end up with that main character in the past book like ughhh🤔🤔🤔SOOOO as I was reading it I got so hooked on it I skipped my English essay I was supposed to do👀 but anyways I really loved seeing this girl grow into who she is she just did not back down when I am pretty sure many people would have ran off so fast you wouldn't see it coming. and I really liked how in this one I did not know what to expect from either character like if they stay together in the end or if they somehow get separated. Now I cam't wait for the next book to come out pretty sure I am going to be pre ordering😁😁😊 if you guys are looking for some romance and character growth and a few surprises than I recommend this book!

[Brittany Duszczyszyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s okay this book was about the hunter girl who was supposed to marry the hunter leader before he became mated to a vampire & her best friend is his twin sister who mated the vampire king. The vampire she ends up being mated to is one of the vampire kings closest friends but he absolutely hates all hunters ⚠️ trigger warning as there is discussion about a group of hunters who slowly killed his parents & siblings well also rapping them… and himself and he was only 7 years old! ⚠️😭😱

He pushed his mate away until she is kidnapped by Joseph the leader of the savages (vampires who have lost their humanity) he has to become a savage to save her and it’s a hard road for both of them but worth it.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killean’s Hunter mate Simone has been taken by Joseph’s savages and the only way to get her back is to become a savage himself. But can they both return.

Warning! There’s some really awful scenes in here that might leave you with nightmares. But there’s also some very hot, steamy scenes that'll leave you smiling.

It’s sad that they had to move from the house that they spent so much time fixing up and making happy memories. Maybe they’ll be able to return in the future.

Fave scenes: Killian’s reaction to the savage ordering him around, the helpful housekeeper, Saxon tricking the GPS and the paint fight.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book.

Brenda K. Davies did it again with this fantastic story of unconditional love. The power of the mates is unreal but the way Davies describes it makes you want to help them get together. Davies left off in the last book with Killean kissing Simone on the beach and then Joseph takes her. Killean knows that there is something special about Simone but she's a hunter. Now, Killean makes a big decision to go after Simone. The things he has to do to get her brings him to the edge of sanity. This was a really fast pace book and once you start it you won't be able to stop.

[Vampire Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Mark of obsession💋]

Man! Brenda seems to really cook with her 3rd books. (I really loved Untamed from the main series too). This might be my new favorite between the main and spinoff series. It checks off so many of my boxes! I love reading about someone who’s teetering on the edge. Not to mention the action and love scenes were excellent.

My few critiques: I wish they were forced into stickier tense situations, I wish we had more variety/intrigue in scene locations and I liked Killian’s struggle A Lot and would have loved to be immersed in that a bit more.

Overall, super enjoyed this! The writer has noticeably improved and it’s very cool to see! 4.5⭐️

[Chantell Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough. The Awakening series had me hooked from book one. When Davies ended that series, I was devastated until the announcement of The Alliance series.

How far would you go to save your Mate? Would you be strong enough to come back from the edges of Hell? Would the bond be enough to pull you through the darkness?

What would you do if you woke as the very creature your race was designed to kill? To have all your training and upbringing be the thing if the past, in a single moment? Would you embrace it?

[Cydney Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simone and Killean are a strange type of negative plus positive make a happy couple. For them, the good and the bad attracting is what kept me coming back. I wasn't as captivated as I was with Ronan and Kadence, but I still felt the hot and steam rising off of them. I enjoyed seeing Killean take whatever steps necessary to get Simone back. Many times we read about guys knowing that they will do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love, but we don't always see it. Simone grew into herself, and I'm happy not to see her become an actual person instead of acting as someone's property.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving on

Moving on from last book to this one we get to see Killian go to the dark side to find his mate Simone. Wow! A lot of undercover debate as Killian fights his true desire with his need for his mate. Simone suffers yet her but pulls through as they face against their adversary. King Ronan needs to make a decision about his friend while speculation arise amongst the others. Joseph and his army of Savages become quite the adversary with his special army. Thankfully our dark and brooding Killian gets his happy ever after but there is a mole.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)

He never believed he would find his mate, and he never believed he would want to survive more than the next battle. Then, on a shore he found a woman wandering towards him, and he knew who she was to him. A hunter, someone he loathed because of his history, but also, someone fate had sent to him.
When she was taken, he gave up everything, including his humanity, to bring her back.