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Their Vampire Queen #6.5
Queen Takes Darkness
Chained in eternal darkness. Kidnapped by a primordial evil. Freeing this vampire queen will unlock hell itself.
Helayna Ironheart doesn't know where she is, or how long she's been trapped in the darkness. She only knows pain and horror when her captor feeds on her suffering.
Her only hope is to access her power as an Aima vampire queen. But how can she call her guardian Blood, when she's trapped in an alternative dimension at the bottom of the world tree?
Only Darkness lives here.
So that's exactly what she must take.
A print edition of this story will be featured in MORE, a limited edition anthology for Literary Love Savannah 2019.
Helayna Ironheart doesn't know where she is, or how long she's been trapped in the darkness. She only knows pain and horror when her captor feeds on her suffering.
Her only hope is to access her power as an Aima vampire queen. But how can she call her guardian Blood, when she's trapped in an alternative dimension at the bottom of the world tree?
Only Darkness lives here.
So that's exactly what she must take.
A print edition of this story will be featured in MORE, a limited edition anthology for Literary Love Savannah 2019.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
410 people are currently reading
1266 people want to read
About the author
Joely Sue Burkhart
118 books2,011 followersI write books. Sometimes I even finish them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
October 16, 2021
Read this the day it came out and I haven’t thought about it since. That being said it is so short that I gave it a quick refresh before typing this up. I really, really like Helayna but this book is only slightly different perspective from her brother's Queen book - Queen of Sunfires which makes this redundant. This adds little to nothing. The new info from this perspective could have easily been shown through a quick 1 page bit or a catch up between Helayna and Eivind in Queen of Sunfires. The only non repetitive part from the other book part comes at around Chapter 22 as Lizzy and Ciru noted in their reviews. I wanted this book to be awesome and I will keep reading from this author but dude, just chunk up your novels instead of making an additional book + another spinoff series.
July 19, 2019
A short following up on the queen trapped in darkness, that came up in the main series. It had interesting threads, though I'm not sure what any of it means. Probably setup for how the story of the Aima world will continue.
Want to read
March 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/30/2020)! 🎁
January 4, 2020
Ending very deceiving, finale book ending on a cliffhanger
Author received so much complaints that she wrote book 9 right after
The series is still excellent otherwise
Author received so much complaints that she wrote book 9 right after
The series is still excellent otherwise
September 15, 2021
The second instalment of our queen of Hel is a compelling and fast paced read. We get to see families faces, as well as follow our new Queen come into her own.
May 19, 2019
This novella is about the newest queen addition in this remarkable world. Helayna is a descendant of none other than the queen of the realm of the death, in Norse Mythology, Hel. Without her memories or powers, Helayna is stuck, alone and in a lot of pain. Everything seems lost in the darkness, until a helpful queen whispers to her in a dream and tells her to call her Blood. When Helayna does just that, she awakens Aima Blood that has been asleep for thousands of year in a place of true darkness. These three beings never expected to feel the call of a queen, let alone to get to serve at her side and taste her blood. While this is the same world as the one readers have followed other queen's in, this one has more of a bite to it. Where the darkness previous seen, wasn't to be feared, this darkness is completely different. With the threat of Jörmungandr being disturbed and starting Ragnarok, Helayna and her Blood has their work cut out for them.
Helayna is such a great addition to this world, and I really hope she becomes a major player down the line. She's very different from the queen's we've previously seen. She is more sure of herself and her place in the world, and with it comes an attitude to match her persona. For me this worked for her rather than against her. Especially as she also so much love for her Blood, who feels unworthy of serving her. The only thing I didn't like about this novella is that it's so short. However, as this was published as part of an anthology it's only to be expected. But a little birdie told me, that Helayna will have more time in the spotlight, and I cannot wait to see what's next in store for this queen.
Helayna is such a great addition to this world, and I really hope she becomes a major player down the line. She's very different from the queen's we've previously seen. She is more sure of herself and her place in the world, and with it comes an attitude to match her persona. For me this worked for her rather than against her. Especially as she also so much love for her Blood, who feels unworthy of serving her. The only thing I didn't like about this novella is that it's so short. However, as this was published as part of an anthology it's only to be expected. But a little birdie told me, that Helayna will have more time in the spotlight, and I cannot wait to see what's next in store for this queen.
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October 12, 2021
Honestly, 2.75 stars
I started reading this and was like, wait a minute, *visually insert the Kevin Hart meme here* this seems familiar. And it is, because it is largely Karmen's big fight but from Helyana's perspective.
Like Lizzy mentioned in her review, the very last pages, from around chapter 22, that's when there is new meat to the eventual story. And so because the book was largely a rehashing of what we've already read, I didn't really feel this story.
Also, I didn't really feel Helyana's power. She was largely muted against the backdrop of Karmen and then the big guns, Shara.
Uuuuwwwwiiii. Eivinid. Such a fucking, annoying, smarting off bastard, to the point I don't want Karmen to take him back. At all!! In my books, there is no redemption for him.
At this point, I'm looking forward to a 1,2, Helyana+Karmen's story is over, 3,4 some more of Shara but at the same time as well less of her (does this make sense? Like I feel she's dominated every book, one way or another, even if she is in just one scene, in the series and I want a new boss bitch queen to fawn over and at the same time ) 5,6 more passionate sex scenes because I didn't really feel Helyana and her blood, 7,8 we shall see where the series shall go from there, 9, 10 punch.
Anyway, I didn't really get my "Queen Takes" fix from this story but will definitely be reading more from as the series continues.
I started reading this and was like, wait a minute, *visually insert the Kevin Hart meme here* this seems familiar. And it is, because it is largely Karmen's big fight but from Helyana's perspective.
Like Lizzy mentioned in her review, the very last pages, from around chapter 22, that's when there is new meat to the eventual story. And so because the book was largely a rehashing of what we've already read, I didn't really feel this story.
Also, I didn't really feel Helyana's power. She was largely muted against the backdrop of Karmen and then the big guns, Shara.
Uuuuwwwwiiii. Eivinid. Such a fucking, annoying, smarting off bastard, to the point I don't want Karmen to take him back. At all!! In my books, there is no redemption for him.
At this point, I'm looking forward to a 1,2, Helyana+Karmen's story is over, 3,4 some more of Shara but at the same time as well less of her (does this make sense? Like I feel she's dominated every book, one way or another, even if she is in just one scene, in the series and I want a new boss bitch queen to fawn over and at the same time ) 5,6 more passionate sex scenes because I didn't really feel Helyana and her blood, 7,8 we shall see where the series shall go from there, 9, 10 punch.
Anyway, I didn't really get my "Queen Takes" fix from this story but will definitely be reading more from as the series continues.
September 23, 2024
Reread: 5/5 ⭐️
June 6, 2019
Strong beginning and an interesting setting, very different from the other books in the series. I'm a total sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings so Dorr and Helayna were right up my alley. So much awwww. As usual with novellas, I wished it had been longer.
November 26, 2023
I found the start of it too confusing, too slow and not gripping enough compared to the rest of the series which I loved!
October 25, 2020
Definitely an awesome book. Glad to Get to know other Queens. Definitely would recommend it along with the whole series of books. 😁💜💜💜
June 10, 2024
Queens weren’t meant to be alone. Our goddesses’ powers came at a great cost, which was why They gave us our Blood. Both to protect us—and to feed that constant need for energy. I couldn’t protect the nest if I was drained and weak.
Helayna Ironheart is the embodiment of goodness. I love the dichotomy of how so much of her potential (and her Blood) are tied to the darkness, and yet she shines. I loved getting to see her side of the budding kinship she had going with Karmen. I adored her interactions with Shara (seriously, all three of those ladies together was everything I didn't know I needed).
But I also really appreciated the extra time with her Blood. It's honestly one of my favorite aspects of this series/universe - that these extraordinary women who have endured so much are filled with so much love, even for what the rest of the world would deem as monsters. It's beautiful and I love it and I want more.
Definitely curious to see where we go from here, though. Helayna has so many lost memories, secrets that need uncovering - and then there's the revelation of her parentage! Didn't see that coming.
The way Joely brings together the richness and deep lore of all these different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds is honestly beautiful.
Another great installment that has left me hungry for more!
September 12, 2021
I was given an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. It was so well worth the wait. At first I was a little confused when the book started as I was thinking it would be picking up after queen takes sunfire's 2 but it starts a little before that. Once I got my head around that it was easy to reorient myself to Helanya.
The flow of the book was fantastic. It was great to see Joely come back into it as for the last few books I have felt the books to be a little patchy with scenes not quite fitting together but I didn't get that feeling this time with was great.
We get to see more of Helanya's blood and I loved to see them discovering the world they are completely unfamiliar with computers and pizza lol. It was also very interesting to know who fathered Helenya, didn't see that coming :). Will she take a triune seat or not hmmm too soon to tell.
We get to see more houses and more queens are coming online I can't wait to see the other dangerous blood Helanya will call next it is going to be exciting. Cant wait for the next one it is for sure going to be amazing.
The flow of the book was fantastic. It was great to see Joely come back into it as for the last few books I have felt the books to be a little patchy with scenes not quite fitting together but I didn't get that feeling this time with was great.
We get to see more of Helanya's blood and I loved to see them discovering the world they are completely unfamiliar with computers and pizza lol. It was also very interesting to know who fathered Helenya, didn't see that coming :). Will she take a triune seat or not hmmm too soon to tell.
We get to see more houses and more queens are coming online I can't wait to see the other dangerous blood Helanya will call next it is going to be exciting. Cant wait for the next one it is for sure going to be amazing.
September 24, 2021
Oh goodness guys! I've been waiting for this book! I have so many questions and excitement for this series as well as the series running parallel to this story which is Karmen's story.
I'm so excited for the next part in Helayna's story! There were many tidbits that Joely teased us with. We don't know which of those stories will be Blood but I'm excited to read about it. If you read "Queen Takes Sunfires 2" then it's kind of the same story but told from Helayna's POV.
On a side note, I thought it was so adorable the way that Guillame bonded with Helayna's Blood. So cute. I want more of those scenes!
I'm really excited for the third installment of both these stories. Joely has said that Helayna and Karmen's stories are tied together so we should get the both at around the same time. I can't wait to learn more about the Blood! I really want to see who Helayna will call, how her powers will grow, and what her Blood will be able to do once they all grow in power.
Also, the next step...will be the Triune?! YES PLEASE!! SIGN ME UP!
I'm so excited for the next part in Helayna's story! There were many tidbits that Joely teased us with. We don't know which of those stories will be Blood but I'm excited to read about it. If you read "Queen Takes Sunfires 2" then it's kind of the same story but told from Helayna's POV.
On a side note, I thought it was so adorable the way that Guillame bonded with Helayna's Blood. So cute. I want more of those scenes!
I'm really excited for the third installment of both these stories. Joely has said that Helayna and Karmen's stories are tied together so we should get the both at around the same time. I can't wait to learn more about the Blood! I really want to see who Helayna will call, how her powers will grow, and what her Blood will be able to do once they all grow in power.
Also, the next step...will be the Triune?! YES PLEASE!! SIGN ME UP!
November 8, 2021
When it comes to Ms. Burkhart, I will read everything she writes. This universe she's created is erotic, dark and women will rule. This is a short story featuring Helayna and her luscious men. For those who haven't read a book in this series yet, this is okay as a standalone. It does mention some things that make better sense if you read the other books in Their Vampire Queen.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after Nov. 17, 2021.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after Nov. 17, 2021.
September 20, 2021
Repeat of Queen of Sunfires
I was excited for a longer Queen book since it has been a while, but this is just a repeat of Queen of Sunfires from Heleyna’s perspective, except the last 10 pages. Not sure what the point was.
I was excited for a longer Queen book since it has been a while, but this is just a repeat of Queen of Sunfires from Heleyna’s perspective, except the last 10 pages. Not sure what the point was.
October 16, 2024
More TVQ universe expansion!
I love how Joely chose to incorporate Nordic mythology, but also her take on gargoyles is something I've never encountered before! Fantastically original and such a great (and quick) read!
I love how Joely chose to incorporate Nordic mythology, but also her take on gargoyles is something I've never encountered before! Fantastically original and such a great (and quick) read!
Want to read
November 28, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/28/2022)! 🎁
September 24, 2024
Reread: 4.5/5 ⭐️
May 31, 2019
Actual rating of 2.5 stars since this was pretty decent for a novella. After reading an anthology that had some of the worst stories ever, I think it's made me have a much more solid understanding to rate novellas from now on. Queen Takes Darkness made use of the space that it had to give a story that had a beginning, middle and an end.
The Norse mythology really is the selling point for this story. When Helayna was introduced in Queen Takes Triune, she had my attention. I found the norse elements fascinating but it just lacks that immersion feeling. Maybe a little more exploration of the location might have sufficed.
Heylana and her harem as characters were intriguing but as personalities they weren't anything memorable. Not to mention the straight insta relationship going on is just way too deep for that short story.
It's a quick read and lacks a lot of things but still has that strong presence of Norse mythology that might interest someone. And for that, it's not a bad novella.
The Norse mythology really is the selling point for this story. When Helayna was introduced in Queen Takes Triune, she had my attention. I found the norse elements fascinating but it just lacks that immersion feeling. Maybe a little more exploration of the location might have sufficed.
Heylana and her harem as characters were intriguing but as personalities they weren't anything memorable. Not to mention the straight insta relationship going on is just way too deep for that short story.
It's a quick read and lacks a lot of things but still has that strong presence of Norse mythology that might interest someone. And for that, it's not a bad novella.
July 20, 2019
Sweet Short Novella
This is another short story (novella) from the Their Vampire Queen series. We read about Helayna who is trapped in the dark, slowly being consumed. She has forgotten who she is and where she came from. A being wants her to use her power as an Aima Queen to break free of her confines to destroy her prison. Helayna knows this is a bad idea, somehow. Trusting the voice of a Queen who calls to her in the darkness, she reaches for her Blood for the first time and calls forth beings that have slept for millennia.
I really liked how Norse mythology was employed in this short story. We heard about Helayna in a previous book within the series, but we didn’t hear how she escaped. Helayna was an abstract rather than a real character until this book was written. Joely Sue Burkhart does write a good short story and this was enjoyable as we learned about Helayna’s entrapment and the reasons for it.
This is a good short and fun read, a perfect snack of a story.
This is another short story (novella) from the Their Vampire Queen series. We read about Helayna who is trapped in the dark, slowly being consumed. She has forgotten who she is and where she came from. A being wants her to use her power as an Aima Queen to break free of her confines to destroy her prison. Helayna knows this is a bad idea, somehow. Trusting the voice of a Queen who calls to her in the darkness, she reaches for her Blood for the first time and calls forth beings that have slept for millennia.
I really liked how Norse mythology was employed in this short story. We heard about Helayna in a previous book within the series, but we didn’t hear how she escaped. Helayna was an abstract rather than a real character until this book was written. Joely Sue Burkhart does write a good short story and this was enjoyable as we learned about Helayna’s entrapment and the reasons for it.
This is a good short and fun read, a perfect snack of a story.
May 13, 2019
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. It has been great to get back into another Queen book. Helayna is a new character with a very intriguing set of blood. Amia but not lol. Although it was short, I can so see her becoming a major player if her character continues to develop. You can see another side to the problems caused by the lack of queens and it is interesting to have a darker perspective on a series I have come to love. The blood were an amazing addition to the series and it was interesting to see Helena call them. Not something I would expect. Helayna seems much more assured in her role as a queen with a haughty tone and sense of queenly arrogance to to go with the queen persona however I think it works for her. I can't wait to see more of her. I think that this book was a little too short to really get to know even the basic glimpses of her. But the potential for more I think is huge. I can't wait to read more.
May 14, 2019
I am in love with the Darkness this story brings!
Joely gives us a glimpse into another world of the Aima Queens and in this one darkness is more than just skin deep.
Helaynas blood have been asleep for thousands of years and never expect to have a queen call them, let alone call on them in a place of such darkness! But they will do whatever necessary to serve and protect their Queen, even if that means never getting to see the sun glow upon her skin.
Helayna is such a loving queen from the interactions we get to see between her and her blood. While her Alpha finds himself unworthy of her love because of who he is, Helayna wholeheartedly accepts him and is more than willing to love him and his brothers in arms for all time.
I cannot wait to for more of Helaynas story, I just know she will be one hell of a Vampire Queen!
Joely gives us a glimpse into another world of the Aima Queens and in this one darkness is more than just skin deep.
Helaynas blood have been asleep for thousands of years and never expect to have a queen call them, let alone call on them in a place of such darkness! But they will do whatever necessary to serve and protect their Queen, even if that means never getting to see the sun glow upon her skin.
Helayna is such a loving queen from the interactions we get to see between her and her blood. While her Alpha finds himself unworthy of her love because of who he is, Helayna wholeheartedly accepts him and is more than willing to love him and his brothers in arms for all time.
I cannot wait to for more of Helaynas story, I just know she will be one hell of a Vampire Queen!
May 22, 2019
This was a short story to reveal to the reader Helayna and where she was kidnapped to. As usual, Burkhardt has done enormous research on Norse mythology to give us a well rounded mini epic with emotional punch. Helayna was stuck in darkness and until she heard from Queen Shara, she wasn't sure what to do. We discover she has been tricked by Loki, and hidden away to prevent her powers from changing the world. The dark blood she attracts think they are not worthy of her, but after pure suspense, they all find out just how much Helayna loves and needs them. It could easily be a parable of sorts about how the dark can always see the light if they work hard enough.
I loved the world tree, and gobbled up the mythology on Yggdarsil. And loved how Helyana turned her dark blood. It was deep emotional story that only makes me want more.
I loved the world tree, and gobbled up the mythology on Yggdarsil. And loved how Helyana turned her dark blood. It was deep emotional story that only makes me want more.
April 12, 2021
Great story!
This is Helayna's story. She's an Aima Queen who was kidnapped by Loki in another realm. Queen Shara Isador has had dreams about her for sometime.
Back at Shara's nest in Eureeka Spring, the wolf king, Helayna's brother, asked Shara for help finding her. So Shara has been talking to Helayna and told her to call upon her Blood to help save her.
But her Blood are 3 gargoyles who've been incased in stone for over 2000 years. They are dark Alfars. But after she bites the men, she gains her power. They save her from Loki's snake and she's able to bring water back to their realm. When they arrive at her family home, all 3 gargoyles are now able to shift into full blodded men.
But they don't believe that Helayna could really love them. She's only happy to prove them wrong.
Great story. A must read!
This is Helayna's story. She's an Aima Queen who was kidnapped by Loki in another realm. Queen Shara Isador has had dreams about her for sometime.
Back at Shara's nest in Eureeka Spring, the wolf king, Helayna's brother, asked Shara for help finding her. So Shara has been talking to Helayna and told her to call upon her Blood to help save her.
But her Blood are 3 gargoyles who've been incased in stone for over 2000 years. They are dark Alfars. But after she bites the men, she gains her power. They save her from Loki's snake and she's able to bring water back to their realm. When they arrive at her family home, all 3 gargoyles are now able to shift into full blodded men.
But they don't believe that Helayna could really love them. She's only happy to prove them wrong.
Great story. A must read!
May 15, 2019
I want more! Could not get enough.
I really love Old Norse mythology and so I was pleasantly surprised when I read this short story. I loved everything about this book and would love for it to become a full length novel.
The research for this short story would of been immense and it was all factually correct which I loved about this book as well. There is nothing worse than an author writing about something you love and their have the wrong facts.
I cannot rave enough about how well this was written, the characters personalities were built beautifully in such a short time and the ending was really well done. Seriously such a good read! Highly recommend this entire series!
I really love Old Norse mythology and so I was pleasantly surprised when I read this short story. I loved everything about this book and would love for it to become a full length novel.
The research for this short story would of been immense and it was all factually correct which I loved about this book as well. There is nothing worse than an author writing about something you love and their have the wrong facts.
I cannot rave enough about how well this was written, the characters personalities were built beautifully in such a short time and the ending was really well done. Seriously such a good read! Highly recommend this entire series!
December 25, 2023
“Queen Takes” Books hmmm
Ive read all of the Vampire “Queen Takes” Books and I must say that Queen Isador is the supreme… In the beginning of this book I thought this queen would top them all. I sat down and got comfortable with my warm blanket and hot tea… This book brought me up all the way to a climax then NOTHING. 50 pointless pages. She escaped, ooooh…..they helped save her, oooh… because it was all about her hair…then they fu*ked just like in all the books, but this time it wasn’t as detailed… None the less there was nothing else to this read… I should have had a V8…
All in all I would rate this a 3/10 stars… I like the other books so I guess I was spoiled and over estimated the author. But I know everyone goes through something….
Ive read all of the Vampire “Queen Takes” Books and I must say that Queen Isador is the supreme… In the beginning of this book I thought this queen would top them all. I sat down and got comfortable with my warm blanket and hot tea… This book brought me up all the way to a climax then NOTHING. 50 pointless pages. She escaped, ooooh…..they helped save her, oooh… because it was all about her hair…then they fu*ked just like in all the books, but this time it wasn’t as detailed… None the less there was nothing else to this read… I should have had a V8…
All in all I would rate this a 3/10 stars… I like the other books so I guess I was spoiled and over estimated the author. But I know everyone goes through something….
May 20, 2019
Awesome short
I love Hela, I wish I could read more about her. And I cant wait to read about what you have in store for her. I wanna know about the deal with her hair, her family and goddess. It's all so good and I know she has more to tell. I also want to know more about her special Blood. They intrigued me more than the rest, beside Mehen of course.
Spoiler
I know she going to be on the Triune seat with Shara, I'm dying to read about the friendship the could have and the mysterious 3rd... I have a feeling they all have an affinity for monsters and that is right up my alley.
I love Hela, I wish I could read more about her. And I cant wait to read about what you have in store for her. I wanna know about the deal with her hair, her family and goddess. It's all so good and I know she has more to tell. I also want to know more about her special Blood. They intrigued me more than the rest, beside Mehen of course.
Spoiler
I know she going to be on the Triune seat with Shara, I'm dying to read about the friendship the could have and the mysterious 3rd... I have a feeling they all have an affinity for monsters and that is right up my alley.
April 30, 2020
Another fun novella!
I was most curious about this queen when we saw her in one of the Queen Takes books with Shara. I was interested to see how she would call her Blood to her and how she would free herself from Jormungandr. I’ve always been fascinated with ancient mythology from different cultures but Norse and Eqyptian has always been my favorites. I must say that I have impressed with the author and her ability to weave the different dieties and culture into 1 massive story. You can tell that she has done plenty of research to ensure she is sticking as close to the myths as possible.
I was most curious about this queen when we saw her in one of the Queen Takes books with Shara. I was interested to see how she would call her Blood to her and how she would free herself from Jormungandr. I’ve always been fascinated with ancient mythology from different cultures but Norse and Eqyptian has always been my favorites. I must say that I have impressed with the author and her ability to weave the different dieties and culture into 1 massive story. You can tell that she has done plenty of research to ensure she is sticking as close to the myths as possible.
February 21, 2022
3.5/4 stars I liked how different this one was. Again minimal spice (only the ending had real spice), but this is a very interesting way to bring in more mythologies to this world. That being said this one was very disorienting throughout the story. I will have to read it again to fully "follow the string," but at first read it kinda felt like i should know certain myths to be understand the significance of what was happening. It was good at explaining certain parts of the myths, but broad strokes and I felt i missed some important details due to my ignorance on the subject. I will modify this review when/if I re-read this in the future.
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