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A Gathering of Dragons #0.5
The Beast of Blackmoor
Dive into the world of beasts and barbarians in this prequel to the exhilarating Gathering of Dragons series by Milla Vane.
A warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. When she arrives in Blackmoor, however, she finds a land cursed by a demon and ruled by an evil warlord...and discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.
This was previously published in the Night Shift Anthology
A warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. When she arrives in Blackmoor, however, she finds a land cursed by a demon and ruled by an evil warlord...and discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.
This was previously published in the Night Shift Anthology
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2014
140 people are currently reading
1617 people want to read
About the author
Milla Vane
8 books651 followersMilla Vane is an alternate name for author Meljean Brook.
Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing-and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.
Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.
Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing-and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.
Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
July 12, 2025
4.75 Stars
I freaking loved it!
Even though I read it out of order, it was still absolutely awesome.
The steam was 'Blow Your Socks Off'
The main characters, both Kavik and Mala was FanTabuLous!
The adventure, suspense ....
Absolutely Every Element
Was .... Just ..... 'PurrrrrrFect!'
Highly Recommend this series and I will definitely be continuing it!
No Matter What!
I freaking loved it!
Even though I read it out of order, it was still absolutely awesome.
The steam was 'Blow Your Socks Off'
The main characters, both Kavik and Mala was FanTabuLous!
The adventure, suspense ....
Absolutely Every Element
Was .... Just ..... 'PurrrrrrFect!'
Highly Recommend this series and I will definitely be continuing it!
No Matter What!
July 21, 2020
This series is verrrry dark and I would not recommend it to everyone, but I’m really enjoying this world.
June 6, 2022
I somehow missed this story when I first grabbed the Night Shift anthology. And that is completely my loss - because this novella was freaking AMAZING.
I said, when I finished A Heart of Blood and Stone, that it was the start of a fantastic reading year for me - and even if Milla Vane were the only one giving me fantastic books this year, I’d count the year a reading win. She keeps hitting them out of the park and I’m just grateful to be able to go along for the ride.
There aren’t many authors that I feel truly can do the novella format well, especially when trying to build a world, develop characters, and show a convincing romance. Milla Vane does it all, flawlessly.
Before I get into the main characters, let me just fan-girl about the goddess Vela for a moment. I’m pretty enamored of her. From the moment when she takes affront at Kavik’s disrespect, cursing him, “Wait for the woman in red. When she arrives, you will know that the end is near...” To the moment when she twists the knife. I love her.
Mala, our heroine, is on a mission for Vela. She’s chosen to take on a quest for the goddess. Those that succeed in their quest are often granted immense rewards, though not always in the way expected. Mala needs just such a reward. Vela’s tasks are never easy, almost always cause pain in the person completing it, and there are severe consequences for those that fail or give up.
Mala is eager to succeed and win her reward. With her friend Shim, a horse descended from a god, her red cloak marking her, and the years of training under her belt, she’s ready to complete the task Vela set. I don’t think I can do justice to how much I love Mala. She is so utterly comfortable in herself. With good reason, she can kick the asses of almost anything that comes at her. But it’s not just that. Mala feels at ease with who she is, and doesn’t feel the need to overly protect herself. Many people crumble under the pressures and strains that happen throughout their lives, building walls and keeping others at arm’s length. Not Mala. She remembers and feels the pain, but she doesn’t let it stop her from risking being hurt. She’s funny and confident and has so much honor and heart. I need so many stories about Mala.
So, Kavik pissed off Vela and Mala is on a quest for Vela. Their meeting is meant to be. And their encounter instantly made me fall in love with Kavik. “I waited for you, little dragon. Every night, I dreamed of you.” He’s come a long way from the boy that challenged a goddess. And their sexual tension singes, it’s so hot. But the feeling that this book brought out in me, damn.
I was saying to a friend that Milla Vane makes me feel all the feels in her books. It’s so true. And all the more impressive because she does it a novella. Romances generally don’t work in novella format, there’s just not enough page time to convince me of a happily ever after. But I was rooting for these two from their first meeting. I loved them together. Mala and Kavik are perfect for each other. And their HEA is eminently satisfying.
Milla Vane packs a punch - she brings the action, the sexy-as-hell romance, and the drama in spades. The Beast of Blackmoor is a fantastic story in the Gathering of Dragons Series, and I hope we see loads more of Kavik and Mala.
More at The Alliterates
I said, when I finished A Heart of Blood and Stone, that it was the start of a fantastic reading year for me - and even if Milla Vane were the only one giving me fantastic books this year, I’d count the year a reading win. She keeps hitting them out of the park and I’m just grateful to be able to go along for the ride.
There aren’t many authors that I feel truly can do the novella format well, especially when trying to build a world, develop characters, and show a convincing romance. Milla Vane does it all, flawlessly.
Before I get into the main characters, let me just fan-girl about the goddess Vela for a moment. I’m pretty enamored of her. From the moment when she takes affront at Kavik’s disrespect, cursing him, “Wait for the woman in red. When she arrives, you will know that the end is near...” To the moment when she twists the knife. I love her.
Mala, our heroine, is on a mission for Vela. She’s chosen to take on a quest for the goddess. Those that succeed in their quest are often granted immense rewards, though not always in the way expected. Mala needs just such a reward. Vela’s tasks are never easy, almost always cause pain in the person completing it, and there are severe consequences for those that fail or give up.
Mala is eager to succeed and win her reward. With her friend Shim, a horse descended from a god, her red cloak marking her, and the years of training under her belt, she’s ready to complete the task Vela set. I don’t think I can do justice to how much I love Mala. She is so utterly comfortable in herself. With good reason, she can kick the asses of almost anything that comes at her. But it’s not just that. Mala feels at ease with who she is, and doesn’t feel the need to overly protect herself. Many people crumble under the pressures and strains that happen throughout their lives, building walls and keeping others at arm’s length. Not Mala. She remembers and feels the pain, but she doesn’t let it stop her from risking being hurt. She’s funny and confident and has so much honor and heart. I need so many stories about Mala.
So, Kavik pissed off Vela and Mala is on a quest for Vela. Their meeting is meant to be. And their encounter instantly made me fall in love with Kavik. “I waited for you, little dragon. Every night, I dreamed of you.” He’s come a long way from the boy that challenged a goddess. And their sexual tension singes, it’s so hot. But the feeling that this book brought out in me, damn.
I was saying to a friend that Milla Vane makes me feel all the feels in her books. It’s so true. And all the more impressive because she does it a novella. Romances generally don’t work in novella format, there’s just not enough page time to convince me of a happily ever after. But I was rooting for these two from their first meeting. I loved them together. Mala and Kavik are perfect for each other. And their HEA is eminently satisfying.
Milla Vane packs a punch - she brings the action, the sexy-as-hell romance, and the drama in spades. The Beast of Blackmoor is a fantastic story in the Gathering of Dragons Series, and I hope we see loads more of Kavik and Mala.
More at The Alliterates
July 15, 2021
1st read - December 2014 (Read in the Night ShiftNight Shift anthology)
2nd read - April 2020
3rd read - July 2020
4th read - December 2020
5th read - July 2021
I already wrote a brief review of The Beast of Blackmoor when I read it as part of the Night Shift anthology but I didn't go into much depth at the time and having reread the novella a couple of times recently I wanted to talk about it some more. This is one of those stories that I've loved more every single time I read it and I don't think I fully appreciated it the first time around. It's the first novella in Milla Vane's A Gathering of Dragons world and is a great intro to the dark and dangerous world she has created.
Mala is a warrior on a quest from her Goddess Vela to tame the Beast of Blackmoor, she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goal because her people are depending upon her to protect them and she needs the Vela's gifts to help them survive. What she doesn't realise is that the Beast is in fact a man and Kavik will do anything to avoid being enslaved again. Kavik angered Vela so it's not too surprising that she has forsaken him but Mala believes that they can both earn redemption for themselves and their people if they only listen to the Goddess and follow her will.
I think one of the things I love most about this series is the strong women Milla Vane has created. Not only do we have Vela, a powerful Goddess who is brilliant even as a minor character but we also have Mala, a strong and fierce warrior who stands up for people who can't stand up for themselves. This is a harsh world but Mala thinks nothing of taking on dangerous causes if she believes they are worthwhile. She chose to take on a quest for Vela knowing that the reward would be great if she achieves it but that the punishment will be even worse if she fails, she has faith that while the Goddess will make her task difficult Vela won't give her an impossible challenge so she believes that with hard work she can achieve her goal.
Mala and Kavik are brilliant together, he is the rightful leader of his people but his life was turned upside down as a child by an evil conqueror. Kavik has been to hell and back but has spent his entire life focused on saving his people. He made a huge mistake when he offended Vela but you could feel the frustration he felt as a teenager and could easily understand how desperation led him to fall so low. Now he has spent years waiting for his punishment, knowing that one day the Goddess will catch up with him and the minute he sees Mala he knows she is here for Vela's vengeance. Kavik has waited years for this moment but nothing had prepared either of them for the sparks that fly. The heat between these two was intense and from that very first meeting I was totally rooting for the pair of them.
There aren't many authors who can pack quite such a punch into a novella but Milla Vane manages to create a whole world, give us fantastic characters and create a romance that doesn't feel at all rushed. There was just so much to love about this book and considering I've already read the first full length book in the series, A Heart of Blood and Ashes, three times I can definitely confirm that this whole series is going to be a firm favourite.
2nd read - April 2020
3rd read - July 2020
4th read - December 2020
5th read - July 2021
I already wrote a brief review of The Beast of Blackmoor when I read it as part of the Night Shift anthology but I didn't go into much depth at the time and having reread the novella a couple of times recently I wanted to talk about it some more. This is one of those stories that I've loved more every single time I read it and I don't think I fully appreciated it the first time around. It's the first novella in Milla Vane's A Gathering of Dragons world and is a great intro to the dark and dangerous world she has created.
Mala is a warrior on a quest from her Goddess Vela to tame the Beast of Blackmoor, she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goal because her people are depending upon her to protect them and she needs the Vela's gifts to help them survive. What she doesn't realise is that the Beast is in fact a man and Kavik will do anything to avoid being enslaved again. Kavik angered Vela so it's not too surprising that she has forsaken him but Mala believes that they can both earn redemption for themselves and their people if they only listen to the Goddess and follow her will.
I think one of the things I love most about this series is the strong women Milla Vane has created. Not only do we have Vela, a powerful Goddess who is brilliant even as a minor character but we also have Mala, a strong and fierce warrior who stands up for people who can't stand up for themselves. This is a harsh world but Mala thinks nothing of taking on dangerous causes if she believes they are worthwhile. She chose to take on a quest for Vela knowing that the reward would be great if she achieves it but that the punishment will be even worse if she fails, she has faith that while the Goddess will make her task difficult Vela won't give her an impossible challenge so she believes that with hard work she can achieve her goal.
Mala and Kavik are brilliant together, he is the rightful leader of his people but his life was turned upside down as a child by an evil conqueror. Kavik has been to hell and back but has spent his entire life focused on saving his people. He made a huge mistake when he offended Vela but you could feel the frustration he felt as a teenager and could easily understand how desperation led him to fall so low. Now he has spent years waiting for his punishment, knowing that one day the Goddess will catch up with him and the minute he sees Mala he knows she is here for Vela's vengeance. Kavik has waited years for this moment but nothing had prepared either of them for the sparks that fly. The heat between these two was intense and from that very first meeting I was totally rooting for the pair of them.
There aren't many authors who can pack quite such a punch into a novella but Milla Vane manages to create a whole world, give us fantastic characters and create a romance that doesn't feel at all rushed. There was just so much to love about this book and considering I've already read the first full length book in the series, A Heart of Blood and Ashes, three times I can definitely confirm that this whole series is going to be a firm favourite.
October 10, 2020
I think I liked this "prequel" (would not recommend reading this before book one, though, context is helpful!) better than the full length. Infact I know I did.
That's it, that's the review.
That's it, that's the review.
August 17, 2020
4 1/2 to 5 stars
June 26, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up (the writing is good, this is an it's me, not the book moment but I'm rating based on my personal enjoyment)
This is one I'm conflicted about because I finished it since I loved the h and I needed to read the conclusion of her quest, along with the bad guy getting what he deserved. But there are some references to darker themes, including mentions of rape in the past and an instance of the h stopping a rape, that made for a difficult read for me personally. I also had a hard time when the H does something monumentally stupid. He grovels and humbles himself, but the pain caused by his actions was so tough since he's not the one who suffers the most because of them. Written in third person, dual POV. No om/ow drama (), H was not a virgin (unsure about his history but he'd been assaulted in the past), and h was a virgin.
On the positive side, like I said the h was amazing with her dedication to her mission, her compassion and intelligence, and her fierceness. I also loved that she had a horse companion who was more than a simple horse. I felt sympathy for the H and his love for his people, even if I never fell in love with him myself. The world was interesting, even if the setting for this book was in a bleak corner of it, and gods/goddesses aren't just part of the world, but also involve themselves. This would be a great fantasy read for someone else, but sadly it wasn't a great fit for me. There is steam, but not the full act til the end. Also, no epilogue and I needed to see the hope for the future post-bad guy being dealt with being fulfilled. No idea if these two are side characters in the rest of the series, but despite them being in love, this felt more HFN.
This is one I'm conflicted about because I finished it since I loved the h and I needed to read the conclusion of her quest, along with the bad guy getting what he deserved. But there are some references to darker themes, including mentions of rape in the past and an instance of the h stopping a rape, that made for a difficult read for me personally. I also had a hard time when the H does something monumentally stupid. He grovels and humbles himself, but the pain caused by his actions was so tough since he's not the one who suffers the most because of them. Written in third person, dual POV. No om/ow drama (), H was not a virgin (unsure about his history but he'd been assaulted in the past), and h was a virgin.
On the positive side, like I said the h was amazing with her dedication to her mission, her compassion and intelligence, and her fierceness. I also loved that she had a horse companion who was more than a simple horse. I felt sympathy for the H and his love for his people, even if I never fell in love with him myself. The world was interesting, even if the setting for this book was in a bleak corner of it, and gods/goddesses aren't just part of the world, but also involve themselves. This would be a great fantasy read for someone else, but sadly it wasn't a great fit for me. There is steam, but not the full act til the end. Also, no epilogue and I needed to see the hope for the future post-bad guy being dealt with being fulfilled. No idea if these two are side characters in the rest of the series, but despite them being in love, this felt more HFN.
April 17, 2021
This romance novella was an experience. I thought the world-building involving gods/goddesses and magic were very interesting, and I liked that our heroine is this complete badass. I guess this is a take on a barbarian romance? It's very...aggressive. And bloody. I also wasn't expecting so much sexual assault and enslavement (not graphically described and not perpetrated by the hero or heroine, but I still found it startling).
The hero is more aggressive than I prefer in my romance, but the heroine was fine with it so *shrug* Also, this will vary based on the reader, but I found the descriptions of the sex scenes to be... less than sexy. For instance, I could do without the extended metaphors involving swords and sheaths. Is is just me that finds that off-putting? I don't know, I guess I liked the magical/revenge/goddess parts of the plot more than the romantic part. Curious to see how I get on with the rest of the series!
The hero is more aggressive than I prefer in my romance, but the heroine was fine with it so *shrug* Also, this will vary based on the reader, but I found the descriptions of the sex scenes to be... less than sexy. For instance, I could do without the extended metaphors involving swords and sheaths. Is is just me that finds that off-putting? I don't know, I guess I liked the magical/revenge/goddess parts of the plot more than the romantic part. Curious to see how I get on with the rest of the series!
April 22, 2020
If you read this novella when it first released or even a year ago in the Night Shift anthology, then the world that Milla Vane has created was completely new to you. However, Milla Vana aka Meljean Brook has released her first full-length novel under this pen name titled A Heart of Blood and Ashes this year. I fell in love with the world and especially enjoyed the grittiness of the story. So when I discovered that she had written a novella in this world, I just had to read it. I am not a big fan of novellas, but I just needed something to hold me over until the next book releases in July this year.
The Beast of Blackmoor was a HOT action-packed fantasy romance. I loved that the heroine Mala was strong, fierce, determined, and didn't hold back. The hero Kavik is broken and doesn't think he deserves to be happy. He was broody and hard, and a great match for Mala. She is on a quest and has been sent to tame the Beast of Blackmoor. However, what does the goddess mean by taming, and who is the Beast? The author did a great job in telling Kavik and Mala's story. I enjoyed the characters a lot and would love for them to make appearances in the Gathering of Dragons series. I would've loved an epilogue just to see what they were up to in the future. Nonetheless, this was a quick and sexy read that I fully enjoyed.
(I read this novella in the Night Shift anthology)
The Beast of Blackmoor was a HOT action-packed fantasy romance. I loved that the heroine Mala was strong, fierce, determined, and didn't hold back. The hero Kavik is broken and doesn't think he deserves to be happy. He was broody and hard, and a great match for Mala. She is on a quest and has been sent to tame the Beast of Blackmoor. However, what does the goddess mean by taming, and who is the Beast? The author did a great job in telling Kavik and Mala's story. I enjoyed the characters a lot and would love for them to make appearances in the Gathering of Dragons series. I would've loved an epilogue just to see what they were up to in the future. Nonetheless, this was a quick and sexy read that I fully enjoyed.
(I read this novella in the Night Shift anthology)
October 26, 2020
OK so this was a very original story. I've never read anything else like it. However, I had a hard time understanding it too. The vernacular and terminology used was very confusing to me. Some parts
And then it would get good. & I'd be all like, OK. I can do this...
Then I'm all like...
Then I'm like, I might want to read future books if they were around this length, especially since they seem to be about different lands and different couples for each book. But the next book is 500+ pages. There is no way I could handle this for that length of the story. At least, I don't think so anyway.
And then it would get good. & I'd be all like, OK. I can do this...
Then I'm all like...
Then I'm like, I might want to read future books if they were around this length, especially since they seem to be about different lands and different couples for each book. But the next book is 500+ pages. There is no way I could handle this for that length of the story. At least, I don't think so anyway.
August 17, 2020
4.5 stars
September 7, 2020
MEh... I was expecting something much better...
April 6, 2021
A solid fantasy romance novella.
I had a very similar experience reading this and reading A Heart of Blood and Ashes. Both took me a long time to get into, and I was confused with the writing and what was going on a lot of the time. Still, I think the world-building and the mythology are super interesting, both main characters were strong and the romance was great, just the right amount of angst and steam.
I had a very similar experience reading this and reading A Heart of Blood and Ashes. Both took me a long time to get into, and I was confused with the writing and what was going on a lot of the time. Still, I think the world-building and the mythology are super interesting, both main characters were strong and the romance was great, just the right amount of angst and steam.
September 15, 2025
Blackmoor Canavarı 🧌
Ay bu novella bir baktım bir buçuk senedir TBR’ de yatıyor.. Keşke yatmaya devam etseymiş 🥵 Kitap asla dark değil, olsa olsa light dark olur 🩶
Anladığım kadarıyla 0.5 ile seriye başlamakla hata etmişim. 1. Kitap aşırı övülüyor ama şunu okuduktan sonra diğer kitabı okumaya inancım kalmadı.
Hiç konusunu anlatmıyorum, “How to train your dragon for adults”🐲
**Ejderhanı nası eğitirsin + 18 Edition** 🐉
Ay bu novella bir baktım bir buçuk senedir TBR’ de yatıyor.. Keşke yatmaya devam etseymiş 🥵 Kitap asla dark değil, olsa olsa light dark olur 🩶
Anladığım kadarıyla 0.5 ile seriye başlamakla hata etmişim. 1. Kitap aşırı övülüyor ama şunu okuduktan sonra diğer kitabı okumaya inancım kalmadı.
Hiç konusunu anlatmıyorum, “How to train your dragon for adults”🐲
**Ejderhanı nası eğitirsin + 18 Edition** 🐉
November 19, 2020
In Night Shift anthology....
February 1, 2021
This is my first book/novella by Milla Vane, and I've only read a couple of novellas by her alter-ego Meljean Brook. It was very readable, and I felt absorbed by the action, but I wasn't enthralled either by the characters or the world.
This is a fantasy world, filled with magic, villains, honorable quests, stupid drunks and sex. There is nothing soft about Vane's lands, which have been decimated by evil that has lasted generations. Harsh things happen in harsh worlds, so this is a warning for triggers of violence and rape. Perhaps it is the harshness that left me a little separated from the characters and the world. Depravity, poverty, hunger, vicious beasts and violence are constant.
Vane has a talent with describing a scene. I see a drunken youth peeing in a temple, a brave warrior being buried beneath a rabid horde of animals, and the very inventive way that Mala and Kavik have their first sexual encounter.
In the end, I would have to say it is the savagery that keeps me distant. Perhaps I also wanted more detail for the main couple falling in love, but it is a novella. I definitely want to try a full length novel in the Gathering of Dragons series, but I will need to be in the mood to visit such a dark place.
This is a fantasy world, filled with magic, villains, honorable quests, stupid drunks and sex. There is nothing soft about Vane's lands, which have been decimated by evil that has lasted generations. Harsh things happen in harsh worlds, so this is a warning for triggers of violence and rape. Perhaps it is the harshness that left me a little separated from the characters and the world. Depravity, poverty, hunger, vicious beasts and violence are constant.
Vane has a talent with describing a scene. I see a drunken youth peeing in a temple, a brave warrior being buried beneath a rabid horde of animals, and the very inventive way that Mala and Kavik have their first sexual encounter.
In the end, I would have to say it is the savagery that keeps me distant. Perhaps I also wanted more detail for the main couple falling in love, but it is a novella. I definitely want to try a full length novel in the Gathering of Dragons series, but I will need to be in the mood to visit such a dark place.
November 19, 2020
Reading as part of the Night Shift anthology.
2.5 stars.
This was OK. I liked that informed the subsequent stories in this series and wish that I had read it before those. Ah well. At least I got the chance to read it now. Thanks, BCCLS library system! :)
Anyway, the hero's backstory was pretty sad , and it didn't feel balanced out by anything lighter. Also, as short as the novella was, it focused too much on sex and had way too many intimate scenes (for me to skip). I found the prologue to be the most compelling part of it all.
The heroine was pretty awesome, and two of the stars are for her. The other half is for the imaginative world that the author has created in this series. I bet she could write something pretty compelling without all the intimate details and scenes.
Trigger warning
2.5 stars.
This was OK. I liked that informed the subsequent stories in this series and wish that I had read it before those. Ah well. At least I got the chance to read it now. Thanks, BCCLS library system! :)
Anyway, the hero's backstory was pretty sad , and it didn't feel balanced out by anything lighter. Also, as short as the novella was, it focused too much on sex and had way too many intimate scenes (for me to skip). I found the prologue to be the most compelling part of it all.
The heroine was pretty awesome, and two of the stars are for her. The other half is for the imaginative world that the author has created in this series. I bet she could write something pretty compelling without all the intimate details and scenes.
Trigger warning
June 30, 2022
I honestly cannot believe this was only a novella. What a trip!
We're dropped into this brutal, vicious world of war, demons, rabid beasts, tyrants, and a vengeful goddess. There's no preamble, and it's honestly a little overwhelming right off the bat, but once you acclimate and get into the nitty gritty, my god this is so good. I'm not 100% clear on what this demon wreaking havoc across the land is and the lore could be explained more, but I think for a novella predating the main series, you go through the book understanding enough.
Overall, the writing is done so well and I could really feel for both Mala and Kavik. I'm not sure if they'll show up in the rest of the series but this novella really set the scene for this barbaric, cruel world. We know Vela is true to her word and won't pull her punches, we know of destruction and violence. I'm so freaking stoked to dive into the next books.
We're dropped into this brutal, vicious world of war, demons, rabid beasts, tyrants, and a vengeful goddess. There's no preamble, and it's honestly a little overwhelming right off the bat, but once you acclimate and get into the nitty gritty, my god this is so good. I'm not 100% clear on what this demon wreaking havoc across the land is and the lore could be explained more, but I think for a novella predating the main series, you go through the book understanding enough.
Overall, the writing is done so well and I could really feel for both Mala and Kavik. I'm not sure if they'll show up in the rest of the series but this novella really set the scene for this barbaric, cruel world. We know Vela is true to her word and won't pull her punches, we know of destruction and violence. I'm so freaking stoked to dive into the next books.
April 22, 2021
It was so easy to give pain and to become hardened to it. To give pleasure instead—and to know it was accepted—was a real gift.
A novella and prequel to the Gathering of Dragons series that I heard part way through reading it was actually best read after book 1. Oh well!
This novella takes place I think around a generation before the events in book 1. It sets up the brutal world well - there's war, violence, demons, destruction everywhere. TW: the hero has been assaulted in the past; cameo characters are assaulted on-page I don't know why I was unprepared for the sexual violence, as in barbarian/brutal settings there's usually "rape to conquer" scenes. So just... be prepared for that.
I liked both the main characters. While I didn't fully understand the lore of the goddess Vera or the concept of a quest / the demons inhabiting the world, I think more will become clear when I read book 1. This had a great mix of fantasy, romance, and a little steam. (Although I do think it's harder to be sexy when you're living under the threat of violence/rape...)
Giving it 4 stars because while I don't think this book will be a new favorite, I thought it was really well written and well paced, and I can't find faults.
A novella and prequel to the Gathering of Dragons series that I heard part way through reading it was actually best read after book 1. Oh well!
This novella takes place I think around a generation before the events in book 1. It sets up the brutal world well - there's war, violence, demons, destruction everywhere. TW: the hero has been assaulted in the past; cameo characters are assaulted on-page I don't know why I was unprepared for the sexual violence, as in barbarian/brutal settings there's usually "rape to conquer" scenes. So just... be prepared for that.
I liked both the main characters. While I didn't fully understand the lore of the goddess Vera or the concept of a quest / the demons inhabiting the world, I think more will become clear when I read book 1. This had a great mix of fantasy, romance, and a little steam. (Although I do think it's harder to be sexy when you're living under the threat of violence/rape...)
Giving it 4 stars because while I don't think this book will be a new favorite, I thought it was really well written and well paced, and I can't find faults.
November 11, 2020
The Beast of Blackmoor was a fantastic read with an engaging plot and great world building.
Mala, on a sacred quest for the goddess Vela, arrives in Blackmoor to tame the Beast of Blackmoor in order to receive the strength of ten thousand warriors for her people. But Mala quickly learns that the beast isn't a monster, but is in fact the warrior Kavik. And when Mala finds herself drawn to the man, she soon realizes that Kavik intends to do some taming of his own.
The world in this story is so incredibly interesting with gods, demons, and all manner of monsters. We learn a bit about how this world was ravaged by the Destroyer which left Blackmoor as little more than a wasteland. With the threat of the Destroyer's return, Mala has been traveling to various kingdoms on her journey to Blackmoor, which takes more than two years, to gain allies for the impending war. Throughout the book she goes up against monsters, demons, and a corrupt Lord out only for himself. After Mala and Kavik team up, there are some great action scenes and the final battle was fantastically done. It had the perfect amount of suspense and I enjoyed seeing the pair go up against Lord Barin.
The characters are where this book really set itself apart for me. I loved Mala from the start, she's strong and dedicated to what she believes in. As the second in line to her kingdom's throne, there is a lot of responsibility placed on her to secure the allies her kingdom needs. Kavik grew up in Blackmoor under the oppressive regime of Lord Barin and he found himself a target for the Lord's brutality. The attraction between these two is immediate and palpable. The steamy scenes in this book are incredibly hot and there were far more of them than I was expecting for such a short read. Personally I loved that though as I prefer my romances to be more on the explicit side. The quest Mala is on does put the pair at odds as Kavik believes Mala will bring about his end due to him pissing off the goddess Vela several years back. Overall I did like the resolution to the quest storyline and I loved the pair's relationship by book's end.
Just a note, this book does contain a fair amount of gore and brutality as well as rape and sexual abuse. These are featured heavily throughout, so bear that in mind before picking this up.
Overall The Beast of Blackmoor was an amazing read and I'm looking forward to reading the first full-length novel in the series, A Heart of Blood and Ashes, soon. I highly recommend this novella if you're looking for a dark fantasy romance.
Mala, on a sacred quest for the goddess Vela, arrives in Blackmoor to tame the Beast of Blackmoor in order to receive the strength of ten thousand warriors for her people. But Mala quickly learns that the beast isn't a monster, but is in fact the warrior Kavik. And when Mala finds herself drawn to the man, she soon realizes that Kavik intends to do some taming of his own.
The world in this story is so incredibly interesting with gods, demons, and all manner of monsters. We learn a bit about how this world was ravaged by the Destroyer which left Blackmoor as little more than a wasteland. With the threat of the Destroyer's return, Mala has been traveling to various kingdoms on her journey to Blackmoor, which takes more than two years, to gain allies for the impending war. Throughout the book she goes up against monsters, demons, and a corrupt Lord out only for himself. After Mala and Kavik team up, there are some great action scenes and the final battle was fantastically done. It had the perfect amount of suspense and I enjoyed seeing the pair go up against Lord Barin.
The characters are where this book really set itself apart for me. I loved Mala from the start, she's strong and dedicated to what she believes in. As the second in line to her kingdom's throne, there is a lot of responsibility placed on her to secure the allies her kingdom needs. Kavik grew up in Blackmoor under the oppressive regime of Lord Barin and he found himself a target for the Lord's brutality. The attraction between these two is immediate and palpable. The steamy scenes in this book are incredibly hot and there were far more of them than I was expecting for such a short read. Personally I loved that though as I prefer my romances to be more on the explicit side. The quest Mala is on does put the pair at odds as Kavik believes Mala will bring about his end due to him pissing off the goddess Vela several years back. Overall I did like the resolution to the quest storyline and I loved the pair's relationship by book's end.
Just a note, this book does contain a fair amount of gore and brutality as well as rape and sexual abuse. These are featured heavily throughout, so bear that in mind before picking this up.
Overall The Beast of Blackmoor was an amazing read and I'm looking forward to reading the first full-length novel in the series, A Heart of Blood and Ashes, soon. I highly recommend this novella if you're looking for a dark fantasy romance.
October 29, 2021
Loved this prequel. CW for rape referenced.
July 12, 2020
I’m absolutely obsessed with these books! The writing is so unique and they’re unlike anything I’ve ever read. Filled with magic, fierce heroines, and barbaric men you can’t help but love.
May 8, 2020
I read it in the anthology Night Shift and I really loved it!
June 9, 2022
The Beast of Blackmoor was unbelievably dark ~ raw ~ gripping ~ gritty ~ brutal~ heart-pounding~ and viciously breathtaking! The world building was so fresh so original! This novella was definitely a Fantasy well-suited for adventurous ~ daring ~ and super-strong readers!
I was still haunted by the vision and all the other senses permeating every fight scene ~ raw sex scene ~ and more! Everything was indescribably extreme!
And yes! I was totally blown away by Kavik, a tortured and kick ass warrior, and Mala, 'High Daughter of the House of Krima, second in line to the Ivory Throne, and one of Vela’s Chosen.' The ending was beyond-words heart stopping! Together, they finally delivered a deserving end to a demon-created warlord, who couldn't be killed previously! Five Haunting-Gripping-Heart-Stopping Stars 💘💎⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Happy Ending was hands down, one of the most amazing scenes in the novella:
But my blood thirsty heart needed to share how the warlord met his end:
I was still haunted by the vision and all the other senses permeating every fight scene ~ raw sex scene ~ and more! Everything was indescribably extreme!
And yes! I was totally blown away by Kavik, a tortured and kick ass warrior, and Mala, 'High Daughter of the House of Krima, second in line to the Ivory Throne, and one of Vela’s Chosen.' The ending was beyond-words heart stopping! Together, they finally delivered a deserving end to a demon-created warlord, who couldn't be killed previously! Five Haunting-Gripping-Heart-Stopping Stars 💘💎⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Happy Ending was hands down, one of the most amazing scenes in the novella:
“Was I worth the wait?”
“Worth waiting forever,” he said gruffly. . .
“Was I worth the pain?”
“And so much more,” she breathed, taking him deeper. Her beast. Her warrior. Her heart.
But my blood thirsty heart needed to share how the warlord met his end:
When Kavik set his blade against the side of the man's neck, Barin looked into his eyes, grinning. He didn't look down to see the ivory shard in Kaviks's left hand—until blood spilled from his mouth. Then he glanced down to see it embedded in his heart.
Cruel. But Mala thought Barin deserved it.
The warlord looked up, and she thought that now he saw what Kavik was. His end. His death. It was the last he saw. Kavik yanked the shard from his chest and shoved it through his eye. Barin slid to the floor.
December 1, 2020
This novella is the perfect introduction to the fantasy- barbarian world that Milla Vane has created.
Novellas at the beginning of a series are tough- they are short but have to get the reader interested in the series so they keep reading but can't do alot of world building or it gets boring. This one balanced all that expertly.
I adored the tortured hero Kavik! Mala our heroine was a total bada$$. She didn't need a man to take care of her but wanted someone to walk beside her. The sexy times were perfect and I can't wait to read the next book!
Novellas at the beginning of a series are tough- they are short but have to get the reader interested in the series so they keep reading but can't do alot of world building or it gets boring. This one balanced all that expertly.
I adored the tortured hero Kavik! Mala our heroine was a total bada$$. She didn't need a man to take care of her but wanted someone to walk beside her. The sexy times were perfect and I can't wait to read the next book!
July 30, 2020
I really loved this short story - it really rekindled all the things I liked about the first book and reminded me I haven't read the second yet :(
Mala is absolutely awesome, strong, sweet, fierce, loyal and so many more things all packed into this short story.
Mala is absolutely awesome, strong, sweet, fierce, loyal and so many more things all packed into this short story.
November 7, 2020
I read the author’s first book in the series, A Heart of Blood and Ashes, earlier this year when it first came out and liked the barbarian fantasy world. So when I saw there was a prequel novella that I didn’t know existed I decided to give it a read. The Beast of Blackmoor is another epic couple’s romance in this fantasy-barbarian world the author has created. This one is a lot shorter than the first book which was a plus, but still delivers on all the steam and action adventure. Kavik is the Beast of Blackmoor and Mala is the badass heroine on a quest (literally she has been sent on a quest) to tame him. What exactly does taming him entail, she has no idea but is happy to find out. Both Kavik and Mala felt like really well developed characters with interesting but dark backstories (check the author’s content warnings if you need them) and their chemistry together was the perfect amount of angst and passion. 🔥 This was the perfect example of a novella where the author delivered on a well-developed novella with the characters, backstories, world-building and all the steamy times.
July 12, 2020
ugh it took me forever to get into this. hopefully the rest of them move a little faster
November 29, 2020
Actual rating : 4.5
November 8, 2020
New to me author.
I don’t read a lot of fantasy, especially not romantics fantasy but I did enjoy it. It was well written and the world was well developed even in a shorter book like this one, which is rare.
Not too many other characters besides the villain and the two main characters so I’m not sure who this series follows. I might check out the next book in the series.
The sex is descriptive but I didn’t feel it was too much, there was a good well rounded story outside of the sex. I don’t quite think I’d call it erotica, just more a high fantasy romance with a couple of sex scenes.
I don’t read a lot of fantasy, especially not romantics fantasy but I did enjoy it. It was well written and the world was well developed even in a shorter book like this one, which is rare.
Not too many other characters besides the villain and the two main characters so I’m not sure who this series follows. I might check out the next book in the series.
The sex is descriptive but I didn’t feel it was too much, there was a good well rounded story outside of the sex. I don’t quite think I’d call it erotica, just more a high fantasy romance with a couple of sex scenes.
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