Seduced by Darkness

Dark Court Rising #1.5

by Bec McMaster

He fell in love with the woman of his dreams, but he never realized what that love would cost him.

When a dark prince attends the Lammastide rites, he lays eyes on his fated mate.

The problem? She’s his enemy’s daughter.

A novella from Thiago's POV about his love story with Princess Iskvien. Author highly recommends reading AFTER Promise of Darkness.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Fae, Enemies To Lovers, Novella, Magic

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2021

About the author

Kidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.

Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.

Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.

Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com

Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.

Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)

Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)

Where to start?

If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.

For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.

Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.

Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.

For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.

Reviews

[ren ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚜️ This review contains MAJOR spoilers if you haven’t read Promise of Darkness ⚜️

I asked Maia for a queen that long-ago night, but in my heart of hearts I begged her for the love of my life.

IF YOU WERE SALTY ABOUT THE LACK OF SMUT IN Promise of Darkness LIKE I WAS, this book kind of makes up for it… I promise!

If you loved Promise of Darkness, I highly recommend picking up this novella, I would go as far as to say that it’s integral to the series. The first book sort of throws you into the middle of the drama and explains things along the way but this novella shows you everything leading up to the first book. It's essentially a prequel of sorts that adds a lot of dimension and complexity to the series.

I was honestly a bit skeptical about certain things that played out in the first book such as Thiago and Vi’s whirlwind marriage, but this novella totally explains everything! Bec McMaster seriously knows how to write an enemies to lovers romance!

Here were some of my highlights:
⚜️ Seeing the depths of Thiago's heart (I'm so offended by how devastatingly perfect he is)
⚜️ Seeing Vi's resilience and defiance (I love her so much)
⚜️ The stolen moments between Thiago and Vi (hot hot hot)
⚜️ Getting a glimpse of Vi and Andraste’s sisterhood (cries into the abyss)
⚜️ Getting to know Thiago’s friend’s more (they’re so loyal and badass)
⚜️ Seeing just how much of a bitch the Queen is (this isn’t technically a highlight but I like that we get to see the full scale of her depravity)

I thought this novella was only going to be told from Thiago’s POV, but it’s actually told from both Thiago and Vi’s POV. While I was slightly disappointed because I wanted more Thiago, it was completely necessary… so I forgive the author.

Overall, Seduced by Darkness was a great novella, definitely a must-read for Thiago fans!

Rating: 4.5/5

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'Darkness' stars

This novella is a great addition to this series. It takes place before the events of the first book but it's necessary to be read after Promise of Darkness. It tells the story of how Thiago and Iskvien first met.

It was interesting to finally have Thiago's POV and see things from his perspective. We also got some answers to some of the questions, however, many new questions appeared and I'm very curious how this whole plot will unravel.

I loved the moments between Thiago and Vi. They are so great together. And if you missed smutty scenes in book 1, then this novella won't leave you cold.

“Do I have a choice?” I can’t help being on the offensive; he’s just a little too overwhelming.
“You always have a choice.” Taking my hand he lifts it to his lips. “Me? Not so. Fate took me by the heart five centuries ago and tattooed you there on my soul. Because I have never seen one such as you. Compare yourself to the stars and dare them to shine half as bright.” His fingertips rest on either side of my face. “You were made for the night. You were made for moonlight and stolen kisses.” His thumb brushes against my lips. “This mouth was made for secrets. It was made for me.”

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5🌟
this was a quick read and a great addition to book one

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok you really do need to read Promise of Darkness before this because although technically this is a prequel if you read this first it gives away a huge plot twist. That being said this is the story of how Thiago and Vi first meet but there’s almost a Romeo and Juliette feel because this couple come from two different Courts of the Fae and are definitely enemies. However Vi isn’t a monster, no she’s a pawn in her mother Queen Adaias sick games as she seeks ever more power. Thiago has his own demons to battle and knows he cannot trust Adaia but to save someone he cares for he will bargain if he has to. What Thiago hadn’t expected was to have everything he ever wanted within sight and yet cruelly kept out of reach !
I absolutely love this couple and it’s one of my favourite series by this author. The Fae here are everything I imagine them to be as they are beyond beautiful, clever, manipulative, greedy, violent and yet that’s just a small part of what they are. There is passion and a genuine love of life but with tyrants like Adaia the gentler sides of their natures are subdued. Vi has immense empathy and kindness within her yet it’s viewed as weakness and her small magical abilities make her feel useless. She wants so much to please her mother and if blunt just wants to be loved. Thiago knows as soon as he sees her that Vi is meant for him but convincing Vi whilst hiding exactly what he is brings all sorts of complications.
If like me you’ve read the other books in this series you will be happy to hear that the regular supporting characters all feature here . I am rating this as a four because as much as I love Thiago he wasn’t my favourite part of this book which as the hero he should have been ! Finn in his very small scene just had me laughing out loud and completely stole the show for this reader. This ends in such a way that I feel the need to go back and read the other books in this series again which is a testament to this authors ability to suck readers into her magical world. This couple still have a way to go before they can truly find happiness but as I’m a hopeless romantic and I trust the author to give me a happy ending I look forward eagerly to the next book in this series.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoilers for Promise of Darkness*

This is so, so dangerous.
And I don’t care. I want it all.

Seduced by Darkness was a mesmerizing look into the past. The story took place thirteen years before Promise of Darkness, so you don't want to read this book first. In this story, we learned so much that was unknown. I loved watching how Vi and Thiago's story unfolded. Watching them meet, learning to trust one another and fall in love was magical and all consuming. And there were so many unique aspects within the pages. I loved that we got to alternate between Vi and Thiago. Getting to hear his voice was exhilarating and everything I could have wanted! We also got to see little pieces from the future take place within the past, I was screaming with excitement for how certain things played out! And while this book and the first were both seductive and sexy, their moments together went further and we got to read all of the fabulous details when Thiago and Vi were together. It was extremely scorching hot *fans face*.

"Do I have a choice?” I can’t help being on the offensive; he’s just a little too overwhelming.
“You always have a choice.” Taking my hand he lifts it to his lips. “Me? Not so. Fate took me by the heart five centuries ago and tattooed you there on my soul.”

From when they first met, there was an instant pull. Yes it was one of attraction. But it also ran so much deeper. So seeing Vi realize that Thiago was so much more than what the stories and lies said about him was smile inducing. Her discovering the honesty and honor within Thiago warmed my heart. But there was also friendship in the pages that made my heart skip a happy beat. Finn, oh my goodness he was beyond fabulous. Finn and Vi together made me laugh and I can't wait to see how their friendship unfolds as this series goes along! But this book also showed us a darker side. We got a clear picture of how horrific Vi's mother was, and not only the lengths she would go to but the atrocities she committed. It was terrifying and left me uneasy and nervous for what will happen next. And Etan?! I was just left staring at the pages when it came to him, you'll have to see what I'm talking about. So yes, I definitely recommend reading this book! Seduced by Darkness is a definite must read if you loved Promise of Darkness! The insights you gain were invaluable and watching Vi and Thiago's love bloom was heartwarming

It doesn’t matter if she’s the daughter of my enemy. It doesn’t matter if we barely know each other. We have this and it burns between us. A promise of more. A promise of forever if only I am brave enough to reach out and take it.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

I loved this backstory of how Thiago and Vi met. It made me love them all the more. Even though I knew what was going to happen, it still hurt me seeing how things unfolded. Now, I’m literally dying for the last book of the trilogy! I can’t wait! This novella made me more proud and grateful of the journey they went through together – from this novella to Book 1, and from Book 1 to Book 2. They sure went through a lot.

Also, I loved Finn’s scenes in this. He was funny, and it was interesting how he and Vi formed a bond/friendship through her helping him a few times.

[Brittany Schulz: Fiction & Friction · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You don’t compare yourself to other fae, Vi. Because I have never seen one such as you. Compare yourself to the stars and dare them to shine half as bright.” His fingertips rest on either side of my face. “You were made for the night. You were made for moonlight and stolen kisses.” His thumb brushes against my lips. “This mouth was made for secrets. It was made for me.”

Super quick, cute read! Loved getting to see them meeting and i can't wait or book three to come out.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced by Darkness is a sexy novella from the amazing Dark Court Rising fantasy romance series. Even though the story is set thirteen years before the start of the first book (chronologically making it a prequel), it really should be read after the first book, Promise of Darkness. Promise of Darkness sets the stage for the entire series and has a wonderful twist that would be spoiled if you read this review and Seduced by Darkness first. You’ve been warned… spoilers for book one, ahead…

Seduced by Darkness shares the story of how Thiago and Iskvien (Vi) first meet and fall in love. Unlike the primary books in the series which are told solely from Vi’s, this novella alternates between the first person POVs of Thiago and Vi, allowing readers to fully understand what drives Thiago and the depths of his feelings for Vi. It also allows readers to get a glimpse of relationship Thiago has with the Darkness within.

While I already know the outcome stemming from this queensmoot celebration, I rather enjoyed watching Vi and Thiago meet and how they came to fall in love so quickly. I appreciate that Vi is tentative but determined; how she isn’t a victim of circumstance, but rather makes her own choices. Readers also learn that Vi’s relationship with her sister isn’t as bad as her faulty memories have her believe in Promise of Darkness.

All in all, Seduced by Darkness is a lovely treat for fans of Ms. McMaster’s series. She allows readers to enjoy the romantic, dangerous, and sexy parts of falling in love which were missing (due to the nature of the story) in the first book. Although chronologically this is a prequel, it is best enjoyed after the first book.

My Rating: B+ Liked it a lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written prequel that gives us a much better understanding of what happened during those fateful three days when Vi and Thiago first saw each other.

Prequel scritto bene, che ci fa capire molto meglio cosa sia successo in quei fatidici tre giorni in cui Vi e Thiago si sono visti per la prima volta.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSSSS! After reading Promise of Darkness all I kept thinking "I want Thiago and Vi's first meeting!!!" I was ecstatic it was going to even come in a novella. Loved to see Thiago and Vi's romance first blossom as well as learning their backstory. Finn was actually funny impersonating his inner Lysander in the tent (as I don't want to give too much away). This leads up to the 1st year Adaia has to give Vi' back so basically up to the first book. So good I enjoyed the whole thing and I savored it. I can't wait for Curse of Darkness SOON!!! Love this cover <3

[Grace Arango · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS TOOK ME ON A FEELS TRIP!
(p.s. this novella is a MUST-READ! Do pick it up between books 1 and 2 if you can!)

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Grade=B-

[☾⋆⁺ Nurse After Dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

His lips whisper over mine as if they're saying "Hello."

I would consider this book absolutely necessary to read after Promise of Darkness! It gave us so much context into how the curse came into being, and if you were salty about the lack of 18+ content in the first book, look no further - this book more then makes up for it!

I'm a monster trapped into fae flesh, and no matter how much I want to hide it, I can never forget.

One of my few issues with the first book was Thiago's characterization - and I think this 'novella' really rounded him out. We get to see some key events from his POV, which help us understand his decisions and actions better. We also get a little glimpse into his family; we understand Thalia's role better, and we meet Lysander as Lysander, not how we met him in the first book.

Overall this book has convinced me this series is worth continuing into to find out how we get our HEA!

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made a massive mistake … read this novella before book one … in my defence I had no idea that it should have been read after book one but … oh, well!!!
Anyway I can say that despite having already found out the big plot twist in book one … I still need to read it !! I need to find out what will happen to Vi and Thiago and figure out when and how he will save her … or she will save herself !!! These characters are getting addicting!!!!

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I know how it ends and that they will find peace and happiness this still... hurt. SO MUCH 😭💔

Murder isn't enough of a punishment for Adaia... Ugh that bitch.
ALSO I strongly suggest you read this after finishing all three books first since there are some spoilers in here...

side note: that hot second between edain amd finn khmm 👀

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

ThiagoVi one of favorite couples 😭

I loved reading Thiago's pov, especially for their first encounter it was so bittersweet knowing how their love story is going to end and all the things they're going to endure.
I really need book 3 now, I love all the characters sm.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[Cynthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew this was in the works even though I raged against all my emotions that demanded a book in Thiago's POV. You can imagine the unexpectedly gleeful surprise that struck me and I am just over the moon!!!!! Of course, after the first book, I practically salivated at the thought of getting Thiago's point of view because you can just tell it is going to be even more raw and beautiful. Well, this book blew whatever expectations I might have had out of water.

In this wondrously gorgeous novella/prequel, we get a heart-wrenching glimpse into how Iskvien and Thiago came to be. We see prelude into the supporting characters' (honestly they are such strong characters that bolster the story that they are almost on par with the leads) relationships especially with dastardly Prince of Darkness and I am enamoured. Absolutely enamoured. Overall, the plot here is really good and supported the first book really well. It is sickening how sad this made me knowing the lead up to the events in the first book but of course, we knew the HEA so that helped to sooth the ache.

The melancholy after reading this just beckoned me to read the first one again,... and so without hesitation, I did! And that was an immensely satisfying decision.

[Beah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3'5/5

[jammaster_mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Do NOT read if you have not read Promise of Darkness already!** This really does fall between Promise of Darkness and Crown of Darkness. You can really read it either between the two or after. I recommend you do read it as it gives soooo much insight into the characters!

This is a dark fantasy romance series set in a world peopled by Fae. There are the Seelie and the Unseelie as well as old powers who have been chained but who are still feared. This series focuses on the Prince and Princess of courts at each others throats. Thiago has ruled his territory to the best of his ability with his family of choice that he has gathered around him. But there is only so much he can do without a Queen to bind to the land. Vi has been raised in her mother's court to believe that she is powerless and worthless. Queen Adaia is powerful and cruel to anyone and everyone around her. Vi has no interest in following in her mother's footsteps.

This book is a flashback in a sense to the first time that Thiago and Vi meet at a Queensmoot. These are the fateful three days that set up the next 13 years of their lives and the lives of everyone in both courts. It was such a treat to see and get to know not just Vi and Thiago but the other characters in both courts like Finn and Lysander. I feel like the world is now so much richer and what the characters are doing and who they really are. This series is on the darker side with torture and abuse. At the same time the sweet and caring moments are all the more moving for it. This novella, which is a generous size!, is a great addition to the series!

[My Garden of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

TLDR - beautiful flashback novella -

Let’s start with a small preface that I read this after book 2 in the series (as released) instead of after book one and I think that’s the best way to read this book now that I’ve read it. Things in this would spoil things we learn together with Vi in book 2.

I still loved this book but not like the first two. There were inconsistencies in how they met vs how Thiago said they met in books 1 and 2. I think I’m gonna headcannon that the way he said they met he meant on of the 12 times during her curse because I want to still love this but it’s really stretching it to do that. That aside though the things that are inconsistent (how they met, what she did, how they fell in love) are still really good and make sense if you forget what was already said earlier in the series. In fact it makes even more sense to Vi’s character than what we knew before

I loved seeing more of the sister relationship and after the revelations in the last book about her step brother I was very curious and devouring every detail about his dynamic. Other little details about Vi’s relationship with Thiagos band of misfits made my heart feel big and were just honestly really cute.

Like the past books the smut was brief and not overly graphic. At some points we got detail and others we got fade. I will say the author writes impeccable make out scenes though

Overall definitely a great read and I stand by reading it in publish order

[Tracy Middlebrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I mistakenly put this on my library list, because I thought it was the third book. So I went to finish this story, and found myself in a prequel, although written later. I personally laughed at myself, especially as my review of book #2 mentioned my surprise at how few spicy scenes there were (which was a marked difference from several of McMaster's other books). Then I started reading this and it's basically All spice. Ha. Guess she didn't want to include it in the main trilogy, but tossed this novella out there for those seeking it out. Ha. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, as it doesn't add much to the main story (although I guess we get to be shown, rather than just told, about their love and relationship developing. And since main plot involves an amnesia story-line, kind of nice to get to see this, i guess). But if I hadn't accidentally checked it out from the library (thinking it was book 3), I prob wouldn't have sought it out. If this is a series you are capital L Loving, go for it. But if it's in the "perfectly adequate but nothing exceptional" category of series, you can skip this.

[Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great novella that finally shows what really happen thirteen years ago when they first met each other and how the curse began in the first place. Even though this is a prequel to the first book, I would recommend reading this after Promise of Darkness because it will give away the twist in the first story.

I am surprised to see Finn in this short novella and I really like his funny and flirting ways. I hate Vi's mother even more now after reading this and I haven't read the second book. Hopefully she would be dead by the end of it.
Vi and Thiago have been through so much for thirteen years and this novella make me like their relationship even more.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a little strange to me to read a prequel that is meant to be read after the original books. It is like seeing the Phantom Menace and the whole time you are watching adorable, sweet Anakin, you know he is going to become Darth Vader. It has got to be one of the most suspenseful set ups around. You know the whole time where the story is going but the build up is so worth it.
This world is so complex and complicated and the side characters, not just in the Evernight court, are intense and intriguing. Thiago and Vi's romance is just as heart warming and heart breaking as it needs to be. I grow more and more fascinated with Edain and where his story is going to go and it was wonderful to see some of Lysander before...
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Rachel Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The origin story of the romance between Thiago and Iskvien that I have been waiting for since reading the second book. I think you'll be invested more if you have read the first and/or second book before reading this, but then again this is a great introduction to the world of the Dark Court and can jump right into the first book afterwards. It also will make you want to know what happens between the two characters as well as introducing you to side characters that I am SUPER invested in. Hopefully there will be more books in this world after the trilogy is complete. (Fingers crossed!)

Full disclosure: I received a completed digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Trisha Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The chance to bloom."

I really loved this story. It seemed like a quick one. While not riddled with action, it is still gripping. Getting to know the characters is the main part of the story. I will admit that there are some parallels to ACOTAR, but not in a plagiarism way. If you like ACOTAR you will enjoy this. Thiago has three months a year to woo Iskvien, but her mother has her in Asturia the rest of the year.
This is surely the kind of book that once you reach the end, you're left a little breathless and eager to read the next to see how Thiago fixes this and faces his darkness.