The Dark Spawn

Battle Lords of de Velt #4

by Kathryn Le Veque

The son of The Dark Lord joins forces with the Executioner Knights to bring you the Medieval Romance you’ve been waiting for. It’s a no-holds barred, dark and passionate romance where the rules don’t apply.

Prepare to enter the Darkness...

Coleby de Velt is the firstborn son of the notorious Dark Lord, Ajax de Velt. He grew up idolizing his father—and knowing all about his history—and he has his father's dark streak. That makes him a perfect agent for William Marshal and the Executioner Knights. As William Marshal himself says—'Tis better to be at the Devil's right hand than in his path...' And Coleby is definitely the Devil.

He's the spawn of The Dark Lord and everything that goes with it.

When Coleby falls for an unusual woman, it’s with his whole heart. He doesn’t know how to do anything half-measure—and he doesn’t know how to protect himself. Lady Corisande “Cori” de Bourges, an accomplished woman of considerable talent, has bewitched him and for a sweet moment in time, Coleby experiences something he’s never known before—a blooming love and a calm to his restless soul he can’t begin to describe. He believes he has finally found happiness. Perhaps the darkness has finally met with the light.

Until the Scots attack and Cori is captured.

Unfortunately for the Scots, The Dark Spawn is unleashed. Coleby will stop at nothing to rescue his beloved Cori, but when he finally regains her with surprising ease, a horrible truth is revealed.

All is not as it seems.

Can Coleby forgive the unforgivable? Or will The Dark Spawn’s heart turn cold?

(Note: This is a dark romance with elements of Medieval brutality, as is expected in the Battle Lords of de Velt series. There is an unconventional love story with unconventional elements, but as always, a satisfying HEA.)

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Medieval Romance, Dark, Amazon, Medieval

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2021

About the author

Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💋💋

“ Ajax de Velt’s army is marching into Scotland as we speak. I have turned the man loose and he has orders to massacre. You all know what that means.”
(William Marshall)

This passage is part of the Prologue, it’s also the part where I squealed like a child and stamped my feet on the carpet excitedly.
From that moment I was engrossed in a book that I could not put down, it was just out of this world.

Stunning. Brilliant. Awesome.
Kathryn has written a book that equals The Dark Lord.
After all he’s in it a lot, which is wonderful in itself, but so are all the Executioner Knights.
My head was spinning, so much information and situations made for satisfying reading.
So many brilliant characters made for a great book.

Now onto our Hero, a chip off the old block.
Cole de Velt is a real force, he’s got the de Velt eyes, and when angry can be just as destructive.
Corisande is his love, and no matter what he wants to be in her life.
I adored their relationship, sweet and beautiful, not something you would expect in some ways from Cole, but it was just perfect.

Seeing all the other Knights back, William Marshall included, was fantastic, it’s definitely a must read for all Le Veque fans.
Outstanding writing and reading!

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amidst the brutal wars between the English and the Scottish rises a romance that will be tested over and over again. Kathryn Le Veque sure knows how to write stories to enthrall us. The battle scenes alone are worth reading this book!! I loved seeing the Executioner Knights come together, as well as so many family names that the author has introduced us to in previous books....de Velt, de Lhor, de Bourne, de Winter, de Lara, just to name a few, who all come together to help with the war in Berwick.

I loved Cole, so brutal and dark and yet so gentle and emotional when he gives his heart to Cori. His name brings fear to the enemies, his actions during battle legendary, after all he is the Dark Lord's son! I also loved Cori's character, such a strong lass who is her father's surgeon and goes into battles with him. That alone becomes a big contention between her and Cole. Much has to be overcome before they can find their HEA and you will find yourself glued to your chair following their adventure!!

Kathryn Le Veque continues to write brilliant stories and I, for one, can never get enough!!! I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first de Velt dynasty book in 2014 ("The Dark Lord"). While I enjoyed the romance in the book, I had a very difficult time reading it. It is the story of AJax de Velt, a vicious and brutal knight. His mission was to conquer a large stretch of the Scots and Welsh border. He was making a statement in his rise to power that was horrifying and barbaric in its execution. He wants to be the most feared and powerful warlord in all of England, Wales and Scotland. Along the way, he unexpectedly meets his match in a spitfire of a woman named Kellington Coleby. Beautiful, intelligent and feisty, Lady Kellington refuses to surrender to the man as handsome as he is brutal. But, his defenses crumble and Kellington not only wins his love and devotion, she completely transforms the cold, ruthless warrior into a loving husband and father. "The Dark Lord" is loved by many of Le Veque's fans, but you must be prepared for some unspeakable violence. I have come to love "Jax" in the books that followed for he was changed man, even though you know that spark of extreme violence can be ignited at anytime. His reputation as the most feared warrior in England still holds true, which was his goal all along. It has earned him some of the most legendary knights in England as his allies and many close friends who truly respect the man he has become. Men, what do you expect?

That is my caveat to a reader who reads this book. Be prepared for the spark has been lit in defense against the greatest threat to England to date. While Jax is about his work, the story revolves around his son, Coleby de Velt, the firstborn son of the notorious Dark Lord. He grew up idolizing his father, despite knowing all about his history, because he has his father's dark streak. He is the Spawn of the Dark Knight. That makes him a perfect agent for William Marshal and the Executioner Knights. As all of the greatest knights in England gather to meet the threat, Cole de Velt meets Lady Corisande “Cori” de Bourne, a beautiful, talented, sweet but strong woman who calms his restless nature. And, then, all hell breaks loose.

This was a great book! The romance has its challenges, the characters are strong and vivid and the back story is formidable. Ms. Le Veque hasn't written many battle scenes in her last couple of books and I missed them. She is a master of description and knows her tactics. The battles are spectacular in this book. They added to the story line and are brilliant in their ease to follow. Edge-of-your seat stuff. All in all, it is a great medieval romance as only Kathryn Le Veque can write!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly fast-paced and dramatic story, I found this novel horrifying in parts and deeply romantic in others. The camaraderie between the brotherhood of knights is intense as they depend on one another for their lives. Despite Cole's vicious reputation, underneath it all he is a man with a heart who feels deeply and the love he has for Lady Corisande makes him protective of her. It also means that when despicable acts of war are committed, Cole is deeply wounded by the rumours. I loved and admired Corisande for her generous spirit, and I felt her pain when faced with an impossible situation. I found the planning and strategising intriguing and was so glad that the final outworking of this novel came to a good conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea what this says about me, but The Dark Lord has been my favorite by this author, and now this one. I think because it was so unexpected. The reader needs to know that some of that happened in this time period, did happen. There is plenty of warning in this story to know what you are buying. That it is not your normal medieval story. It is chocked full of the worse kind of violence another human could do to another. If you are aware of this, how can you expect it to be filled with sunshine and roses?

In reading this I've decided KLV needs to get a job plotting military maneuvers. I could picture everything she was describing, the reasons, what would work etc. Times, I would be lost in The Marshall how he would strategize these huge armies. It dawned on me, how amazing this author's brain works. I can't imagine what her cheat sheets/memory boards must look like. lol

Yes, it is loaded with violence, but I found it had romance that built out of mutual respect. I enjoyed the honesty between the H/h. I own way over 70 books by this author and to see many of the heroes of her other stories, was like a family reunion. Her stories are stand alone, but you will have a richer experience if you read her series on the many families.

There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4.5 out of 5. There are a few editing problems, but it didn't bother me. Her books are very reasonably priced, and you more get so much for your buck.

You have gruesome violence during war, suspense, intrigue, twists, fantastic character's that jump off the page, romance and some steam. No cheating, no cliffhanger, satisfying epilogue 2 years in the future - love that, HEA and some romance. I can't improve on the blurb, so just recommending this story, series and especially this author. Just know what you are buying before you start to read so you are not offended as some have been. (ljb)

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Even the hardest heart will melt for Cori and Cole!

Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

1210 A.D.
Can you imagine standing in a magnificent room full of spies, killers, gentlemen knights including the fiercest Executioner Knights, all from the greatest warrior families? (Kathryn Le Veque's world that is!) There was a scheme underfoot that had to be stopped and only the best were being sent to Scotland.

When Jax de Velt and his sons Cole and Julian roused their army to march into Scotland to specifically capture a man, Alpine Canmore, it was no total destruction. Actually brutal and even hard to read about. But such was the way in those times. Canmore knew secrets of coming destruction and to the English.

As they moved the man to Castle Keld, the Lady Cori, chatelaine and healer, came into contact with Cole. She had never seen a man with eyes such as his and was startled. Such an imposing figure but also he seemed to be kind. Cole could not get over Cori "She was beautiful.. and her.. green eyes seemed to throw lightening bolts at him." Oh yes, an instant attraction for them both!

I can honestly say that this author is in a league of her own, bringing the characters and stories alive with her descriptive prose. Simply amazing and wonderful to see such a strong knight fall... fall in love that is!!

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark medieval romance packed with many of our favorite characters from earlier books. It was good for them to all be together in one place at the same time. Colby de Velt, the eldest son of Ajax de Velt is the main character, but William Marshall and the Executioner Knights were just a few of the other great warriors involved in this spectacular battle between the Scots and the English War Lords. It was difficult to put down once started. The depth of love sometimes has to be tested to be believed. 😍

[Mafalda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC and chose to give my honest opinion - thank you NetGalley!!

"The Dark Spawn" was a pleasant surprise!! I went into it expecting a Medieval Romance and I got that and so much more.

If you ever watched "The Last Kingdom" on Netflix, I felt the very same vibe so I'd recommend it if you're a fan of the show.

The book focuses in our main couple (Cole and Cori) falling in love in the midst of a Scottish invasion.

Firstly, I lovedddddd the invasion part of the story. I loved the planning, the actual battle and battlefield description. I liked that Cori was a surgeon on the field too - one of the best actually!!

Unfortunately, their romance felt too fast for me. All of the sudden, they were madly in love and I felt like I had to run laps to keep up. They were cute to read about, but I wasn't necessarily rooting for them.

On the whole, it was an entertaining read but I was expecting way much more when it came to the romance.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thought provoking read with lots of action, battle and horrors of war. But there is a bright side to all this darkness that hides in one's self. The Dark Lord's son Coleby is the Dark Spawn and is true to form. Coleby is a handsome man with beautiful eyes that set him apart in so many ways. He's very aggressive and very calculated in the act of war.
He meets the woman who makes him believe in himself as a man that can be so much more.
Lady Corisande “Cori” de Bourges is different because she is very sure of herself and the ways of dealing with people. She is talented and accomplished at so many things. Cori is taken with the man who treats her with respect and Colby is smitten.
Coleby and Cori are instantly in love and forces are at work to hurt their budding desire and a happy ever after. Ms LeVeque does a bang up job of getting the job done and bringing a love that will last a lifetime.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Spawn by Kathryn Le Veque is another wonderful romance from this veteran author. My favorite book from her is whichever one I am reading at the moment. I even like Ajax de Velt, who is the most gruesome hero in her stable. Now it's his son's turn. Coleby (Cole) de Velt is one of the Marshal's men and has such spent the last two years in the court of the king of Scotland, not exactly spying, but just lying back and hearing what he would hear. Now it has all come to fruition and the English know the Scots, along with the Northmen, are going to attack. What is not yet known, is when and where. Marshall contacts Jax de Velt and directs him to do what he does best, something he hasn't done in years, but the goal is to get the attention of the king. As William Marshal is sending armies to Northumberland, Jax is attacking Fountainhall Castle and capturing Alpin Canmore, the liege, who will be able to supply the information Marshall requires. Only two other are to be left alive: his wife, who may be able to help persuade to cooperate, and a man to tell the tale of what happened that day. After Jax "questions" the man he is taken to Alastor de Bourne, the hereditary king of Northumberland and the man most likely to assist William Marshal and his army in rebuffing this attack. Shortly after Canmore's arrival he meets with an unfortunate accident (truly) but inadvertently discloses the information they need. Then Cole meets de Bourne's daughter, Corisande (Cori) and life starts spinning out of control.

Cori travels with her father's army to act in a medical capacity. This nearly puts Cole over the edge. He is so protective of her. He can't allow this. But she is not one to take orders and she refuses to listen. The more time he spends with Cori, the more he wants her, and then he realizes he loves her. She is so different from the compliant wife he lost. But, there are things in the way. There is a woman who thinks they are going to become betrothed. Cori won't admit her feelings until that situation has been rectified. There are so many things going on: things that need to be fixed. Can all of this get straight? So many of our favorites are here, on the edge of Scotland, fighting to retain their property and their lives. Cole de Velt is a real hero and Cori will be the perfect wife for him, if he can work it all out. This is a gripping story full of detail and twists and turns. There is nobody like Le Veque for creating characters that a reader immediately identifies with and cheers for. This is a fabulous book...one of her best, and that is saying something. I recommend it.

I was invited to read an e-ARC of The Dark Spawn by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #thedarkspawn

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Marshal has called his Executioner knights together, and what a collection it is of familiar names: Christopher de Lohr, Sir Bric MacRohan, Sir Dashiell Reims, David de Lohr, Kress de Rhydian, Achilles de Dere, Maxton of Loxbeare, Kevin De Lara, Alexander de Sherrington, Caius d'Avignon "The Britannia Viper", and Gart Forbes. Marshal proceeds to tell them he has called them to together with their armies to help protect England, and that he has turned The Dark Lord, Ajax de Velt loose on Scotland to send a message to William, King of Scotland. This is only the Prologue. What a beginning!!!!!
This is the story of Coleby 'Cole', son of Ajax de Velt; and Lady Corisande 'Cori' de Bourges.
Cole has been a spy for William Marshall for two years in Scotland. After Ajax de Velt captures the Scottish fortress Fountainhall, Cole helps to deliver Alpin Canmore to Cori's father to be interrogated. The chemistry between Coleby and Cori is instantaneous and Cole knows he wants Cori in his life. Cori is a healer, and her father's surgeon when he goes to war which is very unusual for a woman.
Kathryn Le Veque has written a gripping fast paced story that you won't want to put down. The battles are ferocious. All the historical details that Kathryn gives in her stories is amazing with wonderful rich details. It was wonderful to see so many familiar characters in this story, but also to meet some new ones that we know will have stories of their own sometime in the future. I always sit down and read Kathryn's new books on the day they come out. I hope you will as well

[Cindy Coker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story! Gosh so many things made me love this book!
This story is PACKED with old friends, within the first 5 pages I found myself saying “Oh my gosh, Sherry!, Kress!!, Dash 🤩” I could go on, but goodness, all the greats in one place for an incredible cause is just the back drop for this story!! It gives you the understanding just how heavy this hero & his career are! And that is just the beginning!!
Add in an unleashed Ajax De Velt and good grief this story is just incredible! To witness Ajax in his element with his sons, somehow endears the de Velts to the reader even more!! You find that even though this story is heavy with battle, the battles add depth to the story, the characters & the time period in which it takes place!
Our hero is all that would expect of the first born de Velt! A heart of depth like his mama, but a fierce sense of duty backed by his unmatched talent, just like his papa! Coleby is all you would expect a de Velt hero to be & he does not disappoint!!
Our heroin is intriguing & fits the strength of the hero. She is wise but not overly bold. She is a woman strong in a time when women were expected to be weak.
I didnt want this story to end! The epilogue was fun but just added to my desire to want more of Cole & Cori! Another fabulous story by this author!!!

[SKM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I read this, I wanted to go back and read the previous two books dealing with the de Velt family and unfortunately missed downloading my free copy from NetGalley. That however didn't detour me from reading this book and I'm so thankful for that.

Cole is everything a hero should be: strong, passionate, brave, powerful, loving, and generally just perfection (in my mind anyway). Cori is also the perfect heroine: dedicated to her family, giving, brilliant, generous, and beautiful. When these two meet an epic love story begins.

Between battles, misunderstandings, kidnapping, and Scotts determined to take back land they believe is theirs, Cole and Cori have to fight to have their love, but when descended from the Dark Lord and ancient kings, fighting is in their blood and fighting they will do.

The book was wonderful, perfectly written, and had characters you care deeply for. This book gives you feelings of joy, anger and will have you laughing, crying, and begging for more. It also introduces characters who, like with all Kathryn Le Veque books, has your waiting with baited breath for their stories. I think I say this with all of Kathryn's novels, I LOVE her writing and I have zero doubt that you will too.

#TheDarkSpawn #NetGalley

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coleby de Velt is one of The Marshal's spys and has been working at the Scottish court. Now the time has come to use the intelligence he and his men have gained.  A huge battle will be coming soon. 

As the son of the most vicious Knight England has ever known Cole lives up to the family name,  but he also has a much softer side with those he loves. 

Lady Corisande de Bourges has been the running the castle with her father since her mother's death.  Her duties will soon put her in great danger,  but not before she a visitor changes her outlook. She is an incredibly strong and brave woman who will sacrifice herself for others. 

An all action historical romance,  full of great characters.  Some we have met before and some new.  The battles are terrifying and realistic.  

As usual our author has given us a book to really get our teeth into.  It will grab you on the first page and you will not be able to put it down.  So many old friends from other books meet up here, but it is still a book you can read on it's own without spoiling any others. 

This is an author that I will buy automatically without even reading the blurbs. 

Great book.  I loved it. 

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Leveque novel I read gets better and better. I actually began with probably the most barbaric and violent one, which somewhat turned me off (Dark Lord), but then I got into the Executioner Knights and William Marshall stories , and they just kept getting better and better (Sean deLara, drool). I continue to look forward to the next one. I tried going by the chronological list of when each story took place, but then I found too many that overlapped, so I'm just out to read them all.

This one was about Coleby deVelt, eldest son of the Dark Lord, Ajax deVelt. Now you might think he would take after his father and be a real a**hole, but he is like his mother, Kellington, and possesses real character and depth of feelings, something that Jax didn't develop until he met and fell in love with Kellington. Cole, another of William Marshall's spies in the Scot's court of King William the Rough, meets his match in Corisande deBourne while interrogating a captured Scot at the Keld, Corisande's family keep.

All goes well until.........well, you're just going to have to read the book to find out. Enjoy!

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical romance.

I loved the story of Cole and Cori. Cole de felt, son of Jax, was a spy for the Marshal. Cori is the eldest daughter of Alastair. Scots are planning to take back Northumberland and Cole has taken this info to the Marshal. The response and his assignment is to take a prisoner to gain more information about the plan. Jax leads the attack to make a terrifying statement to the Cole takes the prisoner to the castle of Cori’s father for more questioning. That is where they meet and the attraction is instant. They keeps being brought together as if fate is at play. Soon the war between the English and the Scots is in full play and all the English armies are surrounding Berwick where the Scots are embedded waiting for the Northmen from the sea. A vicious battle takes place putting Cori and her sister in harms way. I won’t spoil what happens next. This is a book full of excitement, truth, war, vengeance, and forgiveness. You should definitely read it. My only complaint is there are MANY editing errors which are a challenge for me. But, the story was good enough I still rated it a 5.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read by Ms. Le Veque! Having a legendary and battle driven father, Cole has much of his father in him, but underneath, he is a caring person, but many do not see that. He has been working as a spy, gathering Intel about the Scots and their plans. He never expected to feel anything until he met Cori and he knew there was something special about her. Cori is the surgeon and healer for the castle and the daughter of de Bourges. Cori is talented in her healing abilities and cares for all those around. Having not had much interest in men due to her duties, she is struck by Cole. They have a few bumps in the road they need to overcome, but both fall in love with each other. However, the Scots have an agenda and the English need to counter their plans. During a battle, Cori is taken as a hostage and Cole will stop at nothing to get her back, but what he discovers could change everything between them.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Marshal gives his command for Jax de Velt to march his war machine against the Scots. Terror reins as he uses his methods of death and destruction from twenty-five years ago. Fountainhall must be completely destroyed and Alpin Canmore captured. He knows the plans of invasion into England by the Scots and the Northmen. Cole de Velt is Jax's oldest son and an Executioner Knight. A spy for Marshal, he worked his way close to the Scottish King, William the Lion. Now it is his job to take Alpin to Alsta de Bourne at The Keld to be questioned. Alsta's oldest daughter, Corisande, is his surgeon and healer. When her father goes to war, she goes with him. Smitten from the first meeting, it doesn't take long for Cole to know he wants her for his wife. In the midst of war, Cole must decide what is more important, to love her for her sacrifice or condemn her for her actions. A strong massive knight, even with his faults, he is sweet, compassionate and easy to fall for. I always plan my time to read a Le Veque book without interruption.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Lord, Ajax de Velt’s son Coleby de Velt has grown into quite the executioner knight. He’s definitely taking after his father’s dark side in warfar. The perfect knight for William Marshal to send on a mission marching across Scotland and on the loose. Katheryn le Veque certainly knows how to write a story that grabs your attention and you can’t stop reading until the end. He falls for Lady Corisande “Cori” de Bourges after she’s bewitched him. We see Coleby falling in love, she’s taken captive and a great secret is revealed. Will life ever be the same? Will even a darker side of Coleby come to life? Life in medieval times were brutal time in history especial if you’re a de Velt! I love how we see all of our favorite knights of old rom Christopher de Lohr, Gart Forbes, Sean and Kevin de Lara to name a few of the executioner knights. I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent book filled with action, betrayal, love and romance.

[Rachel Smith Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jax de Velt's firstborn is all grown up and fighting along side his father when Jax is called out of retirement as an intimidation tactic for the Scots who are co-conspiring with the Northmen to take Berwick. During this time, Cole meets Corisande de Bourne, and even though there is an implied agreement with another, Cole falls for her.

Wrong time for love though, in the middle of a war, but love blooms in the strangest places. Besides, they are an excellent match. Her being a surgeon for her father's army, and him being an Executioner Knight. Although, he doesn't like it when she goes into battle. But he does understand duty.

There is a lot of violence and gore in this story, so beware.

While I enjoyed Cole's and Cori's romance, Cori's sister Gaia stood out as a secondary character and I hope she gets her own story.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Le Veque has the ability to make you feel like you are actually in the past living the story. You feel what the characters feel, and you want to be there doing your part for the glory of the kingdom. The level of detail and the action in her books grab you and draw you in. Beginning with the prologue in The Dark Spawn, you can feel the tension in the air as you become part of the story, and it is impossible to put the book down. Beware, though, if you are looking for a quick, easy romance to read, this is not the book for you. But, if you are looking for a romance rich in characters and descriptions of a bygone era, you will love this book and you will fall in love with Cori and Cole. This is their story.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF after chapter 1. I have read medieval romance before, but never anything by this author. I didn’t have a problem with the gruesome parts of the invasion that took up chapter 1. My issue was there were so many characters introduced in the prologue, and then chapter 1 seemed to focus on quite a few of them, I couldn’t tell who the main character was supposed to be. Maybe because this is the 4th book in the series, but I just really felt like I was missing lots of information. I rarely DNF but this felt hopeless unless I go back and read all the other books first. I think people who love the Game of Thrones style of tons of characters will maybe like it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sandra Standefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coleby de Velt has been undercover for the last two years as a spy for William Marshall, infiltrating the Scots. Now it’s time to be Coleby de Velt, the son of Ajax de Velt! The battle is coming and so is a beautiful woman that will have the potential to be Colebys greatest love or his greatest heartbreak. I absolutely loved Coleby and Cori’s story. Coleby is my new favorite Knight! I loved having his father in the story along with all the other great houses! If you have never read a book my Kathryn LeVeque you will not be disappointed in this one. I love all of her stories but this one is epic!

[Kathy Keesee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Corisand's Story

Cole de Velt, The oldest son of Ajax de Velt loses his wife and daughter to sickness....Not thinking about anything but work and war he meets the daughter of an Ally. Cori is strong, smart and beautiful and fiercely loyal to her little sister. Gaia is a little boy crazy and manages to stir up some trouble between Cole and Cori actually doing something that Helps her sister and clan members that have been captured by the Scots. All works out well and Cole has a new Respect for the butt pinching little sister.......a good Read, I enjoyed it ! Another Hit by Le Veque!!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional read. There many scrafices, war, death and new found love. This book is about Jax's son Cole. The De Velts are known far and wide. Cori is a strong and independent woman, she is also the healer for her father. Her sister Gaia is younger and more flirty, not as mature. But with the war with the scots, they were in the imddle of it. My heart went out to Cori and Gaia for their scrafices. This was a beautiful love story even with all the blood and gore. HEA. I just reviewed The Dark Spawn by Kathryn Le Veque. #TheDarkSpawn #NetGalley

[Barbara Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Love

Great story written by Kathryn Le Veque!! This story has Cole de Velt who is the son of Jax de Velt. Also in the story is Lady Corisande “Cori” de Bourne, who is an accomplished woman of considerable talent and a great surgeon.
When Cole and Cori first met there were strong feelings between the two of them.
The book is about the battle between the English and the Scots at Berwick Castle.
Good and bad events happened but the good out weighed the bad.
I definitely would recommend this book!

[Gina Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what you would expect from this author......

Awesomeness! It felt so good to read about the long awaited de Velt family, having Jax back in rare form was a surprise, along with William Marshall and his Executioner Knights, what a reunion that I didn't want too end. The battle of all battles puts you in the middle of the storyline, of course someone will be falling in love and oh so sweet, you will need the tissues as I did, had to stop reading so I could see!! Five stars is just not enough.

[Magdalana Conin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect story

I absolutely love how all this authors books and that while they can be read as stand alones they’re so much better when you’ve read them all. I loved Ajax de velts story and it was so cool reading about him in this book (never thought I’d like a person who impales others lol).
I can’t wait for the twins stories, essien and addax will make amazing heroes.
I also love reading about the battles, they sound so real.
I recommend all this authors books highly, best author ever.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

I enjoyed reading this book the first time and enjoyed it more the second time around. I have read just about everything Kathryn LeVeque has written in the past and am looking forward to everything she writes in the future. I'm sure by now you realize she is my favorite author. You can't go wrong when you pick up one of her books. She is a fantastic story teller. Enjoy.