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Queen Takes Darkness #1

Queen Takes Darkness

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Escaping the Darkness is only the beginning…

Catapulted by her newfound power, Helayna Ironheart escaped the endless darkness of Hel to the human world. She even managed to free her three guardian Blood from their stone gargoyles by giving them her blood. But escaping the infinite coils of the world serpent is only the beginning of her journey through Darkness.

Her dark alfar Blood know nothing of this world, and she barely remembers what it means to be a vampire queen. Let alone how to run a nest or negotiate with other queens. Then her brother drops off a scared, traumatized queen on her doorstep with blazing sun-demons hot on her trail.

Sun and Darkness have never mixed—and Karmen’s solar power threatens to obliterate everything Helayna holds dear.

She needs more power to hold her own. But to call more Blood, she will need to go back into the Darkness…

The one place she swore never to return.

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2021

90 people are currently reading
232 people want to read

About the author

Joely Sue Burkhart

118 books2,013 followers
I write books. Sometimes I even finish them!

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5 stars
360 (52%)
4 stars
200 (29%)
3 stars
108 (15%)
2 stars
17 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsay.
232 reviews287 followers
October 16, 2021
Read this the day it came out and I haven’t thought about it since. That being said it is so short that I gave it a quick refresh before typing this up. I really, really like Helayna but this book is only slightly different perspective from her brother's Queen book - Queen of Sunfires which makes this redundant. This adds little to nothing. The new info from this perspective could have easily been shown through a quick 1 page bit or a catch up between Helayna and Eivind in Queen of Sunfires. The only non repetitive part from the other book part comes at around Chapter 22 as Lizzy and Ciru noted in their reviews. I wanted this book to be awesome and I will keep reading from this author but dude, just chunk up your novels instead of making an additional book + another spinoff series.
518 reviews87 followers
September 15, 2021
The second instalment of our queen of Hel is a compelling and fast paced read. We get to see families faces, as well as follow our new Queen come into her own.
Profile Image for Ciru.
1,730 reviews
October 12, 2021
Honestly, 2.75 stars

I started reading this and was like, wait a minute, *visually insert the Kevin Hart meme here* this seems familiar. And it is, because it is largely Karmen's big fight but from Helyana's perspective.

Like Lizzy mentioned in her review, the very last pages, from around chapter 22, that's when there is new meat to the eventual story. And so because the book was largely a rehashing of what we've already read, I didn't really feel this story.

Also, I didn't really feel Helyana's power. She was largely muted against the backdrop of Karmen and then the big guns, Shara.

Uuuuwwwwiiii. Eivinid. Such a fucking, annoying, smarting off bastard, to the point I don't want Karmen to take him back. At all!! In my books, there is no redemption for him.

At this point, I'm looking forward to a 1,2, Helyana+Karmen's story is over, 3,4 some more of Shara but at the same time as well less of her (does this make sense? Like I feel she's dominated every book, one way or another, even if she is in just one scene, in the series and I want a new boss bitch queen to fawn over and at the same time ) 5,6 more passionate sex scenes because I didn't really feel Helyana and her blood, 7,8 we shall see where the series shall go from there, 9, 10 punch.

Anyway, I didn't really get my "Queen Takes" fix from this story but will definitely be reading more from as the series continues.
Profile Image for Teela (bookdragontee).
526 reviews84 followers
June 10, 2024
Queens weren’t meant to be alone. Our goddesses’ powers came at a great cost, which was why They gave us our Blood. Both to protect us—and to feed that constant need for energy. I couldn’t protect the nest if I was drained and weak.


Helayna Ironheart is the embodiment of goodness. I love the dichotomy of how so much of her potential (and her Blood) are tied to the darkness, and yet she shines. I loved getting to see her side of the budding kinship she had going with Karmen. I adored her interactions with Shara (seriously, all three of those ladies together was everything I didn't know I needed).

But I also really appreciated the extra time with her Blood. It's honestly one of my favorite aspects of this series/universe - that these extraordinary women who have endured so much are filled with so much love, even for what the rest of the world would deem as monsters. It's beautiful and I love it and I want more.

Definitely curious to see where we go from here, though. Helayna has so many lost memories, secrets that need uncovering - and then there's the revelation of her parentage! Didn't see that coming.

The way Joely brings together the richness and deep lore of all these different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds is honestly beautiful.

Another great installment that has left me hungry for more!
41 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2021
I was given an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. It was so well worth the wait. At first I was a little confused when the book started as I was thinking it would be picking up after queen takes sunfire's 2 but it starts a little before that. Once I got my head around that it was easy to reorient myself to Helanya.

The flow of the book was fantastic. It was great to see Joely come back into it as for the last few books I have felt the books to be a little patchy with scenes not quite fitting together but I didn't get that feeling this time with was great.

We get to see more of Helanya's blood and I loved to see them discovering the world they are completely unfamiliar with computers and pizza lol. It was also very interesting to know who fathered Helenya, didn't see that coming :). Will she take a triune seat or not hmmm too soon to tell.

We get to see more houses and more queens are coming online I can't wait to see the other dangerous blood Helanya will call next it is going to be exciting. Cant wait for the next one it is for sure going to be amazing.
Profile Image for Puna.
371 reviews20 followers
September 24, 2021
Oh goodness guys! I've been waiting for this book! I have so many questions and excitement for this series as well as the series running parallel to this story which is Karmen's story.

I'm so excited for the next part in Helayna's story! There were many tidbits that Joely teased us with. We don't know which of those stories will be Blood but I'm excited to read about it. If you read "Queen Takes Sunfires 2" then it's kind of the same story but told from Helayna's POV.

On a side note, I thought it was so adorable the way that Guillame bonded with Helayna's Blood. So cute. I want more of those scenes!

I'm really excited for the third installment of both these stories. Joely has said that Helayna and Karmen's stories are tied together so we should get the both at around the same time. I can't wait to learn more about the Blood! I really want to see who Helayna will call, how her powers will grow, and what her Blood will be able to do once they all grow in power.

Also, the next step...will be the Triune?! YES PLEASE!! SIGN ME UP!
46 reviews
September 20, 2021
Repeat of Queen of Sunfires

I was excited for a longer Queen book since it has been a while, but this is just a repeat of Queen of Sunfires from Heleyna’s perspective, except the last 10 pages. Not sure what the point was.
170 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2026
I was a little disappointed with the beginning, we get a larger recap of what's already in the main books and sunfires (my least favourite). I wanted more of Helayna which we did get halfway through. I cant wait for more.
Profile Image for Danyelle La Pookette.
497 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2021
Oh my goddesses! This second part of Helayna's story is just as amazing as the first. This is not a stand-alone, it really is best to read this after Queen Takes Darkness part one (and all the House Isador books). I'm also happy that I have already read Karmen and Shara's books, because this has a lot of the same events from Queen Takes Sunfires, but from a different point of view. I really like Helayna.

While she has amnesia, she does remember some things, and her brother, Eivind, is one of them. I totally empathize with her having a brother who is a bit stupid, a lot stubborn, and a disappointing embarrassment. I am excited to see if he can be redeemed in the next story (or two - I don't want this series to end soon), and how that might happen. It's interesting how she knows things about modern items, but she's been in Helheim possibly for two centuries. I hope that is explained soon, because right now I'm chalking it up to Aima magic.

Helayna's brand of vampire is sweeter and a lot less bloody than Shara. I think it's because of the three Dark Alfar Blood - Dorr, Myrk, and Svar - and the fact that they are dark alfar / gargoyles. Sure, she's a less messy eater, but I think it might also have to do with not having gigantic fangs. It seems like this branch of the Their Vampire Queen series is going to be more about mystery, adventure, and friendships.

I especially enjoyed seeing the alfar and some of Shara's Blood (Vivian, Nevarre, Guillaume, Mehen) interacting. As these three learn about midgard (our world), I just want to see more of them experiencing things for the first time. I LOVED the pizza scene! I would like to see them trying honey.

A few typos, but nothing too distracting.
2,225 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2021
Loved this story!!

I loved book #2, can't wait for the final books of Helayna's, Karmen's, and Shara's

Helayna Ironheart, Queen of Hel, escapes the belly of a snake with the help of her three dark alfar, who have been sleeping for an eternity in darkness. When they hear her call, they come to her aid never expecting to become Blood.

Helayna's been missing for centuries and when they arrive from the tree at her family's cabin in Minnesota, she can't remember much. When she exchanges blood with her dark alfar, they are able to shift into humans when they choose to. They have been sleeping for eternity frozen as statues.

Her brother, Eivind, the Wolf King, doesn't make her homecoming a priority when she needs him the most; which hurts her. Some of her memories slowly come back in pieces, others don't.

When she sees through his blood bond that another Aima Queen is left naked in a dumpster and her brother doesn't help her, she's furious with him. Then he shows up at the cabin and dumps her there, without even looking back. Karmen brings problems with her but she has no Blood of her own, so she's unprotected. So Helayna calls The Triune for help. But Karmen gets hurt before they come and runs out to the the legion and the sunfires so they don't burn down Helayna's cabin.

Helayna knows that she needs more Blood for her protection, but she refuses to go back to the darkness to get them. So she calls for more.

A must read!!
Profile Image for Precious.
12 reviews
December 25, 2023
The Author did it right…

On yesterday I read Queen Takes Darkness 1 and to be honest I didnt give it a great review… I do in fact stand by every word of that review. Ive read most of the books in “Their Vampire Queen Story” and I feel like I know the authors style..or at least the style she has written in for Queen Isador. I completely love this author. This book redeems my whole hearted love of their writings. This book gave great substance and I became obsessed with the movie in my head of this book. To be honest I could only ask for 1 things….MORE…. The last book was maybe 50 pages…that sucks for the reader….this book came in at about 174 pages….more of a short story…. I need a minimum of about 250-300 pages to quench my lust for these Queens and their Bloods.. I can wait to read what next!!!
Profile Image for Galina Sulaiman.
2,379 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2021
Queen takes Darkness 2

Man it seems like I waited forever for this book! So glad I was able to reread book one to refresh my memory. I love Hel she's pretty selfless. Her blood were unique and powerful. Her ability to care and help another hurt queen was beautiful. Her patience with her jerk brother the Wolf king is way more then he deserved! I'm glad Queen Sunna left him as he left her when she was so weak, he has so much to make up for. I don't feel Hel's story is anywhere near done so am guessing more to come. Hopefully more Shera as House Isadore needs more as well! Love this series!
Profile Image for Sonya.
500 reviews35 followers
July 18, 2022
Our queen of darkness

Love this dive deeper into these new and different courts. And of course learning about our new blood. The tease of Karmen and our stubborn wolf king will definitely have my reading the queen take sun fire series, but I liked the queens working together as opposed to fighting for more power we saw in sharas series.

I know each queen has there own issue to deal with but the switch from the Egyptian gods to Norse gods and myths has me intrigued about hels goddess. And with so many trickster myths I can wait to see where this goes.

The ending with a new nest and new blood has me chomping at the bite for the next book.
Profile Image for Becky A.
2,038 reviews
August 13, 2022
"Queen Takes Darkness: Book 2" received THREE AND A HALF stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

Profile Image for Ellie.
208 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2021
Great addition to the series but wanted a bit more of Helayna!

I love all the books in this series, however this is the first one where I have wished for more. Specifically more of Helayna's story and Blood, rather than the majority of the book reiterating Karmens story but from Helaynas point of view. It was nice to have a recap of Karmens story, and see a bit more of Eivind but this took up the majority of the book and there wasn't much left over for new content for Helayna.

I still love the series and enjoyed the book, can't wait for more in Helaynas story!
Profile Image for Noelle Woodruff.
830 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2021
OMG! Yes!! Can't wait for more of Helayna and her Blood. We pick right back up with them arriving at the cabin. If you have read Karmen's story this will be POV from Helayna and her Blood and the showdown the the Sunfires. Figuring out who her true father is and how she must go back into the darkness. And also trying regain her memories that were stolen or blocked from her. But first she must call more Blood. And we get to meet one right at the end. Excited for the next book!
Profile Image for Jasmine.
46 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2021
I really love Joely Sue Burkhart and I really love all the queens in her universe. Though I really enjoyed this book I was slightly disappointed. To me it just seemed like a different PoV with only some new information from Queen takes Sunfires 2. Nothing wrong with that at all mind, but I was just hoping for maybe a little more? Sorry to complain, don’t let this put you off because it is still a really amazing read.
Profile Image for Lyanne.
51 reviews
September 30, 2021
As I have stated before, Im actually liking more the stories about Helayna and Karmen (and Gwen), than Shara's. This stories shows Helayna's POV during Karmen's ordeal, plus we learn about her family and Blood dynamics. I really like the fact that we actually have a story instead of just constant sex scenes (I like smut but there needs to be a balance) and Im really looking forward to learning more about her history/past and about her Blood.
Profile Image for Tori  Belflower.
115 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2021
The second installment is rather fast paced but we're starting to get more of a glimpse inside Helayna's background. I adore the personalities that are surfacing with her Blood. The Norse Gods and Goddesses backgrounds are an eager knowledge fulfillment of move and to read a hint of it by one of my favorite authors is pleasant. I'm excited to see how Karmen and Helayna's stories merge further in the building of these two queens.
Profile Image for ♏Vanessa♏.
1,591 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2022
Good steamy fantasy

The problem with Joely's books is that I always want more. I can't believe this is finished already, I need the next one like yesterday. I love that the queen is the main and most powerful character and all the men around her behave with deference. However, her brother needs to be old off big time, stupid wolf. All in all a good steamy and action packed fantasy romance
Profile Image for Teri Warren.
66 reviews
September 14, 2021
another great Queen story

Joely Sue Burkhart does it again with a fabulous continuation of Heleyna’s story. This one is not as bloody as Shara’s story. I highly recommend reading the other books prior to reading this one. If you can’t please at least read the 1st Darkness book for the back story of Heleyna’s captivity. This entire series is fabulous.
Profile Image for Allison  Marie.
217 reviews
September 23, 2021
Oh Helayna

I love how intertwined these two queens are! She’s called a 4th blood, but with that call that strong how many more Arron their way? Plus we get a visit from our main Lady Shara. One of the best Vampire series ever. Joely always knows just what to write! Can’t wait to read these ladies final books when they come out.
147 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2021
Queen takes Darkness

I just did a complete re read of the series just to finish with this book
How I love them all
I really can't wait for the third books
This is just a really extraordinary super hot very fun to read series.....if you haven't read them yet you really really should
You'll love it
Highly recommended
Profile Image for Karinne.
79 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2022
Good monster romance

I liked this book better then the first one, for starters it had a lot more details. It was also a bit longer. It had a lot more smut then the first on. It was well written and the action wasn't all thrown in one spot. Hopefully there will be a third book. I called it monster romance because of her dark Alfar's and the other blood .....
Profile Image for Sofia Leggio.
18 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2022
ahhhh!!! i love this whole series!! i’ve reread all of them numerous times and i always enjoy it as if it was the first time i’ve ever read them!

This book helps explain the other books better and to continue the story on Helayna and her Blood💖 i can’t wait to read more of her and the other queens story.


also, her brother can suck a toe.
22 reviews
September 14, 2021
Love this series

I'm so excited to see what helayana and Karmen do. It's great to see how much power Karmen has and I think hel will find more as well. Loving the Norse twists and the dark alfar.
Profile Image for Cleocutie.
3,135 reviews25 followers
September 15, 2021
Wonderful continuation of Helayna's story. It starts with telling of the events from Queen Takes Sunfires from her perspective, which helps flesh that story out and make it richer as well as continuing her story. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
474 reviews
November 7, 2021
Short and ...

This book is short and ... I'm not sure. This book is hard to describe. It's a short story, and therefore doesn't feel as complete as the longer books (which is a given). It does have more detail than books similar to it.

I give it 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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