Cursed by Darkness

Dynasty of Blood Saga #1

by Stephany Wallace

Two forces rule the world—Fear and Desire. Vampires are masters of both.

3,000 years ago, the first Vampiri walked the earth. The Ancients. They’ve lived among humans ever since—ruling from the shadows— and I am one of them.

Though most of our power comes in numbers, I reject that way of life. Being a mercenary not only pays well, it also requires ruthless skills—and I don’t care much for humans… except for one.

Wanting me to choose their side in the Străbun Dynasties’ battle for supremacy, the Martel Dynasty has hunted me for centuries, but I’ve remained just out of their reach. Until a new bounty-hunter crashes one of my kill-jobs, forcing me to save my mark, Mathew Delvaux, and take him with me during my escape.

Having to babysit a human while vile hunters try to abduct me, was not part of the plan, but for the first time in three millennia all four clans are after me, and I suspect that Mathew is the only one who can help me figure out why.

They’ll stop at nothing to get what they want, even tracking down the one man I’ve ever loved.

*Perfect for readers who love Bella Forrest’s “A Shade of Vampire.”

*This book is recommended for readers 16 and older due to devilish sexy Vampires, and a very endearing nerd.*

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Dark

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2019

About the author

Stephany Wallace is an International Bestselling Author of Young Adult and New Adult Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, and Urban Fantasy. She has multiple bestselling series including Dynasty of Blood, The Winter Court Chronicles, and Curse of the Lycan.
 
Stephany writes about headstrong, quirky, bad-ass heroines, and their swoon worthy, alpha male, sweet, or sexy nerdy heroes. She loves writing about Vampires, Dragons, Wolf Shifters, Witches, and creating incredibly vivid worlds that capture you from the very first page, and leave you wanting more.

Steph's Reading list:

Ancient Magic Series
*An Urban Fantasy Romance.*
Hidden Magic, Book 1
Renewed Magic, Book 2
Unwanted Magic, Eisha’s story, Book 3
Worthy of Magic, Art’s story, Book 4
Absolute Magic, Book 5

The Winter Court Chronicles
*A Fae & Dragons Fantasy Romance .*
Forgotten Kingdom, Book 1
Broken Kingdom, Book 2
Everlasting Kingdom, Book 3
Dragons of the Temple. Avra’s Story,
and the exclusive beginning of their war, Book 4
Secret Kingdom. Theo’s Story
and the series conclusion, Book 5

The Curse of the Lycan
*A Wolf Shifters, Fated Mates Romance.*
Beast of Shadow & Light, Book 1
Slayer of Hope & Sorrow, Book 2
Knight of Iron & Stone, Book 3
Queen of War & Peace, Book 4
Gustav & Zelin’s Story
Wolf Prince, Book 5
Dark Wolf, Book 6

Dynasty of Blood Saga
*A Vampire Romance.*
Cursed by Darkness, Book 1
Claimed by Darkness, Book 2
Consumed by Darkness, Book 3
Countess of Darkness, Book 4 with bonus story:
Cursed by Christmas, A Christmas Story.


Witches of Fire & Ice
*A Fated Soul Mates Paranormal Romance.*
Evil Little Witch, Grimoire 1
Lost Little Witch, Grimoire 2
Pure Little Witch, Grimoire 3 (Coming 2023)

Supernatural Taskforce Academy
*An Academy Series, Paranormal Romance from Authors
J.L Weil & Stephany Wallace.*
Scorpion Blood, Mission 1
Mystique Blaze, Mission 2
Immortal Shift, Mission 3

Darkling Penitentiary Series
*A Fae, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance*
Phantom Assassin, Part 1
Dark Phoenix, Part 2 (Coming Soon)
God of the Realms, Part 3 (Coming Soon)

Rise of the Dragon Master
*A Dragon Riders UF/Paranormal Romance*
Dragon Eye, Book 1
Dragon Rider, Book 2
Dragon Master, Book 3
Dragon Throne Part One, Book 4
Dragon Throne Part Two, Book 5

Wings of Change
*A Fae Romance Novella*
(Coming soon to Kindle Unlimited)

Queen of the Fallen
*An Angels Reverse Harem Romance*
Standalone
(Coming soon to Kindle Unlimited)

Wolf Bait
A Wolf Shifter Romance Novella
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Reviews

[❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Just okay. It is more of a role-reversal type of book where the hero is new to the PNR world and is human, and more "innocent", while the heroine is completely opposite. Normally I like role reversal books, but there were just too many things that really didn't do it for me.

The characters, even the thousands of years old characters, were immature and acted like teenagers that are over dramatic about everything. Then there was the hero who was some boy genius and a professor at age 23 that goes on expeditions and praised for his research findings, and it was just too unbelievable for me. There was also a little bit too much "action", especially as it's only the first book, and it just made everything super rushed. The dialogue was also a bit weird at times and not really realistic. The hero and heroine didn't really have chemistry, and he wasn't really any more special than the heroine's friends-with-benefits dude that is around the whole book. That also brings me to how many relationships the heroine has. Instead of gradually learning more about the characters as the series goes on, everything is pretty much out in the open from the very beginning, and I got annoyed with how much she thinks about Liam.

So, there is the dude she first drinks from in the beginning, then ex-lover Antoine comes in the picture who she has fade to black sex with on page, and is in some friends-with-benefits relationship with. Then there is Liam, who she keeps talking about how much she loves but can't be together, how she didn't know what love was until him, how he was the one for her, blah blah blah... Then the actual hero finally pops up, and not really a hero I expected... Although I love nerdy heros, he was a bit too goofy and weak for me to fully enjoy. I also was annoyed how when she was with him, it became "I have never felt this way with anyone before, even liam", like bishhhhh all you talk about is Liam and how he was pretty much the love of your life 🙄 like I don't even know who the heroine wants or who I stan at this point, and not in a good way.

Besides all that, the stars are for this being a complete role reversal which takes out a bunch of cliches that annoy me. The hero isn't a manho, the heroine is more sexually active, and the book was interesting enough to finish and not get bored. So although I was annoyed a decent amount of the book, it does get some stars for not going the cliche route, and I really hope I like the next book more.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

[Genieinachanelbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed By Darkness is Fangtastic! A deliciously seductive cocktail of danger, killer action, sexy tension, drama N sassy humor that will keep U thirsty for more! Absolutely Unputdownable!

Dariah is a ruthless beauty full of charm N sass, she's a fierce fashionista with loving heart waiting to be awakened! As sexy N Dangerous as James Bond. Imagine Black Widow from The Avengers N Selene from Underworld combined!

My Favorite Character was Mathew, all I can say is I'm Team Nerdy Professor Sexy all the way baby! 😉

Stephany Wallace is a brilliant storyteller, she has captured the essence of the Vampire genre by mixing old world folklore with something completely fresh N new! I'm dying for the next book it can't come fast enough!

5+ Sizzling Stars!!! 🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Dariah is a ancient vampire that doesn't belong to any dynasty and Mathew a human she was hired to kill. We get mystery chemistry and more.

[Deborah Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Dynasty of Blood series and it was amazing! Stephany Wallace has created a unique paranormal romance full of sexy vampires, romance and adventure. This book is well written, fast paced, action packed and grabs your attention right from the beginning and keeps you in suspense until the very last page. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book of the series Claimed by Darkness!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I don’t even know where to begin. This book was so good. I have a slight idea of what might happen next and cannot wait to read the next one to find out. This book has definitely captivated my attention and I cannot wait to continue reading this story.

[WhiskeredInquisition · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s start with the good stuff, because I really wanted to love this. The book eases you in gently with some very beginner friendly vampire lore which is perfect if you’re new to fangs, immortality, and dark broody types lurking in the shadows. The action and fighting scenes are also nicely described; when things kick off, you can actually see what’s happening (which I always appreciate).

But then… oh dear.
The tone is wildly confused. Everything before the *single* actual swear word and the sex scenes feels very teen/YA ( were talking “fudge” and “birch” levels of swearing). I think this is meant to make the MMC come across as endearingly geeky, but instead it just made me wince a little. Cringe, but not in a fun way.

And the FMC… listen. For someone who’s been alive for over 3,000 years, she thinks and reacts like a teenager. Not a sheltered immortal. Not an ancient being struggling to relate to modern life. Just… a teenager. And that disconnect pulled me out of the story hard.

Partway through, the book suddenly turns into Minecraft energy. A hidden cave in a mountain filled with bioluminescent plants and glowing fish, which sounds cool, but felt like we’d changed genres without warning. Pick a lane, darling.

Plot wise, it honestly felt like I’d accidentally picked up book two. There’s a lot missing, especially when it comes to Liam. Some gaps get awkwardly patched, but not nearly enough, and I was left with far more questions than answers. It’s like the story just… forgot what it was doing halfway through and wandered off somewhere else.

Also, small but important vampire-nerd question:
Why is Antoine working out in a gym? Vampires eat, drink, sleep sure, fine, human camouflage and all that but lifting weights for gains?? Sir. You’re immortal.

By the end, the story felt choppy, disjointed, and oddly adolescent. The characters didn’t have many redeeming qualities beyond being attractive, and there was so much focus on appearances with very little emotional depth to balance it out.

That said, it was an easy read, and I’ll give credit where it’s due. If you’re looking for something light you can breeze through without thinking too hard, this might work for you.

For me though?
I won’t be continuing the series. I rushed to the end so I can start something new and this will easily be forgotten very soon.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vampire fans must read!! It will blow your minds!

I am sooo hooked!! I freaking loved it!!! It has so much action my body gasp and hurt every time there was a fighting scene!! Dariah is one sexy and sarcastic ancient vampire who answers to no one but herself. She’s the real definition of YOLO but everything changes with her new assignment. She’s a professional assassin, and instead of killing her target she saves him, and it’s been crazy rollercoaster after that. Let’s just say a lot of vampires are trying to kill her and her target “nerdy professor sexy Matthew”. 😂Good thing she has an old lover or friends with benefits Antoine to help as much as he can. Except her heart. Things get crazy and twisted!!! The humor is the best! Laugh out scenes that will get you looks from people and swoon worthy ones that make you blush! It had the best Indiana Jones references ever!!! I died laughing! Love triangle? Maybe. Romance? Hell yea! Bromance? Cute overload! They just don’t know it yet! Go read it now! ps. She has a cute gargoyle shifter as a pet!! he kills and bites!😎 #goals#vampires#sexyNerdyProfesor

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires, A Sexy Nerd & A Cracking Storyline!!😍👍🔥
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)

Dariah and Antoine are both Ancients of the Vampire race. She's a freedom seeking mercenary & he's a Prince, bound to his Father & their Dynasty. They have a past together but Dariah is there to do her job & wants him out of her way!!💃👓🔪 Professor Mathew Devlaux is being honoured for a paper he's published. He thinks Supernatural Beings existed in Earth's history!!😱 Unfortunately for him someone has hired Dariah to kill him before his award is excepted!😳😢

Like most Ancients, Dariah holds no respect for the breakable Human's. Her job is severely derailed by an unexpected attack on her though 😱😳 & For an inexplicable reason she takes Mathew with her during her perilous escape!!🙈🙏

This is a fast paced, unusual & intriguing read. I loved the new take on vampire lore 👍 The world building is going to grow more complex, I think, the deeper the story goes. 👀 I really liked Dariah, Antoine & Mathew, I loved his Indiana Jones obsession!😂🙈 The romance was just about steamy 💘🔥
I'm excited for the next book 💥🎉

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Adricrisuruta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess that at the beginning I felt the reading so slow that I was about to put it down and now I'm glad I didn't. It was amazing. A wonderful read.
I like this world of Vampiris. They are different and without so much of the tropes we are used to. I loved how the author kept the intrigue about many things, getting me to crave to read the next books.

I understand that Dariah must protect herself, her relationships have led her to a lot of pain, plus not knowing about her family and her history makes her even more distrustful. Anyone can be an enemy disguised as a friend and that's why when she got so caught up in her feelings for Matthew and the memories he managed to conjure up, she decided to run away, helped by Antoine's stupid jealousy.

Matthew is turning out to be quite a box of surprises. I thought he would be a nerd, puffed up on knowledge, who just wanted to show the world his discoveries. After his experience with the Vampiris and the knowledge he gained, he knew it was better to leave the world in the dark for their sake. I only hope that with what he has found it is not too late to save others from that power that must remain hidden.

[Aneesa Bhayat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic new series!
Just as cheese improves with age… so does Stephany Wallace’s books! Each one is better than the next. This is an absolutely awesome book that’s packed with LOADS of action and great humour. Don’t even get me started on the romance…. HOT.
Meet Dariah an ancient vampire, that somehow gets caught up between a war that’s brewing between the different “Royal Vampire Houses”. She’s a real badass that’s actually a softy at heart (not that she’d ever admit that). This lands her in a bit of hot water as her target (oh, did I mention that she’s a mercenary), gets embroiled in the “war”. Throw into the mix her ex who is the prince of one of the Royal Vampire Houses, who is hot as sin by the way, that just happens to enter her life at that stage.
This book has you reading on and on, way past your bedtime. Look out for the cliff-hanger that has you wishing you had book 2 in your hands.

[Maria Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an fantastic new series by Stephany Wallace. Cursed by Darkness the first book of the Dynasty of Blood saga series will have you hooked from the get go.

In a world of Vampires, Dariah is a sarcastic, sassy and extremely independent. As a professional assassin, she answers to no one but herself. But things changed, when instead of killing her next mark, she saves him instead. With that decision, she's in for one amazing and incredible ride! Matthew is a human, who's not only a nerdy professor but a hot and sexy one! With the help of her former lover Antoine, Dariah and Matthew tries to figure out why she is now being targeted by all four clans.

A definite must read! This book is full of adventure, laughter, romance and sexy scene! You'll enjoy with every page you read, I know I did! I couldn't put this freakin' book down and now I can't wait for the second book to come out!

[Nikki Robledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series Stephany is writing is fantastically written such a page-turner!
Dariah is a super sexy vampire 🧛‍♂️ assassin going to get her target. Dariah sexy ex shows up Antoine it's been years that she's been running from him she tells him to leave but he refuses she tells him he better not mess anything up for her!!
Dariah is going after her Target Mathew and things definitely don't go as planned Mathew ends up helping Dariah things end up getting pretty steamy between them I think I'm going to end here I don't want to give too much away but Stephany honestly hit this book out of the ballpark once you start this book you will not want to put it down I didn't even want it to end I wish it would have kept going on I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! ❤️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not begin where I expected it to. I thought it would start with Dariah's creation. However, I’m happy to find it picks up a little after we first meet Dariah in Dark Wolf – The Pureblood Legacy; Book 2. I immediately was intrigued. Dariah is a self-assured woman – Ancient Vampiri. While the description of this book is spot on – it is also deceptive in that the story is SO much better!! The twists of the storyline and the development of the relationship between Dariah, Antoine and Mathew are impeccable. Seems everyone has something to hide. And it only gets more intriguing as the story goes along. Stephany Wallace’s has a genuine knack for world-building. Looking forward to the next installment of this series!!

[Keeley Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fangtastic

Vampires are one of my favourite supernaturals to read about and watch, so I was excitedly nervous to read a new book.

I was taken aback, once again, by the way Stephany writes. She’s taken a slightly different take on vampires, - who doesn’t nowadays? - but I loved it! Who cares if they don’t burn in the sun? Who cares that they have amazing wings? Not me! Haha.

I’m so intrigued as to why Dariah has THAT memory and why she and Mathew has such a strong connection - yah, I don’t believe it was because of the blood. Lol.

I can’t wait to find out who the ‘Ancient’ is, although I do have my own suspicions...

I’m also hoping there may be slightly more on the cave the rested in, maybe a side book..?

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Dariah

This book was extremely well written, the character development impeccable. Dariah is an Ancient Vampiress and mercenary with no memory of her life prior to her awakening. She's a tough as nails spunky independent killer wanted by all the vampire factions
Matthew is a sexy geeky professor who falls for Dariah, who was hired to kill him. The question is why and why didn't Dariah kill him and why is he bringing memories from her past to light? And what exactly did Matthew discover on his last expedition? This book ends with a small cliffhanger but is so worth the read for fans of vampire books. I cannot wait until #2... I have a guess on what he found and I can't wait to see if I'm right!

[Maria Varley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series from this author and what a start.
We meet Dariah who is a vampire assassin when she goes to kill her next human target. However before she can shes attacked by her own kind who want her dead shes soon defending not only herself but the human she was supposed to kill as well. Things don't go as planned and its Mathew the human she was supposed to kill that helps keep her alive.
Things heat up between them despite the fact that Dariah is betrothed, much to her annoyance.

Can they stay together or will things get messy find out in this series but just a WARNING expect a big cliffhanger at the end that will leave you wanting more

[LEAH ANN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series

My favorite supernatural beings are vampires, so of course I grabbed this book and read it. I loved it. It has great storyline and the characters are mysterious and intriguing. I love how feisty Dariah is but she also has a heart. I absolutely love Mathew. He is something else. I think there is something hidden about him and I’m dying to find out if I’m right or not...lol. I love how the author throws in a little mystery and keeps you guessing. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m completely wrong but that’s what makes it interesting. There is a cliffhanger at the end so I am anxiously waiting to read the book.

[Danielle Fleetwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephany Wallace has done it again! An amazing read beginning to end. You can't help but fall in love with the characters. Dariah, Mathew, and Antoine are the story. Dariah has a job, but is unable to complete due to others hunting her. She saves her target and her target saves her life in return. She leaves him as her way of saving him due to she, herself, now being a target of the Dynasties. Stephany Wallace has mastered the art of making you beg for the next book though! This is a must read series!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Cursed by Darkness... it has vibe of a Vampiress that is superbly awesome. In it you'll find action, romance, surprises and the excitement of a night of passion.
Aleksandra is a special Vampire... She is what is called an Ancient. A powerful, strong and very beautiful vampire that is considered to be special with awesome special gifts. In this book you will also meet a professor... He has secrets that have yet to be discovered besides being super Hot and Nurdy
I can't wait to see what happens next in book 2.

[Felicia Semmler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get cursed today

What an intriguing and unusual take in Vampires and I loved every second of it. The end though ... deff leaves you wanting more.

Dariah is strong, snarky, and brooding and has her existence figured out until she meets her would be target Mathew. He’s nerdy, fit, and pretty impressive in his community. Mathew is in for an adventure of a lifetime. Book 1 is a great start to what I’m sure will be an exciting and fun series.

[Lisa Eiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. When Dariah attempts to take on a job, with a hot prince she has a past with close on her tail, she never expected she'd find herself forming an odd bond with the nerdy professor that was also initially her intended target. If you enjoy vampire stories, you will enjoy reading this book. I picked it up to read it this morning, and couldn't put it down until I reached the last page. I'm anxiously awaiting book two in this series!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed by Darkness (Dynasty of Blood Sags Book 1)

Wow, what an intriguing and and heart pumping story! It starts out kind of slow but then takes off with lots action. I enjoyed all of the characters in here helping to keep the suspense up.
I sure hate having to wait a month for the next installment to come out but have preordered it
I would gladly recommend this book to other book lovers!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of something good. I'm still in love with Stephany Wallace's world building. Dariah and James are the perfect duo. Matthew reminds me of Nyx from her Fae series which is immediate love. I'm glad that she decided to tackle vampires and their lore this time around. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Yarelis Martínez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like everything in this book.
Surprisingly I laugh more that I thought I will. Mathew is a blend in between knowledge and the soul of a kid. It's adorable. And is a big contrast to Dariah's personality. I reaaaaaaaaaaaallyyyyyyyyyyyyyy want to know what's going to happen next, because of course, THE ENDING! I'll (try to) wait patiently for the next book 😍

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just fantastic with its different take on vampires and Dariah is just kick ass!! Well written you soon get sucked into this world that the author has built and is packed with action, (some hot and steamy!) and fab humour! A fantabulous start to this series and I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the banter!

Dariah has become my absolute favorite FMC of Stephany’s! I really enjoyed her personality and her strength. Immediately I was hooked in with the way she talks and the banter in this book! Back that up with an engaging plot and a lot of secrets to uncover? SOLD! Diving in to book two IMMEDIATELY

[Danielle Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!! Dariah is amazing and Mathew and Antoine are HOT!!! Dariah is such a badass but her inner softie is coming out too. The details are so descriptive as we learn about the Vampire Ancients and their history. Such a cliffhanger too.....can’t wait for the next book!

[Melissa Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally love Dariah and Matthew! New take on Vampires that is interesting and not silly or stereotypes that are boring and over done. Another great creation of characters that instantly draw you to them. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Melodie Custer-luckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE Dariah........ She is an AWESOME kick ass vampire!!!!

This book is a wild ride.... The twists and turns keep you guessing......

I'm team Mathew all the way..... Can't wait to see how it all plays out....