Alright guys, this book starts out with a BANG and does not quit! Well, a few bangs actually...and I was immediately hooked. If you're one of those readers that claims to like a dark, villainous MMC but you really mean a broody cinnamon roll MMC...this ain't for you. Aden, our MMC is a big ol bucket of hot, but totally fucked up morally black character that needs to invest in a really good therapist and buy himself a copy of "Chicken Soup For the Blood Thirsty, Violent, Sex Addicted, Vampire Soul." He is about as far from Sparkle Twinkle Barbie —I mean those Twilight vampires as you can get. So if that's the kind of vampire book you're looking for, this ain't it. This is dark and violent and I fucking LOVED it.

This is one of those books that makes you uncomfortable and elicits very conflicting emotions when it comes to Aden and his behaviors. We know why he does the things he does. It's part biology, part response to previous tragic events. Does that make any of it right? No. Not from a human/thrall standpoint. Which is why our MFC, Ellie is such an interesting addition to his world. I don't want to reveal too much about Ellie other than she is quite the mystery even up to the end of the book (that cliffhanger). I really do love watching the dynamic change between Aden and Ellie and seeing how much she humanizes Aden and throws him off his not so friendly ways.

There are a handful of side characters that play an extremely important role in the book, mainly Aden's family. His mother Sophie is the most prominent side character throughout and while we do learn some of her backstory, I REALLY hope we get a spinoff or at least a novella because holy crap...there is a story to expand on there. I mean, the family dynamics...Can you imagine how awkward those holiday get togethers would have been? Yikes on bikes!

Speaking of backstories, the environmental cause for the current Vampire led world was interesting. I'm not a big dystopian book reader but l'm a sucker for vampires so l really enjoy the blending of the Old War vampire lore filled with the futuristic/scientific aspects that allow them to procreate and all that jazz. It straddles the line of fantasy and sci-fi enough that I think people that gravitate to one particular genre that might not be a fan of that other genre can still enjoy it.

So in closing, this book was absolutely fantastic and I can't wait for book 2. Aden is now being added to my book boyfriend list even if he's a little possessive, a little rough, a little stalkerish. That works in imagination land, not the real world though.

If you're a fan of:
Dystopian Fantasy
New World Order
Vampires
Supernatural Politics
Post Apocalyptic World due to environmental catastrophe
Morally Black, Anti-Hero MMC
Forbidden Love
J Steam & tame spice
Interesting Cliffhangers

Thank you for attending my TEDtalk! Go buy this book ASAP!

This book is very brutal. Aden can be violent and has a temper, and the treatment of humans by most vampires in the world is the worst kind of slavery you can imagine. IF you have trouble with violence or the idea of humans being disposable I would recommend the book for you.
The very slow burn romance was made up for by the first intimacy scene being nice and long!
Aden is flawed and tortured, but there is redemption as Ellie helps him heal from the events from hundred of years prior.
The beginning of the story was a little hard to follow, but it got easier as the story went on.
Reincarnation and soul mates are explored throughout the story, which was novel. However, I wasn't a huge fan of the reincarnation taking the place of relationship building. All of a sudden she remembers she loves him?
The ending was just short of a cliffhanger, with a huge lead into the next book. Lots of threads to get tied up in the next book, which in looking forward to reading!

Love this new fantasy book! Action packed and a plot like none other. The characters and plot are well developed and have you hooked!

### Book Review: *The BloodStone Legacy: Damnation* by V.E. Huntley

V.E. Huntley’s *The BloodStone Legacy: Damnation* is a riveting dark fantasy that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The novel follows Amara, a fiercely determined heroine burdened with an ancient curse tied to the BloodStone, a relic of immense power and destruction. As she journeys across treacherous landscapes filled with demonic entities, crumbling alliances, and morally ambiguous characters, Huntley masterfully weaves a story rich in lore and emotional depth.

One of the novel’s standout features is its world-building. Huntley creates a realm teeming with vibrant detail, from the haunting ruins of the Forsaken Wastes to the shadowy corridors of the Nether Bastion. The vivid imagery immerses readers completely, drawing them into a setting that feels both dangerous and mesmerizing. Amara’s internal conflict—torn between her desire for redemption and the seductive pull of the BloodStone’s power—adds a compelling layer of complexity to her character.

However, *Damnation* is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling overly drawn out. A mid-novel subplot involving a secondary character’s betrayal, while intriguing, could have benefited from tighter execution to maintain momentum. Additionally, the prose, while often evocative, occasionally leans too heavily on florid descriptions, which might distract from the action for some readers.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Huntley’s ability to explore themes of sacrifice, power, and moral ambiguity elevates the narrative. Fans of dark fantasy will find *The BloodStone Legacy: Damnation* a satisfying read, though readers looking for a brisker pace might need to temper their expectations.

In conclusion, *Damnation* delivers an engrossing tale with rich characters and an intricately woven plot, though it occasionally stumbles in pacing and overwrought detail. It’s a testament to Huntley’s skill as a storyteller and sets a strong foundation for future installments.

I really enjoyed this as a start to the Bloodstone Legacy series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed getting to read this. I enjoyed the way the characters were in this story and how they worked in the genre. V.E. Huntley does everything that is needed from a opening chapter and am excited for more.

The past is all coming back. Ellie has tried to keep to herself but her Master loves to punish her. So when she receives her latest beating she almost dies but another. vampire saves her. She knows that she is in trouble as it is the eyes from her dreams. Aden can’t believe it when he sees Ellie it can’t be possible. They are both caught up in the past and Aden has no idea if Ellie will ever accept him as anything other than her master.
They both know that what is coming is going to be hard on both of them as the past is about to meet the future. Will Ellie ever accept Aden for who he is? Will they be able to find their way back to each other again?
A great read. Good characters.
Ellie is a human thrall that speaks her mind always wants to learn. Aden is a warrior vampire that can be selfish, unfeeling but loves fiercely. So when they meet everything is different yet the same.
Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

If you had a second chance to do things over with your soulmate after ruining everything (including yourself) almost 300 years ago, how far would you go to make things right? What would it take to pull you back from the depths of your own depravity to seize an opportunity you never imagined you could have, let alone one you don't feel you deserve?

Hallelujah! This MMC is ACTUALLY morally grey!

4/5 Stars
- Dark Fantasy
- ACTUALLY Morally Grey MMC
- Steamy
- Slow-burn

Content Warnings:
-Physical violence
-Abuse
-Non-consent
-Biting/Blood

This story follows Ellie, a human, in a dystopian vampire society as she comes to grips with the truth of her past. Aden battles with his own trauma and self-loathing while trying to be a better person...*ahem* vampire. Damnation is dark, heartbreaking, and complex and will make you question your own morals as you face both Ellie's and Aden's perspectives throughout the book.

As someone who often reads dark romance/fantasy, I still struggled a bit in the beginning with Aden's feeding habits. That being said, I understood the author's intent behind writing his character the way they did. I love the complexity of the characters in Aden's family and getting to learn about their stories. Their background helped me really understand why they are so different from the other Gerents and their courts, and I can't wait to learn more about the history of this world as Ellie learns it as well.

If you like dark romance and fantasy, this book will be right up your alley. While the romance definitely drives the plot, it doesn't completely overshadow the subplots, which are undoubtedly setting the stage for the coming books. Its balance of romance and fantasy/world-building keeps the story and characters three-dimensional throughout.

Be warned: This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and there is no set date for the release of the next book. However, the ending isn't so gutwrenching that it will kill you, so I say if you're questioning it, read on!