Blood. Power. Darkness. Agony. These four words perfectly encapsulate the world V.E. Huntley has crafted in The BloodStone Legacy: Damnation. This is not your typical sparkly vampire romance; this is a brutal, sensual dive into a dystopian future where vampires rule with an iron fist and humanity is enslaved. Our protagonist, Aden Westcott, the most feared vampire commander, has spent three centuries steeped in this darkness, his existence defined by violence and power. But then he meets Ellie, a human thrall who ignites a forbidden flame and forces him to question everything.
Huntley masterfully creates a compelling dichotomy between the brutal world Aden inhabits and the light Ellie represents. The premise, of a powerful vampire falling for a human in a world where such relationships are catastrophic, isn't entirely new, but it's executed with a palpable intensity that keeps you glued to the page. The slow-burn romance is a masterclass in building tension. Every stolen glance, every hesitant touch, crackles with electricity, making the inevitable explosion of passion all the more satisfying.
Aden's internal conflict is a driving force, his struggle to reconcile his monstrous nature with the possibility of love and redemption is both heartbreaking and captivating. Ellie is far from a damsel in distress; she possesses a strength and resilience that rivals her captivating vulnerability. Their connection challenges the very foundations of their society, raising the stakes and ensuring every interaction is fraught with danger and desire.
If you're a fan of dark paranormal romances like "Adrian X Isolde" by Scarlett St. Clair or "The Dracula Duet" by Karina Halle, then Damnation is an absolute must-read. Highly recommended for those who crave a dark, sensual, and emotionally charged read.

4/5 Spice

Dark, sadistic vampires with sides of dystopian sci-fi and steamy romance. MMC is more morally black than gray and would burn the world for FMC. Damnation is setting the stage for my next favorite Vampire series and I need the author to give a date for book two ASAP! The prologue accurately sets the tone for the book. MMC Aden is a foul-mouthed hot head who gives it rough to everyone. Even after a random meeting with FMC, he doesn't soften even towards her. He wants her to love him but seems incapable of being what most women actually like in a partner. Over time, Aden becomes the man every woman who wants to tame a bad boy yearns for.

The world building has a slower pace but is very well done and connects the bits of historical fiction presented through the book's backstory. The characters are very well written, and the MCs see great character development throughout book one. I really have to rave about the supporting characters though. I need a prequel novel or series about the wild young Sophie days PLEASE! I was not surprised to learn the author worked in the film industry previously. This would make an epic live action series.

This book is for people who enjoy the darker vampire novels like The Vampire Huntress Legends and not so much for people who enjoy softer series like Twilight. The prologue and TW list are available on the author's site and honestly, the prologue is a little soft for some of what is described in very strong detail within this book. While TW can be spoilers in this case, most people will want to read it first.

Thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial and V.E. Huntley for an E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I did not like this book. It just wasn’t for me. I started off with absolutely no expectations because I didn’t even read the description and that may have been my mistake. First chapter starts off immediately with explicit content for absolutely no reason. The MMC was a walking red flag. He was brutal and treated women poorly due to the fact he never got over losing his mate hundreds of years ago knowing what he is doing was wrong. Then he meets his reincarnated mate and the story then just got kind of confusing because she just happens to remember him and that she loves him even tho he treated her awful in the beginning.

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.

Dystopian future with Vampires at the helm because they had to save humans from themselves. For my Sci-fi lovers there’s a good amount of technology and bio science advancements woven all throughout the story.

Loved the premise, and the world was very immersive however the story seemed to unnecessarily drag on and repeat at various times. The ending seemed out of place like it could have happened earlier in the book. I’m sure its purpose is to set up for the next installment but that was also a surprise. Nothing in the story seemed to lay any foundation for an unsolved mystery or need for continuation. By the time we reach the last couple pages, the story seems pretty complete. I guess we’re supposed to wonder about the state of the rogues and rebellion but that seemed more like a nuisance in the story than a plot we’re supposed to be invested in.

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!

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.

### 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.

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

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!

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!