Five stars
✨Now to my review ✨This book is very well thought out, and I love it. If you love details so much, then this book is for you. If you have read Lindsey Sands's books, you will know what I’m talking about. This woman gives you ALL the details. It is a slow burn, and then it picks up, and the book is slow, but when it does pick up, it’s a train of spice, and what the heck in one! This book has me wanting more. I picked this one at the last minute as an ARC, and the author didn’t disappoint. I’m honest with my reviews. The spice is about 🥵🥵🥵🥵 on a normal scale (not my normal dark scale) with lots of edging and dominant scenes. Well done for a first book on the scene.
Five stars
absolutely incredible and spicy read!
Okay, I am absolutely in love with this book! First things first: The author does a fantastic job of laying out any triggers readers may have. It’s not just a list of words but rather an explanation so you understand how they will be used and can make the most informed choice for your personal mental health. While I don’t personally have any triggers, I understand this is important for a lot of people, so I felt it was worth mentioning.
The cover art and interior character heading designs are so beautiful and elegant. This book is about beauty, substance, spice, and the whole package.
The main characters were really well done, their personalities were complex and well developed, nothing seemed disjointed or forced. I enjoyed seeing the tension and steam that built between Danica and Rhyland. The plot is fantastic, and the spice…whew, it’s spicy y'all! 🔥 Loved the prophecy and fated mates aspect! Plus, Emily (Dani’s friend) is absolute perfection. The personalities and interactions with the supporting characters were just as good as the FMC and MMC.
There’s action and twists, everything you could want in a book. With a bit of a cliffhanger - of course! I will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy!
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Five stars
This was an awesome book with vampires, other supernatural beings, and fated mates. This book is a great beginning to a promising series. I can't wait until I get to find out what happens to Danica and Rhyland in the books to come. This book has a twist that I did not foresee. The dynamic and spice between the characters was very entertaining. Great book counting down to the next one.
Five stars
Received an ARC of this riveting novel, and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed it! It was such a page-turner. I could not put it down, this book is absolutely jaw dropping at some points. This book...no this Masterpiece, has truly brought me joy in ways other books can't. If you are thinking about reading this excellent action-packed love story, DO IT! This has definitely opened my eyes to a whole new, exciting world. I simply cannot wait for the next one!
4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
This is the debut of A.L Hampton and introduction to the Crown of Realms series. It is a strong start for both the author and the series. While a little slow at first, it was still very intriguing. The storyline and characters are complex. Dani and Rhyland are interesting main characters; they have great depth. Their romance is a slowish burn, but once that burn goes, it gets HOT with plenty of passion. This is written with a dual POV that gives an interesting perspective. On another note, though, the chapter headers are beautiful! I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Five stars
ARC wonderful description of magical power and great story kept me coming back for more. I definitely want to see where the next adventure will go
Four Stars
Phew! This book was good. I just finished watching Vampire Diaries, so when I found a post to arc-read this, I was not disappointed. It had the spice and a good storyline.
If you want to be sucked into a world of vampires and spice, you need to add to your list of must-reads!
Now I'll sit and wait for book two patiently 😆
5.0 out of 5 stars Great series starter
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024
This was an awesome book with vampires, other supernatural beings, and fated mates. This book is a great beginning to a promising series. I can't wait until I get to find out what happens to Danica and Rhyland in the books to come. This book has twist that I did not foresee. The dynamic and spice between the characters was very entertaining. Great book counting down to the next one.
Five stars
This book is just wow!
The story of Danica, a young human Geneticist, and Rhyland, the leader of the vampire council, is so beautiful and well-written that I enjoyed it very much from the beginning to the end.
The plots are really good, and I got hooked right from the start. And let me tell you, it doesn't get boring at all. The mixture of supernatural, mythical fantasy, and spice is perfect.
So, if you like really good supernatural mythical fantasy stories and sexy vampires, then this is your book!
4.0 out of 5 stars Loved!
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
This book pulled me in from the jump. I loved the characters and the storyline. I’m excited for book two and to see what else A.L. has in store for us.
4.0 out of 5 stars Can’t wait for the rest!!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book, which is the first book in a series. This book starts off a little slow, but it definitely pulls you in. I’m very excited for the next books in the series. I am a sucker, so fated/true mates and also Vampire books.
Four stars
I've just been dipping my toes into dark fantasy, and let me tell you, this book did NOT let me down! I was happily drawn into it with vampires, fated mates, and, of course, the darkness with spice! There is a cliffhanger, though, so be prepared to have to wait for book 2! I am absolutely excited to be on board for the next book in the series to find out what happens next!
Four Stars
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Dark Awakening is book #1 in the Crown of the Seven Realms series. It’s written in a dual POV of Danica and Rhyland. It does end in a cliffhanger, but I can’t wait for book #2, Dark Fate. It's so much more than a romance novel, and I loved the storyline.
5.0 out of 5 stars G R E A T
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
Absolutely mesmerizing, exciting, and daring and keeps you on the edge throughout. Great new writing style that has to be experienced for yourself. This is a winner, and I can't wait for the next story.
Four stars
This was a really good read. The beginning made it seem so normal(If you go in blind, you will probably think so), but then find out it's not! I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but if you enjoy reading books that involve vampires, this should be on your list.
Four Stars
I am an ARC reader and received this book for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and the story! My only qualms with this book is that the MFC is very whiny. It was starting to get old. There are a lot of punctuation errors and gaps between paragraphs even though the story continues in the same spot. Besides these, though, it was a good story! I can’t wait to read the next book and Dani’s adventures into the other realms. Recommend read!
Five Stars
January 7, 2024
Danica is a scientist and a mortal. Testing vampire blood during the day and bartender at night. She is then suddenly thrust into the immortal world with Rhyland, who is a vampire and has stalker vibes.
There is a dark prophecy to save the realms and a quest to find the relic.
Erik & Lucian are also vampires and are hilarious. They are Rhyland’s brothers. We also have werewolves. Friendships and betrayals. You fall in love straight away with the characters. The world-building is amazing. I can’t wait for the next book.
Four stars
This is the debut of A.L Hampton and introduction to the Crown of Realms series. It is a strong start for both the author and the series. While a little slow at first, it was still very intriguing. The storyline and characters are complex. Dani and Rhyland are interesting main characters; they have great depth. Their romance is a slowish burn, but once that burn goes, it gets HOT with plenty of passion. This is written with a dual POV that gives an interesting perspective. On another note, though, the chapter headers are beautiful! I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Five stars
Fantastic book. It's hard to put down. It's definitely worth a read, so please do go and read it
Five stars
This is the start of a stunning series with creative world-building, lovable characters, adventure, mystery, romance, and spice that leaves you desperate to read more.
Rhyland a vampire leader is tasked to uncover a prophecy and help save the world of Vampires.
Dani a seemingly normal mortal is suddenly thrust into a supernatural world facing perils from all directions thanks to the appearance of a shadowy stranger that stalks her every move and invades her every thought.
When worlds collide, secrets are revealed, bonds are forged, and destiny is awakened.
This is a delightful cross between The Mortal Instruments series and True Blood, with realms full of the supernatural, battling an ancient darkness, embracing destiny, and succumbing to fate.
Excited to see how this series develops!
I received a beta copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Four star
This book was a speedy page-turner that had me glued to the pages! Once I dove in, there was no putting it down. The author's writing style created an "everything, everywhere, all at once" vibe, which, at times, felt a bit over the top and chaotic. Just as I wrapped my head around one plot twist, another one hit me like a truck. Keeping up with the main character's antics was a challenge, but the breakneck pace, most of the time, oddly worked for this story.
And that ending... oh my goodness! It left me craving more, like, right now. Can we talk about that cliffhanger?!
Overall, a wild ride that's a bit all over the place, but totally worth it for the thrill, the character development, and the promise of more to come.
Three stars
The story is so compelling, with really interesting concepts. The spice is out of this world, like wow. There is a lot of science-based terminology, and it can seem a bit clinical at first, but once the spice gets going, you get lost in the world of vampires and shadows and sassy scientists 😅 it feels very in the realm of Mortal Instruments and True Blood so if you are a fan of those, definitely give it a read!
3.0 out of 5 stars Very compelling story!
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
The story is so compelling, with really interesting concepts. The spice is out of this world, like wow. There is a lot of science-based terminology, and it can seem a bit clinical at first, but once the spice gets going, you get lost in the world of vampires and shadows and sassy scientists 😅 it feels very in the realm of Mortal Instruments and True Blood so if you are a fan of those, definitely give it a read!
Five stars
I recently took a deep dive into the world of Dark Awakening, and I have to say, it’s an absolute page-turner. Picture a society where vampires are out and still finding their way among humans – the author brings out the seduction and suspense brilliantly.
Rhyland, the tough vampire warrior, caught my attention from his first appearance on the page. He is battle-weary and doesn’t believe in the vampire myth of fated mates. But things get seriously interesting when he meets Dani, the mysterious geneticist. Their connection is beyond intense, and Rhyland’s struggle with his vow to never love again adds a layer of emotion that’s hard to resist.
The plot is a wild ride with unexpected twists and turns, dangerous alliances, and a sense of urgency as old enemies close in. What sets this book apart is not just the supernatural thrills but also the steamy, high-heat encounters woven seamlessly into the story.
Dark Awakening left me longing for more – vampire lore, forbidden passion, and all. If you’re into thrilling and sensual reads, this one’s a must.
Five stars
I received an ARC copy of this book and can honestly say I can’t wait for the next installment.
As some others have said, the book is a slow starter, which I personally don’t mind; I feel it allows time to set the scene and understand the background. Once the story gets going, however, it’s quite a page-turner. The characters feel real with some depth to them; I especially like Lucian’s witty banter. The bond between the female and male lead develops quicker than I expected and is slightly underwhelming, but it gets very spicy just before then and for the rest of the book.
The world the author is building starts to unfold throughout, and the realms of other beings begin to be explored.
This first book in the series ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.
4.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyed this book!!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
I’m anxiously waiting for the release of the second book. I wanna know what happens. I really enjoyed this book. The characters and the plot had me in a chokehold!!
4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
What an ending! I loved this story, and I'm already not so patiently waiting for the next! If you're looking for a badass FMC and a possessive & broody MMC, I definitely recommend it!! Check your trigger warnings. This is partially a stalker romance.
Five stars
**ARC** This book ate my heart out, and I put it back together! It was like Acotar and Twilight had a naughty baby, and I loved every second! It’s funny how we think something can’t get better, but with every chapter, something new unfolded, and I couldn’t get enough! I can’t wait to continue the series!
Five stars
So, I just finished "Dark Awakening," and seriously, I couldn't put it down! The characters felt so real, especially Lucian - that guy's a riot with his sharp wit. The story had just the right amount of spice to keep me hooked. And let me tell you, that cliffhanger at the end? It's got me counting down the days for the next book. If you're into dark, spicy, and supernatural stories with characters, you won't forget. Let me add that the chapter headers are stunning! This one's a must-read and a must-have for your bookshelf if you love to keep physical books as your trophies as I do.
4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024
I’m usually one for an extremely fast-paced, spicy, from-the-beginning type of book. But this book is so detailed and interesting I didn’t mind the slow burn. Definitely excited for the next.
Five Stars
~ARC reader~ I am so excited about this new series from A.L. Hampton. It started with a slow build, but sentence after sentence it started blending into richly paint the scenes in my mind and tossed me right in the middle of the story. Which will definitely make you blush ;) It has an awesomely strong female lead and a dark and charming man who comes along and sparks fly. By the end of this book, I was left excited for and CRAVING to to find out what happens next and when A.L. will deliver the next of this powerhouse series!
