4-Star Review: A Dark, Spicy Journey with Surprising Depth

Darcy Fayton‘s Collared by the Vampire Prince is an engrossing dark romance novel that kept me turning pages late into the night. The plot, an enemies-to-lovers story involving a powerful vampire prince and a fiercely determined wolf shifter, quickly drew me in. While I am no stranger to the darker side of romance, I found this book to be both exhilarating and sometimes overpowering.

She was ready to fight. She was ready to resist capture. But she was not ready for him , nor the collar he placed around her neck.

Haunted by her dark past, nineteen-year-old wolf shifter Kira enrolls in Volmasque Academy with a single goal: to unite the wolf packs and overthrow their vampire oppressors. Little does she know that she's caught the attention of a dangerous enemy, one who would kill her if he discovered her secret.

Nathaniel, a powerful vampire with an icy heart, humiliates Kira in order to claim her for himself. He expects her to sit, and stay, and wear a plug like a good pet. But Kira is not so easily tamed, and he soon realises that she is not his pet—she is his death.

As Kira and Nathaniel navigate a dangerous power dynamic, forbidden desires rise to the surface, threatening to reveal their true natures, and they will both discover just how far they are willing to go for revenge, power...and even love.

The story opens with Kira, a nineteen-year-old wolf shifter who enrolls in Volmasque Academy with a hazardous mission: to unite the wolf packs and fight their vampire overlords. She’s fierce, courageous, and refuses to be controlled, which makes her a compelling protagonist. Enter Nathaniel, a formidable vampire prince who commands every scene he is in. From their initial charged meeting, it is evident that their relationship is both volatile and magnetic.

Darcy Fayton‘s writing style is fast-paced and captivating, with short chapters that easily draw you in. The tension between Kira and Nathaniel is tangible, and the gradual development of their connection ensures that every moment seems earned. Meanwhile, the plot is deceptively multi-layered. Aside from the sensual sequences (which are plenty and not for the faint of heart), the plot explores themes of vengeance, power battles, and self-discovery.

However, I must say that some of the steamy sequences were too much for me. While they’re unquestionably well-written and consistent with the tone of the novel, some scenes pushed my comfort zone. Readers should notice the content warnings, as the examination of praise and degradation kink, along with explicit BDSM components, may not be suitable for everyone. However, even when I needed a break, the quality of the overall plot kept me interested.

One of the book’s most notable features is its unpredictability. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, Fayton tossed in a twist that entirely changed my perspective. The finale, in especially, is a well-executed cliffhanger that left me dissatisfied in the best way possible, anxious to read the next episode to learn what happens to Kira and Nathaniel.

While the book is largely focused on grim subjects, it never loses sight of its protagonists’ humanity. Despite his frigid attitude, Nathaniel exposes levels of vulnerability that elevate him above the stereotype of the gloomy antihero. Meanwhile, Kira is a formidable force, her resilience coming through even in her darkest moments.

Overall, Collared by the Vampire Prince is a compelling dark romance that strikes a balance between spice and substance. It’s ideal for fans of ethically ambiguous characters, illicit romance, and tense power tensions. While the explicit content may not appeal to many readers, those who prefer pushing the boundaries will be completely intrigued. I can’t wait to see how the narrative continues in Book 2!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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