Centuries ago, Tobias Osian had his mortality stolen from him when he was unwillingly turned into a vampire. Ever since, he’s been consumed by the need for revenge against the monster who took his humanity – Vladimir Damianos, the head of Britain’s most powerful vampire clan.
Now, Tobias is finally ready to enact his plan for vengeance, using Vladimir’s son Alexander to infiltrate the family and bring down the entire clan. But what he doesn’t expect is that Alexander has rebelled against his bloodthirsty father by protecting mortals instead of hunting them. When the two meet, Alexander is instantly enamoured with Tobias. And as a string of attacks rocks the city of Oxford, Alexander proves himself committed to protecting Tobias, not knowing that Tobias is just as much of a monster as he is.
With his attraction to Alexander growing, Tobias must decide what means more to him: vengeance, or a love growing from the most tragic of places.
Perfect for fans of Interview With the Vampire and Saltburn, this high-heat paranormal romance brings together blood and lust in an intoxicating combination.
THE FACTS
📙 Queer vampires
📘 Enemies to lovers
📗 Twists and turns, not what you might expect
📕 spicy and well written
THE GOOD BITS
I was thrilled when I found out that Ben Alderson was penning another vampire character, so I was very pleased to get an ARC on Netgalley. The Darkness Bites back is co-authored with Laura R. Samotin and is the first book in the “Shadows Have Teeth” series.
Tobias is a vampire who was made in a violent and terrifying massacre at the hands of Vladimir Damianos. Tobias has spent centuries plotting his revenge, carving a path to Vladimir so he can kill him and thus destroy every vampire the creature has created.
Tobias has a plan. He will seduce Vladimir’s heir. If he can entwine Alexander Damianos in his web this will give him access to the family mansion and his sworn enemy.
I’m not familiar with Laura Samotin’s writing, but Ben Alderson is one of my favourite authors. This book was just as engaging, spicy and yes… traumatizing as Ben’s other novels. Don’t be mistaken, all of that is good!
The characters are what propels this story. Tobias is driven by revenge, scarred and traumatized by his transition. When his long-planned mission finally comes to fruition however, he wavers slightly. Alexander Damianos isn’t the man his father is, in fact, on the surface he seems quite different.
Alexander may be troubled beneath his slickly, charming exterior but those still waters are deep and complicated. He has his own issues with his family and Vladimir but lacks the strength to take out his own maker.
I loved that there was so much chemistry between the two vampires despite their secrets, and the fact that they should be enemies. Despite himself, Tobias is drawn in by Alexander, amused by him, perhaps even a little enthralled. It’s not how things were supposed to go and Tobias is faced with unexpected possibilities and impossible decisions.
In a way, this book is enemies to lovers even though Alexander doesn’t know that Tobias harbours so much animosity toward him and considers him a foe.
This is a well-written tale, slightly reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. The characters are all fully developed and interesting. The final chapter leaves open the path forward for the series. I look forward to what the future may hold for Alexander and Tobias.
THE LINKS
I was provided with an ARC of The Darkness Bites Back by Laura R. Samotin and Ben Alderson via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
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