This is the start of the newest part of the long running spectacular dark protector series. We now will be seeing the story from the Kurjan side of things in that now that we know Paxton is their new king and this is his half brother Vero‘s story..

We see from the beginning that Vero is struggling with his new reality but trying to push forward while still dealing with some of his feelings. Then there is Lyrica who is one of the women that had been taken, but is a firecracker and intrigues bureau.

I really like the relationship and also that we are learning about new characters while they are battling an ailment and trying to save their species. I’m also intrigued by the fact that they need the cyst in order to keep surviving.

All in all it’s a fantastic book that has broaden the dark protector world and made it even more interesting and entertaining.

Three and a half stars.

The Realm has defeated the Kurjan nation and the half-demon half Kurjan Paxton is now King of the Kurjans and is trying to rebuild a nation on peace in the Yukon. If you've missed all of the previous sixteen books in this series, Kurjans are very pale, long black hair with red tips, similar to how we think of vampires (whereas actual vampires are not) because they are allergic to sunlight.

Vero is Paxton's half-brother, a full-blown Kurjan and is acting as Paxton's enforcer/bodyguard. He knows that a lot of the older Kurjan are only supporting Paxton because Vero is backing him.

Lyrica was one of the enhanced women kidnapped by the Kurjan before the peace (Kurjans are 100% male and need females from other species to mate). Since Paxton became King she has been supporting the other kidnapped women and trying to emancipate the women who have been mated to Kurjans, sometimes for centuries. Oh, did I not mention that mating with an immortal gives a human immortality too?

Vero and Lyrica feel a visceral attraction to each other, but she is determined to leave the camp and go back to the 'real world' once her work is done, so they decide to enter into a dating with benefits agreement for three months ... like that's ever going to work!

Meanwhile, Paxton is about to host 40 members of the Cyst (the Kurjan's religious order) in the hopes of getting them to join his group - its a once every thousand years kind of deal and a show of strength is imperative, but someone seems determined to thwart their plans. And then the raped and murdered bodies of human women start appearing, frozen in the snow, with a strange symbol carved into their necks (duh, duh, duh!).

If you've enjoyed the previous books in this series then you will love this one too. There's immortals with abs of steel, zero body fat, able to lift school buses with their bare hands, nearly seven foot tall, strange mating rituals, and able to give multiple orgasms. The heroine is feisty but eventually she has to submit blah, blah, blah.

This series is like catnip to me, the smexy times might be rinse and repeat, 'mine, mine, mine', but I love 'em.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

🩸What happens when a centuries-old Kurjan warrior mates a modern human woman by accident? Chaos. Sparks. And one heck of a war.

Read if you like: fated mates, grumpy x sunshine, enemies-ish to lovers, paranormal politics, alpha males, fierce heroines, immortal drama

📚 Prince of Darkness picks up after the war that closed the Seven arc, diving headfirst into a fragile post-war peace. Kurjan enforcer Vero Phoenix—newly appointed second to King Paxton—is tasked with reuniting a fractured nation while fending off assassination attempts and mysterious murders. Lyrica Graves, once kidnapped by Kurjans, now works to empower other human women—while butting heads (and lips) with Vero.

👨‍👧 Vero is everything you expect from a Dark Protector hero: bossy, powerful, broody—and deeply loyal under all that growl. Lyrica, his opposite in nearly every way, is fiercely independent and modern, bringing tech, feminism, and flair to a very backward immortal culture.

💞 Their chemistry? Electric. Their relationship? A deliciously rocky rollercoaster that goes from snarky debates to life-altering mating bonds. Watching a centuries-old soldier try to handle a free-thinking human woman? Priceless.

👧 Side characters like Paxton (the new Kurjan king) and the human women in the camps add depth and stakes, making this more than just a romance—it’s a full-blown political and emotional battlefield.

✍️ Zanetti nails her usual fast-paced style, delivering action, banter, and intense chemistry in equal measure. I was wary of Kurjan-centered stories after so many Realm vs. Kurjan battles, but this pivot? Surprisingly fun—and still packed with danger and dark magic.

🌟 If you’ve loved this series from the start, this one keeps the flame burning. It’s intense, funny, violent, sexy, wildly entertaining, and a strong setup for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶🌶🌶

Big thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of Prince of Darkness. Jumping in at book 17 of a series? I thought I’d be lost, but Rebecca Zanetti pulled me right into the world of Vero and Lyrica, and I didn’t want to leave.

Vero is a Kurjan prince with a mission: repair his fractured nation, dodge political games, and somehow survive his magnetic pull toward Lyrica. She’s an empath with a stubborn streak, unafraid to challenge him at every turn. Their chemistry? Absolute fire. The banter is sharp, the tension is electric, and I was fully invested.

The world-building is immersive and rich, with enough grit and depth to keep you hooked. While a couple of plot turns were easy to see coming, it didn’t take away from the journey. If you love dark paranormal romance with layered characters and a dash of danger, this is one to pick up.

Complex World-Building Immediately Drawn In!!

I’m obviously catching this story mid-series, but found myself quickly drawn in. Understanding, and enjoying the world I have entered, fully engaged and intrigued. It is a tale of dark times, survival and fated mates.

Murder, politics, speed dating, explosions and edge of your seat action. A mysterious faction, seemingly impossible chain of events, and the perfect mix of grit and romance. To say more would give things away, just know this is an adventure worth taking.

An exciting read full of suspense, intrigue, and mystery.

In Prince of Darkness, we get to see behind the veil of the Kurjan Nation. Throughout the Dark Protectors series, the Kurjans have always been the “bad guys.” They created deadly viruses, they kidnapped enhanced human women and forced them into matings with Kurjan soldiers, or they were used for labor, for experimentation, or worse.

The history of the Kurjans is a long and bloody one, but there’s a new king in town that’ll hopefully change the evil status quo. That is, if Vero can keep him alive long enough to make it happen. Uncertain who is friend or foe, placing trust in the wrong hands could be devastating for all.

Vero loves his people and wants to make sure they are safe, secure, and modernized. Lyrica has been a big help in bringing the Kurjans–and their human mates–into the 21st century. Yeah, there’s been some pushback but Lyrica is more than up to the challenge. I absolutely love Lyrica! She is a strong woman with courage and conviction.

Knowing the history of Kurjans, Lyrica wants to make sure the females are given a choice about matings, or freedom if they need it. Lyrica has a heart the size of Texas and she’s a perfect match for Vero… she just doesn’t know it yet!

Watching Vero grow up through the series, he was always kind and considerate, and not very Kurjan-like. Vero knew the Kurjans were doing terrible things, but he tried his best to make things better wherever he was. He protected and shielded the defenseless, spoke up against injustice… and paid the heavy price for it. No matter how many times Vero was punished, he never lost his sense of honor or conscience. And even now when his brother sits on the throne, he’s trying his best to protect him and to make life better for the nation… and a certain brown-eyed, PowerPoint-loving female.

I absolutely LOVE Lyrica and Vero together. Their witty banter is funny and super cute and their chemistry is fiery and totally swoon worthy!

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the new characters as well as being introduced to the Kurjans lifestyle, norms, and culture. I was able to confirm some of my own theories about Kurjans and disproved others. I am looking forward to learning more as the series continues.

Prince of Darkness is an exhilarating ride of danger and subterfuge with loads of surprises along the way! You’ll be up late at night turning pages until the very last word is consumed. The story can absolutely be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the entire series!

5 darkest stars★

Just WOW! I didn't know I'd fall in love with Vero like that! After waiting almost a year for this next book in the Dark Protectors series, I’d have to say it was worth the wait! The action keeps coming and the attraction between Lyrica and Vero is off the charts. I always enjoy the ability Mrs Zanetti has to combine action, mystery and romance, furthermore, to keep the reader on the edge for their seat until the last page.
I´ll give the potential readers some advice: do yourselves a favour and read this book, moreover, read the entire series with the spin off as well; you won't be disappointed.

***Disclaimer: I’ve applied and received this book as an ARC via NetGalley and this is my honest review***

Prince of Darkness begins after a Warrior’s Hope . Paxton is now King of the Kurjans and a fragile peace reigns between the Realm and the Kurjan Nation. Vero is brother to the king and his protector. Lyrica is an enhanced human that was kidnapped by the previous Kurjan nation and wants to better the other lives of her former kidnappees. A strong woman and a big overbearing sexy man the chemistry just flies off the pages. With danger all around, Lyrica and Vero story heats up the pages for another heart warming addition to the Dark Protectors. I love that Paxton and Hope feature prominently too because they have always been some of my favorites. My voluntary, non-mandatory, and unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

The Kurjan nation what a adventure. The fast paced storyline had so many twists and turns. Vero trying to find the murderer thats killing women. Vero finding love with independent fiesty Lyrica. Good plot with strong characters.I really enjoyed this story.

Although there was a short novella since the Kurjans were defeated in Warrior’s Hope, it’s been a year and a half since that full-length book. It took my brain a minute to catch up to the story. Especially since the Kurjans were always seen as the bad guys (other than Vero). Now, we have Paxton as their king and Vero as his right-hand man, trying to ally his people with the rest of the Realm.

I’ll admit it took me a minute to get into the adult, alpha, protector Vero. He was so etched in my brain as the more timid young man who tried to help Hope and her friends when they were young. I know he’s been shown as a grown-up, just not so prominently. So I had to get little Vero out of my brain and let this Vero take charge.

There was a lot going on in this story. Not only is Vero worried about uniting the Kurjans under Paxton, there are also dead bodies popping up all over their land. There’s no telling who to trust, as not everyone is onboard with Pax being king or letting the humans go free. Then there’s Lyrica. A thorn in his side that he can’t stop thinking about.

Lyrica has such a huge heart. She just wants to do right by the other human women, whether they were recently kidnapped by the bad Kurjans or have been mated to a Kurjan for centuries. The problem is that Lyrica has a hard time thinking outside the box. She knows how much she loves her freedom and autonomy and can’t understand why anyone would feel differently. This causes more than one tense situation with the Kurjan soldiers, and is a big bone of contention between her and Vero.

I’m glad Lyrica didn’t back down when it came to things she felt were important. Sometimes she was proven wrong, but she wasn’t cowed by Vero or Pax. She slogged on with what she believed in until she could tangibly see it was the wrong course of action. And she also helped Vero find his softer side. He was such a kind child, but so much had been taken away from him through the years. Vero had hardened his heart to anything other than helping and protecting his people. These two were as fantastic a couple as I had hoped they would be.

As always, the author sprinkles moments of humor to help break up the tension in this series. There are so many people I still want to see get their HEA, yet I’m unsure who the enemy is going to be when so many different factions have been brokering peace deals. I’m sure the author will think of something; she always does.

I enjoyed this- it was fast paced and interesting, though I did find myself a bit confused. But that’s totally my fault for not realizing this was the SEVENTEENTH BOOK in the series lmao. Note to self- I got alot of catching up to do. Thank you to Kensington and the author for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! Vero touched my heart when the character was first introduced and to watch him grow through this series has been fantastic. Lyrica is his perfect match and their HEA is very satisfying, but getting there isn't easy. Assassins, insurrections and a chance at peace make for a wild ride. Another fabulous addition to the Dark Protectors series!

Vero, Kurjan prince and second-in-command, is trying to help his newfound brother, King Paxton Phoenix, forge an alliance between the Kurjans and other immortals, while keeping Pax’s head on his shoulders. He and Paxton have a lot to accomplish: avoiding assassination attempts, bringing the Cyst back into the fold, and literally rebuilding their broken nation. While Vero feels the heavy weight of responsibility, he can’t help the way his attention always slips towards a certain stunning and bossy female whenever she is near.

Lyrica is an empath, an enhanced human female kidnapped by the previous Kurjan regime, who has embraced her new job with gusto. She is in charge of the reorientation and relocation of Kurjan kidnapees, but as some of the women have chosen to remain with them in exchange for a chance at immortality, Lyrica is determined to drag the Kurjan nation into modern times.

Vero and Lyrica are an adorable, opposites-attract couple. He’s over a foot taller than her, built for battle but would rather be in the lab, and rather laconic as he goes about his duties. She’s energetic, vocal, and idealistic about her transparent mission to liberate their gender norms. But, she’s black coffee and he’s bubbly water! Trust me, these characters are superb.

Prince of Darkness brings the physicality and romance one expects from a Rebecca Zanetti novel, wrapped around a mystery that exemplifies her proficiency with suspense. I loved Vero and Lyrica’s story so much that I have already read it twice and plan to read it again!

As a longtime fan of Rebecca Zanetti’s *Dark Protectors* series, I was eagerly anticipating the latest installment—and *Prince of Darkness* did not disappoint. Vero and Lyrica’s story is a compelling blend of slow-burn romance, mystery, and suspense. Their chemistry crackles from the first page, and their emotional journey kept me hooked throughout.

One of the highlights of this book is seeing how the characters navigate the aftermath of Hope and Paxton’s story. The world-building continues to evolve in exciting ways, and I loved watching the characters find their footing in this “new normal.” Vero might just be one of my favorite heroes in the entire series—strong, complex, and irresistibly loyal. Lyrica complements him perfectly, and their connection feels both deep and genuine.

As always, Zanetti does an excellent job weaving humor and heart into the story. The rapport among all the characters adds warmth and depth, making this new chapter in the *Dark Protectors* saga feel fresh while still staying true to the series' roots.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eBook ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

I can’t wait to see where Zanetti takes us next!

4.5stars-PRINCE OF DARKNESS is the seventeenth full-length instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal/ fantasy romance series. This is Kurjan Prince Vero Phoenix, and human empath Lyrica Graves’ story line. PRINCE OF DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order or at the very least, reading WARRIOR’S HOPE. PRINCE OF DARKNESS is the start of a new series arc focusing on the Kurjan nation.

SOME BACKGROUND: For thousands of years the Kurjan empire had been at war with the Realm. Like the vampires, there were no females Kurjans, and the Kurjan nation would kidnap and claim enhanced human females as their mates, but the mating between half vampire/ half human Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood, the Realm King’s daughter, and the new king of the Kurjan nation Paxton Phoenix would begin to solidify a tentative peace treaty but some of the Kurjans refuse to bow to the King of the Realm, and the Kurjan nation is at war with itself.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Vero and Lyrica) PRINCE OF DARKNESS follows the building relationship between Kurjan Prince Vero Phoenix, and human empath Lyrica Graves. Struggling in his position as second in line, Prince Vero Phoenix declares himself guardian and protector of his half brother, the King, but the presence of the female human empath Lyrica Graves stirs something deep within our story line hero. Vero never expected to mate or fall in love but the rescue, arrival and murder of several human females finds Vero decidedly protective of our story line heroine. Someone is targeting the Kurjans, and Vero is determined to find out why.

The world building opens up an entirely new direction for the Dark Protectors series. The Kurjans and their spiritual leaders the Cysts were and some continue to be the enemy of the Realm but like all hate there is usually a precipitating factor or someone pushing the buttons behind the scenes.

The relationship between Lyrica and Vero is an enemies to friends to lovers relationship in which Vero struggles with his attraction to the feisty heroine. Lyrica Graves is an independent human female, a woman with empathic powers, but a woman who refuses to obey the orders of any man including the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, energetic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters including numerous Kurjan warriors -Jonathan and Silas, tech genius Lukas and Genevieve, several mated couples including Maeve and Ralstad; as well as the return of Paxton and Hope, twins Liam and Collin, Vero’s best friend Hunter, Benjamin Reese and his mate Karma, Dr. Fizzlewick, King Zane, and Queen Janie Kayrs. The requisite evil has many faces.

PRINCE OF DARKNESS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance,madness and murder, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is action packed, intriguing, enchanting, and dramatic; the characters are charismatic and determined; the romance is fated yet flawed.


THE READING CAFÉ: https://www.thereadingcafe.com/prince-of-darkness-dark-protectors-17-by-rebecca-zanetti-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6877415243


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2545727988


B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prince-of-darkness-rebecca-zanetti/1145011240?ean=9781516111831&bvnotificationId=8748b0c0-2a0b-11f0-b0a9-0eb0046523f9&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=hotmail.com#review/345163347

Ibooks (Sandy Sch) posted

GOOGLE PLAY (Sandy Sch) posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO (Sandy@thereadingcafe) posted

Anything Rebecca writes is always phenomenal. This book was nothing less than exceptional and one I can’t wait to share now that it is released. She is always an author I reach for an love being able to see wide in stores.

It’s not a secret that I am a Rebecca Zanetti Dark Protectors fan, like will yell that everyone who likes PNR (or has a pulse) needs to read this series and push it on most people I meet.
But the real question is how can a series seventeen books in keep me coming back for more, on the edge of my seat guessing who the bad guy is and consistently break my heart with it’s grumpy, scarred, “I will destroy anyone that touches my mate” vibes.

Well the answer is Rebecca Zanetti is a genius.

So here I am seventeen books in with Prince of Darkness in my hot little hands just kicking my feet in joy over Vero and Lyrica. Prince of Darkness picks up right at the end of the previous book, Warrior’s Hope, that ended The Seven story arc starting what will hopefully be a time of peace between the Realm (vampires, shifters, demons) and the Kurjan race they have been fighting forever. Now Vero, the brother of half-demon half-Kurjan King Paxton, is trying to set up a new homebase for the Kurjan nation, bring the Cyst (the spiritual leaders of the Kurjan) back into the fold, find out who is killing humans in his territory and is falling in love with Lyrica. He’s got a lot going on. Lyrica is an enhanced female that was kidnapped by the Kurjan’s but is now free and helping the other women figure out their lives.

Can these two opposites tear up the sheets (or desk) while trying to stop a murderer, unite the nation and deny they are falling in love?

Oh Vero- he’s the classic Rebecca Zanetti Dark Protectors hero- he’s really been thru it. His uncles beating him, the loss of Karma, trying to figure out who he really is in this new world and getting over Hunter’s deception while being a super sexy HUGE immortal that’s kinda nerdy but able to bench press a school bus. Toss in headstrong, sassy Lyrica and he’s a goner. Lyrica’s got her own abandonment issues and is super strong willed, which only irritates Vero more. They have instant chemistry but it’s the small ways that Vero tries to win Lyrica that I fell in love with - bringing her a bouquet to court her- and Lyrica bending to accept how protective Vero is simply because of his past. I loved getting more of Paxton as King, the new Kurjan characters, and of course HUNTER!!!!!!!

Prince of Darkness starts a new story arc for the series and I am excited to see where Rebecca Zanetti takes it. Who will be the next big bad? Are we getting more of the shifters… Hello Libby! Don’t worry I will be watching RZ’s Facebook and IG waiting for spoilers and details!

Lots of new territory to explore in this installment of the Dark Protectors series. We get a behind the scenes look at the Kurjan nation, which is cool. Things that we thought we knew about the Kurjan’s, we didn’t really know.
I loved Vero and Lyrica! They’re both trying to find their way in this new world…with a few surprises to keep us on our toes. This is a 5 star read, all the way!!

Loved it! I was so excited to read another book in this series. I love these characters and this world. It's nice to even like the Kurjans now. :) I always love seeing so many of my past favorites and I can't wait to read the next book.

I have been reading this series since the beginning and am blown away with each new installment superseding the last. When I began the Prince of Darkness I wanted to hate Vero and all of the Kurjans. Even though past books in the Dark Protectors series had inter-species fighting, the Realm vs. the Demon Nation, I had no issue with the demons when peace was finally made. The Kurjans, they are a whole other story, but Zanetti has given them personalities that made me fall in love with and root for them to succeed.

Vero Phoenix warmed my heart. As Prince to the Kurjans, he has stepped aside to allow his older brother, Paxton rule as King. As the Kurjan nation attempts to bring understanding to their people, the greatest hope for a united people lies with their religious sect known as the Cyst. The belief is that if the Cyst swear allegiance, many more Kurjans will follow.

Lyrica Graves is an enhanced female with empathic abilities. She had been one of many enhanced women kidnapped by the Kurjans and freed when the last King had been taken down. Now Lyrica remains behind with the intent to help the other freed females determine the future they want. She and Vero are often at odds, he was an overbearing bossy male and she was a modern woman with free thought. Eventually they must work together to protect those around them and determine who is brutally murdering females.

I wanted to hate Vero. He is domineering and controlling but as the story progressed I realized that he was a tortured soul who never wanted to be a soldier but felt most comfortable in a lab conducting research. He only wanted to belong and be loved but in life he received nothing but pain and punishment from his Uncles. Vero comes across as naive when in fact he is just blunt and factual. Lyrica Graves was a product of her own difficult upbringing. Even though she was raised by her father, she was forced to be responsible from an early age; unfortunately she never really got the opportunity to live life for herself. I love Lyrica's fight for herself and the other females. I enjoyed seeing her and Vero fill a void for one another that they both had been missing their whole lives.

Prince of Darkness was a completely satisfying read. I highly recommend this book.