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.


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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.

Explosive, intense and unabashedly passionate - Vero and Lyrica's story tells of the restructuring of the Kurjan nation with all the issues that it entails.
The Dark Protectors series never disappoints and #17 is exceptional!
A definite must read.

286 pages
I’m loving this series and the fact that humans are unaware of all the supernaturals living among them, especially seeing as though the supernaturals always seem to be at war. I’ve never been a fan of the Kurjans. Until now. What’s even more surprising is that this might be my favourite Dark Protectors book yet! The Kurjan nation have been notorious in their dealings with human females, and it’s great to finally look into the heart and mind of one of the main Kurjans. Vero Phoenix. I loved him. I loved how his mind worked, and I loved how he loved, I was a great fan of his alpha nature, and I’m so happy that enhanced human Lyrica Graves is the one to stand up to him and break down his barriers. Lots of action, of course some sexy time, add in the suspense as they try to find out who is committing murder in and around their encampment. All this, and additional cameos from some of my favourite books in this series and I was in my element. A highly entertaining read. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Can Paxton and Vero keep the Kurjan nation together without losing the new-found peace with the Realm?

Not gonna lie, it was difficult to go from hating the Kurjans to giving them the benefit of the doubt. At least Vero was still the likeable character from before, conflicted with the society he grew up in and his role in it. Lyrica made the most of a situation she didn’t want to be in. She was determined and exactly what Vero needed to give him purpose and direction. Vero was slightly less intense and possessive than the other heroes in this series, and the chemistry was less in-your-face, but still impactful.

The tenuous new connection between the Realm and the Kurjans, Paxton’s leadership and the Kurjan’s reactions to it, and Vero and Hunter’s friendship were all handled in a realistic and believable way. The plot flowed fairly fast through nail-biting action sequences and tense personal moments. Coupled with some surprising twists, unexplained murders, and meeting some Kurjans up close and personal, this book expanded the world of this series in an exciting way.

I can highly recommend this entire series if you like a steamy paranormal romance. It is definitely best to read the books in order, though you could probably jump in with book number 8, Vampire’s Faith. But they are all well worth reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have read every single word and book from the DP series and to say that I ever thought there would be a story of the Kurjans is astonishing! They were the enemies of the Realm (and unfortunately some still are) and to see in this very book that they now will have to work together for peace is great! This is Vero and Lyrica's story. Vero is Paxton's half brother, a Prince and becomes his Enforcer, as Paxton is now the King of the Kurjan nation, crazy right? Lol. It was just as amazing as all the other stories in this series. Of course we have the alpha over the top protectiveness when it comes to his mate and Lyrica being the typical heroine of not just allowing him to tell her what to do, which he does, Lol. Filled with murder, suspense, action, so many kaugh out loud moments, hot sex between the two plus revelations and cameos from my favorite book of the series, Rebel's Karma, who features Karma coming back to see Vero. It was emotional, beautiful and of course Benny being the alpha he is when it comes to his mate, was being super protective. Lol. I do feel like the ending was a bit rushed but I still loved it. 4 stars.
****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****