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Listening Length: 6 hours, 57 minutes
In this powerful audio exclusive, #1 New York Times bestseller J.R. Ward shares the star-crossed love story of reader favorite, and original member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Darius.
Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not interested in crashing his new car. But when a human woman runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her...everything goes off course.
Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.
Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost...unless by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together.
In this powerful audio exclusive, #1 New York Times bestseller J.R. Ward shares the star-crossed love story of reader favorite, and original member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Darius.
Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not interested in crashing his new car. But when a human woman runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her...everything goes off course.
Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.
Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost...unless by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together.
317 pages, Audiobook
First published July 19, 2022
994 people are currently reading
13k people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ward
216books51.1kfollowersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 793 reviews
July 16, 2022
The perfect Brother for the prequel!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📔📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌎
Character development: 🙂😮😥😤🥰
The Hero(es): Darius - he is one of the most important characters in the series. He is father to Beth, the half breed vampire that ends up marrying the King, Wrath. He is also the father of John Matthew who will become one of the strongest members of the Brotherhood.
The heroine: Anne - she is running from her past when she runs out into the street and is nearly hit by Darius driving his brand new car. Anne is a human woman who immediately is attracted to the tall, handsome man that rescues her.
The Story: This is an odd one since it is both a prequel to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but was also written after the majority of the books in the series. Many of the people who will read this one, including me, already know how Darius’s story goes. We know he dies when his car explodes and that Anne is gone before even that happens. We know that Beth never knows her father, though he watched over her throughout her life.
Most of these things are stated at the beginning of this book, so even those who are just starting the series with this book know from the very start that things aren’t going to be roses and rainbows. However, it is still a great introduction to the series and for those of us who always wanted to know more about Darius, this was a terrific way to tell his story.
This book was narrated by Jim Frangione who narrated most of the BDB books. Jim is an excellent reader. I mostly like listening to romance books when there are both a male and a female narrator, especially when the narrators voices fit the main characters of the book. Jim is what I think of as good for when you want someone else to read a book for you but you don’t care that it is not really voice acting but just straight narration. Not that he doesn’t do inflections, different voices for different characters and such, he just doesn’t have the deep voice I would expect from the 6 ½ foot tall muscular vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
This book gave us more insight into Darius as a person and all the things he went through, but also more into the friendships he has with the other characters, like Tohrment, Vishous, and even Fritz. We also get more information on his ‘relationship� to John Matthew which I really wanted to know more about from Darius� point of view.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
|ŷ||||
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📔📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌎
Character development: 🙂😮😥😤🥰
The Hero(es): Darius - he is one of the most important characters in the series. He is father to Beth, the half breed vampire that ends up marrying the King, Wrath. He is also the father of John Matthew who will become one of the strongest members of the Brotherhood.
The heroine: Anne - she is running from her past when she runs out into the street and is nearly hit by Darius driving his brand new car. Anne is a human woman who immediately is attracted to the tall, handsome man that rescues her.
The Story: This is an odd one since it is both a prequel to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but was also written after the majority of the books in the series. Many of the people who will read this one, including me, already know how Darius’s story goes. We know he dies when his car explodes and that Anne is gone before even that happens. We know that Beth never knows her father, though he watched over her throughout her life.
Most of these things are stated at the beginning of this book, so even those who are just starting the series with this book know from the very start that things aren’t going to be roses and rainbows. However, it is still a great introduction to the series and for those of us who always wanted to know more about Darius, this was a terrific way to tell his story.
This book was narrated by Jim Frangione who narrated most of the BDB books. Jim is an excellent reader. I mostly like listening to romance books when there are both a male and a female narrator, especially when the narrators voices fit the main characters of the book. Jim is what I think of as good for when you want someone else to read a book for you but you don’t care that it is not really voice acting but just straight narration. Not that he doesn’t do inflections, different voices for different characters and such, he just doesn’t have the deep voice I would expect from the 6 ½ foot tall muscular vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
This book gave us more insight into Darius as a person and all the things he went through, but also more into the friendships he has with the other characters, like Tohrment, Vishous, and even Fritz. We also get more information on his ‘relationship� to John Matthew which I really wanted to know more about from Darius� point of view.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
|ŷ||||
September 2, 2022
the setup�
Darius was one of the original members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the best fighter and the closest to Wrath, the King of the vampires. He was introduced in the first book of the series but was murdered at the onset after having disclosed to Wrath that he had a daughter Beth, a halfbreed (non-vampire mother), asking him to look out for her as she neared possible transition. For many reasons, Darius� presence has been in the background of most of the stories that followed, generating lots of intrigue and mystery. Now the setting is over 25 years earlier when Darius first meets the only woman he ever loved…Beth’s mother.
the heart of the story�
This is the story die-hard fans like me always wanted but, after 20 books, never thought we’d ever get! I savored every moment of it, finally getting to know the Brother who the others spoke of with reverence and respect, as well as being the sire of the current Queen of the Vampires. It was a tender love story that was both heartbreaking and lovely. As much as I enjoyed the romantic angle, I was equally taken with that ending as it finally resolved all those questions we’ve had and put to rest all of the theories we developed over the years.
the narration�
Jim Frangione is not only the voice of the series but somehow makes the strange “Brother-isms� sound almost normal. I switched to audio many years ago because of him and he didn’t disappoint here.
the bottom line�
I enjoyed every minute of the story and loved being back in this world. The ending had an unanticipated high note, doing more than just tying up some loose ends and providing clarity. I knew I would like Darius� story, just wasn’t prepared to love it!
Posted on
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Darius was one of the original members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the best fighter and the closest to Wrath, the King of the vampires. He was introduced in the first book of the series but was murdered at the onset after having disclosed to Wrath that he had a daughter Beth, a halfbreed (non-vampire mother), asking him to look out for her as she neared possible transition. For many reasons, Darius� presence has been in the background of most of the stories that followed, generating lots of intrigue and mystery. Now the setting is over 25 years earlier when Darius first meets the only woman he ever loved…Beth’s mother.
the heart of the story�
This is the story die-hard fans like me always wanted but, after 20 books, never thought we’d ever get! I savored every moment of it, finally getting to know the Brother who the others spoke of with reverence and respect, as well as being the sire of the current Queen of the Vampires. It was a tender love story that was both heartbreaking and lovely. As much as I enjoyed the romantic angle, I was equally taken with that ending as it finally resolved all those questions we’ve had and put to rest all of the theories we developed over the years.
the narration�
Jim Frangione is not only the voice of the series but somehow makes the strange “Brother-isms� sound almost normal. I switched to audio many years ago because of him and he didn’t disappoint here.
the bottom line�
I enjoyed every minute of the story and loved being back in this world. The ending had an unanticipated high note, doing more than just tying up some loose ends and providing clarity. I knew I would like Darius� story, just wasn’t prepared to love it!
Posted on
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 3, 2023
Read this review on
J.R. Ward has done something very unique with this prequel story. Darius is one of the most beloved and original members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. In many ways, he was what started the series out so for a character so special, Ward did something she has never done before and that is release this story as an audiobook exclusive. This means that you can only “read� through an audiobook.
Jim Frangione is the narrator and he is also someone who has been standing by this series for a long time. I’ve always loved his work with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but I felt like he did such a good job with this one especially. He captured all the emotions from the anguish, fear, regret and love that Darius feels. It’s definitely worth a listen even if you aren’t an audiobook listener. Frangione and Ward breathe life into these beloved characters.
As you can tell, I absolutely loved this story. Learning the details from Darius point of view made me remember everything that I loved about the series. If you’re a fan of this series, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on it. It was a joy to get to read about the parts of life before some of the other books took place.
That being said, DARIUS is another book on my keeper shelf. If you haven’t read this series yet, you are definitely missing out. Rife with action, passion, and suspenseful, these books will no doubt sink their teeth into you.
J.R. Ward has done something very unique with this prequel story. Darius is one of the most beloved and original members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. In many ways, he was what started the series out so for a character so special, Ward did something she has never done before and that is release this story as an audiobook exclusive. This means that you can only “read� through an audiobook.
Jim Frangione is the narrator and he is also someone who has been standing by this series for a long time. I’ve always loved his work with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but I felt like he did such a good job with this one especially. He captured all the emotions from the anguish, fear, regret and love that Darius feels. It’s definitely worth a listen even if you aren’t an audiobook listener. Frangione and Ward breathe life into these beloved characters.
As you can tell, I absolutely loved this story. Learning the details from Darius point of view made me remember everything that I loved about the series. If you’re a fan of this series, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on it. It was a joy to get to read about the parts of life before some of the other books took place.
That being said, DARIUS is another book on my keeper shelf. If you haven’t read this series yet, you are definitely missing out. Rife with action, passion, and suspenseful, these books will no doubt sink their teeth into you.
November 7, 2022
This was actually really sweet, despite everyone knowing how things end for Darius. It was genuinely really great to see the early days of the BDB again and I'm glad JR Ward still managed to give Darius somewhat of a happy ending!
October 31, 2022
I definltey think that this was a book for the fans and I enjoyed it only because I was dying to know Darius's story ever since we saw him die in book one. I enjoyed watching him fall in love and seeing things play out to where we know Darius ends up. The romance was so interesting and it was also really interesting seeing the BDB that long ago. And, as usual, I loved listening to the narrator! If you have the chance and you're a fan of the series, definitely pick this book up!
July 8, 2022
Finally! The book our beautiful Darius DESERVED!!! From the moment I heard the voice of Darius, via the narration of Jim Frangione, I had instant tears. After all these years... after all the Black Dagger Brotherhood has been through... to hear where it all began... well, my aching-pounding heart has been healed. I didn't know how much emotion this would bring. I am still wiping away the tears. A masterful addition that has, in my opinion, made the BDB series whole. Once again proving the skill and endearing passion Ward holds for her creations. Perfection.
~Tanja
*ARC provided by Simon & Schuster Audio via Netgalley
Follow me on
✿✿✿✿
~Tanja
*ARC provided by Simon & Schuster Audio via Netgalley
Follow me on
✿✿✿✿
June 5, 2022
Ok, let’s be real here. We know how Darius’s story ends. We knew this story was going to hurt. But we still wanted it.
I am so very thankful to receive an ARC of this book. As with all JRW books, you think you know what’s going to happen, but then she adds a little magic to the story and then shocks the crud out of you. I’m glad I didn’t have to worry about someone ruining that for me.
Without any spoilers I will say that I like the direction she chose to go with this book. The cameos sprinkled throughout had me smiling. Anne was one strong woman and she had to make some very hard decisions that I’m not sure many would be able to do.
Seeing inside Darius’s head, before the BDB stories we know, was wild. The brothers were the same, and yet different. It makes me wanna reread all the books again.
I finished this story with tears falling down my cheeks. But to be honest, I spent the last 50% of the book reading through glistening eyes. I knew what was coming and my heart wasn’t ready. Man, you’re really never ready for a story like this.
I received an audio ARC and this is my honest review.
I am so very thankful to receive an ARC of this book. As with all JRW books, you think you know what’s going to happen, but then she adds a little magic to the story and then shocks the crud out of you. I’m glad I didn’t have to worry about someone ruining that for me.
Without any spoilers I will say that I like the direction she chose to go with this book. The cameos sprinkled throughout had me smiling. Anne was one strong woman and she had to make some very hard decisions that I’m not sure many would be able to do.
Seeing inside Darius’s head, before the BDB stories we know, was wild. The brothers were the same, and yet different. It makes me wanna reread all the books again.
I finished this story with tears falling down my cheeks. But to be honest, I spent the last 50% of the book reading through glistening eyes. I knew what was coming and my heart wasn’t ready. Man, you’re really never ready for a story like this.
I received an audio ARC and this is my honest review.
September 21, 2022
I enjoyed this background story of the Queen’s parents. I expected to have more Wrath in this story but since Vishous is the warden’s favorite, it’s not surprising that he dominated the time with Darius. I had forgotten what a hot mess Wrath and the brotherhood was in when this series started, what a journey they have made.
The ending was the best part though. The reunion. I expect the same for Wellsie!
The ending was the best part though. The reunion. I expect the same for Wellsie!
February 4, 2024
4 Estrellitas. Me ha gustado mucho. Esperaba con ganas la versión novelada. Aunque sabemos como acabó esta historia, ha sido bonito leer los orígenes y sobre todo recordar por qué me gusta tanto La Hermandad de la Daga Negra.
Personalmente, no creo que contar esta historia fuese necesario, pero quizás la Ward tenía la espinita clavada y necesitaba sacarlo, o la gallina de los huevos de oro, que tira mucho.
Como sea, aunque éste podría ser un prólogo, realmente hay que leerlo según el orden de publicación.
¿Qué nos cuenta aquí Ward? El romance de Darius y Anna. Darius es probablemente el Hermano más correcto de todos, un gran luchador, calmado, y el que mayores sacrificios hace por mantener a la Hermandad unida. Pero tampoco puede olvidar de donde viene, es un macho de la glymera, forrado hasta las trancas y tiene ganas de pasear su capricho nuevo.
Así que una noche, atropella accidentamente a una humana, a quien insiste en llevar a urgencias. Anna trabaja en un despacho de abogados y está huyendo de su último novio, a quien acaban de despedir de dicho despacho y quien además está maltratándola.
Esa primera noche y las siguientes, harán que Darius y Anna vayan conociéndose más, pero para Darius será especial desde el momento en que la conoció. El problema es que él es un vampiro y ella una humana y lo suyo no puede ser posible.
Ambos se verán envueltos en el oscuro mundo de Darius cuando Anna sea objetivo de los restrictores. Pero para Anna, lo más difícil será aceptar lo que es Darius, su secreto y su engaño. Así que reacciona como lo haría un humano normal, echando a Darius de su vida y huyendo.
Sí, sabíamos como concluyó esta historia por todos los libros anteriores. Darius dejó embaraza a Anna y esta murió dando a luz a Beth, la futura reina. Lo bonito ha sido leer ese desarrollo y conocer a Darius y Anna como personajes. Ambos son muy complejos, sobre todo Anna, que no ha sido la típica protagonista. Anna es valiente a su manera, más bien diría que es una superviviente, pero no tiene el arrojo que han tenido otras protagonistas humanas como Mary, Jane, Sarah, o Sola, para aceptar el mundo de los vampiros, si bien sus circunstancias son distintas, al haber habido un embarazo de por medio, pues toda mujer humana que lleva un mestizo en su vientre, muere en el parto.
El libro también tendrá una serie de guiños importantes para la serie que me gustaría que la Ward explicara en algún momento, como el misterioso doctor de urgencias que todos sabemos quién es. O simplemente el misterio de John Matthew y su conexión con Darius.
Aunque triste, la historia es bonita y ha merecido la pena leerla. El problema es que ya leí Lassiter y la Ward me cabreó mucho con el final de dicho libro, pero me iré preparando para la historia de Wrathcito.
Personalmente, no creo que contar esta historia fuese necesario, pero quizás la Ward tenía la espinita clavada y necesitaba sacarlo, o la gallina de los huevos de oro, que tira mucho.
Como sea, aunque éste podría ser un prólogo, realmente hay que leerlo según el orden de publicación.
¿Qué nos cuenta aquí Ward? El romance de Darius y Anna. Darius es probablemente el Hermano más correcto de todos, un gran luchador, calmado, y el que mayores sacrificios hace por mantener a la Hermandad unida. Pero tampoco puede olvidar de donde viene, es un macho de la glymera, forrado hasta las trancas y tiene ganas de pasear su capricho nuevo.
Así que una noche, atropella accidentamente a una humana, a quien insiste en llevar a urgencias. Anna trabaja en un despacho de abogados y está huyendo de su último novio, a quien acaban de despedir de dicho despacho y quien además está maltratándola.
Esa primera noche y las siguientes, harán que Darius y Anna vayan conociéndose más, pero para Darius será especial desde el momento en que la conoció. El problema es que él es un vampiro y ella una humana y lo suyo no puede ser posible.
Ambos se verán envueltos en el oscuro mundo de Darius cuando Anna sea objetivo de los restrictores. Pero para Anna, lo más difícil será aceptar lo que es Darius, su secreto y su engaño. Así que reacciona como lo haría un humano normal, echando a Darius de su vida y huyendo.
Sí, sabíamos como concluyó esta historia por todos los libros anteriores. Darius dejó embaraza a Anna y esta murió dando a luz a Beth, la futura reina. Lo bonito ha sido leer ese desarrollo y conocer a Darius y Anna como personajes. Ambos son muy complejos, sobre todo Anna, que no ha sido la típica protagonista. Anna es valiente a su manera, más bien diría que es una superviviente, pero no tiene el arrojo que han tenido otras protagonistas humanas como Mary, Jane, Sarah, o Sola, para aceptar el mundo de los vampiros, si bien sus circunstancias son distintas, al haber habido un embarazo de por medio, pues toda mujer humana que lleva un mestizo en su vientre, muere en el parto.
El libro también tendrá una serie de guiños importantes para la serie que me gustaría que la Ward explicara en algún momento, como el misterioso doctor de urgencias que todos sabemos quién es. O simplemente el misterio de John Matthew y su conexión con Darius.
Aunque triste, la historia es bonita y ha merecido la pena leerla. El problema es que ya leí Lassiter y la Ward me cabreó mucho con el final de dicho libro, pero me iré preparando para la historia de Wrathcito.
November 3, 2022
Yes, I'm one of those, lol! I need to read my books not listen.
Aural and visual input is a very different experience for me. As I have read this series 20+ books, I have created this world in my imagination. When I listen, a different world is presented. Sure, I can adapt but I will wait to purchase, in hope that a print book will be released.
Aural and visual input is a very different experience for me. As I have read this series 20+ books, I have created this world in my imagination. When I listen, a different world is presented. Sure, I can adapt but I will wait to purchase, in hope that a print book will be released.
July 22, 2022
2.5/5 - ARC REVIEW
What I expected from a JR Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood novel/novella (OG reader) is exactly what I got - a mediocre story with bland characters that mirror other characters from books past. The reader also gets a lot of: okkkkkk, annnnnnnd, well what do you, etc., in this book.
How JRW managed to make Darius boring I’ll never know, but she did a bang up job of giving him no personality, and also, made him not a very good fighter. Darius in the past has been revered as one of the best fighters. No one challenges him. He was in the Bloodletter’s camp and the Bloodletter was afraid of him. Yet in this book he manages not only to catch himself on fire but also get stabbed in the stomach by a lesser who just shot him too. What?!
Ann, Darius� mate and Beth’s mother, is extremely boring. She doesn’t have a personality beyond drooling over Darius. And how did they meet? He hit her with his car. Ran her over. And naturally they bonded immediately.
Their entire relationship was four days long. I’ll say that again, 4 DAYS. At the end of those four days, Ann hates Darius because he lied about being a vampire - well duh. He said he couldn’t say what he does. But wait. This is a romance novel so they get their HEA in the afterlife. Four days is not enough time for a reader (this reader) to care about these characters. Everything that should to be emotional isn’t unless you’re an OG BDB fan and really needed this story, which I think is unnecessary and wasn’t needed at all. New readers will be spoiled because this book is listed as 0.5 and will be read first now, instead of Dark Lover. Bad move for many reasons in my opinion. Spoilers are never fun for anyone.
Let’s talk about two of the OG characters.
The Scribe Virgin.
She prides herself in telling everyone she can’t/won’t interfere with their lives. She sure didn’t in her son and daughter’s - Vishous and Payne - yet she appears to Ann and says you aren’t the one I would have picked for this but you’ll give birth to the queen of the race and makes Ann fertile on the spot. Seems like interference to me.
Vishous.
Honestly the best parts of the book are with Vishous. He’s back to his hard edge, I don’t care about your feelings self. He’s there to help Darius throughout the book. He tells D about the vision he had about him (this won’t come to pass for 26 years so I have to believe it was put in here on a whim). Vishous is aggressive and violent like he’s supposed to be. Not the vamp he is in the later books in this series.
By far Vishous is the only character with a personality. As I was reading this novella I kept asking myself why is V here? Shouldn’t it have been Tohr? Tohr and Darius have been bffs for centuries. Darius was almost a father figure to Tohr. Was V here to annoy all the readers that hate him and to add some tension to this vanilla boring story?
Also, V lost his, True? again.
The OG Brothers show up for a quick introductions, including Wellsie. All of their parts are told, not shown, with the exception of Vishous.
Lastly, I’m not a fan of voice actor, Jim Frangione. For me he doesn’t have the correct voice to carry the once irreverent street vernacular Ward wrote � not anymore. He doesn’t use accents for the Brothers, they have an aristocratic European one. He doesn’t change his voice for the different characters either.
I don’t know why JR Ward and Gallery decided to release this novella as only an audiobook. Why not at least offer an ebook because not everyone enjoys audiobooks. I also don’t know why a physical book isn’t offered. As a reader this frustrates me.
***Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Darius in exchange for an honest review
What I expected from a JR Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood novel/novella (OG reader) is exactly what I got - a mediocre story with bland characters that mirror other characters from books past. The reader also gets a lot of: okkkkkk, annnnnnnd, well what do you, etc., in this book.
How JRW managed to make Darius boring I’ll never know, but she did a bang up job of giving him no personality, and also, made him not a very good fighter. Darius in the past has been revered as one of the best fighters. No one challenges him. He was in the Bloodletter’s camp and the Bloodletter was afraid of him. Yet in this book he manages not only to catch himself on fire but also get stabbed in the stomach by a lesser who just shot him too. What?!
Ann, Darius� mate and Beth’s mother, is extremely boring. She doesn’t have a personality beyond drooling over Darius. And how did they meet? He hit her with his car. Ran her over. And naturally they bonded immediately.
Their entire relationship was four days long. I’ll say that again, 4 DAYS. At the end of those four days, Ann hates Darius because he lied about being a vampire - well duh. He said he couldn’t say what he does. But wait. This is a romance novel so they get their HEA in the afterlife. Four days is not enough time for a reader (this reader) to care about these characters. Everything that should to be emotional isn’t unless you’re an OG BDB fan and really needed this story, which I think is unnecessary and wasn’t needed at all. New readers will be spoiled because this book is listed as 0.5 and will be read first now, instead of Dark Lover. Bad move for many reasons in my opinion. Spoilers are never fun for anyone.
Let’s talk about two of the OG characters.
The Scribe Virgin.
She prides herself in telling everyone she can’t/won’t interfere with their lives. She sure didn’t in her son and daughter’s - Vishous and Payne - yet she appears to Ann and says you aren’t the one I would have picked for this but you’ll give birth to the queen of the race and makes Ann fertile on the spot. Seems like interference to me.
Vishous.
Honestly the best parts of the book are with Vishous. He’s back to his hard edge, I don’t care about your feelings self. He’s there to help Darius throughout the book. He tells D about the vision he had about him (this won’t come to pass for 26 years so I have to believe it was put in here on a whim). Vishous is aggressive and violent like he’s supposed to be. Not the vamp he is in the later books in this series.
By far Vishous is the only character with a personality. As I was reading this novella I kept asking myself why is V here? Shouldn’t it have been Tohr? Tohr and Darius have been bffs for centuries. Darius was almost a father figure to Tohr. Was V here to annoy all the readers that hate him and to add some tension to this vanilla boring story?
Also, V lost his, True? again.
The OG Brothers show up for a quick introductions, including Wellsie. All of their parts are told, not shown, with the exception of Vishous.
Lastly, I’m not a fan of voice actor, Jim Frangione. For me he doesn’t have the correct voice to carry the once irreverent street vernacular Ward wrote � not anymore. He doesn’t use accents for the Brothers, they have an aristocratic European one. He doesn’t change his voice for the different characters either.
I don’t know why JR Ward and Gallery decided to release this novella as only an audiobook. Why not at least offer an ebook because not everyone enjoys audiobooks. I also don’t know why a physical book isn’t offered. As a reader this frustrates me.
***Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Darius in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
Sigh� she always gets to me and makes me cry. So good!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darius is one of my favorite characters in The Black Dagger Brotherhood series of books. He has such a kind heart. It’s funny how you gravitate towards one character or another as you’re reading a book, especially a long series like this one.
I love how easily we can go backward and end up with a little bit more support and structure to the overall story of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. It’s almost like a foundation where you need a solid foundation and knowledge of the structure for the big picture. This book helps support all those future books as it fills in some blanks and details, but it also leaves you wondering even more.
Ward is tricky like that! She is a master storyteller!
Ward pours her heart out into this story about Darius which is so beautiful and tragic at the same time. This book, Darius, brings us the important history of the entire series. It leaves us a little sad and heartbroken but also brings hope for future stories she has up her sleeve. Sigh� she always gets to me and makes me cry. So good!
Darius is an excellent addition to the overall framework of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Plus, if you are a super fan of Darius, you need this book!
~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review -
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darius is one of my favorite characters in The Black Dagger Brotherhood series of books. He has such a kind heart. It’s funny how you gravitate towards one character or another as you’re reading a book, especially a long series like this one.
I love how easily we can go backward and end up with a little bit more support and structure to the overall story of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. It’s almost like a foundation where you need a solid foundation and knowledge of the structure for the big picture. This book helps support all those future books as it fills in some blanks and details, but it also leaves you wondering even more.
Ward is tricky like that! She is a master storyteller!
Ward pours her heart out into this story about Darius which is so beautiful and tragic at the same time. This book, Darius, brings us the important history of the entire series. It leaves us a little sad and heartbroken but also brings hope for future stories she has up her sleeve. Sigh� she always gets to me and makes me cry. So good!
Darius is an excellent addition to the overall framework of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Plus, if you are a super fan of Darius, you need this book!
~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review -
July 22, 2022
5 "Nostalgic💓" Stars!
I've always wanted to get to know Darius. The Brother that had so much foresight about what the future of the Black Dagger Brotherhood would need in order for them to be what and who we know them to be. I always adored him. That's why JR Ward can upset me so much. She seriously gave Darius the short end of the life stick. But I knew this would be a heartbreaking story. I seriously cried. But I also laughed a lot and the nostalgia was so fantastic. Seeing Wrath, Rhage, Zsadist (my bae) and Phury and even the great jackass Vishcous brought on so many great memories of reading this series for the first time. This is truly one of my all-time favorite series. I'm so happy to have gotten to know Darius. Even with it being a bit sad.
The audiobook is top notch as expected from Jim Frangione. I can't picture anyone else narrating this series. Happy reading! (Listening)
I've always wanted to get to know Darius. The Brother that had so much foresight about what the future of the Black Dagger Brotherhood would need in order for them to be what and who we know them to be. I always adored him. That's why JR Ward can upset me so much. She seriously gave Darius the short end of the life stick. But I knew this would be a heartbreaking story. I seriously cried. But I also laughed a lot and the nostalgia was so fantastic. Seeing Wrath, Rhage, Zsadist (my bae) and Phury and even the great jackass Vishcous brought on so many great memories of reading this series for the first time. This is truly one of my all-time favorite series. I'm so happy to have gotten to know Darius. Even with it being a bit sad.
The audiobook is top notch as expected from Jim Frangione. I can't picture anyone else narrating this series. Happy reading! (Listening)
August 23, 2022
I wasn't going to read this book being Darius died right in the beginning of the series but boy I'm I glad I did!!!! Darius was like a father figure to this group of misguided fighters, my heart broke 💔 for him with his romance with Ann and her mistrust of men in general. I am so glad I got to know and read about him and what a generous heart he had. ;-D
September 25, 2024
So this VERY long awaited Novella only gets 3.5 🌟
Thank goodness I was wise enough to wait till it was finally put on KU months after its release, and not purchase this over-priced($12) file of 298 pages of "Meh".. Which only solidified (not that I needed it to) why I gave up on this series, and Ward's writing around book 18 of this series.
Now, let me explain why I finally broke down and read this months after it was released.. DARIUS.. if any character could bring me back to Caldwell NY, it was him. I have wanted Darius's story since I read book 1 over 13 yrs ago. But of course, Ward, in all her ADHD glory with her stories; decides to finally throw us a bone last year with this Novella.😒 And just as I knew it would, it didn't meet my expectations for this type of tale.
Darius and Anne are the parents of the now Queen of the race, Beth. We all know that their tale was a tragic one, but we never knew the details of such heartbreaking circumstances. Circumstances that ultimately left Beth to grow up in the system, not ever knowing who her father and mother were, or her true origins/bloodline until well into her adulthood.
So I was hoping for way more on the true love story front with Darius and Anne, but that just was not here at all. I know that our BDB males bond quickly. But at least you believe that bonding need. Here, I did not see or believe it.
Let me explain why..
First, this brief Novella focused way too much on the outside circumstances surrounding them. Things regarding the Lessers (Which the tie in with Anne's Ex and the Lessers was so obvious from jump before its reveal), the sad state of the Brotherhood at this time, (Which we really already knew in books 1 & 2) and IMO, the long winded inner monologues from both Anne and Darius, when they should have been actually communicating directly and building a connection..
I also feel that the Anne set up, which led her to "meeting" Darius, too much time was spent on this as well. This was a 298 page Novella, but things were visited and expounded on like we were getting a 400 page Novel. So this greatly affected our connection time with Darius and Anne as well.
Also the constant disruptions with them was beyond wearing on my nerves with certain Brothers constantly showing up at the way wrong time at his house.
All of these things took away from me being able to actually see and experience them falling in love over their VERY brief courtship. Also they were only intimate with one another ONE time!! 😤 And this came at the 70+% mark of this Novella 😕 Not what I'm used to at all within the BDB world. And this one moment was lackluster because of the failed establishment of their connection to begin with..
So these are all the things that sadly kept this from being a 5 🌟 read for me. I wanted to actually know a side of Darius that we never got to see. Him with his one true love, his Shellan.. The major precious event of his world, that ultimately brings us to what happened decades later in book 1 and why..
But, again, sadly this fell way short in delivering what I wanted/needed to see. And what I've been wishing for for years now.
Now, what brought this to the 3.5 🌟 rating it received, was there were a handful of things here that were still interesting.. The Prologue Introduction. Witnessing Vishous explain to Darius regarding his vision of his death. How Darius and Anne actually met. A very shocking 🤯 reveal regarding the Scribe Virgin and Anne.. Seeing Wellsie again, and learning her frame of mind at this time regarding the future of the Brotherhood and her hopes for she and Tohr, and then finally the Epilogue..
Honestly, the most poignant moments in this Novella were the Introduction Prologue, and the Epilogue..
But as great as these things were, sadly they did not appease me for what I longed to see here regarding Darius and Anne. What I've waited, it feels like forever to see.
So I've never been more certain that Ward has long lost her ability to tell these stories in the same vein that once made this series great. I will forever be a fan of the earlier books in this world. Always. But this Novella just reminded why I made the right decision in walking away from this world years ago.
Nya has taken the train from Caldwell NY for the very last time
🥺😥😢
✌️
Thank goodness I was wise enough to wait till it was finally put on KU months after its release, and not purchase this over-priced($12) file of 298 pages of "Meh".. Which only solidified (not that I needed it to) why I gave up on this series, and Ward's writing around book 18 of this series.
Now, let me explain why I finally broke down and read this months after it was released.. DARIUS.. if any character could bring me back to Caldwell NY, it was him. I have wanted Darius's story since I read book 1 over 13 yrs ago. But of course, Ward, in all her ADHD glory with her stories; decides to finally throw us a bone last year with this Novella.😒 And just as I knew it would, it didn't meet my expectations for this type of tale.
Darius and Anne are the parents of the now Queen of the race, Beth. We all know that their tale was a tragic one, but we never knew the details of such heartbreaking circumstances. Circumstances that ultimately left Beth to grow up in the system, not ever knowing who her father and mother were, or her true origins/bloodline until well into her adulthood.
So I was hoping for way more on the true love story front with Darius and Anne, but that just was not here at all. I know that our BDB males bond quickly. But at least you believe that bonding need. Here, I did not see or believe it.
Let me explain why..
First, this brief Novella focused way too much on the outside circumstances surrounding them. Things regarding the Lessers (Which the tie in with Anne's Ex and the Lessers was so obvious from jump before its reveal), the sad state of the Brotherhood at this time, (Which we really already knew in books 1 & 2) and IMO, the long winded inner monologues from both Anne and Darius, when they should have been actually communicating directly and building a connection..
I also feel that the Anne set up, which led her to "meeting" Darius, too much time was spent on this as well. This was a 298 page Novella, but things were visited and expounded on like we were getting a 400 page Novel. So this greatly affected our connection time with Darius and Anne as well.
Also the constant disruptions with them was beyond wearing on my nerves with certain Brothers constantly showing up at the way wrong time at his house.
All of these things took away from me being able to actually see and experience them falling in love over their VERY brief courtship. Also they were only intimate with one another ONE time!! 😤 And this came at the 70+% mark of this Novella 😕 Not what I'm used to at all within the BDB world. And this one moment was lackluster because of the failed establishment of their connection to begin with..
So these are all the things that sadly kept this from being a 5 🌟 read for me. I wanted to actually know a side of Darius that we never got to see. Him with his one true love, his Shellan.. The major precious event of his world, that ultimately brings us to what happened decades later in book 1 and why..
But, again, sadly this fell way short in delivering what I wanted/needed to see. And what I've been wishing for for years now.
Now, what brought this to the 3.5 🌟 rating it received, was there were a handful of things here that were still interesting.. The Prologue Introduction. Witnessing Vishous explain to Darius regarding his vision of his death. How Darius and Anne actually met. A very shocking 🤯 reveal regarding the Scribe Virgin and Anne.. Seeing Wellsie again, and learning her frame of mind at this time regarding the future of the Brotherhood and her hopes for she and Tohr, and then finally the Epilogue..
Honestly, the most poignant moments in this Novella were the Introduction Prologue, and the Epilogue..
But as great as these things were, sadly they did not appease me for what I longed to see here regarding Darius and Anne. What I've waited, it feels like forever to see.
So I've never been more certain that Ward has long lost her ability to tell these stories in the same vein that once made this series great. I will forever be a fan of the earlier books in this world. Always. But this Novella just reminded why I made the right decision in walking away from this world years ago.
Nya has taken the train from Caldwell NY for the very last time
🥺😥😢
✌️
September 14, 2024
A story I didn't know I needed.
October 27, 2022
I was not prepared for how emotional this one would be. Great read (listen!) <3
July 21, 2022
Darius has loomed large over this series from the start, so it was great to have this book to get to know Darius more. My heart was breaking for him for what he was building, yet what he planned didn't come true until after he died. I loved seeing him meet Ann, to see how their relationship played out so tragically. But the best were Darius's last words to Beth and for him to find Ann again.
August 6, 2022
It was alright and Im happy to know what happened. However, I do think its strange that this book is placed .05 due to spoiling all the books after it. If people are new to this series then they will know exactly how the rest of the series ends up.
October 31, 2023
I read the e-book. I didn’t listen to the audiobook but I just cannot find the damn book on GR.
Meh� So, 3⭐️ because all the other books from the series I absolutely loved. I used to be such a huge fan of this series!� What the hell happened?! The last two installments have been such a disappointment! Lassiter was (much, so much) worse than this one� but still� so different from those books which made me sigh and that made me open the windows (even if I finished them in the winter� Yes. They were that hot!!).
Darius deserved better. One night?! They get one damn night?!?! And then she leaves ?! And then she dies?! Oh, spare me! (And him, the poor guy!)�
In the end there are still some things poorly explained, like, why is John Mathews a mute, or the great news about Heaven/The Fade� - it seems you can watch TV and read books in there. And they have beds. Where they can get laid...🙄
Meh� So, 3⭐️ because all the other books from the series I absolutely loved. I used to be such a huge fan of this series!� What the hell happened?! The last two installments have been such a disappointment! Lassiter was (much, so much) worse than this one� but still� so different from those books which made me sigh and that made me open the windows (even if I finished them in the winter� Yes. They were that hot!!).
Darius deserved better. One night?! They get one damn night?!?! And then she leaves ?! And then she dies?! Oh, spare me! (And him, the poor guy!)�
In the end there are still some things poorly explained, like, why is John Mathews a mute, or the great news about Heaven/The Fade� - it seems you can watch TV and read books in there. And they have beds. Where they can get laid...🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2023
4 �
I'm happy the author decided to write a prequel that also has interesting information. I didn't really have time to empathize with Anne, I felt it a bit rushed, but I loved how, somehow, a circle was finally closed.
Darius was and always will be one of my favorite characters (even though we didn't really meet him) and the book about how he found his mate was perfect.
The final chapter was everything!
I'm happy the author decided to write a prequel that also has interesting information. I didn't really have time to empathize with Anne, I felt it a bit rushed, but I loved how, somehow, a circle was finally closed.
Darius was and always will be one of my favorite characters (even though we didn't really meet him) and the book about how he found his mate was perfect.
The final chapter was everything!
March 13, 2023
Oh my heart! Thank goodness this was audio cause I pretty much sobbed the last 20%. What a beautiful look back to see how things were and how Darius longed for a different future for the vampire race. This kind of makes me want to go back and start the whole series over.
June 2, 2022
This is my first audio of the BDB books and I enjoyed it so much. It was so nice to go back to the beginning of the series with this origin story and to get a peek into how the whole world and house and family got set up by Darius and his dreams of the Brotherhood becoming a family. It was heartbreaking and sweet and steamy just like we have come to expect from Ward and this series.
September 10, 2023
I’m a dirty liar. And I’m weak. For the past few years JR Ward’s writing has evolved into something that isn’t to my liking. And for the last several books I tell myself, this is it. This is where I quit.
I really thought Lassiter would be my last. It wrecked me in a bad way. Like filled me with the fires of the 9th circle of hell kind of rage. But since Darius had been released pre-Lassiter I did it. I read it.
And what hurt the most is it wasn’t bad. It was very reminiscent of the writing of the early books, where the romance was the priority. And it made the book extra bittersweet.
I really thought Lassiter would be my last. It wrecked me in a bad way. Like filled me with the fires of the 9th circle of hell kind of rage. But since Darius had been released pre-Lassiter I did it. I read it.
And what hurt the most is it wasn’t bad. It was very reminiscent of the writing of the early books, where the romance was the priority. And it made the book extra bittersweet.
April 19, 2023
Good characters znd story. I've got to read more of this series
July 19, 2022
Darius is the origin story BDB fans have been waiting for, praying for, hoping for and it lived up to every expectation I could imagine. Even though I knew what happened to Darius from book 1, Dark Lover, I was not emotionally prepared for how this book wrecked me. I wasn’t prepared for how this book would rip out my heart, in not only how much Darius loved Anne but in how being a parent became his most rewarding experience.
If you are an OG BDB lover this book has all the things we expect in a BDB book- romance, bad guys (Omega), a glimpse of the Scribe Virgin and Alpha bonded male! The story of Darius meeting Anne, falling deeply in love and their ultimate ending made me laugh and cry. We got so much backstory to Darius - his yearning for the brotherhood to be together, for a family of his own, the laugher and heartache of their relationship.
A fantastic part of the book are the glimpses of younger Zsadist, Vishous, Rhage, Wrath, and Thor plus Wellsie. If that part doesn’t pull on your heartstrings you are a black hole without emotion. The relationship between Fritz and Anne is adorable. Plus several questions are answered. How did Beth get put in foster care? What is happening with John Matthew and Darius?
Once you get to the epilogue, feel free to DM me, I am here for emotional support.
Darius made me want to re-read Dark Lover! It reminded me why I continue to obsess, adore and keep coming back to this series after all these years.
Thank you to the publisher (Simon Audio) and NetGalley for an ALC. All thoughts are my own. Darius has a publish date of July 19, 2022.
If you are an OG BDB lover this book has all the things we expect in a BDB book- romance, bad guys (Omega), a glimpse of the Scribe Virgin and Alpha bonded male! The story of Darius meeting Anne, falling deeply in love and their ultimate ending made me laugh and cry. We got so much backstory to Darius - his yearning for the brotherhood to be together, for a family of his own, the laugher and heartache of their relationship.
A fantastic part of the book are the glimpses of younger Zsadist, Vishous, Rhage, Wrath, and Thor plus Wellsie. If that part doesn’t pull on your heartstrings you are a black hole without emotion. The relationship between Fritz and Anne is adorable. Plus several questions are answered. How did Beth get put in foster care? What is happening with John Matthew and Darius?
Once you get to the epilogue, feel free to DM me, I am here for emotional support.
Darius made me want to re-read Dark Lover! It reminded me why I continue to obsess, adore and keep coming back to this series after all these years.
Thank you to the publisher (Simon Audio) and NetGalley for an ALC. All thoughts are my own. Darius has a publish date of July 19, 2022.
September 5, 2023
I absolutely loved Darius! A truly fantastic read. This was a story I wanted but didn't realize how much I needed. Learning about Darius and Anne had me holding my breath because I knew what was coming but I hung on every detail as they came together and fell in love. I loved their story, their ups and downs, and their beautiful happily ever after.
I loved Darius and Anne’s chance encounter and their instant connection, it’s like they were drawn to one another. I liked learning about Anne, her life, and what she was going through. I loved getting to know Darius and not just from the viewpoint of others in previous stories. I felt for Darius and all the turmoil he was in about the state of things in the Brotherhood. It was an odd and captivating thing watching them fall in love when I knew their end. When that fate finally came for Anne, even though I knew it was coming, I found it devastating. That's the power of J. R. Ward’s storytelling. I had no idea how they’d get there in the end but was thrilled beyond belief that they did.
I loved getting glimpses of some of the Brothers and how they used to be. I found myself getting emotional because I was reminded of everything Darius wanted for the Brotherhood and then thinking about how it all finally came to be. I adored his depth of love for Anne and Beth, their young. I loved seeing Fritz and the Scribe Virgin as well. I loved meeting a certain doctor and knowing about his connection to some of the other characters in the series, I thought it made a great addition. I also loved what the ending meant for John Matthew. There were a lot of really amazing moments happening.
I loved the details and thought there was an excellent build, I felt pulled in and engaged. Knowing the fates of Darius and Anne, I thought I was prepared for the emotion I would feel but the story gave me so much more than I thought it would, and I was expecting a lot. It was sweet and touching, and hard and heartbreaking. The epilogue was the best payoff ever and it absolutely thrilled me. It filled me up and made me happy and I found it to be an exceptional story!
Complimentary copy received from Gallery Books.
I loved Darius and Anne’s chance encounter and their instant connection, it’s like they were drawn to one another. I liked learning about Anne, her life, and what she was going through. I loved getting to know Darius and not just from the viewpoint of others in previous stories. I felt for Darius and all the turmoil he was in about the state of things in the Brotherhood. It was an odd and captivating thing watching them fall in love when I knew their end. When that fate finally came for Anne, even though I knew it was coming, I found it devastating. That's the power of J. R. Ward’s storytelling. I had no idea how they’d get there in the end but was thrilled beyond belief that they did.
I loved getting glimpses of some of the Brothers and how they used to be. I found myself getting emotional because I was reminded of everything Darius wanted for the Brotherhood and then thinking about how it all finally came to be. I adored his depth of love for Anne and Beth, their young. I loved seeing Fritz and the Scribe Virgin as well. I loved meeting a certain doctor and knowing about his connection to some of the other characters in the series, I thought it made a great addition. I also loved what the ending meant for John Matthew. There were a lot of really amazing moments happening.
I loved the details and thought there was an excellent build, I felt pulled in and engaged. Knowing the fates of Darius and Anne, I thought I was prepared for the emotion I would feel but the story gave me so much more than I thought it would, and I was expecting a lot. It was sweet and touching, and hard and heartbreaking. The epilogue was the best payoff ever and it absolutely thrilled me. It filled me up and made me happy and I found it to be an exceptional story!
Complimentary copy received from Gallery Books.
February 5, 2025
Od prve knjige ovog serijala Darius mi je bio intrigantan lik. Možda zato što je tako kratko bio tu. Naravno, pominjao se u svakoj knjizi, i to uz takve opise da je nemoguće ne poželeti saznati nešto više o njemu. S obzirom na to da su naši prestali sa prevođenjem serijala, iskopala sam nastavke na engleskom. I naravno, "progutala" knjigu. Idemo dalje 😍
July 23, 2022
DARIUS by J.R. Ward
From the very first book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, I craved more Darius. This book gave me all the background I had been wanting. His story is heart wrenching, with a hefty portion of angst, but is WONDERFUL!! The epilogue was sublime! In fact, I am going to listen to it again. Jim Frangione is once again the narrator for J.R. Ward's book and he is a pleasure to listen to. This is 5 stars, I wish I could give it more.
From the very first book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, I craved more Darius. This book gave me all the background I had been wanting. His story is heart wrenching, with a hefty portion of angst, but is WONDERFUL!! The epilogue was sublime! In fact, I am going to listen to it again. Jim Frangione is once again the narrator for J.R. Ward's book and he is a pleasure to listen to. This is 5 stars, I wish I could give it more.
July 21, 2022
4.5 - Heartbreaking! Even knowing what was going to happen, it was still very difficult to listen to/experience.
CW/TW: Physical abuse, placenta previa, maternal death.
CW/TW: Physical abuse, placenta previa, maternal death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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