Heirs of Darkness

Realms of Lore: Fae #1.5

by Amber Thoma

"You must understand, we are wicked creatures, it is our nature. it may not be right, as you have said, but we are what we are.”

Now, Find out why.

Under the corrupt rule of Ciaran's father, Nightfell Palace is no place for a youngling. Ciaran and Kes are forced to grow up quickly in order to survive the blood soaked paths and tortuous trials set before them. Ultimately, the Night Court will teach them the most important lesson of all.
Fate always gets what fate wants.

Genres: Fae, Fantasy

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[Almedia Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was everything I thought it would be: dark, humorous, and absolutely binge-able!🖤💚

[Morgan Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be chosen to read an advanced copy of this novella. When I was chosen, I didn’t realize that it was meant to be the second book, so naturally I went ahead and read the first book. I loved it and with the cliffhanger at the ending, I was so excited to dive into book two… but quickly found out this was actually more of a prequel! I was not disappointed though!
I love getting the back story of Kes and Ciaran and each bit of it broke my heart. I knew from book 1 that they had to have experienced some sort of trauma to be as bonded as they were, but also the way they both reacted to their love interests in Prince of Darkness. Without giving away any spoilers, I completely understand Kes’s inability to accept that he was meant to find a mate in book one after the tragedy he experienced in this tale. My heart also broke for Ciaran and the way his father controlled him both physically and mentally.

The only inconsistency I found and didn’t really understand (but maybe this is because I devoured book two so quickly) is the mythological elements. In book 1, we have Hecate, who is the mother of witches in Greek mythology. Book 2 has a section where it talks about Norse mythology and I while I understood the Loki connection and how it played into Kes and Ciarans relationship, the stickler in me was hyper focused on the different mythological areas and stories.

Regardless I loved both books and I cannot wait to find out what happens after the ending of book one!

[Rebekah Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What does not kill you, makes you more dramatic.” - Kes

I’m so excited to have another glimpse into one of my favorite worlds and Amber delivered another amazing story with Heirs of Darkness.

Just when you think you’ve heard every bird pun possible, or seen the depths of Ciarans brooding, you haven’t.

The snarky banter and the depraving minds of the two Princes of the Night Court took ages to form and this story shows us how tragic life can be for a young fae.

With Easter eggs that tie into some of the conflict of Ambers first book in the series, The Prince of Darkness, and this coming of age story of the two Princes, I’m ready for the next book in the series.

These continue to be my top reads of the 2023 and they go on the very short list of comfort books with I will read again and again.

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

I’m loving learning more about the boys backgrounds! Kes has always been my favorite I just love his witty banter no matter who he converses with! That ending though 🥹

[Kimberly Rahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I loved getting to know my boys and what molded them into who they became.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really cool taking a step back from the original story and getting answers to a lot of the questions I had about Kes and Ciaran’s relationship. Knowing how horrible the king was puts into perspective why Ciaran is the wonderful king he is in present time. This was a little slow in comparison to the first book.

I’m so excited to have the story continue in present time! I cannot wait to see what’s next for these characters. Kes is still my favorite ☺️

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torment. Trauma. Tribulations.

Heirs of Darkness- an in depth and emotional journey into the pasts of our two favorite winged males. Heirs of Darkness is riveting- it makes you want to scream and cry at the same time. It was a MAJOR emotional rollercoaster for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page of the ride.

HoD explores the upbringing of both Kes and Ciaran from younglings to adults. You get to experience their heartbreak & trauma as if you were right there with them. The author does a phenomenal job of matching the darkness with as much humor throughout. If Kes is involved, then you know there is going to be some theatrics and banter 😂!!

You learn how crow daddy & shadow daddy have become so wicked and morally grey to survive 🖤.

✨✨Remember Kes telling Anin about that 6 night fight with Ciaran for the throne in Prince of Darkness???? Yea… there might be a little sneaky peaky of that in HoD plus a few more fights😉😏😜.

Add to your TBR if you like
🐦‍⬛Dark Humor
👑Childhood Trauma
🐦‍⬛Magic/Fae
👑Heartbreak

While HoD is technically a prequel, it is meant to be read 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 PoD for full effect!

Thank you so much to the author Amber for trusting me with Beta and ARC reading this novella 🖤 I absolutely LOVED it, even if it broke my heart just a little bit 🥹!

𝓗𝓮𝓲𝓻𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 will release on October 24th!!! Don’t miss out !!!!!!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Realms of Lore novella, Heirs of Darkness is a fantastic, roller coaster journey of life, friendship and loss that will have you feeling every emotion along side Ciaran and Kes. It takes place before the events of PoD (Prince of Darkness) so if you haven’t read that book yet , it’s okay, you can still read this. There is so much emotional baggage to unpack in HoD that it will have you calling around to see if any therapists take fictional characters as patients. I found myself repeatedly saying “this explains so much”.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I received this as an ARC for an honest review. Wow you can really see how much Amber has grown as an author. While there are still some things that pull me out of the story (like one of the characters saying “Big mad”) this is a pretty enjoyable read. It was very interesting to see Ciaran and Kes in their early years and watch how they adapt to the struggles they grew up with. It helps us figure out where they came from while also dropping some much needed lore nuggets for the future of this series. Great work Amber. I can’t wait to see how this series develops.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

If y'all want a good book that is going to make you yell at the book scream at the characters and fall in love with them all at the same time you need to read this book and Prince of darkness but I would recommend Prince of darkness before this one cuz this one is a novella absolutely amazing if I could give this woman 30/40 Stars I would because she deserves it and more I have went through all of my emotions in this one novela and I cannot wait to read everything she puts out this book is absolutely amazing and I am going to read it again and again and again

[Justina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc Reader*

I loved this book! Getting to learn more about Carian and Kes with why they are the way they are and experiencing how they grew up just makes me love them more. It's definitely worth reading after Prince Of Darkness! Now I really can't wait for the next book.

[Megan Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEIRS OF DARKNESS REVIEW
4/5 STARS
THIS BOOK WAS A GOOD PREQUEL TO PRINCE OF DARKNESS. IT GAVE US SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON KAS AND CIARAN. IT TELLS US ABOUT KES’S PARENTS AND HOW THEY DIED AND HOW HORRIBLE A FATHER CIARAN HAD. THIS BOOK GAVE US THE BACKGROUND OF CIARAN’S NICKNAME “PRINCE OF DARKNESS. ”

[Kaysi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop reading this novella. Amber Thoma has done it again. If you’ve been questioning how Kes and Cirian were shaped into the males we see in Prince of Darkness this is an absolute must read.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read Review:
🖤Heirs of Darkness : Ciaran & Kes🖤

Thank you @author_amber_thoma for allowing me to beta read this novella!

I absolutely devoured this story! We get a peek behind the curtain into Ciaran & Kes’s past. This story was gut wrenching, emotional, hilarious, and dark! Ambers writing was impactful and beautiful. I felt it ALL! 🥹 It gave us so many answers but also left me with more questions that I can’t wait to unravel as this series continues!!

If you enjoyed Prince of Darkness I highly suggest reading this novella ASAP! The banter was top tier 🤌🏼 and the multiple timelines flowed so well! I loved getting to see these two journeys from boys to the men (fae?) we love so much!

Also if I didn’t hate Ciaran’s dad before I sure do now!!! 🤬 I am super curious still about the ring and the man in the mountain! 👀 I can’t wait to see everyone’s theories on them especially once Queen of Light releases!

Overall this was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me! Run an add this to your TBR and mark your calendars for its release on October 24th!!

#jayjaypjkwreads #amberthoma #heirsofdarkness #princeofdarkness #queenoflight #novella #shortreads #betabookreviewer

[Avery Hackler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amber I loved it, this was a wonderful read, your first book Prince of Darkness was my first ever ARC read and from then to now I’ve seen your growth as an author and I’ve absolutely loved being on this journey with you!

If you want to get a back ground Kes and Ciaran and how they got to where they are in PoD read Heirs of Darkness! You’ll find wit, banter, broody males (and their love for torturing fae that deserve it) and a good lay out of a back story that shows you the lives of these two males and while they make the decisions they do. It’s great!

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the arc of the prequel to her series Realms of Lore: Fae. This novella was full of villian mayhem and court revenge. I loved seeing Kes and Ciaran grow up and finally divulge in the wickedness that is talked about in book 1. I found Kes to be funny and charming; Ciaran to be broody with a troubled back story. Both of these guys are swoon worthy and I wish some of these details made it into the first book to give the characters more depth. I really enjoyed the revenge and the growth of the two men, as well as the writing as it was fast paced. This dual pov gave you plenty of time to bond with the characters, despite it being a shorter read. I also think you can really see the growth in the authors writing and that makes me excited to see what else she puts out. I think the more she writes the better evolved her stories will be. This novella was a solid read with abundant mayhem and I enjoyed it a lot.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You must understand we are wicked creatures, it is our nature. It may not be right, as you have said, but we are what we are." ~Prince of Darkness

I understand.

This understanding was bought with tears, loss, and heartache with wicked laughter shared between morally dubious yet undeniably captivating Heirs. When I picked up Heirs of Darkness I was promised that it was going to be rough, but that there would be laughs at the end and that is exactly what was delivered, with flair.

It wasn't easy to watch what they went through, but I did take comfort in what was to come. And now I cannot wait to see what waits in the light.

[Valerie (exlibris.valerie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good origin story, and Amber Thoma’s “Heirs of Darkness” gave me everything I was hoping for after reading book 1, Prince of Darkness.

We all know and love well our wicked Prince of Darkness and his theatrical cousin, Kes, who we might all agree upon as the king of making an entrance. This novella explores their origin story, detailing how these two males became so indifferent to the dangerous ways of the Night Court and entwined in fate.

***Make sure you check the TWs for this novel, as it dives into abusive parenting and relationships, assault, torture, and slavery.***


I loved how this novella rotates between Ciaran’s and Kes’ perspective as they grow up in a court of absolute chaos and debauchery. There were so many times my heart was absolutely hurting to read what these young boys went through, and now I absolutely understand and see them on a whole new level. To see Ciaran grow up without really any nurturing and to then have him forced to take away the only nurturing figures in Kes’ life… Kes, the only friend he had… their souls were hurt at such a young age and the amount they had to overcome is truly horrifying.

The first person perspective allowed this novella to read very personally. I adore Amber’s writing style, as it always makes me feel as if transported away into the pages of a classic fairytale. I love this combination of truly reading the character’s inner dialogue mixed with classic fantasy storytelling. One does not distract from the other, and I *feel* when I read these pages. I think that’s a real gift for an author to have!

I think Heirs of Darkness is a truly excellent prequel to Prince of Darkness, and I’m honestly so excited for the next installment to release!

*this novella was provided to me as an eARC. All views/opinions are honest and my own. Thank you to Amber Thoma for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its release!*

[InkyandBookish [Brit] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heirs of Darkness

This was a deep dive into the upbringing of Kes and Ciaran aka Shadowdaddy and Crowdaddy or my preferred term our darling feather duster. It was everything I thought it was going to be...dark, twisted, haunting, and as always with Kes it was hilarious. His banter is everything.

This definitely needs to be read after Prince of Darkness.

I absolutely ate this up. Learning more about characters you love is always something that is desired but not always given, and Amber Thoma delivered. These characters are so well thought out, fleshed out, and concrete you feel like you truly know them after this. Their heartbreak and trauma has you asking yourself if they were ever villains to begin with or are they just trying their best...just like the rest of us.

[Bethany Sweatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read both this book and Amber's first book in the series as an ARC reader. This novella was an easy read that gave us insight into the back story of Ciaran and Kes. Really enjoyed reading it!!

[Malarie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄.” -Kes (Gah I love him) 😎

This book was so good!
I loved reading the characters backstories in this novella and getting to see what made them the way they are—even if it’s a dark, sinister past. But my heart did break for them and what they went through as younglings! 😭

Heirs of Darkness gives you that glimpse into what Ciaran and Kes (from Prince of Darkness) experienced, how it made them who they are, how it both tore apart and reinforced a friendship, and how fate always gets what fate wants! ⚔️

It’s full of wicked fae, dark humor, and was the perfect read to tide me over until book 2 — Queen of Light — comes out! 🙌🏼 plus Amber’s writing is always so good and pulls you in from the beginning.

Don’t sleep on this series!

[Kristin Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect window into the pasts of the two most fearsome males of the Night Court.

Before they became the deliciously wicked males that we know and love, Ciaran and Kes were younglings struggling to grow up in the Night Court. Experience the events that made them the ruthless males they are as they navigate the treacherous court of Ciaran's father - doing whatever it takes to survive.

This novella was such a good read! The brief glimpse that Ms. Thoma gives to us of the lives that Ciaran and Kes have lived up to the point where we first meet them in Prince of Darkness was everything I could have hoped for. My heart aches for the younglings they were and the males they became under the cruel fist of Ciaran's father.

Ms. Thoma's writing is as evocative as ever. The banter, especially where Kes was involved, was spot on. The male has a flair for the dramatic and god help me I never want it to end.

I cannot wait for the next books in the Realms of Lore series. There is so much left for Ms. Thoma to tell and I am in it for the long haul.

[CozyDreamsStudio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little prequel to Prince of Darkness. It tells the story of the two boys growing up and overcoming all the beings and powers that tried to rob them and keep them weak.

The most interesting part of this to me was the stranger that helps Ciaran. He tells stories that start to weave all the myths and realms together. It made me really excited to see where else the series might go. And also will this character come back and offer more guidance in the future?

Review based off ARC

[Mary Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just incredible! I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am leaving a review willingly. I unfortunately did not read the first book in her series “Prince of Darkness” and went ahead and read this prequel even after the warning the author gave in the beginning of this book. Now when an author gives you a warning in the beginning about the order on reading their books, you should absolutely listen to them. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on the first book of the series “Prince of Darkness” and wondering what I may have missed that has already been told. Even though I did not read the first book I did however loved reading the prequel and will be ordering the second as soon as possible. She has me officially hooked and will have others as well.

I did certainly appreciate the bird puns that was divulged all through out. I relished reading Kes chapters because of the witty banter when he interacts with other characters in the book and his carefree self. I would have to agree with others I am #teamcrowdaddy as well. The character development was impeccable and the world building was all-encompassing. It was so difficult at times to even put it down when I knew I should especially when I had to go to bed and get some sleep. I just could not get enough of it. I also love the fact that I got to learn some new vocabulary words that I didn’t already know. All in all this author did an incredible job sharing the backgrounds of Kes and Ciaran. I highly recommend everyone to read first the “Prince of Darkness” and then read “Heirs of Darkness” you will not regret it!

[spicybookmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Fate always gets what fate wants. “

🖤I adored Heirs of Darkness by Amber Thoma from start to finish and binge read it because it is really fantastic.

💚I will take a moment to say I read Prince of Darkness first. I recommend you do the same. The unique world building,wicked fae, witty banter, spicy goodness, and epic story will make you happy you read it too.

"You must understand, we are wicked creatures, it is our nature. It may not be right, as you have said, but we are what we are."

🖤Heirs of darkness is a novella that takes us to the early childhood lives of Ciaran and Kes, the Fey princes who captured our hearts in book 1. The writing completely submerges us in their heartbreaking history, and is filled with so much emotion and angst. The story is quite dark but is mixed with moments of wonderful humor to allow us a chance to recoup before we dive right back in. The heartbreak felt for what Ciaran and Kes had to endure is immense. In their own way, they are forced to face unimaginable events that mold them into the charismatic, powerful Fae they become. It is incredible to watch them turn from boys to men, and I did not want take take a moment away from it. This book somehow left me loving them even more. I cannot wait to continue this magnificent journey and delve deeper into their lives, and this incredible world.

[Gnome Patronus · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Overall 5/5
🌶️ Spice 0/5
🫑 RomCom Spice 0/5
🖤Dark 1/5


“When I become the monster I will inevitably be, it will be of my own making.”

This is a prequel to Prince of Darkness and gives insight to what makes the cousins from the NightCourt who they are. From youth to age of where they are in Prince of Darkness Amber really puts these two through the wringer and takes your heart with it. The author does recommend you reading Prince of Darkness first, and if you are the type of reader who needs to have a connection with a character before reading and knowing their past then 109%, you will need to read Prince of Darkness first. I personally do wish I would have read the prequel first. This gives the reason on why they act the way they did in Prince of Darkness and gives you insight on why their actions are so different, But either way, read this before or after, this is a NEED TO READ. You can feel the layers in the scenes that are just ready to unfold. Nods to things you know will be important in books to come. This really helps set up not only a better understanding of the characters backstory, but a few nuggets of unresolved items you know will be unfolded soon.

[Crim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not express how extremely good this was. Prince of Darkness I had said needed some improvement to it. I gave Heirs a shot because I wanted to read it plus I was gifted it early to read. Which as yall can tell I read extremely late.

But oh my kes! Ambers flow, details, pov, and writing skills have absoulutely improved tenfold in this one. If for whatever reason you were dissapointed in POD, you will not be in this one!

It flowed extremely well to the point you could make sense even if you didnt realize their was time jumps starting. The dialog will keep you entertained; and the fact that you can relate to this book on a deep personal level makes it even more meaningful as a story. I related straight from the dedication page all the way to the end.

And while I may not have been raised in the Night Court wreaking havoc and mischief, I did live in my own personal Night Court of misery. And being able to see the boys growth struck me hard. It reminded me of my own strength and growth I overcame as a younger me.

[Alesha Melville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heirs of Darkness is a lovely short read that takes place prior to the events in Prince of Darkness. There is amazing insight into the relationship between two princes, who happen to be cousins and a terrible king. It is told from the point of view of the two princes.

Ciaran- Heir to the throne of the Dark Court. He is mistreated by his father and used as a weapon against his own people. Ciaran is forced to distance himself from his best friend, and cousin, Kes. His journey is anything but easy.

Kes- Tragedy strikes Kes at a young age and he is forced to grow up in less than ideal circumstances. His story connects with Ciaran in a sad way.

The plot of this story was interesting and as someone who has read Prince of Darkness, this book gives context to Kes and Ciaran's history. This book was very fast-paced compared to Prince of Darkness. I can't wait to see what is next in this world.

[Eve W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will give you a trusted confidant/friend’s insight into Ciaran and Kes. It should be read after Prince of Darkness. Doing so allows you to really appreciate these characters and understand how they became the “wicked creatures” you’ve met. The two characters have very unique personalities, and, in this novella, you can see where those stem from. You will empathize with these characters and likely feel anger on their behalf. I certainly did! You will enjoy Ciaran’s resilience, determination, focus, and patience as well as Kes’ resilience, tenacity, and humor. This book is a quick read, as it sucks you into its realm in the best of ways. You’ll find dark humor, fae, wonderfully surprising ties to varying mythology (from what is found in the first book), a unique coming-of-age tale, action, and resilience in the face of trauma. I loved this book and my wheels are already spinning thinking about what the next book might include. I am looking forward it with great anticipation.

[Ryssa Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber does it again with this one! The amount of my notes that are strictly things that literally made me laugh out loud is crazy! Ever read a book so good that you genuinely wanted to dive into their world among the character cast? Yeah, this series is that for me! With Heirs of Darkness, we get a detailed look into the past of Ciaran and Kes. We learn about their individual lives growing up as well as how their relationship with one another has come to be what we know and love in book 1: Prince of Darkness. While not all questions from book 1 are answered, some very heavy ones are (I won’t spoil though, you’ll have to read to find out!). The map included in this was also EXTREMELY exciting to see, as more areas were made available to see given their relationship with the story. Do read with care though, as some aspects of this story may be triggering for some. Overall though, definitely a 10/10 read and cannot wait for book 2: Queen of Light to release in 2024!