In the medieval kingdom of Conarck, a long-buried secret is about to reignite a war.
Bound in service to the noble Dain family, young warrior Owen seeks freedom and adventure. When a deathbed confession reveals the secret location of a long-lost weapon of great power, Owen accompanies a military expedition to the haunted ruins of the long-dead vampire queen Serina, who fifty years earlier almost destroyed the kingdom in her bloody rebellion.
But a traitor travels with the party, one who knows another secret—Serina isn’t dead, merely trapped.
And he’s going to set her free!
Featuring epic battles, relentless action, and sexy adult content, you will love this unforgettable dark fantasy trilogy because it will keep you riveted with excitement, breathless to see what happens next.
Author William Stacey is a former career army officer and author of The Dark Elf War series, the Blood and Honor series, and Black Monastery, a 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist.
Buy the complete boxed set today and find out for yourself why readers are raving about this smart, sexy, and bloody violent saga.
A former soldier, William Stacey served his country for more than thirty years, including multiple combat tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. William loves exercise and all things martial and is a black belt in karate.
This saga now includes the final of its three major novels, their namesakes in keeping with a manner commensurate to whichever relic it centres around, and the final battlefield in the case of this final addition. The titles are as follows: Blood Fiend's Bane (Book 1); The Shield of Serl Raven-Eye (Book 2); & The Mouth of the Gods (Book 3). I've included Amazon links to William's author page and the reviews I wrote for the previous two novels. With the trilogy now completed, William is turning to the second novel of his other dark fantasy series, The Dark Elf War (the first novel is called Starlight). A noteworthy detail about his returning efforts to complete The Dark Elf War Series is that it comes on the back of reader requests to write the second novel; a recommendation in itself. What follows is a copy and pasted summation of just the purely opinion sections of my individual reviews from the below links.
The combination of sword and sorcery with the vampiric urban fantasy is done in a seamless way as though the two usually separate styles are mixed all the time. Whilst the various denizens of the Fae often find roles in sword and sorcery, vampires are less often encountered. Such a move is not exactly unique, but the storyline within is nonetheless. The story is conceptually rich, with themes frequent and vast. For heavy readers there's much to consider just as there's plenty going on to keep light readers entertained too. With likeable main characters numbering in the double figures there's plenty of personalities to go round. The quest is long and large and yet it is still getting going. If you read Blood Fiend's Bane you'll have no choice but to go on and read book two, The Shield of Serl Raven-Eye. What a kingdom had pinned their hopes upon was concealed in round one, and put to proper test in round two. The opening chapter offers enough to know what's needed herein, but it could just as easily pave the way for a prequel riddled in action. Indeed, whether its answered or not, there's at least one question left unanswered.
Thoroughly entertaining and captivating, this book is one of those you'll find hard to put down. Even when little is happening the material is still enjoyed. Fluent writing and rich in details both the world and it's characters are built up well. Having first been a fan of epic fantasies and sword and sorcery before going on the read more paranormal and urban fantasies I definitely feel the combinations are a particularly defining feature, not that there aren't plenty more where they come from. Not shy in the description of events, the plot has much to draw you in. It also has that great feature where the story is both complete but still arouses your wonder at where else it might go. Make the choice of adding it to your library and you assuredly be rewarded, and looking to read more of The Vampire Queen Saga.
Much more than just another vampire saga, The Vampire Queen books bring together the fields of paranormal and dark fantasy. Rather intimate bedfellows, they knit together seamlessly well, at least that is, in the case of William Stacey's two books of the series to-date: Blood Fiend's Bane; and The Shield of Serl Raven-Eye. No longer constrained by the geography of the first book, which took place mostly on Greywynne Island, the plot broadens out to incorporate much more of it's world. The clans and their laws and customs are similar in theme to the Nordic mythologies. Indeed, it'd not have been too much of a stretch or a surprise to have been reading of Ragnarok or Valhalla. Their longboats with their carved figures, their mainsails and their oars bring to mind the varying types of dragon boats of the bygone past. The shield maidens of those stories have admittedly graduated to running amok as much as the men frequenting their beds. Cultures where dying abed of a ripe old age is considered less of a honourable death than dying with shield, sword and/or axe in your hands.
BOOK 2:
The bringing into the fold some of the aspects only hinted at, to the smallest degrees in book one, opens the memory to more of what took place than one might remember without having to go back and briefly refresh your place in the story. Its always great for recollections to identify those 'gotcha moments' where lightbulbs are lit within your mind, making connections to the other pieces of the book your memory put aside. From my own recollection of the many books I've read, it isn't exactly a skill you see all that often when dealing with what you can remember of the events between books. Its definitely used more frequently in the cases of within books; where its undoubtedly easier to pick up on those moments because of recency. I'm reading these books roughly a month apart and I have to say I'm happy to have picked up on the connections so far. At around three to five books on average in my weekly reading lists, its about fifteen or so books that I've read since finishinig Blood Fiend's Bane. I don't know how well you can distinguish all the little tidbits in the book series you read, but its to my own line of thinking that remembering clearly after a certain point, is a credit to an author's abilities as much, if not more than, as it is to my own ability to remember.
Certainly not for the faint of heart, the sequences would be at their lowest a MA15+, maybe even a R18 classification. Unlike the majority of vampire novels and series which deal in death and feeding, they also somewhat romantacise the notions of erotic affiliations. The Vampire Queen Saga does no such pleasantries in dealing with Serina, her childe(s), and the creation of her thralls. Just as death in the sword and sorcery sense is portrayed in all its horrifying existence, so too are the many aspects of the remaining components of the story. No punches are pulled in this saga. A significant degree of tension occurs for the reader as they navigate the stormy waters of book two. This has few moments of relief from the dark fantasy elements. The plot is rich in action and the pace is almost tiring. The combination of these factors making the story captivating and intriguing enough to not want to put it down. Don't be surprised if you find yourself finding moments and ways to keep reading; I daresay that if you're not fulfilled after reading both books thus far, then I doubt there's much that will satisfy you.
BOOK 3:
The third book goes out in the style for which the whole saga begun. With fight scenes choreographed with perfection you really couldn't tell where the next bit of wonder and excitement would come from; also the measure of any great finish. The mortality rate of those involved not only in their fates from within this book, but also from the first chapters of book one have been given the justice they deserve. In a manner of speaking I wouldn't be surprised to find that this social environment has come from an amalgamated individual construction of well designed and complex models. The characters show the same sort of attention to detail, benefitting the obvious hard work and natural talent. As vampire sagas go you can't hope for much more, the design taking the books into the sorts of storylines you'd expect from dark fantasy with a significant horror or thriller flare. These three books are a must, vampire sagas forever being set with a lofty pedestal regarding the technical and enjoyable aspects for which the future shall be forever realigned to set the benchmarks to a higher level of achievements to compare any subsequent ones that follow or precede.
The Vampire Queen Saga truly is a series that will grab you and refuse to let go. As a result, for anyone starting this at the first book I can pretty much guarantee that if the kindle blurb is at all appealing you'll find yourself addicted and end up reading all three. That being the case it just makes sense to but the trilogy boxset as it's a huge cost savings over buying each book separately.
As single books these are all at least four stars, and my review of each book follows. Collectively at such significant savings, I've got to give it that fifth star.
Book 1: Blood Fiends' Bane
What a fantastic introduction to a series, well-written and with a plot full of action, intrigue, battles and adventure with just the right bit of romance (and, umm, "heat") for seasoning. Most importantly, however, is that the characters are interesting and well drawn. They're the kind that readers get invested in, and that is a very good sign for this series. I'm looking forward to the next book. As for this one, as you can probably guess, it's strongly recommended.
Book 2: The Shield of Serl Raven-Eye
This is a strong continuation of the series. It has the same gritty realism in a truly dark fantasy setting. The heroes of this tale are struggling against almost insurmountable odds yet face totally realistic antagonisms and short-sitedness from those who should be helping them, so sadly realistic. The characters here are strong and growing. The created world an excellent one for them to interact with. The writing once again well done. I've been drawn into this tale and am very much looking forward to its next book. As with book 1, this one is also strongly recommended.
Book 3: The Mouth of the Gods
William Stacey has produced a hard core dark graphic gritty swords and spells fantasy novel that will grab you and refuse to let go no matter how much loss of sleep it causes you. Strong characters and a strong plot do justice to the series in bringing it to a conclusion. This is a talented author and that shows throughout. Highly recummended.
No vampire story has ever captured my imagination as completely and utterly as this one has. What a series! A gripping, dark fantasy, that with a simple twist of the pen, the author has taken from standardhood into a vampire story to remember. It is truly exceptional.
With gut twisting graphic descriptions of the battles between Serina; wielder of dark magic, and a necromancer; the vampire Queen with her undead minions/army; and her mortal enemies, the most promenant of whom is Lady Danika Dain, who happens to know Serina's only vulnerable point. Serina's plan is to conquer the Kingdom of Conarke and put it under her control, for her master, the god Ator, known as the Dark Shark, as none will speak his name for fear of attracting his attention.
This story has life; verve; and a real intensity to it that is not common in most vampire stories. In fact, this is the most surprising vampire story I have ever read. Right from the first book it differs from other vampire stories. This creepy dark story; which spans the three books in the boxset; is gruesome and blood thirsty. It absolutely does not pull its punches. It actually reminds me a bit of Game of Thrones in that respect.
I thought that by the time I reached the last book in the series, that I might find the plot a bit dull perhaps, or maybe the action might start to be a bit repetitive, but nothing could be further from the truth! It just kept on delivering harrowing battles in bloodcurdling, horrifying detail. The twists and turns in this story are deliciously fluid, gripping you; your focus tight fixed on the book. Keeping things nice, fresh, and interesting, right up to the final pages.
I don't think I could have imagined that this series would be so utterly compelling and have such amazing tension and drama, but it really has. I wish it would continue, but all good things must come to end, sadly
I think William Stacey has penned a really exceptional series and I look forward to reading more of his works in the future.
Dark, raw, and very forthcoming story that appeals to all your senses and attacks with full force until you are devoured. When Owen took off on the journey with the Dain heirs to retrieve a magical, powerful sword, and Illthori relic called often the Blood Fiend's Bane due to its impact on undead, he would never imagine the horrors that laid buried deep under the ruins of Greywynne fortress. But the betrayal of trusted member of Dain household wakes up the unnatural, bloodthirsty beast wearing the lovely face of Serina Greywynne, a feared sorceress and necromancer. In her pursuit to destroy the Dains who broke her kingdom and put her powers to deep slumber, Serina fears nobody and nothing, consuming bodies and souls on her trip. Owen and Danika, now joining their forcess with Fioni and her clan, must find the lost island using the Shield of Serl Raven's Eye and put their lives on stake to save what's left of the kingdom. Despite the darkness and violence, this entire series is a fascinating and highly enjoyable story. It does not soften the harsh and brutal reality of war and its horrors, picturing them with terrifying straightness down to every tiny detail. Even someone with no contact to violence would feel the chills running down his spine when reading the uncensored sceneries of battlefield. Monsters and beasts are significant part of the books, making sharp contrast to the emotions and feelings of the characters. Even wrapped up in the action, fights for their lives and never-ending chase, the characters are able to explore their hearts and give in to their true feelings. I loved the whole series, and would certainly recommend it to all fantasy readers
As if Vikings weren’t blood thirsty enough, author William Stacey has added a more terrifying foe, the Blood Queen to the mix. As the undead rise and threaten the entire world, high bred Lady Danika of the Kingdom of Conarck with her untested man-at-arms Owen Toscovar must ally themselves with the feared Fioni Ice-Bound - The Red Wolf, in a race against time to find the one magical item that stands a chance against the undead horror, Stacey has created an fascinating and dangerous world filled with magic, ancient societies, jealous gods, terrifying monsters that challenge the band of heroes as they attempt to save humanity from the unthinkable. Shield walls and battle cries herald an action filled story that will leave the strongest, breathless. Caution: Do not start this series if you have to work tomorrow.
I loved it although it was inconsistent- it turned out to be quite easy to incapacitate the super vamps - how come nobody figured it out? Killing off the main romantic interest in the beginning of the saga? Really? Then we had to suffer through the immature, promiscuous viking woman’s behavior through the entire series? In love with Owen? Their genitals got to know each other but I could not understand falling in love with idiotic, immature and viciously jealous woman blaming EVERYTHING on the hero. Since when the strategist is the one obligated to be the one actually performing all tasks? Ungrateful, conceited and vengeful idiot she was.
This trilogy by William Stacey is the best dark fantasy I have read. Each book builds on the next one and they all keep you on your toes wondering what is going to happen next. Each one has its own variety of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. You won't want to put them down and they will keep calling you back when life demands that you stop for a bit. The last one Mouth of the Gods does an excellent job of completing the story and leaves no strings hanging. If you love dark fantasy don't miss this one. The books are long but oh so worth it. Great job Mr. Stacey
Vikings and vampires what more can you ask for! A good story you might say and this is certainly that. Great world building and fast paced action all the way. I loved the idea of the heart in a box and remembered something similar in a Sinbad film from the sixties. No nice/romantic namby pamby vampire either but a proper nasty one. I will certainly look out for more by the author and will recommend the series to anyone.
If you imagine combining the world of Beowulf, Bram Stoker and George RR Martin, it would give you an idea of what you you will visit when you indulge in The Vampire Queen Saga. I lost nights sleep having to get up and go back to reading because I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen. This is definitely one of my very favorite stories. Heroes and horrors, I couldn't put it down. Fantastic story Mr. Stacey, wish I could give it 10 stars. Bravo.
William has the ability to draw you into his story and immerse you to the point that you totally forget about everything else. I loved the first two books in this trilogy and the final book did not disappoint. The Mouth of the Gods has great characters who grow and evolve. Almost non-stop action with just enough breaks to let you catch your breath.
This was a very powerful book full of intrigue, suspense, some humor and r s one romance. I enjoyed these books immensely! There is plenty of action to keep you on your toes and never want to put the book down. I don’t know if there will be a sequel to this series or not but if there is, I will be the first in line to buy it. I HIGHLY recommend this series. You won’t be disappointed!
Significantly better than I expected! Based on the title and a quick blurb I read, I expected something pulpy and poorly written, which was my mood at the time. I was very pleasantly surprised by this trio of books! Engaging characters, well-written, and perfect pacing. I very much enjoyed it, and would definitely read more books by William Stacey.
While it was exciting sexually, it had a very stupid h realistic plot. Fantasy is my favorite genre and this is a poor excuse for the genre. It’s mostly poorly written porn and I can’t believe there’s multiple books in the series. It goes no where.
Wickedly archaic and medieval with a formidable foe. The violence is gruesome but very realistic for the time and era. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this trilogy. Excellent storyline with a wicked ending!
Although it took me a little to get into this, as its not my usual thing, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are very well thought through, to make you like and dislike the various ones. I couldn't put it down. Great read 😁
I thoroughly enjoyed this great fantasy adventure, vampires, witches, ghouls. The story steeped in history, clans, legends and folklore. The main characters are likeable and believable, I would recommend it it without hesitation
Damn , where to start! Bloody awesome. Mean ass from beginning to end. Now, on to Black Monastery. Can't wait. Thanks William for allowing me to come back home if only for a short while on this fucked up earth.
I really enjoyed reading these books The story line was extremely interesting and kept me reading long into the night Great characters and a Great Ending
Gripping story. Solid characters. Excellent world building. Nice plot progression, exciting action and satisfying ending. Would highly recommend it to anyone.
Very well written. The characters have depth and the story flows nicely. I enjoyed reading this trilogy. It was an intriguing and unpredictable adventure.
Very good trilogy I couldn’t put it down would definitely recommend to anyone interested in this genre and will be on the lookout for more by this author