Prince of Darkness

Dark Protectors, Book 17

De: Rebecca Zanetti

Narrado por: Gabra Zackman

Unknown to humans, beyond daylight lies a world of intoxicating darkness where deadly creatures prowl with insatiable desires and unbelievable power: vampires, demons, witches, shifters. When vulnerable humans find themselves thrust into that realm, they’ll never be the same … The 17th installment in the long running fan-favorite Dark Protectors series from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti

In the aftermath of war, a fragile peace hovers between the Kurjan nation and the Dark Protector coalition. Yet amid labyrinthine politics and intrigue, Vero Phoenix, a Kurjan, stands apart. He has lived devoid of legacy or lineage—until the day he backed his newfound brother as king, putting himself into the treacherous position of enforcer and shield. Yet there is another thorn in his side, no less vexing, undeniably captivating—and all-too-human …

Lyrica Graves was once ensnared by Kurjan captors and now embodies defiance and freedom as she guides other women to independence and modernity. She is particularly amused—and breathtakingly challenged—by her battles with Vero. But their clashing also belies a sizzling connection, a dark attraction between supernatural and fully human that threatens their chosen destinies and makes them a target for far too many bloodthirsty enemies …

©2025 Rebecca Zanetti (P)2025 Recorded Books

Always a Pleasure

Now who would have thought that after over 15 books I'd fall in love with Kurjans!? Well, Zanetti has done it. I love the alpha men in this. Their protective behavior is not cruel or over the top. The MFC is strong but flawed. I love how the couple falls in love and the passion! It's hot as heck! Another slam dunk for Zanetti. I can't wait for the next book!

a great addition to a favorite book series!

I went into this book thinking there's no possible way RZ could get me to sympathize with Kuryans even if Paxton and Vero are brothers.

After countless books that revolved around the Dark Protectors vs Kurjans and the Cist leaders, I just couldn't wrap my head around a storyline that involved thinking anything other than they are the enemy of the realm.
Bravo to Rebecca for creating villains so hated that her loyal readers are having a hard time coming to terms with this new alliance!

Enter Vero and Lyrik, and Maeve and Ralstad and speed dating Kurjans. I really loved Lyrik's character! Her stubborn and independent personailty was a perfect match to Vero.


There are lots of changes coming to this newest arc in the Dark Protectors realm and I'm so excited for Hunter and also Libby's books!!

Wonderful

I have listened to all 17 of these dark protector audiobooks. Gabra Zach friend is wonderful the stories are great I’ve enjoyed every single one. Thank you

The Kurjans....?????

I am already a longtime fan of this series, so I was really excited to see that there was a new book out. This book focuses on Vero Phoenix- a Kurjan vampire - who we just recently discovered is Paxton's brother. Paxton, a demon vampire - who is now the King of the Kurjan Nation (definitely a long story behind this one). The challenge comes with the fact that Vero WAS also very close to his cousin - the now deceased third in the love triangle with Hope and Paxton. So, while Vero was never specifically a really bad guy, he definitely hung around with the bad guys.

So, this forces us to do a bit of a mind shift as we now see Vero as the Kurjan Prince trying to help newly appointed King Paxton keep the newfound peace between the Kurjans and the Realm. I mean, the KURJANS....they were the bad guys for so long.....

And then we meet Lyrica. As a human, she was kidnapped and held by the Kurjans (because that is how they did things). Things are changing and they are trying to fix some of their wrongs, and Lyrica has emerged as a leader for the women who have been held, kidnapped, or possible mated against their will. She is leading the push to make things right.

Because this series revolves around mated pairs - we get to watch Lyrica and Vero deal with the unexpected complications that emerge with their pairing. There are a couple of unexpected twists to make things interesting. Oh, and not to mention - there are some new bad guys......

While this could probably be read as a stand alone, there really is a lot of history and information that would be missed if you jumped in at this point. Plus, the series as a whole is awesome so why not start from the beginning? Seriously?

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Lyrical Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on April 29, 2025.

Wanted more

I absolutely love this book. I can't wait to see more of this new nation. I wanted more. I wanted to

Love this entire series

It is so amazing to get the story for Vero..Lyrica is a totally modern woman helping the new nation moving forward as she fights her feelings for her warrior. There are many threats waiting in the shadows as the couple works together in a race against time to keep the new nation safe.