Books like 'The Dark Is Descending'
Readers who enjoyed The Dark Is Descending by Chloe C. Peñaranda also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy paranormal dark romance horror ancient times vampires
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Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes the much-anticipated sequel to the #1 international bestselling sensation EMPIRE OF THE VAMPIRE.From holy cup comes holy light;The faithful hands sets world aright.And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight,Mere man shall end this endless night... -
The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow
The Saint of War spares the life of a servant girl so she can fulfill her destiny as the kingdom’s greatest warrior in this short story of love and loyalty by New York Times bestselling author Alix E. Harrow.Always mindful of the debt she owes, the girl finds her worth as a weapon in the hand of the Prince. Her victories make him a king, then an emperor... -
二哈和他的白猫师尊 Dumb Husky and His White Cat Shizun by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou, 肉包不吃肉
"The Husky and His White Cat Shizun"Mo Ran felt that taking Chu Wanning as his master was a mistake.His Shizun was just so similar to a cat, while he was like a silly dog.Dogs and cats were biologically different. The silly dog hadn’t originally intended to put his furry paws out towards that cat... -
Magician's End by Raymond E. Feist
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThree decades . . . Five Riftwars . . . One magnificent saga: From New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist comes Magician's End, the final book in the epic Riftwar Cycle... -
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Between the Moon & Her Night by Jaclyn Kot
“It was like he had lifted the lid to a small locket box, because a soft, beautiful melody began to play—happy and sad, and filled with love and loss.It was the song of us.The song of Life and Death.”Centuries before the events of Between Life and Death and Between Sun and Moon . . . Centuries before she was Sage . . . She was Aurelia, the Goddess of Life... -
Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep
“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”–Bram Stoker, Dracula England, 1890 Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed... -
Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods
A dark and enchanting fairy tale-inspired historical fantasy combining elements of "The Little Mermaid" and "Cinderella" into a wholly original tale of love, power, and betrayal.Saint-Malo, Brittany, 1758.For Lucinde Leon, the youngest daughter of one of Saint-Malo's wealthiest ship-owners, the high walls of the city are more hindrance than haven... -
Wit'ch Star by James Clemens
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThe three deadly Weirgates are destroyed but the threat of the Dark Lord remains. And so Elena and her companions have gone their separate ways to prepare for what is yet to come. Elena herself has journeyed to the beautiful city of A'loa Glen, there to recover her strength and spirit. Enter Harlequin Quail.Some might call him a fool, but the little man in the jester's suit claims to be a spy... -
Queen of Serpents and Shadows by Alexis Calder
Hope might not be enough this time. The fae king continues to claim victories and Nyx is awake. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the gods are after us and we’re running out of time. The Fae King has power he shouldn’t from a sorceress who holds the key. To defeat him, we have to go through her. But the gods are hunting us, and Nyx asked for me personally... -
Monsters Above by R.L. Caulder
The fight for our lives is upon us. Running to a new realm that could hold vital information is our only chance. With that comes closing the distance between me and the godly powers that wish to use me for their own gain. What we need is time to uncover secrets and unlock the powers that reside within me, but that’s a commodity we aren’t granted... -
House of Secrets by Darcy Coates
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSophie and Joseph’s escape from Northwood is short-lived. The beast survived, and attached itself to Joseph’s young cousin, Elise. Garrett writes to beg for their help. Joseph and Sophie travel to meet him at Kensington, a long-abandoned mansion that overlooks a dead town. The house offers a small hope: its original owner had dedicated her life to researching the monster that possesses Elise... -
A Discovery of Witches Vol. 2 of 2 by Deborah Harkness
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA Tale of Survival and RevengeSaori wakes up in a small village surrounded by mountains. She has no memories of anything that happened previously to arriving here. As she is forced to integrate among the villagers, the dark and macabre history of the place comes to light. Trapped in a village with cold and unwelcome people, the girl wants to find a way out and beyond the mysterious mountains... -
Warrior of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWarrior of the Drowned Empire is the highly-anticipated fourth book in a sensational romantic series. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Danielle L. Jensen, and Rebecca Yarros. The Guardians have returned. As Moriel's reincarnation nears, Lyr is determined to fulfil her harness the power of the red shard and defeat him... -
I Summoned My WHAT?!: Book 2 by Montgomery Quinn
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSince being thrust back in time, Calon has found himself in a world of danger and delight.People were wary at first, about having a summoner in their midst. And not without good reason. The confrontation with the good sheriff made sure of that. But when the dust cleared, there was still work to do, and only one person who could reasonably do it.But it's not just bandits going bump in the night... -
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Dark Moon, Shallow Sea by David R. Slayton
The first in a new epic fantasy series from David R. Slayton, Dark Moon, Shallow Sea is a powerful story of divine betrayal, ghosts, and self-discovery, perfect for fans of the Dark Souls series or Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.When Phoebe, goddess of the moon, is killed by the knights of the sun god, Hyperion, all who follow her are branded heretics... -
Murder on Hunter's Eve by Morgan Stang
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA werewolf terrorizes the city of Lamplight!It's the week of Hunter's Eve, a yearly celebration of monsters, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night. But for Huntress Isabeau Agarwal, the event is a stark reminder that in her line of work, there is never a day's rest.Murders rock the city, and Isabeau is charged with solving them before the killer strikes again... -
Ancient Retribution by Katie Reus
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA dragon princess once lost…Juniper hunts down the most dangerous criminals on her black ops missions—and she’s good at it. A dragon shifter who was raised by wolves, she doesn’t know her birth clan and gave up trying to find them a hundred years ago... -
A Myrmaid's Kiss by Ashleigh Bello
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA MYRMAID WITH A THIRST FOR BLOOD. A HUMAN WITH A TASTE FOR FIRE.When their worlds collide, there can be only one survivor. Eloise has been kissed by the Sea, blessed with extraordinary magic and immortality—she is now a myrmaid of Olleb-Yelfra who feasts on the blood of men at night... -
The Forest King by Alex Faure
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAfter the destruction of the Roman army in Hibernia, Commander Darius Lucilius is taken prisoner by Fionn, a newly crowned Celtic king. Darius’s only desire is to return to his people, yet he finds himself increasingly captivated by the beautiful, dangerous Fionn, and caught up in the strange politics of a foreign and ancient world. Meanwhile, Fionn has plans of his own for Darius... -
The Soul Mirror by Carol Berg
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA scientific young woman probes the mysterious death of her magically gifted sister in this quasi-Renaissance epic fantasy sequel to The Spirit Lens.Anne de Vernase is fighting to hold herself together as scandal and tragedy tear her family apart. Her father remains at large, convicted of treason and murder thanks to her own testimony—and his pursuit of depraved sorcery... -
The Mistress & The Renowned by Alexis Rune, Jeanette Rose
God of the Dead. King of the Underworld. The Unseen. The Renowned…Trapped.One moment, Hades was next to Persephone, having finally claimed her as his queen. The next, he knows only true void, and roots burrowing into his body, feeding from his power and essence. Every ounce of his abilities is used to keep the roots from taking everything, leaving him a broken shell. The King of the Dead... -
Circle of Freaks by Delilah Croww, Carmen Rosales
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSince I was a little girl, I fell in love with the circus. It's all I ever wanted to see up close or be a part of. There was no room for things like that where I grew up. There was no room for anything except bad memories and bad expectations.Every year around Devil's Night, since we moved to Stockbridge, the Circle of Freaks paranormal circus comes to town... -
Bone Rites by Natalie Bayley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I collected the first bone when I was twelve. This fact was not mentioned in court... Such a tiny little bone, more like a tooth. I only kept it to keep him safe." Kathryn Darkling, imprisoned in Holloway, is facing death by hanging for her vengeance killing... -
Heidi and the Lord by ash_knight17
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟏𝟖𝟒𝟕The four Empires have stayed unchanged since centuries, vampires having the upper hand and being the master puppeteer of all. But conflicts have begun to rise-an internal war between the two empires, Bonelake and Woville.Heidi was an adopted child, where one of the Duke had been generous enough to take her in... -
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The Amethyst Kingdom by A.K. Mulford
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn the fifth and final novel in the Five Crowns of Okrith romantasy series from bestselling author A.K. Mulford, a young fae warrior is hellbent on winning the Eastern Court crown, but when her fated lover—and hated nemesis—Ersan enters the trials she struggles to balance the competition and the chance at love... -
Stray by Lee Colgin
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLeonas is a cranky panther shifter set in his ways. He handles security for an exclusive brothel and takes the safety of the staff at The Twig and Berries seriously, to the extent of sacrificing his personal life in favor of work.When the young vampire messenger Jeno shows up with heart eyes and disturbing news, Leonas is taken aback... -
This Wicked Curse by Amanda Aggie
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA cursed princess, a soulless pirate, and a deal that could change both of their fate. In a realm full of monsters, shadows are stolen, and promises are bound with blood… and sometimes marriage vows. Princess by birth and sacrificial lamb by royal decree, Scarlet Midicious is ready to face her fate. She’s known her entire life that this day would come...Categorized as:
ancient times dark fantasy historical from hate to love magic strong heroine pirates -
Selah Gothic by Kat Blackthorne
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom bestselling author of occult sensation The Halloween Boys, comes a sinfully fictional religious & dystopian story of naughty exorcism and sinful desires steeped in gothic mystery and lore. Dark priests and an even darker romance. Now I lay me down to sleep.Impure thoughts sent me spiraling toward my fate. I was the holy daughter of Lady of Sorrows Church... -
Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall
They call him the Silent Death, because he kills without sound and leaves none capable of speaking in his wake…When the empire’s deadliest fae murderer catches her wielding forbidden magic, twenty-year-old Emelin believes her hour has come. Instead, her inhumanly beautiful captor spares her life, but carries her off on his velvet wings – into the one place from which no human ever returns... -
The Lost Princess by Raven Storm
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI was the diamond of my father's court, and his most prized possession--his 'gift from the gods'. My shimmering skin and pale complexion set me apart from the other nobles of the court. I was cherished. I was loved.Until I wasn't. My father sold me north to settle his debts, and I was shipped off to a strange kingdom...Categorized as:
ancient times dark paranormal fantasy historical from hate to love forced proximity length-medium -
One Little Nightmare by Dawn Darling
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA paranoid schizophrenic with a dark passenger lurking in the shadows.A broken Siren who would give anything to end her curse.A mystery girl with the traumas of her past written on her body.Pandora's Box has been opened, and to reclaim their identities they will have to determine what is real, what is fantasy, and face the darkness within... -
Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna van Veen
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 11 ratings"Gothic horror for the ages…Combining shiver-inducing horror with sharp-fanged social commentary, this more that merits comparison to Dracula and other genre titans."— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review"I'm in your blood, and you are in mine…"The Netherlands, 1887. Lucy's twin sister Sarah is unwell... -
Restoration by Carol Berg
Rated: 3.98 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsIn the third Book of the Rai-kirah, Seyonne is besieged by doubt, madness, and visions that insist that he will destroy the world. Even his steadfast hope, that somehow Prince Aleksander is destined for greatness, seems doomed. For a royal murder sends Aleksander on the run as the Derzhi Empire crumbles around him... -
The Councillor by E.J. Beaton
This Machiavellian fantasy follows a scholar's quest to choose the next ruler of her kingdom amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassinationWhen the death of Iron Queen Sarelin Brey fractures the realm of Elira, Lysande Prior, the palace scholar and the queen’s closest friend, is appointed Councillor. Publically, Lysande must choose the next monarch from amongst the city-rulers vying for the throne... -
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The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOn an isolated estate in late-eighteenth-century rural Wales, a young English doctor uncovers dangerous secrets that may threaten his own life in this spellbinding Gothic tale from the bestselling author of Pandora.Dismissed from his post at a prestigious London hospital, Dr... -
The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe otherworldly Kiriath once used their advanced technology to save the world from the dark magic of the Aldrain, only to depart as mysteriously as they arrived. Now one of the Kiriath’s uncanny machines has fallen from orbit, with a message that humanity once more faces a grave danger: the Ilwrack Changeling, a boy raised to manhood in the ghostly realm of the Gray Places... -
Fyneshade by Kate Griffin
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMany would find much to fear in Fyneshade's dark and crumbling corridors, its unseen master and silent servants. But not I. For they have far more to fear from me...On the day of her grandmother's funeral, Marta discovers that she is to be sent to be governess at Fyneshade, her charge the young daughter of the owner, Sir William Pritchard.All is not well at Fyneshade... -
To Love a Dark Lord by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe pulled him close, in a desperate, perfect embrace. She loved him. And she would burn this world for him… Gwen must free the Prince in Iron, before his mind is torn apart. For centuries, Mordred ruled over Avalon and caged its magic. Now the elementals have seized power, sentencing him to an eternity of torment in his own magical prison. Gwen accepted Mordred’s punishment to save his life...Categorized as:
horror historical forced proximity from hate to love age difference dark paranormal fantasy -
Crimson Peak by Nancy Holder
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsWhen her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red a place filled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak. From acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro... -
Winter Be My Shield by Jo Spurrier
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA complex, adult epic fantasy from a new Australian author ... original, dramatic, unputdownable ... Sierra has a despised and forbidden gift - she raises power from the suffering of others.Enslaved by the king's torturer, Sierra escapes, barely keeping ahead of Rasten, the man sent to hunt her down... -
My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen
In a world where the dead can wake and walk among us, what is truly real?Roos Beckman has a spirit companion only she can see. Ruth—strange, corpse-like, and dead for centuries—is the only good thing in Roos’ life, which is filled with sordid backroom séances organized by her mother... -
The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed
Rated: 3.91 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA world-weary woman races against the clock to rescue the children of a wrathful tyrant from a dangerous, otherworldly forest.At the northern edge of a land ruled by a monstrous, foreign tyrant lies the wild forest known as the Elmever. The villagers know better than to let their children go near—once someone goes in, they never come back out... -
Their Blood Queen by J.R. Thorn
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThey’re coming.Monsters Three.It’s Monsters Night and they’re after me.One has claws.One has fangs.The third is terror incarnate, and it’s me he’ll claim.I said the curse.Three names of Blood.A dedication. A desecration.Nemmus. Nefarus. And Nood.I wanted my enemies dead.I wanted revenge.It was Monsters Night and it sounded like a fun game... -
Villainous Hearts by Scarlett Snow
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEveryone loves to sin but only the villains embrace it.After turning a jerk’s manhood into stone, Zara is sent to the Academy for Villains—a place where troublemakers must atone for their sin or risk burning in the Underworld forever... -
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Between Realms by Yve Vale
Rated: 3.86 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFAE HEARTED SERIES — A PREQUEL TO SHADOWCRAFT ACADEMY A human servant with a secret. A tempting deal with an Elven prince. Three elves willing to break all the rules for her… As an indentured servant summoned to the Elven court, I fear my rule-breaking ways have been discovered. When I arrive at the castle, the powerful and handsome Elven prince makes me a deal for my freedom...Categorized as:
ancient times reverse harem fae fantasy magic forced proximity fated-mates from hate to love -
Creatures of Charm and Hunger by Molly Tanzer
Rated: 3.86 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwo young witches, once inseparable, are set at odds by secrets and wildly dangerous magic. In the waning days of World War II, with Allied victory all but certain, desperate Nazi diabolists search for a demonic superweapon to turn the tide... -
Temple of Cocidius: A Monster Girl Harem Adventure: Book 1 by Maxx Whittaker
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRevenge is a dish best served in eight courses. I'm Tamlir Kynthelig, mercenary. I lost my home, my family was slaughtered, and my kingdom usurped. And then things really got bad. I saved King Mynogin and won the honor of a likely-fatal run through the Temple of Cocidius to gain him its treasure. Trust me when I say this isn't a change in my luck... -
The Dark Hand of Magic by Barbara Hambly
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsSun Wolf knew he had the power of magic, but he needed a master wizard to teach him to fully use his skills. But there was no one who could do the job. When he was called upon to help old friends against the ancient wizard, he did -- thus ensuring a curse that would be executed, unless Sun Wolf could harness his own powers and find a way out... -
Midnight Companion by Kit Barrie
Rated: 3.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThe horseman comes for you.Traveling schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, doesn’t believe the rumors about witches and spirits haunting the idyllic village of Sleepy Hollow. The townsfolk, led by the rich Van Tassel family, are friendly and welcoming to strangers. On Halloween night, Ichabod is caught in the clutches of a frightening specter... -
Scion of Chaos by Ophelia Bell
When Nemea Jones wakes up naked and bruised, amidst the wreckage of an isolated cabin, she discovers that twelve hours of memories have been stolen from her. In their place, she has gained the ability to wreak havoc on the world with every flicker of emotion. The arrival of a dark, alluring stranger a few days later only threatens to fan those sparks into a raging inferno...
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