Tales & Tomes

Pages: 346
Published: 2021
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ+ Romance, Dark Paranormal

Spoiler-Free Synopsis:
In a world where magic is forbidden and vampires rule from the shadows, twenty-one-year-old Jack Oden lives under the weight of prophecy. Each year, a human sacrifice is chosen for the vampire lord, Vale de Sang. When Jack’s name is called, he expects death but what he finds inside Vale’s dark castle is far more complicated than any story he’s been told.

As the lines between monster and man blur, Jack discovers that the truth behind the curse and his own heart, may change the fate of their world forever.

My Thoughts / Review:
Lord of Eternal Night is a dark, atmospheric fantasy that perfectly balances gothic mystery, forbidden romance, and emotional depth. Ben Alderson takes the classic “beauty and the beast” structure and gives it a refreshingly queer, tender, and haunting spin. The world feels rich with myth and danger, and from the very first chapter, you can feel the tension pulsing beneath every line of dialogue.

What stands out most is how beautifully the story handles love in the face of fear. Jack is brave but deeply human, and Vale is layered, equal parts monstrous and vulnerable. Their chemistry builds slowly, with a sense of inevitability that’s both heartbreaking and satisfying. Alderson’s prose is lush without being overwrought; every sentence feels intentional, drawing you deeper into the candlelit halls of the cursed castle.

Beyond the romance, the novel explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the humanity found in the most unexpected places. It’s emotional, dramatic, and filled with the kind of yearning that defines great fantasy romance.

Favorite Moment Highlight:
A candlelit conversation between Jack and Vale that shifts everything, a blend of fear, truth, and unexpected tenderness.

Would I Recommend It?
Definitely. If you’re a fan of gothic love stories, morally gray characters, and a bit of blood-stained beauty, Lord of Eternal Night is for you. Perfect for readers who love A Dowry of Blood, Beauty and the Beast retellings, or dark fantasy with heart.

✨ Loved my review? You can grab your own copy of Lord of Eternal Night on Amazon!