Darius

A Black Dagger Brotherhood Love Story

By: J.R. Ward

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

#1 New York Times bestseller J.R. Ward shares the passionate star-crossed love story of fan favorite, and original member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Darius.

Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not expecting to crash his new car. But when a human woman runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her...everything goes off course.

Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.

Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost...unless by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together in this tale that is “full of drama, intrigue, and steamy restraint” (Booklist).

Critic reviews

"Narrator Jim Frangione returns the listener to the vampire world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Frangione brings edginess to his performance. In the past, before the other vampires found happiness, vampire Darius encountered a human named Anne when he accidentally hit her with his car. His world was changed forever. Frangione expresses the happiness Darius now feels as he comes to realize that Anne is his fated mate. This is in stark contrast to how he feels when he loses her, scenes that Frangione delivers with all of Darius’s grief and anguish. Adding depth to the narration, Darius's butler, Fritz, is given a helpful tone that demonstrates his eagerness to please. Listeners will enjoy this glimpse of Darius’s world."

Don't read the epilogue until after Lover Arisen

As a long time fan of the series, I absolutely adored this book. Hearing Darius' POV broke my heart in such a lovely way. For anyone new to the series wanting to listen in timeline order, you can listen to this before Dark Lover with minimal spoilers until the epilogue. Come back to it after Lover Arisen (29 books later)!

The good is back!

I call the first 10 BDB books The Decathlon. The best of all the BDB books. Eleven through twenty two...meh. Darius is like the first ten! The only problem I found was it wasn't long enough. I could have used 300 more pages. I love Frangione!

Dag Gum It!!! 🤣

Now I have to go back and listen to the whole danged series again. I love this book. Excellent job in taking us back in time.

What a treat

This was such a lovely look at Darius and Ann's story. And a wonderful beginning/end to their time together. 5 stars for the narrator
5 stars for the story

Needed from a Widow

As a widow, this love story that transcends the boundaries of life and Death was desperately needed. Thank you to everyone involved with bringing this story into my existence.