Our devotion to the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward is a long standing and beautiful thing. We have obsessed, cried and laughed over this series and we wanted to share that with you. What better way than a series guide? And more importantly a fantasy cast of the main characters?

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Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward Series Guide

If there is one thing we can all agree on here at Under the Covers, it’s our love the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It’s the paranormal romance genre at its finest, with romances that are both passionate, beautiful and occasionally heart breaking. But, it’s not just the romance…you’ve then got the increasingly more complex and compelling story lines, the friendships between the characters and the emotion. Damn, those emotions! Ward’s writing is poetic and evocative and can leave you laughing, crying and sometimes both. So read at your own peril, because once you start it’s hard to stop and you’ll find from that day forward all PNR will be measured against the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

In this series guide we will keep you updated on the increasingly complex reading order, there are quite a few interconnected series now! You will also find a fantasy cast and bio of the main characters in the series. We’ve tried to keep this guide as spoiler free as possible, but, with such a long standing series there are bound to be some spoilers scattered about, especially if you’re completely new to the series.

Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Synopsis

There’s a war going on in the dark alleys of Caldwell, New York, it spans centuries but seems to now be coming to a head. Vampires have been fight the lessers, the henchman and creations of The Omega for a long time and the Black Dagger Brotherhood is a warrior caste, almost a breed apart from normal vampires who have been at the spearhead of the war with the King of the Vampires as their leader. Only now they are scattered and their numbers a few. Until a death changes everything and brings the Brothers back together to reunite in the war against the lessers and bring a stagnant vampire society back to its former glory.

Black Dagger Brotherhood Species Overview

Vampires: In the series, vampires are a separate species from humans, living among us but distinct in many ways. They require blood to survive, but only from the opposite sex of their species or their chosen mates. Vampires are also longer-lived, physically superior, and have a complex societal structure. They can be killed in much the same ways humans can, though they have a few additional weaknesses specific to their species.

Lessers: The primary antagonists of the series, lessers are soulless humans who have been recruited by the Omega (the series’ main villain) to hunt and kill vampires. They are recognizable by their pale skin, lack of scent, and white hair. Lessers do not age or die of natural causes but can be killed by a vampire’s weapon. Upon death, their bodies disappear, leaving only a scent of baby powder as evidence of their demise.

Glymera: The vampire aristocracy or high society, emphasizing purity of bloodlines and adhering to strict societal rules. The Glymera holds significant power and influence within the vampire world, often interacting with and governing the politics and economics of their society.

Symphaths: A subspecies of vampires with psychic abilities that allow them to manipulate emotions in others for malicious purposes. Considered dangerous and are mostly exiled to a remote colony.

Chosen: Female vampires who serve the Scribe Virgin. They are considered sacred and perform various rituals. A Chosen can become the mate of a Brother or a male of worth, bearing children.

Shadows: Also known as the s’Hisbe, Shadows are a secretive and mysterious race that lives parallel to the vampire society. They have unique abilities and customs, and their existence is not widely known among vampires.

Black Dagger Brotherhood Glossary

Hellren: A term used to refer to a male vampire’s spouse or mate. Hellren is a position of honor and deep emotional connection, signifying a lifelong bond.

Shellan: The female counterpart to Hellren, indicating a female vampire’s spouse or mate. Like Hellren, it denotes a sacred and eternal bond between mates.

Black Dagger Brotherhood: An elite group of warrior vampires sworn to protect their race against the Lessening Society. Each member of the Brotherhood has a unique background but shares the common goal of defending their species from extinction. The Brotherhood operates under a code of honor and brotherhood, with deep bonds forming between its members.

Scribe Virgin: Considered the vampire deity, the Scribe Virgin is a mystical figure who plays a role in the creation and governance of vampire laws and rituals. She is revered and respected within the vampire community.

The Omega: The malevolent force and primary antagonist in the series, the Omega is the counterpart to the Scribe Virgin. He creates the lessers and seeks the destruction of the vampire race.

Ahstrux Nohtrum: The personal guard or protector of a member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, sworn to protect them with their life.

Blood Slave: A derogatory term for a vampire who is forced to provide blood against their will, often in a degrading or abusive context.

Doggen: The servant class within the vampire society, responsible for maintaining households. They are non-warrior class and keep a low profile, dedicated to their duties.

The Fade: The vampire afterlife, a peaceful and restful place where souls of deceased vampires go, watched over by the Scribe Virgin.

The Brotherhood: Refers to the members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, an elite group of vampire warriors dedicated to protecting their species from the Lessening Society.

Primale: A male vampire chosen to mate with the Chosen to ensure the continuation of the vampire species. The Primale is considered to have a sacred duty.

The Lessening Society: An organization led by the Omega, consisting of lessers whose sole purpose is to exterminate the vampire race.

Transition: The period in a young vampire’s life when they change from a pre-vampire state into a fully mature vampire, marked by a need for blood.

Black Dagger Brotherhood Reading Order

Prepare yourself for a long list! The Black Dagger Brotherhood series alone is over 20 books, but Ward likes to entwine her series. So, this reading order includes the other series that also link to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Here are the series that have also been included:

Black Dagger Brotherhood Universe Book List and Reading Order

Why You Should Read the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series

It’s a very special day here at Under the Covers, one we have been eagerly anticipating for the last 12 months. It’s Black Dagger Brotherhood release day. All of us are such massive fans, it’s scary sometimes and a good job none of us live near J.R. Ward, otherwise I fear some serious stalking behaviour would crop up. So, I have prepared for today; stocked up on tissues for the inevitable tears; snacks and drinks are piled nearby so I don’t have to move and my kindle is fully charged and ready to go. Now let’s see what the WARDen has to offer me this year with The Beast. 

However, we recognise that some people (the “crazies”) haven’t started this series yet, or have stopped reading it. We know, it’s a big commitment, The Beast is the fourteenth installment in this series, so it requires a considerable investment. Totally. Worth. It. And, by the time you have finished reading my brilliant and well thought out reasons why you should pick up the Black Dagger Brotherhood, you will be think so to.

This is a PNR series…so you really can’t escape the sex, and frankly why would you want to? Ward writes some sizzling scenes between our fearless warriors and the women brave enough to face them. Not that it is all about the sex, but some of these guys wield their sex appeal like a weapon, and damn if it isn’t lethal. But it isn’t just their body parts that have you swooning, Ward knows exactly how to write a sex scene…and turn it into a love scene, it’s less about two bodies coming together, but two people.

“Shh.” He cranked her head to the side with a twist of his wrist, exposing her throat. “When I want you to beg, I’ll tell you.”

Oh the feels…I can say that I have cried reading every single one of these books. Some of those tears were happy, some of them…not so much. Regardless of the cause of my tears, I am always pleased for them, Ward always gets me to a place when I am so invested in her story and her characters that I can’t help the emotion welling up. Any author that has the power to move me so, deserves my loyalty, so although these books aren’t always easy to read, they are always worth it.

“I miss you. I miss you so fucking bad it hurts, but I don’t know how to find you even though you’re right in front of me.”

As much as I love to be moved and have some tears drawn out of me, sometimes you want something that makes you smile, makes you laugh. And amongst some of the fairly dark and occasionally tragic happenings in BDB, we are treated to some hilarious moments between the Brothers, between the heroines, between all these people whose lives Ward has thrown together. It adds a warmth and light to the series that keeps you coming back for more as the bonds of friendship and love are strengthened with laughter.

“How’d you pick the breed, Fritz?”
“I, ah…chose him…” The doggen cleared his throat. “I chose him over the Labrador because he sheds more.”
Wraths blind eyes blinked “Why would that be a good thing?”
“Because your staff enjoy vacuuming. I thought this would be a lovely gift for them.”

Wisdom. You don’t normally hear much about wisdom in a PNR series right? And yet, Ward’s insight and turns of phrase often have me nodding and thinking. Ward is a skilled writer, with a distinctive style that at times can almost be poetic, she writes about love, friendship, good, evil and that murky grey bits in between. Who said romance couldn’t also be intelligent?

“All right, then, her first rule for the rest of her days: no more looking outside for definitions. She might not have any clue who she was, but better to be lost and searching than shoved into a social box by someone else.”

Well, I can’t give you all the reasons for reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood without mentioning the Brothers themselves can I? Warrior vampires protecting their race from evil, all of them big, muscled, gorgeous and lethal, and therefore irresistible. Everyone has their favourite of the Brothers and they all have something different to offer, from the broody, tortured hero, to the king afraid to let his race down and the warrior women, finally bringing a little feminism to the archaic vamps. Suffice to say, pick up the series and you will soon be falling in love.

“Because that’s what the Brotherhood and their families were. Close as siblings, tighter than blood because they were chosen.”

Black Dagger Brotherhood Fantasy Cast

What I have learned since putting together this fantasy cast for the Black Dagger Brotherhood is this: all leather clad ginormous, heavily muscled males look like they’re auditioned to be part of an R-rated Village People tribute act. Apart from Jason Momoa. So, although I made the effort to abide by the descriptions given by J.R. Ward in the series, I went with vibes rather than trying to find the exact right hair or eye colour.

I hope you like our casting though! I have given a small bio underneath each casting, including when they first appear in the series and what book there romance culminates in. This is a series that needs to be read in order, so often romances will progress over a few books, especially in the latter stages of the series…so don’t skip anything or you might miss some important progression in the story and in a romance.

I’ve tried to keep this as spoiler free as possible…but some things are unavoidable. So, if you truly don’t want to know anything, look at the pictures and ignore the small bios underneath!

Bloggers Love for Wrath

Top 7 Reasons Why I love Wrath, The Blind King:

1) His race revered him as its King but he despised his status.

2) He’s arrogant, intense, possessive and passionate.

3) He’s a strong leader, but also a fair and revolutionary King.

4) He’s 6’9″ & 275 pounds of pure hotness.

5) He’s still a badass even with his visual impairment.

6) He looks like Jason Momoa in my head.

7) He loves peaches.

Debbie from Black Heart Reviews
https://www.facebook.com/blackheartreviews

Shellan Fashion: Beth

Beth has the coveted spot beside the Blind King which makes her the most important shellan of the vampire race. With that position comes a hot as hell hellren and…a lot of money to spend on clothes.The queen likes to keep things simple. Sky-high heels with booty-hugging jeans and a black form-fitting turtleneck shows off all her curves and  makes her presence known. 

Let’s not forget her mating gown – the black and red dress that makes every woman feel like the most important girl in the world. But a queen is only a queen if she has her king by her side. And without Wrath hanging off her arm as seriously smoking eye-candy, Beth’s fashion wouldn’t be as coveted by all.

The UTC fashion police gives Beth a grade of  B+ for grace and class.

Bloggers Love for Rhage

There are so many books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but the one book that I always go back to and reread over and over is Lover Eternal, and that’s all because of my favorite brother, Rhage. He’s hands-down the hottest of the boys, an incredible fighter, and an even better lover. He’s even got a badass beast within him – literally. But my favorite thing about Rhage? His love for his shellan, Mary.

“I will not fall in love with you,” she said. “I can’t let myself. I won’t.”
“That’s all right. I’ll love you enough for the both of us.”

Rhage fell in love with Mary from the very second he heard her voice. He worships the ground she walks on, and will do anything and everything to protect her. Even his beast loves her and is a total teddy bear only for Mary. Swoon. So if you haven’t had the chance to read Lover Eternal and fall in love with the BEST of the BDB boys, what are you waiting for?

Lacey @ Booklovers For Life
http://bookloversforlife.com/

Shellan Fashion: Mary

Mary may be my favorite shellan, but we don’t share the same fashion sense. Her sweet personality translates into the clothes she wears. Plain polo shirts and khakis are her uniform. It averts wandering eyes because she doesn’t like the attention and prefers feeling comfortable to feeling fierce. But despite her lack of interest in fashion, Mary still has the ability to snatch the interest of the most beautiful warrior of the Brotherhood. And for her, that’s more than enough to keep her feeling sexy.

The UTC fashion police gives Mary a grade of B for not changing a thing about herself.

Shellan Fashion: Bella

Bella has got the most rockin’ body so to show off those sexy curves, she dresses herself in form-fitting skirts and jeans. She is often seen dripping in diamonds. Her hellren knows how to treat her right. And to top off her outfit, Bella loves to wear her signature Manolo Blahniks.

The UTC fashion police give Bella and grade of B+ for her great taste in shoes!

Download a Free Black Dagger Brotherhood Crossword Puzzle

Shellan Fashion: Marissa

Marissa is known as the beauty of the entire vampire race. Her signature dress is the yellow gown that makes a hardened man like Butch pant like a puppy. As a member of the glymera, she has the means to dress in lavish gowns and jewelry, but what Marissa covets most of all is the love of her hellren and Safe House.Now sporting a new look, Marissa spends her days at Safe House in a polished suit that screams authority and grace. Frumpy is not a word Marissa knows. No one is as elegant or classy as Marissa.

The UTC fashion police gives Marissa a grade of A for rocking the floor length gowns and heels without tripping over the hems.

Bloggers Love for Vishous

An Ode to Vishous…

Oh, Vishous, how are you delicious?

Let me count the ways…

From your diamond eyes to your gloved hand,

Your dominance in and out of the bedroom you do demand.

You drink of the Goose and may seem gruff,

But that hidden tender side of yours is more than enough.

For you are forever in my mind when I put on mascara over my sink,

You have always been my favorite brother from whom I’d love to drink.

You can make me hot chocolate any time,

For I claim you as MINE!

Guys, this character.  This freaking character! What’s not to love about a smart, cursed, broody, Alpha male with this hidden heart he reserves for the people he loves?   His mix of dominance and brilliance always has me swooning like a schoolgirl watching the varsity football team practice and then when he goes and does nice things like brings birds to his mother? I go completely gaga.  Now you’ll have to go excuse me while I go read my favorite highlighted parts of Lover Unbound.  Thanks so much for having me, ladies! XO

Jillian from Read Love Blog
http://www.read-love-blog.com/

Shellan Fashion: Jane

For Jane, it’s always been medical journals and textbooks over fashion magazines like Vogue. Her choice in clothing very much resembles her interests. Or rather, lack thereof in fashion. 

It doesn’t seem like color is a friend of Jane’s, but that’s okay because she’s got V to keep her mind occupied.

The UTC fashion police gives Jane  a grade of C+ for keeping things clean. That is, outside of the bedroom. Er, bathroom.

Shellan Fashion: Cormia

As one of the Chosen, there is no one else who rivals Cormia in innocence. She is pure and classy and her style resembles that. She wears a treasured piece of jewelry – the bracelet that JM gave her.

The UTC fashion police give Cormia a grade of B for making friendship bracelets cool again.

Shellan Fashion: Ehlena

Ehlena loves to help people. It’s in her blood. That is why her clothing consists mostly of her nurse uniform because she doesn’t have time for other things, including fashion.

I wonder if Rehv and Ehlena do a little role-playing? Doesn’t injured patient and hot nurse sound fun? I would volunteer to patch Rehv up anytime.

The UTC fashion police gives Ehlena a grade of B for getting Rehv to strip out of his sable fur duster and giving us girls something to swoon over.

Bloggers Love for John Matthew

Why John Matthew is my favorite brother:

Watching his journey from alone human (Lover Eternal) to the warrior he is now has been a heartbreaking journey.  Even when John was a weak human he had a need to protect, to shelter, to guard others. That need has grown as he has into rules to live by. He is loyal and protective of everyone he cares about and his shellan, Xhex is so lucky to have him. He fights hard and loves harder. John Matthew went from a human victim to a warrior who protects victims.

Jennifer – The Book Nympho
Instagram: @jennifer_TBN
Twitter: @thebooknympho

Shellan Fashion: Xhex

If you asked Xhex about fashion, she would probably punch you in the face, kick you out of Iron Mask and tell you that she likes what she likes. End of. As long as she has her weapons handy and her cilices, then she has everything she needs.

Of course, sturdy boots and leather is always nice.

The UTC fashion police gives Xhex a grade of A+ for beating the seven shades of shit out of Lash. I’m sure we all wanted a chance at that mofo.

Shellan Fashion: Payne

Payne wears the white that mark the Chosen. But I don’t really think this style suits her. Verily, she has some fire. Mayhap some tight jeans and some jewelry can make her feel more like the fighter that she is?

The UTC fashion police gives Payne a grade of B for driving us crazy with all the “verily”. It’s almost a good thing that she is a fighter. Otherwise, Francesca here will try to punch her for saying it another time.

Payne says, “Verily, I can take you on.”

*claps Francesca on the back* I would back you up, but she’s got the Brotherhood behind her soo….*Annie starts to leave, doubles back* Here, take your whip!

Shellan Fashion: No’One

No’One has gone unnoticed for so long. With her cape, she covers her body and face making her an easy person to overlook. However, once she finds Tohr, he eases her out of the shadows and shows her that she is beautiful too.

Now, No’One’s style is a step up from her cape crusading days. A light sundress makes her feel sexy, shows off her curves and makes Angela one jealous maiden because she wants Tohr all to himself.

The UTC fashion police gives No’One a grade of B- for making Angela go crazy in a jealous rage. What? It’s funny to see her so envious. *Annie shoves popcorn in her mouth and listens to Angela prattle on about how Tohr should be with HER*