The Fated Mates of Dardanos, Colorado
Deep within the mist-shrouded Rocky Mountains of Colorado lies the hidden enclave of Dardanos. This secret community serves as the stage for Calle J. Brookes' thrilling paranormal romance saga, where the ancient, vampire-like Dardaptoans clash with the human Taniss family. For generations, a bitter war of vengeance, survival, and ancient blood feuds has raged between these factions. Yet, fate has a twisted sense of humor: the very supernatural warriors sworn to eliminate their human enemies are discovering their destined, fated mates among the daughters of the Taniss bloodline.
For readers who love high-stakes enemies-to-lovers romance, dark supernatural lore, protective alpha heroes, and fierce, resilient heroines, the Dardanos, CO series is a perfect fit. However, because author Calle J. Brookes has relaunched, expanded, and retitled several books in the series over the years, figuring out how to start can be a challenge. This guide clears up the confusion and lays out the definitive reading order.
How to Read the Dardanos, CO Series: Recommended Order
While each book in the series focuses on a different couple and is technically designed to stand on its own as a romance, they are deeply interconnected. The overarching plot of the war, the evolution of the supernatural factions, and the family history of the Taniss sisters develop chronologically. To avoid spoilers and fully appreciate the world-building, it is highly recommended to read the books in the order listed below.
1. The Seer's Strength / Fated to Her Vampire
Originally published in 2012 as The Seer's Strength and later relaunched under the title Fated to Her Vampire, this book serves as the optimal starting point for the series. The story focuses on Mickey Taniss, who grapples with her trust issues and her changing nature after being turned into a Dardaptoan by Theodoric Sebastos. Theodoric claims they are destined to be together, forcing Mickey to navigate both her new supernatural reality and her undeniable draw to her creator. Starting here establishes the mechanics of the Dardaptoan transformation and the core conflict of the enclave.
2. The Blood King / Taken By The King
Although The Blood King was the first book written and published in late 2011, it is positioned second in the chronological and recommended sequence. It follows the Dardaptoan king, Rydere Dardanos, as he seeks ultimate vengeance against the Taniss family for past transgressions. His plans are derailed when he meets Emily Taniss, only to discover that his sworn enemy is his fated mate. Their romance sets the political tone for the future of the enclave.
3. Captured by the Hunter / Live or Die / The Blood Hunter
First released in 2012, this third installment adds suspense and introduces the fierce character Cormac Jareth. The book highlights the perilous stakes of the enclave as hunters and prey swap roles in a deadly game of survival, passion, and betrayal in the snowy peaks of Colorado.
4. The Warrior's Woman / Stolen by the Warrior
This book centers on Mallory Taniss, a fiercely protective human sister who will do anything to keep her family safe from the supernatural threat. Her resolve is tested when she collides with Aodhan Adrastos, a powerful Dardaptoan warrior. Their clash of wills leads to a steamy, protective bond as Aodhan claims Mallory as his fated mate, bridging the gap between the warring species.
5. Awakening the Demon's Queen / Bound to the Demon
In the fifth book, the conflict expands beyond vampires and humans to introduce the demon faction. The plot follows Rathan, the King of the Demons, who is seeking vengeance following the deaths of young women. This high-stakes enemies-to-lovers story shifts the balance of power in the Colorado enclave and introduces new magical elements to the world.
6. Cursed by Her Blood / The Healer's Heart
Originally a 10,000-word short story titled The Healer's Heart, the author expanded this book into a 32,000-word novella in 2021 and renamed it Cursed by Her Blood. The expanded version deepens the lore surrounding the enclave's healers and provides much-needed character depth and emotional weight to the series.
7. Mated to the Wolf
Released in 2024, this novel introduces the werewolf faction in earnest. It follows Rebecca Taniss, whose emerging supernatural powers help her escape her werewolf captors and uncover long-buried family secrets as she struggles against the pull of a destined mate. It represents a major step forward in the ongoing expansion of the Dardanos universe.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Calle J. Brookes launched the series in late 2011 with The Blood King, followed quickly in early 2012 by The Seer's Strength. However, in later relaunches and official listings, the author adjusted the order, placing The Seer's Strength (retitled Fated to Her Vampire) as Book 1, and The Blood King (retitled Taken by the King) as Book 2. Because the chronological timeline flows better with Mickey's transformation preceding the events of Rydere's romance, readers should follow the author's revised numbering rather than the original publication dates.
Core Lore: Dardaptoans, Wolves, and Demons
To fully appreciate the narrative, readers should understand the distinct supernatural factions that populate Calle J. Brookes' world:
- Dardaptoans: A unique spin on vampire mythology. They are ancient, powerful, and driven by blood, but they differ from traditional vampires in their social structure, their enclave rule, and their reliance on fated mates to anchor their humanity.
- Demons: Led by King Rathan, they are a powerful, ancient faction that often operates in the shadows. Their interactions with the Dardaptoans range from uneasy alliances to outright warfare.
- Werewolves: The shape-shifting wolves represent a wilder, more territorial faction in the Colorado mountains. Their involvement with the Taniss family adds another layer of danger and complexity to the enclave's politics.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the mountains of Dardanos, there are a few essential details to keep in mind:
- Multiple Titles: Calle J. Brookes has relaunched several of her books since 2020. Always check the alternative titles (e.g., matching The Blood King with Taken by the King) to ensure you do not accidentally purchase the same story twice.
- Indie Publishing Tone: As an independent author, Brookes values control over her narrative pace, resulting in character-driven romance that is fast-paced and action-oriented. Some books are shorter novellas rather than doorstopper novels.
- Fated Mates Trope: The world relies heavily on fated mates. Once a supernatural warrior recognizes their mate, their loyalty is absolute, creating intense, protective romances.
Spin-Offs and Companion Series: The Adrastos
For readers who cannot get enough of the Dardanos universe, Brookes wrote a dedicated four-book spin-off series titled Dardanos: The Adrastos. This subseries focuses on specific warriors and their own struggles with destiny. It includes:
- The Outcast (2014)
- The Forlorn (2014)
- The Beloved (2016)
- The Betrayed (2017)
It is recommended to read the main series up to Book 6 (Cursed by Her Blood) before starting the Adrastos spin-off to ensure you have a firm grasp of the enclave's politics and lore.