The Sinner

★ 7.34 / 3

A sinner’s only hope is true love in this passionate new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Syn has kept his side hustle as a mercenary a secret from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When he takes another hit job, he not only crosses the path of the vampire race’s new enemy, but also that of a half-breed in danger of dying during her transition. Jo Early has no idea what her true nature is, and when a mysterious man appears out of the darkness, she is torn between their erotic connection and the sense that something is very wrong.

Fate anointed Butch O’Neal as the Dhestroyer, the fulfiller of the prophecy that foresees the end of the Omega. As the war with the Lessening Society comes to a head, Butch gets an unexpected ally in Syn. But can he trust the male — or is the warrior with the bad past a deadly complication?

With time running out, Jo gets swept up in the fighting and must join with Syn and the Brotherhood against true evil. In the end, will love true prevail... or was the prophecy wrong all along?

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Updated 04/13/2025

Category: Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal Romance

Release date: March 24, 2020

J. R. Ward

Some writers create worlds; J. R. Ward builds empires of shadow and desire, where immortal warriors fight for love as fiercely as they battle their enemies. Best known for her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Ward has transformed paranormal romance into something more—a pulse-pounding blend of dark fantasy, sizzling passion, and deeply human struggles, all wrapped in her unmistakable, razor-sharp prose.

Born Jessica Rowley Pell Bird, Ward was drawn to storytelling from an early age, her imagination fueled by gothic literature, sweeping epics, and the kind of brooding, tormented heroes that now dominate her books. Though she originally pursued a career in law, the call of fiction was irresistible. It wasn’t long before she abandoned legal briefs for manuscripts, pouring her love of complex characters and high-stakes drama into every page.

Black Dagger Brotherhood

In the shadowy streets of Caldwell, New York, a brotherhood of elite vampire warriors wage a constant battle against an ancient enemy—the Lessening Society. These warriors, bound by blood and duty, stand as the last line of defense against the ruthless forces determined to wipe out their kind. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward immerses readers in a gritty, high-stakes world where dark desire and loyalty collide.

At the heart of the series is the Brotherhood itself—six powerful, tortured men who each carry their own scars, both physical and emotional. Led by Wrath, the Blind King, they fight to protect their race from destruction while grappling with their deepest fears, desires, and the bonds that tie them together. Each novel delves into the life of one of these warriors, exploring their journeys through love, trauma, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of a brutal, yet seductive, supernatural world.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood isn't just about battle; it's about vulnerability and transformation. Each warrior’s story unfolds like a dark romance, steeped in themes of trust, sacrifice, and healing. Whether it’s Rhage, cursed with a monster inside him, or Zsadist, a tortured soul seeking a reason to live, every character is defined by their own personal battles. The series isn't afraid to confront deep emotional trauma, making it both gripping and heart-wrenching.

Ward’s world-building is rich and immersive, offering a layered landscape of complex mythology, from the creation of the vampires to the power struggles that define their society. The tension between love and duty is ever-present, and it’s this emotional depth that makes the Black Dagger Brotherhood resonate with readers who crave more than just action.

The series has spawned multiple spin-offs and a devoted fan base, with its mix of steamy romance, dark suspense, and emotionally charged storytelling. Each book pulls readers deeper into the world of the Brotherhood, leaving them eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist in this ongoing saga. The series has expanded with books like Black Dagger Legacy and Lair of the Wolven, giving readers more opportunities to dive into this thrilling universe.

With unforgettable characters, an alluring mix of romance and danger, and a world brimming with secrets, Black Dagger Brotherhood offers an unparalleled reading experience for fans of paranormal fiction. Whether you're new to the series or a long-time fan, these stories promise to take you on a journey filled with passion, loyalty, and dark intrigue.

Black Dagger Brotherhood consists of twenty-two primary books, and includes seven additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads — series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Related series Black Dagger Legacy
Related series Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp
Related series The Lair of the Wolven