Empire of the Vampire

I saw in the reviewers comments that V.E. Schwab stated this book is “bloody brilliant” she is right, it’s bloody, very very bloody and brilliant seems lacking somehow, I have read the sampler provided and I am now annoyed, I have 3 months to wait to read the rest of this extraordinary book! 😡

Well, I am definitely glad I have a handful of special editions of EotV on pre-order - on the basis of what I've read so far, this book deserves its own shelf in my library.
Absolutely loved the sampler, totally got caught up in the story, and can't wait to read the rest of it in September!

I HAVE A MIGHTY NEED FOR THE REST OF THIS BOOK!!! It’s absolutely incredible so far, I was instantly hooked and sucked into the story and I can’t wait to get the full copy 😍😍

A HUGE HUGE thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!!

This is my read of a first kristoff book, and I love it so far! I’ve always liked vampires since I was a kid- and this was such a spooky and cool take on them!

I cannot wait to read the full copy!

The only issue I can find it that I have to wait till September to read how it ends.
It's brilliant, a real page turner that I couldn't read in the evening if I wanted to get some sleep.
Great storytelling and world building, excellent character development.
I was enthralled and loved what I read.
I can recommend it enough.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this sampler ARC, all opinions are mine

The only thing wrong with this book is that I’ve got to wait until September to read the rest of it. I’m a fan of vampire books anyway, and this has a slightly different take on the subject. Well written and kept my attention all the way through to end of this excerpt. It’s definitely on my must read list
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was debating whether I wanted to read this or not. But after reading this sampler I really want to see how the story progresses.
The writing is easy to just fall into and become lost. Even with the little given I'm left wanting more. I've been wanting some more vampire books and I think this may be just what I've been wanting.

I cannot believe I have to wait until September to finish this story! The writing style is beautiful - there were so many gorgeous and vivid descriptions. I was completely hooked by the end of the first page. It is rich, hypnotic and gothic - everything you want from a vampire story. Gabriel is a brilliant character and I cannot wait to see how his story develops. The world building is solid - from the language used, to the food and fauna, it screams dark fantasy. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone who loves vampires/dark fantasy/ great writing/ brilliant world building and adventure.

This was one big "sampler" with 300 pages of awesome story and I NEED more. Thankfully September not that far away!

I need more now! Right now, right this second! This has been one of my most anticipated books of the year for so long and this sampler has only solidified this for me. I cannot wait to get this beast in my hands and devour the whole thing! Bloody, dark, twisted. I can't wait!

Whilst reading this book I remained impressed by its ingenuity and uniqueness, and yet also found it distinctly similar in tone to two other books - Interview with the Vampire and The Name of the Wind. Upon later reading the author's own review I found he also cited these two books as representative for the book's contents. I'm glad to have belatedly found he delivered on this claim.

I loved how this story was delivered. It opened with protagonist, Gabriel de León's, incarceration. He was at the mercy of the vampiric creatures he had spent most of his life hunting and felt his painful execution was soon to be delivered. However, he was, instead, prompted to deliver his life story, detailing all events that led to the present moment in time. This he did, in a more-or-less chronological fashion.

There was just something so mesmerising to be first introduced to the present Gabriel before then witnessing his younger, more naïve and fearful self. I was instantly eager to learn how the former was bred from the latter.

Gabriel's life-story also provided a political, cultural, and geographical understanding of the kingdom. This is before also chronicling how the vampires continued to rise and overpower their human foe, with only figures like Gabriel to stand and defend them. Both human and vampire had spent centuries at war and the mythical Holy Grail was humanity's final hope for salvation. The vampire that Gabriel is now tied to hopes that his history will point him in the direction for where it lays, and prompt its destruction before any have the chance to use its force against him.

This was a very dark tale and it delivered exactly the ominous atmosphere and sinister tone that I desired from it. I am so eager to see Gabriel's story through to completion, and hopefully also see the human race, and his soul in particular, saved as it continues.

“A life without books is a life not lived”
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@misterkristoff completely mesmerised. He’s the most adroit writer!
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Empire of the Vampire is beautifully brutal.
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Am I glad I requested the 300+ page exclusive sampler of Empire of the Vampire on Netgalley and devour it straight away?!…Hell Yes!!
And is it going to slowly kill me waiting for the book release?!….Oh Lord help me!!
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Most probably the best Vampire book I’ve ever read. Vampires aren’t my favourite fantasy to read (ok I did obsess over Twilight when I was in my early twenties and I have recently enjoyed From Blood and Ash) but this is so much more than a Vampire story. We need more books like this, dark adult fantasy!!! It’s so eerie and so rich, the dialogue and format is perfection, the characters are delicious and dangerous. I love that the author does not shy away from sinful language and there is a lot, definitely forbidden to young readers!!
I wish I had been one of the lucky few to have been gifted a physical advance copy so I could have demolished the whole book. That little taste has me desperately craving more! I can already see this is going to be a auspicious book series! Just from reading this little sampler i already give this book a big 5 STARS rating!! Thank you so much Netgalley for letting me review this.
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I really can’t say anymore without spoilers! My lips are fully sealed #dontruintheempire
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I’ve already preordered 4 editions, before I even read this little taste sampler, and now I want every edition there is!!

OMG Vampires are Back
I am in no way surprised that I loved this book. The hype has been huge and I cant wait to sell this later this year. The story is all that I hope for, hot, juicy, steamy, fast, bloody. and just so Jay Kristoff. This book will be huge.

This sampler was great. I love jay kristoffs writing style, it really works well with how I read.
This book is so far both witty and serious. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the name people are calling each other!
I can not wait to get my hands on a complete copy and with the illustrations I can see this being up there with my favourite reads of the year.

This is so so so so so amazing!!! So sad I have to wait so long to finish the story, but I'm so excited to do so, and will be doing so the minute the book is in my hands

Epic!! This lives up to the hype and so much more! The world building g is immers9ve and the writing cinematic. I can't wait to read the conclusion

Absolutely magic as always, I can’t wait to read the full book , perfection as always (with action, cursing and style)

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free sampler for an honest opinion

Oh why do I torture myself!? I had definitely decided NOT to request the book sampler that would leave me hanging just under halfway (?) through this epic vampire saga. But alas, I couldn't resist and now I shall have to wait till September to find out what happens next...

I've only read one other Jay Kristoff book prior to starting Empire of the Vampire, and I admit I've pre-ordered a few editions based on the amount of hype it's been given. Thankfully, it lives up to it and I absolutely devoured this sampler. I can't wait to read the rest in September.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read Empire of the Vampire.

Goddammit! I knew it was a sampler going in, but I still was left howling at the end of it! Getting SO CLOSE to a resolution but having to wait til Sept is torture.
Jay Kristoff has done it again. I would recommend any fantasy fan to just auto buy his works - each series is a delightful flavour of a particular time and space, and one falls headfirst into the lush descriptors and beautiful world building.
To not give any spoilers, think of this as a grimdark style Vampire Lestat... Except the vamps are not good guys.
Go and pre order it, now!

I was recently blessed with the first 300 pages of EOTV and I devoured them ravenously. I was a bit concerned at first that this would end up being a cliché vampire story but I should have known better. Kristoff has a way with writing that is so engaging you can’t stop loving the characters and being utterly absorbed in the worlds he creates. To me this book is a blend of ‘Interview With a Vampire’ and ‘The Witcher’. The main character, Gabriel de León, made me think of ‘The Hound’ from ‘Game of Thrones’ but…well…handsome. It made me laugh, tense, sweat and begging for more. Trust me, whatever your tastes you will love this book. I can’t wait to read the rest.

Absolutely amazing! Nevernight’s flip side; giving off twisted Interview with the Vampire vibes, Kristoff employs beautifully descriptive writing to deliver a story and characters that gripped me from the get-go. I cannot wait to get my hands on the full edition in September!

I need the book right now!!!

This has wet my appetite even more for Kristoffs latest release and I can’t wait to carry on with the story and see where it goes

No doubt it’s going to end on something to make me cry or scream!!

Eeek!! I just love Kristoffs writing style and a sampler wasn’t enough! Dark atmospheric and captivating! Already pre ordered the book. I think if you loved the nevernight series you are going to love this

I CANNOT wait for the actual book. The Sampler was not enough. I want more Vampires, more Gabriel, more Chloe, more Saoirse, more Dior.

Like a fine wine you open this book and enjoy
This book is dark and plenty of blood sucking moments
The storyline jumps back and forth but it is easy to follow
This book is highly recommended and memorable and I can't wait for the next book

Wow, wow, wow
I just need the full version of this book.
I am eagerly anticipating my pre-order coming through the letterbox.
I cannot wait
Thank you for sending me the sample.

Bloody hells bells!
Kristoff has really turned out another brilliant book. Even though it was only a sample, the story sucked me right in, I absolutely devoured the pages until the end of the sample, and now I'm left thirsty for more... (should I stop with the awful loosely-based vampire puns?)

Bring on September please /m/

Bloody, a little bit sexy, and with copious amounts of danger. Jay Kristoff is at his best when given full reigns to go full on dark. Empire of the Vampire is no exception. This has all the trademark Kristoff grimmdwrk fantasy elements with vampires. Vampires.

Honestly I'm already obsessed and I've only read a few chapters. Get ready for a while ride.

I need more! Kristoffs writing is so good, he really pulls you in to the story. I can't wait to get my hands on the finished edition!

I am conscious that I have to be really careful with this review as I must guard the secrets of the empire but oh boy – I was gifted a sampler of this novel via Net Galley and it blew me away – so much so as soon as I finished the sampler I pre-ordered the novel straight away (out September 2nd). The novel’s premise has a similar feel to the movie/novel ‘Interview with a Vampire’ as the narrative is framed by a present-day interview in which Gabriel (the protagonist) is recounting his life story to a vampire. This book has an “epic” feel to it from the very beginning. The vampires are gritty, dark, horrifying and nightmare-inducing. The characters are flawed, broken and stumbling their way through the darkness. Throw in a few magical items, sex scenes, a large quantity of blood and gore, superstition, faith, gothic realness, a multitude of sins and you have reached EPIC – but what truly makes it epic is the writing, high quality suspense writing that leaves you aching for chapter after chapter. As well as the writing – you have to take a moment to appreciate the illustrations and artwork on the front cover – STUNNING.

It thrills me that this is only the first book in what is promised to be a dark fantasy saga, just those three words send tingles down my spine. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this novel/series goes and I will definitely be checking out Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight Chronicles series. Vampires are definitely making a comeback in this tale…

**Please note this is not a book for children or young adults!** Kristoff himself describes the book as, “If Interview with a Vampire hooked up with Name of the Wind in an S&M club while all eight seasons of GAME OF THRONES streamed in the background (consecutively not simultaneously)!”

If this sampler is any indication of just how incredible this book is going to be then I can’t wait for my copies to be delivered. I can tell this book is going to break me in half and never let me put the pieces back together again.

This is the review of a sampler 328 pages long (about 45 percent of the book). I would like to thank the publisher HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for providing me with the sampler.

Gabriel de Léon is a Silver saint, a member of a holy order of men tasked with the duty of annihilating the unholy and wretched creatures that thrive in the darkness. They failed, the dead walk the lands and rule it, the sun is nothing more than a mild patch of light in the sky, humanity is all but defeated and Gabriel now the last of his order is imprisoned awaiting his death for the murder of the forever King the previous ruler of the highbloods (the name vampires are called in this series). Before his execution, Gabriel is asked to tell the story of his life, his hate for the highbloods, how he became the hero that he was and how he partook in quest that could've saved humanity but ended up failing it. Immediately this reminded me of 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' and it was no surprise when the author mentioned that it was one of his inspirations for this book.
We follow Gabriel as he recounts the tale of his journey from a lowly peasant to the man he has become. Starting from his point of view of the event known as the 'Daysdeath' which blotted out the sun and plunged the lands into a perpetual cycle of night and twilight. This event emboldened the highblood's who until now choose to remain at the edge of civilisation to extend their hungry arms to the lands of the empire.
The story jumps forward and backwards in time (depending on how drunk Gabriel is) highlighting the trials and tribulations he faced. I really enjoyed Gabriel's character, we were introduced to him being a cold and cranky old warrior with an addiction to boot, then we see him as a naïve boy who seeks glory and later in another time point a warrior who couldn't give a sixth of a fuck about anything. A far cry from the man as he was described to us in the very beginning. What events that lead to his outlook is not specified (this is a sampler after all, I'm sure we'll learn more about in the full book). I also loved the banter between Gabriel and Marquis Jean-François his highblood "chronicler" where they argue each other about the ideals of their respective races in moments where Gabriel chooses to pause his tale. The author has crafted a world that keeps you interested even though the vampire genre is something that has been done to death. At no point did it feel like there would be a dull moment or the pacing might fall off. I will be eagerly waiting for the full release, considering this was the first time I'm reading a book by this author (I've known about Nevernight but wasn't really interested in it, i might give it a try later) The author has left me impressed with the world and characters he has created, If the rest of the book is just as good as what I've read then I can honestly say that this would become the best vampire novel released in quite a while.

The end of this what the helllllllllll! Can't wait for my copy to arrive, I've only preordered all the editions lol!!!

This has been really delayed in coming and I apologise for that.

Thank you so much to Net Galley and Harper Voyager for allowing me acces to the sample for Empire of the Vampire by our wonderfully talented Jay Kristoff. I will admit shamefully that this has actually been my first book I have ever attempted reading and I must say I am in love.

I will be honest and say that though the sample I have been provided has about 300 odd pages maybe a few more I only read part one. Only because I want to enjoy reading the rest ad gush about this book even more. I mean who doesn't love sexy vampire men. I love the premise of where this book is going and I love Jay's snarky way of writing. I think it's brilliant. He is definitely not shy of having his characters saying exactly what they are thinking.

I can honestly say that we are all in for a treat come September. So I say bring it on!!! And Give me more Gabe!!!

#DontRuinTheEmpire #NetGalley

First off, this book is BEAUTIFULLY written! The descriptions, the language used to create story and perfect character and imagery is first class! From the first page, this held my attention. It has Page Turning Quality that left me hungry for more. Will definitely be buying a physical version of this.

This taster has got me even more excited! I want it to be September now! I've be waiting for so long for a decent vampire book that links in sexiness and old school new Orleans vampire vibes!

Whilst I want to give huge thanks to Harper Collins U.K. and NetGalley for the EOTV sampler in exchange for an honest review…I also want to seriously kick your boney (or not so boney - don’t know, don’t care,) behinds!

How dare you just slip me a sampler and leave me dangling in a cliff edge for the next 6 weeks! Do you know the emotional damage you have done leaving me like this???

Kristoff has done it again! This is arse kicking, head chopping, foot stomping vampire madness of the highest order! The quotes, the snark, the bloody violence and hell forged damnation that pulls you in to a world of darkness, blood and silver!

I can say no more…except I want this book, NOW!!!

I am kicking myself for reading this sampler with still 2 months until the book releases because now I am dying. I need the rest of the book to be able to find out what happens next! So cruel.

On the plus side, this is an epic book written by an author who's work I already love so knew I was going to enjoy this too. Please hurry up and be September already.

Will write a full review on my blog when the book is released.
Thanks again

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the exclusive sampler of Jay Kristoff’s new book Empire of the Vampire. There are no spoilers in this review (#DontRuinTheEmpire).

Empire of the Vampire is dark, brutal, gory and funny- elements that make this book a fantastic read and left me wanting more. As it’s only a sampler, I got to read just over 300 pages of the story and I now have to wait until September to find out what happens! I’ve preordered the book and I’m counting down the days until it arrives. I love vampire stories and when I read the summary of Empire of the Vampire, I had to request it! I am slightly ashamed to say that I have not read any of Kristoff’s books before (currently have his books ordered and can’t wait to read them!).

I really love Kristoff’s writing style and the way he brings the characters to life in this book. One of my favourite elements of this book is the brutal banter between Gabriel and Jean Francois; it made me laugh out loud at how colourful (to put it mildly- mothers may be offended quite a bit!) and original the insults are! Another interesting element is how Gabriel creates a picture for us of the world in which he lives through his description of the battles, his enemies and his fellow brothers of the Silver Order. It’s unique and beautifully brutal so make sure you get a copy when it’s published in September. You won’t be disappointed!

Wow! Empire Of The Vampire sounds absolutely amazing, I'm so grateful to of received this sampler and now cannot wait for the book to be released! Would definitely recommend!

i promised myself that i wouldn’t request this as i knew it would probably end on a cliffhanger and then i’d be on edge for a whole two months waiting for release but oh my god, i’m so glad i broke that promise. EOTV has similar atmospheric vibes to castlevania (which is a huge plus because i love castlevania) but somehow darker and dirtier. the gasp i let out at the reveal at the end was so loud that it woke up my dog. i cannot wait for the release, i loved every single page.

ps. jay, if anything happens to astrid, you’ll break my little heart.

Absolutely gripped from the start of this and now I'm hanging by a thread until release. The characters were completely compelling but I expect no less from Mr K. I can't say that I can predict a thing about what's going to happen but I'm here for it.

WHY WHY DID I DO THIS TO MYSELF.

September is too far away - after reading this I cannot wait to have the full book in my hands so I can devour the rest of the book! It is 100% going to be a five star read from me and I cannot wait to have three copies in my hands!

Damn you Jay! I am hooked and need to get this whole book asap!

The characters are amazing from just what you read in this book, it's full of dark humour and back handed comments

Just love it

I could not put this book down, I'm now desperate to get my hands on the book when it's finally published in September!

"Why do I feel like I'm striking a bargain with the devil?"
"Oh, I'm twice as crafty as the devil, Gabriel de Leon. But we'll not be striking anything lest you ask me nicely."

This book gave me vibes like a fairy-tale or heroic epic, like Odysseus, Gabriel de Leon has become a legend and myth with tales whispered among the humans. He has become a legend without flaws, a saviour, but of course what hero is truly imperfect? Gabriel de Leon certainly isn't and in truth like most hero's he has his flaws, he wants to be the legendary hero that others whisper about, but that leads to endangering and compromising others lives.

There is not one character that I didn't enjoy meeting in this book, I am so excited to learn more about each and every character from Aaron de Coste to Astrid Rennier and most of all I cannot what for more foulmouthed insults, what is a Kristoff book without that!

More importantly, this book is unlike any other vampire book. If you are exhausted by the vampire hype, then this book will wake you up! The world building and vampire system is unlike anything I've seen before. There are of course elements of cliché's but Kristoff manages to invent new exciting twists. I cannot wait to see how this world develops even further and this is only the first book, so I just know that there is bound to be more blood shed and surprises before the end.

Thank you for the sample of this #netgalley. It is written as well as I would expect from the amazing Jay Kristoff, hooking you in from the first page.
I love the premise of an empire that is ruled by vampires with laws to protect them. I can’t wait to read the entire book!

Kristoff doing what Kristoff does best - making you desperate for more every time.

over 300 pages for a sampler is incredibly generous, and yet I still found myself desperate for more when it came to an end! September cannot come quickly enough - I need this book in my hands so badly (and I might have preordered 3 copies....whoops.)

EPIC!!! ROLL ON SEPTEMBER. I JUST CAN NOT WAIT!!

Seriously Jay Kristoff keeps knocking them out of the park and I do not foresee this being any different!

Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this sampler. Mister Kristoff has done it again; you instantly find yourself drawn into the world he has created with his beautiful writing style. The format was not what I was expecting at all but it works really well and leaves you always wanting to read just one more chapter. I look forward to the publish date so I can finish reading the rest of the book!

This was fabulous!! In my opinion, the best Jay Kristoff so far. Normally I find his work a bit hit or miss, but this- this was perfect- and a lovely long extended chunk which left me craving more immediately! If it continues the way it started, I will have found my favourite vampire story. Kristoff has knocked this one out of the ball park.

I loooved this and immediately placed a preorder for the book! I would 100% recommend this to anyone.