A review by z_bookfluencer
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

adventurous challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Post-Apocalyptic. Dark Fantasy. Intricate Plotlines.

"I never thought I'd find such peace in simple reading. The words were a kind of magic, taking me by the hand and sweeping me into lands unseen, times un-remembered, thoughts unimagined." -Jay Kristoff, Empire of the Vampire 

Empire of the Vampire is a captivating story, told in broken timeline of a vampire hunter [ also known as a Silversaint ], recounting his life story to a vampire, while in captivity of vampires. It is a very dark and horrifying fantasy. I was completely immersed the entirety of my reading experience.

I was fascinated with how the story was told and the tension between vampire hunter, [ Gabriel de León ], and vampire historian, [ Marquis Jean-Francois ]. The writing style worked so well for me. I had so many reactions during this read: I laughed, my heart dropped to my stomach, I gasped, I reread sections that are phenomenally written, and tears were brought to my eyes. I saved so many quotes.

The character development is exceptional. The settings were very picturesque. The world in this epic fantasy novel is post-apocalyptic. The reveals were surprising. The 'heroic' characters are morally grey. 

Note: Empire of the Vampire is for mature audiences only. Content includes but is not excluded to: graphic gore, horroresque elements, blood, intense violence, profanity, vulgarity, nudity, sexual content, abuse

Overall, Empire of the Vampire was very well written. Empire of the Vampire is a new favorite; I would reread it and continue the series. I would highly recommend it to other upper adult readers [ mature audiences ] who enjoy dark fantasy featuring vampires, vampire hunters, and very graphic content.