“Here’s the truth about sword fighting: Even if you’re bad at it, if the person you’re fighting doesn’t have one, you’re still going to be pretty good.”

I’ll begin by saying that this is not the vampire lit book that I was expecting going in, and is really more of an epic high fantasy adventure than a standard vampire trope novel. That made it a bit difficult to settle into at the outset, but ultimately worked beautifully.

I’ve long maintained that high fantasy needs to be at least a little bit funny and a little bit buddy comedy-ish to be good, and the vibe of this book is very much in that vein. There are, of course, moments or serious intensity and devastation, but Kristoff found excellent balance between those elements and a sense of lightness and adventure through wry and clever dialogue, both in terms of our hero’s inner monologue and his banter with other characters.

Is it too long? Yes. Did it absolutely need to be this long? Also yes. Do with that what you will, but despite the high word count, once I was immersed in the story I was in no rush to get to the end.

If you like Alex Marshall, Scott Lynch, or Nicholas Eames, I expect you’ll like this one very much too.

Wow! This sample absolutely blew me away. Kristoff does an amazing job at creating such a vivid world, complex characters, and engaging storylines. The twists and turns just kept coming, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the full length novel and continue this story. In addition, it can get a bit graphic and this story is not for the faint of heart by any means, but it makes it all the more thrilling and enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

This had some issues, but I really liked this. This was the epic vampire fantasy I didn’t know I needed. The world building is top-tier. The writing style was very easy to grasp, I just personally didn’t like the random French thrown in for certain words. The pacing was also weird, but I think that was probably intentional since the POV is that you’re being told a story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the manner it was written in and I love the characters. I loved how I never knew that would happen when. I can’t wait for the next book!!

Jay Kristoff has once again done it again folks. Jay has written a near-perfect novel. This novel has action and is about one of my favorite things, vampires. It was truly magical to watch the storyline progress and watch the characters grow throughout this long novel.

Empire of the Vampire is such an adventure to read. The story immediately sucks you in as you’re regaled with the telling of the life of the Last Silversaint, Gabriel. From personal moments to great wars, you’ll be wrapped around Gabriel’s crude and angry finger ready to gobble up any story he’s willing to tell. From page one you’re set up to expect nothing but a sad ending, so we’ll see if that’s the truth when I finish this amazing book.

Completely mind blown by this book. It deserves all the stars available and more. It's complex and beautifully written. I eventually stop trying to save all the quotes I liked because they were just too many. It's... just... amazing!

The book follows 3 story lines. The present which is still a mystery how we got there. The before which will break your heart, and the before of the before (is this a thing?) which is where everything is set in motion and pretty much all the world building and vampire system is explained.

Gabriel de Leon character is fun, broody, complex, and full of sass. The banter between him and Jean-Francois is the best. You'll amplify your repertoire of curses with this book for sure, as well as encounter many surprises and unexpected plot twits throughout.

The book itself has a beautiful detailed map that its super helpful as well as illustrations along the book that helps you visualize and that little extra that you sometimes need with a book like this. It is long and full of information and world building but the images and map really help you.

If you think vampire books are not your thing, please dismiss that idea and give this a try. These vampires don't sparkle I promise.

"Patience" this is what I need to wait for the next book to be release. Please Mr. Kristoff take your time because after this, I know you'll need it.

I will definitely be giving this book 5/5 stars! I was captivated from the beginning! But anything Jay Kristoff does is amazing so I went into this with high expectations and he exceeded those! I will fully recommend this book and I’ve already gone out and bought my physical copy!

I give this a solid 4.5 strictly because I am not usually one for dark, gorey, fantasy with little to no romance. Most peoeple say this is Name of the Wind meets Interview with a Vampire meets Witcher. 100% agree and can see where that comparison has been made. I loved the story telling and how well the dual storylines flowed and merged, I loved the characters and withe very loss felt a little part of my heart shatter. Given this was my first adult book by Jay, i would say that it was a win for me.

Wow. that isn't a very good description, I know it's actually a bad description, yet that was the overwhelming thought as I read this book. so much so that I immediately pre-ordered a special edition copy as well as the audiobook via audible. I've seen the same old reviews as you have.. " it's name of the wind meets interview with a vampire". I'm sorry, but is there another version of name of the wind that is way darker than the one I read? Having a MC tell his unreliable life story is the where any and all similarities end. this book is it's own monster. I will be doing a reread soon enough and will dive more into the nitty gritty at that point.

Told in a storytelling format, this is not your average vampire story. Be prepared for an education of the different vampiric bloodlines with their strengths, half vampires, Silversaints and an awful happening for all called Daysdeath that has left the world plagued by vampires.
Great read and I’m looking forward to the sequel!

This was a lot on the overhyped train. An interesting concept that has been done before, but nothing special. The writing leaves something to be desired.

Jay kristoff as always.....sets the stage magnificently. His words flow together and you feel as though you are in the story.
This short-ish preview is only a taste for what is to come.

I can't wait to read the whole thing. Which I can now since the book is out 😅👀

How does one even go about properly rating this book? It was awful and gross and everything you'd expect from Jay Kristoff. Absolute perfection in every manner.

Can I give this book enough stars? No. There are not enough stars to exclaim my affection for this amazing tome. This has everything I delight over, epic battles, struggle, a fallen hero, unique fantasy world.

Empire of the Vampire takes the glorious adventure epics of Joe Abercrombie and adds Vampires. To me, that combination is the epitome of my desires.

Empire of the Vampire is astounding, magnificent, comedic, dark, passionate, sexy, gory, exciting, and lush.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.

This book is so different from any other vampire story I've ever read. The background (day's death) is absolutely intriguing, and something to seriously think about. The vampires, the bloodlines, the everything, just draws you in and hold you there and keep you hanging on and wanting more. Then the storylines come into play, the blood lust, the fighting, the blood, guts, gore, sex, everything piles on. You think it's too much at first, but the more you read, the more you want it to keep going. And just when it starts getting good...

IT FUCKING STOPS!!! I know you said it was a sampler, but Jesus H Christ that was cruel.

4/5 stars because that was a tease and just wasn't nice at all.

Thank you St martins, and Jay Kristoff for this exclusive sampler. I was totally not expecting to get the sampler and was totally surprised when I actually received it. Jay has incredible world building. I can barely find the words to describe it. His world and histories are so fast that I can see why this book is so big. I have been really craving a good vampire book at this one does not disappoint. Jay definitely steers away from twilight vampires into a more mature and classic bloodsucker vibe. There’s just so much that goes on and I am here for it. But be warned this book is not for the faint hearted!

Thanks to netball and the publisher for granting my wish because after reading about 400 pages of this sample, I had to go out and buy the full book. I really enjoyed this. It wasn't original but was told in a way that I couldn't put the book down! Excellent 5 stars!!!

If you have been looking for a new vampire book to sink your teeth into look no further! This book was glorious and I won’t say anything more than that!

I really enjoyed this book. I have finished the entire book at this point and really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. There was some good character development, a lot of surprises, and some really good story telling. Can’t wait for the next installment!