This is the sequel to Empire of the Vampire and picks up with Gabriel in an alliance with Liathe on a quest to deliver the Grail to acients of the Blood Esani.

There is so much going on in this story. Each of the characters seems to become further developed throughout the story, and the POV switches to multiple characters throughout. There is more back story explained, along with some gore and romance sprinkled in.

I wish I had waited to read this so I could read all the books one after the other since there is so much going on in this trilogy. At times, I felt like this dragged on. It was so very long, but it was a great story to continue this series, and I'm looking forward to when the third book arrives!

loved the sneak peak!!
Full review and links to social will be posted as soon as possible.

I'd like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

An absolute ride from start to finish! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with intense world-building, morally gray characters, and plot twists that leave you breathless, this book is for you. Kristoff once again proves why he’s a master storyteller, weaving together a brutal yet beautiful narrative that’s impossible to put down.

The world he’s crafted is vivid and immersive—full of danger, intrigue, and secrets lurking around every corner. The characters are complex, flawed, and oh-so-human (even the not-so-human ones), and you can’t help but root for them even when they make questionable decisions. Every page is drenched in tension, with high stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The writing is lush and poetic, yet gritty, perfectly capturing the dark, atmospheric tone of the story. Kristoff doesn’t shy away from the brutality of his world, but he balances it with moments of heart, wit, and surprising tenderness.

Empire of the Damned is the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the final page, leaving you craving more. Highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a dark fantasy epic that delivers on every level!

Let me start by saying this book absolutely wrecked me—in the best possible way. Kristoff’s world in Empire of the Damned is so beautifully dark, haunting, and full of unexpected twists, yet it's peppered with just enough glimmers of hope to keep you completely hooked. Just when you start to believe things might work out for these characters, Kristoff reminds you who’s really in control, tearing your heart out without mercy.

This middle book in the series is anything but filler. To me, it’s exactly what a good second book should be: a deep dive into the characters, their histories, and the twisted world they’re trying to survive in. Gabe, our rugged and jaded Silversaint, just kept growing on me, and I loved watching him try to wrestle with his trauma while slowly contemplating a future he’d never thought he’d have. The introduction of Phoebe was perfect. She’s fierce, layered, and her chemistry with Gabe feels so natural that it’s clear they’re exactly what each other needed.

Plus, we get some epic new additions to the lore, like the duskdancers, Kristoff’s unique spin on werewolves. This new culture adds depth to the already rich Vampire vs. Werewolf trope, making the world feel even more expansive and immersive. The Dyvok vampires, meanwhile, might just be the perfect villains—brutal, seductive, and unsettling in all the ways vampires should be.

And don’t even get me started on the action. Kristoff builds up the story beautifully, only to hit you with an intense, almost cinematic climax that left me literally holding my breath. The last 100 pages were a whirlwind of emotions, with wild battles and devastating twists that made it impossible to put the book down. It's intense, brutal, and somehow still hilarious with Gabe’s snark and the biting exchanges with Jean-Francois, the vampire historian.

If you're looking for queer representation, you’re in for a treat; it’s seamlessly woven into the world and characters. The diversity adds even more richness to a story that’s already packed with heart, humor, and heartbreak.

So, if you loved Empire of the Vampire, Empire of the Damned is here to raise the stakes—quite literally. Kristoff has crafted a stunning sequel that’s both fantasy and horror, a real rollercoaster of dread and hope. Now, I just need the next book…like, yesterday!

Holy shit!! Jay Kristoff does it again - and this is only a sample!! This duology was my first time reading Jay Kristoff, so forgive me if this is just the way he writes all his books but, the prose of this whole duology was so clearly "vampire" to me..the vampiric vibes/atmosphere were definitely there and just the way this story was written really made me feel immersed in this monstrous world! I can't wait to finish the rest of book 2 in the duology!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it.

Empire of the Damned is a thrilling, dark fantasy ride that grips you from page one and doesn’t let go. The author weaves a world teeming with magic, danger, and morally complex characters that keep you guessing. It’s a story where the line between hero and villain is as thin as a well-honed blade—sharp, deadly, and full of unexpected turns.

The plot is relentless, with twists you won’t see coming, but it’s the characters that truly steal the show. Each one is layered and nuanced, making even the most ruthless among them someone you can’t help but root for… or at least, understand. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the pacing is fast enough to keep you glued to the page without sacrificing depth.

If you’re a fan of intricate world-building, clever banter, and a plot that feels like a rollercoaster through a haunted house, Empire of the Damned delivers in spades.

Thank you Publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy

An absolute blast!! One of the best books I've read this year

Another absolute masterpiece by Jay! His writing style is so eloquent and beautifully done. He really captures your attention and brings you fully into his world. I was consumed from the very first page. This was such a stunning continuation of the story and for being a sampler this already packs a punch and begs you to continue. Very much looking forward to continuing.

Empire of the Damned picks up where we left off in Gabriel De Leon's journey through the vampire apocalypse. While I really think that this book would be a great read for any time of year, it would be especially great as we enter into the fall season and approach Halloween. This series is filled with real vampires (sorry, no sparkles here) with a little extra twist. I loved the continued witty commentary, action, and prose that Kristoff is known for in each of his books. There were moments where I laughed, cried, and felt sheer terror for the characters in the story. Second books often seem to fall short for me when being compared to the first in a long series. However, that was not an issue here. Read this book! You won't be disappointed.

I’m eating this 5 stars even though I had to DNF. I know it’s not the book and it’s just me. I couldn’t get into it. I don’t want to mess up the rating on here.

I love everything about this series and this book takes it to the next level. The characters, the story, the heartache, the pain, the actual “rip my heart out and crush it on the pavement” heartbreak, the agony, and of course the occasional-but-always-fleeting moments of joy. If you’re looking for a romantasy vampire lovey dovey book then you have come to the absolute wrong place; however, if you want to feel your soul ripped out with every turn of the page then you, my friend, are in the best place possible.

One of the best books of 2024. Kristoff is a master story teller and I cannot wait for the remainder of this novel

Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Damned plunges readers into a dark, richly crafted world where the boundaries between hero and villain blur, and survival often comes at a steep price. As a follow-up to his acclaimed Empire of the Vampire, Kristoff delivers a sequel that is as thrilling and immersive as its predecessor.

Set in a universe where vampires have risen to dominate the world, Empire of the Damned continues the epic saga with its signature blend of gritty realism and fantastical elements. The story picks up with a sense of urgency and tension, driven by complex characters and high-stakes conflicts. Kristoff excels at world-building, and this installment deepens the lore of his universe, weaving intricate plotlines that keep readers on edge.

The novel is marked by its dark tone and morally ambiguous characters, a hallmark of Kristoff’s writing. The protagonists are flawed, their motives often tangled in personal demons and the harsh realities of their world. This complexity adds depth to their journey and makes for a compelling read. The action sequences are intense and vivid, showcasing Kristoff’s knack for creating visceral and gripping scenes.

One of the standout elements of Empire of the Damned is Kristoff’s ability to infuse the narrative with emotional weight. The stakes are personal as well as global, and the author’s exploration of themes like power, betrayal, and redemption adds layers to the story.

However, the novel’s dark atmosphere and sometimes graphic content may not be for everyone. It’s a book that demands a strong stomach and a tolerance for bleakness, but for fans of Kristoff’s previous work and those who appreciate a darkly immersive fantasy, it’s a rewarding experience.

Overall, Empire of the Damned is a powerful continuation of Jay Kristoff’s saga, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking adventure that will resonate with readers long after the final page.

Jay Kristoff delivers an absolutely stellar sequel in the **Empire of the Vampire** series with this latest installment. The world-building is dark, intricate, and utterly immersive, making every page a gripping experience. Gabriel de León’s journey continues to be both epic and deeply personal, as he faces new threats, internal struggles, and alliances that push the boundaries of trust and survival. Kristoff’s writing shines with its brutal beauty, perfectly capturing the tension between hope and despair in a world ravaged by eternal night. The stakes have never been higher, and the twists are jaw-dropping—this book is a masterpiece for any fantasy lover.

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes the much-anticipated sequel to the #1 international bestselling sensation Empire of the Vampire, EMPIRE OF THE DAMNED! This book was a page turner from the first few pages! It was soooo good and just what I was waiting for after reading book one! It had all the dank fantasy feels, including an uneasy alliance with a new mysterious vampire. If you are a fantasy reader this will be your cup of tea, I promise!

So don't walk run to your local bookstore today and pick this one up!

You won't be disappointed I promise!

Great follow up to Empire of the Vampire. The plot was exciting and fast and the writing was beautiful. Can't wait for the third book!

This was an epic book. I laughed, cried, swooned, and squealed throughout. Kristoff is really a master storyteller who has come into his own after years of co-writing. I can't wait to read book 3 in the trilogy! 🔥

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff is an amazing follow up to Empire of the Vampire. The plot was engaging, fast paced, and full of unexpected twists. The familiar world was so easy to fall right back into. The writing was absolutely beautiful. I loved how easy it was to immerse myself in the story. The characters were phenomenal. So unique and full of flaws. I loved getting to know them throughout the story. This one just blew my mind and I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this second installment. I am anxiously awaiting the 3rd book. This book picks up on the same night as the first book with Gabriel telling his story. However, we also hear chapters from Liathe perspective too. The writing is beautiful and the story is so interesting.