I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From beginning to end, Empire of the Damned was an incredible journey. The general pace of this book was so quick that I'm almost shocked I put it down. As before, the characters were excellent. Everyone had a delightful banter, wit, and general personality. To keep the pages spinning, there are also twists, betrayals, and never-ending struggles. I'll confess that I wasn't sure who to trust, but after finishing this book, I'm at a loss for ideas.

I will probably never be able to get over the reveal in the very last chapter. I can't wait for the next book to be released mostly because it might be told from Celene's perspective. I have a lot of questions. For example, are Phoebe and Dior still alive and well, and where are they exactly?

Ultimately, I'm overjoyed to have the opportunity to return to this world. I'm eager for this book to be published so that I may recommend it to others. One last thing before I go: when will the next book be released?

I am really enjoying the story thus far; the first two "books" of this novel. I was, however, disappointed to find out that this was only a portion of the book, not an entire eARC. In the future, I will not be applying for books which are only portions of the book.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for a free sampler copy of Empire of the Damned.

First and foremost, I'd like to extend my gratitude to Jay Kristoff for including a concise recap of the characters from the previous book, as well as a brief overview of the events that transpired in the first installment. This thoughtful addition is something I believe many readers will find incredibly helpful.

Having delved into the sampler, I find myself thoroughly intrigued. The glimpse into this action-packed adventure has left me eager to uncover more about Gabriel's destiny, Celene's revelations, and Dior's whereabouts. The tantalizing preview has effectively set the stage, and I am now eagerly awaiting the release day to immerse myself in the full narrative. Jay Kristoff's ability to weave suspense and anticipation is commendable, and I am poised on the edge of my seat, keen to explore the depths of this thrilling saga.

Empire of the Damned was just as enthralling and action packed as Empire of the Vampire. It was so hard to put down once started and let’s be real, incredibly anxiety inducing with non-stop danger and the knowledge that not one character is ever safe. If there’s one thing the first book taught me it’s that anyone could be killed at any moment and this was a feeling that hung over the entirety of the sequel. It picks back up right where the first left off, both in Gabe’s present telling the story of his life, a short time after where the break in his story had occurred at the end of Empire of the Vampire, and within his retelling of his life itself, where he is venturing forth with Dior, trying to stay alive before everything else.

This sequel contained something that the first did not which was both intriguing and informative to me. The reader gets the opportunity to hear part of the story of the Grail from a different perspective for a bit, which to me was an interesting shift because it for the first time officially shows how potentially unreliable the narrator is. Whether this be Gabriel, the second narrator, or both is up for the reader to decipher. I’m a bit of a sucker for this because I feel it forces the reader to really think about what they’re reading and not take everything at face value, and considering who Gabriel is and what you know of him by this point, it seems so fitting because, in my opinion at least, why wouldn’t he be an unreliable narrator in this scenario. Not to mention the insight it gives into this other character and their perspective of that time.

I don’t want to go too deeply into detail about certain plot points to avoid spoilers, but I really loved the further insight into duskwalkers this book presented. Getting the chance to learn more about them and see more of their people was such a highlight as they are one of the most intriguing groups in my opinion and I grew very much fond of a certain character throughout the course of Empire of the Damned when they were present, a fondness I wasn’t expecting and low key dreaded because it just made me afraid for their wellbeing. Because that’s what getting attached to characters in this series is all about. Constant dread that they’ll be the next to die. There was also a certain point in the story that took place in a spooky forest that I loved because it had such unexpected horror vibes and had me so hooked for those chapters.

Honestly the entirety of this book had me gripped in its pages. I’m not sure if I could choose a favourite between Empire of the Vampire and Empire of the Damned because I feel like they are both incredible in their own ways and I love the both of them so much in the end. Once again, this sequel had me completely shook and always unable to turn away from the events taking place on the page. The emotional rollercoaster is absolutely insane. As I’ve said, not one character ever feels safe, which makes for some next level stress over the characters you can’t help but grow attached to because there is the constant fear of them dying or something somehow worse happening to them. I felt this deep in my soul throughout the entirety of this book. Particularly because I’ve already had a chance to grow attached to character with the first book, and having to go through another book worrying about them makes that attachment so much more real because there is more time spent with them. Reading had me happy, sad, in awe, holding my breath, wanting to jump up and battle with these characters, just all over the place because it is so emotionally rife and impossible not to be effected by the characters.

Flipping the last page of this book was in large parts agony, and just incredible loss. It was honestly such a wild ride and by the end I was a little broken over it being finished. I also feel the ending was so much worse of a cliffhanger than Empire of the Vampire in the sense that I feel this inability to wait for the next volume to know what happens next. I am completely lost having finished Empire of the Damned and I can say with the utmost certainty I have now entered into a severe book hangover. I don’t even know how to go on to something else after being so immersed in the world Jay Kristoff has so masterfully created in this series. I can’t even handle the idea of having to wait for the next book at this point. Must. Have. Now. Suffice it to say I highly recommend this sequel, and most definitely the series in general. Don’t sleep on this series if you haven’t started it yet!

"𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳.'
"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥.'

SCREAMS IN COLDBLOOD.

Exceeded my expectations. I was expecting nothing less than excellence for the sequel to such a standout first book and I was not disappointed. Empire of the Damned picks up right where we left off in EotV. Dior and Gabe are heading out to look for safety, still on the run from The Forever King. They team up with unlikely allies on the way in this stunning sequel.

Gabriel is a great character. He’s so damaged, still reeling from his past and the hardships of his present. He puts up a hell of a fight against bloodsuckers, and despite everything he’s gone through, his aegis still burns bright. He cares deeply for his friends. I love the familial bond that grows between him and Dior in this book. Training in the art of the sword, spats about safety, comfort and care in the throws of despair. *chef’s kiss*

We got some new characters in this book. The introduction to Lachlan, an old friend and former apprentice to Gabe and a roaring good time. “𝘠𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘔𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘦.” He forms an early nervousness in the group when he says all the Silversaints have been called back to San Michon. He encourages Gabe and Dior to join him but of course, they’ve just come ffrom the slaughter of Gabe’s former friends. We are reunited with Phoebe, a lion companion from EotV, in an interesting twist. And of course, the duo teams up with Celene who is eager to take Dior to an ancient vampire clan tied to Dior’s bloodline. The tension is palpable throughout the story, everyone on edge as they flee the dark that hunts them.

I liked the introduction of the Dyvok line. We mostly dealt with the Voss clan in book 1, so getting to see the sheer viciousness and brutality of the Unmade was great. The Wolfmother and her casket sized warhammer will haunt me.

Kristoff’s prose is second to none. He has this eloquent way of writing while using every curse from here to Neptune. It’s addicting to read. The fight scenes are phenomenal, I can picture the crunch, the savagery. The conversations are littered with quotable moments. It’s a fantastic read I highly recommend to anyone who enjoyed EotV! Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an early copy!

“𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥.”

For full thoughts and details, check out my Goodreads review. One of the easiest 5 star reads and a front runner for best modern vampire saga.

Empire of the Damned defies middle books stereotypes by boldly showcasing a plot of fast-paced try-fail cycles that advances the plot at a breakneck pace. The tension is palpable on every page and with the author’s penchant for killing off his beloved characters the possibility of a gruesome death - if not an endless nightmare of suffering wasn’t enough- is a real and ever present possibility. The strong character dynamics between Gabriel, Dior, and an eclectic supporting cast of new and returning faces makes the gory trek for answers through literal armies of enemies an emotional roller coaster that had me turning the pages at breakneck speed.

With the single timeline that resumes the plot immediately after the events of book one as well as some minor tweaks to improve the framing device Jay Kristoff has rounded off the abrasive edges of my most minor complaints in regards to Empire of the Vampire. There isn’t a single weakness to this installment except the wild and unforeseen ending that has me desperate for the next book already.

Another fantastic book from Jay. This little snippet makes me feral for the rest of the book. This story is so intricate and well thought out. I love all of these characters even when I hate them. So good.

This preview just made me even more rabid to have the full book in my hands. I am counting down the hours at this point because this was just as brilliant as I thought it would be.

This snippet was so good!!! Making me so excited to read the rest and basically love anything that includes vampires.

Gabriel escaped murder from his brethren among the Ordo Argent after rescuing Dior from becoming Sister Chloe’s sacrifice in an ancient ritual intended to end daysdeath. With the aid of his sister, Celene, the three seek the answers to the importance of the Holt Grail and Dior’s purpose in the ending of the damned ending of the world.

The relationship between Gabriel and Dior is a pleasure to behold as truths are laid bare and their bond flourishes as hearts are hardened against tearing cuts and bruises.

Dior is a girl who has survived the streets, leaving her with a gutter-sharp pragmatism, a bawdy wit, and courage that finds her charging headfirst into trouble as Gabriel rebukes her whilst chasing hellbent after her.
Gabriel is a bastard through and through, not shying away from his immorality and selfishness. ”Who the fuck told you I was a hero?”
Their relationship is heartbreaking and heart pounding to behold as they try and negotiate their meaning to each other, not daughter, not father, not mentor, not friend. And yet…

”Hear me now. If the legions of heaven stood between me and that girl, I would slay every angel in the Host to get back to her side. She and I have walked through hell together. I will never leave her, you hear me? And I would never hurt her."

Again, I have to highlight and applaud Kristoff’s genius with language and characterisation. This is an author who knows how to write darkness. Who knows how to articulate those feelings of hopelessness, grief, depression. He writes a beautiful story of paving ahead even in desolation set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by vampires.

”The road is black ahead," I told her. "And it's hard to keep walking when you can't see the ground beneath your feet. But that's what courage is. To believe the end is just beyond your outstretched hand, rather than a million miles away. believe the end is just beyond your outstretched hand, rather than a million miles away.

We get perspectives from both the vampire historian Jean-François, as well as from Gabriel’s undead sister Celene and this is where the narrative format of telling a story within a story really shines.

One thing that did take away my enjoyment, and I know might bother other readers, is the opening with a sex scene. This seems to be on brand with many of Kristoff’s other books, but I sometimes worry he alienates potential readers because his books are not sexy. They are not erotica-filled. Yet, he always makes his opening as dirty, foul-mouthed, and bloody as possible.

I read this arc straight after completing a re-read of book one, and so I can confidently say book one is my favourite. Yet, that in no way means this suffers majorly from middle book syndrome. This is still action-packed, twisty, fast-paced, and as frustratingly, excitingly elusive as book one.
Overall, Fuck my face as Gabriel is so fond of saying.

The sequel to Empire of the Vampire starts off with a bang and never lets up. I loved this with every fiber of my being. I love the fact that Kristoff makes Vampires scary again, not sexy. The fact that he WANTS to dehumanize these creatures and turn them into monsters not people is genius. Anyone who enjoyed book one will love this one as well, as I have. An easy 5 stars!

*Spoilers!*

Okay. I just finished my most anticipated read of 2024, and it was incredible. I was very much looking forward to actually meeting Mr. Kristoff in person March 15th to gush over his books to his face, but alas, I will be busy attending my own wedding. Perhaps the groom would be open to rescheduling...?
Anyways. I squealed like a baby when I was approved for an eARC of this book and then reread the first one immediately to refresh my memory. I will start by saying I think this sequel is a step down from book 1. Part of this was inevitable, as Gabriel seems to have put his struggles with his abandoned faith behind him (probably my favorite part of EotV), as well as churned through his OG traveling party. To me, this did start to feel a bit like Fellowship of the Ring, in that it was quite good, but doesn't really have the great stuff. It feels more like a build-up. I still absolutely loved it, and I thought the twist at the end could possibly mean more than one more book (!!!), just because I'm not sure how everything can get resolved in one more book. But that could be my hopeful heart speaking. Gabriel has a new struggle, but it doesn't feel nearly as immediate to me. I found the highlight of this book to be the fight scenes (obviously), the humor, and the relationship Gabriel and Dior have. The addition of a new set of intriguing characters was quite fun, and I loved the illustrations, as before. I am very eager to read the next book! While I had a blast reading this, it really felt like a setup, as I mentioned before, and I'm expecting some really juicy things in book 3! For my wedding gift, Mr. Kristoff, may I please read book 3 right now?? 🙏

I'm still trying to digest this one. Full review to come. I will say that you'll want to read book 1 before this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Twiddling my thumbs until I can officially have this on my shelf. I was a little worried that I would feel lost having not read EOTV in a while but this picks up right where the other left off with a few added details in case you forgot anything. As always I was on the edge of my seat for the most emotionally taxing, gripping, action packed story of all time. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was sucked in the way I am by these books. The story that doesn’t at all feel like a recount but like it’s happening right in front of you, So much more felt at stake reading this and more will be revealed come release day. As always excellent work from Jay Kristoff.

Jay Kristoff sure knows how to take your heart and absolutely shred it. What little bit was left from Empire of the Vampire has been completely eviscerated at this point. Despite being a sampler, this was a pretty decent chunk into the book and gave plenty of insight into the difficult choices that Gabriel and Dior faced at every turn coupled with betrayals and shocking revelations. I also found the banter between Gabriel and Jean-François fascinating when they pull back from Gabriel’s story and snipe at each other. I can’t wait to get the full book in my hands to see where the story goes with Jean-François’s other captive. I’m really interested to learn more about that character in general. I’m also incredibly curious to find out how Gabriel ended up in Jean-François’s clutches and whether it was a calculated move or just more of Gabriel’s unfortunate luck. Overall, this story is setting up to be every bit as good as the first in the series, possibly even better based on the sampler.

What a teaser this was! I have not read anything by Jay Kristoff before, and now I definitely want to read the rest of Kristoff's work. This snippet was atmospheric, humorous, suspenseful, and everything else you'd expect in a sci-fi/fantasy novel. I am looking forward to reading the whole book once it's published in a few weeks.

Cannot wait to read the whole book…. This was a tease lol! I have the first book as well! I will be purchasing this one when it comes out.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins press for the sampler to review!!

I did not realize that this was a sampler and not the full book, so my full full full thoughts will come once I have this massive chonker of a book in my grubby little hands, HOWEVER!! We are starting off VERY good.

We begin as we left off and thank goodness for that because I just finished EotV and I could not wait to find out what happened next. We have drama, we have humor, we have heart-wrenching, gut-clenching, fudge my face moments that just made me wanna collapse in a heap on my bed for a few years.

I really got into Jay's writing style more this time around. It took me a bit to get used to it in the first book but now I am fully in and fully loving everything about it.

For now, let me just say... I need the whole thing. Currently my review is sitting around a 4 / 4.5 stars. 95% of the time, it's the last 1/2 to 1/4 of a book that determines the rating for me. LEMME AT IT!

Again, will post full review on my goodreads once I have read the full book! :)

This taste of Empire of the Damned makes me wonder why I have not been reading dark fantasy lately - the blood, gore and destruction of all that is good was spot on. The eGalley sampler starts with the historian and continues with the tail of the Grail going well into Book 2 of the novel. For those that enjoyed the first novel you will be pleased with the start of the second - it picks up with the right amount of storytelling, banter and sexual tension. Hoping that the remainder doesn’t disappoint and looking forward its release in a couple weeks! 5 stars so far!

Review based on an eGalley SAMPLER (not the entire book) provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. Thank you!

The preview section of Empire of the Damned will surely be a hit for fans of the first book in Jay Kristoff's latest series. After a quick prologue giving the readers insight into the character of Jean-Francois and the new vampiric Emperess, Gabriel de Leon dives right back into his tale where the first book ended. I found myself hooked back into this world from the very start.

Kristoff's writing is just as bloody and vulgar as it was in Empire of the Vampire, so if you were turned off by either of those things than this book will likely not change your mind on this series.

As this eARC is not the full novel and only covers the first third of the book, I am not comfortable giving a rating higher than 3 star rating as I have no insight into how the rest of the novel will land for me. That said, from what I was able to read, I am eagerly awaiting the full release of Empire of the Damned to see how this next entry ends and, barring any major issues that pop up for me in the final two thirds, I expect the full novel to land a 4 or 5 star rating from me.

One last note, NetGalley and the publisher St Martin's Press in no way communicated that this was merely a preview instead of a full eARC. The lack of transparency surrounding this left a bad taste in my mouth, but I will not hold this against Mr Kristoff or let it hinder my final review score after I am able to read the full version of the novel.