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.

Absolutely loved it! I've been a fan of Jay Kristoff for many years but this series has me wanting to watch twilight and interview with a vampire asap! I love his no bars hold writing style!

A great preview! Can't wait to read the rest of the story and it's proceeding sequels. This is definitely going to be intense.

This is sadly not as appealing as the first book, really struggling to make my way through it! I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to try it early though!

This 2nd installment of The Empire of the Vampire series was action-packed and did not disappoint. Kristoff knocked it out of the park with this book and expanded on the dark unforgiving world we were introduced to in book 1. The relationship between Gabe and Dior reached new heights and together, they have become one of my favorite duos in fiction. As long as this book was, the pacing was fast and you will fly through this tome of a book in no time. Overall I was wary going into this middle book since my expectations were so high after the Empire of the Vampire. But I have to say, this exceeded all of my expectations and was just as crazy of a ride. This is how a vampire story should be. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book. My opinions and thoughts are my own.

Good teaser for the full book. Though I wish that was more clear when requesting it as I didn’t know until opening it. I m not deducting stars for that though and still liked what I read a lot

"Empire of the Damned" picks up seamlessly where the first book left off, continuing the saga with a strong emphasis on dialogue. The majority of the story is dialogue driven, which was difficult to stay engaged in for such a lengthy book. The dialogue between Gabe & Dior was the highlight of the book and provided much needed entertainment.

Despite its considerable length, the book does not seem to advance the plot significantly and often feels like a filler. Fans of the series may find enjoyment in the character development, but the pacing might leave others wanting more.

Jay Kristoff always delivers top teir reads in the fantasy genre, and this book didn't disappoint. I highly recommend this for genre fans of any and all ages.