Empire of the Vampire - Jay Kristoff

It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise.

Ever since, vampires have waged war against humanity building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Gabriel de León, half man, half monster, and last remaining silversaint – a sworn brother of the holy Silver Order dedicated to defending the realm from the creatures of the night – is all that stands between the world and its end.

Imprisoned by the very monsters he has vowed to destroy Gabriel is forced to tell his story – a story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the War of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope:

The Holy Grail.

Genre: Vampire/Dark Fantasy

Rating: 5/5

Favourite Quotes:

"I saw the plea in her gaze & my stomach was lit by the wings of a hundred burning butterflies."

"Music is the truth beyond storytelling. A bridge between strangest souls."

"I want you to take this coin to the market & buy me a f&%^ to give." "He could hear the wind outside, one voice and dozens; whispering secrets along the shingles & howling curses in the eaves..."

Review:

This book was something different for me, and I'll admit I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to vampire tales (I blame Anne Rice!). But one of my best mates raved about this book, and convinced me to give it a go--and I'm so glad for it! (Thanks ) It's a tome of a book at over 700 pages with small font. I swear it felt like reading ten pages of this book equates to twenty pages of any other book. And yet I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this book! Funnily enough I got Interview with the Vampire vibes in reverse, with de Leon being interviewed by the vampire, so that was cool. Kristoff's writing style is so visual that you can't help but be drawn completely into the story. The world he's created is dark and dangerous which makes the relationships de Leon forms all the more poignant and precious. The fight scenes were spectacular, but it was the quieter moments where the characters connected and formed their bonds that was most memorable. Add in the stunning illustrations by Bon Orthwick and this book is a complete 'chef's kiss'. I'm glad I stepped out on the ledge for this book and am eagerly awaiting the release of book two!