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marieby's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, War, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, and Slavery
sabrinz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mes amis, what can I say - this is another bloody ride full of tears, terror and torn limbs, with a side helping of wholesomeness before it's wripped away again.
We continue almost seamlessly where we left off in Book 1 and Gabriel de Leon continues telling the story of "how he lost/broke the Grail" after saving Dior at San Michon from his former fellow Silversaints.
Unlike the first book, we get some more insight into Francoise, the historian, and a glimps of the machinations at the castle the Chastaines keep Gabriel. Moreover, we also get another point of view for Dior's story as (who would have guess) almost nothing goes according to plan and paths split up before they cross again.
I know, this is very vague, but I do not want to spoiler anything.
We get more details and information on the vampires, this time the Dyvoks are in the spotlight - and what can I say? They are as terrible as book 1 and Gabe's haunted memory of his time in Ossian fighting them let's us assume - and they are just as unhinged.
I can't wait to see where all this is leading and how all those things will come together in the end. Because one thing I realized when I was re-reading the first book again was that history and what actually happened can be two different things - and it all depends on who's telling the story. So, what of Gabe's story can we really believe and what might be ... misleading for the vampire ears wanting to hear his/Dior's story?
We continue almost seamlessly where we left off in Book 1 and Gabriel de Leon continues telling the story of "how he lost/broke the Grail" after saving Dior at San Michon from his former fellow Silversaints.
Unlike the first book, we get some more insight into Francoise, the historian, and a glimps of the machinations at the castle the Chastaines keep Gabriel. Moreover, we also get another point of view for Dior's story as (who would have guess) almost nothing goes according to plan and paths split up before they cross again.
I know, this is very vague, but I do not want to spoiler anything.
We get more details and information on the vampires, this time the Dyvoks are in the spotlight - and what can I say? They are as terrible as book 1 and Gabe's haunted memory of his time in Ossian fighting them let's us assume - and they are just as unhinged.
I can't wait to see where all this is leading and how all those things will come together in the end. Because one thing I realized when I was re-reading the first book again was that history and what actually happened can be two different things - and it all depends on who's telling the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Violence, Alcoholism, War, Death, and Slavery
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
freckleface3's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, Slavery, War, Animal death, Physical abuse, Torture, and Grief
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
karapillar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Stalking, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, Grief, Body horror, Violence, Child death, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Torture, Abandonment, Blood, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Cannibalism, Drug use, War, Murder, and Gore
Moderate: Gaslighting, Gun violence, and Child abuse
Minor: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
aehsan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The story/action beats get repitive
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Sexual content, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Cannibalism
jessie_the_bibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Cursing, Confinement, Blood, Animal death, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Murder, Death, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Slavery, Torture, Religious bigotry, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Child death, Abandonment, Child abuse, and Alcohol
amy_reading_23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
4.25
The ending made me cry. I'm still reeling.
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first, but I still really enjoyed it. The first half was a little slow but it picked up around the middle and then raced towards the end. At some points I thought maybe it was becoming predictable, bit then the unexpected would happen.
I enjoyed the whole lore around Pheobe's clans. Since book one was so heavily monotheistic and christian-like, it was interesting for this book to have some focus on a matriarchal society who is pagan and believes in multiple gods, yet still has a prophecy about Dior, hinting that maybe all could be true.
I think something the writer does well is complicated characters. Even though some of the characters themselves believe in a black and white world of good and evil, its shown throughout the books that this isn't the reality, and every character comes with as many flaws as redeemable qualities. Even some of the more "villanious" characters can be enjoyable (like the Marquis and Kiara) and understandable in their own way. Book one very much was anti vampire - all vampires are evil - whereas this one was a bit more complex in that regard.
These books are so rich with world building, lore, love, loss and emotion. I'll truly miss this world when the third one is finished.
I genuinely cried at the end when Dior called Gabriel Papa. So hard. And cried again when she passed. I don't know what to make of the last few pages, although it made me reflect on one thing. Both Gabriel and his sister have said how the other is an unreliable narrator. And there's definitley things they're hiding from the historian. I'm intrigued for book 3 as I imagine it will combine both the events that happened after Dior's "death", how Gabriel killed Fabien, but also I think there will be some plot set in the present as we finally find our what Gabriel's plan is here.
I also think his sister is in on it. I think their fight is a rouse and I think maybe the grail isn't truly lost. But what keeps me afraid is that the author has said he doesn't believe in happy endings. So whether the dark days end or Gabriel lives or dies in book three I really don't know.
There is more explicit horror in this book. I didn't find the first book too disturbing horror-wise but this one does contain more torture and brutal deaths so definitley check the trigger warnings.
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first, but I still really enjoyed it. The first half was a little slow but it picked up around the middle and then raced towards the end. At some points I thought maybe it was becoming predictable, bit then the unexpected would happen.
I enjoyed the whole lore around Pheobe's clans. Since book one was so heavily monotheistic and christian-like, it was interesting for this book to have some focus on a matriarchal society who is pagan and believes in multiple gods, yet still has a prophecy about Dior, hinting that maybe all could be true.
I think something the writer does well is complicated characters. Even though some of the characters themselves believe in a black and white world of good and evil, its shown throughout the books that this isn't the reality, and every character comes with as many flaws as redeemable qualities. Even some of the more "villanious" characters can be enjoyable (like the Marquis and Kiara) and understandable in their own way. Book one very much was anti vampire - all vampires are evil - whereas this one was a bit more complex in that regard.
These books are so rich with world building, lore, love, loss and emotion. I'll truly miss this world when the third one is finished.
I also think his sister is in on it. I think their fight is a rouse and I think maybe the grail isn't truly lost. But what keeps me afraid is that the author has said he doesn't believe in happy endings. So whether the dark days end or Gabriel lives or dies in book three I really don't know.
There is more explicit horror in this book. I didn't find the first book too disturbing horror-wise but this one does contain more torture and brutal deaths so definitley check the trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Violence, Gore, War, Torture, Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Cannibalism, Confinement, and Death
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Abandonment, Cursing, Miscarriage, and Religious bigotry
aecacia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Great redeemer…
I raged, I laughed, I trembled, I almost threw this book across the room. It’s the best book I’ve read in the new year, and I’ll be hard pressed to find one that beats it.
Bravo Mr Kristoff, but also f*ck you man.
I raged, I laughed, I trembled, I almost threw this book across the room. It’s the best book I’ve read in the new year, and I’ll be hard pressed to find one that beats it.
Bravo Mr Kristoff, but also f*ck you man.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child death, and Blood
missindyrose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Torture, Sexual content, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Alcoholism, Grief, and Gore
the_sassy_sidekick's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am not ok.
Also, is it possible I've read my top book for 2024 just 11 days into the year?
"If you fight for nothing? That's exactly what you'll give to defend it. But if you fight for something worthwhile-I mean something that truly matters-there's no length you won't go to. Brotherhood. Famille. Loyalty. Love. All worth trying for. All worth dying for. In the end, that's what makes us different from you, vampire. And that which makes us different, makes us mighty."
Empire of the Damned was even better than Empire of the Vampire. It's so fucking dark and brutal, but there were SO many times I laughed out loud. The wit and banter of these characters is a true delight, even with everything they suffer and endure. And so many times I felt the warmth and fierceness of the bond between characters, which of course made the events of this book all the more devastating. I am broken. I had to put the book down several times to have feelings before picking it back up again.
"...if this is victory...what the hell does defeat look like?"
I rejoiced when a certain character returned to the story, their demise in EOTV had hit me so hard. They became a real ray of light in this book and I will riot if anything else happens to them. They have suffered ENOUGH, Jay! I also really loved the new POV in the narration of the story of Gabriel de Leon and his doomed quest to save the world. It added new perspective and cast doubt on the validity of Gabe's version of the events, which made it all the more interesting. I was definitely getting some Geralt and Ciri vibes from Gabe and Dior. The grumpy father figure who never wanted to be in this position, who reluctantly comes to love the child of fate even though he has no clue what he's doing, and the spunky child of fate who worms their way into the affections of those around them.
"...there is nothing that grows as deep on this green earth, nothing that shines as bright in all the gables of heaven, nothing that burns as fierce in the blazing heart of hell, than a parent's love for their child."
Getting to see more of the history, the relationships, and the inner workings of the vampire communities was really interesting, too, and I'm looking forward to learning even more in book 3, now that we have seen so much of one or two bloodlines in particular, and glimpses of the others.
There are so many things I want to talk about, but I don't want to risk spoiling anyone, so for now, just read this book. And bring the tissues. This book will break you. It will show you light and you will go towards it, with jut the slimmest bit of hope, only for it to turn out to be one of those creepy lanternfish in the ocean depths, and your heart will be devoured whole. Empire Of The Damned is a masterpiece of desolate, misplaced hope and brutal destruction.
Also, is it possible I've read my top book for 2024 just 11 days into the year?
"If you fight for nothing? That's exactly what you'll give to defend it. But if you fight for something worthwhile-I mean something that truly matters-there's no length you won't go to. Brotherhood. Famille. Loyalty. Love. All worth trying for. All worth dying for. In the end, that's what makes us different from you, vampire. And that which makes us different, makes us mighty."
Empire of the Damned was even better than Empire of the Vampire. It's so fucking dark and brutal, but there were SO many times I laughed out loud. The wit and banter of these characters is a true delight, even with everything they suffer and endure. And so many times I felt the warmth and fierceness of the bond between characters, which of course made the events of this book all the more devastating. I am broken. I had to put the book down several times to have feelings before picking it back up again.
"...if this is victory...what the hell does defeat look like?"
I rejoiced when a certain character returned to the story, their demise in EOTV had hit me so hard. They became a real ray of light in this book and I will riot if anything else happens to them. They have suffered ENOUGH, Jay! I also really loved the new POV in the narration of the story of Gabriel de Leon and his doomed quest to save the world. It added new perspective and cast doubt on the validity of Gabe's version of the events, which made it all the more interesting. I was definitely getting some Geralt and Ciri vibes from Gabe and Dior. The grumpy father figure who never wanted to be in this position, who reluctantly comes to love the child of fate even though he has no clue what he's doing, and the spunky child of fate who worms their way into the affections of those around them.
"...there is nothing that grows as deep on this green earth, nothing that shines as bright in all the gables of heaven, nothing that burns as fierce in the blazing heart of hell, than a parent's love for their child."
Getting to see more of the history, the relationships, and the inner workings of the vampire communities was really interesting, too, and I'm looking forward to learning even more in book 3, now that we have seen so much of one or two bloodlines in particular, and glimpses of the others.
There are so many things I want to talk about, but I don't want to risk spoiling anyone, so for now, just read this book. And bring the tissues. This book will break you. It will show you light and you will go towards it, with jut the slimmest bit of hope, only for it to turn out to be one of those creepy lanternfish in the ocean depths, and your heart will be devoured whole. Empire Of The Damned is a masterpiece of desolate, misplaced hope and brutal destruction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Violence, Sexual content, and War
Moderate: Child death
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