Reviews

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff

alexismechelle's review

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense slow-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

4.0

luqy1023's review

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

chayes77's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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

4.5

shelves_by_sim's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

 Its been a month since I read this book and it's taken me so long to review because I needed to stew on the brilliance that is @misterkristoff. I still don't even know where to start. Empire of the Vampire totally upended my life, and the sequel? Excellence personified. I don't think I will ever be able to put this story behind me, no matter what I do, it's always on my mind.

Kristoff's writing is enchanting, the plot and characters are bewitching and the way you get pulled into this story, into this world, that is so comprehensive and all-encompassing, is unparalleled to anything I have ever experienced. As usual, I absolutely adore Gabriel! There is something about his abrupt and indelicate nature that I find so charming and obviously, I'm just obsessed with him. I adored Dior in this book, I loved watching her grow into such a beautiful character, there are so many ups and downs in her journey and yet she remains awe-inspiring.

The world Kristoff has created is dark and horrific. The battles and adversaries faced by these characters are crucial, earth shattering and terrifying and yet no matter what stands in Gabriel's way, he will do anything in his power to remain at Dior's side, protecting her, fighting for her. I loved watching their relationship grow, suddenly she wasn't his charge anymore, a responsibility he gave his word to, she was a daughter to him and it was a beautiful realization. I loved Phoebe's character, there are so many moments between her an Gabriel that had me laughing so hard! I loved Jean-Francois too, I find it absolutely amazing that the illustrations he is depicted sketching in the story are the illustrations included in the book! I think my most favorite character is Celene though, from the moment she was introduced as Liathe, the mystery surrounding her, her blood gifts that are so rare and unheard of, I admired her!

There is so many more things I'd like to say and it will never be enough, this is my favorite series and it's not even complete yet 🖤
 

tookishbooks's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

ires3s's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kuraishinju's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring 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

akashapaulina's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

jenni_reads's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious 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

5.0

Bloody Brilliant! What an ending! 

antsy's review

First one is better