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swally2005's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
Excellent. This book does take some time to get pulled into, but if you stick with it, it is definitely worth it. The tale starts off with Gabriel de Leon, an infamous vampire hunter, who happens to be half vampire himself, captured in a prison cell and being implored to tell his life's story to a vampire historian named Jean-Francois of the Chastain vampire bloodline. This book is one night of Gabriel sitting in a cell and recounting his life, while the vampire historian records it.
Gabriel's story jumps back-and-forth between different time periods in his life, as well as back to his present reality; so at first, this can be quite overwhelming as you still don't really understand what's going on, but you get used to it and things start making sense as the story goes on. The world-building in this book is excellent, and the storytelling format is quite engrossing once you get past the initial confusion. This book also uses many French words, and some of them may be hard to figure out the meaning of, based on context alone, so be prepared to have to look up a few. This can be more than a little challenging to do if you are listening to this via audiobook (which I was), as you kind of have to guess on spelling.
Speaking of the audiobook, I'm not sure if this was just on my version, or if this issue was present across all audiobook platforms, but I borrowed this from my library through Libby, and there were several instances in this book where the audio would cut off part of the sentence. It became annoying after about the 10th time it happened, so I tracked down the e-book in Kindle Unlimited just to see how much I was missing, and was able to verify that it was usually just the first word or two of the sentence, so it's nothing major, but it was annoying nonetheless, and was an issue that was prevalent all throughout the recording.
Minor audio issue aside, I am very much looking forward to continuing on with Gabriel's tale in the next book, as he does not finish telling it yet.
Gabriel's story jumps back-and-forth between different time periods in his life, as well as back to his present reality; so at first, this can be quite overwhelming as you still don't really understand what's going on, but you get used to it and things start making sense as the story goes on. The world-building in this book is excellent, and the storytelling format is quite engrossing once you get past the initial confusion. This book also uses many French words, and some of them may be hard to figure out the meaning of, based on context alone, so be prepared to have to look up a few. This can be more than a little challenging to do if you are listening to this via audiobook (which I was), as you kind of have to guess on spelling.
Speaking of the audiobook, I'm not sure if this was just on my version, or if this issue was present across all audiobook platforms, but I borrowed this from my library through Libby, and there were several instances in this book where the audio would cut off part of the sentence. It became annoying after about the 10th time it happened, so I tracked down the e-book in Kindle Unlimited just to see how much I was missing, and was able to verify that it was usually just the first word or two of the sentence, so it's nothing major, but it was annoying nonetheless, and was an issue that was prevalent all throughout the recording.
Minor audio issue aside, I am very much looking forward to continuing on with Gabriel's tale in the next book, as he does not finish telling it yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Homophobia, Sexual content, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
georgeeporge's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I haven't read a proper fantasy for ages and this was *chefs kiss*. I devoured it — and it is by no means a small book! Gabriel is a great antihero, the world building is amazing, the horror aspects were well integrated. I also really enjoyed the interview style of the narrative, it meant we were guided through jumps around the timeline rather than thrown around in a chaotic mess. Also loved the artwork pages dotted throughout, a nod to the interviewer.
It's only not a 5* because the male gaze was a tad off putting at times, and although the author is trying to be an ally to the queer community, they fell into the same tropes often seen in male written fantasy — over sexualised and hugely stereotyped.
Luckily the storyline was too good to be put off and I am desperate to read more from this author.
It's only not a 5* because the male gaze was a tad off putting at times, and although the author is trying to be an ally to the queer community, they fell into the same tropes often seen in male written fantasy — over sexualised and hugely stereotyped.
Luckily the storyline was too good to be put off and I am desperate to read more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Violence
sunsetsyd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Empire of the Vampire was the first fantasy book I've picked up in a while and it was the perfect welcome back to the genre. The interwoven timeline, found (and lost) family, and most importantly - vampires! What more can you ask for?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia and Misogyny
faehistory's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.5
A well-written take on vampires that walks the line between horror and fantasy. Gabriel manages to be a flawed character who never quite crosses over into being unlikeable and I found myself emphasising that even when he makes poor choices. The setting manages to be dark and bleak without crossing into so dark you find yourself apathetic.
Some of the bigger twists you can perhaps see coming if you have read a lot of fantasy because they fit the narrative conventions of this kind of book but are still well executed and some do take you by surprise.
There is a really interesting thorough line about the difference between faith and organised religion which ties into Gabriel's main arc.
Some of the bigger twists you can perhaps see coming if you have read a lot of fantasy because they fit the narrative conventions of this kind of book but are still well executed and some do take you by surprise.
There is a really interesting thorough line about the difference between faith and organised religion which ties into Gabriel's main arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Abandonment
Minor: Classism
chaptermaggot's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Outing, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, Rape, Torture, Pregnancy, and Classism
rubyredders's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
3.75
This is one of those books where it can be enjoyable but is definitely not for everyone. If this book ever gets a adaptation I know it is definitely getting that adults only rating.
That said the writing is good! The characters aren't all likeable, hell Gabriel the main character took a good while to connect with because man living in a grimdark world and it has not treated him all that kindly - HOWEVER, I did find myself feeling for him after seeing all he's gone through.
I did find that I only really connected with Gabriel and Dior by the end though. The number of characters Kristoff killed off I just stopped caring for other characters because hell he's probably gonna knock em off quick enough anyway. Plus, all the characters in the first third are kind of assholes to Gabriel. It's that kind of world in this book. I sadly saw some of the twists coming before they were named but it's more reading the plot beats and the setting
The high fantasy elements were well done but I did find myself rolling my eyes at how #Goth it got at times. I didnt hate it though, just noted aha the scene is being set and knew the author was enjoying themselves here. The descriptions of the world helped build a wonderful atmosphere and tension, I coudl really feel the coldness of the world.
The pacing was way stronger in the later book than the start for sure. This book is a hefty 700+ page monster and while I understand the need to set the scene, let the story breathe and characters and world build....I kind of wish the book was cut down a bit? Or maybe even split into another book. There were parts in the middle that felt a bit of a slog and somewhat unnecessary to the overall plot. The author has a trilogy planned but seeing the second one is also a Big Ass Book, I can't help but feel like it'd be more enjoyable, not to mention a more comfortable physical read, if there was less of it.
The time skip elements were really well done! I don't always enjoy this but they were clearly marked out and obvious when there was overlap, along with the way the story wove together as you read along these different times in Gabriel's life.
The level of swearing in this took some getting used to - more because of Gabriels attitude than the actual swearing itself. Like ok, buddy we get it you're a tough guy. This is a cold and unfeeling world I know.
The vampire elements definitely play up the horror elements of vampires than are common in modern works but the basic elements are the same. The clan elements were fun as was thethere is a secret FIFTH bloodline who are hated by everyone and they have blood magic?! Ok, I'm listening tell me more.
That said the writing is good! The characters aren't all likeable, hell Gabriel the main character took a good while to connect with because man living in a grimdark world and it has not treated him all that kindly - HOWEVER, I did find myself feeling for him after seeing all he's gone through.
The high fantasy elements were well done but I did find myself rolling my eyes at how #Goth it got at times. I didnt hate it though, just noted aha the scene is being set and knew the author was enjoying themselves here. The descriptions of the world helped build a wonderful atmosphere and tension, I coudl really feel the coldness of the world.
The pacing was way stronger in the later book than the start for sure. This book is a hefty 700+ page monster and while I understand the need to set the scene, let the story breathe and characters and world build....I kind of wish the book was cut down a bit? Or maybe even split into another book. There were parts in the middle that felt a bit of a slog and somewhat unnecessary to the overall plot. The author has a trilogy planned but seeing the second one is also a Big Ass Book, I can't help but feel like it'd be more enjoyable, not to mention a more comfortable physical read, if there was less of it.
The time skip elements were really well done! I don't always enjoy this but they were clearly marked out and obvious when there was overlap, along with the way the story wove together as you read along these different times in Gabriel's life.
The level of swearing in this took some getting used to - more because of Gabriels attitude than the actual swearing itself. Like ok, buddy we get it you're a tough guy. This is a cold and unfeeling world I know.
The vampire elements definitely play up the horror elements of vampires than are common in modern works but the basic elements are the same. The clan elements were fun as was the
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Drug use, Homophobia, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexism, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
florian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Homophobia, and Grief
Minor: Rape
laraloops's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
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
3.75
I am very torn on this book. On one hand I enjoyed some of the vulgarity and unabashed horniness. On the other the sheer brooding masculinity put me off at times - I feel that there were some very very well used tropes in this one and I feel that the fact I have already seen things like The Last of Us and The Witcher made me feel like those aspects of the story I've already seen before. It's when the story diverged from these elements that I enjoyed the book more. Aaron de Costes story-line I especially enjoyed and the fact that he did not die at various parts of the book was a surprise and probably the only reason I continued to be honest. The aesthetics were cool, tattoos with powers and blooborne like themes were a plus. The art was also a great addition to read and see a nice depiction of the scenes and characters.
I think at the end of the day this book was just not my cup of tea and not what I was feeling up to reading. Like an good shonen anime that just didn't click with me. I do think though that the length of the book really dragged, it took me longer than usual to finish it and 700+ pages just felt like too much. The blurb at the end of the book that I mistakenly read without realizing it was the next book did get me interested to see how the second book goes so when it's available at my library I'll probably finish it as well.
I think at the end of the day this book was just not my cup of tea and not what I was feeling up to reading. Like an good shonen anime that just didn't click with me. I do think though that the length of the book really dragged, it took me longer than usual to finish it and 700+ pages just felt like too much. The blurb at the end of the book that I mistakenly read without realizing it was the next book did get me interested to see how the second book goes so when it's available at my library I'll probably finish it as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Rape
aladybug19's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Empire of the Vampire is masterfully written. I would gush more about this book but I think going into it with as little information as possible is the best course. This book keeps you at the edge of your seat when it’s not making you weep for the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pedophilia, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
thatphdstudent's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Child abuse, Homophobia, Violence, and War