A review by zwe
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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

Oh my god... I had to like, sit in a moment of silence after finishing this book. First of all, it was non-stop. There was constantly something happening. Which leads me into my second of all that it was always fucking SAD. Like my god can anyone in this damn universe catch a fucking break??? Especially the fucking horses. The relationship between Gabe and Dior from begrudging babysitter to fierce protector was one of the best and strongest parts of the book. I enjoyed the storytelling point of view and thought Gabriel and Jean-Francois had a good banter / back and forth with each other. And Astrid. Poor Astrid and Patience. That was actually horrible and gutting to read. And the way Kristoff built up to it made you just dread it more and more since out of all the horrors Gabriel had been through, he still could barely talk about that one. I can't wait to see where the second book (and third) take the story and I'm actually so mad Barnes and Noble didn't have it in store when I went the other day because I need to read it right now so bad. The twist of DIOR being a GIRL and the CHALICE was INSANE and when Gabe rescued her from fucking Chloe about to kill her I almost wanted to cry. I love a good like, "everyone leaves me" / "i'll never leave you". She's his daughter now. And I'm glad that stupid Danton whoeverthefuck got his ass KILLED for trying to say Gabe would lose another. This book was so gory and violent and scary and sad and tense but also thrilling and captivating and had a huge heart -- Gabriel finally becoming silverclad and glowing all red at the end while fighting for Dior because he found faith in something again. Yeah, crying. Can I have the next book already?!?!?