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A review by rubyredders
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
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