Heartbreak after heartbreak. A seemingly common pattern for Kristoff. 

*review to follow*

Dear God this book is so good. SO GOOD. If you are a vampire novel enjoyer, and you want something dark and moody and atmospheric, this is IT. The only bad thing I will say about it is that the third book in the trilogy is not out yet, so reader beware. 

A fast paced sequel to Empire of the Vampire. It's Jay Kristoff so expect tragedy and heartbreak. It's fast paced and filled with twists and turns that kept the pages turning. I'll probably read it again soon because misery loves company...

Devastatingly brilliant followup to Empire of the Vampire! Now begins the agonising wait for part 3...

This is one of the most stressful books I've ever read. Most fantasy I read, even epic and high fantasy, have the "oh my god I'm so scared whats gonna happen" mosts then their balanced with some calmer moments. This - I was on edge the entire book. It's a quieter scene but... who is coming out of the bushes to murder everyone? Please don't let this happen. Maybe it won't. It does. But its nothing like I imagined. It equally makes it very engaging but exhausting. I still had an amazing time. 

I was a bit worried how the format would follow up to the first with switching back and forth between Gabriel's past and.. further past. But the next twist

of having Celene's POV

was surprising and yet a great follow up.

I always wondered if she was still alive and wanted to know more about her. She's fascinating and infuriating all at once.

 

Gabriel's sister Celene added such an interesting dynamic to the main cast. No idea if I love or hate her. Her hatred for her brother seems so unfounded because everything that happened to her, he had no control of and it seems absurd to blame him.

Also still not sure if I trust the Esani.

Gabriel himself continues to grow in depth. And I remain immensely curious how he ended up where he presently is. And just HOW he killed the Forever King. His relationship with Dior is wonderful and shows the complexity of a father/daughter dynamic. The war between a teen girl wanting independence and a father's need to get them to listen when he knows better. Despite being a rash and slightly arrogant girl, Dior more than proved her mental in this one. She was the one I was most stressed about. Likely because she's the only main character where we're uncertain of her fate.

The ENDING has me stressed and hopeful. Her imprisonment by the Dyvok's was terrifying. Not knowing if she would be thralled or how she would escape.

And AARON. I'm furious. My favorite character and he's just being TORTURED.

I'm devastated he's Dead. And for what he was forced to endure. His scenes where by far the most disturbing to read. I do have hope for him but you can't cure being a vampire...

The action and worldbuilding continue to be a highlight. Going even deeper into the politics of a vampire clan. Understanding more aspects and history of the empire before daysdeath. The moonmaid/shapershifter culture was my favorite bits. To see how every type of magic has been effected by daysdeath. Also the deepening of the religion itself.

I lost my MIND when it was revealed that the Redeemer himself created the vampires of the Priests who murdered him.

The battle at the end was by far the best part of the book. So many moving pieces and plot twists that were executed so well. I cannot tell you how much I love a book that uses character/lore/worldbuilding/plot in balance. And Jay has that talent in abundance. 

I'm still so curious where the present timeline is going.

What do the Chastain's want and think they can do with the Grail? It obvious humans are becoming scarce. How are they going to deal with that? What is Gabriel's role? Will daysdeath end since it seems that Dior is alive in the present? How does she end it? What is the next book about and how accurate are Celene and Gabe's stories since they are clearly lying about Dior to the Historian?

Such an intricate web and I love it. I know it'll be years before I get the next book but I hope I can remember enough not to have to reread again when the time comes.