Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff is nothing short of a fantasy masterpiece. If you’re looking for romantasy, smut, or sexy vampires to fall in love with, this isn’t the book for you. But if you crave magnificent world-building, myths and legends brought to life, action-packed adventure, and a devastating amount of heartbreak that will leave you in tears, then welcome aboard. The journey is long, but it’s worth every step.
The story follows Gabriel de León, the last Silversaint and sword of the empire, as he recounts his life to a historian. Told in two timelines, the first shows a young Gabriel growing up in a world where a great black cloud has covered the sky, plunging the earth into eternal twilight. Vampires, once whispered of in legends, have risen to take over, and Gabriel dedicates his life to defending the weak. In the second timeline, we meet a 32-year-old Gabriel: a broken, bitter man haunted by loss and regret. He’s a drunk, disillusioned and angry, yet somehow still fighting for something—even if he no longer believes in it.
Through Gabriel’s journey, we meet Astrid, the love of his life; Aaron, an enemy turned brother; and Gabriel’s last company—Sister Chloé, Sercha, Dior, and Per Rafa—who become his final hope in a dying world. The prose is poetic, evocative of a more gallant past, but it doesn’t shy away from raw, vulgar language, reflecting the decay of a once-proud world. Together, these elements weave a tapestry of love and loss, forbidden desire, enduring friendship, and an overwhelming sense of despair.
What makes Gabriel compelling is his resilience. Even when the world takes everything from him, he manages to hold on to hope and see the good in people—sometimes, to his detriment. As much as he is flawed and broken, his ability to rise again and fight for others is a testament to his strength and humanity.
When I started this book, I was coming off a year of romantasy and smut, where happily-ever-afters were guaranteed even in the darkest stories. At about 75% into Empire of the Vampire, I realized this wasn’t going to end well, and it broke my heart. Kristoff builds a sense of impending tragedy through unspoken words, half-truths, and the simmering rage in Gabriel’s actions. I wanted so badly for a happy ending for this sad, broken hero, but I also knew the story was leading somewhere darker—and it delivered.
In hindsight, the final revelations of the book cast the entire story in a more devastating light. Every action, every regret, and every sacrifice made so much sense, and I found myself forgiving Gabriel for his flaws. In his position, I doubt I could have found the strength to keep going, let alone wield a broken sword to protect the last hope of the world.
A word of caution: this book doesn’t come with a trigger warning (at least not in my edition), but it contains graphic depictions of violence, blood, death, and addiction. Kristoff also criticizes the Catholic Church and clergy, which some may find offensive. Additionally, this is the first book in a trilogy, with Empire of the Damned already available, and book three set to release in November 2025.
If none of this deters you, then you’re in for an unforgettable story. Kristoff doesn’t pull any punches, and the emotional toll of this book is immense—but it’s worth it. I can’t wait to see how this incredible tale concludes!
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