Empire of the Vampire

Empire of the Vampire, Book 1

By: Jay Kristoff

Narrated by: Damian Lynch

'This book is bloody brilliant'
V.E. Schwab

‘A ripping read’
Joe Abercrombie

The SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestseller from the award-winning author of the Nevernight Chronicle

It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise.

Ever since, vampires have waged war against humanity building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Gabriel de León, half man, half monster, and last remaining silversaint – a sworn brother of the holy Silver Order dedicated to defending the realm from the creatures of the night – is all that stands between the world and its end.

Imprisoned by the very monsters he has vowed to destroy Gabriel is forced to tell his story – a story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the War of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope:

The Holy Grail.

©2021 Jay Kristoff (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘A gothic bloodbath that will leave any reader breathless. The story is a vast apocalyptic canvass, reminiscent of Justin Cronin’s THE PASSAGE or even Stephen King’s THE STAND, yet Kristoff’s work stands on its own ruthless merit as the opening gambit of a richer tale yet to unfold. I can’t wait to return again to this rich, lush, and bloody world. Until then, read this book now!’
— James Rollins, No.1 NEW YORK TIMES author of THE LAST ODYSSEY and THE STARLESS CROWN

‘A wonderfully crafted tale, the pieces as meticulously interlocked as fine woodwork. A chilling new take on vampire lore and those who must battle that darkness. EMPIRE OF THE VAMPIRE looks fearlessly at how ruthless Good must become when confronted with unrelenting Evil’
— Robin Hobb, SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author

'Brilliant and unputdownable, with tenderness and light bound into the bitter dark of a grim and fascinating world'
— Laini Taylor, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of STRANGE THE DREAMER

'This book is bloody brilliant'
— V.E Schwab, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE

Another gem from my favourite author

This is the third series by Jay Kristoff I had read in a compulsive mode, unable to put it down until the end. I can’t wait for the next one.

Very well good tale, well told

Enjoyed this tale from the point of of a condemned prisoner imprisoned by the vey thing he has fought all his life. cant wait to listen to the next book

Amazing

Damian Lynch did an amazing job, absolutely loved all his voices for the characters and love this story from Jay Kristoff.

Dark and Excellent

First of all. The narration is wonderful. It's worth it,choosing the audio over the print edition.
Lovely to see vampire themed fiction after a long while as well.
This book is a dark, bloody, adult tale, told really well and immersive. Both in writing and narration. I also found it thought provoking, a sign of a good story. I don't know what it is about the author's writing, I find it incredibly soothing, despite the dark themes and style (both this one and Nevernight trilogy). Not everyone's cup of tea for sure, but definitely mine.
At one point your momma insult is majorly overused and is making fun of it's own sheer stupidity, and I find it simply genius.
I would not call the ending a cliffhanger, but some might find it lacking in some sort of conclusion.
I don't mind the way it ended, this is only the 1st installment of the story, so I will be eagerly waiting for the 2nd one.

Best Vampire Book in Ages

Loved every second of it. Amazing story, compelling characters and superb narration. I can't wait for the next one.

Great build up, but 27 hours and no ending Ouch!

Jay Krisfoff is a great writer. This story drags you in with its complex world plan and detailed characterisation. But the ending just comes bang, out of the blue, as if the tape recorder ran out (OK not quite so dramatic as that) but it's a very long investment for an installment that leaves you hanging. Having gotten over the disappointment, it is a great story and his word craft is brilliant. The narrator is excellent. I hope the next book doesn't take too long, it's a very long listen to have to repeat if I need a refresher...

Disappointed

This felt like a build up to nothing. Every fantasy cliche is used and no gratifying ending is supplied. For such a large investment of time I'm pretty saddened as the never night chronicle is one of my all time favourite books.