I really enjoyed this book, but I don’t think that it would do well in my Bookstore because we are focused on more romantic and lighthearted things and this book definitely doesn’t fit that but overall I enjoyed my time.

Yes. Yes. Yes
Don’t question if you should get this book or not. Just get it.
You wont regret it.
The continued world building from book one is right on track.

Jay Kristoff never misses. He also knows how to gut us and it’s sort of the best. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC.
This series gets better and better. Looking forward to the next one!

Thank you to SMP and Netgalley for the arc. Who doesn't love a thick book about vampires? This was exactly what I expected it to be and I loved every minute of it.

This story was an interesting story from an author I don’t know or haven’t read before! Will look at finding other things by this author. I am grateful for the early access, thank you to those that allowed it!

Kristoff is one of my favorites and this was no different. I loved getting back to this world and discovering all the things hidden and given. I’m looking forward to more of this world and all the vampires!

While I jumped into this book, I realized that I needed to read the first one. However, the characters from the first into the second book still hold up. The world building is still on point and Kristoff is an amazing writer. I hope to come back and finish the book but it will always be five stars no matter what.

A gripping, blood-soaked continuation that will leave you desperate for the next book. Highly recommended for fans of gothic horror, morally gray protagonists, and stories that embrace the darkness.

I can't recommend this book or this author enough!!! Jay Kristoff is a mastermind and leaves me anxious and on the edge of my seat for the next page every page! 5 stars must read

Jay Kristoff is an instant buy and read for me I haven't ever been disappointed by the world I get immersed in! The story telling is so immersive and the point of view switched felt fitting and not jarring as they sometimes can be! This was a 5/5 for me and I cannot wait for more!!

I absolutely love Empire of the Vampire, and have read it multiple times. For some reason, I had a very hard time getting into this followup. The fact that it kicks off with something of a blood orgy is likely a large contributing factor. I'm sure that I'll read past this extended preview at some point, but I'm putting it on a distant back burner until I find myself in the right mood for something quite this dark.

This book is so well written. Kristoff is a very talented author and I will truly read anything that he writes. Great characters, great plot, superb pacing. All done so well.

Such a good read. Capturing my interest from the beginning and holding on tight through the twists and turns and anguish.

Samplers are such a tease but this has me so excited to ready the whole book! I know it will continue the thrilling story of Empire of the Vampire.

This was just a sample so I’m not entirely sure on how my feelings will change for the book, but I loved this! Kristoff’s writing is so beautiful yet brutal at the same time. He’s very engaging, and his world building is like no other.

Empire of the Vampire continues to captivate with its dark, rich world and complex characters in this highly anticipated sequel. Jay Kristoff’s signature blend of high-stakes action, intricate politics, and gritty emotional depth makes this a thrilling follow-up to the international sensation. Gabriel de León’s journey is filled with both external battles and personal turmoil, as he struggles with his own rising bloodlust while navigating deadly alliances and threats from every corner. The lore surrounding the Holy Grail and the ancient vampire factions adds layers of intrigue and mystery. Fans of epic fantasy won’t want to miss this gripping continuation.

I adore Jay Kristoff and this series and will recommend it til I'm blue in the face. His ability to write interesting characters that you love despite them having flaws and is so human and comforting. Then those characters doing things for the better of others gives a lot of hope.

I love Jay’s writing style and this was just as fantastic as EOTV. It was a surprise to start with a different POV than Gabriel but it was also interesting to another side to the story. The cutoff for the sample was a brutal place to stop but very on brand for a Jay Kristoff book.

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff is a thrilling, dark, and intricately woven vampire story that dives headfirst into blood-soaked intrigue, power struggles, and moral ambiguity. Set in a grim world dominated by a vampiric empire, Kristoff crafts a narrative that balances sharp action, political schemes, and personal betrayals with his signature blend of wit and emotional depth.

The vampire lore here is fresh and layered, blending magic, immortality, and power with complex hierarchies and shifting alliances. The characters are morally grey, deeply flawed, and utterly compelling, caught in webs of loyalty, revenge, and ambition. Kristoff builds their relationships—both friendships and betrayals—carefully, and the tension between them drives much of the narrative’s emotional weight.

The story moves at a lightning pace, with Kristoff blending brutal action scenes, clever strategy, and philosophical musings on immortality, power, and choice. The world-building is impeccable, creating a vampire-centric society that feels sprawling, dangerous, and alive with history and conflict. The fight scenes are visceral and well-executed, paired with moments of reflection and sharp, biting prose that keeps the story both grounded and unpredictable.

I just finished reading Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff, and I’m beyond excited to share my thoughts with you!

This book is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, filled with jaw-dropping twists, intense action, and deeply complex characters. Kristoff's writing is nothing short of brilliant, and he masterfully builds a dark, immersive world that you won’t want to leave.

One of the standout scenes for me is when the protagonist, Ashen, confronts the shadowy council in the heart of the empire. The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife! Kristoff’s descriptions are so vivid, you feel like you're right there with Ashen, every heartbeat matching his as he challenges the council’s power. The dialogue is sharp and electrifying, revealing secrets that will leave you gasping.

What I love most about Empire of the Damned is the intricate plot and the way Kristoff interweaves themes of power, betrayal, and redemption. The characters are richly developed, each with their own motives and backstories that add depth to the narrative. Plus, the world-building is just phenomenal—Kristoff has created a realm that’s both terrifying and mesmerizing.

If you’re a fan of dark fantasy and epic adventures, Empire of the Damned is a must-read. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down!