Samplers don't really tell you that much about a read in its entirety, but they do tell you if you are going to want to stick it out for over 700 pages of the story.

I don't want to this time, to my surprise; I felt fatigued almost from the start, like I was just being lectured at. This was not at all what I expected.

Disappointing, but YMMV.

Thank you for allowing me to read this much anticipated follow up to EOTV. Jay Kristoff’s writing style is engaging and thrilling. I felt transported to the world he created. Absolutely adored this book and I’m greatly looking forward to the next one.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

THIS SAMPLER IS CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT BECAUSE NOW I WANT MORE!!

I was so excited about the read now for 48 hour email that I didn't realize it was just a sampler! I think it's a great start and I can't wait to read the rest! I really feel like I can't review the whole book, until it's finished. I will do so on my blog and various social media pages!! Thanks for the sample but just a heads up to everyone...

Well, that was rough haha I got to luckily read a sampler but also unlucky because that was not enough! Just got me back in the world again, There were some of the stunning art pieces in the sampler, can't wait to see the full book and all the art! It's like a picture book for adults!
But I can tell you we are back to Gabriel telling his tale to that shifty historian, Jean-Francois, because it does seem like Gabriel desperately wants his story told and told in full.
Can't wait to read the whole book when it is released.

While a full review is elusive due to the limited sampler provided, the initial taste of Empire of the Damned leaves me optimistic and, quite frankly, a little intimidated. I echo the sentiment of other reviewers: transparency about the 700+ page count upfront would have been appreciated. I devoured the first book and I foresee a similar epic saga with this sequel.

Despite the looming page count, the teaser chapters brim with Jay Kristoff's signature charisma. The writing is sharp, witty, and darkly atmospheric, drawing you into the world with its seductive blend of horror and historical fiction. Gabriel's voice remains as compelling as ever, his internal struggles and sardonic humor carrying the narrative with aplomb. The glimpses of new characters spark intrigue, hinting at fresh layers of complexity and conflict.

Overall, this early peek at Empire of the Damned excites me about the story's potential. It promises to be a worthy successor to its predecessor, offering a deeper dive into the world and characters we've come to know. However, the sheer volume throws up a cautionary flag for readers like myself who struggle with marathon-length novels.

Should you bite into this monstrously delicious tome? If you thrive on sprawling narratives and Jay Kristoff's brand of storytelling, then by all means, sink your teeth in. But for those prone to attention-span fatigue, be prepared to pace yourselves or enlist a reading buddy to share the journey. One thing's for sure: whether you tackle it in chapters or chunks, Empire of the Damned promises to be a blood-soaked odyssey worth venturing into.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this sampler of book 2 in the Empire of the Vampire Series by Jay Kristoff. At 215 pages, this sampler is a great taste of what's to come in this March 12th 2024 release!

Alright. I'll read the rest of it.

In full disclosure, I didn't read Empire of the Vampire; I did read (and really enjoyed) the Nevernight series and Kristoff's last solo teen series, LIFEL1K3. I'd felt like I'd had quite enough of grim-dark edgy vampire revenge stories, especially those with a male protagonist; so I didn't realize this was pretty much Nevernight inverted, right down to Kristoff incorporating criticism of his literary style into the text. I'm sold on it, now to tackle the brick that is the first book.

Anyways, like Nevernight, Kristoff's grimdark fantasy is, as usual, delightfully self-aware. Characters engage in soap-operatic theatrics and bloody derring-do, but seem entirely aware of the absurdity of their situations, despite being caught in the middle of them. This is a fine needle to thread, and the sarcastic humor, and witty dialogue make it fun, elevating the grim-dark pulp scenario.

I'd give this five stars probably—since it immediately convinced me to go back and read the first book—but since it's a sampler I have reservations about giving it full marks without reading the rest of the complete text.

Opinions are my own and don't reflect the institution I work for.

Like the other reviewers have said, very hard to rate and review since I only received a sampler. Wish this was disclosed before downloading, but what I did get to read it was pretty good. The only concern I have is the length; at over 700 pages no matter how good it is, books usually lose my interest at about 300 pages. My attention span isn't that great, lol. I had to read the first one in three chunks like weeks apart because it was a beast. I feel like I'll have to do the same with this based on the sample.

I'm excited based on what I read though, seems like another good novel by Jay Kristoff and a promising continuation to the Empire of the Vampire series!

10 out of 5 stars! THIS.BOOK.IS.PERFECTION! I honestly don't know where to begin?! First, I will say a HUGE thank you to the people over at Macmillian Publishing. I was denied access to the Digital Galley through Netgalley. Which is a bummer, because I do prefer the digital versions. However, a lovely person over at Macmillian sent a print copy, and access to the sampler.
When I tell you I RAN after finishing the sampler to my print copy. Not even kidding. I RAN.
I was not quite sold on EOTV. However, Kristoff brings it up about 16 BILLION degrees in EOTD. It blew my socks off. The writing, the plot, the EVERYTHING. This will quickly be one of my top all time books! You cannot stop. You cannot rest. You HAVE TO FINISH this book.
Pick up a copy, or 43 copies. It's an amazing, thrilling, poetic, beautiful book! Thank you all again!

Didn’t realize this was a sample. I don’t feel I can give an accurate review without reading the whole book.

Empire of the Damned-SAMPLER

Wow. I love Jay Kristoff’s writing. This was only 200 pages of the book but the writing is impeccable and I cannot wait to read the entire book!!

Another home run for Jay Kristoff!

Although this was only a sampler of the final novel, it was packed with exciting and adventurous moments and characters. As well, Kristoff delivers as per usual with his signature writing style with wit and excellence.
Sequels can be tough, especially after an amazing debut, but Kristoff managed to expand the existing story, as well as add to it in the perfect way.
I was also extremely excited that the sampler arc included the art by Bon Orthwick- who collaborated with Jay Kristoff for EotV.

Thank you to Jay Kristoff, Net Galley, and St Martin Press for the opportunity to read this ARC sampler.

This sampler was amazing and I am so excited to finish the book once it releases. I am planning on doing a full review on Goodreads and Instagram after the release date. However, this sampler is making me impatient to find out what happens. Thank you for the sampler!

This is NOT a book, it is a big teaser for the book. Requested by mistake (or by deception). I did not know that NetGalley would offer such a deceptive booklet

First, I’d like to say that this was a sample of the books so I cannot give a full review as I don’t have the entire book. Once the book is out and I’m able to finish it, I will be posting a full review on Goodreads.

Second, huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-Arc of Empire of the Damned.

This picked up right where Empire of the Vampire left off and it takes off just as well.
This got me even more exited for the book and I cannot wait. I need the book to be out asap.

Initially I didn't realize I was only receiving a sampler of this. But oh man! I am excited for the rest of the book to come out. Only receiving a sampler was a little cruel but I am still thankful to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC

The night I started Empire of the Damned I stayed up way past my bedtime to devour it. While I generally LOATHE changing perspectives, the different POVs worked perfectly to tell the tale, and was a clever way to show the reader all that happened during this epic adventure while still keeping the storytelling aspect of the writing.

This sampler captures, from what I can tell, the first half of the book. It picks up right where the series left off, takes us through several new pieces, throws us into increasingly dangerous battles, twists the silver blade just a bit deeper into Gabriel's heart, unveils new layers of mythology, and leaves us with not one, but two cliffhangers. Sigh.

I believe in "sophomore slump book syndrome", and I am thrilled to say that Empire of the Damned is not suffering from that ailment.

Definitely pre-order this because you all are in for a treat. Full review to come!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC.

Special thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

The provided sampler of Empire of the Damned (a significant portion, but not the entirety of the novel) teases the excitement of its upcoming March 2024 release. And much like how vampires can relate, this sampler is a taste that leaves me wanting for more.

We're back to Gabriel de Leon, the irritable, witty, wine connoisseur still under imprisonment, recanting his life to vampire ("coldblood") Jean-Francois. The adventure picks up right where it left off at the end of preceding novel, "Empire of the Vampire", in the aftermath of Gabriel's daring rescue of Dior Lachance, his apprentice (and believed Holy Grail). Gabriel's sister, Celene, unexpectedly aided him in the rescue, so both master and apprentice meet up with Celene as to whether an understanding and partnership can be reached between them. Meanwhile, the Voss vampire lineage continues seeking revenge on Gabriel and detainment for Dior. With a lack of allies of Gabriel, trusting his sister might be a risk worth taking...

Jay Kristoff, author of the "Empire of the Vampire" saga, continues his excellent prose, much thanks to the character Gabriel's narration (witty, emotional, descriptive) The dynamic action sequences continue, with the unique weaponry and fighting techniques of these friends and foes. The banter is enjoyable, especially that between Gabriel and Jean-Francois in the present, and that of Gabriel and Dior in the narration. Lastly, the emotional relationships Gabriel experiences are especially worth noting- the strained relationship with his sister Celene, for too many reasons to count. But especially for Gabriel and Dior, with the relationship resembling master/student, friend/friend, protector/protected, and parental-figure/adopted child. In spite of the darkness and bleak atmosphere involved with the events of the novels, Gabriel keeps his humanity- not just in the past, but still persisting in the present during his narration to Jean-Francois.

"Empire of the Damned" continues the strong momentum that the debut novel firmly established. The reviewed material is only a sampler, but I much look forward to see how this adventure continues.

Excited to read more of this when it comes out. Just know that this was just a sampler, so I cannot give a full opinion on the full book. A great start!

Love love love all things Kristoff and this did not disappoint! These vampires do not sparkle but my heart sure does when I’m wrapped in the pages!