I will agree with the angst being a real factor, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the optimism in the book. Namely, the main theme of the book being the need to have faith in something. As somebody who is not religious, I found this theme, and the messaging behind it to be very resonant. Probably my favorite aspect of the book. That, and he sure knows how to pace reveals
If you like vampire books, would you be interested in reading one i just published? I don't pretend to be as good as Mr Kristoff, nor am I as experienced a writer....but even Jay had to start somewhere right? ;) I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you are interested, message me and I'd love to send you a copy of my book :)
It was so fun buddy reading this with you and everyone else, Sarah! I'm looking forward to many more successful buddy reads in the future! 🙂 And I will not disclose the shrines I may or may not have. That's private! 🤣🤣🤣
I love Jay Kristoffs humour so much, and it brings variety to my reading. Even if I theoratically want to, I cannot read N.K. Jemisin every day. Sometimes I need Kristoff to lighten the mood in a very dark way 😄
Definitely! I enjoy shifting tone in terms of what I read, and this was certainly a change. It did take me a while to adjust, but I ended up having a lot of fun ☺️
I already said this on discord, but I wonder if a certain enthusiast over there is actually Jay Kristoff himself, LOL. At the very least they should be getting commissions from the publisher, they convinced me to get a copy and start reading it.
Even though I already read the book in September, I still really enjoyed reading all your reactions/predictions in Discord. I am so glad you enjoyed this book!! Also, now that you have had a taste of (and enjoyed) Kristoff's writing, I would love to see you dive into Nevernight some time in the future (but only if you would be interested in that of course!). I know it is still a long way off, but I am already eagerly awaiting the second book in this series. The last two 'books' were so intense and engaging, so now I just want more, lol. This was a great review Sarah, I hope some people will pick it up after watching this! :)
Great review and very helpful in me deciding to pick this up. I was apprehensive and thought it might be more on the romance end. Glad to hear it has darker elements and interesting world building.
I listened to the audiobook and it's fantastic. The narration is wonderful. I did go into this having listened to Nevernight and absolutely loving it, so I was sure of the general direction and vibe of Empire of the Vampire and did have some expectations for it
So for me,each time the story was jumping ahead in time I was like :" Please GAB! Stay in San Michon!" But each time he was going back in time I was like: "Pour l'amour de dieu, Why ?! I must know what happened next!" So basically, as far as I'm concerned both time periods were great but I give a very slight advantage to his "Adult" storyline. Overall, it was a great story I can't wait for book two.
The “old Gabe” timeline did grow on me! It just took me time to care as much about that more cynical version of his character. The ending was fantastic and really left me wanting to know what happens next! I’m glad you loved it 😊
Thanks for your review Sarah. I was considering reading this book after hearing another Book tuber review it. I was unsure whether to read it, but your review helped me make up my mind. Thank you very much for your time reviewing the book ;)
You were only going to give it 3 OR 3.5 STARS?! 😭 I’m glad (relieved?) books 5 & 6 picked it up for you. 😅 (Coleton may have never talked to you again.) Such a fun buddy read! Looking forward to the next one ☺️
I think the story sounds very interesting, but I don't know what I'll think about the writing style. I'm usually not the biggest fan of that edgy type of writing. 😅 I do think that, when I make the sum of everything you said (setting, characters,...) I will have to give it a try!
The whole time leading up to your mention of Sarah J. Maas, I was thinking of her book, Crescent City (which was around a 2-star read for me). 😄 It’s funny because I was just saying how I prefer dramatic characters, but I did have struggles with the over-the-top, angsty, explosive stuff in that book. This might not be for me, but I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts, and I’m so glad you ended up liking it!
I really want to read Blood Song, because I think I’d love it 😍 I’m glad you loved this one; I’m really looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here!
Lovely review! I have the same thoughts on the covers. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one. The synopsis actually sounds interesting (first time I've actually heard it). I think I'll put it on my "at some point TBR"... unless I get some points for buying it :)
fantastic review you pretty much covered all bases, the good and the caveats. I am not sure how much that section will bother me regarding the edgy factor, as everyone kinda has their own threshold regarding the subject. But the good does sound very interesting, the worldbuilding and structure seems pretty awesome. I definitely put it on my TBR just not sure when i will read it.
Wow this book sounds really good. I was hesitant, because I hear a lot of negative reviews on the Nevernight saga. I’ll definitely need to read this one.
You gave this an overall 4 stars, and said it really closes out with a bang. Would it be safe to say that the first half or the first two thirds of the books is a 2.5 to 3 star read, and the second half or the final third of the book is a 5 star read?
I agree with the comparison between Jay kristoff and SJM in that the audience is pretty much the same. I don't think the writing style is the same, but it comes across with the same type of themes and twists and how everything is laid out.
I’m thinking to get from Amazon collector edition but I’m looking for the one in sprayed edges and I’m from the uk so I’m not sure where the best place to get that from.
I do plan to read it, but not until next year. I'd kind of like to get a release date for book 2 before I start it. I appreciate your review. I don't usually trust the gushy 5 star reviews from Goodreads right after the release date. :)
I thought the future time-line was so much better, I got bored as he was learning and training. I thought the story of how he lost his religion was way more interesting. Only the last book that took place in his youth was interesting in my opinion.
I agree that the loss of faith aspect was really interesting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts - I always loved hearing what parts of a story resonated with different readers!
Thank you for your honest review Sarah. I had this on my tbr because everyone said it was great, but your review is the first to really give me an idea of what to expect. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be buying this
Very nice review. I was eying it sense it came out but wasn’t sure cause I was hearing mixed reviews. But we seem to have similar book tastes so I will probably go ahead and order it. Not that I need more books atm 🤣
Hello Sarah, thank you for this fair and considered review. I also gave it 4* however I wrote on my GR review that I'd finished the book at 5pm and by 7.30pm when I was writing my thoughts on GR I couldn't even remember the names of the characters. Also I compared the vampires to Anne Rice's. I read this very quickly and found every single modern trope within the pages. I think I was over generous with my rating and I'm not going to continue with the series. I bet it was fun to read with a group, hopefully there were some diverse opinions in the discussions. 🤓
It’s interesting to see out how our initial “high” can impact a rating. I can see how it would happen here, because those last two “books” really are nonstop action!
@@TheBookCure I'd forgotten all about it until I saw your review this morning. Another reason I think I'm not remembering it that well is it was the first book I read after Dune..
Good review. I actually liked the second timeline story more . I enjoyed the over the top cursing a lot . I found the edgy Gabriel very funny, until I learned what he has been through 😫
Great review! Also I wanted to say.. I know I’ve been commenting on a lot of videos lately, but my Dad is nearing the end of his battle with cancer, so if I suddenly stop commenting soon it’s because of that..
Thank you, Jillian! I am so, so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope that he is not in too much pain and that you have lots of support around you while you’re going through this difficult time. ❤️❤️
That you will be reading this immediately and you are being excited about it 🤩 Can’t wait for you to do the detailed spoiler discussion on the channel!!!
There are specific elements in this book certainly appeal to me, like the worldbuilding and a gripping sotryline, but there are more elements that turn me off to this book, like the incessant swearing and angsty for the sake of being angsty. The author as well: I'm not a big fan of him as a person and that has disenchanted me from any of his work I might consume. Wish it was more appealing, but it doesn't sound like the book for me.
I will agree with the angst being a real factor, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the optimism in the book. Namely, the main theme of the book being the need to have faith in something.
As somebody who is not religious, I found this theme, and the messaging behind it to be very resonant. Probably my favorite aspect of the book. That, and he sure knows how to pace reveals
If you like vampire books, would you be interested in reading one i just published? I don't pretend to be as good as Mr Kristoff, nor am I as experienced a writer....but even Jay had to start somewhere right? ;) I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you are interested, message me and I'd love to send you a copy of my book :)
It was so fun buddy reading this with you and everyone else, Sarah! I'm looking forward to many more successful buddy reads in the future! 🙂
And I will not disclose the shrines I may or may not have. That's private! 🤣🤣🤣
I will not pry into your strange hobbies 😉🤣
I love Jay Kristoffs humour so much, and it brings variety to my reading. Even if I theoratically want to, I cannot read N.K. Jemisin every day. Sometimes I need Kristoff to lighten the mood in a very dark way 😄
Definitely! I enjoy shifting tone in terms of what I read, and this was certainly a change. It did take me a while to adjust, but I ended up having a lot of fun ☺️
I'm about 300 pages in and this book is fantastic. Gonna be one of my all time favorites.
So glad you’re loving it! It just gets better as you keep going!!
Such a helpful review; thank you!
Your thumbnail should have been the book leaning up against a wall ;) haha
What a missed opportunity 😩
He is a very very fast writer. Next year is completely possible for the next book
That’s good news! ☺️
Was hoping to see some people review this to make my mind up. The edginess doesn't seem for me, but I think I'll read it some day down the road
I just imagined the main character was Danzig the entire time. It helped
@@YourBrainonBooks 😂
DONT DO IT JIMMY
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria read it with me
@@thefantasynuttwork NEVER!
I already said this on discord, but I wonder if a certain enthusiast over there is actually Jay Kristoff himself, LOL. At the very least they should be getting commissions from the publisher, they convinced me to get a copy and start reading it.
Omg I'm dying. 🤣
🤣🤣 The real mystery has been solved.
😂
Even though I already read the book in September, I still really enjoyed reading all your reactions/predictions in Discord. I am so glad you enjoyed this book!! Also, now that you have had a taste of (and enjoyed) Kristoff's writing, I would love to see you dive into Nevernight some time in the future (but only if you would be interested in that of course!). I know it is still a long way off, but I am already eagerly awaiting the second book in this series. The last two 'books' were so intense and engaging, so now I just want more, lol.
This was a great review Sarah, I hope some people will pick it up after watching this! :)
I agree that the last two “books” were awesome! I’m excited to read the next one. I think I will read Nevernight at some point, just not sure when!
Great review and very helpful in me deciding to pick this up. I was apprehensive and thought it might be more on the romance end. Glad to hear it has darker elements and interesting world building.
There is some romance, but it’s not the focus! I hope you enjoy ☺️
I listened to the audiobook and it's fantastic. The narration is wonderful. I did go into this having listened to Nevernight and absolutely loving it, so I was sure of the general direction and vibe of Empire of the Vampire and did have some expectations for it
Awesome! Good to know that the narration is enjoyable. Now we all just have to make it through the wait for book 2!
My copy just arrived. I've been needing a dose of Grimdark back in my reading life
So for me,each time the story was jumping ahead in time I was like :" Please GAB! Stay in San Michon!" But each time he was going back in time I was like: "Pour l'amour de dieu, Why ?! I must know what happened next!" So basically, as far as I'm concerned both time periods were great but I give a very slight advantage to his "Adult" storyline. Overall, it was a great story I can't wait for book two.
The “old Gabe” timeline did grow on me! It just took me time to care as much about that more cynical version of his character. The ending was fantastic and really left me wanting to know what happens next! I’m glad you loved it 😊
Thanks for your review Sarah. I was considering reading this book after hearing another Book tuber review it. I was unsure whether to read it, but your review helped me make up my mind. Thank you very much for your time reviewing the book ;)
I’m so glad to hear that it was helpful! ☺️
She scene with the forever king was amazing
You were only going to give it 3 OR 3.5 STARS?! 😭 I’m glad (relieved?) books 5 & 6 picked it up for you. 😅 (Coleton may have never talked to you again.)
Such a fun buddy read! Looking forward to the next one ☺️
Right?! Friendship over 😂😂 Can’t wait to get into Mistborn 🥰
I think the story sounds very interesting, but I don't know what I'll think about the writing style. I'm usually not the biggest fan of that edgy type of writing. 😅 I do think that, when I make the sum of everything you said (setting, characters,...) I will have to give it a try!
It was entertaining and I really liked the last 1/3! It won’t be a favourite for me, but I’ll continue on for sure.
The whole time leading up to your mention of Sarah J. Maas, I was thinking of her book, Crescent City (which was around a 2-star read for me). 😄 It’s funny because I was just saying how I prefer dramatic characters, but I did have struggles with the over-the-top, angsty, explosive stuff in that book. This might not be for me, but I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts, and I’m so glad you ended up liking it!
There’s drama and then there’s *drama* I like a little bit of both, sometimes 😉
I finished this a week or two ago. I felt this had a strong final act, but the first two acts were a bit slow for my taste. Worth reading, though.
Yes, I felt quite similar about the pacing. I’m glad you enjoyed overall, though ☺️
Great review as always! Missed the readalong but still hoping to pick this up soon
Thank you! I hope you enjoy and that you can jump into one of the future readalongs ☺️
I personally loved the book. The part of the story that takes place during Gabriels youth reminded my a lot of Anthony Ryans Blood Song.
I really want to read Blood Song, because I think I’d love it 😍 I’m glad you loved this one; I’m really looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here!
I've been thinking about picking this book up for a little while. It always interests me what spin people put on vampires.
It’s very easy to read! A good Halloween pick ☺️
Lovely review! I have the same thoughts on the covers. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one. The synopsis actually sounds interesting (first time I've actually heard it). I think I'll put it on my "at some point TBR"... unless I get some points for buying it :)
We can never turn down the points 😉
fantastic review you pretty much covered all bases, the good and the caveats. I am not sure how much that section will bother me regarding the edgy factor, as everyone kinda has their own threshold regarding the subject. But the good does sound very interesting, the worldbuilding and structure seems pretty awesome. I definitely put it on my TBR just not sure when i will read it.
Thank you! I hope you do enjoy if you pick it up ☺️
Hi 👋 thank you for review... I’ve purchased this book hoping to read to soon... happy reading to you!! 🍁🍂🍁🎬👻
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it ☺️
I'm 75% in and I am really enjoying it.
Glad to hear it! That last 25% is so intense!
Wow this book sounds really good. I was hesitant, because I hear a lot of negative reviews on the Nevernight saga. I’ll definitely need to read this one.
I hope you enjoy it if you pick it up, Chas ☺️
Great review! Loved the book.
Thank you! Hopefully it won’t be long until Book 2 makes its way to us!
Really enjoyed the book, great review!
Thank you!
🧛🏻♀️ just letting you know I was here! 🧛🏻♂️
Hahaha, thank you! 🥰
Great review. Glad you decided to read it.
Thank you! I’m happy I picked it up. Was a great October read ☺️
I've been on the fence about starting this, but I think I might just need to pop it into my tbr now 🙂
Awesome! I hope you enjoy ☺️
You gave this an overall 4 stars, and said it really closes out with a bang. Would it be safe to say that the first half or the first two thirds of the books is a 2.5 to 3 star read, and the second half or the final third of the book is a 5 star read?
That’s how it went for me. I was thinking 3 stars for most of the book, but the end bumped it up a star rating!
I agree with the comparison between Jay kristoff and SJM in that the audience is pretty much the same. I don't think the writing style is the same, but it comes across with the same type of themes and twists and how everything is laid out.
Yes, I think so too! Glad I wasn’t entirely out of line with that comparison 😅
Decided to buy this recently, and can't wait for it. Im hoping for a camp edgy experience :)
Yay! I hope you have a great time reading ☺️
Thank you very much for the review. It's appreciated.
Thank you for watching ☺️
I’m thinking to get from Amazon collector edition but I’m looking for the one in sprayed edges and I’m from the uk so I’m not sure where the best place to get that from.
The only sprayed edge options I’ve seen outside of subscription boxes are from Etsy. I hope you can track one down :)
I do plan to read it, but not until next year. I'd kind of like to get a release date for book 2 before I start it. I appreciate your review. I don't usually trust the gushy 5 star reviews from Goodreads right after the release date. :)
That’s totally fair. Waiting for book 2 would be a good choice, because it certainly ends with many unanswered questions.
I am still on the fence on this one. Will probably wait for paperback.
Totally fair! And that will be closer to the release of book 2, which is a win (if you enjoy enough to continue!)
I thought the future time-line was so much better, I got bored as he was learning and training. I thought the story of how he lost his religion was way more interesting.
Only the last book that took place in his youth was interesting in my opinion.
I agree that the loss of faith aspect was really interesting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts - I always loved hearing what parts of a story resonated with different readers!
Favourite book of 2021
Awesome! Always feels great to discover a new favourite so late in the year.
Thank you for your honest review Sarah. I had this on my tbr because everyone said it was great, but your review is the first to really give me an idea of what to expect. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be buying this
I’m glad it could give you a different perspective ☺️
Very nice review. I was eying it sense it came out but wasn’t sure cause I was hearing mixed reviews. But we seem to have similar book tastes so I will probably go ahead and order it. Not that I need more books atm 🤣
Do we NEED more books? Perhaps not. But that will never stop us!! 😉
Hello Sarah, thank you for this fair and considered review. I also gave it 4* however I wrote on my GR review that I'd finished the book at 5pm and by 7.30pm when I was writing my thoughts on GR I couldn't even remember the names of the characters. Also I compared the vampires to Anne Rice's. I read this very quickly and found every single modern trope within the pages.
I think I was over generous with my rating and I'm not going to continue with the series. I bet it was fun to read with a group, hopefully there were some diverse opinions in the discussions. 🤓
It’s interesting to see out how our initial “high” can impact a rating. I can see how it would happen here, because those last two “books” really are nonstop action!
@@TheBookCure I'd forgotten all about it until I saw your review this morning. Another reason I think I'm not remembering it that well is it was the first book I read after Dune..
Dang Sarah! This is spot on!
Thanks, my friend! Was great fun discussing with you.
Good review. I actually liked the second timeline story more . I enjoyed the over the top cursing a lot . I found the edgy Gabriel very funny, until I learned what he has been through 😫
Once you learn about the heartbreak, you can’t go back 😭 I’m glad you enjoyed. Are you looking forward to book 2?
@@TheBookCure oh definitely! Can't wait for it
Great review!
Also I wanted to say.. I know I’ve been commenting on a lot of videos lately, but my Dad is nearing the end of his battle with cancer, so if I suddenly stop commenting soon it’s because of that..
Thank you, Jillian! I am so, so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope that he is not in too much pain and that you have lots of support around you while you’re going through this difficult time. ❤️❤️
Wait! Books 5 and 6???? I thought he didn't even finish book 2 yet. Please clarify. Thank you!
The novel is broken up into “books”. I agree it’s confusing when they call them that. I’m just talking about Part 5&6 of this book!
@@TheBookCure Ahhh gotcha! Thanx for clarifying. Great video! Thank you💕
@@karamarie6781 No problem! And thanks 🥰
I have heard a lot about this!
It’s sparking a lot of conversation, for sure!
Hey, is there love story?
There is a romance element, but it’s one of several subplots.
Thats a massive book
Right?! It reads quickly, though!
@@TheBookCure i ordered the book alot of people really like it
@@PsyKotyK I hope you enjoy! ☺️
Page 70 and i dislike retelling his story through dialogue
I literally don't even know what to say.
You’ve said enough 🤣
That you will be reading this immediately and you are being excited about it 🤩
Can’t wait for you to do the detailed spoiler discussion on the channel!!!
@@YourBrainonBooks I am not sure where you are getting your information!
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria Aren’t you a mega fan or something? That’s what I keep seeing 🤷♂️
@@YourBrainonBooks I need to find the source of this libel
There are specific elements in this book certainly appeal to me, like the worldbuilding and a gripping sotryline, but there are more elements that turn me off to this book, like the incessant swearing and angsty for the sake of being angsty. The author as well: I'm not a big fan of him as a person and that has disenchanted me from any of his work I might consume.
Wish it was more appealing, but it doesn't sound like the book for me.
Totally fair, Pete. I’m always happy when BookTube can help me take some books off the TBR 😅
I was Very glad to be part of the buddy read but after reading through two books in the novel I realised it was not my cup of tea.
Totally fair! It was good to have you along for the beginning. ☺️ And you got to read Drizzt afterward, which is a definite win!
It’s cool to hear good things about this after seeing the atrocious synopsis by Jay.
I feel like the tone of the review reflects the main character’s tone pretty well 😅😅 It definitely took me a while to warm up to that level of snark.
This book wasn't for me unfortunately, I DNFed it.
I hope you were able to get it from the library, or at least have a good second hand bookstore to trade it in for something you’ll enjoy!