I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group on March 12, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Fiction / Fantasy / Paranormal
Pages: 752
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes the much-anticipated sequel to the international bestselling sensation EMPIRE OF THE VAMPIRE.

From holy cup comes holy light;
The faithful hands sets world aright.
And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight,
Mere man shall end this endless night.

Gabriel de León has saved the Holy Grail from death, but his chance to end the endless night is lost. Drawn into an uneasy alliance with the mysterious vampire Liathe, Gabriel must now deliver the Grail to ancients of the Blood Esani, and learn the truth of how Daysdeath might be finally undone.

But the Last Silversaint faces peril, within and without. Pursued by terrors of the Blood Voss, drawn into warfare between the Blood Dyvok and duskdancers of the frozen Highlands, and ravaged by his own rising bloodlust, Gabriel may not survive to see the Grail learn her truth.

And that truth may be too awful for any to imagine.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When love crosses enemy lines, sparks fly—and consequences follow. This surprise baby romance is full of emotional heat and forbidden chemistry.

THE STORY

Two people from rival families find themselves drawn together, despite the deep-rooted animosity that should keep them apart. Their connection is undeniable, intense, and dangerous—for both of them.

As they throw caution (and family drama) to the wind, a secret pregnancy raises the stakes even higher. What starts as an illicit attraction becomes something deeper—and harder to ignore.

This is a story of choosing love over legacy, heart over history, and finding something real in the most unlikely place.

THE CHARACTERS

The heroine is feisty and determined, while the hero brings brooding energy and just enough vulnerability to make him swoon-worthy. Their banter crackles with tension, and the emotional payoff is worth the slow build. Both characters feel like people you’ve met—flawed, relatable, and lovable despite the chaos.

THE ROMANCE VIBES

Enemies-to-lovers is a top-tier trope for a reason, and this book leans into it beautifully. The family feud adds stakes without becoming melodramatic, and the romance walks the perfect line between angst and sweetness.

STEAMOMETER – 3🔥

The heat is present, but it’s not over-the-top. Expect passion, longing, and a few spicy scenes—but always with emotional weight behind them.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

This was a quick, enjoyable read that delivers all the best parts of a forbidden romance: chemistry, conflict, and a satisfying HEA. If you love books with surprise babies, angsty stares, and reluctant but inevitable love, this one’s for you.

💘 Great for fans of Melanie Harlow, Devney Perry, or the Havenbrook series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jaclyn Hartley writes swoony, emotional romances that often explore complicated family dynamics, heartfelt love stories, and happily ever afters worth fighting for.

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