Jay Kristoff’s “Empire of the Vampire” has me nursing a book hangover. His take a vampire lore is refreshing. An end of days scenario gives the plot just enough pressure to drive the story but the Silver Saint hero counterbalances giving the reader just enough hope to keep turning the pages.

The romantic subplot entwines with the fight scenes and vampiric gore like two insatiable lovers. It gives the story heart where other vampire horror stories lack.

Sadly, this page turner is the first in a series. I long for Kristoff’s alternative France, the unraveling of a family mystery driven by tainted blood and the redemption of the tortured soul of what should become and iconic hero.