Reviews with content warning for Gore - L'impero dei dannati

Mes amis, what can I say - this is another bloody ride full of tears, terror and torn limbs, with a side helping of wholesomeness before it's wripped away again.
We continue almost seamlessly where we left off in Book 1 and Gabriel de Leon continues telling the story of "how he lost/broke the Grail" after saving Dior at San Michon from his former fellow Silversaints.
Unlike the first book, we get some more insight into Francoise, the historian, and a glimps of the machinations at the castle the Chastaines keep Gabriel. Moreover, we also get another point of view for Dior's story as (who would have guess) almost nothing goes according to plan and paths split up before they cross again.

I know, this is very vague, but I do not want to spoiler anything.
We get more details and information on the vampires, this time the Dyvoks are in the spotlight - and what can I say? They are as terrible as book 1 and Gabe's haunted memory of his time in Ossian fighting them let's us assume - and they are just as unhinged.

I can't wait to see where all this is leading and how all those things will come together in the end. Because one thing I realized when I was re-reading the first book again was that history and what actually happened can be two different things - and it all depends on who's telling the story.

So, what of Gabe's story can we really believe and what might be ... misleading for the vampire ears wanting to hear his/Dior's story?

Content Warnings

brittneyrz's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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mhyland's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I adore this series so much, the writing is so good and the story grabs my heart and shreds it into pieces! Can't wait for the next one!

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noah_hinds's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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aladybug19's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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gaky_m's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Dear God this book is so good. SO GOOD. If you are a vampire novel enjoyer, and you want something dark and moody and atmospheric, this is IT. The only bad thing I will say about it is that the third book in the trilogy is not out yet, so reader beware.

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tim_townes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A fantastic sequel, even bloodier than its predecessor. Jay Kristoff really understands his craft, and takes you on a wild but excellently paced ride through bloody battles, prophecies and (undead) court politics.

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zbonzelaar's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A fast paced sequel to Empire of the Vampire. It's Jay Kristoff so expect tragedy and heartbreak. It's fast paced and filled with twists and turns that kept the pages turning. I'll probably read it again soon because misery loves company...

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