Tag Archives: vampires

Recommended Halloween Read: Empire of the Vampire

26 Oct

The vampire genre has had quite the rise and fall since its inception, undergoing various changes and rises in popularity throughout the decades. The popularity of this genre faded after hype around Twilight died down, but now vampire books are slowly making a resurgence back into the mainstream and one of the books leading the way is Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff.

Set inside the French inspired Elidaen, a world dominated by vampires and eternal night, we begin with a prisoner, Gabriel de Leon, the Last Silver Saint, telling the history of his life from childhood to his times serving as a Silver Saint. The narrative changes through multiple different time periods, Gabriel’s early life, his life years later after the fall of the Silver Order, and in the present day while Gabriel is imprisoned. While all three narratives move at a different pace, they do not distract from each other or the story as a whole and only serve the overarching plot in the long term.

Kristoff’s writing is vivid and flows with a vicious grace that sets the tone of this dark fantasy that many fans of the vampire will find refreshing and more aligned with the more classical monster side of vampire lore while still bringing just a dash of the sexy vampire aesthetic that many also crave. The pace of the novel starts slow, but quickly picks up speed and dives into the bloody action. The characters, as with all of Kristoff’s characters, are a delight to read as they carve their way through the plot and don’t give a care while doing it.

The faint of heart beware, besides the promise of blood and gore, you will be in for a hefty read, as the book is close in thickness to an average Sanderson novel (an impressive 734 pages in length) however it is a journey well worth the travel if you are willing to tread the path forward. So for those seeking vampires of a more gothic, bloodthirsty nature, with a tone of dark fantasy, this is one that comes highly recommended! You can also read my previous blogs about Kristoff’s novel, Nevernight and Illuminae.

Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Information and Digital Services Library Assistant

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Fresh New Fantasies: Silver Under Nightfall and Bindle Punk Bruja

15 Sep

Borrow these new fantastic fantasies today!

Silver Under Nightfall
by Rin Chupero
I had been eagerly awaiting Rin Chupero’s latest novel, Silver Under Nightfall, set in a world where vampires and humans struggle for survival and power; it not only lived up to my expectations but surpassed them.  I had written about another book by Rin Chupero, Bone Witch previously.  Their latest novel shares some similarities such as intricate descriptions of monstrous creatures and a keen insight into creating diverse and unique cultures and exploring the way in which they interact with one another.  I found this book even richer in the emotional resonance that was created in the character of Remington, who despite being raised to hunt and destroy vampires feels himself drawn to a vampire couple who may be a source of happiness and love, which he has never experienced before or could lead to him losing all he has ever worked for.  Remington must work through his often abusive past, especially his destructive relationship with his father. Remi is given depth and emotional complexity often not found in male leads especially who have been cast in the “hero” role in the fantasy/horror genre.  Chupeco was inspired some by Castlevania, so fans of the game or the recent Netflix series will surely enjoy this novel greatly.

Bindle Punk Bruja
by Desideria Mesa
Bindle Punk Bruja is the debut novel of Desideria Mesa which combines historical fiction set in the Roaring 1920’s with a little witchcraft.  Rose has a secret identity hidden deep down just like her popular speakeasy, she is actually Luna who is pretending the Mexican half of her identity doesn’t exist so she can make a living since her immigrant family are thought of as “bindle punks” or bums.  Many of the other characters are also hiding secrets whether it be their religion or sexual orientation.  Luna’s earth magic is a metaphor for this, although her grandmother is a powerful bruja, Luna’s magic is weaker in comparison, she can make men fall in love with her but believes she lacks the power to do more, it is only when she opens herself fully and connects with her roots that she finds her magic blossom.  She’ll needed that magic to keep her and those she loves safe from harm.  The twenties slang throughout was amusing and there were many enjoyable characters; I particularly was charmed by the Luna’s business partner Heck.  I also appreciated that the novel brings light to groups who were often hidden and discriminated against during that time period.  Check out Bindle Punk Bruja and fall under its spell.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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