Best-selling author Jay Kristoff is back with his latest novel, Empire of the Dawn, and it’s the blockbuster conclusion we’ve all been waiting for.
It’s the end of the road for Gabriel De León. The Grail, and his final hope of salvation, has been lost. With nothing left to lose, Gabriel, along with his loyal brothers, set out for vengeance against the Forever King. But how to do you kill the unkillable, and can they have any hope of surviving the battle to come?
Yet under the ruins of Maergenn, the Grail draws breath. She has her own mission: to end Daysdeath once and for all. To have a chance to do so, she’ll need to beat the legions of the dead to the capital, while consulting with ancient powers. As bloodthirsty tensions rise and deadly truths come to the surface, Gabriel, Dior, and the Last Liathe will each face their own worst nightmares as they race to undo Daysdeath.
For those who have enjoyed the previous two novels, Empire of the Vampire and Empire of the Damned, this next instalment will have all your favourite bits, and more. Readers can expect more epic battles, bigger pay-off moments, a few new faces amongst old favourites, and all wrapped up in the author’s signature writing style. Kristoff has the holy trinity: plot, passion, and prose. His passion for his characters and their individual story arcs clearly comes across on the page, and as a third novel, Empire of the Dawn consistently delivers, both with the big battle moments, the magic explored throughout, and the quiet reflective moments between characters.
Coming to the foreground in this instalment is the battle of wills amongst the vampire factions. Through Jean-Francois’ point of view, we’re given a front row seat at the politicking between the higher powers. The ambitions of House Chastain are revealed, and the need to know the truth of what happened to the Grail is crucial to their next big move. As Jean-Francois continues to dig for this truth by interviewing Gabriel and the Last Liathe, present events begin to collide with past events, creating an impressive multi-strand narrative.
Once again, Kristoff’s characters are the true beating heart of this story. If Gabriel brings the (well-earned) sardonic humour, and the Last Liathe portrays fanatical devotion, Dior is the embodiment of hope. While she takes on some traits from both her mentors, it’s her quiet courage in amongst the self-doubt that makes Dior shine in Dawn. It’s impossible not to feel for these characters as they continually come up against increasingly insurmountable odds and yet still try to stay the path and save humanity.
Kristoff’s impressive character work also leans into one of the main themes of the book – the price one pays for victory. By understanding, and therefore knowing, these characters more intimately, it makes the sacrifices made throughout hurt that much more. We know that Gabriel has survived the battles mentioned throughout, but it’s through understanding what each cost him that makes readers sympathise with him.
Perhaps the most polarising moment in this series will be the ending. Throughout the series, Kristoff has promised a big finale, and in Dawn, he delivers it. For those paying close attention throughout, it will draw together the breadcrumbs the author has scattered throughout the story. However, the device used will either have readers flipping back through the book to find the clues, or will leave them shell-shocked. Readers can also expect more beautiful illustrations throughout, this time by artist Gonzalo Mendiverry and with additional design consultation by Bon Orthwick.
Empire of the Dawn delivers on all fronts, and firmly cements itself as the next go-to novel for fantasy lovers.
Empire of the Dawn is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis
From Jay Kristoff, New York Times bestselling author of the Empire of the Vampire and Empire of the Damned, comes the epic conclusion to the #1 internationally bestselling series.
From holy cup comes holy light;
The faithful hand sets world aright.
And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight,
Mere man shall end this endless night.
Gabriel de León has lost his family, his faith, and his last hope of ending the endless night―the Holy Grail, Dior. With no desire left but vengeance, he and a band of loyal brothers journey into the war-torn heart of the Augustin Empire to claim the life of the Forever King.
Unbeknownst to the Last Silversaint, the Grail still lives―speeding towards Augustin’s besieged capital in the frail hope of ending Daysdeath forever. But deadly treachery awaits within the halls of power, and the Forever King’s legions march ever closer. Gabriel and Dior will be drawn into a final battle that will shape the very fate of the Empire, but as the sun sets for what may be the last time, there will be no-one left for them to trust.
Not even each other.
