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.

Will you be picking up Empire of the Dawn? Tell us in the comments below!

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.

The post Review: Empire of the Dawn by Jay Kristoff appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Jay! Thank you for once again sitting down with us to answer some of our burning questions, this time for Empire of the Dawn. It feels a bit surreal that we’re here already, at the publication of book three, so firstly, thank you for the incredible ride!

How are you feeling after wrapping up the Empire of the Vampire trilogy?

A little sad to say farewell, but mostly incredibly grateful. This series has been an amazing journey, and I couldn’t be happier with the final book. I know you’re SUPPOSED to say this when you’re promoting the New Thing, but EMPIRE OF THE DAWN is honestly the best book I’ve written. I can’t wait for it to be out in the world.

The title of this novel, Empire of the Dawn, is, dare we say, a bit more hopeful than the last. What can readers expect?

DAWN came out in Australia last week, and early readers have been sending me videos of them crying and throwing the book across the room, so make of that what you will.

You always manage to throw in some big, unexpected, but very much appreciated, reveals. What were you most excited to explore/write in this final instalment?

That’s very hard to talk about without spoilers! But the end of Part 3 is probably the best kick to the soft parts I’ve ever written (you’ll know it when you get there).

It’s been an incredible ride alongside these characters, who each embody a different core aspect of human nature. Which character will be the hardest to say goodbye to?

That’s like asking which one of your kids you like best! I’ve spent the most time with Gabriel and Dior, so I know them best. But there’s a piece of me in all of these characters. A third book in a trilogy feels a little like the last day of school – you’ve spent years with these people, seeing them almost every day, and now you’re never going to see them again. So it’s all a little hard.

Dawn delves deeper into the deadly politics of the different vampire factions. Which noble vampire faction was your favourite to explore, and why?

Probably the Voss. I spent the most time with them, and they’re a interesting exploration of how morality declines in the face of eternity, and how tedious and awful immortality would actually be. Living forever sounds like a good deal at first, but the more you think about it, the more it feels like hell.

The Voss make good devils.

You have such a great knack of humanising characters that ought to be unforgivable (Jean-Francois and the Last Liathe, to name a few). What’s your go-to piece of advice for aspiring writers when building polarising characters?

Every villainous character should have an understandable guiding principle. Even if their moral core is rotten, your reader needs to understand the WHY of how that rot set in. People doing awful things for what they believe are good reasons is far more compelling than villainy for the sake of villainy. 

One of my favourite themes explored is the role of hope – of both losing it, and finding it again – and of humanity in crisis. How important is it to include both the dark and the light in your work?

It’s imperative! I write dark books, but nobody wants to slog through 800 pages of hopelessness and turn the final page to discover the villain standing atop a pile of charred hero corpses, laughing maniacally. The search for the light, and the idea of holding on to hope when all seems lost is really at the core of the books.

As a long-time reader, it’s been incredible to watch your career grow from strength to strength. This is your 18^th book (!!). How do you like to celebrate when you hand in a completed manuscript?

A bottle of good whiskey is usually on the cards! And I tend to reread the novel on the week of publication – just to take a breath and acknowledge all the work it took to get there. Writing is hard, and taking a few short moments to pat yourself on the back is time well spent at the end of a long road.

You’ve just kicked off your Australian and US tour. What’s one tour must-have while you’re on the road?

Exit row seats with extra leg room (I’m six foot seven).

Lastly, recommend us a book to add to our TBR!

Careless People by Sarah Wynne Williams.

It’s the best and scariest book I’ve read this year.

Will you be picking up Empire of the Dawn? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Jay Kristoff, Author of ‘Empire of the Dawn’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Author powerhouse Jay Kristoff is back with his next instalment in his cut-throat, vampire dominated world. Gabriel de León, last Silversaint and lost cause, must make an uneasy alliance with the vampire Liathe in a last-ditch effort to undo Daysdeath, and free the human population from their endless nightmare. Faced with troubles both within and without, Gabriel recounts the next heart racing chapter of his tale to his vampire captor as he faces enemies of the Blood Voss, deadly conflict with the Blood Dyvok, and encounters ancient magics in the frozen Highlands, all while battling his own rising bloodlust. Supported once more by beautiful illustrations by Bon Orthwick (@monolimeart), Empire of the Damned is a masterclass on how to successfully continue, and build upon, an epic fantasy series.

Kristoff gives this book everything it needs to be a success. We get to explore new areas on the map, learn more about different magics only briefly mentioned in book one, experience epic action sequences, and see new characters come to life on the page. Readers will love sinking their teeth into the meat of this story, as Kristoff provides more of our favourite things: mythology, bloody conflict, heart-wrenching moments, and new relationships, just to name a few. Paired with our favourite swearing pessimist, Gabriel, this book is a worthy addition to the series.

Narratively speaking, this book feels more linear and cohesive than the first instalment, as we settle in to hear more of Gabriel’s story. This is supported by having an additional point of view character coming forward. While the character themselves isn’t new, seeing events happen through their eyes assists in uncovering certain mythological aspects of the world. The play between them and Gabriel, as well as the vampire historian, Jean-Francois Chastain, creates both hilarious and heart-wrenching moments, and keeps the reader wanting more.

Damned also features a bunch of new characters to both love and loathe. Kristoff shares Robin Hobb’s (author of the Realm of the Elderlings novels) ability to make you hate a character to the extreme, while also showing how the monster was made in the first place.

Tension is also maintained brilliantly throughout, as plot strings pull tighter and funnel the story towards an intense climax. And while the author very cleverly orchestrates a huge pay-off moment, he also promises an epic conclusion brewing in the next book. This is easily Kristoff’s best work, as he once again delivers in all aspects of story.

This series is not for the faint hearted, with graphic scenes depicting the use of human lives as cattle, and bloody conflict between creatures that only value their own eternities. But it is this raw, unflinching look at the fabled vampire in relation to the last of humanity that makes this book tick. Through the vicious portrayals of the different Blood factions and their war games, Kristoff weaves tiny threads of hope. By slotting heart-warming moments in between the violence, we see humanity hang on, reminding us all that there is always hope in the darkness.

Damned comes with a handy summary of book one at the start of the novel, so it isn’t completely necessary to do a re-read of Empire of the Vampire before diving in. Pace and pay-off will have you finishing this book in a few sittings, and wishing for the next already while you wipe your tears away after that ending.

Empire of the Damned is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 5th in the UK and Australia, and March 12th in the US.

Will you be picking up Empire of the Damned? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes the much-anticipated sequel to the #1 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.

The post Review: Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Well, 2024 is almost here so it’s time to start thinking about all of the books which will be heading your way! In this round up, we take a look at an array of highly anticipated books releasing between the months of January and June! You can expect new releases from the likes of Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, Ali Hazelwood, Kristin Hannah, Stephen King, Tana French, Sally Hepworth, Leigh Bardugo, and many more, plus some dazzling debuts.

You’ll find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other January to June 2024 lists, which we’ll be releasing over the next couple of weeks! This article will also get updated with those links so you can easily find them… Your poor TBR!

You can find our Swoonworthy Romance Releases here, Anticipated YA Releases here, and our SFF releases here.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you’ll be picking up any!

JANUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

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A masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder ― from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient.

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

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In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt’s world is brought to the brink of collapse-with its future resting on their shoulders.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

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From the celebrated New York Times bestselling author of Such a Fun Age comes a fresh and provocative story about a residential assistant and her messy entanglement with a professor and three unruly students.

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland

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From the author of New York Times bestseller House of Hollow comes a darkly seductive witchy thriller where, though both men and demons lurk in shadows, girls refuse to go quietly into the night.

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

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In this charming rom-com about two star-crossed lovers, a woman whose life is guided by her belief in the red-string of fate finds her perfect match—but his skepticism about true love puts a knot in their chances.

The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James

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A dazzling magical realism western in the vein of Cormac McCarthy meets Gabriel García Márquez, The Bullet Swallower follows a Mexican bandido as he sets off for Texas to save his family, only to encounter a mysterious figure who has come, finally, to collect a cosmic debt generations in the making.

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

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In this romantic fantasy of manners from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, a magical dressmaker commissioned for a royal wedding finds herself embroiled in scandal when a gossip columnist draws attention to her undeniable chemistry with the groom.

The Longest Autumn by Amy Avery

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For fans of Ariadne, a spellbinding debut fantasy about a human who gets trapped with the god of Autumn, who brings with him life-threatening danger and a forbidden romance.

Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Review
A swoon-worthy debut queer Victorian romance in which two debutantes distract themselves from having to seek husbands by setting up their widowed parents, and instead find their perfect match in each other—the lesbian Bridgerton/Parent Trap you never knew you needed!

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

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Inescapably romantic and brimming with New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

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New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins returns with a twisted new gothic suspense about an infamous heiress and the complicated inheritance she left behind.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

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When mysterious faeries from other realms appear at her university, curmudgeonly professor Emily Wilde must uncover their secrets before it’s too late, in this heartwarming, enchanting second installment of the Emily Wilde series.

FEBRUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

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During the Great War, a combat nurse searches for her brother, believed dead in the trenches despite eerie signs that suggest otherwise, in this hauntingly beautiful historical novel with a speculative twist from the New York Times bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale.

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

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A Holmes and Watson–style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett

The Women by Kristin Hannah

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From master storyteller Kristin Hannah comes the story of a turbulent, transformative era in America: the 1960s. The Women is that rarest of novels—at once an intimate portrait of a woman coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided by war and broken by politics, of a generation both fueled by dreams and lost on the battlefield.

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

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A stunning Romantasy debut about an enchanted library, two handsome Fae, and one human who brings them all together. 

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is an epic love story one hundred years in the making…

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

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After her private school is rocked by a gruesome murder, a teen tries to find the real killer and clear her brother’s name in this psychological thriller perfect for fans of The Taking of Jake Livingston and Ace of Spades.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance duology with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan…

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

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A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.

Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa

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Set in 19th century Sri Lanka and inspired by local folklore, the daughter of a traditional demon-priest—relentlessly bullied by peers and accused of witchcraft herself—tries to solve the mysterious attacks that have been terrorizing her coastal village.

My Throat An Open Grave by Tori Bovalino

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Labyrinth meets folk horror in this darkly romantic tale of a girl who wishes her baby brother away to the Lord of the Wood.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

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Chemistry sizzles in this workplace rom-com set in the world of high school basketball as the author of Love & Other Disasters delivers a sapphic romance full of humour and heart.

MARCH 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Murder Road by Simone St. James

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A young couple find themselves haunted by a string of gruesome murders committed along an old deserted road in this terrifying new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Cold Cases.

The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

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In a country divided between humans and witchers, Venus Stoneheart hustles as a brewer making illegal love potions to support her family.

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

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For fans of Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, an enormously fun mystery about a woman who spends her entire life trying to prevent her foretold murder only to be proven right sixty years later, when she is found dead in her sprawling country estate…. Now it’s up to her great-niece to catch the killer. 

The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black

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An imprisoned prince. A vengeful queen. And a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes the stunning blood-soaked conclusion to the Stolen Heir duology.

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

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New York Times bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez delivers a mesmerizing novel about a first-generation Ivy League student who uncovers the genius work of a female artist decades after her suspicious death

The Hunter by Tana French

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From the writer who is “in a class by herself,” (The New York Times), a nuanced, atmospheric tale that explores what we’ll do for our loved ones, what we’ll do for revenge, and what we sacrifice when the two collide.

Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison

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Luck is its own kind of magic, in this first book in an electrifying new contemporary fantasy series from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Hollows novels.

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

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A humorous and unique rom-com that sees two wedding crashers fall for each other. This intriguing premise delivers on its promise with so much feeling and so much fun.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander

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The author of Love Buzz follows her acclaimed first novel with a delightful Caribbean-set romp about an ambitious designer of apocalyptic video games with a strategy for (almost) everything who discovers what happens when her best-laid plans go off course . . .

The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and The Lioness, a Princess Diana impersonator and her estranged sister find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of money and murder in this twisting tale of organized crime, cryptocurrency, and family secrets on the Las Vegas strip.

The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist by Sophie Gonzales

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A fanfic writer brings her favourite TV character to life in this friends-to-enemies-to-lovers novel full of humour and heart.

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff

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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes the much-anticipated sequel to the #1 international bestselling sensation Empire of the Vampire.

APRIL 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent, and creator of the Grishaverse series comes a highly anticipated historical fantasy set during the Spanish Golden Age.

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

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In this magical epic fantasy, a young woman cursed with the power of death must decide if saving her family is worth betraying her country—the first installation of a gripping new series.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

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A thrilling page-turner of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

The Vacancy in Room 10 by Seraphina Nova Glass

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The Paris Apartment meets The Wrong Family, this thrilling tale of crime, passion and murder is set in a run-down apartment complex packed with shady characters willing to go to deadly lengths to keep their darkest secrets from the stranger in their midst.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

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From the author of the multimillion bestselling A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series and Five Survive comes a new true-crime fueled mystery thriller about a girl determined to uncover the shocking truth about her missing mother while filming a documentary on the unsolved case.

She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

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An ICU nurse accidentally uncovers a patient’s frightening past in this chilling thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing and Just the Nicest Couple.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

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The author of Kiss Her Once for Me returns with a new queer rom-com following once childhood best friends forced together to drive their former teacher across the country.

Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa

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When a Mariachi star transfers schools, he expects to be handed his new group’s lead vocalist spot—what he gets instead is a tenacious current lead with a very familiar, very kissable face.

Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao

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Zetian must balance dangerous politics with a new quest for vengeance in the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow, a blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

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A sexy, sapphic, opposites-attract romance with Mazey Eddings’ signature sparkling voice!

Knife by Salman Rushdie

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From internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, a searing, deeply personal account of enduring—and surviving—an attempt on his life thirty years after the fatwa that was ordered against him

MAY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

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Step into a city where monsters feast on human emotions, knights split their souls to make their weapons, and witches always take more than they give.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

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Christina Lauren, the instant New York Times bestselling and “reigning romance queens” (PopSugar), returns with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Celebrants comes the much-anticipated sequel to the Thurber Prize-Winning novel The Guncle, in which Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties… this time for a big family wedding in Italy.

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

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June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, crafts a devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today’s world, based on a true story from Korean history.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

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Harkening to Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None, this high-tension and ingenious thriller follows five couples trapped on a storm-swept island as a killer stalks among them.

The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood

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A romantic historical fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, set in the American Civil War with vampires and people with demigod-like abilities.

It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass

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The very first thriller from Rick Riordan Presents! Drawing from the darkest corners of Caribbean mythology, acclaimed author Sarah Dass crafts a chilling tale of magic, murder, and how far we’ll go to protect what’s ours—perfect for fans of Angeline Boulley and Tiffany D. Jackson.

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

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When a family curse threatens David’s life, he will turn to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend, Rhys—which means he will have to open his heart to Moira, Rhys’s wife. Dark academia and urban fantasy combine in this richly imagined novel set in a fictitious, magic-riddled Boston.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

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The Honey Witch of Innisfree can never find true love. That is her curse to bear. But when a young woman who doesn’t believe in magic arrives on her island, sparks fly in this deliciously sweet debut novel of magic, hope, and love overcoming all.

You Like It Darker by Stephen King

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From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

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An achingly nostalgic love story about two friends-with-benefits who can’t be together but can’t seem to stay apart. This Summer Will Be Different offers an idyllic coastal setting, enticing vacation descriptions, and a story that is equal parts sexy romance and female friendship. It has all the ingredients for another book of the summer!

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay

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In classic Alex Finlay form, If Something Happens to Me is told by several distinct, compelling characters whose paths intersect, detonating into a story of twist after pulse-pounding twist. The novel cements Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.

JUNE 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

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A dazzling new work of literary fiction from the author of The Essex Serpent, a story of love and astronomy told over the course of twenty years through the lives of two improbable best friends.

Daydream by Hannah Grace

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The third in the New York Times bestselling Maple Hills series follows fan-favourite Henry and a bookish fellow student who come up with a plan to help them both overcome their respective challenges in a difficult year.

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

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In the latest jaw-dropping thriller from New York Times bestselling author Riley Sager, a man must contend with the long-ago disappearance of his childhood best friend—and the dark secrets lurking just beyond the safe confines of his picture-perfect neighbourhood.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center’s latest laugh out loud, feel good rom-com about writing your own story, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.

Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse

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The interwoven destinies of the people of Meridian will finally be determined in this stunning conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky trilogy.

Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu

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Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Ally Carter, the dazzling sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu’s Stars and Smoke, is “a brilliant, breathtaking ride” – Tahereh Mafi, #1 internationally bestselling author.

The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton

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In her breathtaking debut – part space odyssey, part Sapphic rom-com – Emily Hamilton weaves a suspenseful, charmingly irreverent, and ultimately joyous tale of galaxy-spanning friendship, improbable love, and found family.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

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The heart-tugging and hilarious story of a professional organizer whose life is a mess, and the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past, by the bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer and Nora Goes Off Script.

The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks

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For fans of Piranesi and The Midnight Library, a stunning historical fantasy novel set on a grand express train, about a group of passengers on a dangerous journey across a magical landscape

Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron

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New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation Kalynn Bayron returns to fairytales with a lush, thrilling and original YA Snow White retelling that brings a new and exciting voice to this familiar tale. Perfect for fans of Cinderella Is Dead.

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

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A struggling writer is forced to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding with the man who gave her book a very public one-star rating in this fresh romantic comedy from Laura Hankin.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

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Horror Movie is an obsessive, psychologically chilling, and suspenseful feat of storytelling genius that builds inexorably to an unforgettable, mind-bending conclusion.

What 2024 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated 2024 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Twenty-seven years ago, the sun set and daylight died. Since then, vampires have been bleeding humanity dry. The Blood Courts war with themselves for control while the last remaining humans struggle to survive.

In the wreckage of the Empire, silversaints are the people’s one true weapon, and Gabriel de León is the last. Imprisoned for slaying a vampire king, he is forced to tell the story of his life so that his undead captors can learn the secret of where humanity’s final hope—The Holy Grail—is buried.

Bringing this lush, gothic world to life is Earphones Award-winning narrator, Damian Lynch. Listen in as Lynch draws us into the opening pages and introduces us to some of the most unapologetically vicious characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

 Empire of the Vampire is now available.

The post Listen To An Excerpt From ‘Empire Of The Vampire’ by Jay Kristoff appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We were lucky enough to (virtually) sit down with the author himself, Jay Kristoff, to talk all things vampire!

Hi Jay! Thank you for taking the time to answer a few of our burning questions regarding your highly anticipated new release, Empire of the Vampire, which is out September 14^th in the US, and September 7^th in the UK and Australia.

Firstly, congratulations! This is an absolute epic, and it was such a thrill to read from beginning to end. How does it feel to finally share EOTV with the world?

Thank you! It feels amazing. EMPIRE is the biggest and most ambitious book I’ve written, which means I worked on it longer than any other project I’ve ever tackled. It feels like I’ve been living with this beast for 5 years in my head, so it’ll be nice to let it out of the cage and share the pain.

I’m sure people are sick of me talking about it by now.

I’ve heard this book was a long time in the making. How long exactly?

It took three and half years to write it, but the thought at the heart of the worldbuilding—how vampires pass on their disease, and the worldbuilding fallout from that—was stolen from my first (terrible, unpublished) novel, which I wrote back in 2008. So in a way, EMPIRE is a monster 13 years in the making.

Following on from that, was there a certain turning point when you felt you could start taking the concept of EOTV and putting it down onto the page, or did the construction of this novel depend on scheduling and working around other projects?

EMPIRE was written around other book and tours, yes. But it wasn’t just schedule dependent—it was also skill dependent. EMPIRE isn’t a book I could have written 5 years ago. It really feels like the culmination of everything I’ve learned and done over the course of my career. EMPIRE is the best thing I’ve ever written.

Even as it was, the book almost broke me. There were times I genuinely thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew. Mid 2019, I realized this was either going to be a book I absolutely killed, or would absolutely kill me.

What are the first five words that come to mind when you think of EOTV?

Heavy. Bloody. Broody. Pretty. Smutty.

Tell us a bit about our main character, Gabriel!

Ah, Gabe. You poor bastard.

Gabriel is a halfbreed, born of a vampire father and mortal mother—what’s called a Paleblood in this world. He was inducted into a monastic sect known as the Silver Order at a young age, and trained to hunt the monsters of the night. He became something of a legendary figure in his time, but being one of my protagonists, he had some . . . troubles.

The book is at heart three timelines—young Gabe, full of fire and faith, and older Gabe, who has become a bitter, faithless man—and an exploration of how one man became the other by an even older version of Gabe, waiting in a prison cell for his execution.

I think Gabe wins the award for “Jay Kristoff Character Who Has Been Put Through The Most Hell By His Author”.

Poor, poor bastard.

It felt like you had a lot of fun with the play between Gabriel and Jean-Francois, considering their official relationship was that of captive and captor. What role does humour play in your work?

Humor is a huge part of my writing, and always has been. EMPIRE is a very heavy book—the darkest moments I’ve ever written are in these pages, and it’s definitely not a book for the feint of heart. So the humor is one way to lighten the mood of what would otherwise be a fairly relentless journey through a world of murder and occasional smut.

Humor is also a way to make your protagonist more likeable. We all want a friend who can make you laugh in the face of tragedy. Gabe has had a lot of practice, believe me.

Now, we know your vampires don’t sparkle—not that there’s anything wrong with a little dazzling. What were two lore-related characteristics you wanted your vampires to have from the very start?

Nothing wrong with some dazzle. Or a little love triangle action (#teamdamonforlife)

But I wanted my vampires to be old school. AnneRicepires. Monsters of the night, terrifying and seductive and utterly bereft of human morality. If you’re killing people every night to survive, you’re very quickly going to stop seeing them as people and start seeing them as food.

They also share a lot of traditional weaknesses from vampire lore—repelled by holy symbols, can’t enter holy ground, can’t cross running water, burn in full sunlight. A monster’s limitations are important in a book like this. Humanity is on the back foot in the world of EMPIRE, and we need every advantage we can get!

EOTV pays, in part, homage to Interview with a Vampire in its mode of storytelling. How did you find the challenge of telling a story that consistently plays around with multiple timelines?

It was brutal. Like I said, EMPIRE almost broke me. Traditionally, I’m not a plotter—I tend to find my stories as I write them. But EMPIRE was so big, and so complex, I reached a point where I had to force myself to sit down and plan on a level I’d never done before. But, change is good for the soul, and EMPIRE is the best thing I’ve ever written, so the hard work paid off.

But yes, it was tough.

One of the main themes in this book is what happens when the consequences of one’s actions are taken away. What was it like to slip into the mindset of a monster like the vampire?

Oh, it was great fun. I grew up reading about monsters, so it was brilliant to step into their shoes for a while, and imagine the way darkness could twist you.

Fabièn is a dark father achetype—kind of an unkillable Tywin Lannister, determined to carve an immortal family legacy. Laure is the immortal temptress, the vampire princess. Liathe is the dark enigma. And while I love me some Vampire Diaries, there’s something disturbing about a guy who’s hundreds of years old pursuing highschool girls. So Danton is a dark exemplar of where that trope could lead (spoilers: nowhere good)

There’s certainly some amazing payoff throughout this book, whether it be in the form of hilarious banter-filled moments between characters, intense battle scenes, or big bombshell revelations—some of which had me swearing out loud (I even used Gabriel’s choice curse at one point, ‘F___ my face’). Without going into spoilers, can you tell us one of your favourite moments to write in EOTV?

It’s a tie. The first is a conversation between Aaron and Gabriel in Aveléne cathedral about the nature of faith. Firstly, because EMPIRE is really a book about faith, and those two characters are basically me arguing with myself about it. And second, because Aaron was a hugely surprising character for me—I wrote him as a kind of teen antagonist for Gabe, but he blossomed into so much much more over the book. His journey is one of my favorite parts of the whole story.

My other favorite scene is when Dior gets a new coat. But I can’t say any more than that.

We’re lucky enough to have beautiful illustrations throughout the book by the amazingly talented Bon Orthwick (@monolimeart). What was it like working with Bon and sharing your creative vision?

She’s amazing. Bonnie did such an extraordinary job on this novel. I wanted the illustrations to be more than just a gimmick—I wanted them to serve a narrative purpose, and breath a different kind of life into the story. Bonnie not only captured that idea and the aesthetic of the world perfectly, but she brought her own ideas and themes and inimitable style. I’ve been a fan of her work for years, and she’s truly outdone herself this time.

I love the way you play around with different ways of telling a story—from footnotes in the Nevernight Chronicle, mixed media formatting and dossier files in the Illuminae Files (co-written with the brilliant Amie Kaufman), and now an interview type format with EOTV. What would you like to try next?

You sound like my agent! Let’s wait til one series is finished before we jump too far into the next one. I’m hip-deep in EMPIRE 2 at the moment, so I’m going to be playing in this world for a while yet. We’ll see what the future brings when it arrives.

Thank you for sitting down and chatting with us here at The Nerd Daily, and for letting us pick your brain on your creative process! It’s been a pleasure watching Gabriel suffer on the page and to witness the rise of vampires once more.

Empire of the Vampire is out on September 14th in the US, and September 7th in the UK and Australia, and it promises to bruise your heart, but not entirely break it, as long as you say ‘please’. Beware: this is a book with serious bite.

The post Q&A: Jay Kristoff, Author of ‘Empire of the Vampire’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them!

The Bones of Ruin by Sarah Raughley
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An African tightrope walker who can’t die gets embroiled in a secret society’s deadly gladiatorial tournament in this thrilling historical fantasy set in an alternate 1880s London, perfect for fans of The Last Magician and The Gilded Wolves.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
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A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in Under the Whispering Door, a delightful queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Nice Girls by Catherine Dang
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A pulse-pounding and deviously dark debut, written with the psychological acuity and emotional punch of Luckiest Girl Alive and All the Missing Girls, that explores the hungry, angry, dark side of girlhood and dares to ask what is most dangerous to a woman: showing the world what it wants to see, or who she really is?

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
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Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo
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Lee Mandelo’s debut Summer Sons is a sweltering, queer Southern Gothic that crosses Appalachian street racing with academic intrigue, all haunted by a hungry ghost.

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
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From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, a gloriously entertaining novel of heists, shakedowns, and rip-offs set in Harlem in the 1960s.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
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From New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer comes a blockbuster fantasy series about a kingdom divided by corruption, the prince desperately holding it together, and the girl who will risk everything to bring it crashing down.

My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa
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Paloma thought her perfect life would begin once she was adopted and made it to America, but she’s about to find out that no matter how far you run, your past always catches up to you…

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow
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Four young Black sisters come of age during the American Civil War in So Many Beginnings, a warm and powerful YA remix of the classic novel Little Women by national bestselling author Bethany C. Morrow.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
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New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers comes a novel that looks at marriage, siblings, and how the people we love the most can hurt us the deepest

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
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In this much-anticipated series opener, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they strike a dangerous alliance to hunt down the creature menacing their home—and uncover ancient deadly secrets.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
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Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget. Rock Paper Scissors is the latest exciting domestic thriller from the queen of the killer twist, New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney.

Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin
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Two best friends say “I do” to living together, for better or worse, in this bold women’s fiction novel from Alexa Martin.

What September 2021 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post September 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Set in a world where the sun hasn’t risen for 27 years, and vampires are no longer confined to the shadows, Empire of the Vampire is a must-have for any adult fantasy reader. As different vampire factions fight for control over the remaining human territories, and the future of humanity appears bleaker than ever, our main character Gabriel de León must recount the tale of his illustrious life to his vampire captor. De León is one of the last of his kind, a silversaint from the holy Silver Order, and he may or may not have information on the myth surrounding the Holy Grail—the last hope for humanity, and the one threat to the empire of the vampire.

The first in a new series, and accompanied by beautiful illustrations from Bon Orthwick (@monolimeart), Empire promises to be a new cult classic with its gothic inspired take on vampires. It is action-packed from start to finish, introduces an immersive (and terrifying) world that can be further explored in later books, and delves into deeper discussions on topics such as belief, hope, the making of a monster, and more.

Timeline wise, this story does jump around quite a bit—something which even the author makes fun of a few times within the novel—but overall, this adds to the book’s mode of storytelling, and also helps to develop our main character, Gabriel. There’s a nod to Interview with a Vampire in the way this story is framed, as we see Gabriel recount his highs and lows to Jean-Francois, a vampire historian set on chronicling the silversaint’s life. Expertly, the author keeps the reader entertained throughout and continually builds an ominous tone, even though, in some instances, we know Gabriel must have survived in order to live to tell his tale. We see Gabriel as a young initiate of the Silver Order, filled with belief and bursting to become a hero, and then we are slammed back into the present with the very weary, jaded Gabriel who constantly questions his faith.

As Gabriel’s journey with his faith is explored, it becomes clear that he is a man pushed to the brink. He reflects on battles won and sacrifices made, of powerful enemies and tantalisingly forbidden love, and of situations where there is no right way forward. Bit by bit, the erosion of Gabriel’s faith becomes evident. But the author takes this one step further, and instead of only including the viewpoint of the destruction of faith, he instead opens up the conversation on the complex nature of belief, and what belief can look like to different people.

Kristoff also explores what it would mean to have consequences removed from the equation, as he depicts his vampires in all their bloodlust finery. When you consider what it means to be eternal, and to have the promise of forever, there are going to be changes to one’s psyche. Kristoff explores this concept head-on, portraying exactly what that would look like. His vampires are deadly, showing their lack of conscience in the darkest of deeds, and, compared to the modern-day vampire, they’re not always beautiful. Most importantly, they do not care for human life. But even though the author includes so much darkness with the representation of these monster freed from consequence, there is a thread of hope throughout Empire that pulls it all together.

It’s this underlying tone of hope that keeps the novel from becoming too bleak. Through a hearty dose of humour, sarcasm, and play between characters, Empire proves entertaining while also fearsome, and pays off a lot of great moments. Factor in a diverse cast of characters to offset Gabriel’s surliness, a slightly insane talking sword, and some thought-provoking discussions on humanity, and this novel proves to have it all. Oh, and there’s a sprinkling of smut in there, too.

Simply put, Empire of the Vampire is an impressively built beast, bursting with supernatural lore and promise. With plenty of detail and twists to keep the reader intrigued, we’re predicting this to be a new favourite of the genre.

Empire of the Vampire is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 14th in the US and September 7th in the UK and Australia.

Will you be picking up Empire of the Vampire? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

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.

It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Now, only a few tiny sparks of light endure in a sea of darkness.

Gabriel de León is a silversaint: a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending realm and church from the creatures of the night. But even the Silver Order could not stem the tide once daylight failed us, and now, only Gabriel remains.

Imprisoned by the very monsters he vowed to destroy, the last silversaint is forced to tell his story. A story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope:

The Holy Grail.

The post Review: Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With half of 2021 almost behind us, it’s now time to start looking towards the next six months, and more importantly, the new books releasing between July and December 2021! Your to-buy lists are about to become even longer as it’s packed with books you’ll want to have your hands on ASAP from debut authors, as well as releases from some favourites, including Elizabeth Lim, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Samantha Downing, Anthony Ryan, TJ Klune, and so many more!

Read on to discover a few of our picks and be sure to tell us in the comments if you are looking forward to any of them too, plus stay tuned for our genre specific round-ups!

JULY 2021

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
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A fast-paced, thrilling horror novel that follows a group of heroines to die for, from the brilliant New York Times bestselling author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
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Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girl” who is cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town… where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong. 

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
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Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
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A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse… Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
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The New York Times bestselling author of the The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
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From New York Times best-selling author Lexi Ryan, Cruel Prince meets A Court of Thorns and Roses in this sexy, action-packed fantasy about a girl who is caught between two treacherous faerie courts and their dangerously seductive princes.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
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In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Hugo Award-winner Becky Chambers’s delightful new Monk & Robot series gives us hope for the future.

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
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USA Today bestselling author Samantha Downing is back with her latest sneaky thriller set at a prestigious private school—complete with interfering parents, overeager students, and one teacher who just wants to teach them all a lesson…

AUGUST 2021

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
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Courtney Gould’s thrilling debut The Dead and the Dark is about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding home in places―and people―you didn’t expect.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier
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A sweet, queer teen romance perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Check, Please!

The Pariah by Anthony Ryan
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The Pariah begins a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
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From the author of the beloved national bestseller Migrations, a #1 IndieNext pick, a gorgeous and pulse-pounding new novel set in the wild Scottish Highlands.

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
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Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits.

Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic comes a “delicious, twisted treat for lovers of noir” about a daydreaming secretary, a lonesome enforcer, and the mystery of a missing woman they’re both desperate to find.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
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The Hating Game meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in this irresistible romance starring a Mexican American teen who discovers love and profound truths about the universe when she spends her summer on a road trip across the country.

The Desert Prince by Peter V. Brett
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A brand-new epic fantasy adventure set in the beloved world of the Demon Cycle, following a new generation of heroes, from New York Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett

SEPTEMBER 2021

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns and An Enchantment of Ravens comes a thrilling new YA fantasy about a teen girl with mythic abilities who must defend her world against restless spirits of the dead.

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
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Beautiful World, Where Are You is a new novel by Sally Rooney, the bestselling author of Normal People and Conversations With Friends.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
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A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in Under the Whispering Door, a delightful queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
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Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

Nice Girls by Catherine Dang
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A pulse-pounding and deviously dark debut, written with the psychological acuity and emotional punch of Luckiest Girl Alive and All the Missing Girls, that explores the hungry, angry, dark side of girlhood and dares to ask what is most dangerous to a woman: showing the world what it wants to see, or who she really is?

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
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From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, a gloriously entertaining novel of heists, shakedowns, and rip-offs set in Harlem in the 1960s.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

OCTOBER 2021

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
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The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.

All the Feels by Olivia Dade
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Following Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade returns with another utterly charming romantic comedy about a devil-may-care actor—who actually cares more than anyone knows—and the no-nonsense woman hired to keep him in line.

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
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USA Today bestselling author Alix E. Harrow’s A Spindle Splintered brings her patented charm to a new version of a classic story.

The Mother Next Door by Tara Laskowski
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From award-winning author Tara Laskowski, The Mother Next Door is an atmospheric novel of domestic suspense in which the strive for perfection ends in murder…

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
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Cassandra Khaw’s Nothing But Blackened Teeth is a gorgeously creepy haunted house tale, steeped in Japanese folklore and full of devastating twists.

City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn
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As darkness closes in on the city of shattered light, an heiress and an outlaw must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other.

Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest
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A psychic travel agent and a Seattle PD detective solve a murder in this quirky mystery in the vein of Lisa Lutz’s The Spellman Files and Charlaine Harris’s Aurora Teagarden series.

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
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Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com by Lana Harper.

NOVEMBER 2021

Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe
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A smash debut novel from rising star Yasmin Angoe, Her Name Is Knight features an elite assassin heroine on a mission to topple a human trafficking ring and avenge her family.

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor
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From africanfuturist luminary Okorafor comes a new science fiction novel of intense action and thoughtful rumination on biotechnology, destiny, and humanity in a near-future Nigeria.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
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Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in debut author Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light, featuring an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies.

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
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The blockbuster co-writing debut of Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman, All of Us Villains begins a dark tale of ambition and magick…

You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith
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When a huge snowstorm hits, Adam and Whitney suddenly find themselves trapped inside the arcade. Cut off from their families, their worlds, and their responsibilities, the tension between them seems to melt away, leaving something else in its place. But what happens when the storm stops?

Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath
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The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

Blue-Skinned Gods by S.J. Sindu
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From the award-winning author of Marriage of a Thousand Lies comes a brilliantly written, globe-spanning novel about identity, faith, family, and sexuality.

Everything We Didn’t Say by Nicole Baart
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From the author of Little Broken Things, a “race-to-the-finish family drama” (People) following a mother who must confront the dark summer that changed her life forever in order to reclaim the daughter she left behind.

DECEMBER 2021

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
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Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich’s “If This Gets Out is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance.” ―Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us

A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw
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The New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep weaves a richly atmospheric adult debut following three residents of a secluded, seemingly peaceful commune as they investigate the disappearances of two outsiders.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska
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The Wicked Deep meets House of Salt and Sorrows in this new standalone YA fantasy set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where witches are burned, and two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other.

Absynthe by Brendan Bellecourt
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In his sci-fi debut, Bellecourt explores an alternate roaring 20s where a shell-shocked soldier must uncover latent telepathic abilities to save himself and the people around him.

Safecracker by Ryan Wick
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In this wicked debut, safecracker Michael Maven must pull off the most dangerous theft of his long career–or his friends and family will be killed.

Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera reunite to continue the story of Arthur and Ben, the boys readers first fell for in the New York Times bestselling rom-com What If It’s Us.

Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino
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A whip-smart, piercing debut novel, Smile and Look Pretty follows four assistants who band together to take on their toxic office environments in the ultimate comeuppance.

I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab
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One of Us is Lying meets Pretty Little Liars for middle-grade readers.

What 2021 releases are you looking forward to releasing between July and December? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Get Your Hands On These Anticipated July To December 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With the new year, booklovers around the world are looking forward to seeing what the year will bring with new books and authors to discover! So, we’ve rounded up 10 books that are currently the most anticipated science fiction and fantasy releases (excluding new instalments in a series) of 2021 according to Goodreads members!

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (March 2nd 2021)
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Klara and the Sun is a magnificent new novel from the Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro–author of Never Let Me Go and the Booker Prize-winning The Remains of the Day.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (May 4th 2021)
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A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian.

Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff VanderMeer (April 6th 2021)
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Hummingbird Salamander is Jeff VanderMeer at his brilliant, cinematic best, wrapping profound questions about climate change, identity, and the world we live in into a tightly plotted thriller full of unexpected twists and elaborate conspiracy.

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo (June 1st 2021)
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Nghi Vo’s debut novel reinvents this classic of the American canon as a coming-of-age story full of magic, mystery, and glittering excess, and introduces a major new literary voice.

For the Wolf by Hannah F. Whitten (June 5th 2021)
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For fans of Uprooted and The Bear and the Nightingale comes a dark, sweeping debut fantasy novel about a young woman who must be sacrificed to the legendary Wolf of the Wood to save her kingdom. But not all legends are true, and the Wolf isn’t the only danger lurking in the Wilderwood.

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune (March 2nd 2021) 
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Under the Whispering Door is a contemporary fantasy with TJ Klune’s signature “quirk and charm” (PW) about a ghost who refuses to cross over and the ferryman he falls in love with

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan (July 20th 2021)
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Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff (September 7th 2021)
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

The Last Watch by J.S. Dewes (April 20th 2021) 
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The Expanse meets Game of Thrones in J. S. Dewes’ fast-paced, sf adventure The Last Watch, where a handful of soldiers stand between humanity and annihilation.

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey (February 16th 2021)
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The Echo Wife is a non-stop thrill ride, perfect for readers of Big Little Lies and enthusiasts of “Killing Eve” and “Westworld­”

What SFF books are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Most Anticipated SFF Books of 2021; According to Goodreads Members appeared first on The Nerd Daily.