I was gifted a copy of this book by Saga Press. All thoughts contained in this review are my own.

I love all of these vampire books that I’ve stumbled across lately. It’s been so long since I’ve read one, and I am totally here for it. The description of this book mentions it is similar to “Castlevania.” I’ve not watched the Netflix show, but I was obsessed with the video game series when I was a kid, and I totally get it.

In this book, readers are taken on an action-packed journey into a world where vampires and humans coexist – be it a delicate balance. Remy Pendergast is a Reaper – a bounty hunter of vampires who refuse to play by the rules. Remy’s father was one of the greatest Reapers of his time, and Remy is his only heir, though there is no love lost between the two. Remy is more of a thorn in his father’s side, possibly because his father knows that most of the people in the kingdom fear Remy. His mother was bitten by a vampire while pregnant with him and succumbed to her wounds when giving birth. Many believe Remy to be part vampire, and few trust him.

One evening, while hunting a rumored new and practically indestructible breed of vampire, Remy makes the acquaintance of a beautiful vampire heiress named Xiaodan Song. Remy is smitten with her, and then he meets her arrogant fiancé, Zidan Malekh – a vampire lord who gets under Remy’s skin. The two encourage Remy to partner with them and help bring down whoever is behind this new strain. Remy knows he should not fraternize with vampires, but they may hold the key to a cure – and may unlock hidden desires within Remy in the process.

The novel’s plot is a thrilling rollercoaster ride, filled with suspense and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. The fast-paced nature of the story, with each new revelation raising the stakes, kept me engaged and eagerly turning the pages. This is a dense one, clocking in at around 500 pages, but I was never bored, thanks to Chupeco’s bold and descriptive writing.

The author paints a vivid picture of the kingdom of Aluria and the characters that inhabit it; from the bustling city streets to the eerie forests and caves where the mutated vampires lurk, every setting is meticulously crafted to draw readers in and immerse them in the story. The rich and detailed world-building gives readers a sense of the history and politics that shape the characters’ lives. It also helps that there’s plenty of action. The battle scenes are exciting and intense, and they keep the plot moving forward while illustrating how dangerous this new breed of vampire – and those who control them – are. Chupeco’s exploration of the darker aspects of her world, including themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the consequences of war, adds depth and complexity to the story.

This book likely wouldn’t have been as enjoyable had I not loved Remy as much as I did. The other characters were also pretty great. I especially loved watching Remy’s relationship with Xiaodan and Malekh blossom and grow. The dynamics between the three characters are complex and captivating, especially with Malekh and Remy initially grappling with their fears and misconceptions (and unspoken physical attraction) toward the other, which adds depth and complexity without weighing down the overall story. As they journey together to uncover the truth behind the mutating virus, they are forced to confront their differences and, eventually, their lust for one another. I can honestly say this is the first book that I’ve read with an MMF throuple, and it was pretty hot!

This is a thrilling and action-packed book that I couldn’t read fast enough. What sets it apart is its unique twist on vampire lore, offering a fresh take that will intrigue even the most seasoned fantasy and supernatural fiction fans. With its richly drawn characters, intricate world-building, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next installment.