"You gotta read that," he said, "it's really good."
"Sure, what's the title?"
"Empire of the Vampire"
"Hell no," I shook my head. "Seriously?"
"I know. But--"
"Please," I interrupted him, "if the author was not a complete moron, why would he call it 'Empire of Vampire,' of all possible titles?"
I read it anyway, and wow--it is actually a good book. If the title made you are expect a cheeky romantasy, you are so wrong. Let me localize it this way: If you start from Stephanie Meyer and then stroll over to Anne Rice, and then continue walking a long long way in the same direction, this is where you find this book.
I imagine a lot of YA vampire-trash readers might have stumbled across this novel and came away changed and a bit scared. (which adds to my enjoyment of it, of course)
Yes, it is about Vampires and blood and love. It is also gritty and dark and philosophical. A true grimdark book in the tradition of Joe Abercrombie but with more weight and momentum, in a world where every gesture has hidden meanings.
It is also a very well written book. Easily among the best-written books I own. The narrative flows like a sweet, viscous liquid (dare I say blood). Reading it felt like a religious experience.
The story is set in a fantasy world based on the French renaissance (think monasteries, famine, plagues, and revolution) which gives it a different, more serious vibe than English medievalish fantasy. One of its big themes is the role of religion and tradition in a world which is about to leave such things behind.
Anyway, here is the first sentence:
It was the twenty-seventh year of daysdeath in the realm of the Forever King, and his murderer was waiting to die.
Have you read this book? Do you know other examples of good books with a stupid title?
