Empire of the Dawn was undoubtedly the conclusion that this series deserved, even if things didn’t go the way I wanted them to in some instances. The culmination of all aspects from character arcs, plot lines, and early narrated promises come together in a masterful way to cement Jay Kristoff as not only a staple in the Grimdark genre, but as one of my favorite authors. It’s always impressive when I can be shocked even though I know whats coming in a framed narrative, and this book floored me at the midpoint. Empire of the Dawn also delivered those quieter character moments I love and has unquestionably caused me emotional damage earning the finale a 4.75 (rounded to 5 here).

Jay Kristoff has clearly honed his craft over years of writing, but even just through the progression of the Empire of the Vampire series I could feel how much he poured into these words. Creating a world that felt familiar yet different enough to be interesting, taking a new approach on a classic topic such as Vampires, and willingly taking the risk to add detailed intimacy all has paid off. Empire of the Dawn doesn’t pull any punches, and doesn’t deliver everything in a nice happy package, the triumph of this book is delivering an ending that it needed and not an ending that would make you feel good.

Full in-depth review can be found at BroMantasy.com.