REVIEW: Vampire Empire Trilogy by Clay and Susan Griffith

By now, gentle readers, I would hope that you'd know I'm always on the prowl for the next great audiobook.  I seek out good stories but also narrators.  A while back, I discovered the Vampire Empire trilogy by Clay and Susan Griffith because it is narrated by one of my favorite actors, James Marsters. I'll always adore him as Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel but he holds legendary status for me as the narrator of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.

This trilogy--The Greyfriar, The Rift Walker, and The Kingmakers, explores a historical fantasy world with a magic/elemental steampunk twist on the typical vampire tale. Once outed to the world, vampires have taken over much of the northern hemisphere, preferring cool places not prone to sunlight (i.e. London, Scotland). Any humans in these domains are typically slaves, little more than cattle kept alive for vampire meals. 

Human settlements inhabit the warmer regions of the world. Princess Adele is the heir to the Empire of Equatoria, a remnant of the old tropical British Empire. When she becomes the target of the London vampire clan, her only protector is The Greyfriar, a mysterious hero who fights vampires deep withing their on territories. Adele eventually learns Greyfriar's identity, a truth which will have a profound effect on the future of her Empire, love life and for vampires. LOTS more happens but I won't ruin it for you!

This trilogy is perfect for readers who love a good angst worthy romance but also like the inclusion of steampunk, magic and plenty of adventure and scheming. The principle characters wrestle a lot with identity, expectations and forging their own futures despite many obstacles. There are some truly memorable villains too!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the authors on Twitter: @clayandsusan

Follow the narrator on Twitter: @JamesMarstersOf

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