The Greyfriar is the first title in Vampire Empire, a new dark fantasy/ alternate history/ steampunk series by Clay and Susan Griffith. In 1870, a plague swept most of northern Europe, leaving vampires in its wake. In a matter of years, the great cities are in the control of the competing vampire clans. What humans are left alive have fled to the relative safety of the tropics where the vampires can't tolerate the ever-present heat. By the year 2020, humans have rebuilt society in a steampunk vein and are eager to reclaim Europe.

Princess Adele is set to begin her life of political duty by marrying a man she barely knows and giving up the life of adventure she craves. She has one last mission before her wedding, one that takes her dangerously close to vampire territory. When the royal dirigible is taken down by vampires, she is taken prisoner. Her only chance to survive is the Greyfriar, a mysterious folk hero who protects the humans living close to the vampire territories. As their attraction grows, so does the prospect of all out war between vampires and humans.

My Recommendation
The Greyfriar is an interesting mix of dark fantasy alternate history and steampunk. Far from the sparkly romantic type, these vampires are closer to the creatures that haunted the nightmares of our ancestors- animalistic, foul and sadistic. The Greyfriar is filled with fast-paced action and well written characters, making this a great story that draws you in and keeps you reading. I couldn't put this one down!

The Greyfriar by Clay & Susan Griffith
Published by Pyr
320 pages

The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire, Book 1) by Clay & Susan Griffith is available at Amazon.com

Pyr Publishing provided me with a free review copy of The Greyfriar