EMPIRE OF THE DAMNED - Book Review
Рет қаралды 1,776
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CHECK THE BOOK OUT HERE:
(We are an Amazon Affiliate and we do earn from qualifying purchases using the link below)
EMPIRE OF THE DAMNED by Jay Kristoff: amzn.to/4b9A6lA
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patreon.com/TalkingStory?Link
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John at Talking Story
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Ste 102 PMB 306
Salisbury, NC 28147
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A note from Jakob (the editor) on video gear:
There are a lot of things we use to make videos that I wouldn't recommend people to use for theirs. It's just stuff we had on hand, so it's what we use. That being said, there are things we use that I would recommend, and those are listed below. I'm working on putting together a FULL recommended list of equipment to get your videos looking super sharp. That's coming soon :)
SOME GEAR WE USE:
(We are an Amazon Affiliate and we do earn from qualifying purchases using the links below)
RGB Shelf Lights: amzn.to/48I3ZZc
RGB Floor Lights: amzn.to/3vHiaz1
Bi-Color LED Light: amzn.to/4bcE2Tm
Sennheiser Microphone: amzn.to/48Th4za
Zoom Audio Recorder: amzn.to/3SgLgNt
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:06 - General Thoughts
03:22 - World Building
06:39 - Plot
11:17 - Character
16:23 - Prose
22:59 - Pace
23:49 - Overall
@larah2939 2 ай бұрын
I never comment on videos, never, not under any video from any creator. But John, you reading that part from Empire of the Damned was legitameltey the best narration I have ever heard, and I felt the need to express that, because I don't know if you know how good you are. I was doing the dishes, watching this video on my phone, and I just had to put everything down halfway through your narration, because you pulled me in so deeply! I was open-mouthed, staring at my phone, water dripping from my hands... I'm in awe of you right now, I don't know what to say. WHO EVEN ARE YOU, wonderful, absolutely stunning narration. I would love love love to listen to you, narrating a book.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Wow! Not sure what to say. I'm sure all my acting teachers are very happy right now as I am with this amazing compliment. Just the fact that you commented. I sure hope it will not be the last time.
@tammaraliberty 2 ай бұрын
It was beautifully read. I'd listen to something read by you any day.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@tammaraliberty thanks so much
@nyxian_grid 28 күн бұрын
I thought you might be a professional narrator actually! You did amazing!
@Talking_Story 27 күн бұрын
@@nyxian_grid thank you so much.
@shanaygertze 2 ай бұрын
The reading. What a performance!! Bravo!! 👏 👏 👏. I'm convinced. This is officially on my TBR!! Well done Sir.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thanks you are very kind. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
@BrianBell7 2 ай бұрын
I haven't read book one yet, but I'll come back and watch as soon as I do!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thanks Brian it is spoiler free. When you get there
@michelleizoco Ай бұрын
I agree with so many things you said in this review. I'll keep it spoiler free too, so I won't say WHAT was slow there were two stretches where I felt the pace REALLY slowed down ... but then Kristoff would throw in something that would YANK me right back in. I laughed out loud, cried, LITERALLY gasped and some of the quotes that came out of this book will stick with me for years. I also hope it's a triology becuase where we're left off in the lore and in the story - it feels like one more long book will be perfect. Great review!
@Talking_Story Ай бұрын
Yes! 1 more epic book would be perfect!
@esmayrosalyne 2 ай бұрын
The irony of you saying Jay's writing had a bit too many commas and adjectives, while you are spewing out sentences that are more melodramatic and long than any I have ever heard before 🤣 Love you for it though! What a fiery, passionate review 😍 I also landed on 4.5 stars and agree with everything you said here. That new POV... brilliant! And the whole dynamic between the narrators and Jean-Francois, just hysterical hahah I eat it up. Also, when you are just reading by yourself, do you hear the story play out in your head in the way that you just performed that little sequence? Because I personally have a tragically monotone inner voice when reading (hence why I prefer audiobooks), and I would sell my soul to have you read all my books to me and bring the stories to life that way 🤣 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, this was brilliant!!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
I absolutely do hear and see in full performance level everything I read. Why I stay way from audio books. I like no interpretation between me and my own head movies 😂
@esmayrosalyne 2 ай бұрын
@@Talking_Story Gosh, I have to admit I am slightly envious of that lol
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@esmayrosalyne and I wish I could shut it down and enjoy audio. Could get so much more reading done. Grass is always greener I guess😀
@thedrownedkingdomsaga7847 2 ай бұрын
Excellent review John! This is one of my most anticipated reads for the next little while! So glad to hear you loved it! Empire of the Vampire blew me away, so this hearing this follow-up seems even better, makes me very excited! Happy reading!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much PL. let me know your thoughts when you get into it.
@BookishChas 2 ай бұрын
I’m so excited for this! It’s happening in May! Thanks for the review John!
@Avengers5412 Ай бұрын
John I would love to hear more about your experience owning a comic book store! American Comics are what got me into reading and I love that you bring that to booktube take care!
@Talking_Story Ай бұрын
Think we have an AMA livestream planned soon and I would be happy to get into it.
@Mpalumbo1971 2 ай бұрын
Your narration was spot on. Great job!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much.
@iBe-RuNnErZ 2 ай бұрын
John ive commented a lot! I know i apologise. I do enjoy your channel. And as a guy who found bookTube to help me to inspire to read. I must say you certainly helped my man! From not reading for years to now trying to read atleast half hour a day. So thank you for the inspiration 👍👍
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Never apologize for commenting you just made my entire week with this 1. Thrills me you are finding time to read daily!
@dannyjorde2677 2 ай бұрын
Your reviews are really funny
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Best compliment you could give! Thanks so much!
@adbee6247 2 ай бұрын
I wana see Jacob on cam his voice is cool
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Would be cool! I get him on cam at times. Will try to see if we can make it happen more often.
@mrebeast Ай бұрын
And also I am really impressed with the artwork throughout the book!
@Talking_Story Ай бұрын
Right?!!
@nataliefennell3176 2 ай бұрын
The artwork is amazing as well! WOW book narration in the future please!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Yes the artwork was great! Great package all the way around.
@maxt5319 2 ай бұрын
What an awesome review. Your passion for literature is so infectious, it makes me want to buy all these damn books! I hope to see more Sun Eater reviews too because your review for Empire of Silence was similarly great! Thanks for the great content :)
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much. Next up for Suneater is book 3. Can’t wait to see what is most folks fav of the series!
@maxt5319 2 ай бұрын
@@Talking_Story I'm also on book 3! I'll have to try reading it at the same time :)
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@maxt5319 sounds great. It may a little time on my end as my TBR keeps getting hijacked by buddybreads and now adding the Patreon read I am not entirely in control but I love it. So if you can’t wait let me know what I am in for.
@StarskyGypsy 2 ай бұрын
Is Jacob a cheeky son and editor? I love both your energies ❤😂
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! Means a lot to us we gave you a chuckle.
@jdpixler 2 ай бұрын
Haven’t gotten to this book yet but I loved the first one. I will probably read this next after hearing this review.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
@jacrsherb 2 ай бұрын
John, have you ever considered audiobook narrating as a career? I really enjoyed your reading in this! This is another series to put on the scarily large tbr pile
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
You are very kind. My TBR is out of control as well. If Audible called I guess I wouldn’t hang up on them😂
@venomgaming2077 2 ай бұрын
Pls record an audiobook your voice is absolutely phenomenal😍😍
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Oh you very kind!
@deadslugs 2 ай бұрын
Will definitely buy ❤
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@deadslugs Let me know what you think when you get to it!
@misternegative4918 2 ай бұрын
I loved this book, really liked the addition of Celene as a POV, especially with how it was used within the framing narrative. I feel like there’s so many ways to interpret what could be coming next. Seemed to me like they played up hating each other to make it seem like they meant what they said. I think they lied about certain parts in the story.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Book 3 could go in some wild, unforeseen ways for sure. Seems like they have something up their sleeve.
@misternegative4918 2 ай бұрын
@@Talking_Story I expect book 3 to be half in the past telling the story still, and half moving the story forward in the present, or I expect a 4th book to continue with them in the present time taking down Chastain.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@misternegative4918 I would be down for that!
@HenrikBrosveet 2 ай бұрын
Great review John! I gave the first book 4 stars myself, so I’m psyched so see that the sequel delivers. The passage you read worked really well, I got right back into that world, good job. Also, if you want to add another Vampire book to your tbr I would recommend Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin. You get southern gothic, vampires and mid-19th century riverboats. That’s pretty rad(not a native speaker here, don’t know why I used rad, haha 😆)
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Feel free to use rad all you want. I have read Fevre Dream and your word choice is perfect it is rad.
@HenrikBrosveet 2 ай бұрын
@@Talking_Story Thanks 😄
@mrebeast Ай бұрын
Finished this last night, melodramatic definitely fits for how he writes but it is so entertaining I don't mind it. While the cursing is creative in this one, it didn't stand out to me as much as the first book during the initial training sequences and there is definitely more "graphic" sex in this one. Couple decent twists that I wasn't expecting at the end, and I am glad you hammered at me to read the first book and this series has not disappointed me in the least!
@Talking_Story Ай бұрын
So glad you are digging this series!
@someokiedude9549 2 ай бұрын
Gees, John I don’t even remember the last review you did. But you read so well… It kind of reminds me of Elric from Michael Moorcock, except with vampires. I’ll have to check it out. Good work John! Keep up the good work boys!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thanks Nephew. That is a great comparison!
@johankoreviews5424 2 ай бұрын
What a fun review really wanna check it out but I have so many books on my tbr
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Ohhhhh I know that feeling. Thanks so much!
@dubhmoore575 2 ай бұрын
I love this series!!! Its almost a perfect book for me, i love how much he gets into his stories lots of bang for my bucks 🥳
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Yes! Totally agree. All the art! Amazing!
@TomOrange 2 ай бұрын
Great review! I really enjoyed this one as well. I really like how the vampires are actually bad. I feel like so many authors would have had them keep some of their humanity but not in this story.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
No they are all in the black hat club no doubt.
@throughthepages_with_dee 2 ай бұрын
So I think Mr John Minton, that you should audio your Minton family book when it’s all said and done. The passion you could portray in your own novel… I don’t audio but I think I’d listen to that version sir! 😊
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thanks Dee I may be who the budget will allow😆
@throughthepages_with_dee 2 ай бұрын
@@Talking_Story 😂 hey budget smudget, even if you had the money I still think you should do it. Maybe ya know you should make a career from I don’t know… reading things out loud to people on maybe a stage 🤷🏼♀️ I think I’m on to something here John 😂
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@throughthepages_with_dee Been there done that😆 I am here to tell you it is pretty hard work probably impossible for my old man brain at this point.
@noteuser15 2 ай бұрын
Facts bruh. You make me want to push this up my tbr. Also um….. why is this the first I’m hearing of your audiobook narrating potential?!?!??!?!??? *dear audible, please hire John*
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
I have read a couple times on the channel. Audible can call me anytime. 😂
@heidi6281 2 ай бұрын
John I started the We are the Dead by Michael Shackle last night… by the first chapter I was hooked. That is rare, it usually takes me a little longer with a new series. I dnf’d Empire of the Vampire, I think am done with the whole vampire sub-genre…unless of course they are funny like Joey Peacock.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
So happy to hear you are enjoying We are the Dead. It gets better as it goes on I feel. I get the DNF bloodsuckers are not for everyone. Of course nothing is. Amazing thing about Art with out the audience to interpret and appreciate it does not exist and we all see with beautifully different souls.
@lorenzoguastalli9982 2 ай бұрын
You have the t-shirt of my favorite anti hero on while rating a book about my second favorite antihero, perfect. I share your analysis of the book and I hope Kristoff and Ruocchio would write a series together. It would be dark as sin and totally unputdownable.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
What a dream team!
@thatsci-firogue 2 ай бұрын
Slowly Red and BookswithZara's enthusiasm for the series definitely has me wanting give EotV another go which i was enjoying, just some of the writing was trying too hard imo. Speaking of vampires, one of my favourite shows is BBCs Being Human. It sounds silly but its about a vampire, werewolf and a ghost living together trying to reembrace their humanity and to be reembraced by humanity. Starts as a comedy-drama with supernatural elements and then gets darker and darker. I'm talking about the original UK version, the US one isn't great.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
I will have to check that show out. Sounds right up my alley. I do take your point on the prose in this 1.
@thatsci-firogue 2 ай бұрын
@@Talking_Story 5 series and its finished. Such excellent variety and examinations of various human conditions.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@thatsci-firogue Nice!!
@heidi6281 2 ай бұрын
@@Talking_Story Being Human stars my favorite actor, Aidan Turner. He is also great in Desperate Romantics and Poldark. John , Poldark is a show your wife would enjoy too! The author wrote all the books in a lighthouse in Cornwall during WWII while looking out for subs. It takes place in 1780, a redcoat comes home to find his fiancé marrying his cousin.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@heidi6281 I think she has watched Poldark I will check with her.
@GrapplingBook 2 ай бұрын
Where can I get that cool paperweight from?
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
I will ask Jakob he got it for me.
@Andrew.Downing 2 ай бұрын
John, you need to be an audiobook narrator! When the family story is published you need to be the one to do the audiobook!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
I may be who we can afford 😆
@BabyBoomer-sn3uu 2 ай бұрын
Damn, John! You need to listen to your subscribers and think about narrating a book. 5 Stars!
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Thank you are very kind.
@Hellsing7747 2 ай бұрын
I really like (LOVE)the empire series. However,the title of book 1 isn't the best, and even though I quite enjoyed the art I think it's a little bit misleading. That book series isn't a YA series. Don't get it to your young kids thinking it is lol
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Definitely anything but a YA. Yikes!
@reggieswilliams 2 ай бұрын
can you put in your titles whether or not the book review is a spoiler or non-spoiler review when you do book reviews lol just wondering
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Will for sure add it. My reviews are always spoiler free.
@reggieswilliams 2 ай бұрын
@Talking_Story oh ok cool. By the way while I am new to your guys' channel it it quickly working towards being on of my favorite booktube channels. Keep up the good work 👏
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
@@reggieswilliams Wow man thanks so much for that means the world to both of us!
@brentasmith 2 ай бұрын
House Marlowe shirt 🔥
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Yes!!
@groofay 2 ай бұрын
Given what used to be in Coca Cola, I'd say a non-zero chance of there being meth in that drink.
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
😆
@jsboisvert1981 2 ай бұрын
What is this drink that make you high? Lol😅
@Talking_Story 2 ай бұрын
Zero sugar cherry Dr Pepper from the fine folks in Waco Texas 😂