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Beguiled by Night #2
Citizens of Shadow
Can an immortal ever truly learn the hidden costs of tampering with fate?
In Beguiled by Night Vauquelin, an ancient, queer vampire living in present-day Los Angeles, finds his time unwinding like a spool of dirty thread... til he’s re-deposited into seventeenth century France. He seizes the chance for redemption.
In this sequel, Citizens of Shadow, Vauquelin grapples with the grim realisation that his blood-soaked past is a delicate filigree — impossible to replicate without flaws. Each moment squandered is a haunting apparition, a reminder of the fleeting nature of time. On the verge of executing a plan to grasp some semblance of security, a chance encounter pulverises Vauquelin's dubious theories into dust.
Confronted with the ephemeral nature of happiness, Vauquelin finds himself paralysed by fear. Unlike the cold embrace of Death, which offers a finality he has grown accustomed to, happiness tantalises him with its fleeting brilliance: its transient nature is a perpetual harbinger of impending loss. Even so, in a moment of desperation, he dares to defy his unreliable timelines — and offers an historic proposal that, if accepted, will alter the course of two lives for eternity.
In this precarious dance between hope and despair, Vauquelin confronts the immutable truth that happiness, like a fragile bloom in the dead of night, may wither all too soon. Eternity casts a punishing shadow over his every fleeting moment of joy. Still, in the depths of his immortal soul, he yearns for a reprieve — however brief — from the unyielding grip of time.
What glory might unfold when you open your heart to what else is to come … and what rewards will you reap when you embrace your authentic self?
Centuries of upheaval and cruel uncertainty have wrought havoc on the vampire's spirit. At this critical juncture in his immortal existence he is faced with a profound decision: whether to succumb at last to the shadows of despair, or to muster the courage to wage a relentless battle... in defence of the unexpected beacon of love that illuminates his path.
NOTE: If you enjoyed reading Citizens of Shadow, please consider A Conclave of Crimson: the joining of the Beguiled by Night series with Beverley Lee’s Gabriel Davenport trilogy. More vampires are waiting in the shadows, yearning to burrow into your heart…
In Beguiled by Night Vauquelin, an ancient, queer vampire living in present-day Los Angeles, finds his time unwinding like a spool of dirty thread... til he’s re-deposited into seventeenth century France. He seizes the chance for redemption.
In this sequel, Citizens of Shadow, Vauquelin grapples with the grim realisation that his blood-soaked past is a delicate filigree — impossible to replicate without flaws. Each moment squandered is a haunting apparition, a reminder of the fleeting nature of time. On the verge of executing a plan to grasp some semblance of security, a chance encounter pulverises Vauquelin's dubious theories into dust.
Confronted with the ephemeral nature of happiness, Vauquelin finds himself paralysed by fear. Unlike the cold embrace of Death, which offers a finality he has grown accustomed to, happiness tantalises him with its fleeting brilliance: its transient nature is a perpetual harbinger of impending loss. Even so, in a moment of desperation, he dares to defy his unreliable timelines — and offers an historic proposal that, if accepted, will alter the course of two lives for eternity.
In this precarious dance between hope and despair, Vauquelin confronts the immutable truth that happiness, like a fragile bloom in the dead of night, may wither all too soon. Eternity casts a punishing shadow over his every fleeting moment of joy. Still, in the depths of his immortal soul, he yearns for a reprieve — however brief — from the unyielding grip of time.
What glory might unfold when you open your heart to what else is to come … and what rewards will you reap when you embrace your authentic self?
Centuries of upheaval and cruel uncertainty have wrought havoc on the vampire's spirit. At this critical juncture in his immortal existence he is faced with a profound decision: whether to succumb at last to the shadows of despair, or to muster the courage to wage a relentless battle... in defence of the unexpected beacon of love that illuminates his path.
NOTE: If you enjoyed reading Citizens of Shadow, please consider A Conclave of Crimson: the joining of the Beguiled by Night series with Beverley Lee’s Gabriel Davenport trilogy. More vampires are waiting in the shadows, yearning to burrow into your heart…
Paperback
First published May 11, 2023
8 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Eigener
6 books63 followersNicole Eigener is the author of
Beguiled by Night: A Vampire Tale
(Polidori Press, 2020) and
Citizens of Shadow: Beguiled by Night
Book Two, in which Vauquelin’s story continues. They are also co-author, with Beverley Lee, of
Crimson is the Night: A Vampire Novelette
and the novel series
A Conclave of Crimson: A Queer Vampire Romance Trilogy
(on sale now), featuring a meeting of characters from Lee’s Gabriel Davenport series and the
Beguiled By Night
series.
Nicole is a lifelong student of French history and the macabre. Their love for haemovores became a beautiful marriage to their obsession with French culture, specifically of the seventeenth-century, which (along with themes of historical queerness) features prominently in their work. When they aren't writing, they are most likely editing, reading, dreaming about male vampires kissing, trying to avoid the sun, and/or desperately missing Parisian cafés and rainy walks through Père Lachaise cemetery.
Nicole writes in Southern California...for now. Visit their website for book extras including French pronunciations and a soundtrack.
Nicole is a lifelong student of French history and the macabre. Their love for haemovores became a beautiful marriage to their obsession with French culture, specifically of the seventeenth-century, which (along with themes of historical queerness) features prominently in their work. When they aren't writing, they are most likely editing, reading, dreaming about male vampires kissing, trying to avoid the sun, and/or desperately missing Parisian cafés and rainy walks through Père Lachaise cemetery.
Nicole writes in Southern California...for now. Visit their website for book extras including French pronunciations and a soundtrack.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 12, 2022
Vauquelin is back! One of my absolute favorite vampires is back in this sequel to Beguiled By Night and he is everything I missed and more. CITIZENS OF SHADOW takes the characters and world we know from its predecessor and exponentially adds more richness to every aspect. The writing is so luscious and vivid. There's intrigue and passion and betrayal. It is gothic MAGIC! I found myself laughing at all the jokes and sassy comments, engaged in any conflict, and both starstruck and captivated by the love story underneath it all. Move over Count Dracula, Lord Ruthven, and Lestat de Lioncourt... there's a new sensation in town!
May 11, 2023
In CITIZENS OF SHADOW we see Vauquelin return to rebuild his future. But the course of a life never runs smoothly, not even for a citizen of the night. But this is no ordinary vampire tale (readers of the first in the series, BEGUILED BY NIGHT, already know this).
Vauquelin's layers are unpeeled until we see the very bloody essence of him; his vulnerability and loneliness, his search for that certain *something*, his desperate need to unpick his mistakes and rewrite his choices, his discovery of self in the throes of chaos. He isn't perfect, and therefore lies his appeal. You empathise with the situations he finds himself in, even though you know he is a killer, and you still can't help routing for his happiness.
The writing in this is nothing short of magical. Nicole Eigener wields her words as masterfully as a surgeon wields a scalpel, laying down emotion and turmoil and the true sense of gothic in a way that is rarely seen. And the historian in Eigener is clearly very much on show - the reader is transported back in time, into the blood-soaked depths of France, into Los Angeles before it became what it is now.
Sublime prose. Lush descriptions. Unapologetically queer. Beautifully sensual. Devastating outcomes.
And what does Vauquelin discover at the end of his journey? That's for you to find out. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. I guarantee that you will shed a few tears. And I guarantee that this story will burrow into your heart and stay there.
Read
January 25, 2023N.B. I no longer rate on Goodreads. Please read the review.
Citizens of Shadow is the second in the series from Nicole Eigener. In the blurb, she describes it as ‘Lush, gothic horror,’ and that’s precisely what it is.
In truth, the ‘flavour’ of the covers speak volumes for this series. That might sound strange, but the covers perfectly represent what is delivered inside: beauty, passion, and a deliciously dark vibe.
If anything, I enjoyed this one more than the first, purely because much of it was set around 1900, a time-period of particular interest to me. It’s also beautifully and meticulously written.
Now then, as I said in my review of the first book, Beguiled, I’m not a reader of romance per se, but this series has so many other gorgeous elements that I’m able to set it aside and focus on those.
The whole story has a very theatrical vibe as far as I’m concerned. It’s like sitting in an old theatre, complete with velvet drapes and gold trimmings...but then of course there’s the black. Every good vampire tale needs the black.
My thanks to the author for providing an ARC. I enjoyed it very much.
Citizens of Shadow is the second in the series from Nicole Eigener. In the blurb, she describes it as ‘Lush, gothic horror,’ and that’s precisely what it is.
In truth, the ‘flavour’ of the covers speak volumes for this series. That might sound strange, but the covers perfectly represent what is delivered inside: beauty, passion, and a deliciously dark vibe.
If anything, I enjoyed this one more than the first, purely because much of it was set around 1900, a time-period of particular interest to me. It’s also beautifully and meticulously written.
Now then, as I said in my review of the first book, Beguiled, I’m not a reader of romance per se, but this series has so many other gorgeous elements that I’m able to set it aside and focus on those.
The whole story has a very theatrical vibe as far as I’m concerned. It’s like sitting in an old theatre, complete with velvet drapes and gold trimmings...but then of course there’s the black. Every good vampire tale needs the black.
My thanks to the author for providing an ARC. I enjoyed it very much.
May 13, 2023
“the fact that happiness terrifies him … because, unlike Death, it never, ever lasts.”
The torment of living lifetimes, reliving timelines, doing everything to catch up to a favorite moment in your life only to have it go awry.
Vauquelin is doubly cursed. First as a vampire and second to have a vindictive sire with the power over time itself. Any joy is crushed as soon as it blooms, misery is his only companion.
The writing is hauntingly intoxicating, and the story is an eloquent flow of blood red crushed velvet gliding over your soul as you quiver in anticipation.
Vauquelin is an enigmatic hero. He comes across as nonchalant but always had a plan. I felt many similarities to Jake Epping from Stephen King’s 11/22/63.
If you are looking for gorgeous prose with devastating twists then you have found it. You will get so attached to the characters and feel all of their pain in this romantic queer horror.
Feed your hunger and chant along with Vauquelin “I do not accept this outcome.”
The torment of living lifetimes, reliving timelines, doing everything to catch up to a favorite moment in your life only to have it go awry.
Vauquelin is doubly cursed. First as a vampire and second to have a vindictive sire with the power over time itself. Any joy is crushed as soon as it blooms, misery is his only companion.
The writing is hauntingly intoxicating, and the story is an eloquent flow of blood red crushed velvet gliding over your soul as you quiver in anticipation.
Vauquelin is an enigmatic hero. He comes across as nonchalant but always had a plan. I felt many similarities to Jake Epping from Stephen King’s 11/22/63.
If you are looking for gorgeous prose with devastating twists then you have found it. You will get so attached to the characters and feel all of their pain in this romantic queer horror.
Feed your hunger and chant along with Vauquelin “I do not accept this outcome.”
January 7, 2023
An Evocative, Dazzling Sequel!
Eigener knocks it over the moon with this one. CITIZENS OF SHADOW is masterful, a spellbinding tale told with lush, exquisite prose that enthralls and intoxicates the reader. I'm looking forward to more from these characters. Highly recommended!
Eigener knocks it over the moon with this one. CITIZENS OF SHADOW is masterful, a spellbinding tale told with lush, exquisite prose that enthralls and intoxicates the reader. I'm looking forward to more from these characters. Highly recommended!
March 12, 2023
Vauquelin is back again in the follow up to Beguiled by Night and it is beautiful!
Citizens of Shadow builds upon the rich, gothic world already created in Beguiled of Night. Somehow Nicole manages to make it even more decadent and sensual, with an air of flamboyance thrown in for good measure.
We are given deeper insights into the world of Vauquelin as we are taken on an intimate and emotional journey. It has the feeling of being led along by an old friend as we are given glimpses into his private life.
The romance is truly beautiful and tender, with plenty of angsty moments.
One of my great appreciations is the way queerness is woven seamlessly into this story. Many classic gothic stories are actually queer and I enjoy the way Nicole has brought this back into the literary world in a modern way.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of Citizens of Shadow to read and review!
Citizens of Shadow builds upon the rich, gothic world already created in Beguiled of Night. Somehow Nicole manages to make it even more decadent and sensual, with an air of flamboyance thrown in for good measure.
We are given deeper insights into the world of Vauquelin as we are taken on an intimate and emotional journey. It has the feeling of being led along by an old friend as we are given glimpses into his private life.
The romance is truly beautiful and tender, with plenty of angsty moments.
One of my great appreciations is the way queerness is woven seamlessly into this story. Many classic gothic stories are actually queer and I enjoy the way Nicole has brought this back into the literary world in a modern way.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of Citizens of Shadow to read and review!
August 26, 2022
A glimmering, gothic jewel of a novel, replete with decadent sensuality, intrigue, and romance. Eigener has outdone herself with this richly drawn exploration of a vampire’s all-too-human heart. Incandescent and unforgettable.
That’s the blurb, but oh, my heart! Citizens of Shadow is a magnificently dark, queer-positive vampire romance that chills and delights in equal measure. So atmospheric, smart, and glamorous. Vauquelin’s return is a triumph! Many thanks to the author for allowing me to read this one early!
February 23, 2023
I adored the first book in this series… this sequel did not disappoint. A deeper look into Vauquelin’s life, it takes us on a darker deeply emotive journey. vauquelin’s solitude & deep loneliness is palpable, you feel his distress, worry for him. This story takes you through an evolution of his journey , of who he is, of what he wants. This sequel brings a surprising twist of the romantic kind and I adored it. Gorgeously written, punctuated the the beauty of the French language , Nicole brings a story that’s reads like silken words that drip with both despair and pleasure.
November 2, 2022
I had read Beguiled by night from Nicole Eigener, and remember asking to be beguiled again, and that is exactly what Nicole has achieved, against my will.
Let me explain – I’ve gone on record repeatedly about Vampires. I don’t really like them. I mean, they are ok, but we’ve read about them so many times, it’s hard to breathe life into such a well-known trope. A few notable cases have impressed me – Nicole’s Vauquelin, Brian Keene’s rabid mongrels in “With teeth”, Dan Soule’s “Savage”, Beverley Lee’s trilogy Gabriel Davenport…
I know, this totally looks like I love vampires, but bear with me. All of the above, are, for me, exceptions to the general trend of “immortal show-off”. I know. I’m in the minority. Anne Rice’s Lestat, for example, is a great example of typical vampire for me. There’s not a lot in the world that is going to be a threat to the guy. It’s rather like a semi-evil superman. With that kind of power, can I be convinced to care about his/her problems?
Not often. I get the writing is great, I get the plots are good. Nevertheless, I find it hard to care about something so powerful.
So why was I biting at the bit to read Citizens of Shadow?
Probably because Nicole cares so much.
You can read it in her prose. The detail, the atmosphere, the introspection. Nicole is a connoisseur of facts, immerses herself into the timeline of her stories, and fills them with nuggets of trivia that make you run to google to look up her facts and wonder at their inclusion.
You get cleverer just by reading her.
Holywoodland, for example. Who’da thunk?
That her vampire series also have killer plots also kind of helps, but that craft she injects is what brings me back to her work.
So. How does C.O.S. compare to Beguiled by night?
Very well. I have to say that I hadn’t expected the direction of the second book to go the way it went. It’s a smack to the face (to say the least) when you realize that everything Vauquelin fought for in the first book is rendered useless by his love’s reaction to her own immortality. From there springs Eigener’s sequel, and it’s everything you would expect from her.
The book is lush, lavish, resplendent. The prose is rich, sensuous, and violent. The main character remains as torn by his inner turmoil as ever. Themes of finding yourself and accepting yourself take the spotlight, and Eigener’s voice demands that every step of the way is validated by the realization of self and self-worth and finally acceptance.
I enjoyed it immensely. The world Nicole has created is Gothic in overtone, the decadence of the main character overlapping all of his experiences. You'll want to add this to your collection. I have to say, it was hard to read Maeve's fall after wanting her to be with V the entirety of Beguiled By Night, but that's the game.
5 out of 5⭐ ‘s
Let me explain – I’ve gone on record repeatedly about Vampires. I don’t really like them. I mean, they are ok, but we’ve read about them so many times, it’s hard to breathe life into such a well-known trope. A few notable cases have impressed me – Nicole’s Vauquelin, Brian Keene’s rabid mongrels in “With teeth”, Dan Soule’s “Savage”, Beverley Lee’s trilogy Gabriel Davenport…
I know, this totally looks like I love vampires, but bear with me. All of the above, are, for me, exceptions to the general trend of “immortal show-off”. I know. I’m in the minority. Anne Rice’s Lestat, for example, is a great example of typical vampire for me. There’s not a lot in the world that is going to be a threat to the guy. It’s rather like a semi-evil superman. With that kind of power, can I be convinced to care about his/her problems?
Not often. I get the writing is great, I get the plots are good. Nevertheless, I find it hard to care about something so powerful.
So why was I biting at the bit to read Citizens of Shadow?
Probably because Nicole cares so much.
You can read it in her prose. The detail, the atmosphere, the introspection. Nicole is a connoisseur of facts, immerses herself into the timeline of her stories, and fills them with nuggets of trivia that make you run to google to look up her facts and wonder at their inclusion.
You get cleverer just by reading her.
Holywoodland, for example. Who’da thunk?
That her vampire series also have killer plots also kind of helps, but that craft she injects is what brings me back to her work.
So. How does C.O.S. compare to Beguiled by night?
Very well. I have to say that I hadn’t expected the direction of the second book to go the way it went. It’s a smack to the face (to say the least) when you realize that everything Vauquelin fought for in the first book is rendered useless by his love’s reaction to her own immortality. From there springs Eigener’s sequel, and it’s everything you would expect from her.
The book is lush, lavish, resplendent. The prose is rich, sensuous, and violent. The main character remains as torn by his inner turmoil as ever. Themes of finding yourself and accepting yourself take the spotlight, and Eigener’s voice demands that every step of the way is validated by the realization of self and self-worth and finally acceptance.
I enjoyed it immensely. The world Nicole has created is Gothic in overtone, the decadence of the main character overlapping all of his experiences. You'll want to add this to your collection. I have to say, it was hard to read Maeve's fall after wanting her to be with V the entirety of Beguiled By Night, but that's the game.
5 out of 5⭐ ‘s
March 12, 2024
After reading Beguiled by Night I knew I had to read this book too. And what a beautiful book this was. I loved it when Vauquelin met with the kids from Daniel Davenport. It reminded me of what I’d read in Beverley Lee ‘s trilogy. I was “beguiled” from the very first word. This book is even better than the first one and I can not wait to read what next offering comes from these 2 indie authors.
Must not forget the stunning cover art in this book. Fully recommend this book. You’ll look at vampires like you’ve never done before. I loved it.
Must not forget the stunning cover art in this book. Fully recommend this book. You’ll look at vampires like you’ve never done before. I loved it.
February 27, 2023
Absolutely loved everything about this. I fell in love with the first book in this series earlier this year, and this sequel is every bit as gorgeous if not more so. It delves into who Vaucquelin is at his soul, what he wants and needs, and there's a ton of character growth as a result. I loved seeing him come more into his own and adored the journey this book puts him on. The romance development in the second half is one of my favourites.
Given everything Book 1 set up and what happened in this book, I'm now nervously awaiting the next one.
My sincere thanks to the author for letting me have an ARC.
Given everything Book 1 set up and what happened in this book, I'm now nervously awaiting the next one.
My sincere thanks to the author for letting me have an ARC.
February 10, 2023
Citizens of Shadow is a fantastic follow up to "Beguiled by Night" with all the luscious, delectable prose and historical detail Eigener does so well. It takes an incredible compelling character and launches us into a new chapter of his life, weaving past and present so beautifully you are fascinated to see where you will be led next.
January 8, 2023
Simply brilliant!
I thought it would be difficult to better book 1, but Nicole has absolutely smashed it out of the park with Citizens.
I thoroughly enjoyed the references to both Crimson is the Night (Nicole Eigener/ Beverley Lee) and The Making of Gabriel Davenport series (Beverley Lee) and can't wait to find out how the two worlds come together in the future.
Highly recommended!
I thought it would be difficult to better book 1, but Nicole has absolutely smashed it out of the park with Citizens.
I thoroughly enjoyed the references to both Crimson is the Night (Nicole Eigener/ Beverley Lee) and The Making of Gabriel Davenport series (Beverley Lee) and can't wait to find out how the two worlds come together in the future.
Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2023
Such a good sequel to Beguiled by Night! Took many turns that I did not expect, and it kept me so enthralled that I finished it in one day! Can't wait to read more in A Conclave of Crimson! This and Beguiled by Night are some of my favorite vampire books now :)
September 2, 2022
I was extremely lucky to get an advance copy of this book to read and I am happy to say that it absolutely lived up to everything I wanted and didn't know I wanted in the sequel to the excellent Beguiled by Night.
We get a second chance to follow the exploits of Vauquelin as he travels throughout history in search of his purpose and looks for a chance at loving redemption. The novel is gorgeously written, giving a sense of history and all of the lovely details that evoke that lush gothic atmosphere that you want when reading a vampire novel like this. We get transported to new locations, get new encounters with engaging and alluring (and sometimes deeply sinister) characters along the way. It truly is the perfect way to continue this beautiful story that was started in the first book and if you are in the mood for a story that wraps you in atmosphere and haunts you afterwards, you need to make a point to pick this one up.
Thank you to Nicole Eigener for giving me the chance to read this novel in advance!
We get a second chance to follow the exploits of Vauquelin as he travels throughout history in search of his purpose and looks for a chance at loving redemption. The novel is gorgeously written, giving a sense of history and all of the lovely details that evoke that lush gothic atmosphere that you want when reading a vampire novel like this. We get transported to new locations, get new encounters with engaging and alluring (and sometimes deeply sinister) characters along the way. It truly is the perfect way to continue this beautiful story that was started in the first book and if you are in the mood for a story that wraps you in atmosphere and haunts you afterwards, you need to make a point to pick this one up.
Thank you to Nicole Eigener for giving me the chance to read this novel in advance!
Read
June 26, 2022RTC 👀 🩸
December 4, 2023
Oh my godddd I loved this one even more than the first one! Okay, so this one picks up where the last one left off, however the HFN that we were left with in the last book is absolutely shattered. Vauquelin has underestimated the damage that being dragged through time has done to his timeline and suddenly everything he has been trying so hard to recreate is completely different.
This book is more of the same amazing worldbuilding, compelling characters, and jumps through time. I loved the twists in the plot that left me guessing, as well as some cameos from characters both from book one, and from Beverley Lee’s ‘Gabriel Davenport’ series 👀
There is a brand new love interest in this book (Achillean romance enthusiasts rejoice!) and I loved watching the development of their relationship as well as Vauquelin’s changing relationships with others around him.
I read Beguiled by Night and Citizens of Shadow off the back of reading ‘A Conclave of Crimson’, the first book in a new series that the author has written with fellow writer, Beverley Lee. This new series sees Vauquelin and the vampires from Lee’s ‘Gabriel Davenport Series’ come together in a merging of Vampire lore. I absolutely recommend checking out Lee’s books as well as the new series (coming early 2024) as you get more Vauquelin, more Clove & and the gang and just more vampires, which is honestly all I ever want in life!
This book is more of the same amazing worldbuilding, compelling characters, and jumps through time. I loved the twists in the plot that left me guessing, as well as some cameos from characters both from book one, and from Beverley Lee’s ‘Gabriel Davenport’ series 👀
There is a brand new love interest in this book (Achillean romance enthusiasts rejoice!) and I loved watching the development of their relationship as well as Vauquelin’s changing relationships with others around him.
I read Beguiled by Night and Citizens of Shadow off the back of reading ‘A Conclave of Crimson’, the first book in a new series that the author has written with fellow writer, Beverley Lee. This new series sees Vauquelin and the vampires from Lee’s ‘Gabriel Davenport Series’ come together in a merging of Vampire lore. I absolutely recommend checking out Lee’s books as well as the new series (coming early 2024) as you get more Vauquelin, more Clove & and the gang and just more vampires, which is honestly all I ever want in life!
January 13, 2023
In this sequel to Beguiled by Night, Nicole Eigener gifts another lush tale of Vauquelin, a vampire whom we follow through time and existential hunger, from LA to Paris, from the 21st century to the 17th. Citizens of Shadow delivers everything you want from gothic horror.
I particularly love that a large portion of the novel takes place around 1900 in LA. The turn of the century trim made for great atmosphere. Eigener excels at making time and place into characters. When Vauquelin is in 17th century France, the exquisite details of chateaus and carriages make a canvas on which blood is spread. When Vauquelin is in 1900 Hollywoodland, the grime and electrical night form the stage.
Citizens of Shadow is a wonderful achievement, an engrossing read, and a swath of blood as beautiful as the cover suggests.
I particularly love that a large portion of the novel takes place around 1900 in LA. The turn of the century trim made for great atmosphere. Eigener excels at making time and place into characters. When Vauquelin is in 17th century France, the exquisite details of chateaus and carriages make a canvas on which blood is spread. When Vauquelin is in 1900 Hollywoodland, the grime and electrical night form the stage.
Citizens of Shadow is a wonderful achievement, an engrossing read, and a swath of blood as beautiful as the cover suggests.
May 15, 2023
Review to come!
February 15, 2024
As in Beguiled by Night, Nicole Eigener offers us prose that is rich, poetic, lush and evocative. We are also offered characters who never stray from being their own selves - this from an author who is not afraid of presenting a morally grey and at times brutal protagonist, his dance with death having made him who he is. Vauquelin's personal views of the 21st century and its society were like water to the thirsty, as in I saw myself in them and couldn't help smirking at his musings, seeing they fit my own in so many occasions. His delving into his own self, the search for who he actually is from a man who's lived for so many centuries is nothing short of relatable - do we ever know ourselves fully? Do we ever stop growing, morphind, changing, progressing, regressing? Life is a learning curve by itself, and Vauquelin shows us just that. It was quite gripping to witness his journey of self-discovery and the repetition of his own mistakes until he finally starts realising a few truths about himself. It was also heartbreaking to watch him give his all only to lose what he believed was his heart's truest desire. Vauquelin, though physically strong and rarely tormented by guilt where it comes to humans, his a weak, vulnerable man who treads lost and confused inside a curse not of his own making, one he cannot understand himself. He fights his nature only to give in to it, struggles against his desires only to fall prey to them, and when he realises what it is he's really been looking for, the despondency in which he assumes this has ever been denied to him and he does not deserve it is, once more, highly relatable. But a chance encounter changes all he knows and assumes about his life and his worth, and by heavens, it was heart-wrenching to watch him robbed of what finally seems to give his long existence sense. The sacrifices he must then pursue are heartbreaking, as well, and I confess I was a little angry at the author for them, but no spoilers!
It was quite endearing, in the end, to see Vauquelin at his most vulnerable, being protected where he was the protecter, being cherished and loved and given the emotional soothing he for years sought for himself, without really getting it.
It was quite endearing, in the end, to see Vauquelin at his most vulnerable, being protected where he was the protecter, being cherished and loved and given the emotional soothing he for years sought for himself, without really getting it.
February 13, 2024
Vauquelin is back!
Citizens of Shadow is absolutely beautiful. As with the first book, Nicole Eigener has achieved decadent beauty with stunning prose, gothic feels, and glorious lust, blood, and horror that smother you from the off. It's simply divine.
If you love your vampires multi-faceted, complicated, queer and sexy, this is for you. Just remember to read book 1, Beguiled by Night, first...You won't regret it!
Citizens of Shadow is absolutely beautiful. As with the first book, Nicole Eigener has achieved decadent beauty with stunning prose, gothic feels, and glorious lust, blood, and horror that smother you from the off. It's simply divine.
If you love your vampires multi-faceted, complicated, queer and sexy, this is for you. Just remember to read book 1, Beguiled by Night, first...You won't regret it!
May 11, 2023
*Review to come*
August 27, 2025
kisses for louis love me xoxox
June 8, 2024
Our dear decadent and lush vampire, Vauquelin, is back in LA for what he assumes will only amount to a month before he leaves/exits modern life.
Seizing the possibility of a re-do with his late lover holds some cruel lessons for him; namely, be *very* careful what you wish for.
Reeling from the heartbreak and disappointment, Vanquelin is still being jolted between timelines and forced to confront himself, his weaknesses and his maker if he is ever to have another chance at happiness.
Unapologetically decadent and a read fans of Rice should give a try.
Seizing the possibility of a re-do with his late lover holds some cruel lessons for him; namely, be *very* careful what you wish for.
Reeling from the heartbreak and disappointment, Vanquelin is still being jolted between timelines and forced to confront himself, his weaknesses and his maker if he is ever to have another chance at happiness.
Unapologetically decadent and a read fans of Rice should give a try.
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