Empire of the Vampire (Empire of the Vampire, #1)

by Jay Kristoff

My mama knew herself, and there’s a fearsome power in that. Knowing exactly who you are and exactly what you’re capable of. Most folk would call it arrogance, I suppose. But most folk are fucking fools.”

“Who the fuck told you I was a hero?”

So I just called her ‘Jez’ as we rode on through the dark.” Jean-François blinked. “Jez?” “Short for ‘Jezebel.’ Since I’d only know her for a night and all.” “Ah. Prostitute humor.” “Don’t fall down laughing, coldblood.”

want you to take this coin to market, and buy me a fuck to give.”

“Santé,” Jean-François said, wishing him health. “Morté,” Gabriel replied, toasting his death.

The only thing worse than finishing last is not beginning at all. And fuck finishing last.”

A life without books is a life not lived.’

‘I earned my aegis when you were still a tadpole paddling about in your godless father’s janglesack.’

Jean-François quirked his lip. “A falcon watching you like a hawk? Truly, de León, your wordsmithery is a marvel to behold.” “My story, coldblood. I’ll tell it how I like.” Gabriel finished off his wine and wiped his lips. “And for your information ‘wordsmithery’ isn’t a real word.” “Nor is ‘fuckarsery,’ but you hear no complaints from me.” “Strange, I swear that’s exactly what I just heard. Now, can I tell my tale or no?”

‘Apologies. I’m being a bitch again. Although Mama did tell me: In life, always do what you love.’

you cock-gobbling little whoreson!’

“When your whole world is going to hell, all you need is someone who sounds like he knows the way.

“HERE’S A TRUTH about sword fighting, coldblood: Even if you’re bad at it, when the person you’re fighting doesn’t have one? You’re still going to be pretty good.

But I’d hoped we’d get farther before this particular bucket of cocks hit us full in the face.