Now that Princess Adele has returned from her adventures with The Greyfriar in the vampire infested lands of northern Europe, all she has to look forward to is an arranged marriage to an obnoxious American senator and the life of a proper lady. The Equatorian Empire is on the verge of war against the vampire clans and needs the alliance her marriage to an American would secure. When Adele learns of the senator Clark's plans to wipe out the human population the vampire use as food she decides to do anything to keep her kingdom from having any part of genocide, including running off with The Greyfriar. While a furious Clark pursues her, the vampire clans take the opportunity to strike in the heart of Equatoria.

As Adele flees from her home and new husband, she finds the strange abilities she already discovered in herself while in the vampire lands is often on her mind. Her long time teacher, Mamoru and his secret group of geomancers are certain that Adele is one of the strongest weapons they have in the war against vampires. But one that could also cost the life of her beloved Greyfriar.

As a follow up to The Greyfriar I was not let down. Adventure, action and romance all blend easily in the steampunkish world of The Vampire Empire. One of the details I loved was how the romance between Adele and The Greyfriar became fodder for popular culture-- plays, novels and such. One of the things that bothered me most about The Greyfriar was how much of a caricature Senator Clark is-- the loud and obnoxious American wearing a cowboy hat. In The Rift Walker , we see a little more into Clark's hunger for power and control, showing him with a bit more depth.

My Recommendation
So far, The Vampire Empire series is a wonderful mix of romance, adventure, vampires, and steampunk. It sounds like an odd combination, but writers Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith do a wonderful job bringing a unique story to life in both The Rift Walker and the previous title The Greyfriar. I recommend this series to any one looking for something a little different.

The Rift Walker by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
Published by Pyr
399 pages

The Rift Walker by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith is available at Amazon.com

My free review copy of The Rift Walker was provided by the publisher