VOW OF ETERNAL NIGHT

Beauty and the Beast meets Twilight in Crozier’s debut historical romantasy.

Twenty-five-year-old Clara Wagner, daughter of the mayor of Orlfen, has managed to find a modest amount of happiness despite the grim realities of her famine-stricken town. Engaged to the local baker, Yann, whom she’s known since childhood, Clara tries to ignore the ever-present shadow of death that lingers. People are not only dying of starvation, but also from vampire attacks—the same fate that claimed her mother years earlier. Everyone is convinced that the culprit is Raleigh Linford, the Prince of Rostenburg and a 300-year-old vampire who returned to his castle 14 years prior after a long period of time abroad; as Clara sees it, he has caused nothing but misery since. When Raleigh arrives in Orlfen and demands her hand in marriage, she is livid when her father complies, trading her off in order to keep his own secrets (“What had father done?”). Eventually, the prince offers Clara a deal. If, by the end of the year, she can find a way to turn him human again, she’ll be free to go wherever she wishes—however, if she fails, she will become his vampire bride for all eternity. As she and the prince spend more time together, Clara begins to uncover hidden truths about both of their pasts that force her to question everything she thought she knew—and to determine what she truly wants. Clara stands out as a determined and compassionate protagonist, balancing defiance with vulnerability as she navigates her new reality. The romance is endearing, though it develops unevenly, falling short of its full emotional potential. The novel’s atmosphere is a highlight, particularly in descriptions of Castle Rostenburg, whose enchanted hallways make the architecture feel like its own character. Supporting characters, especially Moira and Enrique (a gruff yet endearing dhampir chef), add charm. Readers will find this to be an entertaining addition to the vampire romantasy genre.

A compelling blend of gothic fantasy and romance.