Deep Graves

the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles #2

by Lucius Valiant

At 391 years old, Gabriel Graves is no ordinary undertaker. His funeral enterprise, Deep Graves, is a revered institution, but underneath his success lies a tormenting regret.

Haunted by the tragic loss of his sister Elizabeth to the Black Death in 1665, Gabriel embarks on a perilous journey through time to rescue her from death's embrace. But time travel is a dangerous gamble, fraught with unpredictable consequences.

Landing in the plague-ridden London of the past, Gabriel faces a tremendous stripped of his vampiric powers, he must gain the favor of the undead twins, Isadore and Isadora, guardians of the immortal blood. All while contending with the swirling rumors about his true nature, surprise visits from Octavia Thornhill, a fledgling who might hold a grudge against him, and Malm Westminster, a plague doctor with a terrible secret.

"Deep Graves" is the electrifying second volume in the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles, weaving a dark tale of love, loss and the bonds of blood and loyalty that bind across centuries.

Genres: Gothic

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2023

About the author

Lucius Valiant is a Danish-British author.

The first real book he recalls reading is Bram Stoker’s "Dracula." And that, as the saying goes, was that. There would be no turning back.

Lucius’s literary inspirations include classics of Gothic fiction, such as Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" and Oscar Wilde’s "The Picture of Dorian Gray," as well as horror, supernatural, and speculative fiction by writers such as Anne Rice, Poppy Z. Brite, and Stephen King. He also draws much influence from Britain’s rich history, folklore, and legends.

All of these influences shine through like glittering, dark fairy dust in his writing, which readers have described as vivid, visceral, and cinematic, with a sprinkling of wry humor.

Reviews

[Zono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Graves is another imaginative entry into the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles! At first, I was wondering if I could get along with a different narrator to the first book, however I was pleasantly surprised that the new narrator paid off beautifully! Gabriel Graves is a morally complex, at times unpredictable character who feels incredibly real, making each twist in the story even more exciting! The imaginative storyline and suspense kept me turning pages much later in the night than originally intended!

[Jessica Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author for another wonderful read. I have received this copy through Bookfunnel to give my honest review.

All I can say is is the ending has sent me in a spiral and I'm going to have to get through the next one ASAP because I need answers.

From the beginning until the end, I thought I knew but I didn't know. I was not expecting everything to play out the way it did with how well it was written. I'm left speechless on this one and this is only book 2.

[Kacie Rosbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear Valient is just getting better and better, I liked the first book but I LOVE the second book!
Creepy, time travel vampire haunting goodness.
Support more small authors!!! 🖤🖤

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really amazing! I enjoyed getting to know about Gabriel graves and seeing more of him after the brief bits from book one. Also enjoyed getting to know more about his family. Had me hooked from start to finish. That ending had me screaming at my kindle cannot wait to see what happens next!

[TBRBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Graves (The Thornhill Vampire Chronicles book two) by Lucius Valiant

266 Pages

Gabriel, after his failed attempt in book one, wants to save his sister from her death and turn her into a vampire. He decides to travel back in time to 1665 and misjudges the timing and ends up in a time a few months before he is turned into a vampire. As a human again he must keep his sister safe while also working on a plan to be changed into a vampire.

Wow, just wow. Book two has definitely been just as good, if not better than book one. Who wouldn’t love time traveling vampires? Lucius’ abilities to make me feel sympathetic towards a character who I had previously decided was a villain, is phenomenal. I was rooting for Gabriel to achieve everything he wanted! I definitely did not feel this way about Gabriel in book one and I am impressed with author Lucius Valiant’s ability to create such feelings! This book, while an urban setting at first, spends the majority of it set in the Victorian era as Gabriel has gone back in time and I absolutely love reading books set farther back in time than now. I can not say enough about how well this book and the one before it is written. I am confident that Lucius Valiant will quite quickly become a favorite author of mine! Everything from the beginning of this book to the ending was captivating and the ending will definitely leave you eager to read book three!

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning  to the end but I wasn't expecting everything to play out so good and it was very well written.. 


After this failed attempt  in book one  to be able to save his sister from her death than turn her into a vampire.  He goes back in time to 1665 but he misjudge the timing so he ends up in a time a few months before he is turned in vampire

But as a human again he must keep his sister safe while working on a plan to be changed into a vampire.

Book 2 is definitely  good like book 1 I literally adore both books so far .. who doesn't love a time travelling  vampire ? I certainly  do .... Lucius  have abilities that can make me feel so sympathetic towards the character that I thought was a villian  but it is so phenomenal.

I literally adore  Gabriel  to be able to achieve everything that  he wanted ...

That ending has sent me into spiral that I will need to start reading book 3  to get the answers I need

[Stephanie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get to my review you cannot read this book as a standalone!! This is book 2 in the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles!

THIS SERIES IS A MUST READ!

I blew through book 1! I went in blind and was obsessed with Dark Roots! Book 2 is about Gabriel! In book 1 he is portrayed as the not so good guy! Book 2 definitely makes you see him differently!!! I definitely was not expecting the time travel aspect!!! I LOVED IT!!! I really enjoyed reading about Gabriel and how he ended up being turned into a vampire and why it was important to him!

I cannot wait for book 3!!! The ending of Deep Graves has me shook!!! I read this story in a day and a half!!!I’m looking forward to see how the story comes together in book 3!

[Jyl Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The back-cover blurb had me excited to read this and it did not disappoint! Our main character is deeply flawed, yet relatable. He’s snarky and egocentric and hard not to love. If you like vampires, time-travel, dark fantasy or have ever wanted something so desperately you’d risk it all, this book is for you. And the ending?! Let’s just say I literally had to stand up and shake it off. Deep Graves is beautifully written with evocative imagery and Gothic prose.

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Plenty of twists and turns. And that cliffhanger!!! Need to read book 3 immediately!!

[Pear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the series had me thinking Gabriel Graves was the villian! It starts where it ended from the first book but thru Gabriel’s pov but he time travels most of the book! In the second it shows how much he cares about his sister. This had a bunch of twist and turns. The ending has me shook.

✨Gabriel’s POV
✨time traveling
✨some back history
✨dark fantasy
✨vampires
✨the Black Death

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the journey of the Thornhill vampires. I am enjoying this series so far

[Renée Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm nearly speechless. Good thing this is a written review. Okey dokey where to begin? First off, this one is Gabriel's story and what a story it is. I saw a different picture of him and it's been phenomenal.
Again the same characters with several new ones just adds to the storyline. Lucius again has many surprises up his writer's sleeves and he pulls them out like a magician.
I finished Deep Graves about 20 minutes ago and I'm not waiting to get into Foul Moon!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts that became this magical experience.

Ourania 💜

[Rilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowwww. I’m so stuck on the cliffhanger of this one. I need to immediately start the 3rd book.

At first I was iffy about this one following a different main character from the first book. But I loved it so much. Even more than the first (and the first was great)!

I loved learning more about Gabriel, especially his past. Speaking of past, going to the past, the history and vibes were excellent. I felt so pulled back into that time period, so much fun. The stakes were higher in this one. More action. More tension. More!

And did I mention the cliffhanger?? Come on. I won’t be able to sleep until I know what happens.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Lucius Valiant did it again. This time, it wasn't the twists and turns that got me. It was the level of character depth for someone I truly thought I hated in book 1. This book took a total flip, and I was NOT ready for it to end!!

[J.E. Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intoxicating sequel! We get Graves' point of view in this and it is oh so hard not to side with the 'villains.' This book brought as much of a punch as the first and I can't wait to dive into the third! I hope there's many more books to come.

[Troy Georgell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Graves character Gabriel, is an enthralling addition to the vampire genre, setting itself apart with a protagonist whose heart beats as fiercely for his family as it does for his supernatural nature. The story revolves around Gabriel, a vampire with an unwavering passion for helping his family, which makes him a truly compelling character.

From the very first page, the author masterfully weaves a tale that balances the allure of the vampire world with the warmth of familial bonds. Gabriel's dedication to his family is a refreshing twist in a genre that often emphasizes isolation and predation. His struggles and triumphs in protecting those he loves, while grappling with his vampiric instincts, create a rich narrative that keeps readers hooked.

The book's pacing is impeccable, with just the right amount of action, suspense, and emotional depth. The author paints vivid scenes, making it easy to visualize Gabriel's world. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding to the overall immersion.

Gabriel is not just a creature of the night; he is a brother, a son, and a friend. His journey of self-discovery and his internal conflicts resonate deeply, making readers root for him every step of the way.

In summary, *Deep Graves* is a must-read for fans of the vampire genre and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story about love, sacrifice, and the lengths one would go to protect their family. Gabriel's character brings a refreshing perspective, making this book a standout in its field and its series. Highly recommended!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

Deep Graves is the second entry in The Thornhill Vampire Chronicles, and while I don't think you necessarily need to read the first book in order to enjoy this, it will definitely give you a different perspective of Gabriel and some more background information. Gabriel is a lot nicer of a person in this book than in the first one, and perhaps his circumstances, going back to the 17th century, and being stripped of his vampiric powers have given him a new understanding of the 'gift' he was given. I liked seeing him struggle to gain the upper hand in situations over which he would normal have total control, so I found this book, and the development of Gabriel's character, quite intriguing.

First of all, I love that the author chose to have Gabriel go back in time to 1665 London in the midst of the Great Plague. The historical details were fascinating and I enjoyed reading about all the ways the people tried to protect themselves during the break-out. But it was also heartbreaking to read about, knowing that over 75 000 people died, possibly over 100 000, and the fear that would have inflicted on people trying to protect themselves. Therefore, I loved the story line about Malm Westminster, the plague doctor, and the opportunities someone like him would have taken advantage of as well as the profit he would have made during this time period. I thought the author wrote about the time period quite well and did a lot of research about it so that you felt like you were right there.

Gabriel was a lot nicer in this book than in the first one, something I appreciated. Now let me be clear, I loved him in the first book as I hate it when vampires are romanticized and when they are 'cute', so I loved Gabriel's ruthlessness in the first book. His behaviour was different in this one because he was not a vampire for most of the book having misjudged his return to the past, so he had to play nice or face never being a vampire again, and I liked seeing him grovel a bit.

The story moved along quickly, with quite a few twists and turns I wasn't expecting, one big one that actually shocked me and now I am wondering how the author will deal with this in the third book. It was interesting to meet Elizabeth and I really liked her character; she is tough, with strong morals, and although Gabriel constantly mentions how similar she is to him, I don't quite think so as Gabriel is a lot more ruthless and selfish.

Deep Graves is a book about a deeply flawed character, but one to whom you can relate as he cares deeply about his family and only wants to protect them. Because he is mostly human in this one, you get to see a much-different Gabriel, so that was interesting to see. He was completely obsessed with getting his vampiric powers back and that pretty much drove everything he did. My only concern: What about his mother? He was so wrapped up in protecting Elizabeth, but there was little mention or thought about his mother, and this bothered me. Definitely looking forward to reading the next entry in this series.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of four, which are published by now. It's the story of Gabriel Graves, an undertaker and vampire, who is originally from London around 1650.

The story leads you back in time to learn about the early life before Gabriel was transformed into a vampire. It's also the time of the black death, the Plaque. It's quite a dark place to live there and Gabriel relives it for a second time to rescue his beloved sister, Elizabeth. While he thinks he knows exactly what happens when he travels back in time, some things are going terrible wrong and different to the original version of his life.

In the end he reaches his goal to save Elizabeth but loses his Dad and nephew as well as the deep friendship and good graces with his makers. Back to the future of his current life an old frenemy is waiting for him. In a heated moment they both got sucked back into the past.

This is where the book ends. Thanks Lucifer there are still two books to read. And I really look forward to dive into book three, Foul Moon. And thanks to the author, Lucius Valiant, for writing the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles series. It's such a pleasure to read it.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Graves is the second book in the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles, and I have to say, I liked this one even better than the first, which I liked a lot! This story follows Gabriel Graves, a side character from book one in his quest to save his sister from the Black Death in the 1600’s. What follows is a much darker story than book one, but one that is truly enjoyable.

The author does a great job setting the scene of 1600’s London, and the atmosphere of the city while the plague runs rampant. Gabriel is a flawed character, but as you learn more about him he’s not as bad a character as he’s made out to be in book one, and he actually grows on you.

And that ending! What a cliffhanger. It had me gasping and laughing at the same time.

Overall, the series is really fun and enjoyable, and I am really liking it. I can’t wait to see what happens in the following books. Highly recommend for a different type of vampire book!

[Amy Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Graves
Lucius Valiant

This is book 2 of the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles, and it is nothing short of amazing.

This book digs deeper into the lives of the Graves family, pun intended. This book follows Gabriel Graves as he tries to save his family from the plague.

I could not put this book down, and I read it in one sitting. This author has a way with words and capturing your attention from the very first page. This has to be one of my favorite vampire series ever.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised that this book was about Gabriel, because I didn’t read the blurb of the book… At first I was a little hesitant about reading it (me being impatient), but his story and adventure was inevitable, and it was actually really good.
Even though the man really knows how to mess things up, he got what he wanted in the end. Kind of. Because that ending…..what are the consequences for the future anyway?

[Sunny Lovestories · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes you need to read book 1 first. Ok, if you’ve done that, we can continue. Our favorite time traveling undertaker ,Gabriel, is still wrapping his head around things as he grieves the loss of his sister. Grief has no limits and the author did not lightly pass over this. We read through centuries of twisted characters that either leapt out of Beetlejuice or a horror novel depending on what chapter you’re in.

[Dawn Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading book 1 I was eagerly wanting to read book 2!! This one centred around the villain from book 1 Gabriel. Lucius writing had me feeling sorry for Gabriel and going through every emotion with him! The story took place mainly back in time which I found very interesting! I loved the storyline and learning so much more about Gabriel. I could not stop reading it! lots of action but also deep and emotional parts! The ending has left me wanting more!! highly recommend!!

[Hanne Matthiesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, dramatic and engrossing story driven by selfish and hidden as well as the purest motives, sibling love and loyalty - until death - and beyond. Gabriel Graves - the villain from volume 1 of the Thoprnhill Vampire Chronicles turns out to be a completely different and more complex character than first assumed. Dangerous and unexpected situations unfold - and crucially spin completely out of control. You just have to surrender - and hope for the best. The ending is heartbreaking but with an announced 3rd volume in sight, one can of course still HOPE for justice.

[SpookyKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant second installment of the Thornhill Vampire Chronicles! While I hoped this book would have picked up where the first finished since I enjoyed that one so much, it did not... Yet, I was beyond pleased with it! Such a wonderful back story of characters we met in the first book. Well done! LOVED it!

[Barbara Berry Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories and time travel

Be ready for a wild ride. Gabriel takes you on an unforgettable journey. Being a vampire has advantages and disadvantages. You will be entertained from the first page to the last. This series is one you don't want to miss.

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was really fun! Gabriel is a centuries old vampire who misses his sister dearly. He'd do anything to get her back, even travel through time and turn her. But the path to that isn't as simple as it seems! This one was exciting and fast paced, and a really interesting approach to vampirism.

[Claire-Louise Armstrong-Brealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I love this story's continuance, but please, stop with the American spellings for a UK based book!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book did not disappoint!

[Lola Jansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second part of the series.
Very good vampire story, lots of history and information.
It’s a bit difficult to understand at times but still very worth it imo!