What do you think?
Rate this book
Of Lightning and Silver
In 1810 England’s Mage Society, Miss Phoebe Eaton begins her training as a Vampire Hunter.
Phoebe's Lightning magic is valuable, but her caring nature is hardly the trait of a fighter. Her sparking fingers tend to set off accidental fires more often than not.
Constable Jakob Weber saves Phoebe’s life during an ill-fated hunt that claims a colleague. After Jakob goes missing, Phoebe witnesses a brutal mass assassination at the hands of a newly sired vampire.
Determined to find answers, she embarks on a mission with her team. She is soon captured and held inside an elegant mansion lair, where she finds Jakob—imprisoned as a blood slave. A trio of bat-shifting vamps feast upon the two of them, while Mage henchmen keep them trapped with cruel magic.
Phoebe must use her powers and wits to escape, reunite with her team, defeat her fanged enemies—and save the man who has claimed her heart.
Regency-era romantic fantasy with vampire villains, a plucky and curvy heroine, a brooding cinnamon-roll leading man, a flight across Europe on a Pegasi-driven carriage, and a swoony, forced-proximity love story.
Phoebe's Lightning magic is valuable, but her caring nature is hardly the trait of a fighter. Her sparking fingers tend to set off accidental fires more often than not.
Constable Jakob Weber saves Phoebe’s life during an ill-fated hunt that claims a colleague. After Jakob goes missing, Phoebe witnesses a brutal mass assassination at the hands of a newly sired vampire.
Determined to find answers, she embarks on a mission with her team. She is soon captured and held inside an elegant mansion lair, where she finds Jakob—imprisoned as a blood slave. A trio of bat-shifting vamps feast upon the two of them, while Mage henchmen keep them trapped with cruel magic.
Phoebe must use her powers and wits to escape, reunite with her team, defeat her fanged enemies—and save the man who has claimed her heart.
Regency-era romantic fantasy with vampire villains, a plucky and curvy heroine, a brooding cinnamon-roll leading man, a flight across Europe on a Pegasi-driven carriage, and a swoony, forced-proximity love story.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2024
30 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Julianne Munich
7 books67 followersJulianne lives in Wisconsin with her husband and son, while her two daughters are grown and flown.
She writes romantic fantasy filled with swoony and sweet love stories, angst, magical world-building in period settings, battles, and adventure.
When not writing, Julianne enjoys reading, baking, traveling with her family, taking walks outdoors, and watching true crime or historical dramas on Netflix.
She writes romantic fantasy filled with swoony and sweet love stories, angst, magical world-building in period settings, battles, and adventure.
When not writing, Julianne enjoys reading, baking, traveling with her family, taking walks outdoors, and watching true crime or historical dramas on Netflix.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 22, 2025
This story starts with a bang! It is all action and intrigue from the get go! I loved the historical gothic setting it was unique and well executed! The story is everything you want in a fantasy and keeps you engaged and excited till the end! An absolute 5 star read!!!!
February 2, 2025
Captured . . .
Shy, quiet Phoebe Eaton is training to become a Vampire Hunter. She doesn’t seem to have the heart needed to hunt vampires, however. She is more gentle and kind than the typical hunter ready to clash with vicious vampires. When Constable Jakob Weber, a Mage law enforcer, saves Phoebe from a hunt gone wrong, he suddenly vanishes. She joins a group of Mages but ends up captured. She does find Jakob, but they both become the blood source for a trio of nasty vampires. Will they be rescued? Or will Phoebe and Jakob find a way to fight back and save themselves?
Shy, quiet Phoebe Eaton is training to become a Vampire Hunter. She doesn’t seem to have the heart needed to hunt vampires, however. She is more gentle and kind than the typical hunter ready to clash with vicious vampires. When Constable Jakob Weber, a Mage law enforcer, saves Phoebe from a hunt gone wrong, he suddenly vanishes. She joins a group of Mages but ends up captured. She does find Jakob, but they both become the blood source for a trio of nasty vampires. Will they be rescued? Or will Phoebe and Jakob find a way to fight back and save themselves?
December 22, 2024
Wonderful action packed blend of historical and fantasy
I started reading this book because it promised to be a historical fantasy and it totally delivered. Where do I start?
Varied, relatable characters. With a lovable but imperfect main character and weird and dark villains. Which brings me to a point which I was sad about, but probably makes the story more dramatic, a few sympathetic main and secondary characters are killed of in an unsuspected way.
But this tool probably adds to the story, which contains action, drama, dilemma and some romance. It all happens l in quite a pace but is still possible to follow the story. This book really is a pageturner with a perfect blend of history, magic, and fantasy that keeps you captivated till the end.
I started reading this book because it promised to be a historical fantasy and it totally delivered. Where do I start?
Varied, relatable characters. With a lovable but imperfect main character and weird and dark villains. Which brings me to a point which I was sad about, but probably makes the story more dramatic, a few sympathetic main and secondary characters are killed of in an unsuspected way.
But this tool probably adds to the story, which contains action, drama, dilemma and some romance. It all happens l in quite a pace but is still possible to follow the story. This book really is a pageturner with a perfect blend of history, magic, and fantasy that keeps you captivated till the end.
November 2, 2024
Vampire Hunt Anyone?
This fantasy story featuring mages, vampires and mundanes always had some thing happening. I quite enjoyed Phoebe as a main character. She comes across as a very average sort of woman trying her best to contribute to society. Watching the story unfold as she is wrapped up in the quest to dispose of vampires was interesting right from the various people she met all the action she was involved with along the way. Meeting Jakob early in the story and having his personal connection wrapped up in this vampire hunt was also very interesting. Overall this was an entertaining read that kept me engaged right to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This fantasy story featuring mages, vampires and mundanes always had some thing happening. I quite enjoyed Phoebe as a main character. She comes across as a very average sort of woman trying her best to contribute to society. Watching the story unfold as she is wrapped up in the quest to dispose of vampires was interesting right from the various people she met all the action she was involved with along the way. Meeting Jakob early in the story and having his personal connection wrapped up in this vampire hunt was also very interesting. Overall this was an entertaining read that kept me engaged right to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2025
I'm not a traditional reader of this genre but I am glad I gave it a shot. The protagonist, Phoebe, in this vampire-hunting novel with romantic splashes appropriate enough for your teenage daughter, isn't your typical heroine who Jennifer Lawrence could portray, but rather someone along the lines of a likeable version of Rebel Wilson, if that's even possible. Young Phoebe, a vampire huntress who wields lightning like Emperor Palpatine but for purposes of decency, tracks the sophisticated undead in early 19th Century London. Without giving away much, the sophisticates capture her and the object of her affection, Jakob (no, he’s not a hunky werewolf from the Pacific Northwest, but he IS hunky), using them as bloodslaves, consigning them to dreary, life-draining servitude in a mansion. What I enjoyed most about this part of the book was the claustrophobia it induces. You feel like you’re trapped in that mansion with them, pissed off at their heartless captors, wondering how they’re going to get out without their vampire masters turning them into one of their own. Munich creates her own magical world with Mundanes (the oblivious portion of the population born without magical powers) and Mages (the magical guardians of the realm). Their powers are as varied (e.g., Phoebe shoots lightning, others can heal) as their origins. There’s a Scottish vampire hunter who’s next to impossible to understand at times (and this reflects reality as I’ve been to Scotland and couldn’t figure out what people were saying to me, and it was IN English), along with a French pair of hunters. Jakob, a mage himself, hails from Germany as does his evil vampire father. But I don’t want to spoil things. Phoebe is the self-conscious star of the book and I love that she’s not some cookie-cutter heroine, but an awkward young woman trying to find her place in this uncertain, sooty world. (It is London, after all.)
November 26, 2024
Of Lightning and Silver is a fantasy romance set in the early 1800s. A kind and sympathetic mage named Phoebe has the inherited power of lightning magic. As a woman in her society, she's not allowed to use her lightning for combat until a mage lawman asks her to help with the problem of vampires.
Vampires have reawakened from a long hibernation. They are invading humans' homes to feed upon their blood, and can only be exterminated by the "three S"- sunlight, silver, and staking.
They have the ability to brainwash people to do their bidding and are using powerful mages as their henchmen and minions.
Phoebe is thrown into this frightening new world of vampires along with Jakob, a handsome (and sometimes broody but for understandable reasons!) mage officer who is sadly caught between his police career- and his troubled family.
The very cute slow-burn romance and adventure that follows is delightful! The villains are sinister, the group of supporting characters are a joy (special mention to the Scottish constable, Davey Mackinnon) There are some sad moments and tearjerker character deaths.
This book kept me flipping my kindle pages, cheering, 'awww'-ing, and rooting for the heroes to the very end!
A captivating read!
Vampires have reawakened from a long hibernation. They are invading humans' homes to feed upon their blood, and can only be exterminated by the "three S"- sunlight, silver, and staking.
They have the ability to brainwash people to do their bidding and are using powerful mages as their henchmen and minions.
Phoebe is thrown into this frightening new world of vampires along with Jakob, a handsome (and sometimes broody but for understandable reasons!) mage officer who is sadly caught between his police career- and his troubled family.
The very cute slow-burn romance and adventure that follows is delightful! The villains are sinister, the group of supporting characters are a joy (special mention to the Scottish constable, Davey Mackinnon) There are some sad moments and tearjerker character deaths.
This book kept me flipping my kindle pages, cheering, 'awww'-ing, and rooting for the heroes to the very end!
A captivating read!
May 26, 2025
I was excited to see that this book is set in the same world as the author's previous Mages in the Mundane series.
This standalone romantic fantasy was even better! Set during the early 1800s, the Regency times, with magical locations in England, Germany, even Scotland, with a short (bittersweet) chapter set in the wizard village in France once again.
There are family connections between this book and the author's previous series, too. The grown children of a character in the Mages trilogy appear as side characters in the vampire hunters team. I LOVED Sebastien!
The main character, Phoebe, is likeable and relatable and I enjoyed going through the thrilling vampire hunting adventure in her shoes.
Jakob is the character I really fell for! He's handsome, protective, dashing, and resilient. I felt sorry for what he went through with his family and wanted to hug him. (I'm personally friends with a set of identical twins. Terrible to imagine one losing the other!)
The romance between Phoebe and Jakob, just like in her other books, was fluffy, sweet, and passionate without explicit spice. For me, that's perfect.
This standalone romantic fantasy was even better! Set during the early 1800s, the Regency times, with magical locations in England, Germany, even Scotland, with a short (bittersweet) chapter set in the wizard village in France once again.
There are family connections between this book and the author's previous series, too. The grown children of a character in the Mages trilogy appear as side characters in the vampire hunters team. I LOVED Sebastien!
The main character, Phoebe, is likeable and relatable and I enjoyed going through the thrilling vampire hunting adventure in her shoes.
Jakob is the character I really fell for! He's handsome, protective, dashing, and resilient. I felt sorry for what he went through with his family and wanted to hug him. (I'm personally friends with a set of identical twins. Terrible to imagine one losing the other!)
The romance between Phoebe and Jakob, just like in her other books, was fluffy, sweet, and passionate without explicit spice. For me, that's perfect.
July 30, 2025
This isn’t your average vampire book. Set in 1810 England, it follows a world where vampire hunters wield magic to fight the undead, while the “mundanes” remain blissfully unaware of either. Our lovable main character, Phoebe, is training to become a vampire hunter. Her lightning magic has only ever sparked kitchen fires—now she’s trying to knock vampires out of the sky, though she mostly ends up setting things ablaze in less-than-safe ways.
Enter Constable Jakob Weber, the newest member of the Mage law force, who rescues Phoebe during her first hunt—then promptly disappears. From there, Phoebe witnesses a brutal massacre, gets kidnapped, and even becomes a blood slave.
None of this is a spoiler—it’s all in the book’s synopsis, and it definitely sounded intriguing. But for me, the story fell a bit flat. There wasn’t much backstory, and I felt like I was dropped into the middle of things without a strong connection to the characters. The plot didn’t quite grab me, and I found myself losing interest.
Maybe I’ve just read too many vampire books. That said, the cover is absolutely stunning! And I love that the author is from my home state of Wisconsin—I’m really looking forward to meeting her at Booked Eau Claire in September.
Enter Constable Jakob Weber, the newest member of the Mage law force, who rescues Phoebe during her first hunt—then promptly disappears. From there, Phoebe witnesses a brutal massacre, gets kidnapped, and even becomes a blood slave.
None of this is a spoiler—it’s all in the book’s synopsis, and it definitely sounded intriguing. But for me, the story fell a bit flat. There wasn’t much backstory, and I felt like I was dropped into the middle of things without a strong connection to the characters. The plot didn’t quite grab me, and I found myself losing interest.
Maybe I’ve just read too many vampire books. That said, the cover is absolutely stunning! And I love that the author is from my home state of Wisconsin—I’m really looking forward to meeting her at Booked Eau Claire in September.
October 13, 2024
It's interesting how authors can take a character trope and turn it into a bitter enemy or an exalted hero just by building it into a story.
Take a vampire, for example. there are books which make you see them as benevolent, powerful beings, trying their best to help humans, and there are others describing their habits and way of life in so much detail that you can really believe they must be real - and others painting them as the evilest of all evil. And this makes me wonder how a talented writer can make us even like these mythical beings, feeding - when all is said and done - on human blood!
This book has an interesting approach, where powerful witches can be vanquished like they are nothing by almost invulnerable vampires. It's a strange world, where supernatural beings coexist but don't mix with humans, and the rules are made to be broken, just like anything and everywhere else.
A good story.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Take a vampire, for example. there are books which make you see them as benevolent, powerful beings, trying their best to help humans, and there are others describing their habits and way of life in so much detail that you can really believe they must be real - and others painting them as the evilest of all evil. And this makes me wonder how a talented writer can make us even like these mythical beings, feeding - when all is said and done - on human blood!
This book has an interesting approach, where powerful witches can be vanquished like they are nothing by almost invulnerable vampires. It's a strange world, where supernatural beings coexist but don't mix with humans, and the rules are made to be broken, just like anything and everywhere else.
A good story.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
I read Julianne Munich's earlier books from the Paris-set "Mages in the Mundane" series, so I was happy to read the advanced copy of her newest book.
Phoebe is kind to a fault, often anxious, while her inner character voice is witty and spunky. As a vampire hunter, her journey to action heroine is wrought with hopeful starts and disappointing obstacles. I felt for her and rooted for her all the way.
Jakob develops from a stoic professional officer to a tortured, sensitive hero, enduring heartbreak due to his family of origin. I loved his sense of ethics and selflessness. No matter how much he was hurting, he wanted to protect Phoebe.
Their love story is just as sweet and endearing as the pairings from Ms. Munich's other works. One word: Pegasus!
The book does include more dark and tragic moments than the author's original series. The beautiful ending and tie-up of the romance, though, was satisfying and heartwarming.
Captivating romantic fantasy with vampires and a gothic feel.
Phoebe is kind to a fault, often anxious, while her inner character voice is witty and spunky. As a vampire hunter, her journey to action heroine is wrought with hopeful starts and disappointing obstacles. I felt for her and rooted for her all the way.
Jakob develops from a stoic professional officer to a tortured, sensitive hero, enduring heartbreak due to his family of origin. I loved his sense of ethics and selflessness. No matter how much he was hurting, he wanted to protect Phoebe.
Their love story is just as sweet and endearing as the pairings from Ms. Munich's other works. One word: Pegasus!
The book does include more dark and tragic moments than the author's original series. The beautiful ending and tie-up of the romance, though, was satisfying and heartwarming.
Captivating romantic fantasy with vampires and a gothic feel.
November 21, 2025
Of Lightning and Silver by Julianne Munich and it is a vampire hunter romantic fantasy! I love anything with vampires so this was absolutely on my TBR, plus I loved Buffy the vampire slayer so yeah! One night while training with Constable Bennington to be a vampire slayer, he is ice killed and Phoebe our, FMC is found by Constable Weber who is a kind young man who works at Bloodstone and the former Bennington. We find out that Phoebe is a lightning mage and she was helping Bennington when he was struck down by a vampire and his crew. The writing of this novel is fantastic. It is very engaging no matter when the time frame was supposed to take place in the story it works! I love how each person in the council has a different mage gift, that was creative and makes it more unique to each person. I loved that ending where everything wraps up nicely for the characters. I highly recommend this one to fans of vampires, vampire hunters, and just great writing!
January 23, 2025
When I chose this book, I was in the mood for dark romance and gothic horror, particularly with vampires. This was more of a gaslamp fantasy, but somehow it was exactly what I wanted.
The protagonist, Phoebe, is a vampire hunter. She was an awesome protagonist who made me smile.
The world that I escaped to felt magical, and I would have liked to stay there a little bit longer, especially as I have a soft spot for the Victorian era. This felt like an adventure, with a little bit of romance.
Although this is a standalone novel, it's set in the same Mages universe featured in some of the author's other novels. This was the first book that I've read by this author, but as I enjoyed this one, I may look into reading more.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The protagonist, Phoebe, is a vampire hunter. She was an awesome protagonist who made me smile.
The world that I escaped to felt magical, and I would have liked to stay there a little bit longer, especially as I have a soft spot for the Victorian era. This felt like an adventure, with a little bit of romance.
Although this is a standalone novel, it's set in the same Mages universe featured in some of the author's other novels. This was the first book that I've read by this author, but as I enjoyed this one, I may look into reading more.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2024
Someone who usually doesn't read romance ended up enjoying this book.
This story is charming with nice prose and a steady pace, primarily held up by an eminently lovable main character. Phoebe is hard not to love, and you're always eager to see what she's going to do with each challenge put before her. Seeing her thoughts and feelings intertwine with her magic is a great demonstration of how magic in this world works, and her relationships with each character is wonderful to see.
Regency-era romance is always better with vampires and mages who can shoot lightning from their fingertips. Phoebe and Jakob have a great thing going.
I received an ARC from BookSiren and offered this review voluntarily.
This story is charming with nice prose and a steady pace, primarily held up by an eminently lovable main character. Phoebe is hard not to love, and you're always eager to see what she's going to do with each challenge put before her. Seeing her thoughts and feelings intertwine with her magic is a great demonstration of how magic in this world works, and her relationships with each character is wonderful to see.
Regency-era romance is always better with vampires and mages who can shoot lightning from their fingertips. Phoebe and Jakob have a great thing going.
I received an ARC from BookSiren and offered this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2024
First, I have read all of Julianne's Mages in the Mundane series and was so glad to see the connection to this book. This book has all the charm of the prior series, with the addition of vampire hunting. To me, Jakob is the star of this book-his strength, patience, and overall personality added so much to the feel of the book. Phoebe, on the other hand, is very self-conscious, lacking self-confidence, and quite inept with her powers, just like a bumbling investigator in a sitcom. Keep writing in this wonderful magical world with more magical characters, Julianne! I did receive an ARC of this book.
November 21, 2025
This novel made me want to read another 300 pages. I read it in one sitting, even at night. The protagonist is a newly recruited vampire hunter. But what happens when a hunt goes horribly wrong and she ends up trapped in the vampire's lair? As a blood slave. Anything goes, especially since the missing agent she was searching for is also imprisoned there. If you like romance, you'll find it, but not too sappy. I loved everything because not only was there heart, but also many action scenes that kept me interested in reading. Spice ? I'd say absolutely sweet.
February 2, 2025
‘Never regret your actions’
Especially not when standing up against evil. Wrongdoers ofttimes lurk in the shadows and the general population is unaware of the havoc being wreaked. Those in the know just gotta do what they gotta do to protect Gotham City. If I’m blind to bad things happening to good people…then it’s better that I’m blind to our heroes and heroines keeping us safe.
Just remember, we can still do good even if we’re not perfect.
Especially not when standing up against evil. Wrongdoers ofttimes lurk in the shadows and the general population is unaware of the havoc being wreaked. Those in the know just gotta do what they gotta do to protect Gotham City. If I’m blind to bad things happening to good people…then it’s better that I’m blind to our heroes and heroines keeping us safe.
Just remember, we can still do good even if we’re not perfect.
May 18, 2025
I low key got this book because I thought Buffy but make it historical. Even if that’s not exactly what the story was it still was a great read no doubt. I enjoyed the blend of fantasy, paranormal and historical. The main character was sort of an unassuming person who happens to be put in a position to be a hero. I enjoyed that very much. Lots of action, mystery and vampires to me that’s a great read.
I received an ARC via StoryOrigin these are my sincere thoughts on this story.
I received an ARC via StoryOrigin these are my sincere thoughts on this story.
February 14, 2025
It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This book has strong, well-developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. This story is well written and will draw you into the characters emotions. You feel all their angst and love.
May 14, 2025
I love historical romances, and this book did not disappoint me. Plus, I love a book about vampire hunters. Laurell K Hamilton/Anita Blake's biggest fan here.
Plus a female vampire hunter -- oh yes I was in for this entire book.
5 stars for me and can't wait for more from Julianne
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Plus a female vampire hunter -- oh yes I was in for this entire book.
5 stars for me and can't wait for more from Julianne
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much! And I absolutely loved the main character, Phoebe! She is curvy, strong willed, and compassionate. The magic system was very interesting, I really enjoyed it! This book is fast paced, and I found myself not wanting to put it down. If you love a fantasy with magic battles, vampires, quests, and a super sweet love story, you should definitely check this one out!
November 18, 2025
Page turner!! Phoebe is a new vampire hunter in England and ends up captured and used as a blood slave. This alone gives me the have to read cover to cover in one sitting!! And what she doesn’t know is during her time in captivity romance will blossom. You have to read this amazing story!!
October 23, 2024
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
This was a very well laid out plot. Not what I initially expected, but still found it very interesting to read. The story moved quickly and the characters have depth. Definitely recommended
October 28, 2024
Regency-era romantic fantasy with vampire villains. This is a wonderful magical world with wonderful magical characters. Curious to see where Munich is going to take them next.
November 29, 2024
This was a great fantasy story I could not get enough of! Onto the next book please!
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2026
DNF. Didn't care for the characters at all. The FMC seemed really insipid
March 27, 2026
Romantic fantasy centered on a vampire hunt, a cast of great characters and a charming romance. This novel is a true page turner with some sad scenes. A sweet HEA ending.
April 3, 2026
Not my favorite
The characters were difficult to connect with and it was far too long. Even the ending dragged and I wondered if it would ever end.
The characters were difficult to connect with and it was far too long. Even the ending dragged and I wondered if it would ever end.
December 1, 2025
I thought this book was well written and the vampires were amazing! I love a vampire so this was perfect for me. I appreciate the inclusion of a curvy character, I love reading about people who look like me. I was caught off guard by some of the language because it was written to match the time period it is set in, but in the end I ended up enjoying that part. The romance and spicy scenes were tasteful, and I appreciate it how they continued the story because I feel like sometimes those kind of the scenes are just there for the sake of being there without any real purpose. The action scenes were phenomenal. I gave this book 4 1/2 stars and I would recommend to supernatural book lovers. It reminded me of Lynsay Sands and her Argueneau series. I think somewhere down the line I might read it again just so that way I can understand it better but overall the story was well thought out l. I think Julianne did a really good job and I look forward to reading other books by her.
May 12, 2025
For someone who usually doesn't love "historical romance" I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I absolutely LOVE the cover and the I adored the characters and story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews