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The Damnedest Thing
Janus has been alive for over two thousand years. He's traveled the world, watched empires rise and fall, made friends and enemies with humans and fellow vampires alike. But these days, all Janus aspires to do is to enjoy the peace and quiet, painting the evenings away.
Quite the opposite, his dearest friend Etienne wouldn't know the meaning of the word 'peace.' He's always getting himself into trouble, something Janus has previously sat back and lectured about from afar.
Unfortunately, this time Etienne has bitten off far more than he can chew.
And he's dragged poor Janus right into it with him.
Hiding from the consequences of their (Etienne's) actions, the pair are on the run. Following lead after lead, they hunt down banshees, wayward spirits, kappa, and other not-so-friendly beings, intending to take their heads—while hoping to save their own.
Quite the opposite, his dearest friend Etienne wouldn't know the meaning of the word 'peace.' He's always getting himself into trouble, something Janus has previously sat back and lectured about from afar.
Unfortunately, this time Etienne has bitten off far more than he can chew.
And he's dragged poor Janus right into it with him.
Hiding from the consequences of their (Etienne's) actions, the pair are on the run. Following lead after lead, they hunt down banshees, wayward spirits, kappa, and other not-so-friendly beings, intending to take their heads—while hoping to save their own.
164 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2025
8 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 31, 2025
A dash of a creepy doll tale, a mash of Supernatural and the creatures to be hunted all whipped together with Anne Rice’s vampires and you get the adventures of Janus and Etienne.
We all have that one friend that drags us into “those” situations but we still love them dearly. That hasn’t changed in over two thousand years since Janus has been alive 🧛🏻♂️
This is a short supernatural novella with a love story at its heart. This is book 1 of The Uncursed. Grab a copy and sink your teeth in, happy hunting … I mean reading ⚰️
We all have that one friend that drags us into “those” situations but we still love them dearly. That hasn’t changed in over two thousand years since Janus has been alive 🧛🏻♂️
This is a short supernatural novella with a love story at its heart. This is book 1 of The Uncursed. Grab a copy and sink your teeth in, happy hunting … I mean reading ⚰️
May 24, 2025
4.5 *
An enjoyable read about two vampires who find themselves in a bit of trouble with the vampire council. I particularly liked the different monstrous myths and legends that were explored. A whirlwind of a book that I devoured - very readable!
An enjoyable read about two vampires who find themselves in a bit of trouble with the vampire council. I particularly liked the different monstrous myths and legends that were explored. A whirlwind of a book that I devoured - very readable!
April 12, 2025
Didn’t know I needed to read about vampires interacting with all manner of mythical creatures, and yet here I am, super glad for it. Also, the way I will take this vampire duo over ahemmmm other vampire duos literally any day. Lol.
May 25, 2025
This was very boring and also calling it a m-m-romance is a stretch.
But i guess this book was just not for me.
I didn't like the "summary-like" writing style - it fits, yes, bcs Janus is telling the story to someone (us), but it took everything interesting out of the story. The fights? Finished within one sentences or max. half a page. Stuff like "Then i defeated it." Wow, much interesting. Also what was missing, was the whole emotional stuff you expect when reading something in first person. There was none - expect that Janus loved Amadeus, loved Ettiene (but not like that, ugh), and if he calls him Bane of Existence one more time, i vomit.
Also a weird choice is that Etienne is in fact NOT the love interest, it's Amadeus, who shows up in the last 20% of the book????? Like, why did I even bother reading about Janus and Etienne then? About their oh so platonic friendship? (Which also, only got cleared up after 70% of the book.)
Well whatever. I guess it's nice enough for enough people. It reminded me a lot of Interview with a Vampire tho. Do what u want with that info.
But i guess this book was just not for me.
I didn't like the "summary-like" writing style - it fits, yes, bcs Janus is telling the story to someone (us), but it took everything interesting out of the story. The fights? Finished within one sentences or max. half a page. Stuff like "Then i defeated it." Wow, much interesting. Also what was missing, was the whole emotional stuff you expect when reading something in first person. There was none - expect that Janus loved Amadeus, loved Ettiene (but not like that, ugh), and if he calls him Bane of Existence one more time, i vomit.
Also a weird choice is that Etienne is in fact NOT the love interest, it's Amadeus, who shows up in the last 20% of the book????? Like, why did I even bother reading about Janus and Etienne then? About their oh so platonic friendship? (Which also, only got cleared up after 70% of the book.)
Well whatever. I guess it's nice enough for enough people. It reminded me a lot of Interview with a Vampire tho. Do what u want with that info.
March 5, 2025
The Damnedest Thing is a fresh and fun take on the vampire genre, as the 2,000-year-old Janus (and I thought I was feeling my age at 41) and younger, far more impulsive Etienne embark on an adventure - a world tour, really - to try and clear themselves after Etienne's chaotic nature gets him, and by extension Janus, into trouble.
While the first in a series, it can be read as a standalone. Rooted in the dark fantasy genre as well as horror, it's an enjoyable romp with relatable characters and it's hard not to feel sorry for Janus and everything he puts up with.
Graves is a special talent, as Last of the Real Ones showed, and this is no exception. With a lively and arresting style, and well paced so it packs a lot in without rushing it, it's a pleasure to read. I liked particularly how many creatures from folklore and myth were included, giving it a feeling that there are stories to be told any which way in this particular universe.
I also enjoyed the creepy doll story at the beginning. As a father who, let's be honest, has caved once (well, maybe more than once) in the face of a small daughter it made me wonder what sort of entity I might have brought into the house unwittingly. Thanks for that Hannah...
While the first in a series, it can be read as a standalone. Rooted in the dark fantasy genre as well as horror, it's an enjoyable romp with relatable characters and it's hard not to feel sorry for Janus and everything he puts up with.
Graves is a special talent, as Last of the Real Ones showed, and this is no exception. With a lively and arresting style, and well paced so it packs a lot in without rushing it, it's a pleasure to read. I liked particularly how many creatures from folklore and myth were included, giving it a feeling that there are stories to be told any which way in this particular universe.
I also enjoyed the creepy doll story at the beginning. As a father who, let's be honest, has caved once (well, maybe more than once) in the face of a small daughter it made me wonder what sort of entity I might have brought into the house unwittingly. Thanks for that Hannah...
April 6, 2025
Here goes an honest review. Spoiler altert. I liked it overall. It's a story about friendship and lost love. Of choices we can't take back that totally change our life and others. It was a fun novella. The short first bit threw me off because I kept looking for it to come back around later in the book. I do suggest reading trigger warnings. I also suggest a trigger warning for those who believe in Christ. There is a bit of mockery in this. It also threw me off because it talks about baptism, yet it doesn't fit the narrative. What need of baptism if you don't believe in the being it exists for?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
This is such a fun read!
I fell in love with Janus from the first page. He has so much personality and is the best narrator to listen to. He could have given step by step instructions on how to change a tire and I would have been enthralled.
Janus and Etienne go on an action-packed adventure to slay an assortment of awesome and terrifying monsters. Some of them I'd never even heard of before and had to do research on.
I feel terrible for reading this in a single sitting because the author probably spent years writing this story, but I couldn't help it. I'm so excited for any future installments.
I fell in love with Janus from the first page. He has so much personality and is the best narrator to listen to. He could have given step by step instructions on how to change a tire and I would have been enthralled.
Janus and Etienne go on an action-packed adventure to slay an assortment of awesome and terrifying monsters. Some of them I'd never even heard of before and had to do research on.
I feel terrible for reading this in a single sitting because the author probably spent years writing this story, but I couldn't help it. I'm so excited for any future installments.
March 23, 2025
I was initially hooked by the voice. It feels like Janus is conversing with you like an old friend who is witty, well-spoken, and a bit sarcastic. I was sucked into this world of vampires and other creatures. It reminds me of True Blood meets Supernatural meets Anne Rice.
I think people who prefer dark fantasy with elements of horror with humor and heart will enjoy this immensely. It was a fun read.
I think people who prefer dark fantasy with elements of horror with humor and heart will enjoy this immensely. It was a fun read.
March 16, 2025
What a fun vampire story! The Damnedest Thing follows Janus, a very old vampire from Ancient Rome who has to help his chaotic and reckless friend Etienne who has committed the unthinkable crime that’s punishable by death: turn a child into a vampire. He helps Etienne dispose of the body and all evidence, but just when they’re safe from the Vampire Council finding out…they are told to appear before the Council. Knowing that this means death, they go on the run. We follow them across the world as they fight monsters in an effort to appease the council. Full disclosure, the author is a friend of mine but that has not affected my review in any way.
Janus is a fantastic main character. He’s everything an ancient vampire should be: gay, sarcastic and done with everyone’s bullshit. Especially Etienne’s, because why would you think it’s a good idea to commit a crime punishable by death? Speaking of Etienne, what a bundle of chaos and bad ideas that guy is. He’s much younger than Janus, so he’s had less time for his vampiric frontal love to develop.
There’s a beautiful display of platonic intimacy and affection between Janus and Etienne, who are the closest of friends. Yes they’re both gay, but they have their own respective love interests, and those LI are not at all threatened by their affection for each other!
This book errs on the longer side of a novella, which is perfect. Janus is the mc and the narrator, telling his story to you, the reader. This all lent itself really well to the episodic, road trip esque style of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! Definitely for fans of Interview with the Vampire, but also for fans of Supernatural! (It’s me, I’m the Supernatural fan) 5/5 stars
Janus is a fantastic main character. He’s everything an ancient vampire should be: gay, sarcastic and done with everyone’s bullshit. Especially Etienne’s, because why would you think it’s a good idea to commit a crime punishable by death? Speaking of Etienne, what a bundle of chaos and bad ideas that guy is. He’s much younger than Janus, so he’s had less time for his vampiric frontal love to develop.
There’s a beautiful display of platonic intimacy and affection between Janus and Etienne, who are the closest of friends. Yes they’re both gay, but they have their own respective love interests, and those LI are not at all threatened by their affection for each other!
This book errs on the longer side of a novella, which is perfect. Janus is the mc and the narrator, telling his story to you, the reader. This all lent itself really well to the episodic, road trip esque style of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! Definitely for fans of Interview with the Vampire, but also for fans of Supernatural! (It’s me, I’m the Supernatural fan) 5/5 stars
April 7, 2025
There’s something deliciously indulgent about sinking your teeth into a vampire novel that doesn’t apologise for being fun. The Damnedest Thing had me grinning like a teenager who’s just discovered their first supernatural crush—before promptly being thrown into a nest of philosophical vampire angst, bloody fights, and wry banter that actually made me laugh out loud.
Janus, our narrator, is exactly the kind of vampire I’ve been missing in recent years: ancient, magnetic, a bit of a drama queen, and entirely too aware of his own charm. He doesn’t sparkle—thank God—but he does brood in that eloquent, literary way that makes you want to light a cigarette and spiral into existential dread with him. Etienne, his partner in crime/love/mutual destruction brings just the right amount of grounding, though there’s plenty simmering under his surface too.
What surprised me most was how clever the book is. Yes, it’s got monster hunting, mystery, and some properly cinematic action, but it also has a kind of emotional intelligence you don’t always get in vampire fiction. It’s not just blood and eyeliner—it’s grief, history, survival, and identity. And Graves’ writing? Sharp, lush, and occasionally brutal in the best way.
I devoured this in one sitting and immediately wished I’d paced myself. If you’re someone who misses the classic vampire novels but have been lusting after something with more of a modern edge, The Damnedest Thing is a bloody delight. I’ll be first in line for book two.
Janus, our narrator, is exactly the kind of vampire I’ve been missing in recent years: ancient, magnetic, a bit of a drama queen, and entirely too aware of his own charm. He doesn’t sparkle—thank God—but he does brood in that eloquent, literary way that makes you want to light a cigarette and spiral into existential dread with him. Etienne, his partner in crime/love/mutual destruction brings just the right amount of grounding, though there’s plenty simmering under his surface too.
What surprised me most was how clever the book is. Yes, it’s got monster hunting, mystery, and some properly cinematic action, but it also has a kind of emotional intelligence you don’t always get in vampire fiction. It’s not just blood and eyeliner—it’s grief, history, survival, and identity. And Graves’ writing? Sharp, lush, and occasionally brutal in the best way.
I devoured this in one sitting and immediately wished I’d paced myself. If you’re someone who misses the classic vampire novels but have been lusting after something with more of a modern edge, The Damnedest Thing is a bloody delight. I’ll be first in line for book two.
February 16, 2025
The Damnedest Thing is a fun, fast paced novella following two a pair of vampires on the run. Think Interview with the Vampire takes a road trip. The main character, Janus, has a strong and appealing character voice and following along on his monster hunting escapades proved an entertaining escape.
This is the start of a series, so I’m not unhappy that the story left me wanting more. To be clear, I do want more. I’m intrigued by the rich diversity of folkloric creatures present in the story (mermaids, witches, kappas, a banshee, and many more) and hope the next books continue to flesh out the setting and let readers explore the world.
Without spoilers, Janus grew on me as a character, as did the supporting cast. I’m interested in how the relationships will evolve in the future. And while this is a start of a series, it does have a complete arc of its own.
This book is for folks looking for lite horror vibes, plenty of action, and of course, queer vampires. It’s a quick read, even for me (super slow reader here), with crisp language and fast pacing. It satisfies the part of me who binged the TV show Grim, and I’m looking forward to more.
This is the start of a series, so I’m not unhappy that the story left me wanting more. To be clear, I do want more. I’m intrigued by the rich diversity of folkloric creatures present in the story (mermaids, witches, kappas, a banshee, and many more) and hope the next books continue to flesh out the setting and let readers explore the world.
Without spoilers, Janus grew on me as a character, as did the supporting cast. I’m interested in how the relationships will evolve in the future. And while this is a start of a series, it does have a complete arc of its own.
This book is for folks looking for lite horror vibes, plenty of action, and of course, queer vampires. It’s a quick read, even for me (super slow reader here), with crisp language and fast pacing. It satisfies the part of me who binged the TV show Grim, and I’m looking forward to more.
May 1, 2025
Oh the feels in this vampire book. I don’t know if I have read any other book that has delved deeper into the problems with being alive for as long as a vampire does. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not boring and miserable, but Etienne, one of the main characters just can’t stop himself from finding out what happens when he does things he is not supposed to mostly one assumes because he’s bored. His latest “experiment” leads to problems for him and his friend Janus who he ends up on the run with which leads to lots more high jinx and adventures.
Hannah Rebekah Graves has written a jewel of a book as far as I am concerned. She writes as our (slightly unreliable) narrator Janus and she captures his “voice” marvelously. She also packs in a lot of creatures from folklore as the things that Janus and Etienne get rid of in their quest to get back into the good graces of their council. It all comes across like a paranormal on the road buddy story. I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hannah Rebekah Graves has written a jewel of a book as far as I am concerned. She writes as our (slightly unreliable) narrator Janus and she captures his “voice” marvelously. She also packs in a lot of creatures from folklore as the things that Janus and Etienne get rid of in their quest to get back into the good graces of their council. It all comes across like a paranormal on the road buddy story. I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2025
The Damndest Thing tells the tale of a couple of gay vampires on the run from a council whose punishment could possibly be death. Janus and Ettiene bicker like an old married couple, and though not together, it's clear they have feelings for each other. Janus plays straight (no, not that straight) man to Ettiene's careless, devil-may-care attitude, and the results are highly entertaining. Deciding that in order to endear the council to them and thus forgive their transgressions, the two embark on a monster-killing spree. I especially enjoyed the Scottish scarecrow thing and the Russian drekavac. The haunted Irish castle had me wanting to make reservations should it ever become an Air BNB. Make no mistake, Hannah is a talented author. Her stories are extremely well-written and flow like a storm -enraged crawdead creek in east Texas. Y'all get this book. It's the first of a series, so more gay vampire shenanigans are forthcoming.
March 17, 2025
Imagine an Anne Rice novel but condensed into fast-paced novella and a lot more unhinged. If you do, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what The Damnedest Thing has to offer.
Chaotic vampires take a monster hunting road-trip in an attempt to escape the consequences of their actions, more specifically Etienne’s actions (bane of existence TM). Along the way they encounter a lot of creatures that are not typically present in vampire stories: kappas, mermaids etc. I found this help give this world a bit of a unique flavor in comparison with its peers.
The writing here is lush and full of snark as we are told the story through Janus’ voice. He makes for a compelling protagonist and narrator with plenty of brooding and bickering.
All in all it was a lot of fun. Highly recommend for fans of Anne Rice or vampire stories in general.
Chaotic vampires take a monster hunting road-trip in an attempt to escape the consequences of their actions, more specifically Etienne’s actions (bane of existence TM). Along the way they encounter a lot of creatures that are not typically present in vampire stories: kappas, mermaids etc. I found this help give this world a bit of a unique flavor in comparison with its peers.
The writing here is lush and full of snark as we are told the story through Janus’ voice. He makes for a compelling protagonist and narrator with plenty of brooding and bickering.
All in all it was a lot of fun. Highly recommend for fans of Anne Rice or vampire stories in general.
May 1, 2025
The Damnedest Thing had a very interesting, inventive storyline, and I enjoyed the friendship between Janus and Etienne (with some queer vibes, though both characters are in love with someone else).
However, the style of writing didn't do much to hold my attention. I also started to really struggle with the phrase "you are the bane of my existence" - I understand it was supposed to be a sort of cute, affectionate joke, but the ways in which the author inserted into the story often made the dialogue feel clunky and the phrase overused. For a novella, it took me way longer to read than it should have simply because of the tone/style of the writing...
But, again, I enjoyed the overall plot, and I would be willing to give the author's works another try.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However, the style of writing didn't do much to hold my attention. I also started to really struggle with the phrase "you are the bane of my existence" - I understand it was supposed to be a sort of cute, affectionate joke, but the ways in which the author inserted into the story often made the dialogue feel clunky and the phrase overused. For a novella, it took me way longer to read than it should have simply because of the tone/style of the writing...
But, again, I enjoyed the overall plot, and I would be willing to give the author's works another try.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2025
This was such a unique tale on a vampire story. Imagine being thousands of years old and not only clarifying some misguided notions but also sharing some tales with readers. I loved how annoyed and over things that Janus was. However, no matter how annoyed he was, he still went above and beyond for Etienne (the bane of his existence). Let's face it, we all have that one friend who gets us into difficult situations. We also get a bit of action with the hunting of supernatural creatures which is fun. This was just so entertaining. It was also a quick read as it would technically be considered a novella. Plus, you get a fun and creepy doll story at the beginning as a little added bonus. Definitely worth checking out.
April 6, 2025
This book evokes dark perfection in a style all its own as it explores vampires like nothing I've ever before delved into in ways that masterfully bridge dark fantasy and horror. It has become my new comfort read. I foresee The Damnedest Thing, and its Author Hannah Graves carving out a place alongside the genre greats such as Anne Rice as she takes up the crown as the new and undisputed queen of Vampire stories, and so much more.
I simply cannot wait to see what Hannah has in store for us all next...
I simply cannot wait to see what Hannah has in store for us all next...
March 10, 2025
Hannah Rebekah Graves takes the reader on a supernatural discovery in this novella. Janus & Etienne have such a beautiful friendship that it is easy to connect with the characters. Reminiscent of Interview with a vampire in style, you have the added bonus of meeting other supernatural & mythological creatures with the lore to go with them. If you are a fan of queer vampire fiction, this one will satisfy your taste.
May 16, 2025
Finished reading The Damnedest Thing last week, and I’m still thinking about it. Hannah’s writing took me back to the days when I lived and breathed everything Anne Rice. Those early days when I fell in love with prose and the blistering humanity of Ricean vampires. Her book took me home.
And if that wasn’t enough, the parade of monsters we meet fed all my yōkai / monster obsessions.
If you’re an Anne Rice fan, you need pick up this book NOW.
And if that wasn’t enough, the parade of monsters we meet fed all my yōkai / monster obsessions.
If you’re an Anne Rice fan, you need pick up this book NOW.
March 23, 2025
I was honestly hooked from the TW page. There were vampires so there was gore, sure, but also bromance, laughs, monster hunting, and a little groveling to win back the dude Janus majorly messed up with. If you are into vampires, or MM, or monster hunting, or just fun little reads… this is it!
May 7, 2025
This was a really fun read that will have you rooting for the main characters throughout their adventures. The ending was sweet too. But I did wish for me backstory on what happened with Amadeus.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2025
The book was a fantastic read. I had a magnificent storyline, terrific characters and great world building. It was a definite page to must read, and I would definitely highly recommend a book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2025
Book was more queer than I anticipated, but well. The plot and suspense was really good. So overall, I enjoyed this book and would definitly recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2025
I loved the pace of the story, it suited the tale told.
A great lovestory intertwined with vampire-'politics', hunting paranormal entities and touring the world.
Recommandations galore!
A great lovestory intertwined with vampire-'politics', hunting paranormal entities and touring the world.
Recommandations galore!
June 26, 2025
Nenadchne, neurazí, totálně nechápu to vysoké hodnocení něčeho, co má jen 150 stran.
July 1, 2025
An absolutely charming vampire novel, very much in the style of early Anne Rice. Darkly funny, fast-paced and very enjoyable. The chemistry and banter between the characters draws you in.
March 3, 2025
I was so so so excited to read this one and it did not disappoint. The cover is gorgeous, the writing is SO well done, and the plot is executed well. The stakes are high, the characters jump off the page. YES. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews