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Blood of the Revenants #1
The Gloaming
Some fire burns hotter in the darkness...
For readers who enjoy Deborah Harkness's mix of history and the supernatural, Anne Rice's morally complex vampires, and Leigh Bardugo's sharp, contemporary dialogue comes a darkly captivating vampire tale that blends genres as skillfully as it blends gothic romance, danger and desire.
Erin Conrad has learned to live with the fire that burns in her blood – a rare gift that makes her a vânător, capable of sensing and destroying the vampires that stalk her city. By day, she pours lattes at the bookish coffee shop she co-owns. By night, she hunts, chasing justice, vengeance, and sometimes just survival. But every kill leaves her a little more hollow, a little more haunted by what she's becoming.
When her best friend is found dead, his death staged to look like suicide, Erin refuses to accept the lie. As more bodies fall, she follows a bloody trail that leads to two ancient vampires – and discovers someone is recreating their most infamous kills, with her friends as victims.
Her search seems hopeless, until a mysterious Scotsman appears when she needs him the most. Despite everything she knows about trusting strangers, Erin feels an undeniable pull toward him – a connection that threatens to unravel everything she believes about herself and her purpose.
Caught between powerful vampires with their own dark history, Erin must confront long-buried truths while a killer shadows her every move. As passion ignites between unlikely allies, she faces an impossible choice: cling to the vengeance that's defined her, or risk everything for a love that could destroy her – or finally make her whole.
The Gloaming is the first book in the Blood of the Revenants series.
For readers who enjoy Deborah Harkness's mix of history and the supernatural, Anne Rice's morally complex vampires, and Leigh Bardugo's sharp, contemporary dialogue comes a darkly captivating vampire tale that blends genres as skillfully as it blends gothic romance, danger and desire.
Erin Conrad has learned to live with the fire that burns in her blood – a rare gift that makes her a vânător, capable of sensing and destroying the vampires that stalk her city. By day, she pours lattes at the bookish coffee shop she co-owns. By night, she hunts, chasing justice, vengeance, and sometimes just survival. But every kill leaves her a little more hollow, a little more haunted by what she's becoming.
When her best friend is found dead, his death staged to look like suicide, Erin refuses to accept the lie. As more bodies fall, she follows a bloody trail that leads to two ancient vampires – and discovers someone is recreating their most infamous kills, with her friends as victims.
Her search seems hopeless, until a mysterious Scotsman appears when she needs him the most. Despite everything she knows about trusting strangers, Erin feels an undeniable pull toward him – a connection that threatens to unravel everything she believes about herself and her purpose.
Caught between powerful vampires with their own dark history, Erin must confront long-buried truths while a killer shadows her every move. As passion ignites between unlikely allies, she faces an impossible choice: cling to the vengeance that's defined her, or risk everything for a love that could destroy her – or finally make her whole.
The Gloaming is the first book in the Blood of the Revenants series.
523 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
12 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Dalton
3 books25 followersJamie Dalton writes supernatural fiction steeped in gothic atmosphere, weaving vampire mythology with psychological depth and threads of history. With a background in English and Psychology, she crafts characters haunted as much by their pasts as by the monsters around them.
A lifelong devotee of vampire lore – from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to classic gothic fiction – Jamie’s work offers a darker, more human take on the genre. Her stories explore grief, identity, moral ambiguity, and the quiet cost of survival, trading glamour for something raw and real.
Rooted in her Scottish heritage and shaped by her home in Sheffield, she draws inspiration from curious snaggles of history and the depths of the city, writing about the fragile line between love and ruin.
The Gloaming is her debut novel and the first in the Blood of the Revenants series.
For information on upcoming releases, sign up for Jamie's newsletter: https://www.jamiedalton.co.uk/subscribe
TikTok: @jamiedaltonauthor
A lifelong devotee of vampire lore – from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to classic gothic fiction – Jamie’s work offers a darker, more human take on the genre. Her stories explore grief, identity, moral ambiguity, and the quiet cost of survival, trading glamour for something raw and real.
Rooted in her Scottish heritage and shaped by her home in Sheffield, she draws inspiration from curious snaggles of history and the depths of the city, writing about the fragile line between love and ruin.
The Gloaming is her debut novel and the first in the Blood of the Revenants series.
For information on upcoming releases, sign up for Jamie's newsletter: https://www.jamiedalton.co.uk/subscribe
TikTok: @jamiedaltonauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
April 8, 2025
Reminiscent of A Discovery of Witches, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and supernatural tv shows of the early 2000s, I *thoroughly* enjoyed this book. I’ve been impatiently awaiting the vampire-lit renaissance for years, and am so pleased to be able to count this read among the gradual uptick.
The story was intriguing enough that I sped through it in only a couple of days- the characters were compelling, the world familiar but not distractingly modern, and although some of the twists were expected, I still found myself on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series, and will be watching its progress closely. I can easily see it becoming a future soothing, spooky favourite🤞🏻
Big thank you to netgalley and jamie for allowing me to read this arc 🦇🩸
The story was intriguing enough that I sped through it in only a couple of days- the characters were compelling, the world familiar but not distractingly modern, and although some of the twists were expected, I still found myself on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series, and will be watching its progress closely. I can easily see it becoming a future soothing, spooky favourite🤞🏻
Big thank you to netgalley and jamie for allowing me to read this arc 🦇🩸
May 21, 2025
3.25 ✰
𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌.
The book takes us through the streets of Sheffield, where Erin, a vampire hunter, finds her life turned upside down by the murders of people close to her.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is the vampire murder mystery. It is well plotted, with the right amount of enigma to keep the reader engaged. We discover clues at the same time as the characters. The murderer remains hidden until the end, maintaining the suspens and creating a real page-turner. I was really in and couldn’t put the book down!
The writing is very smooth and addictive! The only problem was the descriptions. The book sometimes linger on mundane details such as the movements and the actions of the characters. Some scenes are also redundant like when the FMC wants to get her mind off, she will always take a walk or she’ll go to work at the coffee shop, etc.
Another thing that didn’t work for me was the romance. The attraction between the two main characters is instant. Their relationship evolves too quickly to the point where it feels unnatural.
The pacing was a bit uneven. While the main plot is compelling, the middle of the book begins to slow down but the ending makes up for it.
Despite some flaws, the book was enjoyable and I am very curious to what is going to happen in the next book!
──⋆⋅ ୨♡୧ ⋅⋆──
• Vampires
• Vampire hunter
• Murder mystery
• Romance
• Urban fantasy
જ⁀➴ 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿, 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗔𝗥𝗖 <𝟯
𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌.
The book takes us through the streets of Sheffield, where Erin, a vampire hunter, finds her life turned upside down by the murders of people close to her.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is the vampire murder mystery. It is well plotted, with the right amount of enigma to keep the reader engaged. We discover clues at the same time as the characters. The murderer remains hidden until the end, maintaining the suspens and creating a real page-turner. I was really in and couldn’t put the book down!
The writing is very smooth and addictive! The only problem was the descriptions. The book sometimes linger on mundane details such as the movements and the actions of the characters. Some scenes are also redundant like when the FMC wants to get her mind off, she will always take a walk or she’ll go to work at the coffee shop, etc.
Another thing that didn’t work for me was the romance. The attraction between the two main characters is instant. Their relationship evolves too quickly to the point where it feels unnatural.
The pacing was a bit uneven. While the main plot is compelling, the middle of the book begins to slow down but the ending makes up for it.
Despite some flaws, the book was enjoyable and I am very curious to what is going to happen in the next book!
──⋆⋅ ୨♡୧ ⋅⋆──
• Vampires
• Vampire hunter
• Murder mystery
• Romance
• Urban fantasy
જ⁀➴ 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿, 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗔𝗥𝗖 <𝟯
May 12, 2025
In case the spoiler tags are not visible, this review contains spoilers, so please proceed with caution.
The murder mystery ended up being the main draw in this book for me. I must say that I needed to adjust my expectations along the way, though. It became clear to me that this is not the type of mystery where the reader tries to figure out the clues because it's not the reader who has the necessary information to do so but another character. I like both being surprised in a I-could-have-figured-this-out-because-there-was-clever-foreshadowing way and feeling satisfaction when I do happen to figure things out slightly ahead of time of the characters. This kind of surprise/satisfaction wasn't present here, but it was still an engaging experience that kept me reading. There could have been more urgency to find the killer, though. This only gets underlined by the characters not showing much care in taking protective measures.
I thought we would get more of the vampire hunter/vampire dynamic, a deep-dive into the inner conflict especially with growing feelings involved, but it was pretty surface level, in my opinion. On further reflection, this is another case of my prior expectations of the book having had an influence on how I viewed this story. It just would have been nice to have more of the inner conflict because that was one of the main things that has drawn my attention to this book initially. So I was waiting for something that was never fully explored, which isn’t really the book’s fault. I’m not saying that there’s nothing there, just that it’s more lukewarm than expected. They had an interesting starting point where , though.
There was some interesting vampire lore to discover here.
Apart from Erin, the characters felt quite flat to me. We get to know very little about Erin's friends that are killed early on. It would have helped me to form a closer connection to Erin by being shown these relationships more instead of mostly being told about them. I did like the Erin-and-Tom friendship the most, probably because that's what we're first introduced to and shown. I wish we could have seen more of it throughout the book.
The relationship-building of the friendships and romance felt pretty lacklustre to me. I didn't find it believable how quickly Erin trusted some of the vampires/ and called them friends. The romance relied too much on sexual tension and a prophecy-type of fated-mates situation that seemed to act as a stand-in for relationship development, in my opinion. I’m saying this because I think the characters weren't interacting enough to get to know each other in a way that would have justified terms like “friend” and “love”, so it came across as insta-love for me. If you're fine with mostly physical attraction meets insta-love due to a prophecy, you'll probably love this. I’m aware that my being demisexual and generally not being someone who uses words like “love” and “friend” quickly has a not-insignificant impact on how I view relationships in books. There just wasn’t enough built-up of the emotional connection and romantic tension for me to feel invested in the romance or the friendships that weren't already established as well as shown to us.
The writing itself was easy to read, and I liked the eerie sort of atmosphere it created.
Overall, this book wasn't for me, but it might be for others who like vampires, mysteries, and urban fantasy.
Characters: 4/10 x4
Relationships: 3/10 x4
Atmosphere/Vibes: 7/10
World-building/Setting: 4/10 x2
Writing: 7/10 x4
Plot/Pacing: 4/10 x3
Enjoyment: 4/10 x5
Total: ~4.48 = 2.25*
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Edited for clarity and adjustments after some reflection now that some time has passed after having read the book.
The murder mystery ended up being the main draw in this book for me. I must say that I needed to adjust my expectations along the way, though. It became clear to me that this is not the type of mystery where the reader tries to figure out the clues because it's not the reader who has the necessary information to do so but another character. I like both being surprised in a I-could-have-figured-this-out-because-there-was-clever-foreshadowing way and feeling satisfaction when I do happen to figure things out slightly ahead of time of the characters. This kind of surprise/satisfaction wasn't present here, but it was still an engaging experience that kept me reading. There could have been more urgency to find the killer, though. This only gets underlined by the characters not showing much care in taking protective measures.
I thought we would get more of the vampire hunter/vampire dynamic, a deep-dive into the inner conflict especially with growing feelings involved, but it was pretty surface level, in my opinion. On further reflection, this is another case of my prior expectations of the book having had an influence on how I viewed this story. It just would have been nice to have more of the inner conflict because that was one of the main things that has drawn my attention to this book initially. So I was waiting for something that was never fully explored, which isn’t really the book’s fault. I’m not saying that there’s nothing there, just that it’s more lukewarm than expected. They had an interesting starting point where , though.
There was some interesting vampire lore to discover here.
Apart from Erin, the characters felt quite flat to me. We get to know very little about Erin's friends that are killed early on. It would have helped me to form a closer connection to Erin by being shown these relationships more instead of mostly being told about them. I did like the Erin-and-Tom friendship the most, probably because that's what we're first introduced to and shown. I wish we could have seen more of it throughout the book.
The relationship-building of the friendships and romance felt pretty lacklustre to me. I didn't find it believable how quickly Erin trusted some of the vampires/ and called them friends. The romance relied too much on sexual tension and a prophecy-type of fated-mates situation that seemed to act as a stand-in for relationship development, in my opinion. I’m saying this because I think the characters weren't interacting enough to get to know each other in a way that would have justified terms like “friend” and “love”, so it came across as insta-love for me. If you're fine with mostly physical attraction meets insta-love due to a prophecy, you'll probably love this. I’m aware that my being demisexual and generally not being someone who uses words like “love” and “friend” quickly has a not-insignificant impact on how I view relationships in books. There just wasn’t enough built-up of the emotional connection and romantic tension for me to feel invested in the romance or the friendships that weren't already established as well as shown to us.
The writing itself was easy to read, and I liked the eerie sort of atmosphere it created.
Overall, this book wasn't for me, but it might be for others who like vampires, mysteries, and urban fantasy.
Characters: 4/10 x4
Relationships: 3/10 x4
Atmosphere/Vibes: 7/10
World-building/Setting: 4/10 x2
Writing: 7/10 x4
Plot/Pacing: 4/10 x3
Enjoyment: 4/10 x5
Total: ~4.48 = 2.25*
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Edited for clarity and adjustments after some reflection now that some time has passed after having read the book.
April 16, 2025
Wow. Just... wow. Jamie Dalton's "The Gloaming" is the vampire tale I never knew I needed and that completely captivated me. Initially, I admit the pacing felt deliberate, almost a whisper in the shadows. But trust me when I say this is intentional brilliance. This slow, methodical build is the very foundation upon which Dalton constructs an atmosphere so thick you can practically taste it. It's the quiet before the storm, the subtle stirring of something ancient and powerful.
And speaking of power, prepare to be utterly consumed by the slow-burn romance between Erin and her undeniably sexy, sultry vamp. The chemistry between these two is palpable, a simmering tension that crackles off the page. Dalton masterfully weaves their connection, allowing it to unfold with an intensity that left me breathless. Every stolen glance, every whispered word, felt charged with an electric energy. And for those who enjoy a little heat, be warned: there's one scene in particular that earns a solid 🌶️🌶️.5 rating!
But "The Gloaming" is more than just a captivating romance (and that one particularly spicy scene!). Dalton's world-building is nothing short of phenomenal. The intricate details and rich history woven into the narrative make it incredibly easy to lose yourself within its shadowy depths. The characters are equally well-crafted, each one feeling distinct and alive. I had no trouble at all picturing myself navigating this fascinating world alongside them.
I'm kicking myself for not having discovered Jamie Dalton's writing before now! "The Gloaming" has instantly made me a devoted fan. The anticipation for "The Vanator," the second book in the Blood of the Revenants series slated for 2026, is already building to a fever pitch. If you crave a meticulously crafted world, characters that leap off the page, a romance that simmers and occasionally ignites, then you absolutely NEED to pick up "The Gloaming." This ARC has left me utterly spellbound, and I have no doubt it will do the same for you. Five out of five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tagging the amazing folks at publisher and NetGalley! #Netgalley #TheGloaming #JamieDalton #generalfictionadult #romance #fantasy #indieauthor
***I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
And speaking of power, prepare to be utterly consumed by the slow-burn romance between Erin and her undeniably sexy, sultry vamp. The chemistry between these two is palpable, a simmering tension that crackles off the page. Dalton masterfully weaves their connection, allowing it to unfold with an intensity that left me breathless. Every stolen glance, every whispered word, felt charged with an electric energy. And for those who enjoy a little heat, be warned: there's one scene in particular that earns a solid 🌶️🌶️.5 rating!
But "The Gloaming" is more than just a captivating romance (and that one particularly spicy scene!). Dalton's world-building is nothing short of phenomenal. The intricate details and rich history woven into the narrative make it incredibly easy to lose yourself within its shadowy depths. The characters are equally well-crafted, each one feeling distinct and alive. I had no trouble at all picturing myself navigating this fascinating world alongside them.
I'm kicking myself for not having discovered Jamie Dalton's writing before now! "The Gloaming" has instantly made me a devoted fan. The anticipation for "The Vanator," the second book in the Blood of the Revenants series slated for 2026, is already building to a fever pitch. If you crave a meticulously crafted world, characters that leap off the page, a romance that simmers and occasionally ignites, then you absolutely NEED to pick up "The Gloaming." This ARC has left me utterly spellbound, and I have no doubt it will do the same for you. Five out of five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tagging the amazing folks at publisher and NetGalley! #Netgalley #TheGloaming #JamieDalton #generalfictionadult #romance #fantasy #indieauthor
***I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
March 27, 2025
Thank you to Jamie and Book Sirens for letting me have access to this wonderful book
Book cover: stunning
Characters: Intriguing
Suspense: Mid upwards.
Spice: OK
Straight off the bat this book was everything I didn't realise I was looking for. It was set in a place not so far away from me! it was gritty, held real, honest relationships between the pages and had a constant thread of mystery woven around vampires and their kind.
Without giving away spoilers- this was an interesting take on what we usually see in vampire books. I particularly liked how Dalton made it clear that these are not your 'average vamps!'
I loved the two main characters Erin/Nicolas and found Nicolas dynamic very interesting- my favourite interaction was the very first meeting. However I do wish their character development had been fleshed out a little more- a bit more tension would have made these two pop off the page. However knowing what I know now this could very well be in the next book!
Which I will definitely be reading.
Book cover: stunning
Characters: Intriguing
Suspense: Mid upwards.
Spice: OK
Straight off the bat this book was everything I didn't realise I was looking for. It was set in a place not so far away from me! it was gritty, held real, honest relationships between the pages and had a constant thread of mystery woven around vampires and their kind.
Without giving away spoilers- this was an interesting take on what we usually see in vampire books. I particularly liked how Dalton made it clear that these are not your 'average vamps!'
I loved the two main characters Erin/Nicolas and found Nicolas dynamic very interesting- my favourite interaction was the very first meeting. However I do wish their character development had been fleshed out a little more- a bit more tension would have made these two pop off the page. However knowing what I know now this could very well be in the next book!
Which I will definitely be reading.
May 5, 2025
**Thank you to BookSirens for the free advanced review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
AHHH!!
4.5 stars, without a doubt.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vampire Diaries in my college days and early adulthood, and still consider it to be one of my favorite shows ever. Though I have not dabbled with vampire/huntress storylines much since, this was exactly the book to re-light my obsession.
We are first introduced to Emily, the FMC vampire huntress. As a 30-something myself, I really enjoyed that she was closer to my age. It helped for her to be more relatable. She and her best friend Tom are currently reeling from the death of their other best friend, Jon. After another close-to-home death, a pattern emerges, drawing them to the conclusion that vampires are behind these deaths.
At the same time, Isabel and Nicholas (old vampires known for their once-notorious violent sprees) have come to town. While they seemingly fit the bill initially for these deaths, Emily is thrust into their world, becoming torn between her duties as a hunter and her growing curiosity. Can she trust these two vampires? Who is their friend Adam? Could these killings be the work of other, more powerful vampires?
As Emily learns more about these individuals, her friendship with Tom becomes strained, and he grapples with whether or not he can trust Isabel and Nicholas.
The events that unfold continue to become more personal to the group, and the action continues to grow to a boiling point throughout. There was never a dull moment in this book, and you are kept guessing through to the end. Speaking of which..
THAT. ENDING. !!!!!
I understand that the point of the inaugural book in a series is to draw the readers into the story and keep their interest so that they will have to continue the series, but I did NOT want to have so many unanswered questions! The suspense is killing me! I need to know soon!
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Nicholas and Emily, as well as the other members of the “group”, and I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds. The writing style was pretty easy to read, and included some interesting historical anecdotes/references as well. Mostly told through Erin’s perspective, the author creates a new world, with a different take on the paranormal and the rules that dictate the myths behind them.
I also really enjoyed that towards the very end, we got to read chapters told from the other characters’ points of view as well. I really hope the sequel(s) continue(s) to let the story be told through their eyes as well.
Now please, release that sequel in early 2026 so I can keep reading!
AHHH!!
4.5 stars, without a doubt.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vampire Diaries in my college days and early adulthood, and still consider it to be one of my favorite shows ever. Though I have not dabbled with vampire/huntress storylines much since, this was exactly the book to re-light my obsession.
We are first introduced to Emily, the FMC vampire huntress. As a 30-something myself, I really enjoyed that she was closer to my age. It helped for her to be more relatable. She and her best friend Tom are currently reeling from the death of their other best friend, Jon. After another close-to-home death, a pattern emerges, drawing them to the conclusion that vampires are behind these deaths.
At the same time, Isabel and Nicholas (old vampires known for their once-notorious violent sprees) have come to town. While they seemingly fit the bill initially for these deaths, Emily is thrust into their world, becoming torn between her duties as a hunter and her growing curiosity. Can she trust these two vampires? Who is their friend Adam? Could these killings be the work of other, more powerful vampires?
As Emily learns more about these individuals, her friendship with Tom becomes strained, and he grapples with whether or not he can trust Isabel and Nicholas.
The events that unfold continue to become more personal to the group, and the action continues to grow to a boiling point throughout. There was never a dull moment in this book, and you are kept guessing through to the end. Speaking of which..
THAT. ENDING. !!!!!
I understand that the point of the inaugural book in a series is to draw the readers into the story and keep their interest so that they will have to continue the series, but I did NOT want to have so many unanswered questions! The suspense is killing me! I need to know soon!
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Nicholas and Emily, as well as the other members of the “group”, and I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds. The writing style was pretty easy to read, and included some interesting historical anecdotes/references as well. Mostly told through Erin’s perspective, the author creates a new world, with a different take on the paranormal and the rules that dictate the myths behind them.
I also really enjoyed that towards the very end, we got to read chapters told from the other characters’ points of view as well. I really hope the sequel(s) continue(s) to let the story be told through their eyes as well.
Now please, release that sequel in early 2026 so I can keep reading!
April 24, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jamie Dalton for the ARC of The Gloaming.
I appreciate the chance to give an honest review. This book honestly had a strong start with such a dreamy, weirdly eerie feel. Right away it felt like slipping into a half-forgotten memory or one of those dreams that lingers a little too long. It’s about grief 😞 and longing and holding on to something that's fading, and I really liked the way the characters reflected that emotionally. There’s a softness to the way things unfold here, but also some really sharp edges you don’t always see coming.The characters were interesting and layered, especially the main one ( I try not to name drop to much) , I found myself liking them even when I didn’t fully understand them, which is rare for me. there’s a kind of sadness wrapped in every choice they make. And the world building? lowkey stunning. It’s subtle but rich, like it was painted with shadows instead of bold lines. I liked how it didn’t rush to explain every detail but still felt complete. The magic felt more emotional than technical, and it worked for this type of story which tells alot about the Jamie Dalton, they know how to write ❤️❤️❤️
If I had to take off a star for anything, I’d say it’s that some parts felt a little too floaty. I love a lyrical vibe but sometimes it leaned so heavily into being poetic that it got a little muddy, if that makes sense? Like I wanted more solid ground in a few spots. Just something to hold on to while everything else swirled around. I def reread a few parts just to catch what was being said beneath the flowy language.BUT BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH AN AMAZING READ IT STILL STANDS AT 5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
So 5 stars from me. The Gloaming felt like it was written with a quiet ache that sticks around after you finish. It’s haunting but soft. Not a fast-paced fantasy, but something deeper and more personal. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a story that feels more like a slow dive into a memory than a plot-driven race. Emotional, atmospheric, and beautifully sad.I WANT MOREEEEEE 😭😭
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jamie Dalton for the ARC of The Gloaming.
I appreciate the chance to give an honest review. This book honestly had a strong start with such a dreamy, weirdly eerie feel. Right away it felt like slipping into a half-forgotten memory or one of those dreams that lingers a little too long. It’s about grief 😞 and longing and holding on to something that's fading, and I really liked the way the characters reflected that emotionally. There’s a softness to the way things unfold here, but also some really sharp edges you don’t always see coming.The characters were interesting and layered, especially the main one ( I try not to name drop to much) , I found myself liking them even when I didn’t fully understand them, which is rare for me. there’s a kind of sadness wrapped in every choice they make. And the world building? lowkey stunning. It’s subtle but rich, like it was painted with shadows instead of bold lines. I liked how it didn’t rush to explain every detail but still felt complete. The magic felt more emotional than technical, and it worked for this type of story which tells alot about the Jamie Dalton, they know how to write ❤️❤️❤️
If I had to take off a star for anything, I’d say it’s that some parts felt a little too floaty. I love a lyrical vibe but sometimes it leaned so heavily into being poetic that it got a little muddy, if that makes sense? Like I wanted more solid ground in a few spots. Just something to hold on to while everything else swirled around. I def reread a few parts just to catch what was being said beneath the flowy language.BUT BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH AN AMAZING READ IT STILL STANDS AT 5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
So 5 stars from me. The Gloaming felt like it was written with a quiet ache that sticks around after you finish. It’s haunting but soft. Not a fast-paced fantasy, but something deeper and more personal. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a story that feels more like a slow dive into a memory than a plot-driven race. Emotional, atmospheric, and beautifully sad.I WANT MOREEEEEE 😭😭
April 14, 2025
This one is for the dark coffee drinkers, the late-night readers, and anyone who’s ever fallen for a vampire with issues. Bonus points for the Dr. Martens energy.
The Gloaming is what happens when gothic romance, vampire lore, and urban fantasy walk into a coffee shop—and then set it on fire. Erin pours lattes by day and slays bloodsuckers by night, and honestly? What a vibe
Scottish vampire who shows up with perfect timing, killer secrets, and undeniable chemistry. The tension between him and Erin is off the charts. It’s all forbidden desire, sizzling glances, and “I should stake you but I kind of want to kiss you first” energy. I was screaming. Silently. While reading in public.
Saying that.. the ending .. wtf ... when's the next one?
The Gloaming is what happens when gothic romance, vampire lore, and urban fantasy walk into a coffee shop—and then set it on fire. Erin pours lattes by day and slays bloodsuckers by night, and honestly? What a vibe
Scottish vampire who shows up with perfect timing, killer secrets, and undeniable chemistry. The tension between him and Erin is off the charts. It’s all forbidden desire, sizzling glances, and “I should stake you but I kind of want to kiss you first” energy. I was screaming. Silently. While reading in public.
Saying that.. the ending .. wtf ... when's the next one?
April 25, 2025
The Gloaming is an enthralling story that will capture and enrapture you from start to finish. A twisting gothic romance with vampire lore and fantasy woven together to set your heart racing, Erin and Dalton are end-game superb. The chemistry between these two is a slow-burn build-up that rises throughout the story in the most enticing way. A fascinating must-read for all in search of a deeply-moving romantasy.
June 20, 2025
My favourite read of the year so far!
From the start I was hooked, on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
This story had me laughing, gasping and crying. Literally invoked all of the feels.
I cannot wait for book 2 to see where the story leads.
I love the depth of emotions I can feel from each of the main characters, really makes you understand their perspective and empathise with them.
From the start I was hooked, on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
This story had me laughing, gasping and crying. Literally invoked all of the feels.
I cannot wait for book 2 to see where the story leads.
I love the depth of emotions I can feel from each of the main characters, really makes you understand their perspective and empathise with them.
June 16, 2025
Genuinely loved the way this book was written. It’s been a while since fantasy has felt original but this book does it well. The characters felt real and it was easy to connect to them.
I’m happy I got the chance to be an arc reader for this book and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity!
I’m happy I got the chance to be an arc reader for this book and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity!
April 23, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
The Gloaming by Jamie Dalton
What’s not to like about vampire stories?
After finishing The Gloaming, I am still thinking about it. Erin, Nicholas, Izzie, Adam, and Tom will be my companions as I silently wonder when I will get to read the sequel. This book is a fun read! If you like The Vampire Chronicles or Buffy - I highly recommend The Gloaming.
Erin - a vampire hunter - lost one of her best friends under suspicious circumstances. It is up to her and her other friend Tom to discover what happened. During the investigation, they meet Nicholas and Izzie, two ancient vampires. They also meet Adam, a mutual acquaintance of Nick and Izzie. Tension arise between Nick and Erin as they’re attracted to each other from the start. How will their bond affect the murder investigation? Who is perpetrating all the killings?
I loved Erin as the FMC. She is strong, loyal, and dedicated to her mission. However, her dedication does not make her less empathetic towards others even her sworn enemies. Throughout the story, we see her vulnerability and development. I like reading about flawed MCs and their ability to overcome obstacles.
Nicholas as the MMC is interesting. He has an undeniable bond with Erin, and a strange friendship with Izzie. His overprotectiveness gave softness to Erin’s character.
If anything, I wish we had more time getting to know the villain in the story. The introduction of the villain seemed rushed and the resolution a little anticlimactic. Still, I was guessing majority of the book who the murdered was. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong.
I also wished that some of the other characters were developed more in terms of the backstory. There were instances when I wondered if the book is a sequel because it seemed that characters like Jon and Tom did not have enough backstory. The narrative that focused on them did not explain a lot their closeness to Erin.
Overall, the story was great. It’s a great combination of suspense, thriller, action, and romance. I can’t wait to read the sequel which will be released next year.
The Gloaming by Jamie Dalton
What’s not to like about vampire stories?
After finishing The Gloaming, I am still thinking about it. Erin, Nicholas, Izzie, Adam, and Tom will be my companions as I silently wonder when I will get to read the sequel. This book is a fun read! If you like The Vampire Chronicles or Buffy - I highly recommend The Gloaming.
Erin - a vampire hunter - lost one of her best friends under suspicious circumstances. It is up to her and her other friend Tom to discover what happened. During the investigation, they meet Nicholas and Izzie, two ancient vampires. They also meet Adam, a mutual acquaintance of Nick and Izzie. Tension arise between Nick and Erin as they’re attracted to each other from the start. How will their bond affect the murder investigation? Who is perpetrating all the killings?
I loved Erin as the FMC. She is strong, loyal, and dedicated to her mission. However, her dedication does not make her less empathetic towards others even her sworn enemies. Throughout the story, we see her vulnerability and development. I like reading about flawed MCs and their ability to overcome obstacles.
Nicholas as the MMC is interesting. He has an undeniable bond with Erin, and a strange friendship with Izzie. His overprotectiveness gave softness to Erin’s character.
If anything, I wish we had more time getting to know the villain in the story. The introduction of the villain seemed rushed and the resolution a little anticlimactic. Still, I was guessing majority of the book who the murdered was. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong.
I also wished that some of the other characters were developed more in terms of the backstory. There were instances when I wondered if the book is a sequel because it seemed that characters like Jon and Tom did not have enough backstory. The narrative that focused on them did not explain a lot their closeness to Erin.
Overall, the story was great. It’s a great combination of suspense, thriller, action, and romance. I can’t wait to read the sequel which will be released next year.
May 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Jamie Dalton for the ARC!
100% Gives me early vampire craze days! I loved everything about it and it felt like I sped through it! The wording and language in this book was so smooth and not disjointed at all which made for a great reading experience. The slow build was so tastefully done and well crafted you could sink your teeth into it (ha, pun!) The chemistry was so tasteful and almost velvet, I was always anticipating and reveling in the moments.
100% Gives me early vampire craze days! I loved everything about it and it felt like I sped through it! The wording and language in this book was so smooth and not disjointed at all which made for a great reading experience. The slow build was so tastefully done and well crafted you could sink your teeth into it (ha, pun!) The chemistry was so tasteful and almost velvet, I was always anticipating and reveling in the moments.
April 24, 2025
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for the ARC in exchange for a honest review
3.5 stars rounded up.
The premise was intriguing and the characters had potential, but there were a few pacing issues and plot points that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Still, the worldbuilding was immersive, and there were definitely scenes that kept me hooked. I’d recommend this to readers who love Buffy vibes and don’t mind a slower burn.(I was yearning for some tension between the 2 MCs) Not perfect, but it's definitely worth the read, I think this was maybe just the starter and book 2 will give off everything that I feel was missing.
3.5 stars rounded up.
The premise was intriguing and the characters had potential, but there were a few pacing issues and plot points that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Still, the worldbuilding was immersive, and there were definitely scenes that kept me hooked. I’d recommend this to readers who love Buffy vibes and don’t mind a slower burn.(I was yearning for some tension between the 2 MCs) Not perfect, but it's definitely worth the read, I think this was maybe just the starter and book 2 will give off everything that I feel was missing.
April 2, 2025
This was a definite page Turner. The way the characters found their inner strength, and each other was the reason you couldn’t put the book down. The grief and pain only made the love more heartfelt from each character. I had forgotten that this was the beginning of a series, so when I got to the end, I was upset the book was over. As long as this book took to write, I hope the second one comes quickly.
May 1, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for providing an advance copy to me. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it lived up to expectations.
This was a big 4.5, which I've rounded up to a 5. I loved this! This is exactly what I needed. An vampire urban fantasy with all the 00s vibes. Why aren't there more books about vampires set in the real world? Just give me Angel and Buffy vibes, that's all I need.
Erin is a vampire hunter in the UK, and she finds out one of her best friends has died. She and her friend, Tom, investigate into what happened as there are more that seems to meet the eye. They get tangled up in a world of ancient immortals on a quest to find out who the killer is.
I loved that it was set if Sheffield of all places. I love it when a book is set in a city that isn't London, Cambridge, Oxford or Edinburgh. I could feel the realism, I could imagine being there and that's what's great about an urban fantasy book set in an average city.
Adam was my favourite character, there's one particular scene with Erin and Adam that I particularly loved. He's a great idea for a character and I want to see more of him. Nicholas kind of gave me this Angel vibe, but if Angel was Scottish. Dark and broody with past baggage.
I really liked one of Tom's developments towards the end of the book. I wish I could talk in detail about some of my favourite scenes but I want to keep this a spoiler free review so I'm not going into detail but there's some really satisfying scenes.
The dynamic between the mortals and immortals was great. I've always found that dynamic interesting, like Giles and Spike, or David and Lestat, or Daniel and Louis. Immortal/mortal dynamics are my fave.
The pacing was great, there wasn't a massive lull at any point, something was constantly kicking off or moving the story forward.
There were just some little tiny things that stopped it being a full five for me. There were parts where I struggled with Nicholas' romantic dialogue. Maybe I don't read enough romance, but boy did he come on strong. Tom and Jon's names had me a tad confused at the start, but I got over it. I also wish Cole had continued being called Cole, even if they had another name. Those are my only quibbles, it was great, so many great scenes in this book.
If you like a vampire story where vampires walk among us in every day life, then you're going very much enjoy this book. I cannot wait for the next one.
This was a big 4.5, which I've rounded up to a 5. I loved this! This is exactly what I needed. An vampire urban fantasy with all the 00s vibes. Why aren't there more books about vampires set in the real world? Just give me Angel and Buffy vibes, that's all I need.
Erin is a vampire hunter in the UK, and she finds out one of her best friends has died. She and her friend, Tom, investigate into what happened as there are more that seems to meet the eye. They get tangled up in a world of ancient immortals on a quest to find out who the killer is.
I loved that it was set if Sheffield of all places. I love it when a book is set in a city that isn't London, Cambridge, Oxford or Edinburgh. I could feel the realism, I could imagine being there and that's what's great about an urban fantasy book set in an average city.
Adam was my favourite character, there's one particular scene with Erin and Adam that I particularly loved. He's a great idea for a character and I want to see more of him. Nicholas kind of gave me this Angel vibe, but if Angel was Scottish. Dark and broody with past baggage.
I really liked one of Tom's developments towards the end of the book. I wish I could talk in detail about some of my favourite scenes but I want to keep this a spoiler free review so I'm not going into detail but there's some really satisfying scenes.
The dynamic between the mortals and immortals was great. I've always found that dynamic interesting, like Giles and Spike, or David and Lestat, or Daniel and Louis. Immortal/mortal dynamics are my fave.
The pacing was great, there wasn't a massive lull at any point, something was constantly kicking off or moving the story forward.
There were just some little tiny things that stopped it being a full five for me. There were parts where I struggled with Nicholas' romantic dialogue. Maybe I don't read enough romance, but boy did he come on strong. Tom and Jon's names had me a tad confused at the start, but I got over it. I also wish Cole had continued being called Cole, even if they had another name. Those are my only quibbles, it was great, so many great scenes in this book.
If you like a vampire story where vampires walk among us in every day life, then you're going very much enjoy this book. I cannot wait for the next one.
May 6, 2025
OMG im in love after reading this have fell for the early 2000 all over again it's based within England but reading it, it didn't feel modern it felt oldy worldly there were twist and revolutions throughout the book that keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. It did take me a while as I struggled with the whole Microsoft word and it kept resetting where I was up to and it did start slow and the creep up and felt like a constant roller coaster but the ending has made me intrigued into what is to come next.. I will definitely be purchasing in paper form to re-read
Thabk you jamie for letting be apart of your adventure 🙂
Thabk you jamie for letting be apart of your adventure 🙂
May 24, 2025
The perfect vibes of vampires of 00s. That's the first thought that comes to mind. This book reminded me so much of the things I read as teen and it was a wonderful through back to that feeling. I *thoroughly* enjoyed this book.
The story was intriguing enough to make me finish it in a couple of days, and although some of the twists were expected, I still found myself on the edge of my seat and wanting to learn what'll happen next. I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series, and will be watching its progress closely.
Big thank you to netgalley and Jamie for allowing me to read this arc!
The story was intriguing enough to make me finish it in a couple of days, and although some of the twists were expected, I still found myself on the edge of my seat and wanting to learn what'll happen next. I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series, and will be watching its progress closely.
Big thank you to netgalley and Jamie for allowing me to read this arc!
April 30, 2025
Awesome, highly recommended. Vampires, modern day story. Packed with strong female characters, action and plot twists. Thank you to the author and looking forward to the sequel. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
April 18, 2025
Thank you for choosing me as an ARC reader for The Gloaming! I’m beyond honored!
A small thing I appreciated were the chapter titles; nice break from typical books that are just numbers
Being American, I struggled with the way Scottish words are written (didnae, dinnae, ken, cannae, wasnae, winnae) are hard for a non-Scottish person to understand the meaning. I had to Google words and phrases to try and understand. I also struggled with the French sentences towards the end; thankful my Kindle has translation on it! It did, however, really give a sense of Nick’s Scottish heritage!
Interesting premise; enjoyed the play back and forth between the characters and how Erin changed to understand the humanity of the vampires. I was confused with how Erin was Murray (Nicholas) soulmate? I know the prophesy from about being led to her; I feel like more of an explanation of vampire “mates” might be helpful? or maybe I just missed something!
5271 - “Cole” was the name utilized by Isabel instead of “Nicholas” or “Murray” - seemed like an error?
Do we know what Adam is and why he is immortal?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It definitely picked up on the second 2/3 and I enjoyed it a lot! Thank you!
A small thing I appreciated were the chapter titles; nice break from typical books that are just numbers
Being American, I struggled with the way Scottish words are written (didnae, dinnae, ken, cannae, wasnae, winnae) are hard for a non-Scottish person to understand the meaning. I had to Google words and phrases to try and understand. I also struggled with the French sentences towards the end; thankful my Kindle has translation on it! It did, however, really give a sense of Nick’s Scottish heritage!
Interesting premise; enjoyed the play back and forth between the characters and how Erin changed to understand the humanity of the vampires. I was confused with how Erin was Murray (Nicholas) soulmate? I know the prophesy from about being led to her; I feel like more of an explanation of vampire “mates” might be helpful? or maybe I just missed something!
5271 - “Cole” was the name utilized by Isabel instead of “Nicholas” or “Murray” - seemed like an error?
Do we know what Adam is and why he is immortal?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It definitely picked up on the second 2/3 and I enjoyed it a lot! Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
This book was so amazingly written and so original I loved the concept of the whole story ,the characters were original and the storyline was flawless I physically could not stop reading so desperate to find what happens next and Defo can't wait for book 2 I lost time and became so engrossed in the story.
June 3, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Erin Conrad lives a seemingly normal life in Sheffield. She and her two best friends co-own a coffee shop and she loves to work on art pieces in her attic. But she is living a double life. Erin can sense vampires and has supernatural hunting and healing skills, allowing her to kill them where others can't. But when Erin's friends start dying in bizarrely staged suicides, she knows something has shifted with the vampires in Sheffield. Erin and her friend Tom hit dead end after dead end in their investigation until a Scottish vampire appears and offers a way forward in the investigation. Erin feels an immediate attraction to him despite what he is, upending her entire worldview. But she needs his help to find out what's been happening to her friends and put a stop to the carnage.
This book has a lot going for it. The characters are vibrant, the world is rich and the actual conflict of the novel is compelling. It just took way too long to get going. The main plot of the book doesn't really solidify until 40% into the book, which is too long for a first book in a series. The author needs to get the reader onboard faster than that. Once the plot got going, the book was good– I really enjoyed myself– but it shouldn't take over 200 pages to get to the meat of the story.
The Gloaming is a true fated mates novel. The main love story is straight up a they meet and want to jump each other right away story so if that doesn't work for you, you're probably not going to like this. I don't mind fated mates so I was ok with it but it does seem like there is much more to the story that we'll get in the next book of the series.
I actually do think I am going to read the next book of this series, despite the issues I had with the first chunk of the book because the back half was well done. I think it indicates that Jamie Dalton has finished setting up the world and we're in the plot now. 3 stars.
Erin Conrad lives a seemingly normal life in Sheffield. She and her two best friends co-own a coffee shop and she loves to work on art pieces in her attic. But she is living a double life. Erin can sense vampires and has supernatural hunting and healing skills, allowing her to kill them where others can't. But when Erin's friends start dying in bizarrely staged suicides, she knows something has shifted with the vampires in Sheffield. Erin and her friend Tom hit dead end after dead end in their investigation until a Scottish vampire appears and offers a way forward in the investigation. Erin feels an immediate attraction to him despite what he is, upending her entire worldview. But she needs his help to find out what's been happening to her friends and put a stop to the carnage.
This book has a lot going for it. The characters are vibrant, the world is rich and the actual conflict of the novel is compelling. It just took way too long to get going. The main plot of the book doesn't really solidify until 40% into the book, which is too long for a first book in a series. The author needs to get the reader onboard faster than that. Once the plot got going, the book was good– I really enjoyed myself– but it shouldn't take over 200 pages to get to the meat of the story.
The Gloaming is a true fated mates novel. The main love story is straight up a they meet and want to jump each other right away story so if that doesn't work for you, you're probably not going to like this. I don't mind fated mates so I was ok with it but it does seem like there is much more to the story that we'll get in the next book of the series.
I actually do think I am going to read the next book of this series, despite the issues I had with the first chunk of the book because the back half was well done. I think it indicates that Jamie Dalton has finished setting up the world and we're in the plot now. 3 stars.
May 31, 2025
Actual Rating: 4.5/5 stars
This book was such a fun read. From the very beginning, the vibes were giving me Buffy, and I really enjoyed that. Just a (mostly) regular lady hunting vampires. And of course there is a hot mysterious vampire dude because what is a vampire hunter story without one. Regardless of the similarities, I did not feel like it borrows too much, it felt unique and fun and stands well on its own merits.
This book is also very well written. The dialogue flows naturally, the scenes move from one to the next without feeling abrupt or disjointed, and no one is making dumb decisions for the sake of plot. It’s refreshing to read a main character who actually self-reflects and thinks things through instead of immediately abandoning her beliefs because some cutie comes along. I will say the romance was a little rushed, but it still flowed naturally enough given the length of the book.
I flew through this book. The pacing is great, the banter is great, and the whole story felt exciting. I would also like to say there is a chance this book is just an ad for Doc Martens and if it is, I’m not even mad.
Even though I hate when books end on a cliffhanger, I had such a good time with this book and I am absolutely looking forward to the sequel. I would definitely purchase a finished copy and keep reading this series. If you’re feeling nostalgic for Buffy and want a book you can’t put down, this is the one for you.
I am deeply grateful to NetGalley and Jamie Dalton for this opportunity to read a digital ARC and provide my honest review.
This book was such a fun read. From the very beginning, the vibes were giving me Buffy, and I really enjoyed that. Just a (mostly) regular lady hunting vampires. And of course there is a hot mysterious vampire dude because what is a vampire hunter story without one. Regardless of the similarities, I did not feel like it borrows too much, it felt unique and fun and stands well on its own merits.
This book is also very well written. The dialogue flows naturally, the scenes move from one to the next without feeling abrupt or disjointed, and no one is making dumb decisions for the sake of plot. It’s refreshing to read a main character who actually self-reflects and thinks things through instead of immediately abandoning her beliefs because some cutie comes along. I will say the romance was a little rushed, but it still flowed naturally enough given the length of the book.
I flew through this book. The pacing is great, the banter is great, and the whole story felt exciting. I would also like to say there is a chance this book is just an ad for Doc Martens and if it is, I’m not even mad.
Even though I hate when books end on a cliffhanger, I had such a good time with this book and I am absolutely looking forward to the sequel. I would definitely purchase a finished copy and keep reading this series. If you’re feeling nostalgic for Buffy and want a book you can’t put down, this is the one for you.
I am deeply grateful to NetGalley and Jamie Dalton for this opportunity to read a digital ARC and provide my honest review.
May 28, 2025
as someone who’s entirely too vampirepilled, i really enjoyed this. a vampire murder mystery isn’t something i’ve read a lot or ever before and it was such a unique plot. it’s well thought out, nicely paced, and kept me hooked the whole time even though it’s a little long.
the world building is so rich and detailed, so so immersive. you can tell the author really put a lot of love into crafting this universe. the characters overall felt a bit bland, but erin carried this as the FMC. she’s strong, loyal, and focused on doing what needs to be done, but still shows these really vulnerable moments that made me root for her.
the romance was not really my favorite part, i’m not the biggest fan of instant love, and this one developed so quickly that it didn’t feel as organic, it lost me a bit there. but the smut? 9/10.
and that ending… yeah, i need more, as soon as possible. definitely continuing this series and super excited to see where it goes next.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC — opinions expressed in this review are my own
the world building is so rich and detailed, so so immersive. you can tell the author really put a lot of love into crafting this universe. the characters overall felt a bit bland, but erin carried this as the FMC. she’s strong, loyal, and focused on doing what needs to be done, but still shows these really vulnerable moments that made me root for her.
the romance was not really my favorite part, i’m not the biggest fan of instant love, and this one developed so quickly that it didn’t feel as organic, it lost me a bit there. but the smut? 9/10.
and that ending… yeah, i need more, as soon as possible. definitely continuing this series and super excited to see where it goes next.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC — opinions expressed in this review are my own
May 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
When I saw this book was great for fans of Anne Rice, I just had to read it! I’ve always loved vampire stories.
I really the book a lot. Erin, the main character, was interesting, but I wanted to understand more about why she really wanted to be a hunter, not just because of her powers. I really liked Nicolas from the start—he was kind, charming, and easy to like!
I also really enjoyed seeing Erin work together with the vampire team. That part was alot of fun. The only thing I didn’t like was Erin’s best friend. He just annoyed me a bit and truly became a thorn in my eye haha.
The writing was smooth and easy to follow. It was a fun read overall! Also that ending? Give me more right now please!🙏🏻
I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys vampire stories! 🌹
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
When I saw this book was great for fans of Anne Rice, I just had to read it! I’ve always loved vampire stories.
I really the book a lot. Erin, the main character, was interesting, but I wanted to understand more about why she really wanted to be a hunter, not just because of her powers. I really liked Nicolas from the start—he was kind, charming, and easy to like!
I also really enjoyed seeing Erin work together with the vampire team. That part was alot of fun. The only thing I didn’t like was Erin’s best friend. He just annoyed me a bit and truly became a thorn in my eye haha.
The writing was smooth and easy to follow. It was a fun read overall! Also that ending? Give me more right now please!🙏🏻
I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys vampire stories! 🌹
May 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It felt quite different from other books I've read and I loveeeed the mystery element of trying to figure out what was going on! I guessed wrong many times 🤣 also who doesn't love a handsome, Scottish vampire! Thank you to Jamie and Book Sirens for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my honest review!
May 1, 2025
I absolutely loved "The Gloaming." Jamie Dalton's writing is fantastic. And as someone who knows Sheffield, the setting felt incredibly real and added so much.
The characters are deep and well-rounded, and watching Erin's friendships grow gradually was beautiful. Beyond that, the mystery element of the story was brilliant! I loved the murder mystery vibe I was getting and was desperately trying to guess who the real bad but was throughout.
And that ending? Wow! Absolutely stunning and leaves you desperate for the next book. Highly recommend this captivating read, especially if you enjoy a great vampire fantasy book with a beautiful romance included.
The characters are deep and well-rounded, and watching Erin's friendships grow gradually was beautiful. Beyond that, the mystery element of the story was brilliant! I loved the murder mystery vibe I was getting and was desperately trying to guess who the real bad but was throughout.
And that ending? Wow! Absolutely stunning and leaves you desperate for the next book. Highly recommend this captivating read, especially if you enjoy a great vampire fantasy book with a beautiful romance included.
May 13, 2025
The Gloaming is a lovely debut that features paranormal suspense and supernatural intrigue. The intricate world-building and beautiful character development that the author has created will immediately draw you into her richly imagined universe. The gripping storyline and complex characters are a perfect blend of gritty realism and supernatural elements. Anyone who loves dark fantasy and supernatural romance will find this book completely captivating. As the first book in the Blood of the Revenants series, The Gloaming sets a high bar for its successors!
April 27, 2025
Yummy scottish vampire & a kick a*s vampire hunter = absolutely yes!
The chemistry was off the charts sizzling!
I loved everything about this book. Had me hooked from the start.
Was major Buffy the vampire slayer vibes and I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings because there better be a book 2 with an ending like that!
Was given a free arc by book sirens and all opinions are my own and freely given!
The chemistry was off the charts sizzling!
I loved everything about this book. Had me hooked from the start.
Was major Buffy the vampire slayer vibes and I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings because there better be a book 2 with an ending like that!
Was given a free arc by book sirens and all opinions are my own and freely given!
April 13, 2025
The vampire renaissance is here, and The Gloaming is leading the parade!
It's easy to forget this is a debut novel, it's so well written. It's the kind of book that grabs you from the first line, sinks its fangs in, and never lets go until it leaves you a broken mess at the end, longing for more.
Jamie takes the literary style of sympathetic vampires that Anne Rice created and truly makes it her own. The Sheffield setting is rich, and the unexpectedly perfect backdrop for an urban fantasy that genuinely had me second-guessing what's "real" and what's fiction.
The dialogue is artful, to say the least. Every conversation flows like the pages are literally speaking to you. Every character is reach-out-and-grab-you alive with their own unique voice, personality, and mysterious backstories that leave you ravenous for more.
It reminds me of Harry Potter in that you can tell with every page that even the smallest details count, and the larger picture is a well-thought-out masterpiece that the full series promises to deliver.
It's so refreshing that while other authors are info-dumping their world-building and backstories, Jamie proves that the art of weaving those elements into the story is not lost. This is an author who trusts her readers, not one who dumbs it down for them.
If you like your fantasy spoon-fed to you, this book isn't for you. If you like unrealistic romance or douchebag love interests, this book isn't for you. But if you're looking for a sharp, witty, compelling vampire story for the ages, The Gloaming is the edge-of-your-seat read you've been waiting for.
This is vampires the way they're meant to be. This is a new standard for all romantasy books. What more could you ask for?
It's easy to forget this is a debut novel, it's so well written. It's the kind of book that grabs you from the first line, sinks its fangs in, and never lets go until it leaves you a broken mess at the end, longing for more.
Jamie takes the literary style of sympathetic vampires that Anne Rice created and truly makes it her own. The Sheffield setting is rich, and the unexpectedly perfect backdrop for an urban fantasy that genuinely had me second-guessing what's "real" and what's fiction.
The dialogue is artful, to say the least. Every conversation flows like the pages are literally speaking to you. Every character is reach-out-and-grab-you alive with their own unique voice, personality, and mysterious backstories that leave you ravenous for more.
It reminds me of Harry Potter in that you can tell with every page that even the smallest details count, and the larger picture is a well-thought-out masterpiece that the full series promises to deliver.
It's so refreshing that while other authors are info-dumping their world-building and backstories, Jamie proves that the art of weaving those elements into the story is not lost. This is an author who trusts her readers, not one who dumbs it down for them.
If you like your fantasy spoon-fed to you, this book isn't for you. If you like unrealistic romance or douchebag love interests, this book isn't for you. But if you're looking for a sharp, witty, compelling vampire story for the ages, The Gloaming is the edge-of-your-seat read you've been waiting for.
This is vampires the way they're meant to be. This is a new standard for all romantasy books. What more could you ask for?
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