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Metropolis Down
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26A relationship broken. A ship in distress.
Horrors that shatter minds. A song that changes reality
Jett Valla and Eddie Stone stand between life and death for a million souls.
But can they save each other?
The QSR Neo-Tokyo was the first ship in the Quasar Metropolis-class an immense spaceship housing a glittering, neon-lit city and half a million people. For forty-five years, it has traveled from Jupiter to Pluto and back without incident. For the last six years First Officer Eddie Stone and Head of Security Jett Valla have built a life together aboard the ship. But no longer.
When the Neo-Tokyo intercepts a corrupted distress signal, Jett and Eddie are forced back together to plan a rescue mission to the Golden Lion. But within the code lies an eerie song that haunts them both. They see and hear things that do not exist, and are bound together by its strange tune, forcing them to reckon with their lingering feelings for each other.
The song swells within the confines of the ghost ship, where only corpses and questions await them. Something within the hold tormented the ship and those horrors follow an unraveling Jett and Eddie back to the Neo-Tokyo. And when they think they are finally safe, the crowded streets of their city run red with blood. They must confront cosmic horrors once more, and there’s no guarantee that they, or the Neo-Tokyo, will survive.
Metropolis Down is an adult space horror novel about grief, trauma, redemption, and horrors beyond comprehension.
Horrors that shatter minds. A song that changes reality
Jett Valla and Eddie Stone stand between life and death for a million souls.
But can they save each other?
The QSR Neo-Tokyo was the first ship in the Quasar Metropolis-class an immense spaceship housing a glittering, neon-lit city and half a million people. For forty-five years, it has traveled from Jupiter to Pluto and back without incident. For the last six years First Officer Eddie Stone and Head of Security Jett Valla have built a life together aboard the ship. But no longer.
When the Neo-Tokyo intercepts a corrupted distress signal, Jett and Eddie are forced back together to plan a rescue mission to the Golden Lion. But within the code lies an eerie song that haunts them both. They see and hear things that do not exist, and are bound together by its strange tune, forcing them to reckon with their lingering feelings for each other.
The song swells within the confines of the ghost ship, where only corpses and questions await them. Something within the hold tormented the ship and those horrors follow an unraveling Jett and Eddie back to the Neo-Tokyo. And when they think they are finally safe, the crowded streets of their city run red with blood. They must confront cosmic horrors once more, and there’s no guarantee that they, or the Neo-Tokyo, will survive.
Metropolis Down is an adult space horror novel about grief, trauma, redemption, and horrors beyond comprehension.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
18 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Vesper Doom
9 books86 followersVesper Doom (she/they) is a queer, autistic writer from the greater Washington, DC area. She lives with her husband and two cats. When she isn’t writing, Vesper enjoys reading, playing video games, painting, and summoning forgotten gods for coffee.
You can find her online as @vesperdoom, and at vesperdoom.carrd.co.
You can find her online as @vesperdoom, and at vesperdoom.carrd.co.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 12, 2025
Reread 2025 - Sooooo amazing, ever still! I will always enjoy Doom's writing and I love Jett and Eddie with all my heart. Everything from my original review still holds true! 💕
Original review, 2023:
WOOOOO BOY. THIS WAS INTENSE. Even from the very beginning, our boys Jett and Eddie go through SO much. And just when you think things are getting better, it only gets ✨worse✨ but don't let that stop you. Because the cosmic horrors are SO worth it.
The bloody, gorey imagery with everything that happens with dead bodies, the ships, the mystery, ACK, ITS WHAT I LIVE FOR. And throw in a couple who's terribly co-dependent on each other, madly in love and suffering together?? That is the SHIT 🤌🤌 I want Jett and Eddie together forever. I am obsessed with these boys AHHHH 😭😭💕💖💕💖
Original review, 2023:
WOOOOO BOY. THIS WAS INTENSE. Even from the very beginning, our boys Jett and Eddie go through SO much. And just when you think things are getting better, it only gets ✨worse✨ but don't let that stop you. Because the cosmic horrors are SO worth it.
The bloody, gorey imagery with everything that happens with dead bodies, the ships, the mystery, ACK, ITS WHAT I LIVE FOR. And throw in a couple who's terribly co-dependent on each other, madly in love and suffering together?? That is the SHIT 🤌🤌 I want Jett and Eddie together forever. I am obsessed with these boys AHHHH 😭😭💕💖💕💖
February 8, 2026
Thanks to the author for the ARC. Overall, this was an interesting read, but I don’t think it was fully for me. I can see it being very hit or miss, depending on the reader.
The setting was one of the strongest parts. The worldbuilding felt natural, and the body horror was genuinely unsettling in a good way. Anything involving deep space and the Void really worked for me, it was eerie, intense, and easily the most gripping aspect of the story.
That said, I struggled with the characters. For a romance especially, I need to feel invested, and I just didn’t connect the way I wanted to. The side characters were particularly flat and mostly existed to be supportive without much personality or conflict, which made everything feel a bit... meh.
I did really appreciate how inclusive the book was, especially in terms of gender identity, sexuality, trauma, and disability. I also loved that the main characters were in their 40s, which is something you rarely see and usually enjoy.
Unfortunately, the pacing dragged a lot. It took nearly half the book for the plot to really get going, and by then I wasn’t emotionally invested enough for the big moments to land. I also found it frustrating that the characters avoided basic communication in ways that felt more fitting for people in their early 20s. I understand the emotional baggage, but at that age it felt a bit hard to buy.
Still, there’s a lot here that will work for the right reader, and I’m curious to see how the series develops.
The setting was one of the strongest parts. The worldbuilding felt natural, and the body horror was genuinely unsettling in a good way. Anything involving deep space and the Void really worked for me, it was eerie, intense, and easily the most gripping aspect of the story.
That said, I struggled with the characters. For a romance especially, I need to feel invested, and I just didn’t connect the way I wanted to. The side characters were particularly flat and mostly existed to be supportive without much personality or conflict, which made everything feel a bit... meh.
I did really appreciate how inclusive the book was, especially in terms of gender identity, sexuality, trauma, and disability. I also loved that the main characters were in their 40s, which is something you rarely see and usually enjoy.
Unfortunately, the pacing dragged a lot. It took nearly half the book for the plot to really get going, and by then I wasn’t emotionally invested enough for the big moments to land. I also found it frustrating that the characters avoided basic communication in ways that felt more fitting for people in their early 20s. I understand the emotional baggage, but at that age it felt a bit hard to buy.
Still, there’s a lot here that will work for the right reader, and I’m curious to see how the series develops.
October 1, 2023
The way I will act once I’ve got my hand on this book. Sorry not sorry
Edit : I read it.
I finished reading Metro, and I had to read through my tears. Thank you very much Doom.
I was one of the lucky person who got the privilege to beta read Metro, and I’m so glad Dom is publishing it next year so I won’t have another favourite to choose from at the end of the year.
Metropolis down is a space opera, with a second chance romance, fucked up gods and HORROR.
If you know me, you know I don’t read horror because I like to sleep at night thank you very much. But I became SO obsessed with Jett and Eddie, every snippet I read made me go feral, so Dom let me read it as she wrote it. And I was probably the least efficient beta in the history of beta 🫡 sorry bout that doom.
It’s a dual PoV story, you follow Jett and Eddie as they try to navigate their break up but still have to work together. I know people will hate on Eddie, but consider this : I love him and I will kick your ass 🥰.
They’re both miserable and terrible at being adults : finally some representation for me.
And while trying to distract himself Eddie stumble upon something that will change the course of their destiny.
I won’t say more about the plot, it’s best to discover as you read I think.
Jett is a feral a dangerous baby girl. He went through so fucking much and he deserves nothing but to be bubble wrapped and protected from the world. I love him so much.
Eddie is an idiot. But a smart one, and I love him. And he can’t do anything bad ever. (I don’t care about his haters : meet me in a parking lot 🔪).
The writing was super good, and you can see how much the author love to write horror stuff, and she’s good at it. She gave me lots of new nightmares fuel 🫡
AND SHE MADE ME CRY. And she will never get out of the grounded zone.
Anyway. Add metro to your tbr, keep your eyes open for the preorder stuff and cover reveal. And be ready to be flooded by metro by me. Because I won’t shut up about it. Ever. 🥰🔪
Edit : I read it.
I finished reading Metro, and I had to read through my tears. Thank you very much Doom.
I was one of the lucky person who got the privilege to beta read Metro, and I’m so glad Dom is publishing it next year so I won’t have another favourite to choose from at the end of the year.
Metropolis down is a space opera, with a second chance romance, fucked up gods and HORROR.
If you know me, you know I don’t read horror because I like to sleep at night thank you very much. But I became SO obsessed with Jett and Eddie, every snippet I read made me go feral, so Dom let me read it as she wrote it. And I was probably the least efficient beta in the history of beta 🫡 sorry bout that doom.
It’s a dual PoV story, you follow Jett and Eddie as they try to navigate their break up but still have to work together. I know people will hate on Eddie, but consider this : I love him and I will kick your ass 🥰.
They’re both miserable and terrible at being adults : finally some representation for me.
And while trying to distract himself Eddie stumble upon something that will change the course of their destiny.
I won’t say more about the plot, it’s best to discover as you read I think.
Jett is a feral a dangerous baby girl. He went through so fucking much and he deserves nothing but to be bubble wrapped and protected from the world. I love him so much.
Eddie is an idiot. But a smart one, and I love him. And he can’t do anything bad ever. (I don’t care about his haters : meet me in a parking lot 🔪).
The writing was super good, and you can see how much the author love to write horror stuff, and she’s good at it. She gave me lots of new nightmares fuel 🫡
AND SHE MADE ME CRY. And she will never get out of the grounded zone.
Anyway. Add metro to your tbr, keep your eyes open for the preorder stuff and cover reveal. And be ready to be flooded by metro by me. Because I won’t shut up about it. Ever. 🥰🔪
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October 26, 2025I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book so much I read it in only two days. That had me so engrossed I couldn't bear to put it down even for a minute. Hats off to Vesper Doom for this fantastic sci-fi with romance and horrors aplenty.
November 3, 2025
This was such a magnificent read. I truly could not get enough of this story and these characters, I was sucked in from beginning to end, and I can not wait for this series to continue. The way the pain, the trauma, the yearning, the love, the passion, and how it's all described are just so real, I felt this book deeply while reading it. The world building is great. The characters and their development and relationships are so vivid and real. I loved reading this story.
February 12, 2026
Oh I wanted to love this so much, but the writing style just wasn’t for me. I love horror, I love romance but I feel that it’s one of the hardest pairings to balance a story and I felt this one just didn’t work for me. There were definitely some elements that I enjoyed; the world-building, the weird body horror, the general vibes, but I just didn’t love out two main characters.
They’re both in their 40s but they act like lovesick teenagers; they both want to be together, but can’t because Eddie broke up with Jett and now regrets it. Jett wants to get back with Eddie, but Eddie won’t ask him because he now doesn’t feel like he’s good enough for Jett. Jett, instead of being royally pissed off, mopes around and is sad about it… and when Eddie does go to apologise, Jett shuts him down. Ugh. I understand that Jett has PTSD and Eddie is neurodivergent, but even so I just couldn’t warm to them at all with all this dithering. This carries on until almost the 50% point and completely overshadows any horror build up that we might get.
The second half was much better (and pulls this book from a 2 star to a 3 star for me) with a sinister force taking over the ship and a weird illness befalling the crew. There was more action here and I started to feel the dread, but after the slog of the first half, I wasn’t invested in the MCs, which is an issue for me.
I think some people will absolutely love this and whilst I wasn’t for me, if you like space horror with plenty of gore I think this is a good bet!
They’re both in their 40s but they act like lovesick teenagers; they both want to be together, but can’t because Eddie broke up with Jett and now regrets it. Jett wants to get back with Eddie, but Eddie won’t ask him because he now doesn’t feel like he’s good enough for Jett. Jett, instead of being royally pissed off, mopes around and is sad about it… and when Eddie does go to apologise, Jett shuts him down. Ugh. I understand that Jett has PTSD and Eddie is neurodivergent, but even so I just couldn’t warm to them at all with all this dithering. This carries on until almost the 50% point and completely overshadows any horror build up that we might get.
The second half was much better (and pulls this book from a 2 star to a 3 star for me) with a sinister force taking over the ship and a weird illness befalling the crew. There was more action here and I started to feel the dread, but after the slog of the first half, I wasn’t invested in the MCs, which is an issue for me.
I think some people will absolutely love this and whilst I wasn’t for me, if you like space horror with plenty of gore I think this is a good bet!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was amazing to read as my first ARC! First and foremost, I LOVE the character index that was included in my copy. It's such a small detail yet helped me understand the characters and fully invest into the story. The book is very inclusive to: gender identities, sexual orientation, trauma, and disabilities! I also love that the main plot follows characters 40 y/o and above. I don't get to see that very often and made the read more interesting. All in all, this was a lovely read and am looking forward to the next one!
October 9, 2023
Hold on because I can’t see anything through my tears and I’m only halfway through 😭💔😭😭💔😭💔
October 25, 2025
This is not normally a book I would pick up, namely that it is a book full of horrors!
Jett Valla recounts his recent breakup with the love of his life--and not by his choice. We're shown as the duo fights through their collective common (and not so common) sense and trauma--the trauma winning out, of course--and get a glimpse of their codependent but passionate past.
Outside of that hurt, something sinister is growing in the Void of space, far beyond the perceived safety of their city-ship, the Neo-Tokyo. We get to see the strengths of Jett and Eddie, being opposites in many ways, but also how they complement each other.
Doom does a fantastic job in describing the horrors of space, of gods, and of fellow man (and the like). I enjoyed reading the angst of Jett and Eddie's fallout, and the friendships and found family--I do wish we could have seen more of the friends and family. Their past together in the good times sounded like a blast.
What good times are had in Metropolis Down, however, don't last. Much of the latter half of the book is a seemingly neverending horror--not to the detriment of the book, but certainly for the characters themselves. There are many questions still to be answered and I hope these boys can get through it!
Note that there is spice in this book! 🔥🔥🔥 About a chapter and a half of it.
Jett Valla recounts his recent breakup with the love of his life--and not by his choice. We're shown as the duo fights through their collective common (and not so common) sense and trauma--the trauma winning out, of course--and get a glimpse of their codependent but passionate past.
Outside of that hurt, something sinister is growing in the Void of space, far beyond the perceived safety of their city-ship, the Neo-Tokyo. We get to see the strengths of Jett and Eddie, being opposites in many ways, but also how they complement each other.
Doom does a fantastic job in describing the horrors of space, of gods, and of fellow man (and the like). I enjoyed reading the angst of Jett and Eddie's fallout, and the friendships and found family--I do wish we could have seen more of the friends and family. Their past together in the good times sounded like a blast.
What good times are had in Metropolis Down, however, don't last. Much of the latter half of the book is a seemingly neverending horror--not to the detriment of the book, but certainly for the characters themselves. There are many questions still to be answered and I hope these boys can get through it!
Note that there is spice in this book! 🔥🔥🔥 About a chapter and a half of it.
February 2, 2026
I have been waiting to read Metropolis Down for quite some time, so I appreciate the ARC from the author very much.
I would categorize this first as a second chance romance and second as a sci-fi space horror. Doom is a very visual writer so I had no issues being drawn into this world that they created.
I liked how both MCs were older, in their 40s, and the autism and PTSD rep was represented well (from someone with no diagnosis but working in the healthcare field, so take that as you will).
I would have liked to see more of the horror aspect. Once things started moving quickly there were jumps in time where we are told what is going on but not shown, and I would have liked to be immersed in that a bit more. Not everyone will share my sentiment because they don’t reach out for horror.
You’re left with a lot of questions, so it’s good that Doom plans to continue this as a series.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
I would categorize this first as a second chance romance and second as a sci-fi space horror. Doom is a very visual writer so I had no issues being drawn into this world that they created.
I liked how both MCs were older, in their 40s, and the autism and PTSD rep was represented well (from someone with no diagnosis but working in the healthcare field, so take that as you will).
I would have liked to see more of the horror aspect. Once things started moving quickly there were jumps in time where we are told what is going on but not shown, and I would have liked to be immersed in that a bit more. Not everyone will share my sentiment because they don’t reach out for horror.
You’re left with a lot of questions, so it’s good that Doom plans to continue this as a series.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
*received an arc from the author, doesn't affect my opinions, etc*
I never got to the horror elements, but these characters are horrifying enough all by themselves!
The cover that went out with the advanced reading copy is WILDLY different from the final cover. I would not have signed up for an arc of a book with the final cover. That is clearly a book that had high odds of being Not For Me. But I think it’s a good thing that the final cover is much more clearly pushing the romantic elements, because this is a book that is a (second-chance) romance first, and a sci fi horror second. Nothing whatsoever wrong with that, but I was never going to be the right reader for the book this ended up being.
With that caveat out of the way: wow, I hate this. These characters are pathetic idiots getting extremely maudlin and overdramatic over a Refusal To Communicate. When the book opens, Jett and Eddie are two months into a break-up. Despite things being pretty (not completely, but mostly) perfect, Eddie inexplicably broke-up with Jett and Jett has been left wondering why. He is heartbroken! And that’s perfectly fair! But in the second chapter, we jump to Eddie’s POV, and learn that the break-up…was primarily driven by Eddie’s abusive relatives and Eddie’s fear that Jett doesn’t love him, and/or that Eddie will never be good enough for him. I would normally be understanding of the former – abusive families are abusive, they mess up your mind, make you do things that are not in your best interest, sure. But Eddie knows and acknowledges that they are and always have been abusive, so…why on earth would he take their dating advice?! And the ‘oh no you don’t love me and I'm not good enough for you anyway’ thing is something that always drives me up the wall. It is so unbelievably idiotic and it always feels so contrived and pathetic.
The contrived feeling gets worse when, still in chapter two, Jett and Eddie meet to discuss the break-up. Eddie goes in with the intent of explaining all and begging Jett to take him back, because he is, of course, still fully in love with Jett. But somehow~ those words never make it out of his mouth, and Jett is the most stereotypical Scorned Lover, hissing and snarling and making ridiculous accusations for which there are no evidence. It’s beyond ridiculous. Eddie is so full of yearning but gives voice to none of it! For some inexplicable reason!!!
Sir, I say this as a someone who is also autistic with an abusive family: what the actual fuck. If you love him more than anything, HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO SAY WHAT YOU JUST SAID?
I’m sorry but there is no planet on which I can put up with this nonsense. I definitely can’t get behind their relationship. I despise them as people and wow they are clearly not good together. What even.
The glimpse of horror we got in the prologue…it was certainly gory! But it also felt incredibly meh to me: we have an eldritch god-being-thing that is Pure Ultimate Evil, and people worshipping it for some inexplicable reason (why does no one ever come up with understandable reasons to worship evil? There are more than a few!) It’s very – simplistic and obvious? The body-horror elements are a nice touch, and are wonderfully messed-up and creepy, but the context of the body-horror is very dull to me.
The prose is not a disaster, but it’s a few steps below my standard. There are a number of grammar errors I assume will be fixed before publication day, and the phrasing is occasionally kind of awkward, especially when it comes to metaphor and simile imagery. That too might be polished away before release day, though.
The main issue is that I hate these characters with the passion of a thousand burning suns and I find the set-up for their romance just embarrassing for everyone. Definitely don’t jump into this book unless you are someone for whom that set-up appeals!
I never got to the horror elements, but these characters are horrifying enough all by themselves!
The cover that went out with the advanced reading copy is WILDLY different from the final cover. I would not have signed up for an arc of a book with the final cover. That is clearly a book that had high odds of being Not For Me. But I think it’s a good thing that the final cover is much more clearly pushing the romantic elements, because this is a book that is a (second-chance) romance first, and a sci fi horror second. Nothing whatsoever wrong with that, but I was never going to be the right reader for the book this ended up being.
With that caveat out of the way: wow, I hate this. These characters are pathetic idiots getting extremely maudlin and overdramatic over a Refusal To Communicate. When the book opens, Jett and Eddie are two months into a break-up. Despite things being pretty (not completely, but mostly) perfect, Eddie inexplicably broke-up with Jett and Jett has been left wondering why. He is heartbroken! And that’s perfectly fair! But in the second chapter, we jump to Eddie’s POV, and learn that the break-up…was primarily driven by Eddie’s abusive relatives and Eddie’s fear that Jett doesn’t love him, and/or that Eddie will never be good enough for him. I would normally be understanding of the former – abusive families are abusive, they mess up your mind, make you do things that are not in your best interest, sure. But Eddie knows and acknowledges that they are and always have been abusive, so…why on earth would he take their dating advice?! And the ‘oh no you don’t love me and I'm not good enough for you anyway’ thing is something that always drives me up the wall. It is so unbelievably idiotic and it always feels so contrived and pathetic.
The contrived feeling gets worse when, still in chapter two, Jett and Eddie meet to discuss the break-up. Eddie goes in with the intent of explaining all and begging Jett to take him back, because he is, of course, still fully in love with Jett. But somehow~ those words never make it out of his mouth, and Jett is the most stereotypical Scorned Lover, hissing and snarling and making ridiculous accusations for which there are no evidence. It’s beyond ridiculous. Eddie is so full of yearning but gives voice to none of it! For some inexplicable reason!!!
“It is done. We are over. And soon I will never have to see you again.”
The words slipped out again, harsh, distorted, wrong. He wanted Jett more than anything in the Three Systems. He loved Jett with his whole being. But that love made him uniquely capable of hurting Jett, which he’d done. Again.
Sir, I say this as a someone who is also autistic with an abusive family: what the actual fuck. If you love him more than anything, HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO SAY WHAT YOU JUST SAID?
I’m sorry but there is no planet on which I can put up with this nonsense. I definitely can’t get behind their relationship. I despise them as people and wow they are clearly not good together. What even.
The glimpse of horror we got in the prologue…it was certainly gory! But it also felt incredibly meh to me: we have an eldritch god-being-thing that is Pure Ultimate Evil, and people worshipping it for some inexplicable reason (why does no one ever come up with understandable reasons to worship evil? There are more than a few!) It’s very – simplistic and obvious? The body-horror elements are a nice touch, and are wonderfully messed-up and creepy, but the context of the body-horror is very dull to me.
The prose is not a disaster, but it’s a few steps below my standard. There are a number of grammar errors I assume will be fixed before publication day, and the phrasing is occasionally kind of awkward, especially when it comes to metaphor and simile imagery. That too might be polished away before release day, though.
The main issue is that I hate these characters with the passion of a thousand burning suns and I find the set-up for their romance just embarrassing for everyone. Definitely don’t jump into this book unless you are someone for whom that set-up appeals!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Horror? Romance? Sign me up!
This was my first time reading a romance horror book (I’m a lover of both genres) and it did not disappoint!
I normally devour books, however the horror elements in this book were unnerving enough that I needed a little fluff breather. It’s not because it’s overly terrifying, but one of the strengths in this book is the how much the unnerving horror mirrors the emotional tension and (quite honestly) distress of our two beloved MCs, who have just gone through a break up.
The book has strong “when you’re at the edge of your fear you have to make a do or die decision” themes that are both literal and emotional. This was really well done!
I’ve seen some comments on here regarding the type of relationship for these two middle aged MCs, and the way one MC in particular processes their familial trauma. I challenge that not everyone has the same skillset when it comes to either aspects of criticism, especially older gens who may not have had the same emotional roadmap and access to mental health that we have today, even just openly talking about it. It is clear that one of the MCs was left to process and navigate his familial trauma alone and shocker, didn’t get it right the first time. And that sucks - it’s actually HORRIFYING (see what I do there?).
While both of these MCs had stuff to work out, it was their experience and it doesn’t really matter what I would have done differently because I’m not them lol. I think their experience and emotional work were really handled with care.
Lastly? The world is AWESOME and there are so many side characters I hope to see again. Really looking forward to see what’s next in the series!
This was my first time reading a romance horror book (I’m a lover of both genres) and it did not disappoint!
I normally devour books, however the horror elements in this book were unnerving enough that I needed a little fluff breather. It’s not because it’s overly terrifying, but one of the strengths in this book is the how much the unnerving horror mirrors the emotional tension and (quite honestly) distress of our two beloved MCs, who have just gone through a break up.
The book has strong “when you’re at the edge of your fear you have to make a do or die decision” themes that are both literal and emotional. This was really well done!
I’ve seen some comments on here regarding the type of relationship for these two middle aged MCs, and the way one MC in particular processes their familial trauma. I challenge that not everyone has the same skillset when it comes to either aspects of criticism, especially older gens who may not have had the same emotional roadmap and access to mental health that we have today, even just openly talking about it. It is clear that one of the MCs was left to process and navigate his familial trauma alone and shocker, didn’t get it right the first time. And that sucks - it’s actually HORRIFYING (see what I do there?).
While both of these MCs had stuff to work out, it was their experience and it doesn’t really matter what I would have done differently because I’m not them lol. I think their experience and emotional work were really handled with care.
Lastly? The world is AWESOME and there are so many side characters I hope to see again. Really looking forward to see what’s next in the series!
October 30, 2025
I received an ARC of this book. When I got to about 65%, I could no longer stop and put it down and ended up reading until much later in the night than I should have, given that I had to work early the next morning. Jett and Eddie are amazing characters who don't deserve the grief they're given in this book (but that just makes the book better, in my opinion).
Excellent world-building, excellent characterization. I have seen this book referred to as an MM romance; be aware that it is a horror book first and an MM romance second, although the romance gets a great deal of attention. Also be aware, if you've read the author's other book, the Binding of Bloom Mountain, that the levels of horror and gore are significantly greater in this book than the last book. I'd consider Bloom Mountain 'light' horror/within the realm of most fantasy books, whereas Metropolis Down is DEFINITELY horror. There is also a great deal of both on-page and off-of-page trauma, so mind the content warnings.
Some spoilers below.
I did not expect the book to start in the middle of the proverbial third-act breakup, but it was actually the perfect point in the romance to start this story, and it made it feel different from a lot of other spec fic books with MM romances, and definitely different from your average MM romance novel. I really liked it.
So, if you like hardcore horror and gore and/or authors traumatizing cinnamon roll characters who have never done anything wrong in their lives, give this book a try! You won't regret it.
Excellent world-building, excellent characterization. I have seen this book referred to as an MM romance; be aware that it is a horror book first and an MM romance second, although the romance gets a great deal of attention. Also be aware, if you've read the author's other book, the Binding of Bloom Mountain, that the levels of horror and gore are significantly greater in this book than the last book. I'd consider Bloom Mountain 'light' horror/within the realm of most fantasy books, whereas Metropolis Down is DEFINITELY horror. There is also a great deal of both on-page and off-of-page trauma, so mind the content warnings.
Some spoilers below.
I did not expect the book to start in the middle of the proverbial third-act breakup, but it was actually the perfect point in the romance to start this story, and it made it feel different from a lot of other spec fic books with MM romances, and definitely different from your average MM romance novel. I really liked it.
So, if you like hardcore horror and gore and/or authors traumatizing cinnamon roll characters who have never done anything wrong in their lives, give this book a try! You won't regret it.
November 25, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. As with any book, please check the trigger warnings.
I enjoyed this book so much! It's a second chance love story in space with horror and mystery.
The book is very well written and well paced. The characters are well written too. I saw small parts of myself in both Jett and Eddie.
There were times I feel small hints were dropped and I would start to wonder if that would be important later.
The friendship between the characters definitely felt more like chosen family than friendship. Which made parts of the story so sad.
Jett and Eddie's relationship feels so real, the doubt, the fear, the pressure from family and finally choosing to follow your heart. I adore that the Bond was included 💕 Just the thought of feeling your love's emotions and knowing they are near is fascinating to me.
The horror does not disappoint! Definitely hits hard and feels creepy. Even includes reading your thoughts which is scary to me.
I'd definitely recommend picking this book up! It kept my attention the whole time. I will definitely be thinking about Jett and Eddie for a long time.
I enjoyed this book so much! It's a second chance love story in space with horror and mystery.
The book is very well written and well paced. The characters are well written too. I saw small parts of myself in both Jett and Eddie.
There were times I feel small hints were dropped and I would start to wonder if that would be important later.
The friendship between the characters definitely felt more like chosen family than friendship. Which made parts of the story so sad.
Jett and Eddie's relationship feels so real, the doubt, the fear, the pressure from family and finally choosing to follow your heart. I adore that the Bond was included 💕 Just the thought of feeling your love's emotions and knowing they are near is fascinating to me.
The horror does not disappoint! Definitely hits hard and feels creepy. Even includes reading your thoughts which is scary to me.
I'd definitely recommend picking this book up! It kept my attention the whole time. I will definitely be thinking about Jett and Eddie for a long time.
January 29, 2026
I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, and while this is a sci-fi horror there is a strong romance threaded through the story. Though, I think the cover prepares you for that much. Jett and Eddie have some major baggage addressed early in the book (which I think paired nicely alongside the sci-fi worldbuilding).
It’s always fun when genres mashup together. Obviously, this is a sci-fi horror story, but the lovely mix of mystery and romance was entertaining too. The mystery isn’t in the forefront, but I still found myself trying to unravel pieces as I made my way through the story. There were some interludes weaved throughout which helped fuel that element. The romance is a very prominent part of the plot, and I love that for a horror story. I don’t know if we really see strong romance mixed with horror. I mean as an equal part of the plot, not just a subplot component. It was nice.
That’s not to say this story isn’t dark. There are some graphic gross descriptions, and they get a bit extreme at times. I would recommend being mindful of the content warnings, especially when it comes to one of the MC’s backstory. It is fairly gruesome, but I thought it was handled well.
It’s always fun when genres mashup together. Obviously, this is a sci-fi horror story, but the lovely mix of mystery and romance was entertaining too. The mystery isn’t in the forefront, but I still found myself trying to unravel pieces as I made my way through the story. There were some interludes weaved throughout which helped fuel that element. The romance is a very prominent part of the plot, and I love that for a horror story. I don’t know if we really see strong romance mixed with horror. I mean as an equal part of the plot, not just a subplot component. It was nice.
That’s not to say this story isn’t dark. There are some graphic gross descriptions, and they get a bit extreme at times. I would recommend being mindful of the content warnings, especially when it comes to one of the MC’s backstory. It is fairly gruesome, but I thought it was handled well.
November 26, 2025
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭.
Rating: 🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇
Spice:🌶️
Trope(s)/Element(s):
• M/M
• Sci-fi horror
• Second chance romance
• Forced proximity
• Autistic MC
• PTSD
• Blood & Gore
• Dual POV
"𝘑𝘦𝘵𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦'𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘌𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥, 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘑𝘦𝘵𝘵."
I feel like this is the first book I’ve read that opens with a breakup and then immediately heightens the tension when the characters receive a distress signal from another ship and team up for a rescue mission. Within the distress signal is a odd song that alters reality, causing them to hear and see things that don’t actually exist.
Honestly, it’s the perfect setup for a story that leans heavily into horror. Eddie and Jett go through so much, and things just keep getting worse. Not only do they have to deal with a bloody cosmic horror (and yes, it gets gory!), but they also have to confront their lingering feelings for each other, because they are absolutely still madly in love.
The world-building and characters were fantastic. I adored both main characters. I mean, how can you not love sexy gay space boys with trauma?
Thank you Vesper Doom for letting me read this arc & I look forward to the next book!
Metropolis Down releases on 3/3/26
Rating: 🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇
Spice:🌶️
Trope(s)/Element(s):
• M/M
• Sci-fi horror
• Second chance romance
• Forced proximity
• Autistic MC
• PTSD
• Blood & Gore
• Dual POV
"𝘑𝘦𝘵𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦'𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘌𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥, 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘑𝘦𝘵𝘵."
I feel like this is the first book I’ve read that opens with a breakup and then immediately heightens the tension when the characters receive a distress signal from another ship and team up for a rescue mission. Within the distress signal is a odd song that alters reality, causing them to hear and see things that don’t actually exist.
Honestly, it’s the perfect setup for a story that leans heavily into horror. Eddie and Jett go through so much, and things just keep getting worse. Not only do they have to deal with a bloody cosmic horror (and yes, it gets gory!), but they also have to confront their lingering feelings for each other, because they are absolutely still madly in love.
The world-building and characters were fantastic. I adored both main characters. I mean, how can you not love sexy gay space boys with trauma?
Thank you Vesper Doom for letting me read this arc & I look forward to the next book!
Metropolis Down releases on 3/3/26
February 17, 2026
🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹(Spoiler FREE review until post release 03/03/26)
Cosmic terrors beyond comprehension…the void between the stars and beautiful boys kissing in SPACE~!!!!!
🚀 IN SPACE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU….KISS 🚀
I had the Jupiter sized pleasure and profound honour of ARC reading this haunting, hurt heart healing and at times hot AF beautiful book~
It’s no secret that captain Eddie Stone has become my favourite MMC to ever be written (a HIGH bar to beat if you know me and how romantasy and dark romance obsessed I am!) trust me Edward Stone blows Kingfisher, Xaden and Kaine Ferron out the water!
Jett and Eddies story of traversing true love and triumph over cosmic terrors among the stars will leave you breathless as the vacuum of space and begging for more from these sexy switch boys~!!!!!
Vesper Doom once again asserts their reign as the sovereign of space terror!!!!!
metropolis Down is perfect for fans of ~
🌠 The Alien Franchise
🪐 Classic Star Trek~ specifically the voyager era
🌠 CJ Cherryh
🪐 Epic sci-fi in the grand tradition of Foundation and Dune
🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🌹🪐🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🪐
Cosmic terrors beyond comprehension…the void between the stars and beautiful boys kissing in SPACE~!!!!!
🚀 IN SPACE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU….KISS 🚀
I had the Jupiter sized pleasure and profound honour of ARC reading this haunting, hurt heart healing and at times hot AF beautiful book~
It’s no secret that captain Eddie Stone has become my favourite MMC to ever be written (a HIGH bar to beat if you know me and how romantasy and dark romance obsessed I am!) trust me Edward Stone blows Kingfisher, Xaden and Kaine Ferron out the water!
Jett and Eddies story of traversing true love and triumph over cosmic terrors among the stars will leave you breathless as the vacuum of space and begging for more from these sexy switch boys~!!!!!
Vesper Doom once again asserts their reign as the sovereign of space terror!!!!!
metropolis Down is perfect for fans of ~
🌠 The Alien Franchise
🪐 Classic Star Trek~ specifically the voyager era
🌠 CJ Cherryh
🪐 Epic sci-fi in the grand tradition of Foundation and Dune
🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🌹🪐🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🌠🪐🌹🪐
Review of advance copy
ARC received from BookSirens.
Metropolis Down is a sci-fi horror novel about grief, trauma, redemption, and a dark, cosmic horror. It's beautiful and horrifying.
It's a deeply unsettling horror that got a visceral reaction from me more than once. A couple of times, I regretted reading a particular section before going to sleep, but I could never actually stop myself because I wanted to know what happened. 🤣 The horror is beautifully described and very poetic in places, though the book is graphic, and readers should consult content warnings before reading.
Horror aside, I loved the main characters, Jett and Eddie, and their relationship (its love, anger, and hurt), the versions of themselves they have for their jobs, and the versions they have only for each other.
It's got short, bingeable chapters, giving that "just one more chapter" feel, which lent itself really well to the build-up of the horror and needing to know what happens next.
Metropolis Down is a sci-fi horror novel about grief, trauma, redemption, and a dark, cosmic horror. It's beautiful and horrifying.
It's a deeply unsettling horror that got a visceral reaction from me more than once. A couple of times, I regretted reading a particular section before going to sleep, but I could never actually stop myself because I wanted to know what happened. 🤣 The horror is beautifully described and very poetic in places, though the book is graphic, and readers should consult content warnings before reading.
Horror aside, I loved the main characters, Jett and Eddie, and their relationship (its love, anger, and hurt), the versions of themselves they have for their jobs, and the versions they have only for each other.
It's got short, bingeable chapters, giving that "just one more chapter" feel, which lent itself really well to the build-up of the horror and needing to know what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review. Thank you to the author, Vesper Doom, for this opportunity!
This was fantastic, the story was phenomenal and kept me hooked and I just loved all of the characters. Jett and Eddie's relationship was really lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story. The horror was very well written and enthralling for sure. The end was a bit lacking for me, although I'm assuming that's just due to this being the first book and not a standalone so take that with a grain of salt. Otherwise, this kept me entertained and I loved finding the new horrors and seeing how awful they are.
This was fantastic, the story was phenomenal and kept me hooked and I just loved all of the characters. Jett and Eddie's relationship was really lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story. The horror was very well written and enthralling for sure. The end was a bit lacking for me, although I'm assuming that's just due to this being the first book and not a standalone so take that with a grain of salt. Otherwise, this kept me entertained and I loved finding the new horrors and seeing how awful they are.
November 11, 2025
Thank you Vesper Doom and team for the ARC!
There were parts of this that I really loved, and parts that I felt needed some work. The setting was fleshed out through very natural descriptions, and the body horror was grotesquely lovely. Deep space is truly terrifying to me, so the parts concerning the Void and all its horrible power were fascinating!
Unfortunately, I didn’t click with the characters as much as I’d hoped, which is important for a romantic plot. The biggest issue for me was the side characters; They were all flat, approached problems the same way, and fell into the category of “Supportive of one or both love interests” without much conflict or anything. In a science fiction horror, to me, the ensemble is as important as the main characters. What’s Alien without the clashing team dynamic? What’s Aniara without the denizens’ conflict? The two leads were the only characters that got real depth, which kept me on the edge of immersion for the duration of the novel.
I’d recommend this to folks that want second chance romance first and syfy-horror second. I’m excited to see what Doom writes next, especially if they lean into the body horror. It gave me chills and made me gag. Excellent.
There were parts of this that I really loved, and parts that I felt needed some work. The setting was fleshed out through very natural descriptions, and the body horror was grotesquely lovely. Deep space is truly terrifying to me, so the parts concerning the Void and all its horrible power were fascinating!
Unfortunately, I didn’t click with the characters as much as I’d hoped, which is important for a romantic plot. The biggest issue for me was the side characters; They were all flat, approached problems the same way, and fell into the category of “Supportive of one or both love interests” without much conflict or anything. In a science fiction horror, to me, the ensemble is as important as the main characters. What’s Alien without the clashing team dynamic? What’s Aniara without the denizens’ conflict? The two leads were the only characters that got real depth, which kept me on the edge of immersion for the duration of the novel.
I’d recommend this to folks that want second chance romance first and syfy-horror second. I’m excited to see what Doom writes next, especially if they lean into the body horror. It gave me chills and made me gag. Excellent.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Arc copy for review that being said, I am so glad I signed up to review this awesome book! Vesper Doom does a great job of combining horror and trauma in a way that sticks with you long past the last page. Eddie and Jett are no exception. In this multi genre novel, romance is combined with sci-fi and suspense to create my new obsession. Breakups are bad enough, but add close proximity, a dash of drama, and a whole lot of danger, and suddenly, I can't put it down
Review of advance copy received from Author
Metropolis Down is a spectacular, spooky, sweet, and spicy sci-fi horror space romance. Sounds like a lot, but Vesper Doom has written this tale in such a way that every element weaves beautifully with the others. The story is also filled with many types of marvelous representation. It's truly like sparkling stars in the darkness of this haunting world the author has created.
Open door spice level 3/5.
Open door spice level 3/5.
Review of advance copy received from Author
METROPOLIS DOWN is a unique exploration of both the cosmic horrors of space and the mundane horrors of a complicated romance. The struggles of the main characters' connection to one another carries the reader through a complex and sinister plot, giving us more to root for than just their survival. Heart-wrenching and gripping, METROPOLIS DOWN is a thrilling start to what is sure to be an excellent sci-fi series.
abandoned
December 17, 2025I feel kinda bad cause this was an ARC but DNF at 52%
This book just wasn't for me. Jett and Eddie's relationship was less yearning and more tedious than I typically enjoy, and the plot doesn't really begin until the 40% mark of the book. Failed to pique my interest when it did start so it's time to bail.
This book just wasn't for me. Jett and Eddie's relationship was less yearning and more tedious than I typically enjoy, and the plot doesn't really begin until the 40% mark of the book. Failed to pique my interest when it did start so it's time to bail.
January 14, 2026
This book had a cool blend of elements to it! Solid sci fi, LGBTQ characters, a realistic story of love and struggle, and also set up cool world building. I’m excited to see where it goes in the future books!
dnf
January 24, 2026My brain isn't happy with the writing style and I'm done with reading ARCs that have punctuation errors.
January 25, 2026
My top 3 genres are scifi, horror, and romance. I always look forward to books that have all 3 but not many have been done well.
Metropolis down was excellent
Metropolis down was excellent
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review to come
Review of advance copy received from Author
Metropolis Down is a spectacular, spooky, sweet, and spicy sci-fi horror space romance. Sounds like a lot, but Vesper Doom has written this tale in such a way that every element weaves beautifully with the others. The story is also filled with many types of marvelous representation. It's truly like sparkling stars in the darkness of this haunting world the author has created.
Open door spice level 3/5.
Open door spice level 3/5.
December 5, 2025
They had loved each other so desperately, so passionately, because the Universe had not loved either of them.
This is exactly the kind of book I have been craving for years. The sort of story I would have gladly and greedily snatched up from the shelves of any bookstore. With a beautiful cover, delicately eviscerating writing, worldbuilding that will chill you to the bone, and a queer romance that will set your heart aflame, Metropolis Down will drag you right into its gravity core.
And there’s no turning back.
I couldn’t put this book down. I’m a notoriously slow reader, but blew through the second half of this story in a single day and couldn’t be bothered with any other responsibilities. The mixture of eerie sci-fi cosmic space horror and tender second-chance Achillean romance had my heart singing. …Or maybe that was the call of the Song, a darkly mysterious and reality-shattering force that changes the trajectory of our leads Eddie and Jett, as well as their home, the Neo-Tokyo, throughout the book.
I loved the fantastic neurodivergent rep in Eddie. I loved Jett, the little badass soldier who absolutely stole my heart. I loved the wicked and tightening pressure of something ancient, horrible, and incomprehensible as it crept into every corner of this book, threatening their HEA. Metro is a fast-paced, high-octane horror romance that will absolutely leave you wanting more. I certainly can’t wait for book two.
This is exactly the kind of book I have been craving for years. The sort of story I would have gladly and greedily snatched up from the shelves of any bookstore. With a beautiful cover, delicately eviscerating writing, worldbuilding that will chill you to the bone, and a queer romance that will set your heart aflame, Metropolis Down will drag you right into its gravity core.
And there’s no turning back.
I couldn’t put this book down. I’m a notoriously slow reader, but blew through the second half of this story in a single day and couldn’t be bothered with any other responsibilities. The mixture of eerie sci-fi cosmic space horror and tender second-chance Achillean romance had my heart singing. …Or maybe that was the call of the Song, a darkly mysterious and reality-shattering force that changes the trajectory of our leads Eddie and Jett, as well as their home, the Neo-Tokyo, throughout the book.
I loved the fantastic neurodivergent rep in Eddie. I loved Jett, the little badass soldier who absolutely stole my heart. I loved the wicked and tightening pressure of something ancient, horrible, and incomprehensible as it crept into every corner of this book, threatening their HEA. Metro is a fast-paced, high-octane horror romance that will absolutely leave you wanting more. I certainly can’t wait for book two.
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