Crimson Rain

by John Ashley

An empire fueled by blood. A people desperate for the dawn.

A world ruled by merciless vampires is the only thing those born in the Crimson Empire have ever known. For almost a millennium, darkness has shrouded the sky, and the Empire’s human occupants have lived like livestock, relentlessly harvested for the precious resource flowing through their veins. When Lyric Wexler is selected for harvesting and taken to the vampirine city of Ravenheart, a swift death is her only hope. But not all who are taken there are slaughtered right away, and she soon finds herself embroiled in the dangerous games of the second most powerful vampire House in the Empire.

Dorian Ravenheart is the son of the city’s founder and the heir to the highest seat on its Council. But he isn’t content with serving as his father’s puppet for the next two centuries. His reckless effort to change his station puts him on a collision course with a group of human freedom fighters known as the Daybreak Resistance—and one former vamp hunter for the Daybreakers with an unquenchable thirst for vengeance.

War has been brewing for centuries. For the first time since the Long Night began, it’s a war that humanity might actually have a hope of winning.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2026

About the author

John Ashley is a freelance writer and indie author who lives in Springfield, Missouri. What started as a love for ghost stories and Goosebumps books turned into a lifelong passion for all things horror, and writing horror books is the bloody, beating heart of that passion. When he’s not writing, John enjoys watching sports, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with his wife and their three pets.

Reviews

[The Morbid Mama ☠︎︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When John reached out to me a couple months ago about reading his newest book Crimson Rain, it was an IMMEDIATE yes. He told me it was way different than any of his other books (which I fucking LOVE btw) I didn’t know what to expect. When he said it was about vampires though, I got nervous since I’m not a vampire girly. But listen, if he writes it, you know my ass is reading it. The fact that I liked this WAY more than I was expecting just goes to show how incredible his writing is.

In Crimson Rain we are thrusted into a vamp empire, the Crimson Empire, and let me tell you, it is NOT a good time for us humans. They’re being captured and sold, butchered and enslaved, with little to no hope. But soon cracks begin to form in the empire and an uprising begins. The book is bleak and filled with bloody nastiness and pure depravity. Oh and did I mention it’s the first in a series!?

As usual I would like to give my friend John a HUGE thank you for allowing me to arc read for him once again! It’s been such an honor to watch your writing journey flourish more and more with every book!

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

He does it again!!! John Ashley just has a way to create these wild as heck stories and make them work in all the ways possible!! Great story line, plot, pacing and characters and so well written !! I’ve read my fair share of vampire stories- and this one has to be in my top 3- zero doubts about that. I cannot wait for the next book to be ready to devour! I Need it like now.

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Crimson Rain” by John Ashley is a 5-star dystopian fantasy horror and the first book in the Crimson Empire Series! The world is ruled by vampires, with humans existing to serve them, and much of the story takes place in the vampirine city of Ravenheart. While most citizens are kept in line by a group called the Harvesters, a resistance movement known as the Daybreakers is also beginning to take shape.

The story is told from three unique perspectives: the son of a powerful vampire, a young woman simply hoping to survive, and a former vampire hunter trying to live out the remainder of his days in peace. This is a fast-paced story filled with action. The author does a great job bringing together all the elements of the story while combining the past and present.

There are some moments that are more graphic than others, I mean, vampires need to eat, but overall, things never feel overdone just for the sake of being gory. Without giving away any spoilers, I was glad to see things end the way they did, while still leaving me wanting to know what happens next.

I thoroughly enjoyed the other books I have read by this author, so it came as no surprise that I loved this one as well! If you are looking for a book that crosses into several genres or simply want a great vampire story, then this one is for you! I can’t wait for the second book in the series!

Thanks to John Ashley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshing take on vampire horror! 🧛‍♀️ This book was anything but predictable, and I absolutely loved the different point-of-view chapters. I was genuinely invested in both the human and vampire characters, which made the story so much more engaging.

I especially loved the aspect that this was a vampire world where humans were the minority. It was such a refreshing change from the usual vampire stories, and I really enjoyed seeing the world from that perspective. I’m also so glad the author stuck with this actually being a vampire horror book. It felt fresh, creepy, and true to the genre while still bringing something different to the table.

Some of the deaths genuinely caught me off guard, and I loved the surprises along the way! I’m so glad there will be a Book Two because I’m definitely ready for more. This definitely will not be my last book by this author! 🩸📚

Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book!

[Charlie FRANCIS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of John Ashley's books and he always amazes me with his story telling. Crimson Rain is a dystopian vampiric world where they rule and harvest humans as food and servants (and whatever they wish). There are so many layers to this story with very interesting characters. It's much more than a vampire story it has blood and guts as you would expect in any vampire story, but this story line is incredible. If you like The Hunger Games and The Giver and you love vampires with blood and guts this is perfect. And let me tell you this, it read to me like a movie. There are plenty of action and scheming and betrayal. I really enjoyed it and I am very excited to read book 2 to Crimson Rain. Amazing 👏.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. What a great plot line. A Vampiric ruled world where humans are lower class and "harvested" for what runs through them.

As the world is described you can't help but see it in your mind. Deliberate in his world-building, you can imagine every bump in the road. Every smell. Every silent step.

The pacing had you wanting to be able to flip the page faster. Just when you thought you could breath, something else was thrown at you. It leaves you saying just one more chapter.

The characters. You'll love them. You'll hate them. You'll be confused on if you're supposed to love or hate them. The best kind of reading.

I picked the book up because of the cover. And I am so glad I did. I'm definitely sticking around for the next one.

[Jennifer Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic vampire story set in a world steeped in dread, with an almost claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps the tension high from beginning to end. Being human in this world is genuinely terrifying, as vampires rule unchecked and prey without fear of consequences. Thankfully, there are still those brave enough to stand against these ruthless monsters.
The story is packed with twists and turns, each one pulling you deeper into an increasingly dark and tumultuous journey. The character development is outstanding, making it easy to become invested in their struggles and victories. I was hooked from the first page and can't wait to dive into the next installment.

[Ginger Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read vampire books often, but this series may change that. Crimson Rain is a book about a world run by vampires where humans are treated like cattle. The author spends a lot of time setting up this grim world and explaining the politics of the vampire courts. The humans and their rebellion were also looked at in depth. It was all very interesting, and a lot of the characters were well written and fleshed out. There was also plenty of gore and violence. Crimson Rain was a very different read for me, but one I really enjoyed. I look forward to the next book. I received a free copy of this story and write this review voluntarily.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me forever to read this, but that’s not because I didn’t love it. Life has just been very busy.

Ever since I stumbled upon ‘When Angels Bleed’, I knew I’d want to read more work by John. The first book of this proposed trilogy did not disappoint and has me anxiously awaiting the second installment. I’m usually not big on vampire tales, but this seemed fresh. Could easily be translated to the screen and become a classic, if done right.

Keep up the good work John! Looking forward to more from you!

[Cherie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC and absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. Vampire fiction is one of my favorite genres, so I'm always down to read one when it strikes my fancy. There is plenty of adventure in Crimson Rain, well-thought-out characters and an intriguing ending that makes you excited for the next book in the series. This one is a bit different in the world-building aspect, as the vampires here are not the hidden beings we expect in most vamp literature, but as rulers of this bleak world. I can highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a thrilling blood-soaked read!

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a vampire, dystopian, horror, fantasy story where vampires are basically ruling society. Being a human in this world is to be forced into a life of torture. Not only are humans being used as food banks by blood feeding, but they are being brutalized. There is a resistance forming on the horizon though.
This story is gory, horrifying, and terrifying all at the same time. It’s fast paced and definitely keeps you engaged and hooked. I havent read a vampire story this compelling in a while. If you’re in the mood for vampires, blood, and gore, this is definitely the one.

[Sarah Corwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I loved the world building and the way the characters’ storylines wove into each other as the story progressed. My jaw was dropped and I couldn’t put it down, it just got better and better. I look forward to reading more from this world and can’t wait to see what comes next!

[kate waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Effing amazing. In this world vampires are romanticized. They're not this mystical/cursed beings. They are just vampires. They are the predators in the world and humans are the prey. Every character point of view, you feel their connection. The ONLY bad thing I have to say... I'm now impatiently waiting for Silver Storm to be released.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a world where clouds shroud the sun and vampires no longer have to hide. Where humans arent just prey but things to be utterly devoured. A world where Vampires rule and humans are harvested. A true work of horror and then let John Ashley write it.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This multiple pov vampire story is nothing like youve read before! A world run but vampire royalty, a resistance trying to end them, and a willful young woman just trying to survive. I cannot wait to see what is next for the series!!

[Christopher Dahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few of John Ashley’s books, so when he announced he was writing a vampire series, I was ready! I love his work, and I love vampires, so I was in!

Anyone who enjoys dystopian, fantasy, and horror should definitely give this one a shot. The world Ashley created is so different, with vampires ruling over society, and danggggg he some excellent world-building! I really enjoyed learning how this world worked. I really hope the future books dive even more into the history of vampires came to rule.

The story is told through multiple POVs, and I was completely invested in each character’s perspective. Every POV added something to the story and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. There’s politics, rebels, cruel games, and (some unexpected) deaths.

I’m so excited that this is going to be a series because I am absolutely ready for book 2!

[Renee collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to John for letting me arc read this book!

This is my first read by this author and I loved it the atmosphere was spooky. Lyric was such a great character. The storyline was so good.This was a faced paced read for me and I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

[Stephanie Vicente · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building was amazing and it had well written character as well! I loved the pacing of this story it was perfect ! Overall I think this was a well written story and had a great plot to it. I enjoyed getting to read this I found it to be a unique vampire story and loved how it had plenty of gore and violence as well.