Interview With The Author: Jay Kristoff (Author of Empire of the Vampire & Nevernight Chronicle)

Mike has a discussion with New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff about Empire of the Vampire, The Nevernight Chronicle, writing influences and habits, his similarities to Dave Grohl, and much much more.
Purchase Empire of the Vampire here:
amzn.to/337LxMF (physical, US)
amzn.to/3rQcaAg (physical, UK, edition shown in this video)
amzn.to/3IADQis (digital)
amzn.to/3oCLlgU (audio)
Purchase The Nevernight Chronicle here:
amzn.to/30JWenP (physical)
amzn.to/3yHW6Sv (digital)
amzn.to/30HrALM (audio)
Visit Jay Kristoff's merch store on his website at store.jaykristoff.com/
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#MikesBookReviews #JayKristoff #AuthorInterview

[@Blastdaddy1]

On actually emotionally impacting and helping people with writing, “That’s as close to magic as I can imagine” - Jay Kristoff Love that statement.

[@knittymama570]

I haven't read Mr. Kristoff's books yet, but this interview has me much more inclined. He's a very likeable person and is very well spoken. I'm definitely down to read his stuff.

[@ducky36F]

Empire of the Vampire is genuinely a great book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He's an awesome dude and EotV is fantastic.

[@OneWingedEmma]

I truly recommend starting with EotV, it’s undeniably his most ambitious novel as it’s full of world building and character development. The Nevernight Chronicles are amazing but I truly see EotV being his greatest work.

[@alynam82]

I'm not even half way through this video, but my impression of Jay Kristoff is that he is a very wise and humble dude. That bit about rather always moving forward than doing the same thing -- dare to fail, else we just stand around chewing cud -- that was good

[@NAFUSO1]

Because of your review and this interview, I spent some Christmas cash on this book. I'm a slow reader, but this is an insanely fast read. I normally read 20-40 pages a day, depending on the book and how much time I have. I'm nearly 200 pages in in two days. It may not be much for most people on your channel, but that's positively blazing for me. Damn, what a good recommendation!

[@turtleanton6539]

What an awesome story mate keep it up

[@karinakassim]

I loved Empire of the Vampire and now reading book 2 of Nevernight Chronicle - Godsgrave. He’s such an incredible writer ❤

[@thebrothersgwynne]

After finishing Empire of the Vampire I came back and watched this again. It might be recency bias, but I think this is going down in my all-time favourites. Great interview! Will

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s such a good book. Cannot wait for the sequel. And, yeah, Jay is just awesome. We could have talked for 5-6 hours, easily.

[@Raechill92]

This interview was like an early Christmas present. Thank you both for your time. This was fantastic! Nevernight made me an instant fan of Kristoff’s. I remember picking up Nevernight at B&N having never heard a thing about it. The cover was cool and that first line had me in stitches, so I gave it a try. I loved it! Magic like that doesn’t happen too often anymore. I’m happy to hear that EotV will be a trilogy and not spread too thin over a long series. I’ll try not to take the “stay away from blondes” comment too personally. 😂 I’m sure there’s a story behind that. Special thanks to Mr. Kristoff for always being so open, approachable, and giving to his fans. Well done on this interview, Mike! A home run like always! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@mikesbookreviews]

That is advice I absolutely would not have given my younger self. Or my older self, tbh.

[@kameealiseart]

Best. Interview. Ever!!!! Books, vampires, Lamb of God, ARCHITECTS!? This is the only 2 hour KZbin video I have ever watched in full. It was so much fun to watch. I am very excited to read Empire of the Vampire. Great content as usual 👍🏼

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, he was awesome. Felt like we could have talked for 5 hours, easily.

[@SyniStar616]

Read the entirety of EotV over the course of a week, I've never been so emotionally conflicted. I love that I read it, I hate that I finished, and I have so many theories about how this world actually works, I only wish I had other people to discuss my thoughts with.

[@danielpittman2271]

I was on the fence about Kristoff's writing, being guilty of allowing some "reviews" to persuade my anticipation. Found Empire 1/2 off at B&N, so I figured why not. Currently reading it and LOVING it! Definitely going to check out the Never Night series, can't wait to finish Empire, and filled with anticipation for volume 2 of Empire.

[@Buchertn]

Getting Empire of the Vampire here in a few short days I can't wait too give Mr. Kristoff a shot and I hope I enjoy his works! Also, Mr. Kristoff mentioned the angry letters he received from parents and that made me laugh. Those parents should be happy their kid is even read a book too begin with.

[@kaiju_k5042]

I almost fell of my chair, I named my beloved cat Mimi after Emily the Strange, so hearing Jay say that about Mia's aesthetic really kicked my heart, wow.. this was one of the best interviews I've ever seen, thank you.

[@mikesbookreviews]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheMadBeardedArtist]

How humble is this guy! Kristoffs books are just masterpieces!!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

He’s super kickass.

[@SmurfyKimberly]

OMG! This to me, was your best video yet!! Loved this so much! I’ve never watched a KZbin video this long, time flew by! Thank you for getting him to come on your channel! Absolutely f$&king fabulous!! 💚❤️

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it! He's a really cool guy.

[@r.j.esposito8056]

I was tempted to buy Empire of the Vampire after Mike's review, all Jay had to say to convince me was "Salem's Lot" and he did. It was my first and only Stephen King book I read when I was a kid and my favorite to this day. Sold.

[@atrfan11]

Metal/Rock in 2021 is as good as it has ever been. This is coming from someone who is still an old soul who loved music from the 60s and on. There's great stuff out there, just not mainstream. You gotta go looking for it. Great interview. Jay seems awesome.

[@jasonmacomber4020]

Gojira!!!!!!!

[@atrfan11]

@@jasonmacomber4020 Gojira is amazing. Saw them live a couple years ago.

[@BeardofDarkness]

Dude, wtf! how blessed are you to getJat Kristoff on here. I hope one day I can speak with him because "Fan Boy" is an understatement

[@robertocatrone715]

Both of you are outstanding. Finally the vampire genre has been reclaimed. I love this book. I'm looking forward to another well written book by Mr. Kristoff.

[@Dude_on_a_Map]

Thank you Jay for turning me onto Parkway Drive, Mike this band is Amazing. This interview was fantastic, I ordered Empire right after watching it. Good stuff👍

[@godstilgar]

This was an eye opener. As a aspiring Brazilian writer it's been hard to enter and believe in the market! Thanks a lot!!

[@booksandbags1790]

Thank you so much, both of you, for taking time out of your busy schedules for us. Great interview.

[@charleyboy6942]

Wow, this Guy is the kind I would love so much to have a beer with. So humble and inspiring. Halfway through Empire, loving it! My discovery of the year. Thanks Mike !

[@cmmosher8035]

I had trouble getting into Nevernight but hearing what he said about leaving nostalgia behind to create new things makes me want to give it another crack because that's an attitude i want to encourage

[@Drigo924]

What a great guy. It was such a pleasure to listen to what he had to say. Can't wait for book 2.

[@deelak2329]

I'm a writer from Sydney, aspiring to be able to survive and thrive in the craft like Mr Kristoff. My absolute favourite interview you've done so far Mike!

[@spencercorpuz]

This was really amazing. I loved empire of the vampire and did enjoy Nevernight (I only read the first one), and now I want to finish the Nevernight trilogy. I actually teared up watching this interview, when you guys talked about the letter from the guy who had been in rehab for 12 months and Jay's books got him through. I have a similar story to the guy who wrote it and I just thought that was really wonderful that Jay's books were able to help him, in the same way that Dresden Files had helped me.

[@mattbennett3589]

That was your best one yet. That dude was really cool, and I, too, now have some new bands to listen to.

[@Stewart000]

Great interview! That was fun to watch & I definitely have to add him to my To Read list.

[@unholyhairdo64]

Great interview! I had heard the premise of “Empire” and immediately went out and bought it. I wasn’t familiar with Kristoff and never read any of his other work. I put down the book I was reading and ripped through “Empire” in like 4-5 days. I want to thank you Mr. Kristoff! I thoroughly enjoyed the hell out of that book and can’t wait for the next installment.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Thanks to you both for doing this! I enjoyed it very much.

[@giannimanzano9266]

I love ❤️ it when authors take the time to connect with their fans through BookTube. I have seen one interview yet that didn’t go a long way in making me interested in reading their books. Thanks again Mike.

[@susan3155]

This video made me want to start reading his books. I always thought they were too YA. Starting Empire soon ! Thanks, both of you !

[@victariondrownedmemory9886]

I am so stoked to read empire!! this author seemed so genuine and down to earth, and the guy loves one of my my all time fav shows, bless this man and thanks again for the interview

[@unlimitedreads]

Thanks, Mike that was freakin' awesome, man - Jay was great!!! :)

[@chrisgoods]

Great interview... I've only recently discovered Jay Kristoff and Empire of the Vampire, what a genuinely good guy.. and great book as well !

[@samuelleask1132]

Thanks for providing us with this interview man! Great conversation from all parties

[@mikesbookreviews]

Our pleasure!

[@Wildcarde1]

Thanks That was Great. I Preordered Jay's FIRST book Stormdancer and have preordered every book hes released since. Big fan so I really enjoyed that.

[@alexvaldiers9788]

As a french person and avid Fantasy reader, I have to give it to Jay Kristoff, he is the only writer who pulled off using French dialogues and words in a Fantasy novel. All those who tried failed miserably: Schwab in Adie The Street, Robinette Kowal in the Lady Astronaut, Kuang in Babel being the top 3 biggest fails.

[@darnell1897]

Great interview Mike. I love your casual interview style.

[@margarets2924]

Great interview! His Goodreads review made me want to read his book more, lol. I’m going to try Nevernight again. Hopefully, I can schedule it to read along with your channel.

[@BelminHxC]

Jay has fantastic taste in music, grabbing my copy of empire today. Thanks for the awesome interview.

[@janepetrie1654]

Loved this - thank you to both of you.

[@shanneahuckeba8122]

Wow! Thanks for doing this! I'm in the middle of Empire of the Vampire. My 1st ever vampire book or anything! Never been my thing but it is now!!!!!! And now I love this guy.

[@lemmidraws]

I loved this interview! I haven’t read any of Jay Kristoff’s books yet, but they are on my TBR list. I thought he came across really well, and I found his responses to be funny and well thought out. He just seemed like a genuinely nice guy! I’ve only recently discovered your channel through your Anne Rice review videos and I love the long form reviews you do!

[@neilgadsby3924]

Great interview! He seems like a nice guy. I think you handle these conversations really well. Thanks.

[@KcannyTBO]

Watched this in a couple of sessions but it's so worth it! Jay Kristoff is such a cool dude to talk to! Wow, he's great. I'm really excited to give his books a try.

[@Lim_Jahey]

One of my new favorite authors, finished empire vampire, and bought nevernight on Sunday

[@coltpeterereret6502]

What an amazing chat! I honestly had zero interest in this guy until you talked with him. He’s super down to earth and I’ll definitely be reading his stuff in the future.

[@txmatt2112]

Mike the metal scene here in Texas and online is pretty amazing. If you like death metal , thrash, speed, or traditional heavy metal there are a tons of bands. Also there is a New Wave of Traditional Metal that is growing and it’s like early British metal . I’m a huge metal fan and can direct you if needed.

[@JasonFalter]

I totally agree with him on something new for movies and TV. I'm so tired of Star Wars, MCU, Superheroes, and the constant retread, over and over, and over again. There are a ton of books out there that could be made into movies and TV and they would far surpass SW and Superhero flicks.

[@daniellewatson5914]

Recently finished Empire & have been recommending this like crazy to my book friends. I tell them it's like Anne Rice & Patrick Rothfuss had a child & it's name is Empire. The best vampire book I've read in years, keep them coming!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, it's a brilliant book.

[@txmatt2112]

I’ve listened to this interview twice now. I’m starting his book in the next 24 hours.

[@dalmo8340]

Amazing interview. Jay Kristoff easily became one of my favorite authors, I would say among my top 5. Mike, it is worth it to get Nevernight hardcovers, fantastic NA editions 😎✌️

[@williamramskill5488]

Loved Jay schooling Mike on Metal, lol. Architects, Bring me the Horizon and Thy art is Murder are dope. Also try Orbit Culture, Turnstile and Counterparts Mike, for me.

[@bookMark2967]

Epic interview! Jay seems like a great person. I've only read Empire but I absolutely loved it.

[@aldan7812]

Dude this was a sensational interview :-) Awesome stuff - I'll be hooking into Empire once the WoT show finishes and I can get some head space for something else lol.

[@Chris_Traylor]

Wow, his taste in music is amazing. Refreshing to relate to someone in that way.

[@bjlowe85]

So I only just got around to watching the interview as I just finished empire and didn't know if this had spoilers but dam what a great video this was. It makes me proud as an aussie to have such an author from my country and such a likeable and easy going guy

[@mikesbookreviews]

He’s the best.

[@TommyBoyB]

Great interview man!

[@atom0191]

Love your videos, Mike!!

[@saeedajaib]

I read Nevernight right before Empire was released. Immediately hooked and the writing style was great. 2022 i plan to read all his other books.

[@avi4905]

This interview just contacted to read the Empire, what a cool Down to earth guy, and great interview Mike

[@FictionAddictions]

I just finished thr ARC of Empire of the Damned, and I am obsessed! Jay Kristoff is currently my favorite writer. Empire of the Vampire books are GENIUS!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Correct.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

Empire of the Vampire went straight into my TBR after your review.

[@Benni3e]

"I'd rather play in a bad originals band than play in a good covers band" 👏👏👏👏 so much this!! ❤

[@mayabrinon6922]

It feels really good to see you too like that ^-^ The first book I ever read from Jay Kristoff was the Lotus War, but the one who really got me into the fandom is Illuminae. It's also the one who got me into sci-fi TT. I became a fan instantly buuuuut, the most ridiculous problem is that I live in France, and the traduction of the books take time #clown, so i'm always a step behind :'( We don't even have the third tome of Nevernight ._. But nonetheless i'm still very happy to have seen this interview ^-^ even though I was on the lookout for any spoilers x)

[@tokyoreads4019]

What a fantastic interview! It was hilarious hearing his answer to the harlequin romance question. Color-coded romance sectioned complied by his wife and other female friends. I knew he must have had good romance schooling 😂

[@Lou45833]

Awesome interview

[@RudiVerago]

Great guy and great interview. Avoided Jay because of the YA vibe, I was wrong. Enjoying a lot Empire of the Vampire. Thanks a lot Mike.

[@CaroLiaGrace]

So cool that Jay stayed for that long of an interview 😊❤

[@mikesbookreviews]

Jay is a solid dude. We’re supposed to talk again soon!

[@TunezCottage]

"Billions of people walking around like happy meals with legs." You gotta love Spike. Was sad to see Jay didn't share your passion for Buffy and Angel. Man, I would've spent that entire interview just talking about those two shows personally.

[@PhilipDavisRKC]

Well, you've earned another fan Mr. Kristoff.

[@gidonidus]

Yes Dragonlance! I've been rereading books in that series, and just finished Empire of the Vampire as well, fan of both! And personally I don't think Dragonlance aged so bad, I still enjoy the books 20 years after the last time I read one.

[@bryceharder8950]

Empire Of the Vampire is in my TOP 3 books for the year!! Great interview, he seems awesome! Sounds like the second POV is gonna be a vampire 🔥🔥

[@nixieness6551]

I just bought Empire the Vampire and as soon as I saw the cover I knew it was done by Kerby (He does amazing adult colouring books which is another hobby of mine) stunning work and I can not wait to read it

[@kaiju_k5042]

I'm reading Empire of the Vampire and Malice by Gwynne at the same time haha, so this was a great interview to watch. Thank you!

[@swisswatermethod1781]

I have Empire of the Vampire but haven’t read it yet. Jay seems like a total legend based on this interview. Coming from the UK, we are definitely the masters of self deprecation and we obviously have a lot of history with Australia 👀

[@septimasnape]

This was fantastic. Put laini Taylor and China mieville on my tbr, music wise Jay and me are basically the same person already 😂 Thank you for this, I subbed for good measure!

[@jasonmacomber4020]

Strange the Dreamer is great. I didn't even realise that it was YA until the romance started up.

[@osoisko1933]

Good interview

[@Ecotectpestexpert]

Well you sold one book for him! I just received it today and cant wait to read it

Loved this!!

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Great interview

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, he is an awesome fellow.

[@MetalGildarts]

Jay speaking facts…..that’s it I’m looking into him next year.

[@lbds9555]

Just started watching and that Lorna Shore t-shirt has me sold on him already!

[@ragnarvolorus2925]

Holy Crap Mike !!! Jay Kristoff!!! What a Get!!! Kudos to you sir!!!

[@PsyKotyK]

Great guest amd great show . I bought the vampire book

[@danbe6280]

Currently reading and loving "The Nevernight Chronicle", I don't really like YA but I want to read everything from this author so I already bought "The Lotus war" and the words "problematic" and "cultural appropriation" in some of the 1-2 stars reviews in GD were the final push for me to buy the trilogy, very talented storyteller and pretty cool dude.

[@jazung]

Ordered both!!

[@bridleybateson5622]

I'm always looking for books where the author isn't scared to kill off big characters. I'm in!

[@ChaptersWeLove]

I agree, Strange the Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor is one of my favorite books of all times

[@kingmeech4396]

Need to peep

[@epiphoney]

How about Daughter of Smoke & Bone?

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

Awesome.

[@tng_abu3201]

Started nevernight based off seeing it on this channel and I love it

[@Lou45833]

Love the book, would make an amazing anime series with the right creators behind it

[@hogbone7]

Currently reading Empire Of The Vampire and man, I am not disappointed

[@markshepherd4791]

Would 100% suggest empire of the vampire for people to read, like many others my favourite read of last year and polished it off within a week of getting it.

[@terabyter9000]

Nice shout out to Cryo Chamber Ambiences love those too.

[@ducky36F]

Trivium is my favorite metal band from the USA currently. The Phalanx is their newest song and it rocks

[@israaahmed7168]

Speaking of evil vampires, you should check out The Conqueror’s Saga by Kiersten White. It’s an epic historical alternate fantasy that is a retelling of Vlad the Impaler (Lada in this case) set in Transylvania at the height of the Ottoman Empire.

[@danielw8620]

So funny after reading book 1 of EOTV i thought it was inspired by brotherhood of the wolf to some extent, then to come here and hear him say it. Can't wait for book 2.

[@jennyjustjenny7634]

I LOVE his books and I kinda love him too. Jay is a great author and a wise but funny human being. :) I still hate that he made me cry more than once while reading his books. Empire of the Vampire was so poetic for me.. I have like 50 quotes written down from it. 😅 Nevernight is one of my favorite series, absolutely love the footnotes, they made me laugh soo many times while the story itself is a very sad, dark but also strong one.