Publishers Weekly
06/08/2020
Jarvis debuts with a refreshing historical fantasy about class and the hunger for power. In 19th-century Prague, Domek Myska is part of the Lamplighters’ Guild, which keeps the city’s gas lamps burning—and protects citizens from supernatural predators. After killing a pijavica, the Czech cousin of the vampire, Domek discovers that the creature was carrying something unheard of: a captive will-o’-the-wisp. Hoping to make a name for himself in the Lamplighter’s Guild, he pursues the mystery of the wisp’s origins—and befriends the scene-stealing wisp along the way. Meanwhile, Lady Ora Fischerová, a wealthy, glamorous pijavica who has forsworn human blood, investigates rumors that some pijavica are developing a cure for their sunlight allergy. Jarvis’s Prague is steeped in history and shadows, mourning its recent fall from power and teetering on the edge of modernity, and her wearily well-intentioned characters feel like old friends. Domek and Ora are delightfully sensible, even as they are sucked into byzantine conspiracies. The action-packed plot sometimes requires them to make nonsensical decisions, but readers will be too entertained to mind. Fantasy fans will gobble up this moody, philosophical adventure. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
An unconventional and characterful vampire tale. — Morning Star Review
Fantasy fans will gobble up this moody, philosophical adventure
Publishers Weekly
Jarvis transports readers to a historical Prague where evil lurks around dark corners and lamplighters are vampire hunters in disguise. Readers will fall hard for the humble, vampire-hunting Domek and the brazen, bloodthirsty Ora as they navigate their class differences—along with their mortal differences—while trying to save their city. A stunning debut.
Kristen Ciccarelli
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Bustle
The story unfolds at a measured pace, submerging the reader into moments of reflective exposition or lush descriptions of Prague....an impressive and mature feat from a debut novelist.
BookPage
I enjoyed myself reading this book, and I believe that the author has a strong foundation in her craft which makes me even more excited for any upcoming books by her after this brilliant debut.
Days Into Other Worlds Review
I adored this and I would 100% recommend this to fans of urban fantasy, especially those in a historical setting.
Books and Bouquets Review
Overall this is a really good book, completely enveloping you in this world and leaving you with the feeling you want to spend more time there.
Elle Turpitt / Unwrapping Words Review
It very quickly became a book that got me hooked on the mythology and the mystery, before ending up a book where I cared for the characters and wanted to see them all get a happy ending. I wasn't expecting the journey this book would take me on, and I'm kind of sad that it's over. But for the short time it existed I loved every moment of it.
Trans-Scribe Review
I want to see more of these characters, the monsters and the city. This was a great read for me, and certainly one I would recommend.
Simply A Book Drunkard Review
I loved the atmosphere but really wish more time had been dedicated to character development and fleshing out the relationship between Ora and Domek into a more passionate romance. Still, it’s definitely worth a read if you want gothic fantasy not set in England.
Firstbreaths Review
The author is an excellent storyteller and the world building, magical system and character development are excellent.
Annarellix Review
