When the only defence against the vampire horde is destroyed and the threat of another Blood War looms, new heroes must rise to save the world from an evil that refuses to die. Perfect for fans of Jay Kristoff, Ed Crocker, John Gwynne and Anna Stephens

'WILDLY FUN, GRIM, AND PAGE-TURNING ... I DRANK THIS UP LIKE DRACULA AFTER DRY JANUARY' Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall

Centuries ago, only the discovery of a starstone saved humanity from the undead. But with its powerful defensive light destroyed, the vampires are rising again. Here comes the night . . .

Conlan Greylock has tainted blood. Not only does he face death from the vampire plague coursing through his veins, but there is a clear edict: anyone found to be infected will be executed. Refusing to accept his fate, he seeks the aid of Rohina, a healer to whom he feels inexplicably drawn. But Rohina and her genius son, Timor, are outlaws too, for creating a near-human golem which has killed a man. With common purpose, they flee into the wilds looking for a place of legend and a cure for vampirism.

Along the way they discover other lost souls haunting the kingdoms' margins: Mohan and his daughter, Yarrow, hunters searching for their missing wife and mother; and the troubled noblewoman, Dariana, accompanied by the mercenary, Emyl, who are desperate to prevent a loved one from joining the undead.

Thrown together by chance but bound by hidden forces, these unlikely heroes find themselves drawn inexorably towards the lair of an enemy that refuses to die: the Vampire God, Varthak.