My Cloak of the Vampire Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Cloak of the Vampire by Sapir A. Englard is the dark, immersive opener to a gritty new paranormal series. The story follows Aileen Henderson, a secretive, wallflower heroine who dies trying to protect her best friend—and awakens to find herself transformed into a vampire against her will. Thrust into the cutthroat world of the vampire League beneath her city, Aileen’s “imprint” forever binds her to Ragnar Rayne, the enigmatic and morally grey vampire lord responsible for her change. Rage, confusion, and the need for revenge sharpen her focus as she fights to navigate deadly vampire politics, survive the notorious Auction where new vampires are traded, and resist the allure that binds her to Ragnar. Secrets about her own past and the true power of the imprint are slowly revealed as Aileen finds herself torn between vengeance, survival, and a deeply forbidden attraction.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book leans fully into the dangers and seductions of vampire lore. Englard’s worldbuilding is rich with secret societies, shifting alliances, dangerous rituals, and complex social hierarchies that set it apart from lighter paranormal romances. The dynamic between Aileen and Ragnar is volatile—enemies-to-lovers with real bite, loads of tension, and a deliciously messy power struggle. Aileen isn’t a damsel; her anger and resistance make for compelling reading as she carves her own path. The pacing is quick, the world gritty, and every relationship is shadowed by secrets and survival. Scenes of dark seduction and betrayal pulse across chapters, keeping the emotional stakes high and drawing you deeper into the heart of vampire politics—and dark desire.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love paranormal romance that is unapologetically dark, mature, and brimming with enemies-to-lovers tension, this one’s for you. Fans of Vampire Academy, The Millennium Wolves, or other gothic romances with high stakes, explicit scenes, and tumultuous partnerships will devour it. The plot features revenge, mystery, found families, and forbidden attraction wrapped in a tense, atmospheric world of supernatural politics. Just know: this is not a “sweet” romance—expect violence, emotional angst, manipulation, and a heroine with real claws. The story ends on a major cliffhanger, setting up an even darker sequel.
Tagged As
paranormal romance, vampire romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, imprinted mates, dark romance, revenge, hidden identity, found family, betrayal, supernatural politics, explicit, new adult, trauma, morally grey hero, female-led, open-door, cliffhanger, indie romance, series
Steam Level
Expect explicit scenes, dark seduction, and plenty of mature content, but all in service to character and emotional stakes. The heat is entwined with tension and threat—perfect for readers who crave spicy, gritty, and tumultuous paranormal romance.
Trigger Warnings
Violence, sexual assault, forced captivity, emotional trauma, explicit sexual content, and manipulation. Be sure to review content warnings if you are sensitive to dark, intense subject matter.
This novel is #3 of our 7 Favorite Vampire Romance Books. View the full list.
