My Eternal Reign Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Eternal Reign by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti launches the Age of Vampires series with a brutal, addictive, dystopian twist on vampire romance. Set in a future where vampires have enslaved humanity, twins Callie and Montana Ford live as blood cattle, confined to vampire-ruled Realms. When the girls attempt a daring escape after their blood is “tested,” their family is torn apart—Montana is kidnapped by the royal vampires, Callie is rescued by mysterious warrior Magnar (the last Slayer), and their father is sent to a blood bank. The story tracks both sisters as they navigate separate, perilous journeys: Callie among slayers and resistance fighters, uncovering dangerous secrets about her bloodline, and Montana learning to survive vampire courts, dangerous rituals, and the ruthless Prince Erik.
The world-building is vivid and gritty—think post-apocalyptic dictatorship meets high fantasy, with vampires as cruel overlords and humans desperate for freedom. Themes of sisterhood, rebellion, survival, and high-stakes romance drive this fast-paced tale. The tension simmers between enemies, reluctant allies, and the lure of forbidden, dangerous attraction. Expect action, heartbreak, painful longing, and a slow build of both plot and relationships, with future books promising even more steam and emotional trauma.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Eternal Reign doesn’t pull punches—the stakes are immediately high, and every choice cuts deep. Peckham and Valenti’s writing is intense and cinematic, dragging you into a world where hope is costly and victory is never easy. The dual POV lets both twins shine; I was especially hooked by Montana’s storyline with Erik and all the brutal politics of vampire royalty, though Callie’s evolution from victim to fighter is equally compelling. What sets this book apart is how it combines slow-burn romantic tension (without insta-love payoff in Book 1!) with real danger, emotional pain, and hints of coming spice. The pacing is snappy, the action keeps coming, and the world is so immersive I wanted to keep reading straight into the next book.
Who Will Like This Book
If you crave dark fantasy romance with enemies-to-lovers tension, strong sister bonds, and a dystopian twist, you’ll be obsessed. Fans of Zodiac Academy, The Selection, or gritty paranormal romance will love the blend of high stakes, angst, and slow-burn plot. This is upper-YA/new adult, with some violence and brutality but no explicit spice in the first book—just lots of tension and promise for what’s coming. Content warnings include violence, captivity, emotional trauma, dehumanization of humans, and moral ambiguity. If you want morally grey love interests, complicated heroines, and an epic world that keeps expanding, jump in. If you need instant HEA or light, fluffy vibes, steer clear—this one promises plenty of pain and longing before the payoff.
Tagged As
vampire romance, dystopian, enemies to lovers, slow burn, dual pov, sisters, rebellion, epic worldbuilding, new adult, dark fantasy, high stakes, gritty, dangerous hero, forced proximity, morally grey, emotional journey, series, found family, adventure, action, trauma, indie romance
Steam Level
Book 1 is all about slow-burn tension and high emotion, with no explicit sex scenes yet. Expect that to change as the series heats up! For now, focus on the danger, the enemies-to-lovers promise, and the addictive emotional rollercoaster.
This novel is #6 of our 7 Favorite Vampire Romance Books. View the full list.
