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My Version of Vampires
To End the Night follows Julius Caesar as he battles a secret enemy, one that is dark and sinister and exists in the shadows of the Roman Empire. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I really wanted to do a different take on vampires and I was watching a documentary about Julius Caesar and just thought, huh, that would be a good setting to do my version of Vampires in. I wrote the story originally in the late 90’s as a short story and then beefed it up to a novella later.
Can you share with us a little about the research that went into the historical aspects of your novel?
Loads and Loads! I have an entire bookcase dedicated to Julius Caesar and ancient Rome now. Many hours reading with highlighters and googling things for clarification. I also went on a history channel binge for JC documentaries. I listed some of the most used research items in the back of the book. I wanted the history in my historical fiction to be as accurate as possible. I am writing a book starring Genghis Khan now and already have 18 history books I’m going through.
How were you able to strike a balance between historical accuracy and supernatural events?
For me, it was a matter of motivation. Why did JC cross the Rubican? Why did he pursue power so doggedly? And then finding places to slip in the motivation. I wanted the history to be the star of the show with the supernatural as a supporting cast.
What is the next book fans can expect to see from you?
I have a book with the editor right now called The Ballad of Jayce: Not Your Mother’s LitRPG. It is my take on LitRPG. I’ve been told it is like a LitRPG meets Ready Player One. I am using an editor that is completely unfamiliar with the genre to help me make it as accessible as possible to people who do not read LitRPG. I needed a fun thing to do after all the research that went into this book. I am also 25 thousand words into my Genghis Khan historical fiction and have plans for a Terry Pratchet style book after that. I plan on bouncing between more serious historical fiction and light hearted fun things.
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To End the Night: Julius Caesar’s Secret War
Julius Caesar, a man of ambition and unparalleled intellect, stands at a pivotal moment in his quest to shape Rome’s future. Driven by a profound love for the Republic, he aims to secure its prosperity while navigating treacherous political landscapes. Yet, beyond the schemes of mortal adversaries, a darker force emerges: Vampyres—supernatural beings of insatiable hunger and ruthless intent. Confronted with threats both human and otherworldly, Caesar must wield his military genius and strategic brilliance to safeguard not only Rome’s destiny but also his enduring legacy. Success could immortalize his name, while failure would condemn him and the Republic to oblivion.
In To End the Night: Julius Caesar’s Secret War, LLuew Grey masterfully blends historical fiction with gothic horror, delivering a unique narrative reminiscent of Anne Rice’s evocative prose and Seth Grahame-Smith’s inventive Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. The novel offers a rich tapestry of historical detail interwoven with macabre elements, creating a gripping tale that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. Grey’s deep understanding of Roman history shines through, with authentic references to pivotal events and figures from Caesar’s life. At its core, the story hinges on Caesar himself—a figure as formidable in battle as he is in political maneuvering. Beset by visible political intrigues and shadowy supernatural foes, he becomes the axis on which this darkly imaginative tale turns. Watching him navigate these dual threats provides both tension and satisfaction, as his resourcefulness and resilience are tested to their limits.
The novel’s pacing is bolstered by thrilling set pieces that keep the action brisk and compelling. Meanwhile, the dialogue is sharp and purposeful, breathing life into the characters and grounding the fantastical elements within a credible framework. Though the book may not aspire to the sweeping grandeur of epic historical fantasies, it doesn’t need to. Grey understands the specific tone his narrative demands and approaches it with precision and confidence, ensuring an entertaining and cohesive reading experience.
To End the Night succeeds as a captivating blend of history and horror. With its intriguing premise, compelling protagonist, and intelligent execution, the novel carves out a unique space in the realm of historical fiction. It’s a brisk, enjoyable read that delivers on its promise to entertain and surprise.
Pages: 95 | ISBN : 978-1998315123
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