The Vampire’s Sonata by Joseph Floyd and Joy Crozier is the second installment in the Tales of the Rialto Vampires, a wonderfully crafted vampire story with LGBTQ themes. The story follows Nicolas Portinari, a centuries-old vampire and renowned composer, who struggles with his fading humanity and the growing threats from rival vampire covens and vengeful revenants. As Nicolas faces his impending death, he orchestrates a series of intricate plans to secure his legacy and protect those he loves, particularly the elusive Giuliana, a muse and muse-like figure from his past. Meanwhile, François Durand, a loyal human confidant and former pupil, finds himself increasingly enmeshed in Nicolas’s shadowy world, torn between his devotion and the dangerous truths about his employer’s true nature. When François’s life is in grave danger, he and Nicolas must make a choice that will alter their connection and lives forever.

I was fascinated by the world that Joseph Floyd and Joy Crozier brought to life, in which danger lurks around every corner. The Vampire’s Sonata deftly explores the struggle between light and darkness, and I loved the characters, especially how Nicolas is portrayed. His connection with François is brilliantly executed, and the relationship feels real. Nicolas resonated with me with his timeless elegance and creative genius, a tragic figure haunted by love and regret. His internal conflict manifests in moments of tenderness and feral hunger. I also liked François, who is a complex blend of loyalty, longing, and hidden desire. I loved how the setting shifts seamlessly from the opulent, historic Parisian offices to the mystical Egyptian deserts and the hauntingly beautiful Venetian landscapes. The Vampire’s Sonata is a searing tale exploring a vampire’s struggle to accept his eternal curse. I enjoyed the crispness in the writing, the dazzling imagery, and the sophisticated relationships.

The Vampire's Sonata by Joseph Floyd and Joy Crozier follows Nicolas Portinari and Francois Durand as they navigate a complex and potentially dangerous relationship. Having known Nicolas for almost his entire life, Francois is left baffled when Nicolas suddenly attempts to distance himself. Nicolas, sensing a shift in his affections toward Francois, realizes that their relationship could cause Francois to become a target of others of his kind. Amid vampiric chaos, can the two forge an even deeper bond, or will the risk be too great?

The Vampire's Sonata by Joseph Floyd and Joy Crozier is an emotionally intense continuation of The Vampire's Opera, a tale that pulses with longing, heartbreak, and the exquisite ache of a love that defies both mortality and reason. At the heart of this story is the bond between Francois, a human trying his best to live his own life, and Nicolas, a vampire long practiced in burying his desires beneath the weight of duty and fear. Their connection simmers beneath the surface until circumstance strips away all pretence, forcing them to face the truth of what they mean to one another. The writing is evocative and atmospheric, painting the pages with romantic and emotional depth. The Vampire's Sonata isn’t just about a forbidden love, it’s about vulnerability and the courage it takes to stand in your truth when doing so could cost everything. It’s a haunting reminder that sometimes the most terrifying thing isn’t the supernatural, but instead it’s the risk of opening your heart. This novel was truly a delight, and I would love to read more of Floyd and Crozier’s work.