Anne Rice's Queen of the Damned continues the Vampire Chronicles, following the awakening of Akasha, the first vampire and ancient Egyptian queen, whose plan to reshape humanity threatens both mortal and immortal worlds. Rice expands her vampire mythology into a sweeping epic that explores power, divinity, and the consequences of immortal ambition. The novel weaves together multiple narratives, revealing the origins of vampirism while examining themes of gender, violence, and the seductive danger of absolute power.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Rice understood that the most dangerous gods are the ones who were once human. Queen of the Damned asks what happens when immortal power meets messianic conviction, proving that even monsters can believe they're saving the world.

DETAILS: • Author: Anne Rice • Publisher: Ballantine Books • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: November 29, 1997 • ISBN: 9780345419620 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days