The Night Library of Sternendach
The Night Library of Sternendach
by Jessica Lévai
“A stunning achievement in storytelling and the poetic form.”
—Emily Leverett, editor of Predators in Petticoats
In starry Sternendach, as long as
The vampire Graf has ruled this land
The Heller clan, with weapons strong as
Their wills, have killed his kindred and
Been killed in turn. The two sides nearly
Destroyed themselves. The Graf saw clearly
The need to make the killing cease,
And forced a pact to keep the peace.
The youngest of the Heller faction
Is Kunigunde. Trained to fight
It never suited her aright.
She can’t deny her soul’s attraction
For books and poetry, and for
The Graf, who gave her these and more.
Kunigunde is destined to become the next in a long line of Heller clan vampire hunters—but her soul is drawn to books, poetry, and the vampire Graf. Set in 1960s Europe, The Night Library of Sternendach is an unabashedly melodramatic opera-in-sonnets that weaves a sweeping, suspenseful tale readers won't be able to put down.
Recipient of the Lord Ruthven Assembly Award in Fiction
A Ladies of Horror Fiction 2021 Readers’ Choice Selection
About the Author
Matthew Stein Photography
Jessica Lévai has loved stories and storytellers for as long as she can remember. After a PhD in Egyptology and eight years as a professor of Anthropology, she dedicated herself to writing full time. She lives near Boston with her husband and two kids.
Praise for The Night Library of Sternendach
“Revel in every turn of phrase in this lyrical, classical romance of Kunigunde Heller, trapped between her family and tradition, and her own desires kindled under the starry sky in The Night Library of Sternendach.”
— Margaret S. McGraw, editor of Lawless Lands and Predators in Petticoats
“Lévai debuts with a lush, modern take on the trope of supernaturally star-crossed lovers... This operatic love story caters to many beloved tropes while providing a fresh perspective and building toward an unusual, bittersweet ending that explores ‘how love costs more than it seems.’“
—Publishers Weekly
“Gorgeously romantic in both style and story. Lévai’s timeless tale will sweep you off your feet with immortal dealings and human emotion.”
—Matthew Vesely, author of Elegy for the Undead
