Queen Victoria has a new role in this novel. Not only is she to lead her nation, but she will also be matching wits with demons, werewolves, and zombies in the hopes of preventing the world from falling into despair.

As the novel opens, Victoria's father is on his deathbed. A demon assassin drops into visit her just as she is getting word that she will be the new leader of the British Empire. Fortunately for her, she is also visited by Maggie Brown a talented demon hunter who has been appointed as the royal Protektor. It quickly becomes clear to Victoria that the royal has an innate talent for swordplay and battle. It is something that will serve the Queen well.

Victoria is fortunate in that the dark forces seem to take a back seat as she settles into the throne and its responsibilities. She also has a chance to grow closer to Prince Albert. The two wed and start a family before England seems to be overrun with monsters.


In the interim, Victoria has been learning more about the evil forces that few average citizens know about. This includes getting to know Maggie and the rest of the Protektorate, a group of demon hunters that have been pulled together to guard the British royal family, in the hopes of better defending herself and her people from harm.

Unfortunately, those working for Ba'al an ancient god who rules the demon force, have someone working on the inside in the form of the secretary of Victoria's mother. He has been working for years to try and gain sway on the British throne, allowing him to use that power to convince the forces of Ba'al to offer him immortality.

Another lord seems to have come across the ability to control zombies, allowing him to slowly build an army in the hopes of building his own source of influence. He is accompanied by a very humorous butler, who became a zombie himself during their initial meeting with the human-hungry creatures.

As the novel progresses, the various subplots weave together and build toward an action-packed conclusion that would be great for the big screen. The author has also done a nice job of blending historical fact with the black arts and no shortage of dark humor to create a fun and interesting tale that seems to capture the feel of the Victorian Era.

I would offer just one warning. Moorat does not shy away from the graphic nature of the violent actions that often surround zombies, demons, and werewolves so be prepared to be grossed out. Either way, this a great read for fans of recent Victorian-themed horror such as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Zombie Jim.