THE CODE OF BLOOD - dark dystopian vampire book for adults

From occhiolism, THE CODE OF BLOOD was born, an adult dystopian vampire book set in Europe over 200 years in the future, where vampires rule and humans fight for survival.

Nothing is more freeing than writing, knowing no one will read this first draft of my adult dystopian book, allowing myself to go to darker places and let the story unfold as it comes.

The story has been in my head for years, and finally, in February 2025, I felt the need to write it down. Now, almost a year later, I’m deep in my editing stages and couldn’t be happier that I decided to ditch another book I was drafting and write THE CODE OF BLOOD instead.

When I set out to write this book, it came from a place of simply knowing I would enjoy writing and editing it, as well as wanting to write a story I myself, as an avid reader, was longing to read. I could find specific elements in books, but never together.

I’ve always loved stories with vampires in them but struggled to find many that were set in a dystopian or sci-fi world.

I love a good genre blend and just recently learned the term science fantasy book, which this story definitely falls under.

As I read more fantasy, I also longed for more books with an older female protagonist, as well as a morally grey FMC. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a villain love interest. Here, I do want to point out that even though THE CODE OF BLOOD features a dark love story, it is not a romance (as romance books guarantee a happy ending). This is an adult dystopian book first and foremost.

Myself being an English-German author, I wanted the book to take place in Europe, blending European culture and influences while imagining what Europe would look like in over 200 years in my imagined reality, and setting the scene for a European dystopian fiction.

I’ve always been drawn to slightly darker stories with moral ambiguity, and to creating characters who, because of their sometimes questionable yet relatable choices, appear more real, allowing you as the reader to connect to them. Stories that entertain as well as offer a deeper reflection of society. Dark fantasy books that have more than an ephemeral effect on you.

THE CODE OF BLOOD by Clara Maria Rose is a dark dystopian vampire book for adults, set in Europe 200 years in the future. Featuring a morally grey female protagonist in her 30s.

Coming autumn 2026.