Daywalkers

by Emilia Mondragón

“What makes a better hunter – a better soldier – for an organization of monster hunters, than the spawn of a monster itself? Two were worth more than their weight in gold.”

In a world where vampires live in the shadows of humanity, 24-year-old twins Eric and James MacNamara work for The Colectiv - a religious organization dedicated to hunting them down. They’re Transylvania’s best, hunting undead threats with pistol and blade alike, as well as the immortal blood that flows through their veins.

Eric, who left The Colectiv at 18 to pursue normalcy, is now seeking revenge after a near-death experience with a vampire lover and her possessive older brother. His return has made him into a ruthless killer who will do anything to acquire the information he so desires, even if it means doing something he is loath to do - reconnecting with his former flame, Emilia.

Emilia is a 70-year-old vampire and a dancer at a burlesque club called The Canary. After a bloody breakup and going no-contact with her big brother, she fled to New York City in search of peace. But when her ex-boyfriend, Eric MacNamara, comes crashing back into her life and demands to know her brother’s whereabouts, Emilia is left with no choice but to face the past she left behind.

But what else will they do now that fate and rage have thrust them back together again?

Content Warning: 

This story has mature content but is not a dark romance. If you are not comfortable with blood, violence, blasphemy, cursing, or mild spice, read at your own risk. Daywalkers also had descriptions of panic attacks and nightmares and touches on situations pertaining to PTSD, child abuse, implied sexual assault, machismo, family trauma, and homophobia. Most are brief and not described on the page, but again, proceed with caution.

449 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2024

About the author

Emilia Mondragón is an independent queer author from Southern California. She is the daughter of Mexican-immigrant parents and is a lover of all things horror and fantasy. Over the course of her life, she has dipped her toes in many creative fields such as film, theater, singing, acting, and dancing, but ultimately decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an author. In spring of 2024 she decided to self-publish her debut novel, DAYWALKERS, and plans to publish the first of an adult epic fantasy called THE MOON PRINCE in 2025.

Reviews

[Kamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh that ENDING!!!! Loved this story. I need more of it! It has all the tropes: lovers to enemies to lovers, forced proximity, FORBIDDEN LOVE!!! If you love vampires, this is for you!!

[reem.☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

so glad redacted slithered away was low-key rooting for him 🥰

[Ruthie Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant. It was so well written and a quick read. It is refreshing and new, I loved that the older vampire was a beautiful, 70 year old burlesque dancing woman! I loved the queer representation and diverse characters, without it feeling like a trope. I NEED book two asap! For now I will be reading Moon Prince by the same author!! I am so excited to read every book this author writes! As a huge Fantasy lover I am excited to see where the future of Fantasy is heading!

[Jess Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What makes a better hunter for an organization of monster hunters, than the spawn of a monster itself? Two were worth more than their weight in gold.”

Daywalkers by Emilia Mondragón
⭐️:5 📚: 451 pages

Read it if you like:
🖤 Dark fantasy
🖤 Vampire x Vampire Hunter
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
🖤 Organization of monster hunters
🖤 Latina Vampire FMC
🖤 Twin Brothers (hunters)
🖤Forced proximity

My thoughts: I went in completely blind — I was immediately drawn in by the cover, and the moment I saw the word "vampires" in the description, I was sold. And wow, I’m so glad I picked it up! I discovered an amazing universe with incredible depth.

The Hunter brothers gave me major Supernatural nostalgia, but the story is so much more than that. There’s secrecy, fear, betrayal, love, power, political intrigue, passion, and desire. There's action, intense fights, and an overarching theme of duty vs. destiny.

Emilia (our fierce FMC) and the twins, Eric and James, have to work together — and the tension between them is palpable (in the best way!). The slow burn between Emilia and Eric is absolutely riveting. I’m obsessed! Also... I need more of my boy James in book two. I’m getting serious “dark side” vibes from him, and I am here for it. Overall, an amazing story — I can't wait for more!

[Leilani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that she included content warnings. It’s a mix of romance, drama, and action. genuinely enjoyed it and she wrote everything in such vivid detail it played like a movie in my head. It was so well written, I literally got sweaty palms during the third act when things started to escalate.

[Sam Desormeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a compelling story! I was hooked from the beginning, couldn't put it down. I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel!

[Frommailenesbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slowburn was killing me, but in the BEST way possible 😫🖤 I was at the edge of my seat dying for Emilia and Eric! And the plot is SO good!

Eric and James are the twin brothers you want to be friends with 😆 and Emilia? Is there a way for me to go clubbing with her?

🖤 Vampire x Vampire Hunter
🖤 Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Latina FMC
🖤 Lovable, Idiot Brothers
🖤 Slowburn Romance