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Vampire of the Gods: The First Death
IMMORTALITY WAS NEVER MEANT TO LAST.
Two thousand years old. Three months left. One answer, buried on purpose.
For nearly two thousand years, Keres Galanis has walked the night. She has outlived
empires. Buried lovers. Held the line between predator and protector. But when her brother Silas dies under impossible circumstances, petrifying into stone instead of turning to ash, the first vampire autopsy in history reveals a shattering truth. Vampires are not truly immortal. They have an expiration date. And hers is three months away.
Desperate for answers, Keres is drawn back to her ancient homeland of Greece. To survive, she must join forces with Lazarius Barba, a charismatic vampire historian and the ex-lover she swore never to trust again. Together, they hunt for a record of vampire origins thought lost to time. But they aren't the only ones hunting. Tristan, a vengeful vampire armed with weapons capable of killing their kind, is closing in. As Keres digs into the past, she realizes the truth of her bloodline is far older, and far more dangerous, than any legend.
Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is a fast-paced dark fantasy mystery for readers who love deep Greek mythology, high-stakes immortal politics, and a slow-burn romantic subplot.
Two thousand years old. Three months left. One answer, buried on purpose.
For nearly two thousand years, Keres Galanis has walked the night. She has outlived
empires. Buried lovers. Held the line between predator and protector. But when her brother Silas dies under impossible circumstances, petrifying into stone instead of turning to ash, the first vampire autopsy in history reveals a shattering truth. Vampires are not truly immortal. They have an expiration date. And hers is three months away.
Desperate for answers, Keres is drawn back to her ancient homeland of Greece. To survive, she must join forces with Lazarius Barba, a charismatic vampire historian and the ex-lover she swore never to trust again. Together, they hunt for a record of vampire origins thought lost to time. But they aren't the only ones hunting. Tristan, a vengeful vampire armed with weapons capable of killing their kind, is closing in. As Keres digs into the past, she realizes the truth of her bloodline is far older, and far more dangerous, than any legend.
Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is a fast-paced dark fantasy mystery for readers who love deep Greek mythology, high-stakes immortal politics, and a slow-burn romantic subplot.
- GenresFantasy
308 pages, ebook
Published October 16, 2026
About the author
Achilles Katsanakis
3 books4 followersAchilles Katsanakis is a writer and filmmaker whose previous work has been honored at independent film festivals.
Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is his debut novel, the opening book in a dark fantasy trilogy that reimagines the origin of vampires through Greek myth.
He writes the kind of dark, cinematic fantasy he grew up loving, where ancient myth collides with modern stakes.
Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is his first novel and the opening chapter of a Greek-mythology vampire saga.
Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is his debut novel, the opening book in a dark fantasy trilogy that reimagines the origin of vampires through Greek myth.
He writes the kind of dark, cinematic fantasy he grew up loving, where ancient myth collides with modern stakes.
Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is his first novel and the opening chapter of a Greek-mythology vampire saga.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dark fantasy filled with vampires set in ancient Greece 👀😍 Sign me up!!
I really enjoyed this. It had a strong start with the FMC, Keres, set to unalive her brother who ends up petrified into stone!!
In her attempt to uncover the mystery, she reconnects with the MMC, Lazarius, who broke her heart years ago.
This was a fade to black romance, highly recommend if you're looking for a vampire fantasy book that leans more into plot than romance.
Thank you so much Achilles Katsanakis for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this. It had a strong start with the FMC, Keres, set to unalive her brother who ends up petrified into stone!!
In her attempt to uncover the mystery, she reconnects with the MMC, Lazarius, who broke her heart years ago.
This was a fade to black romance, highly recommend if you're looking for a vampire fantasy book that leans more into plot than romance.
Thank you so much Achilles Katsanakis for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
Arc review
Thank you, Achilles Katsanakis and Literally Inspired for this awesome book! When you believe that the vampire trope is absolutely stable,and nothing new can be written, here comes Achilles Katsanakis with this series!
The main character is Keres, an almost 2000yo vampire, brought into the dark and raised by a rather conservative vampire, along side Silas. Where Keres respected her maker's rules, Silas made in New York, togather with a former cop,Tristan, a club where vampires roamed free, drained and killed humans, and indulged in all posiible horrors. The story begins with Keres, Silas and Tristan, with the occasion of Silas' 2000yo birthday night, when Keres has to convince him to leave the club and put down Tristan, and leave togather to Greece, or she is forced to bring him the true death.
However, something terribly wrong happens to Silas,and he drops down. Is it true death? Is it an illness?
And here starts Keres' journey to discover whatever happened to her brother. After meeting a mad vampire doctor, she has to call for Lazarius, her former lover, a vampire that left her 250years before. Why him? Because he is the only one that holds information and connections all over the world.
Is 2000years all a vampire gets? Is immortal life trully immortal or it has this deadline?
Achilles Katsanakis wrote a book as a movie, with dark yet immaculate images, with characters full of life even if they are all, actually dead. We have prophecies, we have vampires and clans, we have legends and Greek gods and revenge.
I loved every page of this book, and I can hardly wait for the next one! Excelent plot and worldbuild!
I have read this book received from Literally Inspired and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Thank you, Achilles Katsanakis and Literally Inspired for this awesome book! When you believe that the vampire trope is absolutely stable,and nothing new can be written, here comes Achilles Katsanakis with this series!
The main character is Keres, an almost 2000yo vampire, brought into the dark and raised by a rather conservative vampire, along side Silas. Where Keres respected her maker's rules, Silas made in New York, togather with a former cop,Tristan, a club where vampires roamed free, drained and killed humans, and indulged in all posiible horrors. The story begins with Keres, Silas and Tristan, with the occasion of Silas' 2000yo birthday night, when Keres has to convince him to leave the club and put down Tristan, and leave togather to Greece, or she is forced to bring him the true death.
However, something terribly wrong happens to Silas,and he drops down. Is it true death? Is it an illness?
And here starts Keres' journey to discover whatever happened to her brother. After meeting a mad vampire doctor, she has to call for Lazarius, her former lover, a vampire that left her 250years before. Why him? Because he is the only one that holds information and connections all over the world.
Is 2000years all a vampire gets? Is immortal life trully immortal or it has this deadline?
Achilles Katsanakis wrote a book as a movie, with dark yet immaculate images, with characters full of life even if they are all, actually dead. We have prophecies, we have vampires and clans, we have legends and Greek gods and revenge.
I loved every page of this book, and I can hardly wait for the next one! Excelent plot and worldbuild!
I have read this book received from Literally Inspired and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Writing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6 STARS — A dark, deliciously twisted vampire story! 🩸🖤
Some books deserve more than five stars, and Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is one of them!
This book pulled me into a dark, dangerous world where vampires, ancient gods, mythology, and secrets collide. The atmosphere is wonderfully dark, the stakes feel real, and the story kept me curious about what was coming next. I especially enjoyed the way the author blends supernatural horror with mythology, creating something that feels both haunting and fascinating.
Keres is a compelling main character, carrying the weight of centuries of existence, and I loved the darker, more complicated side of the vampire world. The characters have their own personalities, motives, and secrets, which adds depth to the story. There is a sense that something bigger and more dangerous is always lurking just beneath the surface.
What really stood out to me was the world-building. The mythology and mystery give the story an extra layer that makes it more than just another vampire novel. It has darkness, tension, intrigue, and those moments that make you want to keep reading because you NEED to know what happens next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6 STARS — A dark, deliciously twisted vampire story! 🩸🖤
Some books deserve more than five stars, and Vampire of the Gods: The First Death is one of them!
This book pulled me into a dark, dangerous world where vampires, ancient gods, mythology, and secrets collide. The atmosphere is wonderfully dark, the stakes feel real, and the story kept me curious about what was coming next. I especially enjoyed the way the author blends supernatural horror with mythology, creating something that feels both haunting and fascinating.
Keres is a compelling main character, carrying the weight of centuries of existence, and I loved the darker, more complicated side of the vampire world. The characters have their own personalities, motives, and secrets, which adds depth to the story. There is a sense that something bigger and more dangerous is always lurking just beneath the surface.
What really stood out to me was the world-building. The mythology and mystery give the story an extra layer that makes it more than just another vampire novel. It has darkness, tension, intrigue, and those moments that make you want to keep reading because you NEED to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Vampire Of The Gods: the first death was a brilliant read. Loved it. Keres and Silas are 'old' vampires, both sired by the same sire. Silas is wild, reckless and public whilst Keres is quiet and understated, keeping under the radar, but with confidence. When Silas suddenly dies, (not a typical vampire death), Keres makes it her mission to find out why and if she will suffer the same ending.
Determined to find out and accompanied by her 'old' flame Lazarius - a Vampire who has over the centuries collected Vampire artifacts and lore, they go to Greece: the home country where Keres was sired.
The story is fast paced, it has action, mystery, history, mythology and thrills. Great read. Excited to read the next book and I hope it's available soon, as this first book ends on a cliffhanger.
Received an ARC from Netgalley via the publishers and this is an honest and independent review.
Determined to find out and accompanied by her 'old' flame Lazarius - a Vampire who has over the centuries collected Vampire artifacts and lore, they go to Greece: the home country where Keres was sired.
The story is fast paced, it has action, mystery, history, mythology and thrills. Great read. Excited to read the next book and I hope it's available soon, as this first book ends on a cliffhanger.
Received an ARC from Netgalley via the publishers and this is an honest and independent review.
Review of advance copy
I received an advanced copy from the author and it was a pleasure to be able to read ahead of everyone else. 😉This book put a new spin on the vampire genre, which is nice. It’s super well written and has good character development. I enjoyed the banter between Keres and Lazarius. They are fun to be around. I enjoyed the mystery and the overlapping themes of vampires and Greek mythology. All around, a solid read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an advanced copy. This book combined some of my favorite things: paranormal, romance, and mythology. I finished it in one afternoon and look forward to book #2-loved the main characters Keres and Lazarius!
September 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and its novel take on the origin of vampires. Disclosure: I am a friend of the author. A page-turner from the start, VOTG is action-packed yet filled with ideas that are food for thought. Katsanakis' fresh take on vampires presents them with a dilemma that drives the story and creates a sense of urgency for these parasitic creatures who, hitherto, have had too much time on their hands and not much to do with it except endlessly feed. I'm officially on team Keres and Lazarius and can't wait to see what Katsanakis comes up with next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am always up for a new author in my favorite niche genre, so I gave this book a try. I was drawn into the book immediately, and I never really lost interest. Keres is an interesting character, but at times I found her a little moody and cranky, in a way. I wasn’t a huge fan of Lazarius mainly because I couldn’t really get a good handle on his character. However, the book is interesting, action-packed, and has a unique spin on the origins of vampires. If you love a good vampire story, definitely give this book a try. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you @vampiresofthegods for the opportunity to read your advanced copy of your book!
"Immortality was never meant to last. "
Keres Galanis has outlived empires for nearly two thousand years. Her brother Silas unexpectedly died, under peculiar circumstances, turning to stone instead of ash. The autopsy revealed eye-opening truth, with this being fhrcfirdfvojdcij history to be performed. Keres has 3 months, as vampires aren't truly immortal, they have an expiration date. Keres is determined to get answers, as she travels back to her homeland of Greece. As time is ticking Kefse will do whatever it takes, even if that means teaming up with ex-lover and Vampire Historian Lazarius Barba, who she never wanted to trust again.
The hunt is on! Not just for Keres and Lazarius but for Tristan, a vindictive Vampire, fully loaded with weapons and killing their kind, if necessary. Keres ventures through her past to find the truth of her bloodline soon realizing that this is hazardous and far older than any legend.
"Feed like shadow. Leave no trace."
This book was epic and incredible! The way mythology ties in with vampires, second chances, immortal facing mortality and vampire hunting while facing the realities of only three months to live will bring you on a journey like no other, one that is dark and mysterious. There's so much history that lies within Greece, as Keres and Lazward trying to seek answers of the forbidden truth. This story is fast paced with secrets that are deeply rich and chaotic commotion that will keep you on your toes with an edginess of horror that lingers. You'll feel the chill and the thrill, it doesn't disappoint! I love the way Kerse and Lazarius reconnect through the treacherous mission as their humorous and witty banter as it balances all the havoc that is swarming around them. Now this is what you call a vampire book! The ending, let me on the edge of my seat!! I can't wait to see what unfolds in the next book!
"If this is the end, we do it together."
"Immortality was never meant to last. "
Keres Galanis has outlived empires for nearly two thousand years. Her brother Silas unexpectedly died, under peculiar circumstances, turning to stone instead of ash. The autopsy revealed eye-opening truth, with this being fhrcfirdfvojdcij history to be performed. Keres has 3 months, as vampires aren't truly immortal, they have an expiration date. Keres is determined to get answers, as she travels back to her homeland of Greece. As time is ticking Kefse will do whatever it takes, even if that means teaming up with ex-lover and Vampire Historian Lazarius Barba, who she never wanted to trust again.
The hunt is on! Not just for Keres and Lazarius but for Tristan, a vindictive Vampire, fully loaded with weapons and killing their kind, if necessary. Keres ventures through her past to find the truth of her bloodline soon realizing that this is hazardous and far older than any legend.
"Feed like shadow. Leave no trace."
This book was epic and incredible! The way mythology ties in with vampires, second chances, immortal facing mortality and vampire hunting while facing the realities of only three months to live will bring you on a journey like no other, one that is dark and mysterious. There's so much history that lies within Greece, as Keres and Lazward trying to seek answers of the forbidden truth. This story is fast paced with secrets that are deeply rich and chaotic commotion that will keep you on your toes with an edginess of horror that lingers. You'll feel the chill and the thrill, it doesn't disappoint! I love the way Kerse and Lazarius reconnect through the treacherous mission as their humorous and witty banter as it balances all the havoc that is swarming around them. Now this is what you call a vampire book! The ending, let me on the edge of my seat!! I can't wait to see what unfolds in the next book!
"If this is the end, we do it together."
October 16, 2026
Vampires of the Gods. First Death.
Achilles Katsanakis. ARC Copy
“Vampires of the Gods” combines Vampires and Greek Mythology. When Vampire Silas reaches his 2000 years old birthday, he suddenly dies. Vampires are supposed to be immortal, not die on their own. His sister Keres must investigate what has happened and how to stop it. Keres is just weeks away from 2000 years old herself. Keres along with her ex-lover Lazarus return to Greece looking for artifacts that may be the key. In addition, Vampires tied to Silas are becoming a treat to Keres.
Vampires and Greek Mythology are a favorite of mine. The storyline feels fresh and intriguing. There have been so many different ways that Vampires are presented in books. I like that these Vampires follow closely to the normal ideology…drink blood, the Sun burns them, they have heightened strength and they turn to ash. I like how the storyline goes from modern predator partying Vampires in NYC to Vampires in Greece that live a unique lifestyle along with humans. I especially liked when the mythology became part of the story. The blending between ancient and modern is unique. I would recommend Vampires of the Gods for those who like Vampires and Greek Mythology.
Achilles Katsanakis. ARC Copy
“Vampires of the Gods” combines Vampires and Greek Mythology. When Vampire Silas reaches his 2000 years old birthday, he suddenly dies. Vampires are supposed to be immortal, not die on their own. His sister Keres must investigate what has happened and how to stop it. Keres is just weeks away from 2000 years old herself. Keres along with her ex-lover Lazarus return to Greece looking for artifacts that may be the key. In addition, Vampires tied to Silas are becoming a treat to Keres.
Vampires and Greek Mythology are a favorite of mine. The storyline feels fresh and intriguing. There have been so many different ways that Vampires are presented in books. I like that these Vampires follow closely to the normal ideology…drink blood, the Sun burns them, they have heightened strength and they turn to ash. I like how the storyline goes from modern predator partying Vampires in NYC to Vampires in Greece that live a unique lifestyle along with humans. I especially liked when the mythology became part of the story. The blending between ancient and modern is unique. I would recommend Vampires of the Gods for those who like Vampires and Greek Mythology.
October 17, 2026
I haven’t read a good vampire story in a while, and this one reminded me exactly why I fell in love with the genre. Vampire of the Gods had me hooked from page one.
Keres Galanis has lived for almost two thousand years, so watching her face the possibility that vampires aren’t immortal after all is a brilliant hook. When her brother Silas dies in a way no vampire should, she has only months to uncover the truth. Her search takes her back to Greece alongside Lazarius, her former lover and a vampire historian, with the dangerous Tristan hunting them every step of the way. The mix of Greek mythology, ancient bloodlines and immortal politics makes it so intriguing, and I couldn’t put it down.
It’s written really well, with a story that’s engaging from the very first page and a world that feels rich and fresh. The tension between Keres and Lazarius added a slow-burn spark I loved. Every chapter left me wanting more, and I’m already desperate for the next book.
If you love dark fantasy, mythology and vampires with real bite, add this to your TBR now. I’m so glad I had the chance to read it.
Thank you so much to Achilles Katsanakis for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Keres Galanis has lived for almost two thousand years, so watching her face the possibility that vampires aren’t immortal after all is a brilliant hook. When her brother Silas dies in a way no vampire should, she has only months to uncover the truth. Her search takes her back to Greece alongside Lazarius, her former lover and a vampire historian, with the dangerous Tristan hunting them every step of the way. The mix of Greek mythology, ancient bloodlines and immortal politics makes it so intriguing, and I couldn’t put it down.
It’s written really well, with a story that’s engaging from the very first page and a world that feels rich and fresh. The tension between Keres and Lazarius added a slow-burn spark I loved. Every chapter left me wanting more, and I’m already desperate for the next book.
If you love dark fantasy, mythology and vampires with real bite, add this to your TBR now. I’m so glad I had the chance to read it.
Thank you so much to Achilles Katsanakis for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2026
Achilles very kindly asked me if I’d like to arc read vampire of the gods and I jumped at the opportunity
You all know I love a good vampire book and the summery of this was sounded epic!
I can’t believe how lucky I have been with arcs recently and this just topped the list!
It started out as an amazing vampire story, fast paced and full of drama, only to turn into the most unique and interesting book I’ve read in a long time!
The relationship between Keres and Lazarius is strained and full of tension, their rough ending shaping their time together into a potential disaster… but not even 200 years can stop a love that’s deeper than time.
I did not see the twists and turns of this story coming and I was very pleasantly surprised by the direction it took
It was already an amazing read by 60% in… but that last 150 pages!! I was glued to the kindle, you could not have paid me to put it down!!
The plot of this story will leave you guessing and gaping and begging for more!
Now I just desperately need book two because the ending!! Achilles what are you doing to us!!!
#arcreview #bookreview #vampirebook #mythology
You all know I love a good vampire book and the summery of this was sounded epic!
I can’t believe how lucky I have been with arcs recently and this just topped the list!
It started out as an amazing vampire story, fast paced and full of drama, only to turn into the most unique and interesting book I’ve read in a long time!
The relationship between Keres and Lazarius is strained and full of tension, their rough ending shaping their time together into a potential disaster… but not even 200 years can stop a love that’s deeper than time.
I did not see the twists and turns of this story coming and I was very pleasantly surprised by the direction it took
It was already an amazing read by 60% in… but that last 150 pages!! I was glued to the kindle, you could not have paid me to put it down!!
The plot of this story will leave you guessing and gaping and begging for more!
Now I just desperately need book two because the ending!! Achilles what are you doing to us!!!
#arcreview #bookreview #vampirebook #mythology
Review of advance copy received from Author
Vampire immortality is apparently a myth. Kares Galanis was turned almost two thousand years ago, and she just found out immortality has a timeline when her brother turns to stone instead of turning to ashes. She and Lazarius Barba, her former love and vampire historian go to Greece to find answers and find a portal to the underworld instead. Can she find the answers she seeks before her brother’s progeny, Tristan tries to end her before her time?
A new to me author but I am so glad I took the chance to read this. The characters are well written, and the story sucks you in completely. Action packed and quite a thrilling adventure. Different take on the immortal world of vampires with a twist of a symbiotic sect too where vampires and humans coexist within their own separate society. Great character development and lovely banter between old lovers Keres and Lazarius.
I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 2!
If you love paranormal dark fantasy mixed with a little mystery and a former lover with forced proximity and some ancient Greek mythology, this one is for you!
A new to me author but I am so glad I took the chance to read this. The characters are well written, and the story sucks you in completely. Action packed and quite a thrilling adventure. Different take on the immortal world of vampires with a twist of a symbiotic sect too where vampires and humans coexist within their own separate society. Great character development and lovely banter between old lovers Keres and Lazarius.
I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 2!
If you love paranormal dark fantasy mixed with a little mystery and a former lover with forced proximity and some ancient Greek mythology, this one is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an advanced copy read from a co-worker and loved it. I can’t wait for the next book.
Vampire of the Gods is a fantastic read! If you love mystery and Greek mythology, this is a book you won’t want to miss. The characters are well-developed, compelling, and draw you deeper into the story with every chapter. The plot is wonderfully intricate, with so many layers that keep you guessing and eager to see how everything will unfold.
It’s one of those books you genuinely look forward to picking up again, and once you do, you don’t want to put it down. The combination of mystery, mythology, and a complex, captivating storyline makes for a truly enjoyable reading experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
Vampire of the Gods is a fantastic read! If you love mystery and Greek mythology, this is a book you won’t want to miss. The characters are well-developed, compelling, and draw you deeper into the story with every chapter. The plot is wonderfully intricate, with so many layers that keep you guessing and eager to see how everything will unfold.
It’s one of those books you genuinely look forward to picking up again, and once you do, you don’t want to put it down. The combination of mystery, mythology, and a complex, captivating storyline makes for a truly enjoyable reading experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by this author and it sucked me right in. A deep, layered story following Keres, one of the world’s oldest vampires, searching for an explanation for her brother’s seemingly impossible death. Help comes in the form of the man (vamp?) who broke her heart centuries ago but is one of the only resources available for her. This story moves from New York to Greece and ultimately takes an interesting turn into a more fantasy world. Great characters and engaging plot. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Achilles Katsanakis for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Achilles Katsanakis for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the author snd BookFunnel for an ARC of this book.
I love an original take on vampire lore and am a sucker for Greek mythology, so this was certainly the perfect read to me. The writing flowed well, I liked the chemistry between the two main characters and the story kept me engaged throughout. I’m really looking forward to book two in the series to find out what happens next. Definitely recommend.
I love an original take on vampire lore and am a sucker for Greek mythology, so this was certainly the perfect read to me. The writing flowed well, I liked the chemistry between the two main characters and the story kept me engaged throughout. I’m really looking forward to book two in the series to find out what happens next. Definitely recommend.
October 17, 2026
This book hooks you from the beginning. I was drawn into keres and Lazarius journey. Lazarius is smart, quirky and charming I found myself giggling with the random things he sometimes says. Keres she is strong independent and determined to find the cure for the curse. I can’t wait for the next book, left it on a bit of a cliff hanger there!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews