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Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human
If your beloved grandmother suddenly went missing, with symptoms of dementia, what would you do? Now, imagine that your dear grandmother is a 400+ year old vampire with Sundowners or as vampires sometimes call it, the Fangs of Death.
Zephrin, her grandson has the dutiful task of tracking her down. He heads to America where she teaches Art History. The last person to see and talk to her said that she returned to Sofia, Bulgaria for her sister’s funeral. The only problem is she doesn’t have any living sisters. This is a race, he needs to find her before innocent people die and he discovers that he’s not the only one looking for his grandmother…
Zephrin, her grandson has the dutiful task of tracking her down. He heads to America where she teaches Art History. The last person to see and talk to her said that she returned to Sofia, Bulgaria for her sister’s funeral. The only problem is she doesn’t have any living sisters. This is a race, he needs to find her before innocent people die and he discovers that he’s not the only one looking for his grandmother…
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2020
4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 28, 2025
OH MY WOW
Definitely a good read. Love how the author humanized vampires and made them vulnerable. Well written and sucks you in from the prologue.
Definitely a good read. Love how the author humanized vampires and made them vulnerable. Well written and sucks you in from the prologue.
April 2, 2021
Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human is a fast-paced vampire thriller that grabs hold of the reader and doesn’t let go. It is a story that exposes the world of Vampires and how they’ve assimilated on a global scale and overseen by a secret government. When one Vampire develops the Fangs of Death and begins to go “feral,” it’s a race against time between Traditionalists and Modernists to capture her and either save her or kill her and run experiments on her. Can they do it in time before she takes any more lives?
This debut novel by Jeffrey V. Yorio develops an excellent modern Vampire story which pays homage to the traditional Vampire genre. The pace is perfect. He also does a nice job of developing the characters and then bringing them together for a final showdown. I’m certainly looking forward to a sequel.
My only issue with the book was in the style. For me, it jumped too quickly from setting to setting and there were times when the point of view shifted mid-chapter. However, this shouldn’t deter readers from sinking their teeth into this book!
This debut novel by Jeffrey V. Yorio develops an excellent modern Vampire story which pays homage to the traditional Vampire genre. The pace is perfect. He also does a nice job of developing the characters and then bringing them together for a final showdown. I’m certainly looking forward to a sequel.
My only issue with the book was in the style. For me, it jumped too quickly from setting to setting and there were times when the point of view shifted mid-chapter. However, this shouldn’t deter readers from sinking their teeth into this book!
August 25, 2022
This is tough for me. There's a lot to like about Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human. I mean it. It's got a little bit of international espionage, some sci-fi thriller, some police procedural, as well as rollicking action-adventure style to it. But it's a vampire story. Jeffrey Yorio has built a world around the traditional vampire genre that is anything but traditional and it's quite a well-paced and entertaining read as well.
With that said, it suffers from some of the same stuff you expect to see in a lot of independently published books which is to say, spelling, grammar, and type-set errors as well as issues with tone and POV. Ignoring all that, as hard as it might be, it's still a heck of a good story and the kick-off to a series that I expect to get better and better. Yorio at full potential will be a force to be reckoned with.
With that said, it suffers from some of the same stuff you expect to see in a lot of independently published books which is to say, spelling, grammar, and type-set errors as well as issues with tone and POV. Ignoring all that, as hard as it might be, it's still a heck of a good story and the kick-off to a series that I expect to get better and better. Yorio at full potential will be a force to be reckoned with.
December 17, 2025
This book is dark, fast, and absolutely unhinged in the best way. This is a vampire story where the vampires are actual monsters, not broody love interests. The book mixes horror, urban fantasy, thriller and maybe even a bit of sci-fi.
The story follows Zephrin trying to rescue his centuries-old vampire grandmother and that emotional core hits harder than expected. Their bond added a lot of heart to a story that’s otherwise action-heavy and sometimes downright intense. It is honestly what kept me hooked through all the chaos.
The worldbuilding and tension are phenomenal. The whole vampire society, the factions, the biology-meets-mythology stuff… it’s super cool and actually feels thought out. With this said, I feel the pacing is a little wild. Scenes jump quickly, POVs swap without warning and sometimes I had to stop and figure out who was talking or where we suddenly were. It’s not unreadable, but it does break the flow now and then and definitely didn’t keep me from enjoying the book.
I enjoyed this wild ride. It’s ambitious, emotional in spots, and honestly unlike most vampire books I’ve read lately. If you want vampires that are scary, complex, and not romanticized, this one delivers.
The story follows Zephrin trying to rescue his centuries-old vampire grandmother and that emotional core hits harder than expected. Their bond added a lot of heart to a story that’s otherwise action-heavy and sometimes downright intense. It is honestly what kept me hooked through all the chaos.
The worldbuilding and tension are phenomenal. The whole vampire society, the factions, the biology-meets-mythology stuff… it’s super cool and actually feels thought out. With this said, I feel the pacing is a little wild. Scenes jump quickly, POVs swap without warning and sometimes I had to stop and figure out who was talking or where we suddenly were. It’s not unreadable, but it does break the flow now and then and definitely didn’t keep me from enjoying the book.
I enjoyed this wild ride. It’s ambitious, emotional in spots, and honestly unlike most vampire books I’ve read lately. If you want vampires that are scary, complex, and not romanticized, this one delivers.
June 27, 2025
An intense fast paced thriller with a wide span of characters.
Espionage, lore, ancient secrets, lies and tales woven to keep us engaged as the story leaps from one scene to the next, keeping readers on their toes to not miss a beat.
Action, adventure, science fiction, urban fantasy, multi POV that dives into a totally new take on Vampires.
There are loads of details and mysterious elements that our characters are working tirelessly to uncover. The pace really picks up near the end, keeping those pages turning!
The history, research and world building Jeffrey has done is extensive and impressive, I really felt like I was stepping into this story and running along with the characters as they untangled the web of clues to get to the bottom of things.
Vampire politics, family dynamics, twists and turns with grace, some spicy scenes, violence, gore and a heck of a lot of style and tradition.
A very intriguing read with a lot of depth and feeling – thrilling indeed!
Espionage, lore, ancient secrets, lies and tales woven to keep us engaged as the story leaps from one scene to the next, keeping readers on their toes to not miss a beat.
Action, adventure, science fiction, urban fantasy, multi POV that dives into a totally new take on Vampires.
There are loads of details and mysterious elements that our characters are working tirelessly to uncover. The pace really picks up near the end, keeping those pages turning!
The history, research and world building Jeffrey has done is extensive and impressive, I really felt like I was stepping into this story and running along with the characters as they untangled the web of clues to get to the bottom of things.
Vampire politics, family dynamics, twists and turns with grace, some spicy scenes, violence, gore and a heck of a lot of style and tradition.
A very intriguing read with a lot of depth and feeling – thrilling indeed!
June 19, 2025
Prepare to have your expectations of vampires completely upended with Jeffrey V. Yorio's Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human. This book was an absolute delight, offering a refreshingly different and surprisingly believable spin on the genre. This story kept me guessing until the very end – a true testament to Yorio's masterful storytelling.
What unfolds is a captivating blend of urban fantasy, science fiction, and crime drama that pulls you in from the prologue and never lets go.
The author's unique genius lies in his ability to 'humanize' vampires, making them vulnerable and relatable in ways you might not expect.
'Sundowners' is a powerful debut that honors classic vampire tales while forging its own distinct path. If you're looking for a vampire novel that's fast-paced, unpredictable, and genuinely thrilling, do yourself a favor and read this one. You won't be disappointed – and you'll be desperate for the next installment!
What unfolds is a captivating blend of urban fantasy, science fiction, and crime drama that pulls you in from the prologue and never lets go.
The author's unique genius lies in his ability to 'humanize' vampires, making them vulnerable and relatable in ways you might not expect.
'Sundowners' is a powerful debut that honors classic vampire tales while forging its own distinct path. If you're looking for a vampire novel that's fast-paced, unpredictable, and genuinely thrilling, do yourself a favor and read this one. You won't be disappointed – and you'll be desperate for the next installment!
February 2, 2025
I’m going to say this ended too abruptly but on an interesting note. I adore Agate, Zephrin, and Brielle. Adding the complicated family twist was wondrous. The story is interesting if you make it past the beginning. Not that the beginning is terrible it is just a little rough. Some parts I reread thinking I missed a transition or a detail. The pov shifts are jumpy. As the story progresses you can tell the author develops more. I love the culture, fighting style, and history he developed for the vampires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
"Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human" is a thrilling and fast-paced vampire novel that grabs hold of the reader and doesn't let go. The story follows Zephrin, a vampire, as he races against time to find his grandmother who has mysteriously vanished. Yorio's unique take on vampire lore, blending urban fantasy, science fiction, and crime drama, is engaging and well-paced. While the quick scene changes and viewpoint shifts can be disorienting at times, the intense action sequences and unexpected twists keep the reader hooked. Overall, this book is a compelling debut that pays homage to traditional vampire stories while offering a fresh and modern twist, leaving readers eager for a sequel.
May 25, 2022
Taking a different view of Vampires that what myth tells us about them, this was a really intriguing read.
Set in modern times this book tells the history of one family of vampires who fight to protect their lifestyle. When one of them reverts to killing for blood her grandson is sent to retrieve her.
The writing was a bit disjointed but the story is so good it's worth reading past that. Four stars, and I hope to see more from this writer.
Set in modern times this book tells the history of one family of vampires who fight to protect their lifestyle. When one of them reverts to killing for blood her grandson is sent to retrieve her.
The writing was a bit disjointed but the story is so good it's worth reading past that. Four stars, and I hope to see more from this writer.
February 23, 2025
What a fascinating take on vampires!! I sincerely enjoyed the family dynamic in this book. The tragic fate that vampires face was very interesting in the way that it manifests. Aaaaaaand now I need more!
February 2, 2023
Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human is an original urban fantasy thriller, filled with action right from the very first page. The author did a great job with a world building that included both international angle and tradition, political affairs and a history of vampires society hiding in the real world. The narration style, unfortunately, wasn’t my preferred style (with POV shifting from 3rd to 1st within the same chapters, and narration driven in big part by dialogs of which most used a name in dialog instead of dialog tag). That said, chapters weren’t long, and were filled with a multiple point of views and action happening across different continents, thanks to which pages were really flowing, making this book an overall fast-read. I also enjoyed the mystery and construction of the twist, and I think the author did a good job with plotting the story line.
All in all, I would recommend this book to 18+ audience (because of two sex scenes plotted in the story), and readers who look for a fast-paced, action filled urban thriller.
All in all, I would recommend this book to 18+ audience (because of two sex scenes plotted in the story), and readers who look for a fast-paced, action filled urban thriller.
November 26, 2023
oh boy
I’ve never given up on a book this quickly but this is so poorly written it hurt to read. In one chapter we have a character looking to the sky to tell us it will rain in an hour then moments later announce the rain is falling. This same character who can topple a tree on her own apparently is moved by the wind. She announces things no one would say to themselves in a self serving way of letting the reader know what she did. (Glad I used my son’s listening equipment to tap your phones) The narrative moves between 1st person inner dialogue and 3rd person limited with no marking to indicate the change. It’s off putting.
I skimmed the remaining pages and things didn’t get better. The author relies heavily on backstory and daydreaming, as well as adjectives rather than describing the scene to bring it to life.
I’ve never given up on a book this quickly but this is so poorly written it hurt to read. In one chapter we have a character looking to the sky to tell us it will rain in an hour then moments later announce the rain is falling. This same character who can topple a tree on her own apparently is moved by the wind. She announces things no one would say to themselves in a self serving way of letting the reader know what she did. (Glad I used my son’s listening equipment to tap your phones) The narrative moves between 1st person inner dialogue and 3rd person limited with no marking to indicate the change. It’s off putting.
I skimmed the remaining pages and things didn’t get better. The author relies heavily on backstory and daydreaming, as well as adjectives rather than describing the scene to bring it to life.
September 18, 2025
vampires!!!!
If u love vamps ull love this book! U have to pay attention because it is told in different povs but its great. It has vamps and action and at end u even get a lil romance!
If u love vamps ull love this book! U have to pay attention because it is told in different povs but its great. It has vamps and action and at end u even get a lil romance!
April 5, 2023
Always up for a good vampire story
I loved it! I can’t wait to read the second book. If you like vampire stories then I urge you to read this one! Sometimes, I can figure out how a story is going to go but that wasn’t the case with this one! I don’t want to spoil anything. Just read it. Find out for yourself. I consider an author a really good author if they put in twists I didn’t expect. Jeffrey Yorio accomplished it beautifully! I highly recommend!
I loved it! I can’t wait to read the second book. If you like vampire stories then I urge you to read this one! Sometimes, I can figure out how a story is going to go but that wasn’t the case with this one! I don’t want to spoil anything. Just read it. Find out for yourself. I consider an author a really good author if they put in twists I didn’t expect. Jeffrey Yorio accomplished it beautifully! I highly recommend!
April 3, 2025
Such a unique story. I loved the author's twist on the vampire legend. The vampire's hide their identity from humans. They do not want to be known. They feed on humans when their minds go feral. Their own version of sundowners in aging vampires. This threatens the vampire population and thier amnimity. Sundowners is a fast paced, action packed story that will keep you guessing what is going to happen next.
February 27, 2022
good read
I very much enjoyed this book. It was definitely a different twist on vampires and one that wasn’t to unbelievable. I am looking forward to reading the next step in These tales.
I very much enjoyed this book. It was definitely a different twist on vampires and one that wasn’t to unbelievable. I am looking forward to reading the next step in These tales.
May 25, 2025
Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human truly captivated me with its compelling narrative as we follow Zephrin on a desperate quest to reunite with his grandmother. The heartfelt bond between Agate and Zephrin tugs at the heartstrings as they delve into their shared past. While the conclusion left me satisfied, the brewing conflict among the vampires kept me in suspense and wanting more. This novel beautifully blends urban fantasy with a modern vampire twist, setting the stage for an exciting sequel. The intricate worldbuilding, infused with global influences, political scheming, and the enigmatic history of vampire culture, enriches the storyline. With its quick pace and clever plot twists, this book promises a thrilling and engaging read, perfect for those seeking action and adventure!
Fans of Octavia Butler's “Fledgling” will find this a compelling read.
Fans of Octavia Butler's “Fledgling” will find this a compelling read.
November 17, 2023
Zephrin is a vampire who has many secrets,, must importantly has been tasked with the whereabouts of his grandmother, Agate. But Zephrin is going to need not just the help of his AI Gina, but someone close to his beloved grandmother.
The beginning of the book was very eye-grabbing and intense. It pulled me in right away. Zephryn was a likable character from the beginning, and I was always worried for Agate's well-being. There was a bit too much dialogue going back and forth at the end of the book. It was hard to keep up with who was talking and where we were at.
Sundowner is packed with mystery, action, and suspense. Readers who want a modern twist to vampires will enjoy this read!
The beginning of the book was very eye-grabbing and intense. It pulled me in right away. Zephryn was a likable character from the beginning, and I was always worried for Agate's well-being. There was a bit too much dialogue going back and forth at the end of the book. It was hard to keep up with who was talking and where we were at.
Sundowner is packed with mystery, action, and suspense. Readers who want a modern twist to vampires will enjoy this read!
October 30, 2025
This was such a delight to read. When I heard that Jeffrey wrote a vampire book, I had to grab myself a copy. After reading the first chapter, and I find out there is a detective mystery, now I am really hooked. I love a good detective mystery with vampires.
But that is not all . . . We have espionage, betrayal, action and adventure, memorable fight scenes . . . Jeffrey has it all. He will draw you in on page one. There were times when I had to stop what I was doing, so I could keep reading--I had to know what was going to happen.
Great to job Jeffrey! I loved this vampire thriller. I am definitely getting the second book.
But that is not all . . . We have espionage, betrayal, action and adventure, memorable fight scenes . . . Jeffrey has it all. He will draw you in on page one. There were times when I had to stop what I was doing, so I could keep reading--I had to know what was going to happen.
Great to job Jeffrey! I loved this vampire thriller. I am definitely getting the second book.
December 19, 2024
Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human wraps a very interesting vampire society around a murder mystery.
What I liked the most about it was the vampire society dating back to Vlad the Impaler. It is a society with multiple different factions and motivations. I enjoyed this world building and seeing the society he creates as the story unfolded. The competing motivations create a natural tension for who can solve the murder mystery first.
I also appreciate the mix of genres between detective thriller, and vampire novel. It made for a delectable additional layer to the genre.
What I liked the most about it was the vampire society dating back to Vlad the Impaler. It is a society with multiple different factions and motivations. I enjoyed this world building and seeing the society he creates as the story unfolded. The competing motivations create a natural tension for who can solve the murder mystery first.
I also appreciate the mix of genres between detective thriller, and vampire novel. It made for a delectable additional layer to the genre.
February 28, 2024
This is not the type of vampire novel I usually read but I enjoyed it. 'Sundowners: Vampires Are Only Human' combines urban dark fantasy/ vampire horror, science fiction with crime drama. The story is packed with intense fast paced and often very violent action scenes. I really liked Yorio's unique world-building and unusual twist on the vampire lore.
My only issue with it was that the narration and the frequent point of view changes made the story feel disjointed at times.
My only issue with it was that the narration and the frequent point of view changes made the story feel disjointed at times.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews