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The Eidolon Chronicles #1
Not A Vampire
They’re destined to destroy each other. When a crusading killer and a mysterious monster choose another path, will their worlds burn?
Fighting evil is second nature to Thane Keegan. Raised by the Church of the Holy Inquisition to hunt down and slay demons, the fierce warrior only stays loyal to his role to keep his brother safe. But his mission to stake a vampire pits him against a deadly yet gorgeous woman which ends in a puzzling stalemate.
Dahlia is just trying to survive. Labeled a monster by an overzealous religious sect, she longs to find a corner of the world where she can live in peace with the woman she loves. Unfortunately, it seems she has finally met a hunter she cannot kill - and who won't give up.
As Thane becomes drawn to the alluring creature, he suspects the demon he's been ordered to kill holds the answer to his own freedom. And as Dahlia and her girlfriend struggle to store up enough cash for their escape, she forms an unexpected bond with their pursuer that could finally end her after-life.
Will distrust and hidden agendas lead these sworn foes to their doom?
Not A Vampire is the darkly hopeful first book in The Eidolon Chronicles paranormal fantasy series. If you like morally gray characters, fast-paced action, and non-traditional romance, then you’ll adore Auryn Hadley’s twisty tale.
Fighting evil is second nature to Thane Keegan. Raised by the Church of the Holy Inquisition to hunt down and slay demons, the fierce warrior only stays loyal to his role to keep his brother safe. But his mission to stake a vampire pits him against a deadly yet gorgeous woman which ends in a puzzling stalemate.
Dahlia is just trying to survive. Labeled a monster by an overzealous religious sect, she longs to find a corner of the world where she can live in peace with the woman she loves. Unfortunately, it seems she has finally met a hunter she cannot kill - and who won't give up.
As Thane becomes drawn to the alluring creature, he suspects the demon he's been ordered to kill holds the answer to his own freedom. And as Dahlia and her girlfriend struggle to store up enough cash for their escape, she forms an unexpected bond with their pursuer that could finally end her after-life.
Will distrust and hidden agendas lead these sworn foes to their doom?
Not A Vampire is the darkly hopeful first book in The Eidolon Chronicles paranormal fantasy series. If you like morally gray characters, fast-paced action, and non-traditional romance, then you’ll adore Auryn Hadley’s twisty tale.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2022
194 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 29, 2022
Hadley's books are a mixed bag for me, I either hate them or absolutely love them, and this sadly falls into the former category.
This book suffers from the same thing her "The Path of Temptation" series did, which I stopped reading after the second book. Both of them have two glaring issues:
1. Theres too much fucking talking about the same thing over and over.
We witness something happen between the two characters, then get to see each of their perspectives on what they think about what happened afterward, which is fine. But THEN Thane has to talk to every fucking member of his church about what happened, and we as the reader have to just sit through him explaining how he didn't let her go, she escaped, and I swear to god, 4 different characters stop him at different points and lead with "You made out with her though" and Thane tells them all the same exact thing and we have to witness him defending himself. Every. single. time. That is not fucking NEEDED.
And its not like thats the only time this happens, things like this KEEP happening. His church members are so distrusting, even though everything he tells them is completely believable. and most of the time even fucking TRUE. But we continuously sit through these scenes of him trying to convince character after character of the same issue.
2. Almost nothing happens, or the same thing happens over and over in slightly different ways.
The two of them meet randomly, they fight/chase/run, He kisses/fucks her to give her energy, Thane's family is threatened, Then he spends the next couple chapters having to explain himself to the entire congregation one at a time.
Dahlia spends at least 66% of the book doing one thing: Trying to earn money to leave the area. and she keeps just randomly running into Thane over and over again. They both happen to be in the same place at the same time without planning by either of then three fucking times in a row. THREE TIMES. The same bar? The same time on the same night? three times? Jesus.
And it could have happened more, I don't know because I DNFed at 66%
This book suffers from the same thing her "The Path of Temptation" series did, which I stopped reading after the second book. Both of them have two glaring issues:
1. Theres too much fucking talking about the same thing over and over.
We witness something happen between the two characters, then get to see each of their perspectives on what they think about what happened afterward, which is fine. But THEN Thane has to talk to every fucking member of his church about what happened, and we as the reader have to just sit through him explaining how he didn't let her go, she escaped, and I swear to god, 4 different characters stop him at different points and lead with "You made out with her though" and Thane tells them all the same exact thing and we have to witness him defending himself. Every. single. time. That is not fucking NEEDED.
And its not like thats the only time this happens, things like this KEEP happening. His church members are so distrusting, even though everything he tells them is completely believable. and most of the time even fucking TRUE. But we continuously sit through these scenes of him trying to convince character after character of the same issue.
2. Almost nothing happens, or the same thing happens over and over in slightly different ways.
The two of them meet randomly, they fight/chase/run, He kisses/fucks her to give her energy, Thane's family is threatened, Then he spends the next couple chapters having to explain himself to the entire congregation one at a time.
Dahlia spends at least 66% of the book doing one thing: Trying to earn money to leave the area. and she keeps just randomly running into Thane over and over again. They both happen to be in the same place at the same time without planning by either of then three fucking times in a row. THREE TIMES. The same bar? The same time on the same night? three times? Jesus.
And it could have happened more, I don't know because I DNFed at 66%
May 19, 2023
Buddy Read with Nenia! WHOOP WHOOP 🙌🏾
Have you ever read a book that you thought has so much potential ? The plot and the writing style of the characters has so much to add to one story. I feel like I have read way too many books because I was not as impressed as I wanted it to be for this one.
When this book started, I fell in love with what it offered with the Gothic romance it portrayed. Which truly brought my rating down was near 70 or 80% of the book, where everything about the base concept was explained. I will explain this a little bit later.
Catch me maybe years ago this book would’ve been one of the top books of my recommendation list but right now this book is decent enough to keep my attention and decent enough to make me enjoy it slightly.
When I first started the book, I was so surprised to find an LGBTQ+ relationship between two women. But me and Nenia were beyond pleased with this. I started out this book practically blind, and I was given gay excellence through Mei and Dahlia.
Thane was developed so well as well as Mei and Dahlia. Everyone else? Yeah they weren’t all that. The side characters did nothing for me, but further the plot line and further the main characters feelings or thought processes. I wish the side characters had more than what I was given, especially Laird.
The best part of this book was the chemistry between the main characters but the worst part of this book was truly the side characters development .
The plotline has so so so so so much potential. I was kind of disappointed at how the author decided to explain everything. It just felt so monotone and with no excitement or true deep thinking on how everything can be woven together. When I really think about it? The world building of this book was basic as basic can be.
I give this a 3.5 star rating. I will most likely read the second book, but I have to be in the mood for the second book because the first book I was not as excited about when I finished.
PS. I’m jaded I think when I read now a days. But also I LOVE buddy reads so I’m glad I was able to do so with my girl Nenia!
Have you ever read a book that you thought has so much potential ? The plot and the writing style of the characters has so much to add to one story. I feel like I have read way too many books because I was not as impressed as I wanted it to be for this one.
When this book started, I fell in love with what it offered with the Gothic romance it portrayed. Which truly brought my rating down was near 70 or 80% of the book, where everything about the base concept was explained. I will explain this a little bit later.
Catch me maybe years ago this book would’ve been one of the top books of my recommendation list but right now this book is decent enough to keep my attention and decent enough to make me enjoy it slightly.
When I first started the book, I was so surprised to find an LGBTQ+ relationship between two women. But me and Nenia were beyond pleased with this. I started out this book practically blind, and I was given gay excellence through Mei and Dahlia.
Thane was developed so well as well as Mei and Dahlia. Everyone else? Yeah they weren’t all that. The side characters did nothing for me, but further the plot line and further the main characters feelings or thought processes. I wish the side characters had more than what I was given, especially Laird.
The best part of this book was the chemistry between the main characters but the worst part of this book was truly the side characters development .
The plotline has so so so so so much potential. I was kind of disappointed at how the author decided to explain everything. It just felt so monotone and with no excitement or true deep thinking on how everything can be woven together. When I really think about it? The world building of this book was basic as basic can be.
I give this a 3.5 star rating. I will most likely read the second book, but I have to be in the mood for the second book because the first book I was not as excited about when I finished.
PS. I’m jaded I think when I read now a days. But also I LOVE buddy reads so I’m glad I was able to do so with my girl Nenia!
October 28, 2022
different!
Not sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but it wasn’t this. Inventive, painful and complicated, this is a story thousands of years in the making - and Hadley knows how to sell it. She can make the horrific feel mundane and knows how to twist a word like a dagger, crafting a tale that bleeds.
Not sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but it wasn’t this. Inventive, painful and complicated, this is a story thousands of years in the making - and Hadley knows how to sell it. She can make the horrific feel mundane and knows how to twist a word like a dagger, crafting a tale that bleeds.
February 23, 2023
Slow start to a unique premise
I enjoy this author and was excited to find a new series. This one's heavily paranormal, with a cynical take on organized religion. Neither are deal breakers for me, just describing the book.
It's a slow, somewhat repetitive start to the series, but I'm interested enough to continue to book 2. Graphic fighting, sex, escaping, and confessions, complete with family back stories and treats.
An example of the writing, showing the author's style of fierce love and found families:
"The music was loud enough that most people needed to yell, but not them. They were on the same wavelength. Sometimes it felt like even talking was unnecessary. Mei knew her. She knew what Dahlia would do before she did it. They'd been together long enough that neither of them could imagine being alone anymore, and neither regretted it. They had an understanding that went deeper than anything either woman had known before. It was friendship, love, and trust all rolled up into something so much bigger."
I enjoy this author and was excited to find a new series. This one's heavily paranormal, with a cynical take on organized religion. Neither are deal breakers for me, just describing the book.
It's a slow, somewhat repetitive start to the series, but I'm interested enough to continue to book 2. Graphic fighting, sex, escaping, and confessions, complete with family back stories and treats.
An example of the writing, showing the author's style of fierce love and found families:
"The music was loud enough that most people needed to yell, but not them. They were on the same wavelength. Sometimes it felt like even talking was unnecessary. Mei knew her. She knew what Dahlia would do before she did it. They'd been together long enough that neither of them could imagine being alone anymore, and neither regretted it. They had an understanding that went deeper than anything either woman had known before. It was friendship, love, and trust all rolled up into something so much bigger."
July 24, 2022
Outstanding start
Not A Vampire is a title that initially lead me to expect your everyday paranormal romance. However... That quickly changed when I started reading and got sucked in another intriguing web of excellent plotting by Hadley.
Dahlia and Thane take the center stage in this book, as it is told from their POV and we soon learn that they are on opposite sides of the proverbial 'battleground'. But something challenges both of them to look deeper, making them realise things aren't all black or white.
This was a great, compelling read, that had me on the edge of my seat at times, as I keep rooting for these characters to be free of the stranglehold of a bunch of people wanting more power.
Not A Vampire is a title that initially lead me to expect your everyday paranormal romance. However... That quickly changed when I started reading and got sucked in another intriguing web of excellent plotting by Hadley.
Dahlia and Thane take the center stage in this book, as it is told from their POV and we soon learn that they are on opposite sides of the proverbial 'battleground'. But something challenges both of them to look deeper, making them realise things aren't all black or white.
This was a great, compelling read, that had me on the edge of my seat at times, as I keep rooting for these characters to be free of the stranglehold of a bunch of people wanting more power.
March 2, 2023
I got really excited after reading the blurb because I've been thirsting for a reverse harem with a bisexual MC that actually has significant F/F romance. In that way this book was a major disappointment because the F/F part is not as significant as I hoped. I thought the writing and world building were well done. I liked the effort to make the magic explanations more sciencey. Some of the sex scenes with random people made me uncomfortable though.
Spoilers to follow:
Spoilers to follow:
August 4, 2022
Holy cow! Auryn has hit another one out of the park!
I am a one-click and buy Auryn Hadley reader and had the opportunity to read an early release of Not a Vampire. I read it in one day. It was everything I love about her books. A well-developed FMC and supporting cast with real emotional connections, and a phenomenal plot. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
I am a one-click and buy Auryn Hadley reader and had the opportunity to read an early release of Not a Vampire. I read it in one day. It was everything I love about her books. A well-developed FMC and supporting cast with real emotional connections, and a phenomenal plot. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
August 20, 2022
I've seen some reviews that talk about things being said over and over again, and the writing too wordy, but I didn't find that to be the case. But we all have our own annoyances when reading, right? I abhor insta-love without a good explanation and when someone writes they "popped the p" when saying the word nope. Oh, and there's also that thing when it's written that someone's mouth was opened in an o-shape...gag! That's an instant book toss whilst simultaneously using mental bleach to scrub my brain.
Sorry. I've turned this review into something else entirely. Let's try to get back on track.
Regardless (phew), this story gives a new twist on the origin of supernatural beings and the afterlife, which was refreshing to read. The battle between the Inquisitors and Eidolon is vicious. The whole "we're the righteous hunters and you're a filthy demon" pony show. This is a good versus evil story and our main characters are caught in the middle.
Though we learn a lot about the Eidolon, I'm hoping the next book(s) dives deeper into the Inquisitors' origin, because there is something fishy going on and I'm a curious kitten.
Anyway, I enjoyed this and am excited to see where the story goes. ❤
Sorry. I've turned this review into something else entirely. Let's try to get back on track.
Regardless (phew), this story gives a new twist on the origin of supernatural beings and the afterlife, which was refreshing to read. The battle between the Inquisitors and Eidolon is vicious. The whole "we're the righteous hunters and you're a filthy demon" pony show. This is a good versus evil story and our main characters are caught in the middle.
Though we learn a lot about the Eidolon, I'm hoping the next book(s) dives deeper into the Inquisitors' origin, because there is something fishy going on and I'm a curious kitten.
Anyway, I enjoyed this and am excited to see where the story goes. ❤
June 17, 2022
I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book as I'm always wanting to see what Auryn's brain can come up with and as usual Not A Vampire didn't disappoint.
I love the lore, the science and the society. Cults + supernatural = a juicy read. Dahlia and Mei's relationship was so loving and I just wanted more of them. Likewise, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Thane and Dahlia and the magnetic chemistry between them that was unstoppable even when they were trying to kill each other.
I'm excited to see how our main cast is coming together and am excited to see Auryn explore all the different relationships in the future books as she does relationships like no other. Thoroughly enjoyed this read and can't wait to find out more.
I love the lore, the science and the society. Cults + supernatural = a juicy read. Dahlia and Mei's relationship was so loving and I just wanted more of them. Likewise, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Thane and Dahlia and the magnetic chemistry between them that was unstoppable even when they were trying to kill each other.
I'm excited to see how our main cast is coming together and am excited to see Auryn explore all the different relationships in the future books as she does relationships like no other. Thoroughly enjoyed this read and can't wait to find out more.
June 24, 2022
Auryn Hadley does it again. This is a new series and it’s such a great start!!
The world building is so well done and the characters both main and side characters are amazing. Dahlia is a such a great main character.
The story is amazing and so detailed. Thane is a great counter to Dahlia and I can’t wait to see what comes next for them.
I certainly recommend this book and am so looking forward to the next one!!
The world building is so well done and the characters both main and side characters are amazing. Dahlia is a such a great main character.
The story is amazing and so detailed. Thane is a great counter to Dahlia and I can’t wait to see what comes next for them.
I certainly recommend this book and am so looking forward to the next one!!
July 9, 2022
No More Book Slump!
I have been in a book slump and with it being summer, I hadn’t been all that interested in reading; however, as soon as I was surprised with a new Auryn book, I was hooked! It was so very good, and this world of Eidolon is interesting and different. You’ve got my attention, and I’m so very excited for the next one! Besides I need more Thane and Dahlia in my life!
I have been in a book slump and with it being summer, I hadn’t been all that interested in reading; however, as soon as I was surprised with a new Auryn book, I was hooked! It was so very good, and this world of Eidolon is interesting and different. You’ve got my attention, and I’m so very excited for the next one! Besides I need more Thane and Dahlia in my life!
July 30, 2022
DNF (did not finish). What made the book unfinishable in your opinion?
I usually like Auryn Hadley’s work, but I couldn’t get into this one. I think I have a hard time loosing myself in books that are in the 3rd person POV. I found myself not able to connect with any of the characters. I also felt like there was no building of romance. Everything was action or sex. Overall, it wasn’t a bad fantasy poly-romance, but it just wasn’t for me.
I usually like Auryn Hadley’s work, but I couldn’t get into this one. I think I have a hard time loosing myself in books that are in the 3rd person POV. I found myself not able to connect with any of the characters. I also felt like there was no building of romance. Everything was action or sex. Overall, it wasn’t a bad fantasy poly-romance, but it just wasn’t for me.
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September 29, 2023I'm not really sure how to rank this one. I love this author, so it comes as no surprise that I like the style of the book, the characters, the world. But the plot really didn't click with me. I think my main mistake was not checking the genre and just going on the assumption, that it was going to be another why-choose.
So I think I won't rate it for the time being, since the book is not at fault for me putting the wrong expectation on it.
So I think I won't rate it for the time being, since the book is not at fault for me putting the wrong expectation on it.
September 1, 2023
Not a Vampire, the first book of the Eidolon series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Dahlia is so intriguing and the world-building was exceptional, as I always can rely on with Hadley. Her talent for creating strong, empowered women who can hold there own against equally strong men has made this unlikely pairing work. Such a good writer.
April 20, 2025
wow... this is amazing - I loved this and cannot wait to keep reading!! Truthfully I wanted to give it less stars because I am angry that Mei was taken out of the story. However the characters, plot, and the writing are fabulous! I am genuinely confused by some of the lower reviews but at the same time I truly despise some of the best rated books on here....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
Not a Vampire
This will be another amazing series. I loved how Dahlia and Thane are from opposite sides but still manage to make things work. I cant wait to see what happens in book 2.
This will be another amazing series. I loved how Dahlia and Thane are from opposite sides but still manage to make things work. I cant wait to see what happens in book 2.
July 13, 2022
Auryn does it again!
Beautifully written, exiting and heart-rending.
You can feel the twists coming. I am so exited this is going to be a longer series and can not wait to see where it leads!
Beautifully written, exiting and heart-rending.
You can feel the twists coming. I am so exited this is going to be a longer series and can not wait to see where it leads!
August 30, 2022
Another 5⭐️ Auryn Hadley read
Brilliant first in the Eidolon Chronicles, sees Thane and Dahlia fight prejudice, lies, secrets, bloodshed and fear to try to make sense of their separate worlds. Excellent world building and characters you’ll love. Solid 5 stars. Highly recommend.
Brilliant first in the Eidolon Chronicles, sees Thane and Dahlia fight prejudice, lies, secrets, bloodshed and fear to try to make sense of their separate worlds. Excellent world building and characters you’ll love. Solid 5 stars. Highly recommend.
October 21, 2022
Eidolon Coolness
The more I read the cooler this gets. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who likes well-crafted paranormals with poly romance.
The more I read the cooler this gets. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who likes well-crafted paranormals with poly romance.
June 18, 2022
Stellar!! Another amazing work by Auryn.
June 25, 2022
I always love starting a new Auryn series. This one combines the fantastic world building with dynamic characters and so many twists, it's amazing.
June 29, 2022
Great First Book
Auryn Hadley is a freaking genius, what a great spin on supernaturals and good vs evil! I also really love Dahlia and Thane and can’t wait for more!
Auryn Hadley is a freaking genius, what a great spin on supernaturals and good vs evil! I also really love Dahlia and Thane and can’t wait for more!
June 30, 2022
awesome read!
Completing new take on vampires! Loved the world building and the relationships between the characters! I can't wait to read the next one
Completing new take on vampires! Loved the world building and the relationships between the characters! I can't wait to read the next one
July 7, 2022
An interesting premise, with great potential for an exciting series. The story has an original twist on supernaturals.
August 25, 2022
Was a little slow getting into the story. Signs are the second book will be more interesting.
December 10, 2022
Fabulous, as always
Loved the characters. The storyline is very original and engaging. Very impressed with the writing style and pace. Highly recommend this book.
Loved the characters. The storyline is very original and engaging. Very impressed with the writing style and pace. Highly recommend this book.
January 30, 2023
So Good!
This book has such an amazing story and characters! This new world the ever so brilliant Auryn Hadley has created is amazing. I can't wait to read more!
This book has such an amazing story and characters! This new world the ever so brilliant Auryn Hadley has created is amazing. I can't wait to read more!
February 3, 2023
Interesting story, but not rh
Interesting story, and I love that Silk was mentioned in here! Love when stories cameo like that. Looking forward to the next book!
Interesting story, and I love that Silk was mentioned in here! Love when stories cameo like that. Looking forward to the next book!
February 10, 2023
Great story
I have enjoyed this wonderful action pack adventure of a woman who is an energy being who is hunted by a human with power.
I have enjoyed this wonderful action pack adventure of a woman who is an energy being who is hunted by a human with power.
July 8, 2023
Thane is basically a church-ordained demon hunter who realizes the church is corrupt. Dahlia is a 2,000 year old bisexual demon. He makes a deal with Dahlia to help him and his brother (a priest) escape the church.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews