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Elder Madness #1
Madness of the Elder Vampire
Elder vampires don’t feed on humans. They feed on their own kind.
Adrian Rowe survived the streets of Los Angeles by trusting no one. That was before Garrick—an Elder with a silver tongue and a thirst that only Adrian could satisfy—offered him a home, a future, and a pair of fangs. In exchange for safety in Garrick's shadow, Adrian became his weapon, his lover, and his primary source of life.
Forty years and one murder later, Garrick’s shadow no longer offers protection.
Fleeing to the cold fog of San Francisco to serve a volatile new master, Adrian finds himself in the crosshairs. A professional hunter is closing in with a silver bullet, while a rival vampire with terrifying, unheard-of powers begins dismantling their sanctuary from the inside.
One wants Adrian’s life. The other wants his heart.
In a world where the strong literally consume the weak, Adrian has to decide: how much is he willing to bleed for a master who has already abandoned him?
Without Garrick, Adrian has nothing. With him, he is nothing.
A gritty, character-driven thriller for readers who want the personal drama of Interview with the Vampire mixed with the complex moral decay of Breaking Bad.
Adrian Rowe survived the streets of Los Angeles by trusting no one. That was before Garrick—an Elder with a silver tongue and a thirst that only Adrian could satisfy—offered him a home, a future, and a pair of fangs. In exchange for safety in Garrick's shadow, Adrian became his weapon, his lover, and his primary source of life.
Forty years and one murder later, Garrick’s shadow no longer offers protection.
Fleeing to the cold fog of San Francisco to serve a volatile new master, Adrian finds himself in the crosshairs. A professional hunter is closing in with a silver bullet, while a rival vampire with terrifying, unheard-of powers begins dismantling their sanctuary from the inside.
One wants Adrian’s life. The other wants his heart.
In a world where the strong literally consume the weak, Adrian has to decide: how much is he willing to bleed for a master who has already abandoned him?
Without Garrick, Adrian has nothing. With him, he is nothing.
A gritty, character-driven thriller for readers who want the personal drama of Interview with the Vampire mixed with the complex moral decay of Breaking Bad.
- GenresVampires
346 pages, Hardcover
First published December 9, 2025
4 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 8, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. All of the characters were well written, and even though there were so tons of different side characters, you could keep track of all of them. The plot was fresh and extremely interesting. Would definitely recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. All of the characters were well written, and even though there were so tons of different side characters, you could keep track of all of them. The plot was fresh and extremely interesting. Would definitely recommend it.
December 13, 2025
This book is a strong and promising launch to a new vampire saga, one I’m genuinely excited to continue. Firmly rooted in the urban fantasy genre, the story unfolds primarily in modern-day San Francisco, grounding its supernatural elements in a familiar, gritty setting. Vampire lore has been explored countless times and from every imaginable angle, but Vernon’s concept of elder madness feels refreshingly original. It introduces a sense of inevitability and finality to an otherwise immortal existence, where survival depends only on avoiding sunlight, stakes, and decapitation. The character dynamics are equally well handled. Romance is present but subtle, never overpowering the story, while action and intrigue, both vampiric and entirely human, keep the narrative engaging. At times, I found myself thinking that if you stripped away the supernatural elements, this would still stand as a solid crime novel, complete with rival factions, power plays, betrayals, and ambition. That said, the vampirism never feels tacked on; instead, it’s seamlessly and cleverly woven into every layer of the plot, making it just as essential as the more grounded conflicts. The only issue I really have with the whole book is the title. It doesn’t quite reflect the depth and quality of what’s inside. Seeing it, I expected something lighter and less substantial than what the story actually delivers. While the madness of elder vampires is central to the plot, I can’t help but feel a more evocative or poetic title could better capture the novel’s strengths. Still, this is a minor gripe in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read, and I’m very much looking forward to what comes next in the series.
November 15, 2025
It was a nice adult urban fantasy with an interesting cast of vampire characters. The vibes are gloomy and eerie and they fit the story quite well. The plot is full of mysteries and is well-developed. The pace is steady and the writing is not too shallow not too much for the story, I did like it quite a lot. I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
December 14, 2025
A good start and an entertaining horror. Loved it
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
December 9, 2025
Whoa, who is this person? Where did they come from? This book rules! Just goes to show you can't trust Goodreads reviews to steer you right (currently sitting at 3.69 stars). This book is a promising beginning to a new vampire saga that I'm looking forward to continuing on. It definitely lands in the "urban fantasy" world, taking place mostly in San Francisco in modern times. Dozens of authors have approached the vampire lore from as many directions with wildly varying results; Vernon's idea of elder madness feels new but I don't hate it. It lends a finality to an existence that is otherwise endless as long as they stay out of the sun and nondecapitated/unstaked.
The interplay between characters is well done as well: there is romance but it's understated. There is action and intrigue, both vampiric and non-vampiric in nature. I kept thinking to myself that if you took out the vampire stuff, this would make for a fairly good crime fiction novel: rival gangs, toppling the leader to take their place, double crossings, etc. But that being said, the vampirism does not feel carelessly inserted; rather it is insidiously intertwined with these more mundane plot points and as central to the story as anything else.
My one and only gripe, and I hate even bringing it up: I don't love the title. I feel like it betrays how good the book is. I see the title and expect something without as much substance as I delightfully found in this book. Yes, the Madness of the Elder Vampire is central to the plot of the book, but surely a more poetic title could be found. Regardless, I enjoyed this book a lot and I'm looking forward to subsequent installments in the series!
Thanks to Star Strix and NetGalley for the eARC!
The interplay between characters is well done as well: there is romance but it's understated. There is action and intrigue, both vampiric and non-vampiric in nature. I kept thinking to myself that if you took out the vampire stuff, this would make for a fairly good crime fiction novel: rival gangs, toppling the leader to take their place, double crossings, etc. But that being said, the vampirism does not feel carelessly inserted; rather it is insidiously intertwined with these more mundane plot points and as central to the story as anything else.
My one and only gripe, and I hate even bringing it up: I don't love the title. I feel like it betrays how good the book is. I see the title and expect something without as much substance as I delightfully found in this book. Yes, the Madness of the Elder Vampire is central to the plot of the book, but surely a more poetic title could be found. Regardless, I enjoyed this book a lot and I'm looking forward to subsequent installments in the series!
Thanks to Star Strix and NetGalley for the eARC!
December 13, 2025
This Fantasy Book is for you if:
- Love vampires
- Love Multiple POVs
- Friends to Enemies
- Light themes of Romance
- Based on the overall California landscape
Oh, where do I begin with this book? The book started off strong and ended with a heartbreaking cliffhanger that I want to read the second book right away, as this is only the first book! Throughout the book, I felt like I was hooked on every single event, emotion, and tension that was building up throughout the story. There is even at one point that I was so swayed and naive based on one character’s opinion that I strongly felt that this person was going to be the antagonist, but to my surprise, it wasn’t.
I could feel myself being in each of the characters’ shoes and living in the universe that the world was set in so vividly. I could also feel empathy for each character and felt as though I was that character, and some empathy changed after some twists and turns evolved through the book. No one is able to survive by themselves in this world, but being a part of a group is a lot more complicated and twisted than it seems on the surface.
I would love to read the next book in this series and more works of Darby Vernon. Thank you to NetGalley and Star Strix/IBPA for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
- Love vampires
- Love Multiple POVs
- Friends to Enemies
- Light themes of Romance
- Based on the overall California landscape
Oh, where do I begin with this book? The book started off strong and ended with a heartbreaking cliffhanger that I want to read the second book right away, as this is only the first book! Throughout the book, I felt like I was hooked on every single event, emotion, and tension that was building up throughout the story. There is even at one point that I was so swayed and naive based on one character’s opinion that I strongly felt that this person was going to be the antagonist, but to my surprise, it wasn’t.
I could feel myself being in each of the characters’ shoes and living in the universe that the world was set in so vividly. I could also feel empathy for each character and felt as though I was that character, and some empathy changed after some twists and turns evolved through the book. No one is able to survive by themselves in this world, but being a part of a group is a lot more complicated and twisted than it seems on the surface.
I would love to read the next book in this series and more works of Darby Vernon. Thank you to NetGalley and Star Strix/IBPA for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
December 9, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This world in this book feels taken for granted. It’s clear the author has a vision in their mind, it’s just not a vision that comes across in text. The magic system for vampires and their powers is the primary focus, with characters feeling unfinished and their relationships assumed, as if they’ve been previously established. But this isn’t book four or seven of a series, it’s book one. Rather than introduce me to the world and the people in it, it feels like the author mostly wants to show off how vampires work.
Overall, I felt indifferent to this book. The world building is missing, the characters aren’t strong enough to hold my attention, the plot feels meandering, and the pace is choppy, with long pauses for info dumps on how vampire powers work. It’s a very uneven read, and while the blurb states that it’s a look at power and loyalty, I didn’t see that.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This world in this book feels taken for granted. It’s clear the author has a vision in their mind, it’s just not a vision that comes across in text. The magic system for vampires and their powers is the primary focus, with characters feeling unfinished and their relationships assumed, as if they’ve been previously established. But this isn’t book four or seven of a series, it’s book one. Rather than introduce me to the world and the people in it, it feels like the author mostly wants to show off how vampires work.
Overall, I felt indifferent to this book. The world building is missing, the characters aren’t strong enough to hold my attention, the plot feels meandering, and the pace is choppy, with long pauses for info dumps on how vampire powers work. It’s a very uneven read, and while the blurb states that it’s a look at power and loyalty, I didn’t see that.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
December 10, 2025
I was an invited to review an advanced reader copy (ARC). I had been itching for something new in the vampire genre and this book really scratched that itch! I really liked the elements of espionage and infiltration combined with elements of magic not generally explored in vampire stories and lore. The blend of action, interpersonal politics, and drama associated with the vampire underworld explore traditional dynamics with new generational twists that make those interactions refreshing. There is opportunity for a wide breadth of age groups and interests for most everyone to find themselves a character they can identify with even in non-vampiric characters with unique personalities and quirks. The book layout and flow made for excellent reading in what I would liken to an episode like style that made completion of a chapter easy to achieve giving the reader a sense of milestones as they progress through the book. I’m already eagerly anticipating the sequel!
December 28, 2025
Madness of the Elder Vampire is a fast-paced and engaging urban fantasy that occasionally leans too heavily into its protagonist’s drama.
The world-building is one of the book’s strongest elements. The vampire life cycle and the concept of Elder status create an intriguing foundation, and the story maintains a steady pace throughout with no dull moments.
However, the balance of perspectives feels a bit uneven. While multiple POVs are present, sometimes many of them seem to function as extensions of Adrian’s journey rather than fully independent viewpoints. As a result, some character relationships feel underdeveloped, making the other characters’ focus on Adrian feel slightly unearned. (And I'm saying this as someone who was very fond of Adrian.) As the story progresses, the character’s relationships becomes increasingly tangled. For me personally, it was a bit too much drama. But hey, if you want some tea in the form of toxic vampires, then this is for you.
The world-building is one of the book’s strongest elements. The vampire life cycle and the concept of Elder status create an intriguing foundation, and the story maintains a steady pace throughout with no dull moments.
However, the balance of perspectives feels a bit uneven. While multiple POVs are present, sometimes many of them seem to function as extensions of Adrian’s journey rather than fully independent viewpoints. As a result, some character relationships feel underdeveloped, making the other characters’ focus on Adrian feel slightly unearned. (And I'm saying this as someone who was very fond of Adrian.) As the story progresses, the character’s relationships becomes increasingly tangled. For me personally, it was a bit too much drama. But hey, if you want some tea in the form of toxic vampires, then this is for you.
November 12, 2025
Rating 3.75 rounded up
I was pleasantly surprised by how well done this was. The author did a good job of creating a well developed history and world that this story takes place in. The premise was plausible and the characters interactions where believable. There is definitely a lot going on in the story making it more dense then a streamlined read.
We have vampire politics in a contemporary setting with a whole lot of moral complexity which does not make for a cozy read with a blooming romance. In fact this is a darker and bloodier tale so if you are a romantic or classic vampire reader this may not be for you. But if you like a new and fresh take on vampires with an urban gangland feel with a a gritty, tense atmosphere, this will be just what you need.
Overall this was a fast and interesting read that I did enjoy. I look forward to book 2.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well done this was. The author did a good job of creating a well developed history and world that this story takes place in. The premise was plausible and the characters interactions where believable. There is definitely a lot going on in the story making it more dense then a streamlined read.
We have vampire politics in a contemporary setting with a whole lot of moral complexity which does not make for a cozy read with a blooming romance. In fact this is a darker and bloodier tale so if you are a romantic or classic vampire reader this may not be for you. But if you like a new and fresh take on vampires with an urban gangland feel with a a gritty, tense atmosphere, this will be just what you need.
Overall this was a fast and interesting read that I did enjoy. I look forward to book 2.
December 23, 2025
Head and shoulders above all those lightweight YA vampire romps that are out there, this novel deals with serious, adult issues and concepts, and does so with aplomb.
Both the writing and the "vampire logic" are airtight all the way through. The author has excellent pacing in multiple dimensions, whereby layers (and sometimes lairs) of the urban fantasy world are revealed one at a time, as the plot and characters unfold in tandem.
The author's narrative stream of consciousness (exhibited across different characters) is compelling and easily "immersible" while being not overdone. I especially like how we have the same chapter retold from a different characters' POV, yielding a perspectival engagement in the various themes.
Madness of the Elder Vampire stands up as an overall work of urban fantasy, and I recommend it whether it will be your twelfth vampire novel or your first.
Both the writing and the "vampire logic" are airtight all the way through. The author has excellent pacing in multiple dimensions, whereby layers (and sometimes lairs) of the urban fantasy world are revealed one at a time, as the plot and characters unfold in tandem.
The author's narrative stream of consciousness (exhibited across different characters) is compelling and easily "immersible" while being not overdone. I especially like how we have the same chapter retold from a different characters' POV, yielding a perspectival engagement in the various themes.
Madness of the Elder Vampire stands up as an overall work of urban fantasy, and I recommend it whether it will be your twelfth vampire novel or your first.
December 31, 2025
This book is well suited for readers who want a new take on vampires in a YA series. There are twists and turns to keep you guessing but overall I was craving a bigger payoff for the excitement in the first part of the story.
The opening moved like a thriller genre would, the kind of pacing that makes you forget you’re reading. I wanted to know why the vampire elders were losing their minds. That question felt like the engine of the book.
But then the middle happened. I got drowned in all the POVs and the story stopped moving towards answering why the madness starts and became more of a mystery that frustrated me and the MMC.
The pacing and writing choices took me out of the story and I wanted to experience the chaotic excitement that the book started with.
There were glimpses of something more interesting, some novelty in the vampire lore, some texture I hadn’t seen before. I ended wanting more: more strangeness, more explanation of the madness, more complexity to the creatures themselves. Instead, it read YA-shaped in a way that didn’t match the vibe of that opening.
A big threat in the book, got built up and then sort of… deflated.
Maybe book two aims to round out the questions built up in this book.
The opening moved like a thriller genre would, the kind of pacing that makes you forget you’re reading. I wanted to know why the vampire elders were losing their minds. That question felt like the engine of the book.
But then the middle happened. I got drowned in all the POVs and the story stopped moving towards answering why the madness starts and became more of a mystery that frustrated me and the MMC.
The pacing and writing choices took me out of the story and I wanted to experience the chaotic excitement that the book started with.
There were glimpses of something more interesting, some novelty in the vampire lore, some texture I hadn’t seen before. I ended wanting more: more strangeness, more explanation of the madness, more complexity to the creatures themselves. Instead, it read YA-shaped in a way that didn’t match the vibe of that opening.
A big threat in the book, got built up and then sort of… deflated.
Maybe book two aims to round out the questions built up in this book.
January 24, 2026
I should first say that I haven’t read too many vampire books but thought I would give this one a try after hearing about it from a friend. I am sooooo happy I read this book. The character development was excellent and the author did a great job for us novice vampire people to understand how the vampire world works. I found myself absorbed into the storyline, really enjoyed the dialogue and found the various relationships between the characters extremely interesting. There’s also some fun twists and turns along the way. She did an amazing job with this book and I hope she continues this saga and writes another book soon! Hint, hint. Thank you Darby on a great book. You are a very talented writer! You may have opened up a new genre for me.
December 8, 2025
This is not your traditional vampire story or one blooming with romance, it is dark, gloomy and gritty.
I liked this fresh approach of an urban vampire fantasy with it's gang like style and politics. Throw in some action here and there and various emotional battles from previous mortal lives to the immortal life.
The world was built well and though there is history, I would've liked more lore.
I'm not used to reading books involving many characters, it took me a moment to get to grips with them but once I did I had no trouble keeping up.
× × ✞ × ×
I enjoyed this read and I'm intrigued to what book 2 brings to the table!
I liked this fresh approach of an urban vampire fantasy with it's gang like style and politics. Throw in some action here and there and various emotional battles from previous mortal lives to the immortal life.
The world was built well and though there is history, I would've liked more lore.
I'm not used to reading books involving many characters, it took me a moment to get to grips with them but once I did I had no trouble keeping up.
× × ✞ × ×
I enjoyed this read and I'm intrigued to what book 2 brings to the table!
December 10, 2025
A very unique plot, interesting characters and an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this book. It was very different and it had several interesting characters. As a huge Anne Rice fan and other vampire series, this story was fresh and captivating. There is intrigue, magic, lore, and drama. It shows a vampires in a different light ( pun intended) and in a more day to day basis. Yes, they also have regular problems like mortals. The pacing is perfect and the characters are likeable and relatable, even the non-vampire ones. Overall a great and unique vampire fantasy read!
Thank you Netgalley and Star Strix LLC for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoyed this book. It was very different and it had several interesting characters. As a huge Anne Rice fan and other vampire series, this story was fresh and captivating. There is intrigue, magic, lore, and drama. It shows a vampires in a different light ( pun intended) and in a more day to day basis. Yes, they also have regular problems like mortals. The pacing is perfect and the characters are likeable and relatable, even the non-vampire ones. Overall a great and unique vampire fantasy read!
Thank you Netgalley and Star Strix LLC for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
February 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, the description of this novel was misleading and let me to expect a far more exciting novel. I expected a fast-paced mystery with the sexy and suave vampires from Anne Rice's novels. However, this book was incredibly slow-paced, with lore dumps about how these vampires and their gangs work. It would be the most truthful to call this a slow drama set in a world with vampire gangs. I wanted more horror, more romance, and less gang politics, but alas, we can't always get what we want.
It was not for me, but maybe some people out there will like it.
Unfortunately, the description of this novel was misleading and let me to expect a far more exciting novel. I expected a fast-paced mystery with the sexy and suave vampires from Anne Rice's novels. However, this book was incredibly slow-paced, with lore dumps about how these vampires and their gangs work. It would be the most truthful to call this a slow drama set in a world with vampire gangs. I wanted more horror, more romance, and less gang politics, but alas, we can't always get what we want.
It was not for me, but maybe some people out there will like it.
November 1, 2025
This book totally surprised me. It’s dark, eerie, and emotional in all the right ways. Darby Vernon really captures that old-school gothic vampire vibe but makes it feel fresh and personal. You can feel the centuries of loneliness and madness in every page — it’s creepy but also kind of heartbreaking.
The writing is beautiful and atmospheric, and the story pulls you in right from the start. If you like vampire stories that are more about emotion, regret, and obsession than just action or romance, this one’s a must-read.
Definitely one of those books that sticks with you after you finish it.
The writing is beautiful and atmospheric, and the story pulls you in right from the start. If you like vampire stories that are more about emotion, regret, and obsession than just action or romance, this one’s a must-read.
Definitely one of those books that sticks with you after you finish it.
November 7, 2025
A promising debut featuring great world building and solid character work. It reminded me of some franchise fiction I’ve read, or of games like Vampire: The Masquerade. What I’d like to see in the future is a tad more depth in the writing. The prose had a slight ‘and then’ feel to it, which left little room for reflective moments and for those characters to really shine. Still, it was an entertaining read, and I’m sure fans of vampire fiction will get a kick out of it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
November 7, 2025
A fun read! Madness of the Elder Vampire sank its teeth into me, pulling me into the world of Adrian, a hugely sympathetic vampire struggling with issues from his past and trying to make sense of a world not unlike typical crime families, with everybody vying for power. Val was my favorite, though. She is a strong female character who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to do what it takes to get it.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves urban fantasy with depth, style, and a perfectly executed finale.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves urban fantasy with depth, style, and a perfectly executed finale.
November 12, 2025
2.5 rounded up. Strong start for this debut, but the narrative and lore got a bit jumbled and the plot felt too chaotic in the second half. Far too many characters to keep track of and the motivations mostly seemed like everyone was just having a tantrum. By the end I still didn’t really get the Elder Madness (mostly because everyone kinda seemed “mad” and kinda dickish the whole novel). Interesting world and set up, so hoping the narrative gets a bit tighter in the next installment.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2025
A book I was immediately drawn to not only because of the cover but because I honestly love stories about vampires. I was not disappointed. Addicted from the moment I started it, I devoured it in just over a day, and I honestly can't wait to read more from this series. If you see it, grab it, and that's an order not a suggestion.
Check out my full review here! Posted December 9th 2025.
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
Check out my full review here! Posted December 9th 2025.
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
November 28, 2025
I love me some toxic vampires
It was super fast-paced and full of action and different relationship-dynamics. I loved Garret's, Adrian's and Val's weird little group and was rooting for them. I thin polyamory would have solved some of their problems. It was clear they cared for each other, as much they were capable of.
The ending felt like a rollercoaster and it get me excited for a sequel. I also would love a prequel, to read about the 40 years Adrian and Garret spent together.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
It was super fast-paced and full of action and different relationship-dynamics. I loved Garret's, Adrian's and Val's weird little group and was rooting for them. I thin polyamory would have solved some of their problems. It was clear they cared for each other, as much they were capable of.
The ending felt like a rollercoaster and it get me excited for a sequel. I also would love a prequel, to read about the 40 years Adrian and Garret spent together.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 16, 2025
Rating: 🙂/3
Source: #netgalley
Review: Action and fight scene packed. Like if Blade was a book. Lots of characters and political sides so a little challenging to keep track of everyone. Not really for me but might be good for those who like action packed or might be better on audio.
Format: 👩🏻💻
Source: #netgalley
Review: Action and fight scene packed. Like if Blade was a book. Lots of characters and political sides so a little challenging to keep track of everyone. Not really for me but might be good for those who like action packed or might be better on audio.
Format: 👩🏻💻
January 11, 2026
This book took hold of me like a vampire bite on the neck - all consuming, intense, and wanting more. The characters are lovingly complicated and the vampire world is dark and bloody. This book has everything: vampire relationships, a fight for power, and just trying to survive everyday life that even us humans can relate to. I would definitely recommend this book!
October 31, 2025
3.5 leaning towards 4.
My my… I have mixed feelings… but I’m too tired to write right now, I’ll write my review tomorrow…
My my… I have mixed feelings… but I’m too tired to write right now, I’ll write my review tomorrow…
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews