I enjoyed 'SERAPHYMPIRE: Guardians of the Gateways' for its large cast of diverse and richly-textured characters, their shifting loyalties, and the epic-level of violent emotions at play. It definitely works as Paranormal Fantasy Romance, a vampire tale with a difference. Kayla/Makayla makes a complex, sympathetic, and visceral double heroine. Alexander, Zack, Reece, and the tangibly evil Zobiana all combine to create an above average vampire tale. Overall the characters are both believable and larger-than-life, a nice balance. The plot would benefit from a tighter focus, perhaps set within a 3-Act frame. Even so, it was always clear what each character wanted, why, and the decisions and actions they each take in trying to reach their goals. So the characters' roles within the plot works fine. The climax in Act 3 is especially good, and succeeds in bringing Makayla's story to a satisfying, provisional, and resounding close. Her struggle will continue in Book 2 of Guardians of the Gateways.