The Monster Librarian Presents:

Reviews of Vampire Fiction for Young Adults

Vampire fiction is probably one of the most popular horror subgenres for young adults/teens. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel hooked a whole generation of teens. There is often a mix of horror and romance in vampire fiction for young adults, I will note which reviews could fall under the horror romance as well as vampire fiction.   I will note to be under the vampire fiction category there needs to be some bloodshed.  There are a large number of books based on the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, I will give these books their own page. There are also lists of vampire books for teens here.

 

Sucks to Be Me : The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (maybe) by Kimberly Pauley*New Review

Mirrorstone,2008

ISBN: 9780786950287

Available: Pre-order August 2008

    In Sucks to Be Me, Mina is the teenaged human daughter of a pair of vampires, who have hidden her existence. Once she’s discovered, the regional vampire council is adamant that Mina decide if she wants to be turned into a vampire. As if the stress of attending “vampire class” with other potential vampires isn’t enough, Mina also faces typical teen “chick lit” situations and misunderstandings involving boys, best friends, popularity, and the prom.  Readers of teen chick lit will find much that’s familiar here. Although there is a romance angle, Mina’s story is more about the impending decision and her relationship with her friends and family, with a fairly predictable conclusion. Still, Mina is a likable character, and the humor in the story and complications of this particular unexpected situation should satisfy those who enjoy “chick lit with fangs.” Although there’s no real deviation from “chick lit” formula, Pauley’s imaginative setup and entertaining characters were enough to keep this reader turning the pages.  

Contains: threats of violence

 

London, 1850 (Vampire Plagues I) by Sebastian Rooke

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 2005

ISBN: 0439633923

Available: New and Used

London, 1850 is a historical vampire adventure tale of resourceful kids battling traditional bad guy vampires. On an expedition to Mayan ruins, Ben Cole and his father accidentally release the ancient Mayan vampire bat god, Camazotz. Ben escapes on a boat heading back to London and is followed by Camazotz and his vampire horde.  Upon reaching London, Ben runs into Jack Harkett, a wharf rat whose street savvy helps Ben escape.  Together, Jack, Ben, and Ben’s sister must find a way to stop Camaztoz before he unleashes his vampire horde on an unsuspecting London. London, 1850 is a good little horror adventure story with solid writing and a pacing that will keep kids turning the pages. This book is an excellent transitional title for middle schoolers moving on from the Goosebumps books to more advanced horror titles, and may also be enjoyed by readers of Darren Shan’s Cirque du Freak books. London, 1850 is the first in a trilogy of books, to be followed by Paris, 1850 and Mexico, 1850. This book is appropriate for middle school collections and public library YA collections.

Contains: violence, murder, and vampire killings

 

 

Uninvited by Amanda Marrone *New Review

Simon Pulse, 2007

ISBN: 1416939784

Availabile: New

          Uninvited is a much darker story than the typical YA vampire fare. Jordan, a troubled teen, is being visited by her ex-boyfriend Michael, now a vampire, who waits outside her window every night begging her to invite him in.  This isn’t a love story, though. Michael plays the role of a deadly stalker, not a romantic interest. It’s pretty clear that even before Michael’s undead appearance, Jordan’s life was in disarray, and her friends don’t seem to be much more stable. Marrone paints a compelling picture of Jordan’s further spiral into darkness and depression. As dark as it is, Uninvited has a surprising ending.   Recommended for those looking for a slightly different take on the young adult vampire book.

Contains: Drinking, drug use, references to sex, violence

 

 

Marked: House of Night Book 1 by P.C. and Kristen Cast

St. Martin's Griffin, 2007

ISBN: 0312360266

Available: New

            In a world where vampires and humans coexist, Zoey Redbird has been marked- identified as a potential vampire- and must go to The House of Night, a vampire school where she will either become a vampire or die. After Zoey is marked, she also discovers that Nyx, the vampire goddess, has a special purpose for her.   At school, Zoey makes new friends and develops a crush on the school hunk. She also finds herself at odds with Aphrodite, who heads the exclusive club Daughters of Darkness. Marked has a likable main character and decent plot speed. It is a good read, and, although contrived in places, includes some convincing storytelling. Marked is the first book in a series, and happily for this reader avoids the painful cliffhanger endings often found in series books, while still leaving enough loose ends to hook the reader.  A second title, Betrayed, is already in print.  Recommended for school and public libraries.

Contains: Language, passages of sexual implications, supernatural references.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

Little, Brown & Company, 2007

ISBN: 0316160202

Available: New

    I love Stephanie Meyer, and spent much of the summer looking forward to the release of Eclipse.  That said, I’m not quite sure what to think, now that I’m done. While this story contains an ever-escalating killing spree in Seattle, some fascinating vampiric history, and the back stories of several characters, the main focus, as always, is on Bella and Edward and what will happen next in their relationship.  As in New

Moon, Meyer uses a literary classic to reflect Edward and Bella’s relationship.  In this case, the story is Wuthering Heights.   While I admire any attempt to put a postive spin on Heathcliff and Catherine’s toxic love story, Wuthering Heights is a story of obsession, manipulation, and

cruelty to others, all in the name of a love no one is willing to actually do anything about. I wonder now if Meyer is cautioning her audience to stop cheering on the relationship between Edward and Bella so whole-heartedly. Eclipse was promoted as the final volume in the series, but now it appears that there will be a fourth book, which seems like a mistake on someone’s part. If anything is making me curious about book number four, it’s this: am I supposed to be rooting for this couple, or am I supposed to be thinking, “You know what, Bella?  This is unhealthy and you’re only seventeen.”  It’s an interesting question, but I honestly can’t tell where I am supposed to stand, in Ms. Meyer’s mind, on this relationship. Recommended to fans of the series.  For new readers, start back with Twilight and see what you think.

Contains: N/A

Review by Havoc

 

Glass Houses:  The Morganville Vampires, book one, by Rachel Caine

Jam Books, 2006

ISBN: 0451219945

Available: New

    Glass Houses, the first in what looks like will be a four book series for young adults, is the story of Claire Danvers, an academically gifted young lady who, unfortunately for her, winds up going to college in a town populated by vampires and their human food source.   When Claire runs afoul of the big woman on campus, she has no choice but to move out of her dorm and into Glass House.   Once there, she learns the reality of life in Morganville, where vampires rule the night and the only humans safe from them are those who have sworn their loyalty.  Claire’s new roommates live in a no-man zone, living and working in town but refusing the protection of the vampires.    This book is a refreshing change from the more romantic view of vampires that has become popular lately. You really don’t want to date these guys.  Claire makes for an interesting hero, and I love the fact that so much of the action occurs because Claire refuses to miss class for any extended period of time.   Book two in the series, Dead Girls Dance, is already out and just as much fun, and the later books promise to be just as good.  Recommended to anyone who enjoys both young adult literature and vampires.

Contains: N/A

Review by Havoc

 

 

 

Masquerade: A Blue Bloods Novel by Melissa De La Cruz

Hyperion, 2007

ISBN: 0786838930

Available: New

    The sequel to Blue Bloods, Masquerade is the continuing tale of Schuyler Van Alen, a Blue Blood without a past. Blue Bloods are fallen angels transformed into vampires who are reincarnated with memories of their past lives, attempting to redeem themselves during their time on earth.  In this installment, Schuyler and her best friend Oliver go to Venice to ask her grandfather for help in dealing with the Silverbloods, creatures preying on the Blue Bloods.  In the meantime, a mysterious new boy with a knack for creating trouble has arrived at school. Masquerade also continues the development of the love triangle between Schuyler, Jack and Mimi Force.  The Blue Bloods series is better written than the Vampire Beach books, with a stronger plot and better character development.  However, Masquerade suffers from a flaw common to series books: a maddening,  cliffhanger ending that prevents the book from standing on its own, and will leave readers frustrated until a sequel comes out. Recommended for public library young adult collections. Contains: vampire violence, implied incest.

 

 

 

High School Bites by Liza Conrad

Penguin Group, 2006

ISBN: 0451217527

Available: New

    In High School Bites, Liza Conrad breathes a little fresh air into the growing subgenre of “chick-lit with fangs.”  The bones of the story aren’t original- teenage girl with friends slightly outside the norm discovers she’s a vampire slayer, and a master vampire, with unimaginative minions, is out to get her- the plot and character motivations are all relatively predictable. But Conrad does something unusual- she “outs” her heroine, Lucy. In addition to her friends and teachers, her father and uncle not only know her “secret” but cheer her on.  A modern slayer, Lucy has moved on past wooden stakes- now she’s armed with concentrated garlic and vampire-repelling perfume. On top of it all, everyone seems to be related to a character from Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula- even the cat! Two things separate this book from the crowd. First, Conrad’s narrator is an average teenager who simply accepts the bizarre as perfectly normal, so she’s a much more accessible character than the outsider characters typical in this subgenre. Second, the book is laugh-out-loud funny. Readers willing to suspend disbelief will find an enjoyable tale in this quick and witty book. Note: Liza Conrad is a pseudonym for Erica Orloff, who also writes paranormal romance. High School Bites is recommended for high school library media centers and general YA collections in public libraries. Contains: kissing and necking, dog fighting, some violence.

Review by Francesca the Librarian

 

 

Vampire Beach: Rituals by Alex Duval

Simon Pulse, 2007

ISBN: 1416911685

Available:  New

    The third in the Vampire Beach series, Rituals continues the story of  Jason Freeman, a human immersed in the vampire community at his high school in Malibu.  In this book Jason becomes a target when he is mistaken for a vampire by a vampire hunter out to reduce Malibu’s teen vampire population.  Jason must find out who the hunter is before he or those closest to him die.  To make things more complicated, Jason is involved in a romantic triangle with vampires Sienna and Brad.    For those who enjoyed the first two Vampire Beach books the third won’t disappoint, but readers expecting great literature are in for a letdown.  In a sense the Vampire Beach series is more or less “vampire lite,” and has as much the feel of teen romance as it does vampiric action.

Contains: Violence, murder

 

 

Good Ghouls Do by Julie Kenner

Penguin Group, Sept 2007

ISBN: 0425217035

Available: Pre-order

    Good Ghouls Do continues the story of Elizabeth(Beth) Frasier, high school student turned vampire.  In Good Ghouls Do, Beth’s unlife gets even more complicated as she continues to search for the vampire master that made her while entangled in a romantic triangle with vampire killer Kevin and her new boyfriend Clayton. Good Ghouls Do is a worthy sequel to The Good Ghouls' Guide to Getting Even and is an engaging read that is sure to please. Kenner plays up the absurdity and chaos of Beth’s unlife as she deals with both the problems of a normal high school student and the logistical issues of being a vampire.  This is a fun book with a good mix of action, romance, and humor. The end of the book makes it clear that fans of Beth’s journey can look forward to her continued adventures.   Recommended for public and high school libraries.  Contains: references to sex, some violence

 

 

The Good Ghouls' Guide to Getting Even by Julie Kenner
Berkley Trade, 2007
ISBN: 0425213919
Available: New
    Elizabeth Frasier is on track to graduate as school valedictorian, is the editor of the school newspaper, and has already picked out her dream college. All is going according to plan until she encounters the school heartthrob, star football player Stephen Wills. Stephen turns out to be a vampire and promptly turns Elizabeth into one as well. Elizabeth’s world is turned upside down as her hopes and dreams are lost, and she has to deal with the problems of undead life.  With her best friend Jenny, Elizabeth plans to extract revenge on Stephen and tries to find a way to rejoin the living . The Good Ghouls' Guide to Getting Even is an enjoyable, light read that doesn't take itself too seriously.  It is a well-written book that contains both action and mild romance, as well as a healthy dose of humor.  It's easy to get caught up in Kenner's writing. The book is  lighter in tone than many teen vampire themed books with female protagonists , but fans of the genre should appreciate the break, and readers of teen chick lit who don't normally read vampire fiction will still enjoy The Good Ghouls' Guide to Getting Even .  The only flaw is that Kenner does not provide a satisfying resolution at the end, so the book can't really be said to stand alone. The ending is clearly written to set up for the sequel as it is clearly set up for a sequel.  Still, The Good Ghoul's Guide to Getting Even is a fun, fast, and appealing read, and is definitely worth a look.  A sequel is due to be released in September 2007. Recommended for public and high school libraries. Contains: some violence, teenage drinking.
 

 

 

Bloodline by Kate Cary

Razorbill, 2005

ISBN: 1595140123

Available: New and Used

    Set in World War I, Bloodline tells the tale of the descendants of the the characters from Bram Stoker's Dracula.  The story follows John Shaw, a British soldier fighting under the mysterious Captain Quincy Harker. Sent home after he is wounded, Nursed back to health by the strong-willed Mary Seward, John finds that Harker has followed him and is staying with his sister Lily. Harker and Lily elope and flee to Harker's home in Transylvania, and John and Mary, who have discovered that Harker is a vampire, follow after the lovers.  Narrated through the use of letters and journal entries,   Bloodline is a n original, suspenseful, and well-written vampire book that mixes a number of different genres, and may appeal to readers of military fiction, romance, and mystery. This title will probably appeal to older teens and adults. Unfortunately, the book is flawed by an unsatisfying ending, that, while it sets up the next installment in the series, leaves the reader feeling cheated by what is otherwise is an engaging and entertaining read.  Bloodline is followed by Bloodline: Reckoning.  Recommended for public and high school libraries. Contains: suicide, graphic violence,

 

 

Cirque Du Freak #1 A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan  

HarperCollins, 2000

ISBN: 0316605107

Available: New

    Author Darren Shan narrates in first person the story of his entering a nightmare world where evil sometimes wins.   When one of Darren's school friends finds a flyer for Cirque Du Freak, an illegal freak show, the two boys decide to go.  When they arrive, they see amazing freaks of nature, including  Madam Octa, a deadly giant spider.  Darren's friend, Steve, identifies  the spider's owner, Mr. Crepsley, as a real-life vampire.   After the show Steve tries to convince Mr. Crepsley to make him a vampire, but Mr. Crepsley turns him down.   Darren, who loves spiders, is obsessed with Madam Octa,  and  steals her from the vampire.  A freak accident causes Darren to make a deal with the vampire that will alter his life.  Although some of the dialogue doesn't ring true, and Darren's decisions are unbelievably bad,  Shan still captures the reader's imagniation with vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and edge-of-the-seat suspense.  This makes the book an easy read and a good choice to snag reluctant readers. A Living Nightmare is the first title in this very popular series for teens aimed for ages 10-13. Recommended for middle school library media centers and/or public libraries.  Contains: Violence.

The series consists of 12 books:

Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare

The Vampire's Assistant

Tunnels of Blood
Vampire Mountain

Trials of Death

The Vampire Prince
Hunters of the Dusk

Allies of the Night

Killers of the Dawn
The Lake of Souls

Lord of the Shadows

Sons of Destiny

 

 

 

Thicker than Water by Carla Jablonski

Razorbill, February 16, 2006

ISBN: 1595140239

Available: New

    Seventeen year old Kia feels powerless.  Her mother is dying of cancer and she is living with her father who is uninvolved with her life and often absent.  Her friends have problems of their own and can’t provide the support she needs, and she is cutting herself to release the pain.  Introduced to a world of goth night clubs that cater to the “vampire” community,  she meets and falls for a mysterious DJ named Damon.  Kia pursues Damon through the vampire scene, believing that he may be an actual vampire with the potential to save her mother. Readers of Thicker than Water may recognize familiar themes: the isolated protagonist of Annette Curtis Klause’s Silver Kiss also hopes for a vampiric cure for her dying mother, and Pete Hautman’s Sweetblood also introduces a self-destructive teen who develops a relationship with a person who may or may not be a vampire. However, the book is much more graphic than either of these and very emotionally intense, Jablonski throws so much pain and isolation in Kia’s path that the reader almost gets a sense that the author was in a contest to create a character who was even more disturbed and isolated than protagonists in other titles in this genre.  This intensity makes the end of the story feel a little too pat. Yet, her writing is powerful enough to keep the reader up well past the witching hour. Contains: self-mutilation, underage drinking, mentions of Wicca, mild kissing.

 

 

 

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Candlewick Press, 2007
ISBN: 0763627917
Available: Pre-Order (To be released February,2007)
    Tantalize introduces us to Quincie Morris a teen who has inherited her family’s Italian restaurant after her parents died in a car accident. When competition from other Italian restaurants forces her to close the doors, Quincie and her uncle plan to reopen the restaurant with a vampire theme. When her head chef is murdered shortly before the grand opening, Quincie’s uncle hires a replacement and she attempts to turn him into a master vampire chef. Meanwhile, Quincie must also deal with her unrequited feelings for her closest friend, a hybrid werewolf, who must make a decision that will affect both of them deeply. The story really takes off at the restaurant’s opening, as supernatural forces collide. Tantalize is an incredibly engaging and engrossing story that sucks the reader in. Filled with adventure, humor, vividly described meals, and a romance angle, the book has something for everyone. While there are plenty of books with both vampires and werewolves out there, Tantalize is imaginative enough that it may surprise even some of the more tenured YA vampire-werewolf readers. The only speed bump in a good fun read is the ending, as the actions of some characters seem unlikely given what has gone before. While the story certainly stands on its own merits, it is clear that the author has left herself room to do more.  Contains: violence, murder, teen drinking, kidnapping.
 

The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld
Razorbill, 2006
ISBN: 159514062X
Available: New
    The Last Days, a sequel to Peeps, chronicles the forming of a music group at a time when the giant worms from the first book begin to surface and uncontrolled vampiric peeps are increasing in number. The story is told using multiple first person viewpoints, each from one of the five members of the band. These include Moz, the lead guitarist: Zahler, his best friend and the reluctant bassist: Minerva, the lead singer, who has been infected by the vampiric parasite but is keeping it under control: Pearl, the keyboardist and all-around music genius: and Alana Ray, a talented drummer who has visions/hallucinations when the band plays. It is an interesting way of telling the story, but the fragmented narrative makes it difficult for the reader to understand the connections to and romantic entanglements of the members of the group, slowing the pacing of the story. The band’s relevance to the war between the worms and the vampires is not revealed until late in the book. Some sequels can stand alone, but this is not the case with The Last Days. The pacing and narrative structure, however, are so different from the first book that it will be difficult for the reader to make a smooth transition. The The pacing speeds up in the second half of the book and falls more in line with Peeps, but this sequel just doesn’t pack the same punch. Still, fans of Peeps will want to give it a read. Contains: nothing objectionable
 

 

The Darkangel by Meredith Ann Pierce
Magic Carpet Books, 1982(reprint 1998 and to be reprinted in April, 2007)
ISBN: 0152017682
Available: Used
    The Darkangel is a fascinating mixture of fantasy and horror. In this book, Meredith Ann Pierce introduces us to Aeriel, a servant to Eoduin, daughter of the head of Aeriel’s village. One day as Aeriel and Eoduin go out to collect hornflower sap for a wedding in the village, a vampire comes and kidnaps Eoduin, intending her to be his wife for that year. Aeriel tries to hunt the vampire down to save Eoduin but is also captured by the vampire and becomes a servant for his “twelve plus one” wives. Aeriel is unable to determine which of the wives is Eoduin, because once the vampire catches a girl to be his wife, he drains her blood, captures her soul and tears out her heart, leaving only a wraith behind. Aeriel has one year to find a way to stop the vampire and save Eoduin before the vampire needs to collect his fourteenth bride. As the tale moves along and we see Aeriel mature from a clumsy, shy, servant girl to a confident woman. Unfortunately, Pierce undermines Aeriel’s character by having her fall in love with the vampire, a cruel, vicious, bloodsucking creature with no redeeming value other than physical beauty. Pierce’s book is a fine choice for those who can suspend their disbelief for Aeriel’s romantic feelings and who are looking for fantasy mixed with a dose of vampiric horror. The Darkangel is the first book in a trilogy and is followed by A Gathering of Gargoyles and The Pearl of the Soul of the World. Contains: cruelty to animals, poisoning, kidnapping, and violent assault.
 

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Vol 1 by L. J. Smith

Eos - Reissue ed, March, 1999
ISBN: 0061020001

Available: New and Used

    Vampire Diaries follows Elena, a beautiful and popular high school student who resides in the sleepy little town of Fell's Church.   When Stefan, a tall, dark, and handsome vampire seeking a peaceful existence, comes to town posing as a high school student, he immediately becomes the focus of Elena's attentions.  However, following Stefan is his brother the powerfu,l vile, vampire Damon.  Suddenly people start dying in Fell's Church.   It really seems that this first installment of the series is merely to introduce you to the various characters and through flashbacks give the history of the conflict between Stefan and Damon.   The Elena character is a little flat and one has a hard time really caring about the "queen bee" of the school getting the vampiric guy she likes. The book really doesn't have anything of a satisfying conclusion, and the reader is forced to go to  The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Vol 2 for the "to be continued" story.    There really isn't a feeling of anything new, but The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening will have many familiar elements for readers seeking a popular teen vampire book.

 

 

 

Vampire Beach: Initiation by Alex Duval

Simon Pulse, 2006

ISBN: 1416911677

Available: New

    Jason Freeman is just getting used to living in Malibu, where the super-rich and beautiful are also vampires, when his friend Tyler from Michigan comes to town.  Jason notices that Tyler is acting strange and has various bruises, and suspects Tyler might be back using drugs. At the same time, Jason also has to deal with his mixed feelings toward Sienna, the ultra-beautiful vampiress who is the "it" girl at school and happens to be dating Jason's vampiric friend Brad.   Vampire Beach: Initiation feels like it comes right out of a prime time teen drama TV show.  Unfortunately, while Duval's take on things can be very enjoyable, this particular book feels unfinished.  Oddly, given the title, no initiation actually occurs in the book, While the vampire teens do go off to an unknown event that could potentially lead us in that direction, the story dead ends. It seems like Duval started to develop a subplot involving the vampire community and then suddenly forgot about it. Contains: 

  

 

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Vampire Beach: Bloodlust by Alex Duval

Simon Pulse, May, 2006
ISBN: 1416911669

Available: New

    In Bloodlust, teen Jason Freeman and his family move to an exclusive neighborhood, DeVere Heights, in Malibu. When Jason goes to school he finds there are two separate crowds; the rich and powerful DeVere Heights crowd and everyone else.  The families living in DeVere Heights , of course, are vampires.  As in  Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz,  the vampires are presented as a benign group whose members require human blood but do not kill their victims, and even run a charitable and cultural organizations.  When one of Jason's classmates is murdered by a vampire, Jason tries to uncover who is responsible.  Interestingly, Jason differs from the "outsider" protagonists in many other teen vampire books because he fits in easily and well  at his new school. Although the book is set up for a sequel, Bloodlust, unlike Blue Bloods, can stand alone.   Readers who enjoyed Blue Bloods may also enjoy Bloodlust. Contains: teen drinking and scenes of sexuality.

 

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Hyperion, May, 2006
ISBN: 0786838922

Available: New

    Blue Bloods follows the tale of Schuyler and her friend Oliver, students at the  Duchesne School, a prestigious private school attended by the sons and daughters of the most wealthy and influential families.   The murder of a student leads Schuyler to uncover the dark secret of the students of Duchesne and their families. Blue Bloods is an entertaining and creative variation on the modern vampire tale, with a romantic subplot.  The ending is flawed, as the story truly doesn't end at all, setting up a sequel book.   It  is the equivalent of the to be continued at the season finale of your favorite TV show. Contains: violence

 

 

Sweetblood by Pete Hautman

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, June, 2003
ISBN: 0689850484

Available: New and Used

    Lucy was diagnosed with diabetes as a child and is dependent on insulin to keep her condition in check.  Lucy has always had an interest in vampires and spends her time on vampire message boards looking to talk with the mysterious person whose username is Draco.   When Lucy writes a paper  for school linking the origins of the vampire myth to diabetes, she quickly finds her life spiraling out of control, with her teachers and parents worried about her grip on reality.  While an incredibly well written book and a great story, vampires are more of a theme than a presence.  I would definitely recommend the book, but those looking for  more vampire action I would recommend looking at other titles. Contains:  predatory stalking and teenage drinking.

 

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Megan Tingley,  2006
ISBN: 0316160199

Available: New and Used
    This eagerly awaited sequel to Twilight begins with Bella having a nightmare about getting older. Sure, it's only the eve of her 18th birthday, but Edward, her vampiric soulmate, will never look any older than 17 and he's still refusing to change her. Despite Bella's hope that everyone will ignore her birthday, Edward's family winds up throwing her a party that changes everything in Bella's life, and not in a way that she wanted.

    Stephanie Meyer has fun using Romeo and Juliet as a ongoing theme for this novel, beginning with Edward dismissively saying that Romeo did everything wrong and ending with some near-deadly irony. As a fan of novels that are willing to admit that they are borrowing shamelessly from the classics, I loved seeing Bella and Edward's relationship become trapped in a plot written centuries ago. Meyer also does an excellent job of showing the possible costs for a love as obsessive as Bella and Edward's. I also enjoyed seeing Jacob, almost a bit character in Twilight, really come into his own in this novel as a throwaway conversation between Bella and Jacob in the first book becomes a major part of the plot in the second. If you enjoyed Twilight, you'll be happy to return to this world. This was one of those books I couldn't bring myself to put down. It ends on something of a cliffhanger, so I will be looking forward for a third book in the series. Entry by Havoc

 

Vampire High by Douglas Rees

Laurel Leaf, August, 2005
ISBN: 044023834X

Available: New and Used
    Flunking out of school leaves Cody one option: enrolling at Vlad Dracul Magnet School. He is admitted in spite of his poor grades when he agrees to join the school’s water polo team, which must compete in order for the school to achieve accreditation and remain open (unfortunately, vampires and water don’t mix). He becomes friends with Justin, a vampire student, who explains that as long as Cody stays on the team he is guaranteed A’s. Cody takes the school’s attitude as a challenge and starts working hard in his classes, to the surprise and annoyance of the principal and students. Ileana, a vampire princess and friend of Justin’s, extends her protection to Cody, and they also become friendly. When half the water polo team is expelled, Cody has to find replacements fast so the school will retain its accreditation. Cody encourages Justin to try swimming and Justin turns out to be a natural- and a few other vampire students appear to have the same abilities! The water polo team gets its replacements and the school stays open. Cody’s friendship with Justin leads to the beginnings of a romance with Ileana, with the original Count’s approval. Vampire High is more entertaining than it is horrifying, but readers looking for smiles instead of shudders will be very satisfied. Contains: limited blood drinking, bullying and mild violence, and teen kissing.
 

 

Thirsty by M.T. Anderson

Candlewick; Reprint edition,August, 2003
ISBN: 0763620149

Available: New and Used

    Chris has real problems. He has parted ways with his best friend, his parents fight all the time, he doesn't have the nerve to talk to Rebecca, the girl he likes, and he is turning into a vampire. In Chris's world vampires and other supernatural creatures are a scourge of society and are hunted down and killed.  As he turns, Chris finds  that he has a greater thirst for human blood and notices that his reflection in the mirror is disappearing. Chris meets Chet, who claims to be a representative of the Forces of Light. Chet offers to cure Chris of his vampirism if he can first prevent a Vampire God from escaping his prison dimension and returning to Earth.  Anderson has approached the teen vampire book from a different angle and has come up with a great story.  He has departed from the vampire as the attractive and sometimes romantic creature and has turned vampirism into a curse that threatens to destroy Chris.   There are some classic moments in the book such as an invitation for Chris to join a group of vampires for drinks or the letter from vampiress Lolli who encourages Chris to join the world of the vampires.   While Chris does have a yearning for Rebecca, this vampire story really doesn't have the romance angles that others do and the story does not suffer for it.  Contains violence and a little gore.

 

 

Midnight Predator by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Delacorte Books, May, 2002 
ISBN: 0385327943.

Available: New and Used

   The fourth installment in Atwater-Rhodes' series introduces two vampire hunters from a group called Crimson. Our heroine, Turquoise Drakaour, and her rival, Raven, are hired to assassinate Jeshikah, a vampiress who has created a place called Midnight, where human beings are enslaved and broken for the use of vampires.  Once a young girl captured by the vampires, Turquoise must deal with her tormented past and face her old vampire master in order to complete her mission.  Although this book follows the general formula that Atwater-Rhodes has used in her other books, its descriptions of abusive behavior toward the main character give it a darker tone.  This difference makes it hard to reconcile the story with the universe she has created, so it is more difficult to escape into the world of the book. Fans of Atwater-Rhodes will probably enjoy this title, but it is not recommended as an introduction to her books.  Other books in the series include In the Forests of the Night, Shattered Mirror, and Demon in My View.   Contains: descriptions of physical and psychological abuse.

 

 

In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Laurel Leaf, May, 2000
ISBN: 0440228166

Available: New and Used

    In the Forests of the Night is the first in a series of books by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. She introduces us to the vampiress Riskisa, a 300 year old vampire who finds herself in the territory of a rival vampire, Aubrey, who is responsible for killing her family.  The book is divided up between the time, 300 years ago, when Risksia is first turned into a vampire, and the present day where she must fight Aubrey. When I first started to review young adult horror, author Amelia Atwater-Rhodes's name came up as a must read author for teens.  Much has been made of the fact that she was 14 when she wrote  In the Forests of the Night.  I can see why her books appeal to teen readers, especially reluctant readers. The action moves quickly and the writing style is easy to follow. Adult readers may also enjoy Amelia Atwater-Rhodes' books.  They are quick and addictive little reads, leaving you ready for more.  A core title for young adult collection.  Sequels include Shattered Mirror and Demon In My View. Contains: vampire violence, bloodletting.

 

Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Laurel Leaf, 2003
ISBN: 0440229405

Available: New and Used.

    Another book in Atwater-Rhodes' world of vampires and witches. This time around the story is about teen vampire hunter Sarah Vida who starts off believing all vampires should be destroyed.   However, when two vampires, Nissa and Christopher, arrive at her school, she finds herself befriending them. She discovers that vampires are more than the simple killing machines her in which her mother has raised her to believe.   An underlying story involves Sarah's hunt for one of the most notorious vampires around, Nikolas.  Another solid entry for the readers of vampire fiction, Atwater-Rhodes is a gifted story teller and doesn't disappoint with this book.  Another core book for the vampire collection. Contains: Violence and blood sucking and letting,

 

Demon In My View by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Delacorte Press,2000

ISBN: 038532720X

Available: New and Used .

    Demon in My View is set in a world developed by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes where vampires exist and prey upon humans and are hunted by witches.  In this installment we are introduced to Jessica, a teen who is a social outcast, who has written a popular book about vampires and witches under a pen name.  After the book is published two new students appear at her school, Caryn, who seems to go out of her way to befriend Jessica, and Alex, a teen who resembles the villainous vampire in her book.  Demon In My View is a well written book that will appeal to those who like the Buffy the Vampire Slayer books. This book could have just as easily ended up in the horror romance category but the vampires in this series are more predatory creature.   I would recommend this book for those looking for additional vampire fiction. A core book in young adult vampire horror. Contains: Violent fight sequence, blood sucking.

 

Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde  

 Magic Carpet Books, September, 2002
ISBN: 0152166696

Available: New and Used

    Companions of the Night is about 16 year old Kerry, who sneaks out of the house late one night to retrieve her little brother's stuffed koala and finds herself in the middle of an altercation between a group of vampire hunters and Ethan, a vampire. Kerry helps Ethan escape and ends up on a terrorizing adventure.  This book has been placed in the horror romance category by many other reviewers but when I read it I didn't find it to be romantic.  The primary emotions that the reader gets from Kerry in this book when she is with Ethan are  fear, confusion, and frustration.   When I mention fear, it is more of a fear of is he going to kill me, not does he like me. All in all this is a great vampire book. Just don't expect a lot of romance. The book appears on many recommended reading lists, such as the ALA Best Books for Young Adults, ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, and ABA's Pick of the List.  Contains:  Murderous threats, arson, kidnapping, and some violence.