Blue Bloods

De La Cruz, Melissa. 2006. Blue Bloods

Using (fictional) primary source material about the Pilgrims that sailed on the Mayflowers (letters, journals, etc.) to introduce each chapter, Melissa De La Cruz establishes an alternate historical framework in which to begin her novel BLUE BLOODS. (Forget what you know about Pilgrims fleeing to the colonies because of religious persecution, the Pilgrims were vampires fleeing England before their secret could be exposed. And Roanoke? Vampires as well. The mystery only deepens since vampires can rarely if ever be killed.)

The novel is told through multiple perspectives--young teen girls around fifteen or sixteen--who while different (some popular, some unpopular outcasts) all share a legacy: a rich historical legacy: they're vampires but don't know it. Similar to Peeps by Scott Westerfeld, these are vampires that exist to serve the greater good among humans. Our primary heroine is Schuyler Van Alen, an orphan raised by her grandmother. Other key players include Mimi and Jack Force (brother and sister), and Bliss Llewellyn. These young teens are enjoying the finest education--at an elite private school--and most have the money and prestige to break all the rules and get away with it...partying at night clubs, drinking, smoking, etc. But this comfortable existence is about to be shaken up. A dark force is on the move that threatens teen vampires everywhere. The problem? Most lack the foresight to care. Schuyler Van Alen leads the call to action, and in this first book in the series, this fast-paced adventure begins.