Vampire Kisses: The Beginning (MG, YA)

Schreiber, Ellen. 2003. Vampire Kisses. 2005. Vampire Kisses: Kissing Coffins. 2006. Vampire Kisses: Vampireville. HarperCollins. 562 pages.

It first happened when I was five. (Vampire Kisses)
It was like a final nail in the coffin. (Kissing Coffins)
I was ready to become a vampire. (Vampireville)

I'll start with the good news. This is a fun series for tweens and teens who can't get enough vampires. Our heroine, Raven, loves vampires. Or the idea of loving a vampire at least. She's been obsessed with all things vampire since she was a toddler. In fact, in kindergarten that she told her teacher and classmates that she wanted to be a vampire when she grew up. We get a very brief snippet of this vampire-loving child, and then we get to the center of the story--Raven as a teen girl with one obsession.

But what happens when Raven actually meets a vampire or two (or three)? Does Alexander meet all her expectations? Is he her dream come true? Is he her destiny? Will loving him, knowing him be the best thing that ever happened to her? Is she ready to face danger in the name of love? Will Alexander's enemies prove too much for her?

So, if you like this sort of book about girls who idolize vampire lovers (or boyfriends)--even if Alexander doesn't sparkle--then you should probably pick this series up. This edition contains the first three novels in the series. (I believe there are six or so in all.) The books read really quickly.

Is the book as great as the cover? That may depends on your age. (It's not exactly fair to say it is all an age thing. After all, I know of women who can't get enough vampires. They are always looking for more, more, more.) I think there's a time and place for everything. And I think for those in a vampire phase, this series has much to satisfy. If you're growing tired of the vampire trend, if you wish that romance authors would look elsewhere for inspiration, then maybe you shouldn't pick these up.


© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews