July 2009
There’s an allure to vampire tales that have seduced readers for generations. From Bram Stoker to Stephenie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!
(from Goodreads)
If you like vampires in young adult fiction, this book should defiantly be on your TBR list. The line up of authors was enough to get me interested. I thought I would get tired of reading story after story about vampires but I was very much pleasantly surprised. Each story is so unique with each author presenting their own take on the vampire myth. Some stories take place in the larger world of already established series and some stories I really wish were already full length novels!
Overall Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Here's the breakdown:Author links are to their websites
*Falling to Ash by Karen Mahoney
Pretty typical vampires here. Seemed like a middle of the road type of story where you could tell you weren't seeing what came before or what comes after. Vampires and vampire hunters collide.
*Shelter Island by Melissa De La Cruz
Stars the vampire Dylan Ward who also plays a part in Melissa's Blue Blood series. A very small glimpse into the life of a vampire you wouldn't mind sneaking into your window.
*Sword Point by Maria V. Snyder
Italians, Karate, fencing, and good old fashion stake through the heart evil vampires.
*The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
Creepy! Vampires are segregated in their own hellish, voyeuristic community. Very open ended - love it!
*Undead is Very Hot Right Now by Sarah Rees Brennan
Rock and Roll vampire looking for love in all the wrong places. Felt like a really good first chapter.
*Kat by Kelley Armstrong
Takes place in the world of the Darkest Powers series. Another young girl is running from the Edison group. Cool twist at the end.
*The Thirteenth Step by Libba Bray
Pretty creepy ending that I loved. Fairly typical vampires in hiding with some pretty cool 'recruiting' techniques.
*All Hallows by Rachel Caine
Takes place in the world of the Morganville Vampires. Haven't read this series yet but now I really want to! A great story.
*Wet Teeth by Cecil Castellucci
This was the only story I didn't really like. Very sad ending. Felt like it didn't necessarily need to be about vampires.
*Other Boys by Cassandra Clare
I was pretty sure this was a typical hot vampire story until the end. Very cool! Made me wish it were longer.
*Passing by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Human vs. vampire war with a few twists. Worked really well as a short story.
*Ambition by Lili St. Crow
Lots of unanswered questions in this one! A very good read.
*All Wounds by Dina James
Loved this one! Vampire myth mixed with some supper cool fantasy elements. Currently a full length novel is in the works based in the world of All Wounds.
So! Overall? I really loved this anthology. A great collection of short stories by some really talented writers.
Some authors are new to me and I'm looking forward to reading more from them.
I have this book but I haven't had a chance to read it. I love that you can get multiple signatures in one book.
ReplyDeleteI recently read this one too. While I am not a big fan of short stories, I do like the opportunity to sample authors that I don't already read and revisit authors that I do read. I think that the story that has stayed with me the longest is The Coldest Girl in Coldtown because of its creepiness. It makes me want to look for more by Holly Black.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this one. I have this one so I think I need to put it higher on my list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this book but I do enjoy vampire stories and I appreciate good short stories every now and again. I think I will add this book to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up and the fantastic "breakdown" review!
I too loved this anthology, and enjoyed "Passing" so much that I'm going to buy Crusade buy Nancy & Debbie once I get some fun money :)
ReplyDeleteSame goes for "All Wounds" too...can't wait to read the resulting novel.