Book Review: Ellen Schreiber’s Vampire Kisses

Earlier last year, I listed the top 15 YA vamp novels – courtesy of Vampires.com.  Ellen Schreiber’s series, Vampire Kisses, is #12 on that list.  I recently read the first book of the series, Vampire Kisses, and truly enjoyed it.  Even though it was YA and PG perfect, it had enough humor and mystique to keep me wanting more.

Raven Madison is the typical Goth girl, who’s obsessed with vampires.  I recall first reading this thinking – oh here we go again – another Goth-obsessed, vamp girl in a teeny bopper tale.  Despite all the clichés in the beginning, Schreiber convinced me of Raven’s uniqueness.  Even as a child, Raven was different – kind of like Wednesday from The Addams Family – with more flair for drama and less morose tendencies.  The town of “Dullsville” is indeed boring for a freakishly different girl like Raven.  She lives vastly different from her family and the townspeople of “Dullsville.”  And as the odd girl out, she cares less about what others think and practically never conforms to anything normal. She has only one friend, Becky, who is the 2nd least popular teen in high school – Raven being the least.  And then of course there's Raven’s childhood nemesis, Trevor- who has spent the better part of her life, making her miserable.

The first part of the story was so incredibly enticing with constant battling between Raven and Trevor.  There are so many times when I wondered if Trevor was secretly in love with Raven. Even Raven suspects this, but that’s neither here nor there.  For those that are interested in reading this book, for me, it was the pranks or battles between Trevor and Raven that hooked me. With each one trying to outdo, completely embarrass or ruin each other’s reputation, I couldn’t help but be drawn into the YA drama.  And the “article of clothing” tricks Raven played on Trevor had me rolling. She was cute and clever and in the end, revealed the naked truth about Trevor.

These high school ruses were fun, but by far were not the main purpose.  A new boy moves into town, Alexander Sterling.  There’s something alluring about him and Raven is immediately smitten. For the first time in Raven’s entire existence, she connects with another person, Alexander.  He’s handsome, gentle and odd just like Raven and together they're in their own way, normal.  Now, I have to admit, there are times when I thought Raven’s vamp obsession was a bit tiring.  However, I guess it had a point. In the end, Raven and Alexander’s relationship became so intertwined that as a reader, you get caught up in their bliss.  But what is it about Alexander?  Is he really what Raven wants?  Oh yeah, but there's a cliffhanger in this book that stunned and saddened me at the same time.  I won’t tell you what happens, you’ll have to wait and read.

Despite the whole Goth-angle, I still really liked the book. It had laugh at loud moments, a loveable character (Raven) and endearing romance.  If you’re looking for a sweet YA vamp tale, why not give Schreiber’s Vampire Kisses a try?  I can’t imagine you’d be disappointed.  On my Killometer, I gave Vampire Kisses a 3.75.

Until next time…Vampire Kisses is oh so sweet.

Mina B.