Hearts at Stake (The Drake Chronicles, #1) by Alyxandra Harvey

Jan 23, 2011

Jessica rated it

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Recommends it for: Hardcore fans of this genre

Shelves: 15-vampires

Another half-star rating...3.5 stars

I was looking for a nice and fluffy YA vampire story with likeable characters, some good laughs, a swoon-worthy male character, an interesting plot but nothing too complicated, basically just a quick read to take my mind off things and that’s exactly what I got. Is the story deep and meaningful? No, definitely not. Is it original? Nope. Is it fun? Hell yes!

Really, there’s nothing extraordinary about this book and the plot is pretty pred...more

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Apr 15, 2011

Lucille rated it

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There's this thing called the White Pine award. Every year, ten young adult books written by Canadian authors are chosen, and then we can vote through our highschools and the winning author gets the award. Normally the books are pretty good. The only reason that I read Hearts at Stake is because of White Pine; you're supposed to read all of the books in order to vote.
First of all, shall we discuss the title. Hearts at Stake... really? Did they think that it was a clever play on words, bec...moreThere's this thing called the White Pine award. Every year, ten young adult books written by Canadian authors are chosen, and then we can vote through our highschools and the winning author gets the award. Normally the books are pretty good. The only reason that I read Hearts at Stake is because of White Pine; you're supposed to read all of the books in order to vote.
First of all, shall we discuss the title. Hearts at Stake... really? Did they think that it was a clever play on words, because of the whole vampire-stake thing? Was it meant to be a humourous pun? It just annoyed me. Especially since I was determined that I wouldn't read any more young adult paranormal romances, especially not young adult vampire romances. And that was exactly what this book was. It was an extraordinarly weak plotline, including, I kid you not, a prophecy. Are authors really still doing the whole prohpacy thing? The gist and the nub of it all was that I knew exactly what was going to happen from about the third chapter. Everytime that a new 'twist' was introduced, I just kind of sat there like, huh, she really couldn't think of something even remotely original to put in there? Because a romance between the best friend and the brother who acts like a jerk is not original. A person that flips sides is not original. Someone being betrayed by someone :O gasp :O that they thought they could trust is not original, especially not in the context that it happened in this book. And if you're going to introduce someone with seven brothers, you might want to give them personalities other than protective brother number 1. protective brother who wears stylish clothes. protective brother that likes computers. protective brother number 4. etc.
Can you tell that I'm getting frustrated? You should be able to. I just really don't understand how some things are getting published. It's the same story being recycled over and over again. Granted, this story tried really hard to go in a different path; there was an attempt to set up an aristocratic society and political intrigue, but there was no depth, no subtlety and no multi-dimensional characters. The 'romance' was too sudden. There was no build up or slow development of feelings. It was like, hey, wanna make out because we find each other attractive? ;) Sure!
In a nut shell, I will not be voting for this book for White Pine. If this book ranks in the top three, I will have lost my faith in teen readers everywhere. And if I ever succumb to curiosity and read the next book of the series, I want somebody to shoot me, because I can just tell that it won't be getting any better than this.

***Update*** I was talking with my friend about the decline in YA novels, and I used this book as an example. When I told him what the title was, he said "Please tell me that it is a romance about chefs." as in, Hearts at Steak. We then went on to describe it. They know all about cooking the perfect steak, but have yet to find the recipe for love. There was more, and we found it hysterically funny, but I forget it. Maybe it was one of those, heat of the moments funny type things. The point is, we all agreed that that would have been a much better and more original story. Perhaps we shall write it one day. Be on the lookout. (less)

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Dec 26, 2009

~Tina~ rated it

Shelves: bite-me, favorites, own

::SPOILER ALERT::

Now this was absolutely a kick-ass Vampire novel!!I devoured in one sitting!
Love, Love, Love, Loved It!!!

Solange Drake is just about to turn 16 and endure the Bloodchange that will make her a Vampire, that's if she can survive it. But that's only one of her problems. She's also a rare female Vampire, born-not-turned, so it makes her a kind of Princess, or so the prophecy says...
There is a bounty on Solange and between the Vampire Hunters who w...more

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Feb 06, 2010

Kristi (The Story Siren) added it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

A great book for vampire fans looking for a fun, fast and entertaining read. I'd even recommend this for non vampire fans. This was just a feel good, make you laugh, can't stop turning the pages.... awesome book.

Hearts as Stake is told in alternating perspectives. Solange, the vampire, and Lucy, her best friend. Lucy is not a vampire, but her parents are aware of and close friends with the vampire family, which is something different then the norm. Usually in vampire literature, it'...more

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Mar 13, 2010

Chioma rated it

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Edgy, funny, romantic, Hearts at Stake was a refreshing new look into the vampire world. Told in alternating persepectives from the main character Solange, and her hilarious best friend Lucy, Hearts at Stake is a fun, romantic, and action packed read that all vamp lovers will enjoy having in their collections.

Solange, the main character is the first female vampire made/born in over 600 years. Now 15, like the rest of her brothers, she is to start her transition from human to v...more

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Jan 01, 2010

Carol(ina) rated it

Shelves: own

HEARTS AT STAKE is a chick-lit, fluff, candy read. There's nothing special about it and there's nothing memorable. It's just a book that provides a brief distraction from the real life.

The two narrators were different from each other so I could tell whose chapter it was. Their voices were different and realistic. I liked Lucy's sassyness and that she would do anything for her best friend, Solange. And I liked that Solange, in turn, would do anything for Lucy.

The plot was...more

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Jul 24, 2011

Yan rated it

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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Summary: “Solange Drake always knew she was destined to become a vampire queen. And as the only female vampire ever born, not made, she is surrounded by danger on all sides—from vampire suitors who want to join with her lineage to bounty hunters who are set on destroying her and her family. When she is kidnapped, it’s up to her older brother Nicolas and her human best friend, Lucy, to save her. But can Lucy save herself from Nicholas, who tempts her with his every look? And what will be Solange’...moreSummary: “Solange Drake always knew she was destined to become a vampire queen. And as the only female vampire ever born, not made, she is surrounded by danger on all sides—from vampire suitors who want to join with her lineage to bounty hunters who are set on destroying her and her family. When she is kidnapped, it’s up to her older brother Nicolas and her human best friend, Lucy, to save her. But can Lucy save herself from Nicholas, who tempts her with his every look? And what will be Solange’s own fate if she surrenders her to the vampire hunter helping her survive the deadly intrigue at the royal court?”

Review: Hearts at Stake is a feel-good book. I found this book a perfect stress reliever in between cramming sessions for Finals. It was a wholesome enjoyment when you are feeling down in the dumps looking for a quick fix of laughs, smiles, adventure and love. Hearts at Stake features two point of views—Lucy’s and Solange’s—with two separate tales occurring at the same time.

Despite Lucy’s affection towards physical actions (i.e. punching people in the nose) her chapters revolve around the relationship with Nicolas. I found myself really captivated by this pull and push relationship as neither one wishes to accept the fact that they like each other though I do believe that Nicolas has liked Lucy for quite some time now. He’s just one of those typical males that tease girls that they like. I found Lucy such a riot to the point where my affection for her character can be summed thusly: I ♥ Lucy.

Solange’s story involves more action with bloodthirsty vampires as well as hormonal vampires who shower her with blood bags and cats’ hearts? Can we say ‘Yum’?. Luckily for the readers, she is as grossed out as we are and does not go into a deep discussion of its delicious tangy taste though I have heard that it is better than chocolate. It’s rather fast-paced with fighting, an evil queen, and a very much awesome butt-kicking mother. I ♥ Solange’s butt-kicking mother. I happen to like most of the characters….

The only issue I have is the development of both relationships in the book. We start off with both hating each other than all of a sudden they like each other. It does delve deep and is predictable that makes it such fun read.

I cannot wait for Blood Feud when comes out later next year. CAN. NOT. WAIT.(less)

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Jul 30, 2010

Nic rated it

Shelves: 2010, paranormal-romance, young-adult

So good! It was action packed, fast paced, and funny. I read this book within 24 hours it was just too good to put down. I liked Alyxandra Harvey's take on vampires. The history was interesting and unique although at the beginning it was a little bit confusing to remember what was what with The Host, Hounds and Hel-Bar.

This story is told from both Solange's and Lucy's points of view. I found myself enjoying Lucy's story more. She was funny, brave, outspoken, loyal and I loved...more

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May 16, 2011

Stephanie (Stepping out of the Page) rated it

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Shelves: read-in-2011, series-or-companions, fantasy, young-adult, no-longer-own, title-appeal, vampires, better-than-expected

Despite this being a lot better than I expected, I'm still torn between giving it two and three stars. I think that my problem with the book is mostly that there are too many characters. The book does focus on Lucy and Solange, but several other characters are mentioned, some without much explanation at all, and it became quite confusing who was who. However, as I progressed through this book, it became a lot more comprehensible. I enjoyed the plot and it did turn into a page-turner for me past ...more

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Jan 24, 2012

Book Rants rated it

Pros:
-I absolutely loved Lucy, and I feel that the book could have been written entirely from her point of view. I found the chapters that were from Solange's point of view a little boring and Solange herself was a little flat for me.
-Nicholas, the ever overprotective brother has always had a thing for Lucy but never showed it until Lucy and Nicholas are thrown together. Their relationship makes sense, where I found Solange and Kierin's (the vampire hunter) relationship created just be...more

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Nov 16, 2011

Brandi rated it

Shelves: multi-pov

Solange and Lucy are the best of friends. The two couldn’t be more different. Solange, well…she is the only girl in a long line of born vampires. Her 16th birthday is approaching and causing all types of trouble for the vampire community. She is part of a prophesy that says a female born Drake will become queen. Lady Natasha, the currently reigning queen isn’t too happy about it. To make a bad situation worse, she is putto off pheromones that make other male vampires fall in love with her. All ...more Solange and Lucy are the best of friends. The two couldn’t be more different. Solange, well…she is the only girl in a long line of born vampires. Her 16th birthday is approaching and causing all types of trouble for the vampire community. She is part of a prophesy that says a female born Drake will become queen. Lady Natasha, the currently reigning queen isn’t too happy about it. To make a bad situation worse, she is putto off pheromones that make other male vampires fall in love with her. All of the increased vampire activity has attracted the Helios-Ra, a human order of vampire slayers. Kieran, a new member of Helios seems to have taken a special interest in Solange and her family seeing as how they are accused of killing his father. Despite their differences there seems to be a strange camaraderie between him and Solange.
Lucy is the kick butt, rebellious, only child of hippies. Lucy finds the whole vampire world normal, having practically grown up with the Drake family. The family even jokes that she might make a better vampire than Solange. Solange is her best friend and she loves her to death. Lucy will do anything to protect her even if it means teaming up with Solange’s pesky, annoying, youngest brother Nick. Lucy and Nick will have the time of their lives keeping Solange safe until her vampiric blood change.
Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey is book 1 in The Drake Chronicles. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Solange and Lucy. I’m normally not a fan of this, but the author clearly labels the sections with whose viewpoint is. The transitions flow smoothly and really work for the book. I have to admit, I preferred Lucy’s point of view and story over Solange’s. I just found her spunky irreverent attitude more entertaining. The chemistry between her and Nick was also more developed. The book overall was really good. I could have done with a few more pages at the end to flesh everything out. I liked Lucy and Solange so much that I was a little disappointed to learn that the other books in The Drake chronicles follow the other members of the Drake family. This was a cute, short, hilarious, and romantic read. I really enjoyed it
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Oct 22, 2011

Ta§chima Cullen rated it

You can find more reviews @BloodyBookaholic

Don't you love it when you pick up a book with little to no expectations and get blown away? That's how I feel about this book.

Lucy and Solange are best friends. Only Lucy is a human and Solange is a to-be-vampire. Solange is a different vampire though. In her family whenever a son or daughter turn 16 the change occurs and they turn into vampires. Which doesn't happen that often. Oh another thing she is the first female born vamp...moreYou can find more reviews @BloodyBookaholic

Don't you love it when you pick up a book with little to no expectations and get blown away? That's how I feel about this book.

Lucy and Solange are best friends. Only Lucy is a human and Solange is a to-be-vampire. Solange is a different vampire though. In her family whenever a son or daughter turn 16 the change occurs and they turn into vampires. Which doesn't happen that often. Oh another thing she is the first female born vampire in 800 years. Add this to a Prophecy talking about her as being the next big Vamp Queen and you got a very stressed 15 year old. Oh and she can die in the process of becoming a vampire.

When I saw the title I thought cheesy, and kind of the same with the cover. Hey I'm not proud. But this book surprised me a lot! I just loved it by the end. Even though I thought some things could go better it has a story that gets you hooked... and the romance was hot.

The thing is that it's complicated, because I love the plot but I thought the author could have gone a little deeper with the characters. I liked them though. Solange and Lucy have a Rose/Lissa from Vampire Academy relationship. Lucy is the tough one with the attitude (Rose) and Solange is the vampire "princess" (Lissa) but the difference is Solange knows how to fiiight unlike Lissa. It is written in both their POV's, which made the story better.

There are a lot of characters. Solange has seven brother, SEVEN. They are very protective and they all have a special quality. Nicholas, Logan, Quinn, Connor, Sebastian, Marcus and Duncan. I loves Nicholas, because he can be dark, protective and annoying all at the same time in his own way. Logan was so fun, I like him too. Also there is Liam and Helen, the parents. This are cool parents. Liam is the calm one, the collected one. Helen is the FIGHTER. I just love her! She can glare at you to death, and that's hot.

I think the same with the romance. It just went too quickly and the characters didn't even talk about it that much but it still worked! You had the background, but the talk was nowhere! A lot is going on at the same time to talk, true. Oh yes, there is a lot going on at the same time. A lot of information to absorb, a lot of characters and a lot of history in just 248 pages! This book could have easily been 400 pages. I so would have read it.

So yeah, it was fast paced, no no no, it was VERY fast paced but I still loved it. Which is why I give it a 4.8, not because it has wrongs but because it could have been even better.

Now the second book to this one is called Blood Feud and it's about Logan one of Solange's brothers. I don't know about changing characters for the second book, but if they keep giving me glances of the other people I think I would be happy enough to continue. I don't think I really got closure with the characters of this book and I was expecting to see more of them in the second. Because so much was happening that It was like pow-pow-pow and I didn't get alone time with them. But This is a good author so I expect the second one to be even better in every way.

But no matter what people read it, it's so worth your money. Alyxandra created a jewel, and it's only going to get better.(less)

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Oct 19, 2011

Lucie rated it

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Reactions:
Thrilling! Captivating! I read this book in one day from beginning to end without being able to let go. It is well written, readable and well built.
The autor talk about vampires, but with great humor thanks to the character of Lucy who is excellent. The Drakes is of vampire family who consists of seven brothers hyper protective of their little sister. She will change soon. The author had her own interpretation of how occure this change in the world of these creatures of sup...moreReactions:
Thrilling! Captivating! I read this book in one day from beginning to end without being able to let go. It is well written, readable and well built.
The autor talk about vampires, but with great humor thanks to the character of Lucy who is excellent. The Drakes is of vampire family who consists of seven brothers hyper protective of their little sister. She will change soon. The author had her own interpretation of how occure this change in the world of these creatures of supernatural power.
In this family, the transformation from human to vampire is a legacy and not a bite inflicted by another vampire. A small nuance that gives a touch of originality and humanity to this tribe.
The characters are great with all the bickering siblings involved. It's warm and funny. Within it, we find particularly Solange, the only daughter of the family. With it gives off pheromones all male vampires are crazy about her. Far from being a princess, she is rather an artist trained to fight.
If Solange takes up space in this volume, yet it is her best friend Lucy who has the lead role. Among a family of human vampire, yet she knows to defend herself with her fists as well as with her sarcastic tongue. Humorous character with a well-tempered, she often defuses critical situations in her own way,
Her constant bickering with one of Solange's brothers, Nicolas, is a real treat.
And then, there is Kieran, the vampire hunter, who falls in love with Solange, but has not yet revealed its full potential as a lead character.
I appreciated the way in which the author described this vampires as endearing and full of humanity. They are the good guys of the story that must compete against many dangers, intrigues and internal power crises that affect the vampires from all sides in this first volume.
This novel is truly captivating and keeps you in suspense. I spent an enjoyable read that made me want to learn more about the evolution of the adventures of Solange and her friends.(less)

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Oct 11, 2011

Miss E rated it

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I'm in love!!

This story is AMAZING, and I know there is reasons I should only give it 4 stars, but it captured my heart and I can't get it out of my mind..

I LOVED the relationship between Lucy and Nicholas, the fights they have going on, I find myself loving and enjoying, its love in disguise instead of the obvious (even though we as the readers obvious know they have something)

The thing that should steal a star would be the fact that it switches between Solange a...more

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Aug 27, 2011

Savannah rated it

Alyxandra Harvey has been a favorite author of mine since I picked up Hearts at Stake. I knew since we were first introduced to Lucy, Solange, and all her cute vampire brother that I was going to very much like this author and her books.

So, Solange is pretty special. Being the only girl vampire born, like, ever has got to be at least a ten on that scale. But it's not like she ever asked for any of this, right? Or her over-bearing, over-protected older seven brother. No wonder the girl'...more

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Jun 28, 2011

Book Rants rated it

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My Love Lies Bleeding
(Hearts At Stake) by Alyxandra Harvey
Release: December 2009
Rating: 3.75 out of 5
Genre: YA Fantasy

My Cover Blurb: "Witty Good Vampire Fun"

My Summary:
Told from two POV's. First, Solange, daughter of the Drake vampire clan, meant to full fill a prophecy and rule the Vampire Clans. Solange would rather hang out at home with her family and has no desire to pursue the crown. Lady Natasha the current ruler thinks Solange is a threat and will stop at nothing until Solange ...more

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Jun 12, 2011

Amanda rated it

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Seriously, I read this book within four hours, and that's a rarity. Yes; it was that good. It has action, humor, and, naturally, romance. It was captivating--obviously, since I read it within four effing hours. It didn't have a single dull moment--not even in the beginning when things were just getting started. I'd recommend this book to anyone who read Vampire Academy and loved it just as much as I did. :)
It's the story about two best friends, one a human, the other a soon-to-be vampire--t...more

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Jun 02, 2011

Edoftheworld rated it

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When I first glismpsed through the pages, I wasn't that excited to read it. I mean,it's a teenage fiction (which made me think this is like Twilight) and it is told in a two person's view (which I thought would be confusing). But in fact, it was neither and I was sad to see this book end.

I totally love the arguing scenes between Lucky/Lucy and Nicholas/Nicky. They're just like a bickering couple and Lucy is so cute, wondering why Nicholas is looking at her in that way. Hehe. The inte...more

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May 01, 2011

J Hildred rated it

Characters:

There are way to many characters to keep straight in this novel. Solagne's own family is huge. There are 7 protective brothers- of which only one truely stands out among the others. The parents and aunts and uncles seem to blend together. In addition to the direct family there too many enemies to keep straight. The number of suitors, the different types rogue vampires, the vampire hunters, and the current ruling court are so numerous that it is hard to distinguish who th...more

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Apr 25, 2011

Maddie rated it

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I really loved this book... in fact I loved the whole series out so far! I was dying for anything to read when I came across My Love Lies Bleeding and I can say that I wasn't dissapointed at any point of the story. This 1st book follows the two stories of best friends Solange and Lucy in alternating first POV. Solange Drake is the one of the resident vamps of the story, and get this: She's falling in love with a Vampire Hunter named Kieren! Can someone say match made in Heaven... or Hell? Anyway...more

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Apr 17, 2011

(´*•.¸ღBexღ¸.•*´) rated it

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Shelves: own

One thing that struck me with My Love Lies Bleeding is the amount of characters, honestly Solange has 7 brothers, 2 parents and more aunts and uncles that I care to count, not to mention at least one cousin. Then when you add in Lucy, Solange's best friend, and the "bad guys" - it equals one BIG cast of characters, that for me, was extremely hard to keep straight - at times. I found myself going, now was that Solange's brother, or maybe her uncle...

The world in which...more

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Apr 10, 2011

Mandy rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 23, 2011

Raina rated it

When I first began, I really wasn't sure what I would think of this book, but I was quite pleasantly surprised! Both of the lead characters, Solange and Lucy, are very memorable, of course so is Solange's brother Nicholas who seems to have a bantering relationship with Lucy that has lasted since childhood. So, what is unique about this story? Well, Solange is the youngest of 8 children, all born of a vampire father and a formerly human mother. The children are born human, but on their 16th birth...moreWhen I first began, I really wasn't sure what I would think of this book, but I was quite pleasantly surprised! Both of the lead characters, Solange and Lucy, are very memorable, of course so is Solange's brother Nicholas who seems to have a bantering relationship with Lucy that has lasted since childhood. So, what is unique about this story? Well, Solange is the youngest of 8 children, all born of a vampire father and a formerly human mother. The children are born human, but on their 16th birthday they undergo "The Bloodchange" and only if they are strong enough they will survive this change to become vampires. Solange's seven brothers have all survived the change, however, some just barely, and Solange herself is nearing her 16th birthday. The question is not only is she strong enough to survive the change, but will she live long enough to reach her 16th birthday! You see, there was a prophecy centuries ago causing the Drake family to be exiled from courts...a prophecy that has followed Solange since the fateful day of her birth, one she especially does not want fulfilled...and Lucy? Well, she knows the prophecy, but she also knows Solange's family and will do anything to help protect Solange from those determined on killing her prior to her vapmire death at age 16...including a vampire hunter who believes that Solange's family killed his father. Lucy and the Drake family really have their work cut out for them, too! There are vampires are from everywhere. Some want to claim Solange as a mate while others want to kill her. Now that it’s rumored the Drake family has broken a treaty with another clan, there is a bounty on their heads to only add to the tension and excitement!

After reading Hearts At Stake, a book I was initially skeptical about, I realized this is the kind of book you want to call your friends about after you've finished to encourage them to try! It's action packed, light & funny at times, serious or steamy at others. There are two very strong and very different main characters: Solange Drake and my favorite, Lucy, her human best friend.

This action-packed tale is told by both girls. At first, I was not sure how I felt about the switching back and forth from Solange’s point of view to Lucy’s and then back again, but I soon came to realize that it only kept leaving me wanting more! Just as things were getting good for Lucy, I'd be reading about Solange and vise versa. There were times I almost wanted to skip over Solange’s chapters and just to get back to reading Lucy’s, but Solange is too important a character to ignore. To say that I love-love-love Lucy and Nicholas wouldn’t be an exaggeration. During those scenes, I slowed down to savor every word. Bottom line is this is a fantastic beginning to what looks to be an addictive series. I can hardly wait to read Blood Feud next!

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Feb 23, 2011

Raina rated it

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When I first began, I really wasn't sure what I would think of this book, but I was quite pleasantly surprised! Both of the lead characters, Solange and Lucy, are very memorable, of course so is Solange's brother Nicholas who seems to have a bantering relationship with Lucy that has lasted since childhood. So, what is unique about this story? Well, Solange is the youngest of 8 children, all born of a vampire father and a formerly human mother. The children are born human, but on their 16th birth...moreWhen I first began, I really wasn't sure what I would think of this book, but I was quite pleasantly surprised! Both of the lead characters, Solange and Lucy, are very memorable, of course so is Solange's brother Nicholas who seems to have a bantering relationship with Lucy that has lasted since childhood. So, what is unique about this story? Well, Solange is the youngest of 8 children, all born of a vampire father and a formerly human mother. The children are born human, but on their 16th birthday they undergo "The Bloodchange" and only if they are strong enough they will survive this change to become vampires. Solange's seven brothers have all survived the change, however, some just barely, and Solange herself is nearing her 16th birthday. The question is not only is she strong enough to survive the change, but will she live long enough to reach her 16th birthday! You see, there was a prophecy centuries ago causing the Drake family to be exiled from courts...a prophecy that has followed Solange since the fateful day of her birth, one she especially does not want fulfilled...and Lucy? Well, she knows the prophecy, but she also knows Solange's family and will do anything to help protect Solange from those determined on killing her prior to her vapmire death at age 16...including a vampire hunter who believes that Solange's family killed his father. Lucy and the Drake family really have their work cut out for them, too! There are vampires are from everywhere. Some want to claim Solange as a mate while others want to kill her. Now that it’s rumored the Drake family has broken a treaty with another clan, there is a bounty on their heads to only add to the tension and excitement!

After reading Hearts At Stake, a book I was initially skeptical about, I realized this is the kind of book you want to call your friends about after you've finished to encourage them to try! It's action packed, light & funny at times, serious or steamy at others. There are two very strong and very different main characters: Solange Drake and my favorite, Lucy, her human best friend.

This action-packed tale is told by both girls. At first, I was not sure how I felt about the switching back and forth from Solange’s point of view to Lucy’s and then back again, but I soon came to realize that it only kept leaving me wanting more! Just as things were getting good for Lucy, I'd be reading about Solange and vise versa. There were times I almost wanted to skip over Solange’s chapters and just to get back to reading Lucy’s, but Solange is too important a character to ignore. To say that I love-love-love Lucy and Nicholas wouldn’t be an exaggeration. During those scenes, I slowed down to savor every word. Bottom line is this is a fantastic beginning to what looks to be an addictive series. I can hardly wait to read Blood Feud next!(less)

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Feb 12, 2011

Melissa rated it

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Shelves: 2011-books

This book was fabulous. You take a girl (Solange) who's about to turn 16, and by nature, becomes a blood vampire at that time. Now, she could either turn to the side of good, or bad...the good being her own family - The Drakes - or the bad being the Hel-Blar. They live off of humans, and are just bad by nature. The Drake family lives off of blood in a different manner - i.e. they don't go off and hunt humans. The majority of them (by my understand of the first) is that they end up falling f...more

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Jan 27, 2011

Nairabell rated it

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Shelves: read-in-2011, teen-ya-paranormal, 4-star

Solange Drake is the only female vampire ever born and, as she nears her sixteenth birthday when she will transform fully, she is being pursued by vampiric suitors and enemies alike. The Drakes are in exile from the vampire world due to the jealousy of the Queen over their unique gift - they are one of the few remaining vampire families capable of producing children. Solange has grown up caught between the vampire world and the human one, and no one knows her better than her best friend Lucy. Bu...moreSolange Drake is the only female vampire ever born and, as she nears her sixteenth birthday when she will transform fully, she is being pursued by vampiric suitors and enemies alike. The Drakes are in exile from the vampire world due to the jealousy of the Queen over their unique gift - they are one of the few remaining vampire families capable of producing children. Solange has grown up caught between the vampire world and the human one, and no one knows her better than her best friend Lucy. But when Solange is kidnapped, Lucy finds herself caught between saving her best friend and fighting her attraction to Solange's brother Nicholas.

This was originally published in the US as Hearts at Stake. I picked up a copy because it sounded interesting and had pretty good reviews. The narrative is split between Lucy and Solange which is great because the author has managed to create two distinct voices for the characters. There are a couple of overlaps between the two perspectives which is great because you get an outsiders view on a situation rather than just being stuck in a characters head.

The book is quite short, coming in at only 248 pages, but it has a lot packed in. There are two romances, the setup of an entire vampiric world (including multiple kinds of vampire), the introduction of the Drake family (Solange has 7 brothers, plus her parents and extended relatives) and the introduction of vampire hunters. The book feels squished - there is so much fit in that even when the action isn't on the page, some kind of detailed explanation is. I don't know how much of this is down to 'first-book-in-a-series-itis', but it definitely dented my enjoyment.

Character wise this book has a bit of an overload, but the main four characters (Lucy, Solange, Nicholas and Kieran) are well developed and I liked all of them. The two romances were distinct, although Solange's had way less development than Lucy's and if it had been the only romance it would have been very disappointing. I loved how Lucy and Nicholas had a snarky love/hate relationship, and also how the relationship gradually grew throughout the book. It looks like the series is set to continue with book for each Drake brother: book 2 (Blood Feud out now) features Logan; book 3 (Out for Blood out now) focuses on Quinn; and book 4 (Bleeding Hearts out November 2011) is all about Connor.

All in all this was a good quick read but while I will continue with the series at some point it isn't top of my list.

Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Cover: 8/10

Overall: 44/50(less)

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Dec 28, 2010

Brittany rated it

· review of another edition

I really enjoyed this, breezed through it! I was especially excited by all the references to 'Snow White' scattered throughout. I've loved Harvey's writing style since Waking (which remains an all time favorite of mine) and her aesthetic is just great - so many of the places, books, clothing, music, etc. she describes are right up my alley :).

A note though - I cannot for the life of me figure out why the covers for this series are so bad. This first one is I guess fair but the rest of ...more

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Dec 21, 2010

Asher Knight rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, need-to-purchase, liked, 2010-reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. http://paranormalindulgence.blogspot.com...

Rating: ☺☺☺ - Pleasing!

"Solange Drake always knew she was destined to become a vampire queen. And as the only female vampire ever born, not made, she is surrounded by danger on all sides--from vampire suitors who want to join with her lineage to bounty hunters who are set on destroying her and her family. When she is kidnapped, it's up to her older brother Nicholas and her human best friend, Lucy, to save her. But can Lucy save...more

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Nov 01, 2010

Jenny Chen rated it

· review of another edition

Hearts at Stake...I like the pun used in the title. But, as a young adult and a fan of books such as Vampire Academy and Twilight before they began to be franchised and turned horrible, I must say I was rather disappointed by Hearts at Stake.

This novel felt misleading. The summary in the back was completely misleading and there were a lot of loose ends at the end of the novel.

And the switching point of views - never a good idea, unless the two narrators have distinct voices a...more

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Oct 11, 2010

Julie rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Young Adults

Recommended to Julie by: The Author

To be honest, when I first started the book, I wasn’t liking it to much. I just couldn’t get into the mindset, and understand the characters, or like them. Part of it I think has to do with the fact I’m a good decade older than the characters and the intended audience of the book. I view the world differently then both the characters and audience, so some of the concerns and pains the characters go through, just blow past me. In fact, I find many young adult books irritating because of this, so ...moreTo be honest, when I first started the book, I wasn’t liking it to much. I just couldn’t get into the mindset, and understand the characters, or like them. Part of it I think has to do with the fact I’m a good decade older than the characters and the intended audience of the book. I view the world differently then both the characters and audience, so some of the concerns and pains the characters go through, just blow past me. In fact, I find many young adult books irritating because of this, so I tried to change my mindset, and approach to what I was reading and expecting from the book, and because of this, I did end up enjoying the book.

I focused on the plot, and the author’s version of vampires. Which I have to say, is a very interesting one. And the fact that they don’t sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight is always an extra bonus. I like how her vampires are still very human, but have all the issues all the other vampires deal, with the need to feed, and the issues of turning into some sort of “evil” creature. The dilemma Solange goes through is written very well, it made it for more believable character, with how she dealt with the process, and how she grew throughout the story. I may not be able to connect to the characters, and find them to be a bit annoying with their angst and teenage issues and emotions, but I did find it to be well done. I think a lot of young adults can really enjoy the book on this level. They may not be changing into vampires, but they do have significant changes going on in their lives at this time, so I think they could easily relate to the characters in here.

As I’ve said before, plot is what kept me going through the book, and it was interesting, I could predict what was happening next at times and it was a very a very light read for me, but I will continue with the series, I am interested in seeing more of this vampire world, and how the next part in the story pans out. It was very well done vampire book, I really like the author’s interpretation of them here, so overall not bad, it’s a well written book, and I found that once I shifted my focus, it’s worth reading

Book Review is also on my book review site "Jules' Book Reviews - Hearts at Stake"(less)

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topics	posts	views	last activity
@.@ Hyperactive Y...: Discuss and review the book!	1	4	Feb 08, 2012 07:09am
Book Boyfriends: Solange Drake	1	2	Feb 05, 2012 03:09pm
vampire fans!!: my love lies bleeding	2	4	Jan 31, 2012 09:21am
Q&A with Alyx...: create a vampire (not a Hel-bar)	1	4	Nov 03, 2011 12:56pm

title link	preview: Hearts at Stake
avg rating	preview: Hearts at Stake Goodreads rating: 4.12 (4086 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6708137-hearts-at-stake?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1307495234m/6708137.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6708137-hearts-at-stake?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey[/url]

Hearts at Stake (Drake Chronicles #1)

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