Hearts at Stake (The Drake Chronicles, #1)

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Hearts at Stake (Drake Chronicles #1)

by Alyxandra Harvey (Goodreads Author)

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 8,761 ratings · 911 reviews

On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solan...more

Hardcover, 256 pages

Published December 22nd 2009 by Walker Childrens

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Dec 26, 2009 ~Tina~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bite-me, favorites, own, have-to-have-harvey

::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 want her for the money and A wish-she...more

14 likes · like · see review

Jan 23, 2011 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition 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 predictable but still, I enj...more

15 likes · like · see review

Feb 06, 2010 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, signed-books

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's all about...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jul 30, 2010 Nic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 her moments with Ni...more

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 15, 2011 Lucille rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, urban-fantasy, white-pine, canlit

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, because o...more 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, 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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Jan 01, 2010 Carol(ina) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 unfortunately not that...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Samantha Clanton aka "Harlequin Twilight" for TeensReadToo.com

The prophecy stated that the vampire tribes would be united under the rule of a daughter born to an ancient family. The Drakes are that family, and Solange is that daughter. Solange will change from being mortal to being vampire in a matter of days, on her sixteenth birthday. In the meantime, she's fighting off the "suitors" who are attracted by her lineage and pheromones, and the vampire hunters who are after her family....more Reviewed by Samantha Clanton aka "Harlequin Twilight" for TeensReadToo.com

The prophecy stated that the vampire tribes would be united under the rule of a daughter born to an ancient family. The Drakes are that family, and Solange is that daughter. Solange will change from being mortal to being vampire in a matter of days, on her sixteenth birthday. In the meantime, she's fighting off the "suitors" who are attracted by her lineage and pheromones, and the vampire hunters who are after her family. As if her situation isn't difficult enough, she also has to deal with all seven of her gorgeous vampire brothers and her impossible best friend, Lucy.

Solange and Lucy have been best friends for their entire lives. Lucy is also the closest human to the Drakes and is basically a member of their family, which tends to make for some rather interesting exchanges. When Solange is kidnapped, it's up to Nicholas, her older brother, and Lucy to find her and save her before time runs out. But can Lucy save herself when every glance or touch from Nicholas makes her go weak at the knees? And despite her almost impossible situation, what will happen if Solange decides to give her heart to the beautiful, but dangerous, vampire hunter who's helping her survive? A lot of drama and amusement for the reader, that's what!

Our story is told in alternating voices and I'm going to start by saying that despite the fact that the story is mainly about Solange and her family, Lucy has got to be my favorite! She's spunky and full of bite and I love it. She's so funny and vibrant that she balances Solange very well. I found Solange to be quite amusing herself, but she's a lot more subtle than Lucy and while being very sweet, I was drawn more by Lucy and her love interest than I was Solange's predicament.

There's something to be said for a book that is totally well-written and engaging that it has me running into things as I walk through the house because I don't want to put it down. I loved the characters, Lucy and Nicholas are totally my favorites, and they're hilarious, especially when they argue and bicker and try to hide their totally hot attraction to one another. Solange and Nicholas' mother, Helena, and brother, Logan, are totally in second place as to favorites. There are a lot of characters in HEARTS AT STAKE, but they all stand out in their own ways and I really like being able to remember characters after the fact and still know why I like them.

I really loved all the vampire lore, and Alyxandra Harvey not only found a new take on vampires, but also was able to separate her vampires and her story from all the TWILIGHT hype that is obviously here to stay for awhile (and don't get me wrong, I love TWILIGHT and all, but come on). But I do need to point out that within the first few chapters I saw the words "twilight" and "the Host" used and while not references or anything, it still made me giggle...a lot. The lore that Harvey brought into the story was so interesting and there's all kinds of little vampire subcategories so to speak, like the Host, the Hounds, and then the scary blue skinned ones (and no, they are not at all Smurf-ish or from Pandora) called the Hel-Blar.

I found HEARTS AT STAKE to be very enjoyable and fun and I absolutely loved it! I flew through it in just a few hours and ate up every page. The bruise on my shin can sorely attest to that, since I ran into the coffee table while reading because I didn't want to stop. The writing is fantastic, the characters are simply awesome, and I can't wait to read the next book - I've marked my calendar and am totally excited.(less)

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Aug 03, 2012 Elena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Il mio cuore dice 4.
Il mio cervello è combattuto tra 3/3.5
Mi è piaciuto molto ma non è nulla di così speciale.
E' uno di quei libricini che passano un tantino inosservati ma che vale la pena scovare e leggere.
Potrebbe sembrare una lettura già fatta, già vista e rivista almeno un milione di volte ma Bleeding Love ha quel qualcosa che lo contraddistingue.

Partiamo in quinta con la doppia narrazione in prima persona di due amiche, Lucy e Solange.
Sono migliori amiche da tutta la vita e ormai Lucy è...more Il mio cuore dice 4.
Il mio cervello è combattuto tra 3/3.5
Mi è piaciuto molto ma non è nulla di così speciale.
E' uno di quei libricini che passano un tantino inosservati ma che vale la pena scovare e leggere.
Potrebbe sembrare una lettura già fatta, già vista e rivista almeno un milione di volte ma Bleeding Love ha quel qualcosa che lo contraddistingue.

Partiamo in quinta con la doppia narrazione in prima persona di due amiche, Lucy e Solange.
Sono migliori amiche da tutta la vita e ormai Lucy è sotto la protezione della famiglia Drake, una famiglia di vampiri. Naturalmente sono buoni e si nutrono soltanto di sangue animale, per chi di loro ne ha bisogno.
Solange non si nutre ancora di sangue ma si sta avvicinando al suo sedicesimo compleanno e a quel punto dovrà affrontare la trasformazione.
La famiglia Drake non fa parte di quei vampiri che si sono trasformati dopo essere stati morsi, loro sono stati partoriti.
Sono umani fino alla pubertà, quando inizia la trasformazione. Solange essendo una femmina attira ulteriori interessi, molti regali di vario genere e proposte di tutti i tipi, soprattutto a causa del suo profumo.

"E più si avvicina il mio sedicesimo compleanno,
più attiro l'interesse degli altri.
Un po' come essere Biancaneve, 
solo che io, anziché richiamare passerotti e cervi,
sono una calamita per creature assetate di sangue 
che vogliono uccidermi."

A complicare le cose c'è il fatto che, cosa alquanto rara, dopo sei figli maschi è giunta una femmina.
Solange è unica, oltre a tutto questo c'è anche una profezia che la riguarda e che le complica ulteriormente la sua vita, secondo questa profezia dovrebbe diventare la regina dei vampiri. Appunto per questo motivo avrà più di qualche inconveniente con quella che lei definisce la regina attuale ma che in realtà non è poi una vera e propria regina.

Beh, poi ci sono anche gli Helios-Ra, i cacciatori di vampiri.

Mi ha colpita il ritmo della storia, il fatto che l'autrice abbia deciso di partire con piccoli colpi di scena che fin da subito attirano il lettore.
Nel genere ya di solito partono tutti con calma e sangue freddo per farci agognare momenti che arriveranno soltanto a metà della lettura e risposte che magari non troveremo mai, Alyxandra Harvey sazia fin da subito.
La seconda cosa che mi ha affascinata sono stati i diversi tipi di vampiri (l'Orda, i Segugi delle Madri...che vengono spiegati molto bene all'interno del libro) e le figure dei cacciatori.
Naturalmente le cose in grado di uccidere i vampiri sono le stesse, paletti luce e cose varie, questa parte è ormai un copia e incolla dall'inizio dei tempi e penso che ormai lo sarà fino alla fine.
La parte che, almeno nei romanzi apprezzati dalla sottoscritta, cambia sempre è quella delle caratteristiche esterne e del nome con cui i non morti vengono chiamati, i poteri che hanno e le gerarchie.
Questo è un classico esempio che anche piccoli cambiamenti fanno la differenza e a volte piacciono più di quello che si è pensato.
Con un romanzo che catalogherei soprattutto come adatto ai giovani, Alyxandra Harvey ha mischiato qualcosa di già sentito con qualcosa di nuovo, si potrebbe dire che ha dato un suo tocco personale.
Per quanto riguarda i personaggi li ho amati dal primo all'ultimo, soprattutto la valanga di fratelli che si sorbisce la povera quasi-neo-vampirella ogni santo giorno.
Mi sono affezionata più a Lucy che ha Solange, una ragazza forte e in grado di superare mille ostacoli.
Insomma, un piccola peste che non si ferma davanti a nulla, lei stessa come dicono tutti ammette di saperne una più del diavolo.
Il suo rapporto con la famiglia di vampiri sembra addirittura più forte di quello che ha con i propri genitori, cari amici dei genitori di Solange e dei veri fissati per spiriti natura ecc.
Il suo rapporto con Solange va oltre ogni immaginazione e sarebbe disposta ad uccidere per proteggerla. I fratelli di quest'ultima è come se fossero i suoi...tutti a parte uno, Nicholas, quello con cui litiga dalla mattina alla sera da anni.
L'altra protagonista del romanzo mi è sembrata più solitaria e chiusa in se stessa, proprio per questo suo carattere forse mi ha trasmesso di meno.
L'autrice è riuscita ha sorprendermi quel tanto che bastava per farmi apprezzare quel che ha scritto, a farmi sorridere e amare i suoi personaggi grazie ad una scrittura veloce, leggera e, più di ogni altra cosa, giovanile che rendeva la lettura spensierata anche nelle parti di tensione.
Le pagine sono volate via in meno di una giornata per cui, sì, lo consiglio vivamente. Come ho già detto, preferibilmente ad un pubblico giovane ma non farebbe mica male nemmeno ad un pubblico più maturo una volta tanto per rilassarsi.
Non fraintendetemi però se dico che prima di tutto ci sono letture più importanti da fare, questo lo terrei come ottimo passatempo estivo per chi, con questo caldo, non ha nessuna voglia di uscire di casa o come lettura da ombrellone.

(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 26, 2013 Mishma Nixon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beautiful-girls-on-cover, desirable-bad-boys, favourite-heroes, favourite-heroines, favourites, great-friendship, hotter-than-volcano-hero, kick-ass-heroine, vampires

If I put Hearts at Stake in just a few words,it's 'one of the best take in vampires.After encountering different types of vampires:deadly beautiful ones,weak ones needing protection,strong ones giving protection,out typical knights in shining armor and even 'sparkling ones,I've nearly been fed up with vampires.Reading this book was like taking a fresh take in them

Unlike many other stories this one had two heroines.And don't worry,they have their own separate matches.It's a relief that it didn't...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Petra Sýkorová rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: czech, young-adult, vampires

Tohle bylo tak roztomile prdlé, romantické a akční... že se mi to vážně líbilo.

Příběh knihy je sledován ze dvou dívčích pohledů, z pohledů dvou nejlepších kamarádek Solange a Lucy. Solange je nejmladší z osmi sourozenců, jediná dívka, která se narodila s upířím genem, jediná, která může naplnit proroctví. Solange brzo bude šestnáct a v ten den se promění v upíra, tak jako její sourozenci, nebo zemře... Horší je, že je Solange cílem nejen upírů všech možných druhů a stran, ale také lidí. Někteří...more Tohle bylo tak roztomile prdlé, romantické a akční... že se mi to vážně líbilo.

Příběh knihy je sledován ze dvou dívčích pohledů, z pohledů dvou nejlepších kamarádek Solange a Lucy. Solange je nejmladší z osmi sourozenců, jediná dívka, která se narodila s upířím genem, jediná, která může naplnit proroctví. Solange brzo bude šestnáct a v ten den se promění v upíra, tak jako její sourozenci, nebo zemře... Horší je, že je Solange cílem nejen upírů všech možných druhů a stran, ale také lidí. Někteří ji chtějí zabít, většina z nich ji spíš chce mít na plození mocnějších synů. Je jasné, že z toho Solange není zrvona dvakrát odvázaná...

Lucy zná Drakeovic rodinu už od mala a cítí se u nich jako doma. Její rodiče jsou bojovníci za kdeco, dbají na zdravou výživu a vyznávají buddhismus. Úplně normální prostředí, že. Lucy má Slonge nade vše ráda a nepřipustí, aby se jí něco stalo. S ničím a nikým si nebere servítky a do rvačky je docela hrr. Nejspíš i proto se neustále dohaduje s Nicholasem, bratrem Solange.

Na Srdce v sázce jsem se dost těšila. Knihu jsem měla v merku už dávno, ale počkala jsem si, až vyjde v češtině. Nevím, jestli je to tím českým překladem, ale řekla bych, že je kniha určena spíše mladším ročníkům, anebo méně náročným čtenářům.

Příběh je to zajímavý, to ano, překladově se to blíží mluvě dospívajících, za což dávám palec nahoru (moc se mi líbilo, jaké výrazy překladatelka použila a že se v nich ani tolik neopakovala), ale přijde mi, že právě díky tomu to dělá knihu místy až přespříliš sarkastickou a cool... a prostě pro mladší. Protože hrdinky se na svět dívají jako normální dospívající holky - a to je dobře. O některých věcech přemýšlejí až moc, o jiných méně, o některých věcech přemýšlejí zcela nelogicky ve zcela nevhodnou chvíli... ale to nevadí.

Všechny postavy knihy jsou příjemné, sympatické, záporáci klasicky záporní, zápletka jednoduchá. Kniha se tak čte hezky lehce a rozhodně pobaví. Jen bych nejspíš uvítala, kdyby příběh vyprávěla jenom jedna z holek a ta druhá by zase svůj příběh mohla povědět v knize další. Takhle mi to místy přišlo, jako by šlo o jednu postavu a ne o dvě. Solange a Lucy si byly dost podobné, i když se nás autorka snažila předsvědčit, že rozhodně nejsou.

To, že má Solange tolik bratrů, slibuje další pokračování, v nichž se o osudech bratrů dozvíme víc. Prozatím vyšly 3 díly, 4 vyjde letos, 5 je napsaný... snad se dočkáme příběhů o všech bratrech. Rozhodně bych to uvítala. Uvidíme, jak si povedou další knihy.(less)

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Nov 01, 2010 Jenny Chen rated it 2 of 5 stars · 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 and are distinct char...more

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Oct 06, 2010 Candace rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First of all, I did not expect to like this book THIS much! I LOVED it!
I was a tad bit worried I might get confused because the narration switched between best friends Solange and Lucy. But after the first few chapters it was easy to settle in to their personalities and it was clear who was narrating (it did say at each chapter as well, but I have a tendency to not read that). Solange is the one in the vampire family and her voice is much quieter, her personality is just a calmer and quieter on...more First of all, I did not expect to like this book THIS much! I LOVED it!
I was a tad bit worried I might get confused because the narration switched between best friends Solange and Lucy. But after the first few chapters it was easy to settle in to their personalities and it was clear who was narrating (it did say at each chapter as well, but I have a tendency to not read that). Solange is the one in the vampire family and her voice is much quieter, her personality is just a calmer and quieter one to Lucy's who is completely loud and has a very strong personality. There is no mistaking the two, really.
I ended up really liking that the narration switched between them because then you see the story from all angles. I'd almost wished Nicholas had narration as well though, because I'd like to get inside his head!
It was clear to me where the romance would go in this one, for both the girls. But I really didn't mind knowing because I spent the whole time just cheering them on. Although there's no hot and heavy in this one, this was one of those books I almost wished was adult. I was wishing for some serious hot and heavy! I know, bad me. I couldn't help it. I'm IN LOVE with Nicholas. Seriously. In love.
Now there's some descriptions of the different vampire clans and it comes at you a little fast so I got worried it might be confusing as they revealed themselves, but it didn't. Although it went over my head a little in the beginning I retained the information that kept them clear in my head. It wasn't ever an issue anyway.
I usually like to spread my series out. I mean there's usually something that I don't love and having a little break is good. Not this one! I plan to rush out and buy the second book today! I would have picked it up immediately had it been here. And I'm sure I'll be dying to get my hands on the third book.
This book had romance, action, and a great friendship as well as a family dynamic that I loved. If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for?!(less)

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Mar 13, 2010 Chioma rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 vampire on her 16th...more

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Dec 18, 2009 Emma rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Being a teenager is hard enough, but Solange Drake has a whole other set of problems. With her sixteenth birthday fast approaching, Solange and her family have way more on their mind than her Sweet Sixteen--like planning for her transformation into a vampire. All of the Drake sons survived the transformation in one piece, but being the first female-born vampire in 800 years (and the future vampire queen according to a mysterious prophecy) no one is really sure how Solange will fair. Of course, t...more Being a teenager is hard enough, but Solange Drake has a whole other set of problems. With her sixteenth birthday fast approaching, Solange and her family have way more on their mind than her Sweet Sixteen--like planning for her transformation into a vampire. All of the Drake sons survived the transformation in one piece, but being the first female-born vampire in 800 years (and the future vampire queen according to a mysterious prophecy) no one is really sure how Solange will fair. Of course, that might be irrelevant if the vampire hunting Helios-Ra or the followers of the current queen kill Solange for the bounty on her head first in Hearts at Stake (2009) by Alyxandra Harvey.

It's a hard lesson to learn, but just because a person likes Buffy it does not mean that she will like every snarky, girl power-esque vampire story that comes along. Such is the case with Hearts at Stake. Even before coming to that painful realization about myself, I knew I might be in for trouble with this book when I read that the author was sometimes belly dancer who owns a hawk. Say what you will, but I had a bad feeling.

There are two fundamental problems with the story. The first is that everything feels a bit contrived-- even given the fact that it is part of a necessarily contrived genre what with vampires not existing. Solange is at the center of this huge prophecy, the figure who might end a massive civil war among the different vampire tribes, and she belongs to one of the oldest vampire families in the world. None of which is set up for the reader. Instead Solange tells readers as much in a passing paragraph or two which interrupts the story at hand and does little to explain any of these events.

The second problem is that Hearts at Stake seems to be a book at war with itself. The book's narration is split between Solange and her human best friend Lucy. The story also eventually splits into a dual romance. This symmetry seems forced leading to a ratherheavy-handed treatment in some of the romantic matters. The tone of the story is understandably erratic as a result. The story alternates in rapid succession between steamy kisses, deadly fights, and conversations filled with girl power bravado and snark.

Even though both girls were at pains to remind readers and other characters that they were strong and could take care of themselves, it felt unconvincing because there is a difference between saying you can take care of yourself and actually doing so. Hearts at Stake will appeal to many readers for a quick vampire romance fix, but readers looking for a book with more substance would do well to look elsewhere.

Possible Pairings: Swoon by Nina Malkin, Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, Ella Enchanted (movie), "Solo Star" by Solange Knowles(less)

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Jul 24, 2011 Yan rated it 4 of 5 stars

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’...more 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’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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Sep 05, 2009 Michelle Rebar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So, I'm kind of in love with this book. It's my NEW FAVORITE THING! Hearts at Stake is fun, romantic, action-packed and downright addictive. I can't wait for the next book! This is the start to a must read new series. I enjoyed it SO much, and I really hope that everyone gets themselves a copy immediately.

Solange Drake seemingly has it all. She's got parents who love her, seven older brothers who will do anything to protect her, a best friend named Lucy who is practically her sister and she's a...more

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Feb 11, 2010 Tina (Fantastic Book Review) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal, vampires

Hearts at Stake is full of exciting characters with romance, wicked humor, and non-stop action packed into a spellbinding world of danger at every turn.

When I first read the synopsis for Hearts at Stake, I couldn’t wait to read it and I’m so thrilled that it lived up to my expectations and then some. This book is one of those page turners that had me captivated with the world that Harvey created. I love the mythology of the different species of vampires that Harvey introduced in Hearts of Stake....more Hearts at Stake is full of exciting characters with romance, wicked humor, and non-stop action packed into a spellbinding world of danger at every turn.

When I first read the synopsis for Hearts at Stake, I couldn’t wait to read it and I’m so thrilled that it lived up to my expectations and then some. This book is one of those page turners that had me captivated with the world that Harvey created. I love the mythology of the different species of vampires that Harvey introduced in Hearts of Stake. No matter how creepy I found some of them to be, it just made this book more exciting because you never knew who was lurking around the corner to get a piece of the Drakes whether it be by drug induced pheromones to court Solange or bounty hunters set on destroying them.

There are so many exciting characters in this book that have become some of my favorites. Solange is the only girl with a house full of 7 older and overprotective brothers. Nicholas, Logan, and Quinn are my favorite brothers. I found myself crushing on Nicholas, he’s gorgeous and always somewhere brooding. Logan is the pretty boy full of charm and was constantly cracking me up. Quinn is fearsome and laughs in the face of danger. Lucy, Solange’s best friend is just crazy awesome. She’s just as protective of her best friend as the brothers. Lucy speaks her mind and she’s had her fair share of being around Solange’s annoying brothers. Nicholas and Lucy’s flirtatious encounters made me love these two characters even more. Lucy constantly had me laughing out loud when it came to anything Nicholas. Solange, the vampire princess has her own drama to deal with especially when rumors of power plays threaten the Drakes’ existence and on top of that she has to fight off the outrageous things her suitors are doing to get her attention. How can you blame her when there’s blood and gore involved? Solange and Lucy are two great heroines and I’m so glad they lived up to my expectations.

With unexpected turn of events at the end of this book, I can’t wait to see what Blood Feud - the next installment in The Drake Chronicles has in store for us. The synopsis says it will be Logan’s story and since he’s my second favorite brother, I can’t wait to read it.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars(less)

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May 16, 2011 Stephanie (Stepping out of the Page) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, series-or-companions, fantasy, young-adult, title-appeal, vampires, better-than-expected, books-i-own

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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Sep 09, 2011 Once Upon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first female born vampire is having her 16th birthday, supposing she can survive the turning from human to vampire, as well as the onslaught of the queen’s followers trying to kill her to earn the bounty placed on her head. Most of the time she comes out ahead, thanks to her protective brothers and her human best friend which will help defend and protect her to the end.

One thing that makes this book different is that is told through different perspectives using Solange’s point of view as wel...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Elizabeth Aguilar rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, 3-wands

I am so glad that I picked up Hearts at Stake. It may have been just to have something to read but as soon as I started reading it was hard to put it down. I especially love how Solange's and Kieran's relationship developed over time and didn't just 'click' immediately like some very cliche stories. I normally find vamp/slayer relationships cliche and unoriginal but she made them more natural as though they couldn't help it but it was very realistic so it wasn't just "Bam, you're together." I al...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, friends-to-lovers

What a fun read. I felt like I picked it up, blinked and it was over. Short and sweet, just like a fun-size chocolate bar. Though I can’t help but think that maybe I enjoyed it for the wrong reasons.

I realised this when I was reading the huge fight scene at the end. See, I stopped and found myself grinning and laughing hysterically at the the knives thunking into bodies, blood spattering, vampires turning into ash, and best of all, the violent game of pass the ~~parcel~~ vial of blood. Was cackling...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Fiona rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In my opinion, such a thin novel can only mean one thing: an undeveloped plot and undeveloped characters. I appreciate all novels, but this novel was just a disaster. I don't believe that you can explore a plot completely and create characters which your readers can fall in love with and relate to when the novel itself is so thin. I feel that there wasn't enough room for Harvey to expand and be creative, so she tried to rush through the events. Characters that could have turned this story from m...more

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Feb 01, 2013 Samara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, vampires

I'm not sure what it is about this book that sucked me in. It's a slightly different feel than other vampire books I've read. I'm thinking maybe the difference in how the vampires came to be, the change that takes place maybe? It's different, it had back story and history, I really liked that. Solange, one of the main characters, has 7 over protective, funny brothers and her best friend Lucy (the other main character) is her polar opposite. It's a fairly average plot line, but it was just.so.goo...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Whatsername rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: drake-chronicle

Lucy e Solange sono amiche da sempre. Vivono le giornate tra amici, scuola e feste come tutti gli adolescenti, ma Solange è un'amica speciale per Lucy, è, come dire...diversa!
Solange Drake, questo il suo cognome, fa parte di un'antica dinastia di immortali originari del XII secolo, ma questa non è l'unica caratteristica di questa famiglia: da secoli sono nati solo figli maschi fino alla nascita di Solange, il che porta la famiglia Drake a pensare, in base ad un'antica leggenda, che la loro unic...more Lucy e Solange sono amiche da sempre. Vivono le giornate tra amici, scuola e feste come tutti gli adolescenti, ma Solange è un'amica speciale per Lucy, è, come dire...diversa!
Solange Drake, questo il suo cognome, fa parte di un'antica dinastia di immortali originari del XII secolo, ma questa non è l'unica caratteristica di questa famiglia: da secoli sono nati solo figli maschi fino alla nascita di Solange, il che porta la famiglia Drake a pensare, in base ad un'antica leggenda, che la loro unica figlia possa diventare, per diritto e successione, la nuova regina dei vampiri.
"Mi considerano una minaccia per l'attuale sovrana, Lady Natasha, sia perché ho una genealogia impressionante, sia perchè c'è una stupida profezia di un sacco di secoli fa secondo la quale le tribù dei vampiri un giorno si riuniranno sotto la guida della discendente di un'antica famiglia..."
La giovane ha sette fratelli nati prima di lei, tutti biondi, statuari e bellissimi che vegliano sulla sua incolumità. Tutti loro sono divenuti vampiri, attraverso una mutazione genetica (tranne Helena, la madre di Solange ,trasformata dal marito dopo aver partorito l'ultima figlia,) con la pubertà , al compimento del sedicesimo anno, che porterà la ragazza alla trasformazione con la speranza di non doverla veder morire durante il processo.
Lucy è l'unica amica e confidente di Solange ed è sempre stata al corrente del segreto della famiglia Drake e del peso della responsabilità che incombe sull'amica.
Solange si indebolirà sempre di più fino alla trasformazione in una forte e letale vampira. Ma il nemico è pronto a sferrare il suo attacco: l'attuale regina teme di perdere il trono con la "rinascita" di Solange. Tra i nemici della famiglia Drake comparirà anche un misterioso e affascinante cacciatore di vampiri, Kieran, pronto a vendicare sulla famiglia di vampiri la morte del padre.
Un mix di azione e suspance, non troppo impegnativo, che porterà al lettore la curiosità di proseguire e di addentrarsi e in questa nuova saga vampiresca.(less)

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Jan 07, 2013 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone

Shelves: the-drake-chronicles

I really love this book! It's amazing, filled with action, humor and a little romance. I even know who my favourite brother is, better not mess up Lucy, cause i'm after your Nicholas!

Anyway, the story follows best friends Solange and Lucy, who have been friends since they were children. Lucy is more reckless and ready to through a punch at anyone, while Solange is more tame, though if someone threaters her family, she to will fight. In a way, the girls friendship reminded me of Rose and Lissa's...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Destiny rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not really into reading vampire stories after the Twilight Saga but I received a copy of Ruling Passion (My Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Feud and Out for Blood) for an award.

My Love Lies Bleeding is written in Solange and Lucy's POV, aternating chapters.

Solange is the first Drake daughter born in however many hundreds of years and as prophecy states, she will be queen one day. Through out the story Solange internalizes her fear of dying while she is in the transformation into a vampire. Anyway...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Ruth added it · review of another edition

THis is an amazing book! Solange Drake (protagonist) is the only daughter of Liam and Helena Drake. And she's a vampire. She has 7 overprotective drop dead gorgeous brothers. All because of a prophecy her and her family are in exile - the prophecy states that Solange will be the next queen so many vamps, including the current queen (Lady Natasha), are after her ,sending love tokens. Lucy , her best friend, annd her brother Nicholas have to help her overcome the bloodchange. But according to hot...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Lara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

C’era una volta al limitare del bosco una bella casetta in cui vivevano una ragazza dai capelli neri come l’ala di un corvo, labbra rosso sangue, pelle candida come la neve e sette uomini forti e coraggiosi intenzionati a proteggerla con la loro stessa vita. Poco distante in un antico palazzo su un trono di legno di biancospino (il migliore per i paletti) sedeva una bellissima e millenaria regina che vedeva il proprio regno minacciato dalla fanciulla a causa di una antica profezia. Era stato pre...more C’era una volta al limitare del bosco una bella casetta in cui vivevano una ragazza dai capelli neri come l’ala di un corvo, labbra rosso sangue, pelle candida come la neve e sette uomini forti e coraggiosi intenzionati a proteggerla con la loro stessa vita. Poco distante in un antico palazzo su un trono di legno di biancospino (il migliore per i paletti) sedeva una bellissima e millenaria regina che vedeva il proprio regno minacciato dalla fanciulla a causa di una antica profezia. Era stato predetto infatti che la fanciulla sarebbe morta allo scoccare dei sedici anni per poi rinascere come regina al suo posto.
Vi ricorda qualcosa?
Bè la storia raccontata in questo romanzo è proprio quella di Biancaneve, dove la bella principessa in questo caso e l’unica figlia femmina nata da secoli in una nobile famiglia di vampiri; ultima nata con alle spalle ben sette fratelli intenzionati a renderle la vita un inferno con la loro brama di protezione (chi ha un fratello maggiore sa bene come può renderti difficile la vita, soprattutto quella sentimentale, figuratevi sette). In questa rivisitazione della favola, e vi possa assicurare che ritroverete tutti gli elementi della favola classica, l’unica aggiunta è l’amicizia tra Solange, la principessa vampira, e Lucy, una ragazza moderna, cresciuta con genitori hippy, ma fortemente contraria alla politica della non violenza. L’amore di certo non può mancare in questa favola, così mentre Solange perde la testa per il bel cacciatore di vampiri che alleatosi con la regina sta cercando di ucciderla, salvo poi cercare di proteggerla presentando alla suddetta regina un cuore di cervo (vi avevo avvertiti), Lucy si confronta e scontra con il fratello vampiro più giovane della famiglia, Nicholas Drake e saranno scintille e batticuore. Sarà ben complicato infatti trasformare un’amicizia di vecchia data che prevede anche un buon numero di nasi rotti, Lucy sa proprio come fare per difendersi, in una relazione.
Il romanzo è raccontato dai punti di vista di entrambe le ragazze e questo ci permette di avere una visuale completa della vicenda che si svolge nell’arco di pochi giorni alla vigilia del sedicesimo compleanno di Solange. Compleanno che prevede la sua morte e rinascita come vampira. Lo stile è semplice e pulito ed il libro si legge facilmente nel giro di un paio di giorni. Pochi colpi di scena e una trama abbastanza scontata per questo volume introduttivo che però tende a non essere abbastanza chiaro sulla genealogia di tutte le tipologia di vampiri che andremo a incontrare nella serie della famiglia di Drake. Di per sé è un buon libro introduttivo ed ha il vantaggio di essere autoconclusivo così chi non è stato catturato dai personaggi può tranquillamente riporlo e dimenticarlo. Da parte mia sono curiosa di conoscere il resto della famiglia Drake, infatti ogni romanzo dovrebbe incentrarsi su un diverso componente della famiglia, ed inoltre sono ansiosa di rincontrare nuovamente Lucy, che mi ricorda tanto Leslie della Trilogia delle gemme, entrambe in fatti sono le migliori amiche per antonomasia senza per questo fare semplicemente da supporto alle protagoniste. E poi Nicholas, devo essere onesta mi ha rubato un pezzetto di cuore.(less)

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Nov 01, 2012 Lucia The Loyal Book added it · review of another edition

Ecco che sbarca anche da noi una nuova serie, Drake Chronicles, che ha come protagonisti dei vampiri. In questo primo capitolo facciamo la conoscenza con Lucy, un'umana amica di una famiglia, quella dei Drake appunto, composta interamente da vampiri, e la sua migliore amica Solange, erede di un nobile casato e per questo costantemente in pericolo. Durante il corso della storia Solange viene rapita e si scatena il putiferio per assicurarsi che stia bene e riportarla dalla sua famiglia.
Il libro è...more Ecco che sbarca anche da noi una nuova serie, Drake Chronicles, che ha come protagonisti dei vampiri. In questo primo capitolo facciamo la conoscenza con Lucy, un'umana amica di una famiglia, quella dei Drake appunto, composta interamente da vampiri, e la sua migliore amica Solange, erede di un nobile casato e per questo costantemente in pericolo. Durante il corso della storia Solange viene rapita e si scatena il putiferio per assicurarsi che stia bene e riportarla dalla sua famiglia.
Il libro è scritto alternando due punti di vista, quello di Solange e quello di Lucy, espediente interessante, ma, per quanto riguarda, a volte l'ho trovato irritante. Tra i due modi narrativi, ho sicuramente preferito la voce di Lucy, più grintosa e testarda. Come personaggio, Lucy mi è piaciuta più di Solange, per il suo carattere combattivo e indipendente, mentre Solange è più 'principesca' e apparentemente fragile, anche se è in grado di combattere e cavarsela alla grande. I personaggi di questo libro sono tantissimi: i numerosi fratelli di Solange (ben 7!), ognuno con la propria personalità, il cacciatore Kieran (che odia i vampiri ma poi fa di tutto per salvarne uno, con buona pace della coerenza), i genitori di Solange e la sua immensa famiglia. Bisogna stare attenti a non perdersi in questa marea di nomi.
Ovviamente non possono mancare le storie d'amore per le due protagoniste: Lucy si domanda costantemente perché Nicholas, uno dei fratelli di Solange, continui a guardarla in un modo tanto strano mentre Solange, alquanto prevedibilmente, finirà per innamorarsi del 'cattivo' di turno, il cacciatore. A dire la verità, l'interazione Solange-Kieran mi è sembrata affrettata e senza alcun fondamento, più o meno come la personalità di Kieran, totalmente contraddittoria. Molto più carini Lucy e Nick, sempre a litigare e a prendersi in giro, con battute divertenti e scene sorprendenti. La famiglia Drake è alquanto interessante, piena di personaggi con manie strambe, ma ogni tanto si fa fatica a stare dietro a tutti quei nomi.
Per quanto riguarda lo stile narrativo, lo definirei senza lode e senza infamia. Non ci sono grandi descrizioni o momenti epici, ma non mancano battute carine.
In definitiva, Bleeding love non è certo un libro originale (ma ormai sui vampiri è stato scritto di tutto e di più, quindi è difficile trovare qualcosa di nuovo), tuttavia è comunque una lettura tranquilla e piacevole, che scorre senza grandi intoppi. Un libro perfetto per la stagione estiva.
(less)

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Nov 01, 2012 Olivia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Every now and again, in the YA genre, a book comes along which makes all the others look bad. This is one of those books.
When this book was bought for me I though - jeez, vampires, again? Really? But oh my!
Alyxandra Harvey, writing in a style that immerses you in the book from the first sentence, takes a whole world of vampire lore and throws it aside creating her own wonderfully inventive and modern take on an old favourite of a mythical creature. It's completely impossible not to fall in lov...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Okay. Favourite Female Heroine/Lead in the series??	8	26	May 20, 2013 05:45pm
Favorite Drake Couple?	6	17	May 20, 2013 05:43pm
Q&A with Alyx...: create a vampire (not a Hel-bar)	2	8	Mar 16, 2013 03:40pm
YA Buddy Readers'...: My Love Lies Bleeding (Drake Chronicles) by Alyxandra Harvey--> Starts 2/24	30	15	Mar 03, 2013 05:36am
Cutest couple	27	71	Jan 17, 2013 12:21pm
which character ?	8	23	Jan 17, 2013 12:20pm
vampire fans!!: my love lies bleeding	4	11	Jul 08, 2012 03:57pm

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About Alyxandra Harvey

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Alyxandra Harvey lives in a stone Victorian house in Ontario, Canada with a few resident ghosts who are allowed to stay as long they keep company manners. She loves medieval dresses, used to be able to recite all of The Lady of Shalott by Tennyson, and has been accused, more than once, of being born in the wrong century. She believes this to be mostly true except for the fac...more

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Quotes from My Love Lies Bleeding

“Why are you limping like that?' Nicholas demanded.
I'm swaggering,' I informed him.
You look like you're wearing a diaper.'
Charming. And I had a crush on this guy.
Wait. I had a crush on this guy?
Now what?' he asked. 'You're making weird faces.'
Nothing,' I said quickly. "Never mind.” — 246 people liked it

“Do we have a plan?”
“We fight like hell.”
“Good plan.” — 181 people liked it

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