Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

MIRAGE, the second book in Kristi Cook’s Winterhaven series, once again draws inspiration from popular sources such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The Vampire Diaries, and Twilight creating a sequel that is no less fun for it’s familiar story types.

Yes, Violet is a mystically chosen vampire slayer who falls for a vampire. Yes, the Aiden refuses to bite her and despises his own nature. Yes, it turns out Violet looks basically like the clone of Aidan’s first love (something she discovers by finding an old picture in his room). And yes, there are plenty of other similarities, but just like with HAVEN, the blend and borrowing is mixed with just enough new twists and subtle differences to make the story work.

Apart from those basic premises, MIRAGE tells a unique story as Violet struggles to interpret her increasingly violent visions, harness her psychic gift with the help of a dreamy new teacher at Winterhaven’s school for skilled students. Aidan is consumed with his quest for a cure to vampirism no matter what the risk. All this happens while a vampire serial killer is stalking the streets. None of that detracts from the ongoing emotional and romantic entanglements that Violet and her friends experience during their second year at Winterhaven.

Familiar but fun, MIRAGE is a worthwhile read for anyone who loves vampire YA in any medium. The third and final book in the Winterhaven series will be published in 2013. I’m already looking forward to it.

Sexual Content:
Kissing. Mild sensuality. References to sex.