Bloodwood

Chronicles of Max Mayhem #1

by John Rykken

When skateboarding, fifteen-year-old Max Mayhem learns that his neighbor, Peter, is a vampire whose girlfriend has gone missing, Max’s dreams for a normal life are turned upside down. Before he knows it, he and his best friend, Lydia, are sucked into a daring hunt for Peter’s missing girlfriend—a hunt that leads them to a suspiciously empty town in northern Canada, where Max guesses things are not what they seem. As the sun sets over the ice-blue mountains and the town falls into shadow, cries echo through the woods and Max realizes it’s too late. Now the missing girl is the last thing on his and Lydia’s minds, and it will take all their cunning to survive until sunrise.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Canada, Adventure

264 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2011

About the author

John Rykken lives in Portland, Oregon. Bloodwood is his first novel. He is currently publishing the sequel.

Reviews

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is one of those "crossover" books, which usually means that "growed-ups can like it, too!!" but in this case, i think it is a YA book that crosses both ways, and appeals to both a younger-than-YA and an older-than-YA audience.

because i am older. wayyy older. and i loved it. but at the same time, it is not too scary, too sophisticated, too saucy for a younger-than-teen crowd. but it's also not cutesy; it is just a good thriller blending humor and action in a very satisfying way.

yeah, it's vampires, don't give me that whole "i am so over vampires" spiel. because it is also "secret society that explores the underverse" (great word, by the way) and "normal kid getting sucked in to crazy adventures" which i assume will not always revolve around vampires in the later books. this one does. but it does vampires in a smarter way than other books do. they aren't sexxy love interests nor irredeemable monsters.there is more nuance in this story than in most, and there are really nice examples of human concerns and good-heartedness. i am making this sound like a disney book, which is not my intention. but the characters are very winning, and believable, and the story was fast-paced and original.

the only thing i didn't like was the multi-epilogue bits at the end. i understand that some people like a nice tidy wrapping up of where each character is at the close, but i didn't feel that peter and abby's ending added anything to the book overall, although their chapter heading ties into sam's epilogue, which was both necessary and very poignant. so don't listen to my tiny gripes.

a perfect solution to the "boys don't read" problem, but one that even old ladies like me can give four stars to.

and if you have better luck than i do, maybe you can win it here:

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...

come to my blog!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bloodwood" is irresistible. The characters are quirky and sympathetic, the story is imaginative and well-realized and the writing is fresh and evocative. This is a fully realized novel, not just a setting for vampires acting creepy. High school student Max is conflicted about his best friend, whom he wishes were his girlfriend. His kindly father refuses to speak of Max's mother, who died when he was only 2. Their extended family consists of curious -- and in some cases a little odd -- folk who poke around investigating the paranormal. Max is constantly struggling to figure out what choices to make in his personal life as well as how to keep himself and his loved ones from falling prey to a band of menacing fiends in an adventure that grows increasingly urgent and perilous. And he's a reluctant hero, wanting only to live a "normal" life but unable to turn away from his neighbor's desperate plea for help.

One of the great things about this novel is that it's not the first or last in the Max Mayhem series. "Bloodwood" happily stands alone and is a great introduction. Not only is there history among the characters, but when you finish this adventure, you'll be eager for the next one. And as one of John's manuscript "readers," I can reveal that the next installment contains shocking, unforeseeable developments among characters you will have come to care about.

"Bloodwood" is set in Portland, Oregon, a Pacific Northwest city known for its DIY and other creative pursuits, its vast array of food carts, coffee shops, farmers' markets and artisan foods, its bicycle and skateboard culture and -- well, be sure to tune in for the new season of "Portlandia" on the IFC channel in January!

[Carrie (Badass, Alpha-male, Cowboy Connoisseur ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say about Max Mayhem? I can say that I am looking forward to the next adventure. Max is a smart as a whip,good hearted,skateboard riding fifteen year old. When he and his friend Lydia along with their parents help a neighbor in need( a very pale neighbor)who is desperate to find his missing girlfriend, they find themselves on the scary end of the stick. Faced with twists and turns and a festival that turns out to be not so festive, they suddenly are fighting for their very lives. Bloodwood: The Chronicles of Max Mayhem is filled with suspense, lightheartedness, action and some very moving scenes, it is the complete package. The story reaches out to you, wraps you in a secure embrace and doesn't let you go until the end. It's like sitting down with good friends and forgetting where you are for a while. I became so invested in Max that I found myself missing him once I finished the story. For anyone that loves a good Vamp story without all the "romance" this book is great, albeit there is a simmer of romance on the horizon or atleast that is what I am rooting for. John Rykken is a talented writer and I beleive he will have a huge following of Max Mayhem and I for one would recommend you give this first book in his series a try, you won't be disappointed.

4.5 stars

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Mayhem is a fifteen year old boy who just wants to be normal, ride his skateboard, and pretend to not be falling for the girl he's known all his life.

Unfortunately for Max, things in his life will never be normal. His Dad is a member of the Xenopus society, a society that researches all things paranormal and unusual.

In this adventure, Max's neighbour is turned into a vampire. The Xenopus society know of vampires but have never had dealings with them, so Max's father is intrigued, and promises to help the sick vampire. This leads Max, his dad and the other members of the Xenopus society on a dangerous and life threatening adventure where they get more research than they bargained for.

A fun book for young adult or the young at heart. Great characters, action packed and never a dull moment.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was just ok. I didn't particularly care for it but it had enough going on that I was curious to see how it ended. I think the author was creative with an original story line but it didn't flow smoothly. There was a lot of going back and forth. Also, The way scenery was described in such detail in each chapter was a little annoying after awhile.

While most vampire stories may or may not be believable because obviously they do not exist, I thought it was quite cheesy during the vampire battle that Abby starts having small talk with Peter about liking Bruce Lee.

I won this book as a First Reads giveaway and always appreciate a free book sent my way. I also appreciate the author signing and mailing it to me personally but this particular book was not for me. I will not continue on with Max Mayhem in his next adventure.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I received this book from the Author John Rykken. I was so excited being this was my first book to win. As soon as I started Bloodwood I was immediately hooked. Since receiving it I have read it at least three more times and can't get enough. I am a huge fan of supernatural but lately more and more books coming out are not done let's say tastefully when it comes to the vampire craze going on. John Rykken accomplishes this and truly creates an amazing story line. I adore Max the main character and found humor, adventure, sadness and love all which made this of one my favorite books. I can not wait for the next one to come out! Thank you John Rykken for such an amazing read!

[Hannah Kotch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think John Rykken has got something here with his first Max Mayhem novel, and I am excitedly anticipating book 2. I found myself pulled into the story every time I sat down to read and ended up finishing the book in three sittings, had I the time I would have ended up reading it cover to cover in just one. I think Rykken did an excellent job making the book exciting without making it too much for a young adult book. As always I suggest parents read the books themselves before using my reviews for a bases as what is and is not appropriate for their child but don't be surprised if you end up getting just as caught up in the story as they do.

[Dominika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25
I liked the idea of this book, and I liked some moments a lot, but I couldn't stomach the irresponsible father, who takes his 15-year-old son on a trip to discover a vampire nest. Come on.
A quite uneven book, as I said - it had its good moments, but then there were some boring ones, too...

[Vered · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for normal in all the wrong places, fifteen-year-old Max Mayhem would much rather go skateboarding than hunt after things that go bump in the night. Unfortunately, his dad is a member of a society that researches the abnormal and paranormal. So when the vampire next door asks for help, Max and his dad set off to find the legendary vampire village of Bloodwood, a road trip that Max would rather avoid. But very quickly, the hunter becomes the hunted, and it’s up to Max to figure out how to survive in an increasingly dangerous game.

Don’t be fooled: this isn’t really a vampire story. It’s a tightly crafted thriller that will pull you in and keep you hooked as the plot twists, takes a few hairpin curves and races to an unexpected finale. While the story is unique, what really captured me was the mix of complex, realistic characters that refuse to stay flat, predictable or stereotypical. Everyone has a story, a secret and a different reason to journey to Bloodwood. Max in particular comes across brilliantly as a very believable young man struggling with the normal aspects of growing up, along with the less than normal adventures he finds himself in. At the end of the novel, I was left with one conclusion: I want to read the sequel!

[Spencer Brokaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently received a copy of Bloodwod: The Chronicles of Max Mayhem from the author in exchange for a review, and my enjoyment. I began reading not knowing if I would like the book, because of the “vampire” scenario. I thought that vampire meant Twilight and romance, but the way this story is crafted is different. It had me hooked from the start.
Max is a normal skateboarding kid who’s next door neighbor happens to recently become a vampire. Max’s dad is the leader of a mysterious society who research odd phenomena. They find out about Max’s neighbor Peter and help him save his girlfriend. I loved the author’s description, he used words that were very strong to my senses. I liked the way he described everything, even simple things such as a drink of Coke.
The only thing I didn’t like was the ending, and that was because I didn’t want it to end. Out of five stars I give this book a 5. It was great and came to a satisfying conclusion, I look forward to more books by the author

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads award. When it came in the mail, my daughter, who is a Twilight fan having read all the books and viewed the first three movies, took it and said she was going to read it first. Her rating would be 4.5, if it was allowed. I asked what made her not give it 5 stars and she said it just wasn't a 5 to her. However, the Twilight books only rate at 4 stars with her. After I read the book, I will provide my review.

Having now read the book myself, i would agree it is higher than a four, but not a five. The book has a different view of vampires and tries to show that all vampires aren't necessarily demonic beasts. The story is told from the point of view of a teenager whose Dad is in to investigating strange or unexplained occurrences. When a neighbor who has been gone for a while comes back and introduces Max and his Dad to the existence of vampires and the possibility of a town just for vampires. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to reading other books by John Rykken.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This book was sent to me by the author.**
Wow when the author sent the book to me to read (Thanks John Rykken). I was a bit nervous to read it.

But when i started reading it, I just fell into the story and loved the characters.

It's all based around a Teenager named Max. His dad belongs to this secret society. but max doesn't really want anything to do with it.
Then he learns that his neighbor, Peter, is a vampire whose girlfriend has gone missing, Max's dreams for a normal life are turned upside down.

This book has it all Vampires, Mayhem, Adventure.
if you love a good non sparkly vampire novel this may be for you.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book by placing second in the 'Wizard Beginnings Writing Contest' in the Harry Potter group. All I got to say about this book is amazing. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. I liked all the different aspects of the story from the Xenopus Society, to the vampires, to hunt the rabbit... I highly recommend reading this and look forward to reading more about Max Mayhem and Lydia.

[Johnny Mendoza Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book and cant wait till the next one to read it too

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must be living under a rock - I know- because this is the first vampire book I've ever read. It was good. I liked the characters. The description of the scenes and settings were startlingly beautiful. The story itself was imaginitative and though I've never read a book with vampires in it before I'm going to step out onto the limb and say this one had a fresh perspective. I really enjoyed Max and the undercurrent between he and Lydia was gripping. It seems as if there is plenty more up ahead for all of these characters - so I say: Bring on book two!

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodwood drew me in from the start. The scenery’s so vivid you can touch it. I often forgot where I was and became immersed in the mysterious adventure.

Its cast of characters is relatable, quirky, and complex. No one, not even the vampires, are who they seem. The story’s fantastic with numerous twists and non-stop action through out. I’m deliberately holding back details. I wouldn’t want to spoil your fun.

I don’t know where Max Mayhem’s next adventure will lead him. But one thing’s for certain: I’ll be joining him.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a entertaining, non-sparkly vampire book. It is different from the Twilight and other vampire books, in a good way. It had very detailed descriptions and could easily be made into a movie. I was surprised that the first vampire he met (no spoilers on who) didn't attack Max and his father. Max was a very likable character and acted like how a teenager would. I recommend this book to anybody who likes adventurous books.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got about halfway through and then decided to set it aside. It was decent from what I read, but it just kind of got boring at the halfway mark. I wasn't very excited and it was hard to get through. I am sure teenagers would like it though.

[A.]

Thanks for the First Reads giveaway! Review will follow.

[Lulu]

I won this book from the first reads giveaways and I am so excited to read it. Thanks.

[redbees · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars