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Suck It Up and Die
Nearly two years after Suck It Up, all Morning McCobb wants is to complete his training at the NY Fire Academy and to stay head over heels in love with Portia for as long as the chronology-crossed lovers can, given that she's now eighteen and he's stalled at sixteen.
It's nearly the first anniversary of American Out Day, the historic day on which the Leaguer vampires of America began going mainstream without going bloodstream on their fellow mortal citizens.
The tension between Morning's wish for a simple, out of the spotlight life, and Portia's cinematic obsession with historic events escalates to the breaking point when a super-sinister vampire rises from the grave with a powerful thirst, for revenge.
It's nearly the first anniversary of American Out Day, the historic day on which the Leaguer vampires of America began going mainstream without going bloodstream on their fellow mortal citizens.
The tension between Morning's wish for a simple, out of the spotlight life, and Portia's cinematic obsession with historic events escalates to the breaking point when a super-sinister vampire rises from the grave with a powerful thirst, for revenge.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2012
12 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Brian Meehl
15 books126 followersSign up for Brian Meehl’s ANNOUNCEMENTS at https://www.blowbacktrilogy.com , or CONTACT him at brian@brianmeehl.com .
Brian’s most recent novel is BLOWBACK '94, the “hugely enjoyable and fast-paced” finale in his critically acclaimed BLOWBACK TRILOGY. The kickoff book in the trilogy, BLOWBACK ’07, received a coveted red-star review from Publishers Weekly.
His award-winning books include a bestselling comedic riff on vampires, SUCK IT UP, OUT OF PATIENCE (Junior Library Guild Selection), and YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME (Blue Ribbon from the Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books).
Once upon a time, Brian worked for Jim Henson’s Muppets and puppeteered the gamut from a young pup, Barkley on SESAME STREET, to the Dying Master in Henson’s cult classic, THE DARK CRYSTAL. After taking up the pen, Brian wrote for kids’ shows like THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and BETWEEN THE LIONS, winning three Emmys along the way.
For more on Brian, his books and the BLOWBACK TRILOGY, visit www.blowbacktrilogy.com and www.brianmeehl.com. Or watch his interview presenting BLOWBACK '07 and talking about his career with the Muppets at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZM26....
You can also check out my latest interview and get a hint of what I hope to work on next at: https://www.californiaherald.com/goin...
Brian’s most recent novel is BLOWBACK '94, the “hugely enjoyable and fast-paced” finale in his critically acclaimed BLOWBACK TRILOGY. The kickoff book in the trilogy, BLOWBACK ’07, received a coveted red-star review from Publishers Weekly.
His award-winning books include a bestselling comedic riff on vampires, SUCK IT UP, OUT OF PATIENCE (Junior Library Guild Selection), and YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME (Blue Ribbon from the Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books).
Once upon a time, Brian worked for Jim Henson’s Muppets and puppeteered the gamut from a young pup, Barkley on SESAME STREET, to the Dying Master in Henson’s cult classic, THE DARK CRYSTAL. After taking up the pen, Brian wrote for kids’ shows like THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and BETWEEN THE LIONS, winning three Emmys along the way.
For more on Brian, his books and the BLOWBACK TRILOGY, visit www.blowbacktrilogy.com and www.brianmeehl.com. Or watch his interview presenting BLOWBACK '07 and talking about his career with the Muppets at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZM26....
You can also check out my latest interview and get a hint of what I hope to work on next at: https://www.californiaherald.com/goin...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 8, 2012
Suck It Up, the first story about these fabulous characters was a ‘showstopper’ when it came to YA fiction, so it was an absolute thrill to see the continuation of Morning McCobb’s new life.
Morning made the news a while back and has become the poster child for the International Vampire League. The IVLeague (isn’t that cute?) are the ones who brought vampires into the public eye and made sure that they were seen as ‘a minority with special needs’ instead of actual killers that one had to run like heck from. But it’s been one year since Morning was carrying all this on his shoulder - one year since vamps came out of he closet - and he now wants the fame to go away so he can live a normal life.
His true love - EB, in fact, eternal beloved - is Portia Dredful. She is an up and coming documentary-ist. Her mother is extremely obnoxious and also the agent for Rachel, who was a major vamp warrior and is now the top TV personality in the world with her reality show, “The Shadow.”
The U.S. is about to pass a law that gives vamps equal rights. Now, there are major anti-vamp protestors who are staging a protest at the vamps parade in the City. One protestor is a strict ‘for the people’ woman who sides with the MOP (Mortals Only Party) and joins up with a fanged one in order to make the vamp rights bill be shot down. As far as she’s concerned, vamps should be put into internment camps because they’re the enemy.
Well…this certain stranger is not only there to ruin vamp rights. In fact, he’s there to avenge his very own hate crime and has his mind set on destroying Morning. He puts together a very artful way of taking Morning down; by turning Portia against him, getting him kicked out of firefighter school which is Morning’s big dream, and basically claiming everything Morning loves. In addition, the president of the IVLeague has disappeared, handing the whole enchilada over to Morning. Why? Because he has found out something that may just change vamps forever.
This writer is beyond hysterical; this whole world he has created with the poor vamps having to drink only artificial blood substitutes or properly milked animal blood; the extremists who are actually called ‘wanna-bleeds’ who are all for consensual bloodlust happening in the back rooms where the law can’t find them - each and every page has something new, interesting and laugh-out loud funny. All this reader wishes is that Morning could have a new adventure every single month!
Forget Bella and Edward…THIS is the vamp book to fall in love with!
Morning made the news a while back and has become the poster child for the International Vampire League. The IVLeague (isn’t that cute?) are the ones who brought vampires into the public eye and made sure that they were seen as ‘a minority with special needs’ instead of actual killers that one had to run like heck from. But it’s been one year since Morning was carrying all this on his shoulder - one year since vamps came out of he closet - and he now wants the fame to go away so he can live a normal life.
His true love - EB, in fact, eternal beloved - is Portia Dredful. She is an up and coming documentary-ist. Her mother is extremely obnoxious and also the agent for Rachel, who was a major vamp warrior and is now the top TV personality in the world with her reality show, “The Shadow.”
The U.S. is about to pass a law that gives vamps equal rights. Now, there are major anti-vamp protestors who are staging a protest at the vamps parade in the City. One protestor is a strict ‘for the people’ woman who sides with the MOP (Mortals Only Party) and joins up with a fanged one in order to make the vamp rights bill be shot down. As far as she’s concerned, vamps should be put into internment camps because they’re the enemy.
Well…this certain stranger is not only there to ruin vamp rights. In fact, he’s there to avenge his very own hate crime and has his mind set on destroying Morning. He puts together a very artful way of taking Morning down; by turning Portia against him, getting him kicked out of firefighter school which is Morning’s big dream, and basically claiming everything Morning loves. In addition, the president of the IVLeague has disappeared, handing the whole enchilada over to Morning. Why? Because he has found out something that may just change vamps forever.
This writer is beyond hysterical; this whole world he has created with the poor vamps having to drink only artificial blood substitutes or properly milked animal blood; the extremists who are actually called ‘wanna-bleeds’ who are all for consensual bloodlust happening in the back rooms where the law can’t find them - each and every page has something new, interesting and laugh-out loud funny. All this reader wishes is that Morning could have a new adventure every single month!
Forget Bella and Edward…THIS is the vamp book to fall in love with!
June 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much! I wish however that I had read the book before this one. I also have a dilemma as to why my Brother-in-Law gave this autographed copy to my son. I guess this is not a real good review of the book, so here goes! Written as a "Young Adult" book it explores the ideas of being different in a society that does not accept different. Vampires trying to live normal lives! It is a fast and enjoyable read with some interesting twists and turns!
September 25, 2013
Refreshing changes to vampires melding in society without hiding in the shadows.
This was a hard review for me, so I'll concentrate on the positive first.
I'm a major fan of vampires and stories that find new parameters to place them in. The world created here accomplished both. Meehl's take on vampires, and their characteristics and interactions with the world was unique. They were a part of society. It almost reminded me of the theory on True Blood, the HBO series. Vampires were just another element that made humanity different, like race and religion. But of course, there were those folks who didn't agree with this accepting attitude.
The story took on a political aspect, which divided society into all sorts of groups: VRA, Congress, MOPS, and IVLeague. It was a cool and refreshing view of vampires living among humans. There was also cyber-dating for groups like Lifers and Leaguers; I really liked this additive to the world created. Humor, with a quirky flare, also gave this vampire story a unique twist.
Now saying that, some of the explanations of these groups were confusing and felt piece-mealed. I almost felt as if some information and scenes were put in to fill up space, while other information was kept for later. But for me, that wasn't effective; honestly, it kind of lost me. For instance: I liked the shorter chapters, but some short chapters didn't contain enough for me to bite onto and truly seep into a scene.
The story did pick up when a new conflict was introduced, complicating matters for both Morning and the world he occupied. He also had a really cool BFF, who made me laugh. Morning's dream to be normal and a respectable firefighter brought the story balance, as did his girlfriend who was making a documentary about the life of a vampire gone vegan. The idea of a Vampire Pride Parade was one of many creative ideas in this book.
If my thoughts confused you, I do apologize. This is one of those books that had so many amazingly unique ideas, but certain parts just didn't work for me - you know, personal style. So I'd recommend this story to any reader who appreciates humor, a new look on vampires melding into society, and any YA paranormal or urban fantasy lover.
This was a hard review for me, so I'll concentrate on the positive first.
I'm a major fan of vampires and stories that find new parameters to place them in. The world created here accomplished both. Meehl's take on vampires, and their characteristics and interactions with the world was unique. They were a part of society. It almost reminded me of the theory on True Blood, the HBO series. Vampires were just another element that made humanity different, like race and religion. But of course, there were those folks who didn't agree with this accepting attitude.
The story took on a political aspect, which divided society into all sorts of groups: VRA, Congress, MOPS, and IVLeague. It was a cool and refreshing view of vampires living among humans. There was also cyber-dating for groups like Lifers and Leaguers; I really liked this additive to the world created. Humor, with a quirky flare, also gave this vampire story a unique twist.
Now saying that, some of the explanations of these groups were confusing and felt piece-mealed. I almost felt as if some information and scenes were put in to fill up space, while other information was kept for later. But for me, that wasn't effective; honestly, it kind of lost me. For instance: I liked the shorter chapters, but some short chapters didn't contain enough for me to bite onto and truly seep into a scene.
The story did pick up when a new conflict was introduced, complicating matters for both Morning and the world he occupied. He also had a really cool BFF, who made me laugh. Morning's dream to be normal and a respectable firefighter brought the story balance, as did his girlfriend who was making a documentary about the life of a vampire gone vegan. The idea of a Vampire Pride Parade was one of many creative ideas in this book.
If my thoughts confused you, I do apologize. This is one of those books that had so many amazingly unique ideas, but certain parts just didn't work for me - you know, personal style. So I'd recommend this story to any reader who appreciates humor, a new look on vampires melding into society, and any YA paranormal or urban fantasy lover.
July 5, 2016
As a lover of the written word and an overprotective much too involved mother not to mention a fan of the sups world, the title Suck it up and Die caught my attention when my 11 year old wanted something new to read. We just couldn’t wait to sink our teeth into this one (pun poorly intended). We enjoyed the first installment last year when we happened across it at our local library.
I try not to judge books by their covers (my daughter however, does), and you have to admit you can’t help but to smile when you think back to the first cover with the smiley face sucking a straw and the fact that Meehl stayed with the theme by inverting it. Why change something that works. I (and my daughter) salute you on the cover Meehl, it’s fantastic!
Once Net Galley approved me for the ARC, the fight ensued between my daughter and me as too who would have the book first on their kindle. Ha! I won, due to the fact I review books for submission to other web-sites; NetGalley and thanks for that HC, (I owe you another!) and my blog of course. In spite of this, I was also reviewing twelve other books at the time, so she took the opportunity to swipe the book from me. Then while she was at school I swooped in and took back the book. Then while I would be cooking she would dive like a vulture and snake it back. This went on until we finished the book.
As the fight for control raged throughout the read, it was obvious we had different options regarding Morning Story. Now, don’t get me wrong, we both enjoyed Morning continuing tale. My daughter was expecting Meehl’s comic relief style from Suck it Up, however I was elated that Meehl not only grew the story line he matured the characters.
Suck It Up and Die will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what happens next. The plot twists are unexpected. Yes, there were some flaws but none to get worked over about. Meehl more than makes up for his error with his beautiful and creative descriptive writing. Whether or not you read Suck it up, you have to read Suck it up and Die. It’s a rich treat.
I try not to judge books by their covers (my daughter however, does), and you have to admit you can’t help but to smile when you think back to the first cover with the smiley face sucking a straw and the fact that Meehl stayed with the theme by inverting it. Why change something that works. I (and my daughter) salute you on the cover Meehl, it’s fantastic!
Once Net Galley approved me for the ARC, the fight ensued between my daughter and me as too who would have the book first on their kindle. Ha! I won, due to the fact I review books for submission to other web-sites; NetGalley and thanks for that HC, (I owe you another!) and my blog of course. In spite of this, I was also reviewing twelve other books at the time, so she took the opportunity to swipe the book from me. Then while she was at school I swooped in and took back the book. Then while I would be cooking she would dive like a vulture and snake it back. This went on until we finished the book.
As the fight for control raged throughout the read, it was obvious we had different options regarding Morning Story. Now, don’t get me wrong, we both enjoyed Morning continuing tale. My daughter was expecting Meehl’s comic relief style from Suck it Up, however I was elated that Meehl not only grew the story line he matured the characters.
Suck It Up and Die will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what happens next. The plot twists are unexpected. Yes, there were some flaws but none to get worked over about. Meehl more than makes up for his error with his beautiful and creative descriptive writing. Whether or not you read Suck it up, you have to read Suck it up and Die. It’s a rich treat.
August 31, 2012
SUCK IT UP AND DIE, by Brian Meehl, is the second installment of the Suck It Up series and follows the character Morning McCobb who is a mainstreaming vampire out and about in America. Diving deep into topics not really covered in the first, this is a good read.
I was unsure about reading this at first mostly because I felt the first one was a bit of a slow read AND it ended pretty tight knit, lacking unanswered questions or expectations for a second book but my curiosity for a continued story got the better of me. Suck It Up and Die definitely dove deeper into the details of the mainstreaming...
I know you are thinking, mainstreaming, vampires coming out, American Leaugers, a really bad vampire coming out of no where wrecking havoc (cough Russel Edgington cough) ...this is not True Blood, I assure you. Though if you are a True Blood fan, you can't help but compare the two mainstreaming stories and characters.
Something that stuck out to me as very different was the characters and a lot of the subject matter. The characters have matured A LOT and I didn't find that there was the light comedy there so much anymore. Also, there was so much politics involved that it was confusing, especially for a younger audience.
Overall this was a cute read, much like Suck It Up was, I think this one got a little beyond itself for it's intended young audience but still a good, easy read.
I was unsure about reading this at first mostly because I felt the first one was a bit of a slow read AND it ended pretty tight knit, lacking unanswered questions or expectations for a second book but my curiosity for a continued story got the better of me. Suck It Up and Die definitely dove deeper into the details of the mainstreaming...
I know you are thinking, mainstreaming, vampires coming out, American Leaugers, a really bad vampire coming out of no where wrecking havoc (cough Russel Edgington cough) ...this is not True Blood, I assure you. Though if you are a True Blood fan, you can't help but compare the two mainstreaming stories and characters.
Something that stuck out to me as very different was the characters and a lot of the subject matter. The characters have matured A LOT and I didn't find that there was the light comedy there so much anymore. Also, there was so much politics involved that it was confusing, especially for a younger audience.
Overall this was a cute read, much like Suck It Up was, I think this one got a little beyond itself for it's intended young audience but still a good, easy read.
August 21, 2012
~After reading~
How amazing!!! I loved it, very cute and adorable. Even though some parts made me wanna jump in and smack the some people, it was still over all a good book. The only thing that kept bothering me was jumping from different views. Had to read very slowly to figure who I was reading once it changed. I am just happy that Morning and Portia are together.
.
Over all I really did enjoy the book. A perfect ending for a perfect couple. But really I hope the world doesn't end :)
~Before reading~
I just loved the first book, and am very shocked that there is a second book. Just thinking about what is going to happen is making me very excited. Wish the release date was closer since summer is just a few weeks away. I need a lot of summer books =)
How amazing!!! I loved it, very cute and adorable. Even though some parts made me wanna jump in and smack the some people, it was still over all a good book. The only thing that kept bothering me was jumping from different views. Had to read very slowly to figure who I was reading once it changed. I am just happy that Morning and Portia are together.
.
Over all I really did enjoy the book. A perfect ending for a perfect couple. But really I hope the world doesn't end :)
~Before reading~
I just loved the first book, and am very shocked that there is a second book. Just thinking about what is going to happen is making me very excited. Wish the release date was closer since summer is just a few weeks away. I need a lot of summer books =)
February 2, 2012
I read this book for the 2012 ebook challenge. I must admit, when I heard they were making a sequel to Suck It Up, I was very skeptical. Suck It up ended very well, and left no loose ends for a sequel. However, the author pulled off Suck It Up and Die very well. The story starts out with American Out Day, which is kind of like a gay pride parade, only for vampires. The plot turns out to have been written very well. It captured my attention enough that I read the book in two days, which is extremely unusual for me. I liked all of the characters, except Rachel. In my personal opinion, she was very whiny and annoying and had so much more potential for character development. The plot twists were unexpected, which was a nice change of pace from the usual predictable stuff I read. I didn't see most of them coming at all. Suck It Up and Die will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what happens next. Suck It Up and Die will be released on 8/12/2012.
August 25, 2012
I was rather disappointed with this novel. I seem to recall Meehl's prose generally being significantly tighter and his storytelling more . . . coherent? concise? The themes in this novel struck me as overhanded, like Meehl was trying to fit the story to the themes instead of the themes to the story.
The characters weren't nearly as likable this go around. Morning was an absolute sourpuss and rather unbearable to be around. Zoe was overly quirky—gratingly so. The only characters who were actually interesting enough to spend time with were the antagonist and the mentor (who was merely a tertiary character).
And Meehl certainly abused third-person omniscient narrator privileges in this novel. Sure, having access to everyone's thoughts is nice, but you don't get to shift on a whim at every change of paragraph as Meehl regularly did in this novel.
Needless to say, I recommend the first book. I recommend Meehl's other books. But I don't recommend this one.
The characters weren't nearly as likable this go around. Morning was an absolute sourpuss and rather unbearable to be around. Zoe was overly quirky—gratingly so. The only characters who were actually interesting enough to spend time with were the antagonist and the mentor (who was merely a tertiary character).
And Meehl certainly abused third-person omniscient narrator privileges in this novel. Sure, having access to everyone's thoughts is nice, but you don't get to shift on a whim at every change of paragraph as Meehl regularly did in this novel.
Needless to say, I recommend the first book. I recommend Meehl's other books. But I don't recommend this one.
May 24, 2018
I tried to read this book when it first came out, and didn't get very far. Having it not read affects my NetGalley rating, so I was motivated to give it another go. I finished it this time, but without enthusiasm. It felt a little too 'sophisticated'? 'adult'? to be a YA novel. The subtleties of dry humor would take a special reader to become engrossed in the prose as well as the story. It felt heavier than its humorous intentions. Not that stereotypes are humorous, but the more recent book, Spliced (about chimeras) dealt with society's reaction to 'others' in a more interesting way. Although Spliced by Jon McGoran wasn't around when Meehl's book was written, I now have the understanding for why Suck It Up and Die didn't work for me; because Spliced did.
August 23, 2012
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Feed Your Reader Giveaway Hop. As part of that hop, we’re reviewing and giving away one e-book copy of Suck It Up and Die by Brian Meehl. This is Book #2 of the series; however, I haven’t read Book #1, Suck It Up, and I had no problem following the storyline. If you’re into YA paranormal (vampire) books with an interesting twist, and a lot of irony, then you’ll want to check this one out. Oh hell, check it out anyway. BTW: This giveaway is open internationally. Read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4477.
January 28, 2013
The sequel to Suck It Up, Suck It Up And Die provides a bit of comic relief in the wildly popular vampire genre. Filled with snarky humor, this story features a lovable protagonist and subtle themes of tolerance. As the new minority with "special needs," vampires must battle against prejudice and bigotry. There is even a "vampire czar" appointed by the President who is charged with... (click for full review http://www.storysnoops.com/detail.php...)
July 23, 2016
This was an okay book, second in a series. Didn't read the first, but didn't need to in order to understand the story line. While this was definitely enjoyable, it just didn't grab me as some others in the genre have. I think appropriate for both middle and high, even with all the talk of loosing virginity.
When it takes so long to read a book, I can tell I wasn't all that interested in it.
When it takes so long to read a book, I can tell I wasn't all that interested in it.
Read
December 31, 2016A very fun, fast-paced sequel that keeps you entertained. Great humor and writing take this story from mundane to unique. It puts great twists on what we already love about vampires, and keeps the story light even in its darkest moments. Progressive and forward-thinking take center stage in this quirky version of vampire folklore.
Read
October 24, 2011Here's the link to the reivew on my blog, I won't be posting the actual review on this site till it comes closer to its release date:
http://laceyshoelaces.blogspot.com/20...
http://laceyshoelaces.blogspot.com/20...
January 21, 2018
I did not finish reading this book, but I am done with it.
While I kept reading because I was curious about how it would end and the premise was interesting, the story went slow, and the words were dry. The main character is heartbroken, and I do not feel it.
While I kept reading because I was curious about how it would end and the premise was interesting, the story went slow, and the words were dry. The main character is heartbroken, and I do not feel it.
May 15, 2012
Though not as good as the first book, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I just wish it hadn't seemed so rushed.
June 4, 2012
He should have left well enough alone: first was adorable cheesy romp. This one? Eh.
Read
August 18, 2012This book was so much fun, perfect for teens with its mix of humor and romancce. Likable characters and an interesting twist on vampires.
April 22, 2017
This second book was ok, it wasn't as action packed as the last book, and it kind of dragged for a bit. Overall the story line is just good.
December 13, 2012
It was one of the best!
February 24, 2013
It was cute, but the cultural references and puns seemed more forced than the first book.
July 2, 2013
excited
August 10, 2017
Just as good as the first one!
November 2, 2017
this was kinda boring agt the beginning but its still a good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2020
Awesome take on vampires
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews