What do you think?
Rate this book
Life as a Teenage Vampire
Emery Mavus just wants to survive his senior year of high school. Becoming a vampire complicates things. So does a bizarre mentor, a group of vampire hunters, and an unexpected, new attraction for his openly gay best friend, Connor. An occasional uncontrollable hunger for blood might be the least of his worries.
305 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2016
34 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Meuwissen
57 books658 followersAmanda Meuwissen is a queer author with a primary focus on M/M fiction and romance. As the author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy #1 Best Seller, Coming Up for Air, LGBTQ+ Horror #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, A Delicious Descent, and several other titles through various publishers, Amanda regularly attends local comic conventions for fun and to meet with fans, where she will often be seen in costume as one of her favorite fictional characters. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, John, and their cat, Helga.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 6, 2018
Not bad....
***3.38 stars***
It’s a cute story that to be honest left me wanting more. Not satisfied with the ending that was given; feeling an epilogue would have helped.
***3.38 stars***
It’s a cute story that to be honest left me wanting more. Not satisfied with the ending that was given; feeling an epilogue would have helped.
October 27, 2016
4 Stars
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has in no way influenced my review.*
This book was sweet, funny, and just a great story about two friends figuring out who they are and falling in love. There was some action and fighting and a plot about vampire hunters who were after Emery, but it was pretty subdued as far as vampire books go since the focus was really on the characters’ lives and relationships.
Emery was adorably oblivious. As if it wasn’t bad enough that he was the only one in the school who didn’t know about Connor’s feelings for him, he then kept misinterpreting everything that happened after he became a vampire. He could hear the way Connor’s heart sped up whenever he noticed Emery looking at him, so he worried Connor was afraid of him. He had the urge to sink his fangs deeper and pull Connor closer while feeding, so he worried he was just becoming dangerous and wanting to hurt Connor in his bloodlust. I was itching for Connor to just admit his feelings already and for Emery to realize his and for them to just end up together! But it was all in a good slow-burn kinda way.
And this book didn’t just have an adorable romantic relationship, it had sweet friendships and family relationships too that made me smile.
I also liked the trope-free portrayal of high school, as well as the way characters sometimes acted immature (as some teenagers do, like breaking up with someone in a note), but those things were never treated as being the normal or smart way to handle things, and other characters always called them out on it. Another great thing was that Emery and Connor were into theatre and robotics, something you don’t see often in YA books.
The only possible negative thing I can say is that I’m not sure it was realistic the way Connor’s robotic prosthetics worked just as perfectly and fluidly as a real hand. Especially since there was no mention of him having had the surgery that, from what I understand, would be required in order for him control a prosthetic using his mind, which was what he seemed to be doing. (I did a little of my own research about mind-controlled hand prosthetics—I’ve included links to some really cool videos on my blog.) I could be wrong though since I’m not an expert, or there might’ve been more to his prosthetics that just wasn’t explained to the reader. And though I would’ve liked to see more struggles related to that simply for the reason that most people with missing limbs probably do struggle more, I can’t say his lack of struggle detracted from the story. It was just that, except for the times when he took the prosthetic off and felt insecure about his arm, it was like he simply had a flesh-and-blood hand.
Overall though, this was an adorable and funny YA about finding yourself, falling in love… and vampires!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes sweet YA LGBT romance and vampires.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has in no way influenced my review.*
This book was sweet, funny, and just a great story about two friends figuring out who they are and falling in love. There was some action and fighting and a plot about vampire hunters who were after Emery, but it was pretty subdued as far as vampire books go since the focus was really on the characters’ lives and relationships.
Emery was adorably oblivious. As if it wasn’t bad enough that he was the only one in the school who didn’t know about Connor’s feelings for him, he then kept misinterpreting everything that happened after he became a vampire. He could hear the way Connor’s heart sped up whenever he noticed Emery looking at him, so he worried Connor was afraid of him. He had the urge to sink his fangs deeper and pull Connor closer while feeding, so he worried he was just becoming dangerous and wanting to hurt Connor in his bloodlust. I was itching for Connor to just admit his feelings already and for Emery to realize his and for them to just end up together! But it was all in a good slow-burn kinda way.
And this book didn’t just have an adorable romantic relationship, it had sweet friendships and family relationships too that made me smile.
I also liked the trope-free portrayal of high school, as well as the way characters sometimes acted immature (as some teenagers do, like breaking up with someone in a note), but those things were never treated as being the normal or smart way to handle things, and other characters always called them out on it. Another great thing was that Emery and Connor were into theatre and robotics, something you don’t see often in YA books.
The only possible negative thing I can say is that I’m not sure it was realistic the way Connor’s robotic prosthetics worked just as perfectly and fluidly as a real hand. Especially since there was no mention of him having had the surgery that, from what I understand, would be required in order for him control a prosthetic using his mind, which was what he seemed to be doing. (I did a little of my own research about mind-controlled hand prosthetics—I’ve included links to some really cool videos on my blog.) I could be wrong though since I’m not an expert, or there might’ve been more to his prosthetics that just wasn’t explained to the reader. And though I would’ve liked to see more struggles related to that simply for the reason that most people with missing limbs probably do struggle more, I can’t say his lack of struggle detracted from the story. It was just that, except for the times when he took the prosthetic off and felt insecure about his arm, it was like he simply had a flesh-and-blood hand.
Overall though, this was an adorable and funny YA about finding yourself, falling in love… and vampires!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes sweet YA LGBT romance and vampires.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
April 23, 2020
The set-up for this reminded me a bit of Teen Wolf, which...yeah, I ain't mad at. Fast, easy read (despite the length!) that I wouldn't mind a sequel for. Maybe with them at college, or on Christmas break when they come home so that we get more of Alec's story.
Sure, it required a LOT of suspension of disbelief - I mean, it is about vampires - but I really liked the FtL aspect, and there were a ton of fandom references.
Sure, it required a LOT of suspension of disbelief - I mean, it is about vampires - but I really liked the FtL aspect, and there were a ton of fandom references.
February 13, 2017
Sweet and heartfelt YA vampire novel.
This was my first book by Amanda Meuwissen and I was happily entertained. This was a lighthearted coming of age story between two best friends with an accidental "oops, I just became a vampire" thrown in for fun.
Yes, there was action and conflict involving vampires, vampire hunters, high school play rehearsal shenanigans, and blinged -out prosthetics. As fun as all that was, the angst and drama was low. I can't help but wonder how a little bit of extra tension or conflict would have served the story instead of everyone taking everything in perfect stride (such as, hey guys, I'm a vampire now. And hey can I feed off you once a week. And hey, there are people trying to kill me. And my mentor is the king of vampires. And hey, dad I'm bi.) The reactions to almost all events and revelations was very low key, and accepting considering the highs stakes portrayed in the plot.
The focus of the story was the dawning awareness, helped out by new-found vampirism, that Emery was attracted to his best friend, Connor. As the story progressed, they found themselves more intimately linked than any best friends had cause to be.
HEA? Of course. Heat? Of the YA kind, but that's not to say that attraction and first kisses can't be deliciously spine tingling.
Set up for future stories? Yes, I found a few threads that could be pulled out and woven into something interesting.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store for us, and to exploring her other titles.
This was my first book by Amanda Meuwissen and I was happily entertained. This was a lighthearted coming of age story between two best friends with an accidental "oops, I just became a vampire" thrown in for fun.
Yes, there was action and conflict involving vampires, vampire hunters, high school play rehearsal shenanigans, and blinged -out prosthetics. As fun as all that was, the angst and drama was low. I can't help but wonder how a little bit of extra tension or conflict would have served the story instead of everyone taking everything in perfect stride (such as, hey guys, I'm a vampire now. And hey can I feed off you once a week. And hey, there are people trying to kill me. And my mentor is the king of vampires. And hey, dad I'm bi.) The reactions to almost all events and revelations was very low key, and accepting considering the highs stakes portrayed in the plot.
The focus of the story was the dawning awareness, helped out by new-found vampirism, that Emery was attracted to his best friend, Connor. As the story progressed, they found themselves more intimately linked than any best friends had cause to be.
HEA? Of course. Heat? Of the YA kind, but that's not to say that attraction and first kisses can't be deliciously spine tingling.
Set up for future stories? Yes, I found a few threads that could be pulled out and woven into something interesting.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store for us, and to exploring her other titles.
February 13, 2017
Ok, I picked this up as a kindle freebie. And I realised after about 30% it wasn't for me. So I skimmed the rest.
It wasn't offensively bad. But it was boring and amateurish. Upside - it was cute and the relationships and tone was healthy. Not for me but it might work for someone else.
It wasn't offensively bad. But it was boring and amateurish. Upside - it was cute and the relationships and tone was healthy. Not for me but it might work for someone else.
November 14, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
I didn’t have very high expectations when I started Life as a Teenage Vampire. The plot sounded not that original, kind of like Twilight except the main character, Emery, was a male in love with another male – his best friend Connor. But, don’t be mistaken by the short synopsis. This book is very different, and it’s quite frankly, a whole lot better than your standard run-of-the-mill vampire story.
Emery never expected his senior year would go down like this. That he would become a vampire. That he’d fall in love with his best friend, Connor. That he’d get chased down by vampire hunters. The focus was more on the characters and their blossoming relationship than on the vampirism, but it did bring a nice touch. As Emery is transforming into another creature, he’s also transforming as a person – growing up, learning who he truly is. There’s a symbolism there, between the act of growing up, and the whole vampire angle, that I thought worked really well.
The characters were very realistic, especially Emery. Sometimes they’re a little immature, sometimes they’re surprisingly mature for their age, but they all sound very realistic, like typical teenagers. The story pulled me in, but the writing and characters made me fall in love.
I didn’t have very high expectations when I started Life as a Teenage Vampire. The plot sounded not that original, kind of like Twilight except the main character, Emery, was a male in love with another male – his best friend Connor. But, don’t be mistaken by the short synopsis. This book is very different, and it’s quite frankly, a whole lot better than your standard run-of-the-mill vampire story.
Emery never expected his senior year would go down like this. That he would become a vampire. That he’d fall in love with his best friend, Connor. That he’d get chased down by vampire hunters. The focus was more on the characters and their blossoming relationship than on the vampirism, but it did bring a nice touch. As Emery is transforming into another creature, he’s also transforming as a person – growing up, learning who he truly is. There’s a symbolism there, between the act of growing up, and the whole vampire angle, that I thought worked really well.
The characters were very realistic, especially Emery. Sometimes they’re a little immature, sometimes they’re surprisingly mature for their age, but they all sound very realistic, like typical teenagers. The story pulled me in, but the writing and characters made me fall in love.
March 5, 2018
This is a sweet, solid YA read with a (slightly geeky) M/M couple as the core. Oh, and let's not forget the vamps.
Ultimately though, if you passed a certain age, you just won't be that impressed with "Life as a Teenage Vampire". It's got some unique elements you usually don't see - the main couple is into robotics and theatrics and such - but the worldbuilding is lacking. The vamps are the usual 0815 vamps, nothing really new here. There's not even a vampire community or world. It's likely the vampire element was used for plot reasons only, not to built something with that element. And that's a pity, really.
The romance was sweet, the plot solid while unsurprising and the cast was interesting enough to properly care about. Bonus points for the hilarious relationship between best friend and vampire mentor.
Ultimately, it's a good read, but frankly, you are more likely to enjoy it when you are the appropiate age group of 13 to 16. Once older, you realise while sweet, it's nothing you haven't read a lot before. Thus 3 stars.
Ultimately though, if you passed a certain age, you just won't be that impressed with "Life as a Teenage Vampire". It's got some unique elements you usually don't see - the main couple is into robotics and theatrics and such - but the worldbuilding is lacking. The vamps are the usual 0815 vamps, nothing really new here. There's not even a vampire community or world. It's likely the vampire element was used for plot reasons only, not to built something with that element. And that's a pity, really.
The romance was sweet, the plot solid while unsurprising and the cast was interesting enough to properly care about. Bonus points for the hilarious relationship between best friend and vampire mentor.
Ultimately, it's a good read, but frankly, you are more likely to enjoy it when you are the appropiate age group of 13 to 16. Once older, you realise while sweet, it's nothing you haven't read a lot before. Thus 3 stars.
October 10, 2016
Practically a slice-of-life, m/m highschool teen romance. Throw in some vampirism and nerd culture, and you've got yourself something fresh and current. This was a real fun read.
It had bright characters who were instantly likeable. They were great reflections of young adults with heartfelt friendships, I loved it especially when hanging out with Aurora or Jules. The characters often had contemporary discussions and attitudes, making the story feel real and relatable to a younger audience, especially with its positive approach to dealing with tricky relationships, like ex-girlfriends or wanting to kiss your best friend.
It's a fast-paced ride you'll consume in days, with real laugh-out-loud moments, that feel-good fuzzy friend feeling, and a sweet m/m romance at it's core, what's not to love?
It had bright characters who were instantly likeable. They were great reflections of young adults with heartfelt friendships, I loved it especially when hanging out with Aurora or Jules. The characters often had contemporary discussions and attitudes, making the story feel real and relatable to a younger audience, especially with its positive approach to dealing with tricky relationships, like ex-girlfriends or wanting to kiss your best friend.
It's a fast-paced ride you'll consume in days, with real laugh-out-loud moments, that feel-good fuzzy friend feeling, and a sweet m/m romance at it's core, what's not to love?
May 18, 2020
This book made my heart happy.
May 27, 2017
Okay, so while at a local convention here in Minnesota, I ran across a booth that had a banner with a really cool book cover on it, and decided to talk with the author about the book. After explaining a little bit about it, and letting me read the blurb, I decided I simply had to have it, and bought it on the spot. After reading it, I must say, it was such a fantastic book!
In this very sweet coming-of-age YA novel, Emery Mavus and Connor Daniels are best friends, live next door to each other, and are at the end their senior year of high school when everything changes. Instead of dealing with the usual high school drama, working on the senior play, and reading comics together after school, Connor and Emery have a whole lot more to deal with. Emery is in the right place at the very worst time, and is turned into a vampire without his consent or even knowledge. And, with becoming a vampire, Emery has to deal with all new heightened and increased senses and abilities. Which causes Emery a little bit of an issue when he now notices how Connor’s heart speeds up every time Emery looks at him since he is convinced that Connor has a problem with his sudden vampirism. The thing is, Connor has actually been in love with Emery for what seems like ever, and Emery is the only one in the school who is completely oblivious to this fact. Add in the feelings Emery starts having toward his male best friend, his very eccentric vampire mentor, the very sudden need for blood instead of food, as well as vampire hunters dead set on ending Emery’s life, and you have the makings for a fantastic YA book that will draw you in very quickly, and not let you go until the very last page.
I love Emery and Connor together! They are so sweet, and definitely meant to be with each other. The development of their relationship from best friends into something more was everything. Adding in the element that Emery is turned into a vampire is just the icing on the cake, and really the catalyst for their relationship changing.
Amanda Meuwissen, you are amazing! Well done on such a fantastic book! From the cover to the very last page, I was sucked in, engaged, and found it so hard to put down. And, as I understand it, Life as a Teenage Vampire is Amanda Meuwissen’s first foray into the YA genre. Holy buckets, woman! Please do write more! As far as I’m concerned, Amanda has gone to near the top of my immediate buy list from now on. I highly encourage you to get this book and check it out for yourself. You will so not be disappointed!
In this very sweet coming-of-age YA novel, Emery Mavus and Connor Daniels are best friends, live next door to each other, and are at the end their senior year of high school when everything changes. Instead of dealing with the usual high school drama, working on the senior play, and reading comics together after school, Connor and Emery have a whole lot more to deal with. Emery is in the right place at the very worst time, and is turned into a vampire without his consent or even knowledge. And, with becoming a vampire, Emery has to deal with all new heightened and increased senses and abilities. Which causes Emery a little bit of an issue when he now notices how Connor’s heart speeds up every time Emery looks at him since he is convinced that Connor has a problem with his sudden vampirism. The thing is, Connor has actually been in love with Emery for what seems like ever, and Emery is the only one in the school who is completely oblivious to this fact. Add in the feelings Emery starts having toward his male best friend, his very eccentric vampire mentor, the very sudden need for blood instead of food, as well as vampire hunters dead set on ending Emery’s life, and you have the makings for a fantastic YA book that will draw you in very quickly, and not let you go until the very last page.
I love Emery and Connor together! They are so sweet, and definitely meant to be with each other. The development of their relationship from best friends into something more was everything. Adding in the element that Emery is turned into a vampire is just the icing on the cake, and really the catalyst for their relationship changing.
Amanda Meuwissen, you are amazing! Well done on such a fantastic book! From the cover to the very last page, I was sucked in, engaged, and found it so hard to put down. And, as I understand it, Life as a Teenage Vampire is Amanda Meuwissen’s first foray into the YA genre. Holy buckets, woman! Please do write more! As far as I’m concerned, Amanda has gone to near the top of my immediate buy list from now on. I highly encourage you to get this book and check it out for yourself. You will so not be disappointed!
October 9, 2016
It would be very hard to guess that this was the author's first foray into the world of YA novels. The prose is assured and confident, the dialogue capturing the style and lexicon of teens very well without dumbing the character down or being OTT and having the characters sound more like pretentious thirtysomethings, which is a personal annoyance of mine. Here the teens are written as teens - they tease and support each other, banter and comfort. The way they think and behave reminds me so clearly of my own school years, playing cards on breaks, struggling with some subjects, hanging with my friends.
As someone with a disability, one of the main characters being differently abled is a very welcome addition, as is how the character is crafted - his disability is not the most interesting or important thing about him. It doesn't somehow drive the plot, it just is a simple part of him, and it affects his life in an extremely realistic manner, in a story with fantastical elements. This was a personal highlight for me. Connor is just Connor who happens to require a prosthesis, and is in no way defined by it. he's just another kid, whose life is just a little different to someone without that disability.
The gounding of the story in realism is another joy. Meuwissen keeps the story incredibly grounded and realistic through fully fleshed-out and natural characters, allowing the supernatural element to shine while keeping the story very much a human one. Emery may now be a vampire, but that also makes him no less human. He's still a senior in high school, he's still got homework and classes and the play, he's still got a family he loves and a friend he's falling for...he's stil a kid. He's just a special one.
The friendship between the two boys rings very true, there's trust and humour and affection, feeling in no way contrived or false or even forced. Their banter and dialogue is a joy and you'll root for them the whole way through, through every miscommunication, every daydream and through their finding their way to each other in a whole new way.
A wonderful read that I highly recommend
As someone with a disability, one of the main characters being differently abled is a very welcome addition, as is how the character is crafted - his disability is not the most interesting or important thing about him. It doesn't somehow drive the plot, it just is a simple part of him, and it affects his life in an extremely realistic manner, in a story with fantastical elements. This was a personal highlight for me. Connor is just Connor who happens to require a prosthesis, and is in no way defined by it. he's just another kid, whose life is just a little different to someone without that disability.
The gounding of the story in realism is another joy. Meuwissen keeps the story incredibly grounded and realistic through fully fleshed-out and natural characters, allowing the supernatural element to shine while keeping the story very much a human one. Emery may now be a vampire, but that also makes him no less human. He's still a senior in high school, he's still got homework and classes and the play, he's still got a family he loves and a friend he's falling for...he's stil a kid. He's just a special one.
The friendship between the two boys rings very true, there's trust and humour and affection, feeling in no way contrived or false or even forced. Their banter and dialogue is a joy and you'll root for them the whole way through, through every miscommunication, every daydream and through their finding their way to each other in a whole new way.
A wonderful read that I highly recommend
June 26, 2020
Oh I love this book. It hits all the notes a comfort book needs for me: it's fun, it's sweet, filled with pop culture references and great characters, fun dialogue and surprise twists. Reading it a second time is even better! Some books you never read again because they were hard or good once but easy to remember. This one, even though you remember it, you want to experience again, catch the little foreshadowing, the nuances.
All in all a great book.
All in all a great book.
December 3, 2017
Love it love it
It is so great love it all wish it wasn't the only book of life as a teenage vampire but thank you for writing it.
It is so great love it all wish it wasn't the only book of life as a teenage vampire but thank you for writing it.
July 24, 2017
A Refreshingly Honest Coming of Age Story
This might be Amanda Meuwissen's first foray into YA writing, but it's a promising debut. Her prose takes me back to my high school days all over again, and wow, is it an enjoyable ride.
Emery Mavus and Connor Daniels are just your average teenagers trying to muddle their way through senior year. They're juggling the pressure of putting on the perfect school play, wrapping up final projects, and (in Connor's case) attempting to hide his non-platonic feelings for his best friend. But what should have been another typical school year becomes decidedly atypical in the blink of an eye when everything they thought they knew gets thrown into question and they receive a crash course in vampirism - because Emery becomes one.
Suddenly, there's not just Prom and graduation to worry about: there's an eccentric new mentor, Emery's insistent thirst for blood, and vampire hunters intent on making sure they don't make it to their cap and gown fitting. Oh, and Emery might be starting to develop some unexpectedly non-platonic feelings of his own. As if senior year wasn't already hard enough.
Despite fangs and aversions to sunlight, Life as a Teenage Vampire is a fun read that's ironically realistic. Ms. Meuwissen's strength lies in her ability to breathe life into fictional characters and capture the nature of a relationship using dialogue alone. Even the most minor characters are given quirks that make them interesting and relatable. The depth of the friendships in this novel is apparent in the witty banter that flies back and forth between the entirety of the tight-knit group. They tease each other about crushes in the halls, plot senior pranks, play Egyptian War during down time and improv games during parties ... the innocence and ebullience of high school friendship is a driving theme throughout the story.
Of course, just friendship is no longer all that Emery and Connor want from each other - though both are intent on taking that secret to their graves. Connor's been hiding his emotions for as long as anyone can remember, but oblivious Emery needs that supernatural push to realize what's been right in front of him all along. You'll be rooting for them the whole time, through every frustrating miscommunication and adorable side glance, because it's so easy to see yourself in their insecurities. Everything about their transition from friends to something more carries the recognizable hesitation and awkwardness of falling in love for the first time, and it's handled beautifully.
Something that does feel surprisingly absent from the novel is the preemptive nostalgia and sense of looming future that colored my own senior year. Emery and Connor's college plans are mentioned almost as asides - they've planned to stick together beyond high school and have it all sorted out before the novel begins. The finality of senior year is alluded to in the major events of the final spring play and senior Prom, but it doesn't quite hit home. There are no nods to where their friends are ending up, who I imagine would be dealing with the college acceptance process during the book's spring timeline. I would expect there to be a more prominent sense of impending separation or finality for such a close group. This novel beautifully handles the firsts of young love and discovering yourself ... but does tend to gloss over the opportunity to capture some of the more poignant "lasts" inherent to senior year.
Nevertheless, it's an easy omission to forgive because the characters barely have time to worry about tomorrow much less six months from now. You're thrown straight into the action within the first several chapters, and the pace doesn't let up. It's an enjoyable ride the whole way through, littered with foreshadowing and plot twists that keep you guessing. Supernatural intrigue is woven into the already chaotic nature of senior year, but there's still plenty of gorgeous moments when the writing slows to appreciate the depths of the boys' emotions for one another - terrifying both of them even more than the hunters breathing down their necks. The separate storylines converge in a fulfilling finale, where Emery, Connor, and their friends get a chance to shine on a supernatural battlefield and put a new twist on age-old high school traditions.
At its core, Life as a Teenage Vampire is an enjoyable snapshot of exactly what its title promises: a coming of age story for two boys that find the time to fall in love amidst bullets and bloodlust. Ms. Meuwissen writes it like you feel it, and you'll be able to find some version of yourself in Emery and Connor's emotions and actions. It's a satisfying and fun read, and this novel should be on the bookshelf of anyone interested in a refreshingly honest take on the classic tale of falling for your best friend. Definitely looking forward to what this author pens next!
This might be Amanda Meuwissen's first foray into YA writing, but it's a promising debut. Her prose takes me back to my high school days all over again, and wow, is it an enjoyable ride.
Emery Mavus and Connor Daniels are just your average teenagers trying to muddle their way through senior year. They're juggling the pressure of putting on the perfect school play, wrapping up final projects, and (in Connor's case) attempting to hide his non-platonic feelings for his best friend. But what should have been another typical school year becomes decidedly atypical in the blink of an eye when everything they thought they knew gets thrown into question and they receive a crash course in vampirism - because Emery becomes one.
Suddenly, there's not just Prom and graduation to worry about: there's an eccentric new mentor, Emery's insistent thirst for blood, and vampire hunters intent on making sure they don't make it to their cap and gown fitting. Oh, and Emery might be starting to develop some unexpectedly non-platonic feelings of his own. As if senior year wasn't already hard enough.
Despite fangs and aversions to sunlight, Life as a Teenage Vampire is a fun read that's ironically realistic. Ms. Meuwissen's strength lies in her ability to breathe life into fictional characters and capture the nature of a relationship using dialogue alone. Even the most minor characters are given quirks that make them interesting and relatable. The depth of the friendships in this novel is apparent in the witty banter that flies back and forth between the entirety of the tight-knit group. They tease each other about crushes in the halls, plot senior pranks, play Egyptian War during down time and improv games during parties ... the innocence and ebullience of high school friendship is a driving theme throughout the story.
Of course, just friendship is no longer all that Emery and Connor want from each other - though both are intent on taking that secret to their graves. Connor's been hiding his emotions for as long as anyone can remember, but oblivious Emery needs that supernatural push to realize what's been right in front of him all along. You'll be rooting for them the whole time, through every frustrating miscommunication and adorable side glance, because it's so easy to see yourself in their insecurities. Everything about their transition from friends to something more carries the recognizable hesitation and awkwardness of falling in love for the first time, and it's handled beautifully.
Something that does feel surprisingly absent from the novel is the preemptive nostalgia and sense of looming future that colored my own senior year. Emery and Connor's college plans are mentioned almost as asides - they've planned to stick together beyond high school and have it all sorted out before the novel begins. The finality of senior year is alluded to in the major events of the final spring play and senior Prom, but it doesn't quite hit home. There are no nods to where their friends are ending up, who I imagine would be dealing with the college acceptance process during the book's spring timeline. I would expect there to be a more prominent sense of impending separation or finality for such a close group. This novel beautifully handles the firsts of young love and discovering yourself ... but does tend to gloss over the opportunity to capture some of the more poignant "lasts" inherent to senior year.
Nevertheless, it's an easy omission to forgive because the characters barely have time to worry about tomorrow much less six months from now. You're thrown straight into the action within the first several chapters, and the pace doesn't let up. It's an enjoyable ride the whole way through, littered with foreshadowing and plot twists that keep you guessing. Supernatural intrigue is woven into the already chaotic nature of senior year, but there's still plenty of gorgeous moments when the writing slows to appreciate the depths of the boys' emotions for one another - terrifying both of them even more than the hunters breathing down their necks. The separate storylines converge in a fulfilling finale, where Emery, Connor, and their friends get a chance to shine on a supernatural battlefield and put a new twist on age-old high school traditions.
At its core, Life as a Teenage Vampire is an enjoyable snapshot of exactly what its title promises: a coming of age story for two boys that find the time to fall in love amidst bullets and bloodlust. Ms. Meuwissen writes it like you feel it, and you'll be able to find some version of yourself in Emery and Connor's emotions and actions. It's a satisfying and fun read, and this novel should be on the bookshelf of anyone interested in a refreshingly honest take on the classic tale of falling for your best friend. Definitely looking forward to what this author pens next!
January 10, 2017
This was a good book with an unfortunate cover. There were many things that were done just right here, Connor, the secondary characters, the believable high school settings and behavior, and the many nerdy touches. While I liked Emery, our vampire main character, I loved Connor. He was funny, nerdy, strong, slightly vulnerable in his love for Emery, and a great portrait of someone with a disability. The descriptions of his custom-made (by himself) prosthetics were really cool. His unrequited love for Emery is so well done, not melodramatic and over-angsty, just right. Jules, Aurora, and Mike round out the cast as close-knit secondary character friends. Both Jules, and especially Aurora, are very fierce and cool female characters. Alec, Emery's vampire mentor is GREAT, donning many masks and personalities, leaving you guessing who the real Alec is. The vampire stuff is cool of course with lots of special abilities (no spoilers!). I thought it was a great idea to marry two big life changes, discovering something major about his sexuality and becoming a vampire. What comes through in the story is that, like coming out as gay, coming out as a vampire doesn't mean he's not the same guy--cool parallel, huh? The full high school experience is here, lunchtime goofing off, actually going to classes (which so many YA books skip over), and best of all, the spring play with all the rehearsals, pranks, and cast party (and the author makes all this interesting and weaves lots of funny extra bits into it too). The love story was very tender and one of those were you keep wanting them to just admit their feelings and be together. Sex while some touching happens all sex is off page. Lastly, on the good/great side, I have to give props to the many nerd/geek/sci-fi touches, lots of tees with Doctor Who, Star Wars, etc. and references to horror movies like Fright Night--lots of fun. On the negative side...There were some things that prosthetics just can't do. I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything in the story but someone missing an arm can't effectively shoot and reload a rifle, play the type of sport mentioned, or carry a person cradled like a baby across a field. Perhaps this is supposed to be set in a near future when the technology and abilities are increased but it sometimes threw me out of the story with the strain on believably. The major thing that almost made me lose a lot of respect for the story was how a non-vampire person could sustain what was a very, very serious injury and then hop our of a hospital bed a few hours later for a major throwdown. Just. Would. Not. Happen. But I just took a deep breath and decided to overlook it for what was otherwise a great story. The ending was very satisfying with all the nice milestones of senior year and some nice tying up of all major plot lines and themes. Excellent for teens and adults. I read on KU but will probably buy to have for future rereads. Glad to have discovered a new author such a gift for storytelling!
November 30, 2016
This was entertaining and cute. I love Emery and Connor they are perfect together. Two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and fit together. Connor is the sweet loyal one that is secretly harboring a crush on his friend. He is smart and always there for Emery. When Emery turns Connor is the one who figures it out and helps him through it. When he is in trouble Connor doesn’t leave Emery’s side. Connor is also the one with the witty snarky comebacks. He keeps Emery smiling and knowing that someone is there no matter what.
Emery is the one always with a smile and there for his friends. He is kind and loyal but does have his life turn upside down. When murders hit this town, emery’s life changes. He is now turned and has those who murdered after him. He didn’t ask for this but was thrust into it. As Connor helps him adjust, Emery begins to see Connor in a different light. Connor becomes more. More than a friend but Emery doesn’t see it. Not until it is pointed out to him. than he struggles with his feelings because he isn’t sure how connor feels. It’s their friends who straighten them out. And that was a hoot to see.
Connor and Emery are just so so adorable. They have each others backs and never leave each other’s sides. They are kind and caring. Each wanting the best for the other. Seeing Connor put his life on the line for Emery was so touching and watching Emery come to terms with his feelings and openly show Connor acceptance was awesome.
The story is fun, adventurous and enchanting. We see Connor and Emery come together and be more to each other. Emery and his friends (who are a hoot) help to stop a group of vampire hunters and the acceptance of Emery’s friends for his new situation was awesome. We see a old vampire who is fun and caring and has morals be there for Connor and Emery and become family to them. We see a vampire hunter protect a vampire and help solve the mystery of who killed and why. The romance was wonderful to see and seeing Emery and Connor become more was great. A fun entertaining sweet book with characters who endear you to them.
Emery is the one always with a smile and there for his friends. He is kind and loyal but does have his life turn upside down. When murders hit this town, emery’s life changes. He is now turned and has those who murdered after him. He didn’t ask for this but was thrust into it. As Connor helps him adjust, Emery begins to see Connor in a different light. Connor becomes more. More than a friend but Emery doesn’t see it. Not until it is pointed out to him. than he struggles with his feelings because he isn’t sure how connor feels. It’s their friends who straighten them out. And that was a hoot to see.
Connor and Emery are just so so adorable. They have each others backs and never leave each other’s sides. They are kind and caring. Each wanting the best for the other. Seeing Connor put his life on the line for Emery was so touching and watching Emery come to terms with his feelings and openly show Connor acceptance was awesome.
The story is fun, adventurous and enchanting. We see Connor and Emery come together and be more to each other. Emery and his friends (who are a hoot) help to stop a group of vampire hunters and the acceptance of Emery’s friends for his new situation was awesome. We see a old vampire who is fun and caring and has morals be there for Connor and Emery and become family to them. We see a vampire hunter protect a vampire and help solve the mystery of who killed and why. The romance was wonderful to see and seeing Emery and Connor become more was great. A fun entertaining sweet book with characters who endear you to them.
December 13, 2018
It’s a really good YA M/M romance with no physical intimacy details(or clean as some like to call it). Someone looking for non-erotic romances, this is one of those. The story was super cute and the characters were awesome.
February 12, 2017
Great characters, adventure and live story
I really enjoyed this adventurous vampire tale so rooted in the good nature of people. The two best friends, Emory and Connor, were both strong, smart and creative guys who you can't wait to find their way to a happy ending.
I really enjoyed this adventurous vampire tale so rooted in the good nature of people. The two best friends, Emory and Connor, were both strong, smart and creative guys who you can't wait to find their way to a happy ending.
May 1, 2020
This started strong, but ultimately did not deliver. It was way too long and by the end became a chore to finish. The MCs were over 18, but other than few chaste kisses, the author avoided describing physical expressions of love. This was annoying because the author was perfectly fine writing about violence and teenagers using weapons. So I don't think this was about YA sensibilities, but a weird choice that it was ok to depict violence but not sex. I'm tired of that BS. To be clear, I don't expect steam in a YA book, I just don't like that weird violence is ok but sex isn't deal. And while I don't expect steam in YA books, I do expect feels, but that was lacking too. Also, the book was extremely thin on providing any vampire lore/world building, which was a boring choice and left the reader with lots of questions. Overall, it all made for a disappointing reading experience.
October 25, 2016
I'm pretty much in love with this book. It's wonderful and heartwarming and altogether completely charming. I loved the characters, the fact that no less than two characters had prosthetic limbs and one of the two was a main character. The teen romance was so cute. The Prom thing was adorable and perfect and made me so happy. By the end everything gets tied up properly and I feel good about where it leaves off. It gives a hopeful feeling that is very appropriate given the main characters are just teenagers and just starting their lives in the world. I just could not possibly be happier with this book.
October 6, 2016
Excellent YA novel! Just the right amount of romance sprinkled in between terror and teen angst. Interesting enough to pull me completely in and block the outside world. Mesmerizing, even. Characters I adored quickly, in situations I remember for my own teen angst years. Well, minus the vamps, of course.
As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I give this one a full five stars. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me forget where I was. I'll be recommending this to my younger friends as well as some of the other adults I know enjoy YA novels.
As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I give this one a full five stars. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me forget where I was. I'll be recommending this to my younger friends as well as some of the other adults I know enjoy YA novels.
November 8, 2016
KU
Normally I don't read YA but since I love this author I gave it a try and I wasn't disappointed. Fantastic characters and story and I'll probably be reading it again.
Normally I don't read YA but since I love this author I gave it a try and I wasn't disappointed. Fantastic characters and story and I'll probably be reading it again.
March 7, 2019
Thats not a romance. Started to lust after Connor just because of his blood. If hadnt turned they never wouldve been a couple. Ems feelings arent believable. Dnf70%
July 9, 2021
Not very deep, just a cute story which at times had warmth which I enjoyed. Not to mention the vampires.
April 26, 2020
Life as a Teenage Vampire
By Amanda Meuwissen
Published by the author, 2016
Five stars
A fantastic book. I loved every moment of it. Here’s why: I’m almost 65, but when I read this, I was seventeen again, back in boarding school, and feeling like I’d stumbled into my fantasy world. In middle school I was a “Dark Shadows” fan. I read Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” I watched Bela Lugosi’s 1933 film on television. I was obsessed. In 1988 I created what might be the first modern gay vampire, Desmond Beckwith, in a book that wasn’t published until a decade later by Alyson Books. I created Desmond in response to Anne Rice’s vampire books. I yearned for a vampire who wasn’t a monster, who didn’t kill, who only wanted what other people wanted: to live a happy life and love someone special. Amanda Meuwissen has made my long-ago teenager happy.
Emery Mavus and Connor Daniels have been best friends since they were “in diapers.” For the past several years, Connor has been keeping a secret; not that he’s gay, which everybody knows, but that he’s been in love with Emery for a long time. All through high school Connor has watched his best friend date girls and has held onto his secret.
Then, two months before graduation, Emery is turned into a vampire, and (as one might expect) his and Connor’s whole world is tipped upside down. What Amanda Meuwissen does with such humor and affection is to make this not just about the two boys, but about their entire community as well. When murder, vampire hunters, and an ancient vampire named Alec become part of your life, everything begins to look different – including the friend you’ve known forever.
To tell too much more would be to spoil the delight of reading this story. Suffice it to say that I loved Emery and Connor more than I can say. I love the way Meuwissen has taken vampire lore and given it new interest. The normal angst of teenage life is mixed with the boys’ fear for each other’s lives; but it is their friends – Jules and Aurora and Michael and Nick – who become the support team as the senior prom looms ever larger and the outside danger draws closer. The author surprises us in lots of little ways, setting up typical high-school tropes only to knock them down. She also gives us a whole range of adults – parents and teachers – who are interesting and supportive and loving. Of course, they have to be kept in the dark by the kids, but it is done in an effort to maintain an illusion of normality and to protect them from things better left unknown.
In a world where the gay kids are OK, being a vampire becomes the metaphor for the outsider looking for justice. It is a smart, contemporary shift, and simultaneously makes the narrative both surreal and emotionally hefty.
In the end, “Life as a Teenage Vampire” is a teen romance, but it’s something I couldn’t have even imagined when I was a teenager and needed one so desperately.
By Amanda Meuwissen
Published by the author, 2016
Five stars
A fantastic book. I loved every moment of it. Here’s why: I’m almost 65, but when I read this, I was seventeen again, back in boarding school, and feeling like I’d stumbled into my fantasy world. In middle school I was a “Dark Shadows” fan. I read Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” I watched Bela Lugosi’s 1933 film on television. I was obsessed. In 1988 I created what might be the first modern gay vampire, Desmond Beckwith, in a book that wasn’t published until a decade later by Alyson Books. I created Desmond in response to Anne Rice’s vampire books. I yearned for a vampire who wasn’t a monster, who didn’t kill, who only wanted what other people wanted: to live a happy life and love someone special. Amanda Meuwissen has made my long-ago teenager happy.
Emery Mavus and Connor Daniels have been best friends since they were “in diapers.” For the past several years, Connor has been keeping a secret; not that he’s gay, which everybody knows, but that he’s been in love with Emery for a long time. All through high school Connor has watched his best friend date girls and has held onto his secret.
Then, two months before graduation, Emery is turned into a vampire, and (as one might expect) his and Connor’s whole world is tipped upside down. What Amanda Meuwissen does with such humor and affection is to make this not just about the two boys, but about their entire community as well. When murder, vampire hunters, and an ancient vampire named Alec become part of your life, everything begins to look different – including the friend you’ve known forever.
To tell too much more would be to spoil the delight of reading this story. Suffice it to say that I loved Emery and Connor more than I can say. I love the way Meuwissen has taken vampire lore and given it new interest. The normal angst of teenage life is mixed with the boys’ fear for each other’s lives; but it is their friends – Jules and Aurora and Michael and Nick – who become the support team as the senior prom looms ever larger and the outside danger draws closer. The author surprises us in lots of little ways, setting up typical high-school tropes only to knock them down. She also gives us a whole range of adults – parents and teachers – who are interesting and supportive and loving. Of course, they have to be kept in the dark by the kids, but it is done in an effort to maintain an illusion of normality and to protect them from things better left unknown.
In a world where the gay kids are OK, being a vampire becomes the metaphor for the outsider looking for justice. It is a smart, contemporary shift, and simultaneously makes the narrative both surreal and emotionally hefty.
In the end, “Life as a Teenage Vampire” is a teen romance, but it’s something I couldn’t have even imagined when I was a teenager and needed one so desperately.
January 7, 2023
Emery and Conner are best friends and have been ever since they were kids. They live next door to each other and go to school together, the life of normal teenagers right? Until Emery's bitten and turns into a vampire, that makes things become less normal for both of these guys.
Connor has been in love with Em for as long as he can remember, he's never said anything to his best friend in fear Em won't feel the same. However, when Emery gets turned into a vampire and needs blood, these boys start spending even more time together than usual. Over that time Em realizes what he feels for Conner isn't blood lust, it's him being interested in his best friend.
They have to overcome murders, a mysterious vampire, a awesome lady hunter who turns out to be friendly, a murderous vampire framing Emery, hunters who are determined to kill every vampire that exists, and having to deal with high school. Will these boys ever get their chance to admit how they feel?
Yes! They do, and it was so sweet. These two boys are so great together, the banter and closeness along with the protectiveness and loyalty these two have was just incredible to read. Their other friends in this story were amazing as well, they have each other's backs and that's what a true friendship is. The background was great, there was a ton of detail over the course of this story, loads of action and mystery, and of course romance.
I do have to say this story doesn't focus heavily on the romance, it's more about the murders and hunters than it is about Conner and Emery becoming a couple. The pacing is a bit back and forth and times but overall it's a really great read.
One of my favorite vampire books right now.
Heat level is about a 3.5? There's scenes where they are making out but nothing to explicit. I really recommend this!
Connor has been in love with Em for as long as he can remember, he's never said anything to his best friend in fear Em won't feel the same. However, when Emery gets turned into a vampire and needs blood, these boys start spending even more time together than usual. Over that time Em realizes what he feels for Conner isn't blood lust, it's him being interested in his best friend.
They have to overcome murders, a mysterious vampire, a awesome lady hunter who turns out to be friendly, a murderous vampire framing Emery, hunters who are determined to kill every vampire that exists, and having to deal with high school. Will these boys ever get their chance to admit how they feel?
Yes! They do, and it was so sweet. These two boys are so great together, the banter and closeness along with the protectiveness and loyalty these two have was just incredible to read. Their other friends in this story were amazing as well, they have each other's backs and that's what a true friendship is. The background was great, there was a ton of detail over the course of this story, loads of action and mystery, and of course romance.
I do have to say this story doesn't focus heavily on the romance, it's more about the murders and hunters than it is about Conner and Emery becoming a couple. The pacing is a bit back and forth and times but overall it's a really great read.
One of my favorite vampire books right now.
Heat level is about a 3.5? There's scenes where they are making out but nothing to explicit. I really recommend this!
July 28, 2022
Emery and Connor are ready for their senior year of school to be over. When Emery is attacked by an adult in his life and wakes up twenty-four hours later in a closet with a dead body in the house's foyer, he doesn't trust his memories of what happened. He tells his best friend Connor what happened, and Connor deduces that he got turned into a Vampire. Now Emery is dealing with an eccentric vampire mentor and a crazy group of vampire hunters, and he can't handle the attraction he is starting to feel for Connor.
Poor Emery had situation after situation thrown at him, and while he handled them reasonably well, it helped that Connor was with him every step of the way. I enjoyed watching both Emery and Connor learn about the paranormal world surrounding them while also trying to have an everyday teenage life.
Poor Emery had situation after situation thrown at him, and while he handled them reasonably well, it helped that Connor was with him every step of the way. I enjoyed watching both Emery and Connor learn about the paranormal world surrounding them while also trying to have an everyday teenage life.
September 20, 2023
i wish this had taken a funnier, campier route like teen wolf :( it was good and i thought all the friendships were cute but i guess i was looking for something funny and lighthearted and didnt feel like i got it. i guess its very much giving teen wolf season 6 while i was hoping for teen wolf season 1-2. dont get me wrong i still thought it was cute, but i guess i just had random expectations that were unnecessary.
December 20, 2021
I really enjoyed the friendships that were featured in this book. There was a bit of a slow moment 1/3 of the way in, but I pressed on and found myself reinvested pretty quickly. And, of course, Connor and Em were fantastic leads to keep me hooked and desperate for a happy ending. I would love the author to write more with these two, but this book ended with a finish that left me content.
January 8, 2022
just okay
It was not bad, but I found myself skimming through too often towards the end. It got a bit boring.
I felt like justice was not given. Bane should have been slowly and painfully killed. We didn’t at least get to see him suffer the consequences of what he orchestrated. We just know he left with Eli so the hunters to keep an eye on him and keep him in check. Ugh!
It was not bad, but I found myself skimming through too often towards the end. It got a bit boring.
I felt like justice was not given. Bane should have been slowly and painfully killed. We didn’t at least get to see him suffer the consequences of what he orchestrated. We just know he left with Eli so the hunters to keep an eye on him and keep him in check. Ugh!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews