What do you think?
Vampire Innocent #4
The Last Family Road Trip
The universe holds various immutable death, gravity, taxes… and the Wright family road trip.After a couple months as a vampire, Sarah’s mostly adjusted to her new unlife. Despite being eighteen and immortal, she embraces staying at home. Her almost demise makes her quite aware that her family won’t be around forever. She only needs to keep her supernatural and normal lives separate.Yeah… that’ll happen.Every summer, Dad plans a vacation-by-car somewhere across the country. Lameness has increased each year, but Sarah blames that on growing older. She thought dying might get her out of going, but her father’s not about to let something that trivial put an end to the tradition. After renting an RV and tinting the back windows, he’s confident he can bring the whole family along.Of course, as a vampire, Sarah can’t seem to go anywhere without attracting the weird.… and the deadly.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
222 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2018
About the author
Matthew S. Cox
457 books265 followersBorn in a little town known as South Amboy NJ in 1973, Matthew has been creating science fiction and fantasy worlds for most of his reasoning life. Somewhere between fifteen to eighteen of them spent developing the world in which Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, and The Awakened Series take place. He has several other projects in the works as well as a collaborative science fiction endeavor with author Tony Healey.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 27, 2020
The Last Family Road Trip
A road trip vacation turned into something more deadly as our fun loving vampire attracts trouble like a magnet! This tale was full of adventure, danger and a bit of mystery was some interesting new creatures introduced as well.
A road trip vacation turned into something more deadly as our fun loving vampire attracts trouble like a magnet! This tale was full of adventure, danger and a bit of mystery was some interesting new creatures introduced as well.
February 17, 2020
How do I put this ,WOW !! Each book in the Vampire series get better and better as I keep reading. I feel that Matthew Cox puts all of himself into each book. The thoughts and imagination to write each of them is amazing. I'm loving this series and ready for the next one. But be sure to read the series in order, and hang on, your going on a wild ride, and it's worth it
November 19, 2018
Sarah
I really enjoyed all 4 books, I'm hoping Sarah's story keeps going. She's a spunky little thing and I think she has a lot more to tell!
I really enjoyed all 4 books, I'm hoping Sarah's story keeps going. She's a spunky little thing and I think she has a lot more to tell!
February 29, 2020
Another fantastic installment to a fantastic series. I plan to read many more books by this author
August 16, 2018
I love this series. It seems like it has the potential to become a huge world, too.
I missed some of the characters from the other three books while reading this one, but I thought the trade-off was worth it to expand Sarah's world-view and knowledge of the magical world in which she now takes part.
I love her interactions with all of her family members, and the fact that they're all such a big part of the story is one of my favorite things about this series. I do find myself wondering what the hell is going on in Sam's head, though(the rest of them seem fairly open about who they are and what they think).
Can't wait for the fifth Vampire Innocent book!
I missed some of the characters from the other three books while reading this one, but I thought the trade-off was worth it to expand Sarah's world-view and knowledge of the magical world in which she now takes part.
I love her interactions with all of her family members, and the fact that they're all such a big part of the story is one of my favorite things about this series. I do find myself wondering what the hell is going on in Sam's head, though(the rest of them seem fairly open about who they are and what they think).
Can't wait for the fifth Vampire Innocent book!
August 23, 2019
Cox blends coming-of-age tropes with the unique challenges of ethical vampirism to create a fresh and engaging tale that also evokes the joy of classic 80’s horror.
This novel is like totally the fourth in Cox’s Vampire Innocent series. Hashtag Spoilers.
The constraints of life as a vampire—even one who can tolerate some exposure to weak sunlight—make sightseeing with family next to impossible. However, after months as a vampire, Sarah is even more determined not to waste what time she has left with her family. So, when her dad says he has a plan for the annual family road trip that will work around her new condition, she agrees to go. After all, anyone who wants to harm her or her family will be left behind and there’s no reason anyone will even notice she’s a vampire while she’s there.
From the moment Sarah’s dad announces his plan to make this year’s holiday a camping trip to some famous caves so Sarah can join in without having to worry about the sun, the plot unfolds with a grim sense of inevitability.
However, this looming dread is leavened with Cox’s usual humour: from the RV converted into a mobile haven to the two teenage vampire-hunting brothers, this novel is salted with homages to classic vampire films; an echoing that is converted from just pleasing Easter eggs or counterbalancing moments of lightness into another layer of plot by Sarah’s own awareness of at least some of these films.
Cox weaves a thread of character-based struggle through the recognisable imagery, providing more horror and comedy that both enhances and subverts the reader’s expectations.
As with the previous volumes, this book brings a new form of vampire to the fore: however, unlike previously, the description of the type comes almost solely from Sarah’s memories of what another vampire mentioned in passing, a few brief conversations, and Sarah’s commentary that they aren’t what she expected. As such, while readers are likely to accept the vampire is a threat, they might not truly feel it or understand the extent of the type’s powers or weaknesses in the way that was clear for those encountered in earlier books.
Cox also reveals more of the non-vampire metaphysics of his universe. Although the existence of other supernatural beings and mystical powers fits with—or is even made almost a requirement by—the ghosts in The Artist of Ruin, it does dilute the binary between vampire and human, weakening the sense that Sarah is intrinsically rather than merely functionally separated from her family and friends.
Sarah remains a sympathetic protagonist, displaying the constant mix of fear and self-focus that characterises someone on the cusp of adulthood without indulging in the vacillation and angst that some teenage protagonists do. This sense of genuine emotional struggle rather than stereotypical overreacting is enhanced by the nature of some of her doubts: people have previously threatened her family, so choosing to go into strange territory is a balancing act between losing access to her vampire allies and not being in the same place as her enemies. Her struggle between vampire, sibling, teenage child and almost adult is also plausible and engaging, advanced from previous volumes but retaining the fundamental tension between abandoning one’s family and being stifled by a role that no longer fits.
With the plot centring around a road trip, Sarah’s family have a greater page time, revealing nuances and subtle contradictions of personality that give them an even stronger sense of being the protagonists in their own narratives, thus making Sarah’s struggle to be herself without sacrificing her ties to her family even more emotive.
Although Cox’s supporting cast will be recognisable to readers familiar with the Lost Boys and similar films, the images are mixed with fresh nuances, making them a comforting echo rather than a caricature.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking vampire fiction that neither casts the vampire as a monster nor a charismatic millionaire looking for their eternal bride.
I obtained a free copy of this book from the author by using meaningful stares and stylised lighting, scored with saxophone-driven rock.
This novel is like totally the fourth in Cox’s Vampire Innocent series. Hashtag Spoilers.
The constraints of life as a vampire—even one who can tolerate some exposure to weak sunlight—make sightseeing with family next to impossible. However, after months as a vampire, Sarah is even more determined not to waste what time she has left with her family. So, when her dad says he has a plan for the annual family road trip that will work around her new condition, she agrees to go. After all, anyone who wants to harm her or her family will be left behind and there’s no reason anyone will even notice she’s a vampire while she’s there.
From the moment Sarah’s dad announces his plan to make this year’s holiday a camping trip to some famous caves so Sarah can join in without having to worry about the sun, the plot unfolds with a grim sense of inevitability.
However, this looming dread is leavened with Cox’s usual humour: from the RV converted into a mobile haven to the two teenage vampire-hunting brothers, this novel is salted with homages to classic vampire films; an echoing that is converted from just pleasing Easter eggs or counterbalancing moments of lightness into another layer of plot by Sarah’s own awareness of at least some of these films.
Cox weaves a thread of character-based struggle through the recognisable imagery, providing more horror and comedy that both enhances and subverts the reader’s expectations.
As with the previous volumes, this book brings a new form of vampire to the fore: however, unlike previously, the description of the type comes almost solely from Sarah’s memories of what another vampire mentioned in passing, a few brief conversations, and Sarah’s commentary that they aren’t what she expected. As such, while readers are likely to accept the vampire is a threat, they might not truly feel it or understand the extent of the type’s powers or weaknesses in the way that was clear for those encountered in earlier books.
Cox also reveals more of the non-vampire metaphysics of his universe. Although the existence of other supernatural beings and mystical powers fits with—or is even made almost a requirement by—the ghosts in The Artist of Ruin, it does dilute the binary between vampire and human, weakening the sense that Sarah is intrinsically rather than merely functionally separated from her family and friends.
Sarah remains a sympathetic protagonist, displaying the constant mix of fear and self-focus that characterises someone on the cusp of adulthood without indulging in the vacillation and angst that some teenage protagonists do. This sense of genuine emotional struggle rather than stereotypical overreacting is enhanced by the nature of some of her doubts: people have previously threatened her family, so choosing to go into strange territory is a balancing act between losing access to her vampire allies and not being in the same place as her enemies. Her struggle between vampire, sibling, teenage child and almost adult is also plausible and engaging, advanced from previous volumes but retaining the fundamental tension between abandoning one’s family and being stifled by a role that no longer fits.
With the plot centring around a road trip, Sarah’s family have a greater page time, revealing nuances and subtle contradictions of personality that give them an even stronger sense of being the protagonists in their own narratives, thus making Sarah’s struggle to be herself without sacrificing her ties to her family even more emotive.
Although Cox’s supporting cast will be recognisable to readers familiar with the Lost Boys and similar films, the images are mixed with fresh nuances, making them a comforting echo rather than a caricature.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking vampire fiction that neither casts the vampire as a monster nor a charismatic millionaire looking for their eternal bride.
I obtained a free copy of this book from the author by using meaningful stares and stylised lighting, scored with saxophone-driven rock.
February 12, 2020
How do you survive
How do you survive a family vacation, stuck in a car when your an 18yo vampire. Avoid sunlight, vampire hunters, and other monsters if at all possible.
How do you survive a family vacation, stuck in a car when your an 18yo vampire. Avoid sunlight, vampire hunters, and other monsters if at all possible.
November 10, 2019
I still like the writing style of the author. It's almost like he's there in the same room just telling you a story rather than having someone just read you the story. Kind of hard to define, I guess, but I like his writing style a lot.
Sarah and her family on going on a road trip. They have to take extra precautions to prevent Sarah from becoming a crispy critter due to sunlight. Also, Sarah wants to enjoy the time with her family that she can since she won't age but they will and eventually she'll outlive all of them (barring sunlight, etc.)
So, they go to a place that has some interesting caverns. The place also has a couple boys younger than her who consider themselves vampire hunters. That wouldn't be so bad except for the portal they end up going through, the monsters they find there and the question of whether or not any of them will survive long enough to return to their own world and that's assuming they can find the way back home.
I enjoyed the story a lot.
Sarah and her family on going on a road trip. They have to take extra precautions to prevent Sarah from becoming a crispy critter due to sunlight. Also, Sarah wants to enjoy the time with her family that she can since she won't age but they will and eventually she'll outlive all of them (barring sunlight, etc.)
So, they go to a place that has some interesting caverns. The place also has a couple boys younger than her who consider themselves vampire hunters. That wouldn't be so bad except for the portal they end up going through, the monsters they find there and the question of whether or not any of them will survive long enough to return to their own world and that's assuming they can find the way back home.
I enjoyed the story a lot.
October 25, 2019
I'm a sucker (ha) for baby Vamp stories and this whole series is about a newbie vampire. Four books in and she is only about two months into her unlife. The stories are relatively simple without lots of twists or turns but still I think they are fun. Sarah is talked into going on a family vacation with her living family and of course things don't go smoothly. A 14 year old vampire hunter with a crush, a beast line vampire that is surprisingly civil, a trip to a faye realm and all without cell service! I just wish the rest of the series was out on Audible.
April 1, 2020
Well Now!
A road trip in a RV to a camp site with the family should have been quiet and comfortable for Sarah, but as usual it becomes any thing but. The supernatural seems to find Sarah no matter where she travels along with danger and risks of all kinds. From other vamps to a troll and of course two junior vampire hunters, Sarah must find ways out of the predicaments she gets into. As usual I can't wait till the next book!
A road trip in a RV to a camp site with the family should have been quiet and comfortable for Sarah, but as usual it becomes any thing but. The supernatural seems to find Sarah no matter where she travels along with danger and risks of all kinds. From other vamps to a troll and of course two junior vampire hunters, Sarah must find ways out of the predicaments she gets into. As usual I can't wait till the next book!
August 29, 2020
A fun read, even though it got a little bit way out with a trip to an alternate world. But hey, it's fantasy, so why not a trip into a fairy dimension. The only quibble I have is two of Sarah's new friends just sort of disappear from the story, no real leave taking at the end. Would have expected a bit more of a goodbye as everyone disperses back to their home places.
August 17, 2019
Cute, but entertaining
This is definitely a young adult novel, but this adult enjoyed it. The story was interesting, the premise is different, and I love Sarah's interaction with her family. The adventures are cool. Even a family camping trip has its pitfalls.
This is definitely a young adult novel, but this adult enjoyed it. The story was interesting, the premise is different, and I love Sarah's interaction with her family. The adventures are cool. Even a family camping trip has its pitfalls.
August 19, 2019
Family road trips are a special kind of torture.
This one though full of all the right kind. Guilt driven self sacrifice. Feel good memories. Unexpected dangers arise. Trust built despite preconceived notions. Fun reading experience.
This one though full of all the right kind. Guilt driven self sacrifice. Feel good memories. Unexpected dangers arise. Trust built despite preconceived notions. Fun reading experience.
May 6, 2020
Loving Sarah
The series appealed to me because the family dynamics were warm loving a very real. Sarah is the perfect big sister but she's also a genuinely good person. Loving this series.
The series appealed to me because the family dynamics were warm loving a very real. Sarah is the perfect big sister but she's also a genuinely good person. Loving this series.
July 19, 2019
Vacation While Vampireing
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "A Nighttime Of Forever". The second book is "A Beginner's Guide To Fangs". The third book is "The Artist Of Ruin". This is the fourth book. I can't wait to read "The Phantom Oracle"!Oracle
Sarah is both dreading and looking forward to the annual family roadtrip. It would have been the last one before she left home and went to college. Going she'd be able to spend quality time with her family... But they are always a bit boring. And where would they even go? How will they get her there safely? A RV rental and some darkening film solves the transportation problem and their destination is the Lewis and Clark Caves so everyone packs up and they set out on the road. Will it be as boring as she fears? Or will some supernatural force make it as crazy as everything else has been since she became a vampire? Will things ever feel *normal* again? Why can't she just act her age for once?
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "A Nighttime Of Forever". The second book is "A Beginner's Guide To Fangs". The third book is "The Artist Of Ruin". This is the fourth book. I can't wait to read "The Phantom Oracle"!Oracle
Sarah is both dreading and looking forward to the annual family roadtrip. It would have been the last one before she left home and went to college. Going she'd be able to spend quality time with her family... But they are always a bit boring. And where would they even go? How will they get her there safely? A RV rental and some darkening film solves the transportation problem and their destination is the Lewis and Clark Caves so everyone packs up and they set out on the road. Will it be as boring as she fears? Or will some supernatural force make it as crazy as everything else has been since she became a vampire? Will things ever feel *normal* again? Why can't she just act her age for once?
Read
August 31, 2024I listened to this on audible. The book itself. Amazing. Hilarious snark and come backs that had me cackling. Loved watching the character take in her powers and continue to find herself and her strengths.
What killed it for me was the narrator. Ugh.. it was different from the other two books and she honestly needed a LOT more practice. She consistently chopped sentences in half adding inflexion in the wrong spots and making it seem like all sentences were ending in happy. Fight scenes sounded whiny and most of the young men in the boom and for some reason the middle sister sounded like they were straight out of really bad California Valley girl b movie reel. Hoping she isn't the same author again or I might have to rebuy all these on my kindle which will just be frustrating. Being able to listen to books while stuck in the car keeps sanity at a normal level. Her reading of this book... made me that much crankier.
Read the boom. Dont listen to the audible.
What killed it for me was the narrator. Ugh.. it was different from the other two books and she honestly needed a LOT more practice. She consistently chopped sentences in half adding inflexion in the wrong spots and making it seem like all sentences were ending in happy. Fight scenes sounded whiny and most of the young men in the boom and for some reason the middle sister sounded like they were straight out of really bad California Valley girl b movie reel. Hoping she isn't the same author again or I might have to rebuy all these on my kindle which will just be frustrating. Being able to listen to books while stuck in the car keeps sanity at a normal level. Her reading of this book... made me that much crankier.
Read the boom. Dont listen to the audible.
November 1, 2023
I've been reading the series as an audiobook. The first three books were great, as the main character, though a teenage girl was a bit older than her years and all the teen drama was spoken of with an ironic tone of voice that made it sound intentially funny. The narrator changed for book 4 and suddenly, the main character really does feel like an angsty, slightly obnoxious teen. Not a bad story, but the number of supernatural elements is growing and not in a good way...
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews