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Escaping the Vampire: Desperate for the Immortal Hero
Since 2005, the wildly popular Twilight saga has sold more than 42 million copies—20 million in 2008 alone—with translations into 37 different languages around the globe. Millions of teen girls are fanatical about these books. Vampire lit is hot. But why is that? Kimberly Powers knows that at the core of every young woman’s heart is a longing to be truly, madly, deeply loved. And that’s what’s so compelling about the Bella/Edward story—the fantasy of a hero who is eternally attracted, fiercely protective, and passionately committed. Powers taps into this, using the vampire allusion to help girls explore what it is about the story that has captured their hearts. Weaving vampire lore with biblical truths and real-life stories, she helps girls move beyond the fantasy to discovery of the true Lover of their soul.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2009
16 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 22, 2016
I loved this book! It was very eye-opening and I think more girls ought to read it.
July 20, 2019
Overall I think this was an eye opening book. The author takes details and themes from Twilight and examines them through a Christian perspective. A lot of these details are so minor that you wouldn’t think much of it when reading the books, the author shows how much of an impact it made. The author also doesn’t throw hate at Twilight, she just examines Twilight and then explains how a relationship with Christ would be so much better. Overall this a solid book and I would definitely recommend.
June 15, 2023
This book was written with the Twilight generation of teenage girls in mind; however, its truths speak to women of all ages.
Who hasn't felt insecure, unloved, or peer-pressured? Escaping The Vampire gives Biblical ways of coping by concentrating on the love of the Immortal Hero Who literally gave His life for you.
Who hasn't felt insecure, unloved, or peer-pressured? Escaping The Vampire gives Biblical ways of coping by concentrating on the love of the Immortal Hero Who literally gave His life for you.
August 10, 2018
A very very good read.
Read
March 30, 2010A review by Adam B.R. Clarke
When I was first asked to read over Escaping the Vampire by Kimberly Powers, I will say that I was excited. Right away, the connection to Twilight was unmistakable, the font type, the image bearing likeness to the forbidden fruit on the cover of the hugely popular series (hands holding a snow white rose). Being a fan of the relevance of Twilight, and
the influence it has had on the generation at large, I was ready to jump in and read it.
It took me two days.
However, after reading it through twice, I felt a little let down and disappointed. It was not in the content or the message the book sends to teen girls, but by the tie-ins to Twilight. They were present – and plenty – but there was a stronger push by the author for teens to watch out for the “Ultimate Vampire” or Satan. Although this is a strong statement and worthy of every tween and teen alike to take seriously, the original feeling and desire of the Twilight connection caused the message to be glanced over, as the reader constantly looks for the next quote about Edward and Bella.
Now that the misconceptions of this book are out in the open, the content becomes clear. This happened for me during the second read once I got rid of my Twilight bias. For Powers, the Twilight series is such a hit with young teens because it is a love story, and every girl longs for the type of love Edward has and shows to Bella.
A love that is attentive, protective, fought for, and to be desired.
Many of these qualities are not easy to fault a girl for, so why do many youth workers dismiss Edward as a tool? Too many times I have heard and witnessed leaders who, when asked by their youth why they should not read Twilight, have been told that “Itʼs bad …or evil …about vampires, who are evil.” I think that these misconceptions and default answers are why youth leaders need a book like this on their shelf: To allow them the ability to be culturally relevant.
If we cannot meet our youth in what penetrates their world, and have quality communication with them about the content, underlying themes, and the qualities that make the characters we love endearing, then we have lost some respect in their eyes.
That was one of the qualities of Kimberly Powersʼ book that I enjoyed. It was the ability to see connections and lessons that can come from popular culture.
Powers points the reader in to a strong conclusion – Satanʼs lies in our life are based on our selfish twisted desires of destruction. Too many times are young teens swayed by author, and therefore, buy into what society tells them is acceptable, and then try everything in their power to attain it. Such thinking is a bold-faced lie by Satan. Once attaining that goal becomes unsuccessful, they settle for a substitute: A form of enticement that they have been tempted with to ease the pain (i.e. cutting, eating disorders, anything that can lead to deeper pain and destruction). Satan is a masterful liar, as mentioned in Genesis 3, and there is only one true way out and that is not in the Escaping the Vampire – Kimberly Powers arms of Edward, but in the arms of the “Ultimate Hero” – God. The truth of Godʼs Word contrasts Satanʼs lies and can establish strength in the shadow of destruction.
As a resource that entices and draws on strong parallels to Twilight, I would give the book a “D+” but, for a resource that points young girls towards valuable life lessons through the truth of Godʼs Word and Godly women of faith, I would give it a strong “B.”
Worth the read, but probably not a permanent place on youth workerʼs shelf.
When I was first asked to read over Escaping the Vampire by Kimberly Powers, I will say that I was excited. Right away, the connection to Twilight was unmistakable, the font type, the image bearing likeness to the forbidden fruit on the cover of the hugely popular series (hands holding a snow white rose). Being a fan of the relevance of Twilight, and
the influence it has had on the generation at large, I was ready to jump in and read it.
It took me two days.
However, after reading it through twice, I felt a little let down and disappointed. It was not in the content or the message the book sends to teen girls, but by the tie-ins to Twilight. They were present – and plenty – but there was a stronger push by the author for teens to watch out for the “Ultimate Vampire” or Satan. Although this is a strong statement and worthy of every tween and teen alike to take seriously, the original feeling and desire of the Twilight connection caused the message to be glanced over, as the reader constantly looks for the next quote about Edward and Bella.
Now that the misconceptions of this book are out in the open, the content becomes clear. This happened for me during the second read once I got rid of my Twilight bias. For Powers, the Twilight series is such a hit with young teens because it is a love story, and every girl longs for the type of love Edward has and shows to Bella.
A love that is attentive, protective, fought for, and to be desired.
Many of these qualities are not easy to fault a girl for, so why do many youth workers dismiss Edward as a tool? Too many times I have heard and witnessed leaders who, when asked by their youth why they should not read Twilight, have been told that “Itʼs bad …or evil …about vampires, who are evil.” I think that these misconceptions and default answers are why youth leaders need a book like this on their shelf: To allow them the ability to be culturally relevant.
If we cannot meet our youth in what penetrates their world, and have quality communication with them about the content, underlying themes, and the qualities that make the characters we love endearing, then we have lost some respect in their eyes.
That was one of the qualities of Kimberly Powersʼ book that I enjoyed. It was the ability to see connections and lessons that can come from popular culture.
Powers points the reader in to a strong conclusion – Satanʼs lies in our life are based on our selfish twisted desires of destruction. Too many times are young teens swayed by author, and therefore, buy into what society tells them is acceptable, and then try everything in their power to attain it. Such thinking is a bold-faced lie by Satan. Once attaining that goal becomes unsuccessful, they settle for a substitute: A form of enticement that they have been tempted with to ease the pain (i.e. cutting, eating disorders, anything that can lead to deeper pain and destruction). Satan is a masterful liar, as mentioned in Genesis 3, and there is only one true way out and that is not in the Escaping the Vampire – Kimberly Powers arms of Edward, but in the arms of the “Ultimate Hero” – God. The truth of Godʼs Word contrasts Satanʼs lies and can establish strength in the shadow of destruction.
As a resource that entices and draws on strong parallels to Twilight, I would give the book a “D+” but, for a resource that points young girls towards valuable life lessons through the truth of Godʼs Word and Godly women of faith, I would give it a strong “B.”
Worth the read, but probably not a permanent place on youth workerʼs shelf.
February 28, 2013
It really is better than a 3 star book...it's just that I'm already there! This book is great for a teen girl that is struggling with who she is; looking for someone to love and someone to love her. This is for the girls who are so caught up in Edward (which...by the way, I loved the book but I also have a loving husband, and Edward is F.A.K.E.!)that they shun the rest of the world, or compare all the guys out there to Edward. While she was spot on as to why I may have enjoyed the books...and the allure of being a vampire..the rest of the book is GREAT...for teenage girls (or older gals who haven't found true love yet).
I do like that she's there and willing to talk to these girls. I think it would be a hard thing to compare the rest of the world to "noble", "vegetarian", nice vampires who are super good looking, super strong, and when they love...they love with great protection! But...BUT! The author does a wonderful job explaining that there is another out there who will love these girls (and everyone) better than Edward EVER could! God is out there...He is noble, He is nice, He loves with no end, His protection is farther reaching that one can possibly imagine. THIS is who girls (and women, boys and men) should hunger for!
The stories of some of the individuals are touching. The point of the book is to stop putting your faith in something that isn't real...let your hear hunger, want, need...but for the right person..the Lord!
I do like that she's there and willing to talk to these girls. I think it would be a hard thing to compare the rest of the world to "noble", "vegetarian", nice vampires who are super good looking, super strong, and when they love...they love with great protection! But...BUT! The author does a wonderful job explaining that there is another out there who will love these girls (and everyone) better than Edward EVER could! God is out there...He is noble, He is nice, He loves with no end, His protection is farther reaching that one can possibly imagine. THIS is who girls (and women, boys and men) should hunger for!
The stories of some of the individuals are touching. The point of the book is to stop putting your faith in something that isn't real...let your hear hunger, want, need...but for the right person..the Lord!
July 11, 2013
This is a great book for teens who are seeking for the right kind of relationships they want to make. I wanted it to tell me why I am so fascinated with Vampires only to have it tell me what I already knew. Kimberly Powers compares the powerful mysterious creature to that of the bad boy we sometimes fall for because we are missing God's love from our lives. God is also powerful and mysterious which she explains why we are so enraptured by the blood suckers. This makes sense and I'll admit that it may partially fill my cup. What the book did not tell me, was that my fascination with Vampires leans more towards the story of the redeemable villain; a human who is still able to do good and believe in a merciful higher power that will grant them forgiveness in the end in spite of what they've done.
June 15, 2013
It's clearly meant for young girls; which, I am not. I also did not fall into the Twilight craziness that most women & girls did. Barring those "obstacles", I think it's a sweet book that has the potential to speak to tweens and teens about their identity in Christ. I wouldn't say it's a life changer, but it's definitely a good start!
January 12, 2010
I would recommend this for mothers of teenage girls.
Want to read
February 14, 2013It is a freebie and I am curious. I think the next in the series will be escaping the zombies. ;p
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews