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Vampire Kisses #1-3
Vampire Kisses: The Beginning
A new guy in town. Rumors of vampires. Dangerous first love. This is where it all begins. . . . The mansion on top of Benson Hill has stood empty for years. But one day it seems to be occupied, and its mysterious, handsome inhabitant Alexander Sterling becomes the source of much talk around town. Raven, a vampire-obsessed Goth-girl who has always considered herself an outsider in "Dullsville," is determined to uncover the truth surrounding the secretive Alexander. As she gets to know him, and their spark intensifies, Raven finds herself in some unanticipated situations. Can Alexander make her lifelong dream come true? But love always has its complications—especially when it can only be awakened at nightfall. The first three books in Ellen Schreiber's bestselling Vampire Kisses series capture the thrill of a most unusual romance.
562 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
224 people are currently reading
12984 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Schreiber
53 books4,201 followersBefore I took pen to paper, I was an actress. I attended a local university majoring in theatre and spent a summer in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts where I learned about the “Old Bard” from amazingly talented teachers.
When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies and dramas--I even sang and danced on a cruise boat--without falling in Lake Michigan! A classmate of mine from Second City and I created and performed a two woman show for a year before I braved it alone doing stand-up comedy. It was during this time I began to write an adult novel about a rock star--I had always enjoyed writing...
Fast forward a couple of years along with a move home where I was performing “stand-up” at comedy clubs in the area. On a plane to LA to decide my fate-- “to move to LA or not to move to LA” that is the question, my big bro, Mark, coincidentally with the same last name as mine (author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE and STARCROSSED) handed me a young adult book he found at the library he thought I’d like to read during the flight.
As I read the book, I thought, ‘I can do this!’
I returned from LA, and instead of moving there, I wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
Mark, my writing mentor, edited JL for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium--Facet--and they published it! In Dutch!
I was now on a new life path!
In 2001 HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only was HarperCollins going to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, but it was in a language I could read and book stores I could walk into! HarperCollins also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.
It was a dream come true!
Since beginning my new life path, VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN have been published by Facet in Belgium and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.
Then my fabulous editor at HarperCollins asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES!
HarperCollins published VAMPIRE KISSES 2--KISSING COFFINS and now the soon to be released VAMPIRE KISSES 3--VAMPIREVILLE. I am currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I'm not writing about the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and attempting to gain control of the remote from my boyfriend.
When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies and dramas--I even sang and danced on a cruise boat--without falling in Lake Michigan! A classmate of mine from Second City and I created and performed a two woman show for a year before I braved it alone doing stand-up comedy. It was during this time I began to write an adult novel about a rock star--I had always enjoyed writing...
Fast forward a couple of years along with a move home where I was performing “stand-up” at comedy clubs in the area. On a plane to LA to decide my fate-- “to move to LA or not to move to LA” that is the question, my big bro, Mark, coincidentally with the same last name as mine (author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE and STARCROSSED) handed me a young adult book he found at the library he thought I’d like to read during the flight.
As I read the book, I thought, ‘I can do this!’
I returned from LA, and instead of moving there, I wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
Mark, my writing mentor, edited JL for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium--Facet--and they published it! In Dutch!
I was now on a new life path!
In 2001 HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only was HarperCollins going to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, but it was in a language I could read and book stores I could walk into! HarperCollins also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.
It was a dream come true!
Since beginning my new life path, VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN have been published by Facet in Belgium and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.
Then my fabulous editor at HarperCollins asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES!
HarperCollins published VAMPIRE KISSES 2--KISSING COFFINS and now the soon to be released VAMPIRE KISSES 3--VAMPIREVILLE. I am currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I'm not writing about the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and attempting to gain control of the remote from my boyfriend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 558 reviews
December 17, 2011
This book. Is. Horrible.
The main character, named Raven, thinks she's SO goth. Alright, first of all, if your character is going to be "goth", don't drill it into our brains. Let us figure it out on our own. Characterization doesn't come from repeating the same description over and over. If you're going to make a character "goth" don't come right out and say it. At least not every four sentences.
When is the last time you saw anyone wearing black lipstick and combat boots? It's so cliche that the main character feels like something out of a comic book.
And another cliche. Who the heck names their main character Raven? If the character is supposed to be dark and mysterious and all that, you don't give her the most cliche "goth" name ever fathomed. Give her something unique. Something that maybe reflects on her actual personality.
But I can see why the author may have had trouble with that, because she HAD NO PERSONALITY. She tried so hard to be unorthodox that she became an orthodox "rebel". Her character was so fake and cookie-cutter that it was painful to read this book.
And, really? DULLSVILLE? There... Who.... What...?
Hipsterville? What is this... I don't even... WHAT?
You know what? I'm done.
The main character, named Raven, thinks she's SO goth. Alright, first of all, if your character is going to be "goth", don't drill it into our brains. Let us figure it out on our own. Characterization doesn't come from repeating the same description over and over. If you're going to make a character "goth" don't come right out and say it. At least not every four sentences.
When is the last time you saw anyone wearing black lipstick and combat boots? It's so cliche that the main character feels like something out of a comic book.
And another cliche. Who the heck names their main character Raven? If the character is supposed to be dark and mysterious and all that, you don't give her the most cliche "goth" name ever fathomed. Give her something unique. Something that maybe reflects on her actual personality.
But I can see why the author may have had trouble with that, because she HAD NO PERSONALITY. She tried so hard to be unorthodox that she became an orthodox "rebel". Her character was so fake and cookie-cutter that it was painful to read this book.
And, really? DULLSVILLE? There... Who.... What...?
Hipsterville? What is this... I don't even... WHAT?
You know what? I'm done.
July 19, 2018
Rating Clarification: 0 stars
Simply terrible, just TERRIBLE.
SUPERFICIAL, STEREOTYPICAL, CLICHÉ. Plainly and excruciatingly bad, BAD, BAD.
The facts have no union; it is like watching a TV series, a succession of changing scenes but with no explanations anywhere, and a bunch of systematized ideas and shallowness. An assortment of conventionalized and “popular” elements put together with the apparent intent of being cool and special but obviously failing miserably.
What a painful, painful read.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SERIES, I repeat, I do not recommend these books, if you do read it BE WARNED, you will never get back the hours you wasted.
Simply terrible, just TERRIBLE.
SUPERFICIAL, STEREOTYPICAL, CLICHÉ. Plainly and excruciatingly bad, BAD, BAD.
The facts have no union; it is like watching a TV series, a succession of changing scenes but with no explanations anywhere, and a bunch of systematized ideas and shallowness. An assortment of conventionalized and “popular” elements put together with the apparent intent of being cool and special but obviously failing miserably.
What a painful, painful read.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SERIES, I repeat, I do not recommend these books, if you do read it BE WARNED, you will never get back the hours you wasted.
January 26, 2010
book 1: This book was kind of dumb. For one thing, i hated how the main character Raven, was so "Goth." She didn't fit in with the "preppy/normal" kids and this didn't make me empathize with her at all. It seemed like she was trying so hard not to fit in that she became a 180 of what she hated. The story was kind of silly and not very interesting. The only struggle was her trying to get some idiot named Trevor to leave her alone and meet this guy Alexander (who might be a vampire) and then redeem herself to him for wanting to meet him because she thinks he is a vampire. Really lame. The story is easy to read and isn't very long. It took me about 3 days to get through which is a long time for me considering if this book had any substance to it I would have flew through it in an afternoon. Some books can be described as "not being able to put it down", but I put this book down several times.
book 2: this book was definitely better than the first one. i still hate how raven refers to her town as "dullsville" and the town she visits as "hipstervillle". i just think its DUMB. the addition of the character Jagger really made this story much more interesting than the first. the description of the mansions is kind of unoriginal. i keep hoping that raven will actually own a regular object, but its seems like every thing she mentions is "goth", an olivia outcast journal (or something like that)? why can't she just write in a freakin' composition book?! i wonder if she has a regular toothbrush. i am glad she is being nicer to her brother, but think it is pretty unrealistic that a middle schooler's friend really has all that high tech stuff. seems like the author really takes a personality to the extreme. raven is extreme goth & her brother's "nerd mate" is extreme nerd. very annoying. when raven dressed up as Jenny for the drive in movie it made me think of the episode of NCIS when abby dresses up as marilyn monroe for halloween. if raven was half as cool as abby i would love her character. but she is not even close. naming the cat "nightmare" was also unoriginal and kind of stupid, i kind of hope her cat is a little nightmare for giving it such a dumb name. even though i liked book 2 better than book 1 i still would not tell any of my friends to read it, or even mention it.
book 3: While reading this book I was definitely more curious as to what would happen next than in the previous two. However, the book & story still were not all that great. I still don't really like the characters. Nothing about them seems real to me. I know its just a story, but with most books you can find something that makes the characters "alive" and for me this book just doesn't have it. I don't think i will be reading any other books from this series.... i just think its too stupid. i gave it a chance with the first 3 and was not impressed. I think i will stick to twilight saga and sookie stackhouse series for my vampire fix. i would not suggest this book to any friends, i would only mention it as a book to avoid because it is that bad. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!
book 2: this book was definitely better than the first one. i still hate how raven refers to her town as "dullsville" and the town she visits as "hipstervillle". i just think its DUMB. the addition of the character Jagger really made this story much more interesting than the first. the description of the mansions is kind of unoriginal. i keep hoping that raven will actually own a regular object, but its seems like every thing she mentions is "goth", an olivia outcast journal (or something like that)? why can't she just write in a freakin' composition book?! i wonder if she has a regular toothbrush. i am glad she is being nicer to her brother, but think it is pretty unrealistic that a middle schooler's friend really has all that high tech stuff. seems like the author really takes a personality to the extreme. raven is extreme goth & her brother's "nerd mate" is extreme nerd. very annoying. when raven dressed up as Jenny for the drive in movie it made me think of the episode of NCIS when abby dresses up as marilyn monroe for halloween. if raven was half as cool as abby i would love her character. but she is not even close. naming the cat "nightmare" was also unoriginal and kind of stupid, i kind of hope her cat is a little nightmare for giving it such a dumb name. even though i liked book 2 better than book 1 i still would not tell any of my friends to read it, or even mention it.
book 3: While reading this book I was definitely more curious as to what would happen next than in the previous two. However, the book & story still were not all that great. I still don't really like the characters. Nothing about them seems real to me. I know its just a story, but with most books you can find something that makes the characters "alive" and for me this book just doesn't have it. I don't think i will be reading any other books from this series.... i just think its too stupid. i gave it a chance with the first 3 and was not impressed. I think i will stick to twilight saga and sookie stackhouse series for my vampire fix. i would not suggest this book to any friends, i would only mention it as a book to avoid because it is that bad. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!
April 27, 2017
It was interesting and cute. I will consider reading on but it was just a like for me. COMPLETELY INSTA-LOVE, minimal character development and depth.
December 6, 2016
Book One: Vampire Kisses
I've read this book ages ago, around 2005, and now I'm looking forward to continue the series so I decided to reread the first book. I think this month is my "rereading month"! Raven is so funny! She is one of those protagonist that makes the story so light that you MUST finish it in the same day! She is confident, one-of-a-kind, in other word: unique! She's imaginative, stubborn and totally gothic obsessed! I can't wait to see what happens with her and Alexander.
Book Two: Kissing Coffins
I think Raven is such a strange character. After seeing how afraid she was of what is supposed to be her passion, I think it's safe to say she is just a teenage drama queen who doesn't know how to have a healthy attention-seeking personna. She thinks this is what she wants but I think she is delusional, I mean seriously, who would want that?!
Book Three: Vampireville
A love triangle is ensuing here, Luna wants Alexander who wants Raven but Trevor is there and Luna's brother is pursuing Raven to destroy Alexander.
I've read this book ages ago, around 2005, and now I'm looking forward to continue the series so I decided to reread the first book. I think this month is my "rereading month"! Raven is so funny! She is one of those protagonist that makes the story so light that you MUST finish it in the same day! She is confident, one-of-a-kind, in other word: unique! She's imaginative, stubborn and totally gothic obsessed! I can't wait to see what happens with her and Alexander.
Book Two: Kissing Coffins
I think Raven is such a strange character. After seeing how afraid she was of what is supposed to be her passion, I think it's safe to say she is just a teenage drama queen who doesn't know how to have a healthy attention-seeking personna. She thinks this is what she wants but I think she is delusional, I mean seriously, who would want that?!
Book Three: Vampireville
A love triangle is ensuing here, Luna wants Alexander who wants Raven but Trevor is there and Luna's brother is pursuing Raven to destroy Alexander.
May 16, 2009
There was once a time in my life when I thought that there will never be a book worse than the Twilight series. There was once a time in my life when I believed that no publisher would ever put out something so horrible that it is like a train wreck or a car accident that you can't look away from.
And then I bought Vampire Kisses: The Beginning
And I learned that yes, Virginia, there is a book more terrible.
You see, Vampire Kisses could have been good. It could have been amazing actually. Dark and Mysterious Alexander suddenly showing up in a dull little town where the outcast of said dull town finds herself drawn to him. It was the reversal of Twilight... even though the boy was still the vampire and the girl was still the human.
It was awful.
Terrible.
No words can actually describe.
Ellen Schreiber is almost as untalented as Smeyer, perhaps even more so. The book read badly. Laughable in some places. Endless mentions of the fact that the girl was goth and wearing goth clothes and she was putting on a mesh shirt or ripped tights or mesh army things or black lipstick or blue hairstreaks... or WHAT EVER. It was like Schreiber was flashing a huge sign at the reader saying "BY THE WAY DID I MENTION AT SOME POINT THAT THIS GIRL IS A GOTH AND LOVES GOTH STUFF? NO? WELL HERE IT IS AGAIN!!!"
Raven is forever referring to Alexander as her Gothic prince or her vampire love muffin or whatever. All the terms of endearment that she uses for this guy made me snort out loud, in public, while I was reading.
It got to the point where I was in the last hundred or so pages and decided to say F*CK it and skipped to the last three. I read it and and sighed a sigh of relief. For it was truly terrible. Then as retribution, I decided that since I'd seen a girl with an Edward bag get on the bus ahead of me... I put my things to the side on a seat, marched down to the end of the bus and said "hey you like Twilight right? I'm never ever ever going to read this again. You might like it. Want it for free?"
Really? That's like 500 or so pages of my life I'm never going to get back. But yet... I couldn't look away. Because really? I kept trying to say to myself, "It has to get better at some point." And then it didn't! Just like Breaking Dawn.
I immediately went out and purchased The Book of Negros by Lawrence Hill. Something to wash the bad taste out of my mouth. Kind of like how I read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath after I read BD.
And then I bought Vampire Kisses: The Beginning
And I learned that yes, Virginia, there is a book more terrible.
You see, Vampire Kisses could have been good. It could have been amazing actually. Dark and Mysterious Alexander suddenly showing up in a dull little town where the outcast of said dull town finds herself drawn to him. It was the reversal of Twilight... even though the boy was still the vampire and the girl was still the human.
It was awful.
Terrible.
No words can actually describe.
Ellen Schreiber is almost as untalented as Smeyer, perhaps even more so. The book read badly. Laughable in some places. Endless mentions of the fact that the girl was goth and wearing goth clothes and she was putting on a mesh shirt or ripped tights or mesh army things or black lipstick or blue hairstreaks... or WHAT EVER. It was like Schreiber was flashing a huge sign at the reader saying "BY THE WAY DID I MENTION AT SOME POINT THAT THIS GIRL IS A GOTH AND LOVES GOTH STUFF? NO? WELL HERE IT IS AGAIN!!!"
Raven is forever referring to Alexander as her Gothic prince or her vampire love muffin or whatever. All the terms of endearment that she uses for this guy made me snort out loud, in public, while I was reading.
It got to the point where I was in the last hundred or so pages and decided to say F*CK it and skipped to the last three. I read it and and sighed a sigh of relief. For it was truly terrible. Then as retribution, I decided that since I'd seen a girl with an Edward bag get on the bus ahead of me... I put my things to the side on a seat, marched down to the end of the bus and said "hey you like Twilight right? I'm never ever ever going to read this again. You might like it. Want it for free?"
Really? That's like 500 or so pages of my life I'm never going to get back. But yet... I couldn't look away. Because really? I kept trying to say to myself, "It has to get better at some point." And then it didn't! Just like Breaking Dawn.
I immediately went out and purchased The Book of Negros by Lawrence Hill. Something to wash the bad taste out of my mouth. Kind of like how I read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath after I read BD.
October 20, 2010
Wow. This was seriously one of THE lame-est books I have ever read. This was actually a compilation of the first three books in the series, of which I believe there are currently nine. I am not planning on reading any of the others. If you know how dedicated I can get to finishing out a series in the hopes that it redeems itself in the end you'll know how big of a deal that is. Even though the author acknowledges that Raven, the main character, has read countless vampire novels and watched every single vamp movie there is (in which case realizing how wide and varied the types of vamps and mythology surrounding them is), she, the author, does not flesh out the particular vampire mythos in this series at all. The love interest is a teenage vampire (at which point Raven does a happy dance) does he explain any of what this means? No. Then other vampires, also teens, come to town. They are evil and must be forced to leave. Why are they evil again? What do these "other" vampires do that is so bad? Apparently they're not killing anyone. They're not even biting people since they're getting their blood from "tribute amulets" from a club in "hipsterville" so why do we need to drive them out of town again? Is it just because you don't like them? Why yes, I believe it is. I also couldn't get past the way Raven talks about herself and life in general, how she is "so goth" and Alexander is her "gothic knight" and "no one understands her" and she is "so different from everyone else" because they're all cookie-cutter cut outs of each other who only care about getting the latest prada bag, etc... However when she goes to see her aunt in "hipsterville" she is so excited to run right to the local "hot gothic" (sound familiar to anyone?) and grab the latest and greatest in "gothic garb." Yeah, so this was totally lame...even more so then those "Real Vampires Have Curves" books. At least Glory's inner dialog somewhat resembles a real persons.
One thing in the author's favor; by the end of the first "book" she had almost totally convinced me that Alexander was not actually a vampire. I had begun to wonder if the series was going to be about a poor sick boy allergic to garlic with that light sensitive disease that everyone teased about being a vamp. If this was the only book I could see it ending that way, but seeing as how there were so many other books to follow I was pretty sure that couldn't be the case, but as I said, she did have me almost convinced so I was a little surprised along with Raven when he was revealed to be (totally randomly I might add) an actual vampire.
One thing in the author's favor; by the end of the first "book" she had almost totally convinced me that Alexander was not actually a vampire. I had begun to wonder if the series was going to be about a poor sick boy allergic to garlic with that light sensitive disease that everyone teased about being a vamp. If this was the only book I could see it ending that way, but seeing as how there were so many other books to follow I was pretty sure that couldn't be the case, but as I said, she did have me almost convinced so I was a little surprised along with Raven when he was revealed to be (totally randomly I might add) an actual vampire.
October 30, 2010
I don't know why this series is called "vampire" kisses as there is not very much that differentiates the vampire characters from the human characters. The only differences between the humans and vampires in this series is the vampires' sun and garlic allergy, their ocassional thirst for human blood, and their need to sleep in a coffin during the day. Basically, the author just refers to old vampire lore when delving into the vampire aspect of the series but doesn't actually bother to elaborate any further on what exactly makes Alexander, his family, and his enemies vampires. None of the vampires, even the "bad" ones, actually feed directly from humans.
Raven, the annoying main character who is just a goth version of the irritating Bella Swan, expresses the same goal of wanting to live "forever" with her vampire boyfriend Alexander. That will be a difficult goal for Raven to make a reality since in this series vampires are born, age, and die just like regular humans. I'd only recommend this series for people that like Twilight.
Raven, the annoying main character who is just a goth version of the irritating Bella Swan, expresses the same goal of wanting to live "forever" with her vampire boyfriend Alexander. That will be a difficult goal for Raven to make a reality since in this series vampires are born, age, and die just like regular humans. I'd only recommend this series for people that like Twilight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2010
It's so much FUN! I've read a few reviews saying that the series kind of cheesy and cheap vampire story. As for me, I totally addicted to it! Raven is such a cool, witty, brave and full of energy. What I love most, she's like a totally a goth chick that I find her very amusing and alive. Everything is so gothic with her and she love gothic stuff even dream of vampire boyfriend. However, she's a loyal best friend and always fight back for her best friend. She literally screwed her school honorary student (but actually the biggest jerk) and just being herself.
Alexander is so sweet. He's totally pale (of course) and likes everything black like Raven. They like each other and I think they are the sweetest couple ever in books. It may sounds a bit corny but it's the truth. The storyline is okay but slightly weak on elaborating certain characters and settings. The strongest part probably would be most of the dialogues. I was like smiling or grins while reading because they totally funny and the jokes really works.
It's a very quick read even though the book pretty thick with 576 pages (compilations of 3 first books). It's a very cute read. People said it's as 'cheap' as Twilight. But what makes it cheap if the 8th book will be released in 2011? Means, everyone reads it! If you don't mind to read this Twilight 'clone', then it will be a pretty fun read.
Alexander is so sweet. He's totally pale (of course) and likes everything black like Raven. They like each other and I think they are the sweetest couple ever in books. It may sounds a bit corny but it's the truth. The storyline is okay but slightly weak on elaborating certain characters and settings. The strongest part probably would be most of the dialogues. I was like smiling or grins while reading because they totally funny and the jokes really works.
It's a very quick read even though the book pretty thick with 576 pages (compilations of 3 first books). It's a very cute read. People said it's as 'cheap' as Twilight. But what makes it cheap if the 8th book will be released in 2011? Means, everyone reads it! If you don't mind to read this Twilight 'clone', then it will be a pretty fun read.
March 8, 2010
Here's a quick overview:
- Vampire Kisses is a series written by Ellen Schrieber
- The books in it are Vampire Kisses, Kissing Coffins, Vampireville, Dance With A Vampire, and Royal Blood.
- Recommended for 12+
- Genres include: horror/thriller/romance
- Rated: A+
Since Kindergarten, Raven's biggest dream was to be a vampire. When her parents are hippies and you watched a lot of old horror films, why wouldn't she? Well, things haven't changed a lot since then, and now Raven's in high school. She's gothic, and gets rejected by all the preps at her school (which is everyone, except for her best friend, Becky). You could say her life is pretty boring - and it is. It is, until a strange and mysterious boy moves into the abandoned mansion up the road from Raven's house. Is he a vampire, and can he make Raven's dreams come true? Read the series to learn about an undying love between two very different teens.
Read more TEEN FICTION book reviews at The Book Princess! http://www.thebookprincess.weebly.com
- Vampire Kisses is a series written by Ellen Schrieber
- The books in it are Vampire Kisses, Kissing Coffins, Vampireville, Dance With A Vampire, and Royal Blood.
- Recommended for 12+
- Genres include: horror/thriller/romance
- Rated: A+
Since Kindergarten, Raven's biggest dream was to be a vampire. When her parents are hippies and you watched a lot of old horror films, why wouldn't she? Well, things haven't changed a lot since then, and now Raven's in high school. She's gothic, and gets rejected by all the preps at her school (which is everyone, except for her best friend, Becky). You could say her life is pretty boring - and it is. It is, until a strange and mysterious boy moves into the abandoned mansion up the road from Raven's house. Is he a vampire, and can he make Raven's dreams come true? Read the series to learn about an undying love between two very different teens.
Read more TEEN FICTION book reviews at The Book Princess! http://www.thebookprincess.weebly.com
April 12, 2012
Raven has always loved vampires ever since she was a little girl. When teenage vampire, Alexander Sterling, and his butler moves into the old mansion on top of Benson Hill, she automatically falls in love with him. But everyone knows that dating a supernatural creature comes with some complications.
Raven is a goth stereotype. Even though she is a stereotype I do find a good female lead. She's strong, spunky, and independent. She does appear a bit immature in the first book, but she does grow up. Alexander is also a good character. In most YA books when the normal girl falls for the supernatural guy, the guy controls the girls. Alexander does none of that. He never tries to make Raven do something that she doesn't want to do. He knows that she's able to take care of herself. My favorite thing about the books is that Raven doesn't admittedly become a vampire. While she does like the idea of becoming a vampire, she thinks about the cons of being one. She never gets to see her best friend and family again, she will never get to walk out in the sunlight again, etc. It's nice to read a book with a female lead that doesn't give everything important to her for some guy. I'm looking at you Bella and Ariel. The romance between Raven and Alexander is rushed, but they are cute together.
The VK series is not great. The plot repeats itself, the writing is not all that great, and the whole series is cheesy and corny. However, I do find some enjoyment out of them. The series is a funny, cute read. It's one of those series that are just meant to make you laugh, and is not meant to be taken seriously.
Final Grade: C+
Vampire Kisses: So bad, yet so good.
Raven is a goth stereotype. Even though she is a stereotype I do find a good female lead. She's strong, spunky, and independent. She does appear a bit immature in the first book, but she does grow up. Alexander is also a good character. In most YA books when the normal girl falls for the supernatural guy, the guy controls the girls. Alexander does none of that. He never tries to make Raven do something that she doesn't want to do. He knows that she's able to take care of herself. My favorite thing about the books is that Raven doesn't admittedly become a vampire. While she does like the idea of becoming a vampire, she thinks about the cons of being one. She never gets to see her best friend and family again, she will never get to walk out in the sunlight again, etc. It's nice to read a book with a female lead that doesn't give everything important to her for some guy. I'm looking at you Bella and Ariel. The romance between Raven and Alexander is rushed, but they are cute together.
The VK series is not great. The plot repeats itself, the writing is not all that great, and the whole series is cheesy and corny. However, I do find some enjoyment out of them. The series is a funny, cute read. It's one of those series that are just meant to make you laugh, and is not meant to be taken seriously.
Final Grade: C+
Vampire Kisses: So bad, yet so good.
January 27, 2021
A fast paced quirky early YA book.
April 9, 2010
book 1. the book is about a gothic teenager named Raven who is obsesed with vampires and wants nothing more than to become one but when a family moves into Dullsville's creepy haunted mansion rumors start showing up that they are vampires. her childhood nemesis started the rumors and raven believes them more then any one else in town. so when she trys to investigate she gets caught and when she finaly gets to meet the teenager that resides in this old mansion she falls head over heals for him then he found out that the rumors is why she was snooping. then she fixes her relationship with him and then at the very end of the book she figured out that the rumors were true.
book 2. this book is about raven finding alexander because he has run away temporarily to protect her when he doesnt tell her she gets worried that she might not see him again so she goes and trys to find him in a town where her aunt libby lives Hipsterville. then instead of finding alexander raven finds a different vampire who follows her back to Dullsville when she gets back alexander has returned so she waits till nightfall then goes to see him when she gets to the iron gate leading to the mansion she meets the other vampire named jagger so then they have a little chat and raven is on her way then alexander gets worried that jagger is here in dullsville so he tells raven to look out for herself but then raven alexander ravens best friend becky and her boyfriend double date to an outdoor theater and they dress like the actors so its only half price on the tickets then jagger shows up and he trys to bite raven and turn her but then she gets an idea and alexander and her re-act the seens from the movie as its playing and alexander prtends to bite her so jagger thinks she has been turned
book 3. this one is about alexander and raven finding jagger's coffin so they look every where they can think of to look and they dont find anything but when they find out that jaggers twin sister luna is in town they broaden their search. when they dont find them right away or after a week they try to convince them that the town was dead but luna started dating ravens nemesis trevor so they are now trying harder to find both jagger and luna's coffins and ship them back to romania so they cant bother them any more and so luna doesnt have trevor as an after dark snack and turns him into a vampire. they find the coffins in ravens little brother's friends tree house but when they try to move them there nailed to the floor so then trevor starts passing out invitations to a graveyard gala and it is one of luna's tricks she plans to bite trevor on sacred ground but before the big end of trevor he saved himself by eating garlic pills that poisoned jagger and luna.
book 2. this book is about raven finding alexander because he has run away temporarily to protect her when he doesnt tell her she gets worried that she might not see him again so she goes and trys to find him in a town where her aunt libby lives Hipsterville. then instead of finding alexander raven finds a different vampire who follows her back to Dullsville when she gets back alexander has returned so she waits till nightfall then goes to see him when she gets to the iron gate leading to the mansion she meets the other vampire named jagger so then they have a little chat and raven is on her way then alexander gets worried that jagger is here in dullsville so he tells raven to look out for herself but then raven alexander ravens best friend becky and her boyfriend double date to an outdoor theater and they dress like the actors so its only half price on the tickets then jagger shows up and he trys to bite raven and turn her but then she gets an idea and alexander and her re-act the seens from the movie as its playing and alexander prtends to bite her so jagger thinks she has been turned
book 3. this one is about alexander and raven finding jagger's coffin so they look every where they can think of to look and they dont find anything but when they find out that jaggers twin sister luna is in town they broaden their search. when they dont find them right away or after a week they try to convince them that the town was dead but luna started dating ravens nemesis trevor so they are now trying harder to find both jagger and luna's coffins and ship them back to romania so they cant bother them any more and so luna doesnt have trevor as an after dark snack and turns him into a vampire. they find the coffins in ravens little brother's friends tree house but when they try to move them there nailed to the floor so then trevor starts passing out invitations to a graveyard gala and it is one of luna's tricks she plans to bite trevor on sacred ground but before the big end of trevor he saved himself by eating garlic pills that poisoned jagger and luna.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
This book is easily one of the worst books I've ever read, but still deserves five stars in my mind because it is absolutely insane and unintentionally hilarious. Huge "My Immortal" vibes.
Ebony Darkne- Raven is a goth girl, born to hippie-turned-yuppie parents, living in "Dullsville" which is a caricature of a rural American town. The characters are walking, talking cliches- we meet goth raven, "Nerd Boy" little brother, "Mrs. Peevish" the uppity teacher, and "farm girl" Becky in the first couple chapters. However, my expectations are constantly subverted. Not through good writing, twists, foreshadowing, and depth- but through just how insane and out of pocket this book can be.
With lines like:
all in the first 65 pages- what's not to love?
With lines like:
"Becky had a backyard as big as Transylvania"
"At school instead of singing the songs of Mary Poppins, I whistled the theme to The Exorcist."
"I felt like Moses parting the Red Sea, as a crowd of snobs dispersed from the hallway upon our entry."
"Students stared at Creepy Man as he walked creepily toward the front doors"
all in the first 65 pages- what's not to love?
April 12, 2011
I'm suddenly regretting buying this volume instead of buying the books separately. I desperately want to stop reading this series because of the over dramatic storyline, stereotypical characters, and wooden romance. But because I hate wasting my money, I'm currently forcing myself to read this.
I would've sold this at a Book-Off store or something, but unfortunately the corner got folded, and they only accept near-perfect condition books. But back to the book, I suggest you just buy the books separately. The series isn't all too fantastic at all. Right now, I'm basically annoyed by Raven's and Alexander's "romance" when they've only known each other for less that 24-hours.
If you're looking for a good romantic series with lots of twists and turns, suspense, and wonderful plot lines, I suggest reading Vampire Academy or Blue Bloods.
Update (4/11/2011)
The book does get a tiny bit better in Vampireville. Especailly the part with Luna and Jagger in it, but I didn;t like the first three books enough to want to continue reading. Sorry. :/
I would've sold this at a Book-Off store or something, but unfortunately the corner got folded, and they only accept near-perfect condition books. But back to the book, I suggest you just buy the books separately. The series isn't all too fantastic at all. Right now, I'm basically annoyed by Raven's and Alexander's "romance" when they've only known each other for less that 24-hours.
If you're looking for a good romantic series with lots of twists and turns, suspense, and wonderful plot lines, I suggest reading Vampire Academy or Blue Bloods.
Update (4/11/2011)
The book does get a tiny bit better in Vampireville. Especailly the part with Luna and Jagger in it, but I didn;t like the first three books enough to want to continue reading. Sorry. :/
December 22, 2010
This book is a very easy read and i would recommend it to Preteens with an interest in twilight as it has both a vampire concept and more of a focus on the story than the actual writing!
The story is about a teenage girl who like many her age find it hard to fit into a judgmental town. A town where she is continually confronted with bullying because of her individuality. Unlike most other teens Raven (unfortunate name) can hold her own and finds being herself as easy as breathing contrary to the towns disapproval.
When meeting the new member of town, Alexander, Raven finally feels as though she has met her equal which sparks her interest as much as the rumours that came upon his arrival of him being a vampire.
A very predictable story that doesn't have many twists or interesting plots that only got me hooked during (regretably) the last chapter, this book was a quick read (2 hrs) that leaves you pondering what happens after the last chapter.
The story is about a teenage girl who like many her age find it hard to fit into a judgmental town. A town where she is continually confronted with bullying because of her individuality. Unlike most other teens Raven (unfortunate name) can hold her own and finds being herself as easy as breathing contrary to the towns disapproval.
When meeting the new member of town, Alexander, Raven finally feels as though she has met her equal which sparks her interest as much as the rumours that came upon his arrival of him being a vampire.
A very predictable story that doesn't have many twists or interesting plots that only got me hooked during (regretably) the last chapter, this book was a quick read (2 hrs) that leaves you pondering what happens after the last chapter.
October 5, 2010
These books are sooo good its sorta like twilight but these were wrighten before them. Such a good and suspenceful serise!
April 29, 2022
So this one was a 3 in 1 book. I did not finish. To be fair I did finish (power through) book 1. That was more than enough for me. To me this was like a cross between the My Immortal fic and Twilight, but published and sold for real. I admit that I judged a book by its cover again (and I enjoy a good vampire story) and so here I am writing another one star review.
So I guess lets start with the plot. It was, imo, very generic. High school girl who isn't popular crushes on mysterious new bad boy. Sprinkle in vampires and a bully and there's your run of the mill YA vampire novel. Now I'm not saying tropes like this have to be bad. They can be cool if done right, but this one (at best) just wasn't special in any way. The prose just wasn't alluring either. At least with Fallen by Kate Lauren there was some atmosphere and cool imagery. With this one there was nothing to pull me in sensory wise. And good, immersive descriptions are key to my enjoyment of the book. There was really no vivid imagery and I hated seeing things through Raven's eyes.
So that's where I'll go next; Raven. Hated her. Absolutely hated her. It felt like Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way was plucked right out of My Immortal and transported here. She's a 'creepy', so unique, and very goth girl. She will remind you on every page how goth she is. A good gothic main character/story doesn't need to constantly throw the word 'goth' around, you'll just get a sense of that by reading the book (think Silk by Caitlin R. Kiernan). The book will just have a vibe, clothes can be mentioned, bands, and books. You don't need to say 'I'm goth' on every other page. After a while it's like 'we get it! we know!' And it just feels cheap and gimmick-y. Now because Raven is so goth she's 'way too into vampires' and people were scared away from her at the age of 5 because she said she wanted to be a vampire when she grew up. That totally pulled me out of the story because pretty much everyone in my class liked to pretend to be witches.
Raven is completely unsympathetic and overly dramatic. A dude that she talked to once or twice stopped talking to her for 2 days and she's going to his house and blowing up his phone. She is constantly throwing what I would describe as literal temper tantrums. She calls herself goth but she's got the dramatics and attitude of your average mean girl minus the bullying.
I will give this book one prop though; and that's that our mean girl isn't a girl! For once it isn't pretty blonde cheerleader chick vs goth chick. It's actually a dude named Trevor. I hated him too. He's a rich boy whose father practically owns the town. Nothing likable at all. But you aren't supposed to like him. So kudos to Schreiber for at least breaking away from the mean girl trope that's so common in these novels.
And I guess one more prop for Becky. Namely because she's a farm girl. I can't say that I've ever come by a book where the goth chick hangs out with a farmer. So props for breaking some tropes and having some unique stuff.
Unfortunately this, for me, is undercut by quotes like "She gave birth to nerd boy! How could she?!" and "Now she went to bed early and that creation she called Billy..." And her calling her town Dullsville (we don't actually ever find out the town's real name either). I just couldn't get over how whiny Raven was. And how cliche she was.
Didn't care for her boyfriend either. Tbh I can't even remember his name and I just read the book. I'm wanting to say that it's Alexander?
Overall I just wasn't impressed.
So I guess lets start with the plot. It was, imo, very generic. High school girl who isn't popular crushes on mysterious new bad boy. Sprinkle in vampires and a bully and there's your run of the mill YA vampire novel. Now I'm not saying tropes like this have to be bad. They can be cool if done right, but this one (at best) just wasn't special in any way. The prose just wasn't alluring either. At least with Fallen by Kate Lauren there was some atmosphere and cool imagery. With this one there was nothing to pull me in sensory wise. And good, immersive descriptions are key to my enjoyment of the book. There was really no vivid imagery and I hated seeing things through Raven's eyes.
So that's where I'll go next; Raven. Hated her. Absolutely hated her. It felt like Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way was plucked right out of My Immortal and transported here. She's a 'creepy', so unique, and very goth girl. She will remind you on every page how goth she is. A good gothic main character/story doesn't need to constantly throw the word 'goth' around, you'll just get a sense of that by reading the book (think Silk by Caitlin R. Kiernan). The book will just have a vibe, clothes can be mentioned, bands, and books. You don't need to say 'I'm goth' on every other page. After a while it's like 'we get it! we know!' And it just feels cheap and gimmick-y. Now because Raven is so goth she's 'way too into vampires' and people were scared away from her at the age of 5 because she said she wanted to be a vampire when she grew up. That totally pulled me out of the story because pretty much everyone in my class liked to pretend to be witches.
Raven is completely unsympathetic and overly dramatic. A dude that she talked to once or twice stopped talking to her for 2 days and she's going to his house and blowing up his phone. She is constantly throwing what I would describe as literal temper tantrums. She calls herself goth but she's got the dramatics and attitude of your average mean girl minus the bullying.
I will give this book one prop though; and that's that our mean girl isn't a girl! For once it isn't pretty blonde cheerleader chick vs goth chick. It's actually a dude named Trevor. I hated him too. He's a rich boy whose father practically owns the town. Nothing likable at all. But you aren't supposed to like him. So kudos to Schreiber for at least breaking away from the mean girl trope that's so common in these novels.
And I guess one more prop for Becky. Namely because she's a farm girl. I can't say that I've ever come by a book where the goth chick hangs out with a farmer. So props for breaking some tropes and having some unique stuff.
Unfortunately this, for me, is undercut by quotes like "She gave birth to nerd boy! How could she?!" and "Now she went to bed early and that creation she called Billy..." And her calling her town Dullsville (we don't actually ever find out the town's real name either). I just couldn't get over how whiny Raven was. And how cliche she was.
Didn't care for her boyfriend either. Tbh I can't even remember his name and I just read the book. I'm wanting to say that it's Alexander?
Overall I just wasn't impressed.
October 23, 2018
This book(s) was very interesting, the way it was formed was absolutely amazing. its obviously a supernatural novel but the way it was presented made it seem as if it was real and as if you were with the main characters through their journey. This book(s) is something I would not normally read due to the fact that is a mushy romance mix, but it was not as bad as i thought. I would for sure recommend this book to anybody who likes supernatural and romance. It has a great mix of the two and they blend perfectly. The adventurous side to it gives it that dramatic effect to where it has a kind of control over your emotions, It makes you sad, angry, and even make your heart swell with how sweet it can get. “I want a relationship I can finally sink my teeth into.¨ was my favorite quote, because this was a major hint as to where the plot was heading to. It kind of revealed a lot of the questions as to if Alexander was a vampire or not. I would have to say that one of my favorite parts was when Raven intruded in on the mansion and Alexander caught her, and the next day he invited her into the mansion for dinner. I specifically pin pointed this part in the book because its when they started hitting it off. My least favorite spot in the book is when Alexander left out of nowhere after Raven found out about him being a vampire. I do understand that he wanted to keep her safe from the underworld life and away from Jagger but he could have at least said something.This goes along with me saying it has a bit of control over your emotions because this made my blood boil a bit, he gave her no warning. This book did change my outlook on the life around me. Because raven is so different she gets made fun of every day of her life and I realized that everyone has a different out look on life and we all have hopes and dreams. We should not judge people by how they dress or look because that could be you, in her shoes, getting made fun of.
April 16, 2023
TL;DR some teenage dreams should stay in the past
I recalled liking this series in middle school and often citing it as a better alternative to Twilight when it first came out. I couldn't remember if I had finished the series,so when I saw all the books on a free cart, I pounced.
That might have been a mistake.
Honestly, this book (which is the first 3 combined) would have gotten 1 star, but the author was a comedian first, so I'm chalking it up to a sort of parody/ode to vampire romances. Not to mention, I did finish it.
This series is like Disney tried to make a gothy detective comedy series by combining a 2000s Hot Topic catalog with a fan fiction of an 12 year old boy crazy girl. It's cringy, y'all, but easy to read; mildly fun to follow; and for us who grew up wanting to be goth in the 2000s, a cute little walk down memory lane. It may even make it to my classroom library because I'm sure somebody will eat this up.
I recalled liking this series in middle school and often citing it as a better alternative to Twilight when it first came out. I couldn't remember if I had finished the series,so when I saw all the books on a free cart, I pounced.
That might have been a mistake.
Honestly, this book (which is the first 3 combined) would have gotten 1 star, but the author was a comedian first, so I'm chalking it up to a sort of parody/ode to vampire romances. Not to mention, I did finish it.
This series is like Disney tried to make a gothy detective comedy series by combining a 2000s Hot Topic catalog with a fan fiction of an 12 year old boy crazy girl. It's cringy, y'all, but easy to read; mildly fun to follow; and for us who grew up wanting to be goth in the 2000s, a cute little walk down memory lane. It may even make it to my classroom library because I'm sure somebody will eat this up.
March 9, 2018
This book is pretty trash. It’s one of those so bad it is good things.
I read it aloud with my friend and definitely got a lot of laughs out of it. Jameson is the only character that is good and we love him.
If you are looking for a drinking book read this and take a shot every time she says "black" I bet you can't read past the first chapter.
I read it aloud with my friend and definitely got a lot of laughs out of it. Jameson is the only character that is good and we love him.
If you are looking for a drinking book read this and take a shot every time she says "black" I bet you can't read past the first chapter.
October 8, 2023
Oh. My. Goth. I would have loved to have this book when I was a teenager!
June 24, 2013
I think the reviews about how Raven and events in the book are described in a dramatic, juvenile, over the top way are forgetting this book is written in the first person from the perspective of a fourteen year old. The lists about her clothing remind me of alt.gothic.fashion back in the late 90's :) It's adorable watching little gothlings come out on their own. When she manages to twist an ankle in her first pair of Smeggs we'll know she's finally become a woman.
The only thing that cracks me up about her clothing is that her parents always kind of seem amused or taken back about her appearance. Does she have a closet genie? She has no job, I'm assuming her parents buy her clothing.
The mysterious boy on the hill being a vampire is a fantasy that Raven likes having. She obsesses. She makes plans. She sees them together forever after he changes her. Besides wearing black and the vampire line, she's pretty much like every other fourteen year old that's ever walked the earth.
However, the book deviates from cliche in the most important parts:
She does NOT let the school jock bully her.
She stands up for herself.
She humiliates him in front of the school, not just for herself, but for every other girl he's hurt because he could and doesn't back down when confronted by the principal.
When he gets back at her and things turn into a brawl, Raven can hold her own in a fight. She doesn't feel sorry for herself, she doesn't weep, she doesn't whine. Ka-pow to the kisser! (Even if he is way bigger and if the other guys hadn't stepped in she'd have been flattened, but I digress...)
Billy: I live the fact that he doesn't have a name until halfway through the book. I think it was genius. It really hits home that we're not just seeing the world through another person's eyes, we understand that we're seeing through Raven's eyes. He's a pretty cool kid, in spite of being annoying sometimes.
Raven's Parents: I have no idea how old these people are supposed to be. I know it probably has to do with Raven and the perception of adulthood as one big blob we have as kids, but they could have been in college anytime between the late 60's to the turn of the century. It was kind of disorienting.
The Sterlings: Are way over the top, but it's fun.
Trevor: WTF is up with that boy and why does he want Raven so much? Really, if what happened to Trevor happened to a real person he say he woke up naked in the woods with a hangover and everyone would laugh it off and accuse Raven of being either a sex offender or a clothing thief.
The overall drama with Trevor was a bit too much. The whole part about threatening her friend's farm if she didn't go to the prom with him was just stupid.
Can you see some teenager going to his businessman father and explaining he has to take a loss on an investment because the girl he wants has a friend that refuses to go to prom with him? OMG, please.
At the end of the book, Trevor is having a temper tantrum and he's not only silenced, but COMPLETELY RUN OFF under threat of a PHONE CALL to his father. WTF? What am I missing? How has he gone from benevolent and conspiriatorialy cruel to Layer of the Smackdown?
The Vampire Rumors: because at this point, they are rumors. Through the whole book. OK, it was WEIRD that all the people in this town were totally into this vampire rumor thing. I mean, really. Whispering that Mr. So-and-So is sleeping with his secretary is one thing, whispering about your neighbors being the undead is a bit unbelievable.
There's only one thing that gets me about this, though...
TREVOR'S RIGHT! Through the WHOLE BOOK he's telling the truth and no one believes him. That's a pretty hard lesson of The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
But HOW does he know? (And would vampires really label their boxes of soil so meticulously?)
I really hope we find out more about Trevor in the future. The second he gets interesting he's gone off. :(
All in all, I wouldn't call this a great work of literature, but I liked it. It was a good afternoon read and I wanted the second book when I was finished reading. :D
The only thing that cracks me up about her clothing is that her parents always kind of seem amused or taken back about her appearance. Does she have a closet genie? She has no job, I'm assuming her parents buy her clothing.
The mysterious boy on the hill being a vampire is a fantasy that Raven likes having. She obsesses. She makes plans. She sees them together forever after he changes her. Besides wearing black and the vampire line, she's pretty much like every other fourteen year old that's ever walked the earth.
However, the book deviates from cliche in the most important parts:
She does NOT let the school jock bully her.
She stands up for herself.
She humiliates him in front of the school, not just for herself, but for every other girl he's hurt because he could and doesn't back down when confronted by the principal.
When he gets back at her and things turn into a brawl, Raven can hold her own in a fight. She doesn't feel sorry for herself, she doesn't weep, she doesn't whine. Ka-pow to the kisser! (Even if he is way bigger and if the other guys hadn't stepped in she'd have been flattened, but I digress...)
Billy: I live the fact that he doesn't have a name until halfway through the book. I think it was genius. It really hits home that we're not just seeing the world through another person's eyes, we understand that we're seeing through Raven's eyes. He's a pretty cool kid, in spite of being annoying sometimes.
Raven's Parents: I have no idea how old these people are supposed to be. I know it probably has to do with Raven and the perception of adulthood as one big blob we have as kids, but they could have been in college anytime between the late 60's to the turn of the century. It was kind of disorienting.
The Sterlings: Are way over the top, but it's fun.
Trevor: WTF is up with that boy and why does he want Raven so much? Really, if what happened to Trevor happened to a real person he say he woke up naked in the woods with a hangover and everyone would laugh it off and accuse Raven of being either a sex offender or a clothing thief.
The overall drama with Trevor was a bit too much. The whole part about threatening her friend's farm if she didn't go to the prom with him was just stupid.
Can you see some teenager going to his businessman father and explaining he has to take a loss on an investment because the girl he wants has a friend that refuses to go to prom with him? OMG, please.
At the end of the book, Trevor is having a temper tantrum and he's not only silenced, but COMPLETELY RUN OFF under threat of a PHONE CALL to his father. WTF? What am I missing? How has he gone from benevolent and conspiriatorialy cruel to Layer of the Smackdown?
The Vampire Rumors: because at this point, they are rumors. Through the whole book. OK, it was WEIRD that all the people in this town were totally into this vampire rumor thing. I mean, really. Whispering that Mr. So-and-So is sleeping with his secretary is one thing, whispering about your neighbors being the undead is a bit unbelievable.
There's only one thing that gets me about this, though...
TREVOR'S RIGHT! Through the WHOLE BOOK he's telling the truth and no one believes him. That's a pretty hard lesson of The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
But HOW does he know? (And would vampires really label their boxes of soil so meticulously?)
I really hope we find out more about Trevor in the future. The second he gets interesting he's gone off. :(
All in all, I wouldn't call this a great work of literature, but I liked it. It was a good afternoon read and I wanted the second book when I was finished reading. :D
October 14, 2009
Vampire Kisses: The Beginning is a compilation of three books by Ellen Schreiber. The books included are Vampire Kisses, book 1; Vampire Kisses 2: Kissing Coffins; and Vampire Kisses 3: Vampireville.
This collection of books reads fairly quickly. It's a lighter read for a paranormal book than I would have expected. It is the story of Raven, the Goth-girl and residents of "Dullsville" (I think I've been there a few times!). A new family moves in to the old mansion on the hill and the gossip begins to fly about the vampires. Raven does everything she can to meet this new family...everything from breaking into the mansion to practically running over the young teen that is her new heart throb. Alexander is everything in a boy that Raven has always wanted...everything except for human that is.
This series of books chronicles the adventures in Raven discovering her Alexander's true identity. In the meantime, she runs into some of his "old friends" (no pun intended!) and life gets a little crazy. What will happen to the residents of Dullsville? What will happen to Raven? Will she become Alexander's eternal lover?
I read this collection in a fairly short amount of time, considering there are 562 pages in the book. I read the first two in one day! I found this series to be more humorous than that "other vampire series that seems to be so popular" (yes, I'm a fan of it too!). I tend to think this might be a better series just because it's not so serious that it makes you want to throw the book across the room. The story flows very well and quickly as well. I look forward to reading the next 2 books in the series, as soon as I can pry my teens' hands off of them!
This book is another one that has been "borrowed from Mindi". Please feel free to show her some blog love too...she's a new Teen blogger!
This collection of books reads fairly quickly. It's a lighter read for a paranormal book than I would have expected. It is the story of Raven, the Goth-girl and residents of "Dullsville" (I think I've been there a few times!). A new family moves in to the old mansion on the hill and the gossip begins to fly about the vampires. Raven does everything she can to meet this new family...everything from breaking into the mansion to practically running over the young teen that is her new heart throb. Alexander is everything in a boy that Raven has always wanted...everything except for human that is.
This series of books chronicles the adventures in Raven discovering her Alexander's true identity. In the meantime, she runs into some of his "old friends" (no pun intended!) and life gets a little crazy. What will happen to the residents of Dullsville? What will happen to Raven? Will she become Alexander's eternal lover?
I read this collection in a fairly short amount of time, considering there are 562 pages in the book. I read the first two in one day! I found this series to be more humorous than that "other vampire series that seems to be so popular" (yes, I'm a fan of it too!). I tend to think this might be a better series just because it's not so serious that it makes you want to throw the book across the room. The story flows very well and quickly as well. I look forward to reading the next 2 books in the series, as soon as I can pry my teens' hands off of them!
This book is another one that has been "borrowed from Mindi". Please feel free to show her some blog love too...she's a new Teen blogger!
August 22, 2015
This review can also be found at:
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In this omnibus containing the first three books of the Vampire Kisses series, the reader is introduced to Raven, a vampire-obsessed Goth, and Alexander, who happens to be a real vampire. Raven has always dreamed of becoming a vampire, and she thinks Alexander might be able to make her dreams come true.
But they face obstacles, including the citizens of "Dullsville", and Jagger and Luna. Will they be able to keep their secrets safe? Will they be able to stay together? Will Raven finally become a vampire?
I really enjoyed the short length of these books. My edition is only five-hundred and sixty pages long for three books, which makes for short, refreshing reads. The writing style is light-hearted and this is often displayed through Raven, who happens to be super sweet and rather friendly. She's a great character, and I like that while the author kept some of the Goth stereotypes, such as liking the paranormal, vampires, etc, she also discarded some of the stereotypes by making Raven such a nice, open person.
Alexander is a wonderful love interest. He is perfect for Raven and the reader can see that from the start. There is a bit of a love triangle but it's not too intense or obvious.
The first-person narration was a good choice for this book, as it helped me to care about Raven through her thoughts and hopes and dreams. I found that she and I had a lot in common, including our gothic style and love for all things paranormal and, of course, vampires. Therefore, I remained interested in her story. I also found her very admirable because she was able to keep such a positive demeanor although she is an outcast.
While some people might find the narration and word choice a little bit childish, I thought it was, as I said, refreshing. It's nice to find a cute little book like this one, simple and cheery, yet with elements of the paranormal and serious situations.
I recommend this omnibus to fans of YA, vampire lovers, and romance lovers. If you're looking for a cute, light-hearted read, this series is for you.
http://fortheloveofbooksreviews.blogs...
In this omnibus containing the first three books of the Vampire Kisses series, the reader is introduced to Raven, a vampire-obsessed Goth, and Alexander, who happens to be a real vampire. Raven has always dreamed of becoming a vampire, and she thinks Alexander might be able to make her dreams come true.
But they face obstacles, including the citizens of "Dullsville", and Jagger and Luna. Will they be able to keep their secrets safe? Will they be able to stay together? Will Raven finally become a vampire?
I really enjoyed the short length of these books. My edition is only five-hundred and sixty pages long for three books, which makes for short, refreshing reads. The writing style is light-hearted and this is often displayed through Raven, who happens to be super sweet and rather friendly. She's a great character, and I like that while the author kept some of the Goth stereotypes, such as liking the paranormal, vampires, etc, she also discarded some of the stereotypes by making Raven such a nice, open person.
Alexander is a wonderful love interest. He is perfect for Raven and the reader can see that from the start. There is a bit of a love triangle but it's not too intense or obvious.
The first-person narration was a good choice for this book, as it helped me to care about Raven through her thoughts and hopes and dreams. I found that she and I had a lot in common, including our gothic style and love for all things paranormal and, of course, vampires. Therefore, I remained interested in her story. I also found her very admirable because she was able to keep such a positive demeanor although she is an outcast.
While some people might find the narration and word choice a little bit childish, I thought it was, as I said, refreshing. It's nice to find a cute little book like this one, simple and cheery, yet with elements of the paranormal and serious situations.
I recommend this omnibus to fans of YA, vampire lovers, and romance lovers. If you're looking for a cute, light-hearted read, this series is for you.
November 15, 2014
First Impressions: This book is comprised of three novels in the Vampire Kisses series by Ellen Schreiber. The series follows main character Raven, a goth-to-the-extreme girl obsessed with all things dark, black, and vampiric stuck in a Ralph Lauren golf club town aptly named Dullsville. She is the only out of place person in the whole town, preferring head-to-toe black ensembles instead of the pastels and plaids worn by the rest of her town. Raven keeps company with Becky, a girl from the wrong side of train tracks who likes Raven for who she is and probably because Raven is the only girl to ever stick up for her. Dullsville becomes happening when a new family moves into the haunted mansion at the top of the hill by the cemetery. No one in town ever sees anyone from the family except the butler, who only ventures out at night to do the shopping. Rumors spread quickly through town that the new family is full of vampires. When Raven hears this, she is more than intrigued and becomes determined to find out more.
To be excruciatingly honest, at first I liked this book. Well, like is strong. It was mildly entertaining- a fun, easy-to-read, vacation book. I got through the whole first part in one day-- not because I was so into it but because it was easy. Then, the second book and I got through much slower, semi-interested in what would happen to Raven and Alexander. By the third book, I was over it. Raven became too whiny for me, I thought the relationship between Raven and Alexander was tenuous at best, the plot turns of the third book were more annoying than anything and I wanted more out of the Jagger character in the second book. The worst part of the whole series is how "goth" Raven is. There are a million references to "goth" things-- Edward Scissorhands alarm clock, Nightmare Before Christmas lamp, AFI shirts, listening to Korn-- it was so stereotypical and obvious. It was like she didn't say "I'm a goth" enough times (which she did). Every other description was there to reinforce how goth Raven and Alexander were. It got on my nerves and was definitely the main factor in making me lose interest.
To be excruciatingly honest, at first I liked this book. Well, like is strong. It was mildly entertaining- a fun, easy-to-read, vacation book. I got through the whole first part in one day-- not because I was so into it but because it was easy. Then, the second book and I got through much slower, semi-interested in what would happen to Raven and Alexander. By the third book, I was over it. Raven became too whiny for me, I thought the relationship between Raven and Alexander was tenuous at best, the plot turns of the third book were more annoying than anything and I wanted more out of the Jagger character in the second book. The worst part of the whole series is how "goth" Raven is. There are a million references to "goth" things-- Edward Scissorhands alarm clock, Nightmare Before Christmas lamp, AFI shirts, listening to Korn-- it was so stereotypical and obvious. It was like she didn't say "I'm a goth" enough times (which she did). Every other description was there to reinforce how goth Raven and Alexander were. It got on my nerves and was definitely the main factor in making me lose interest.
December 6, 2009
This book was so good. Also, it's the largest book I've read. I had 562 pgs, but i couldn't stop reading; it was so good. This book is just like the Twilight series, even though i never actually finished the first book. This story starts out with the character name Raven. She is consider a weird girl in her high school because she is a goth. Raven always hated her life and the town she lives in. She call her town, Dullsville. When she was little, she always dream of living like a vampire and going through an adventure a vampire would go through. But one day, some family move to the Benson Hill mansion, in which everyone says it's hunted. Everyone says the family living their are weird because they are never seen in the morning, and the son goes to the cemetery . One day Raven snuck inside the house to see the truth behind this family. When Raven wanted to sneak back out, she saw the most handsome guy in town, and his name is Alexander. Alexander has a butler name Jameson, and he invited Raven to eat dinner with Alexander. The people in town were so wrong about the Sterling family being Vampires because Alexander is so gentlemen. But, Raven didn't know dating a vampire would lead into danger. One night, Alexander and Jameson left the town, and Raven felt heartbroken. So she search for him, but searching for him, left herself in danger. Their was another vampire out to get Alexander, but Raven searching for Alexander put herself into danger. What happens next, will keep you to continue to read this book. This book was so amazing and i can't wait to read the second book of this series. The most amazing part of this book is that it has 2 books combine in it. I can't wait to read the second book:)!
November 29, 2018
3 Stars
Listen, is this a fantastic series? LOL Nah. Did my 12-year-old self adore this series back in middle school? Heck Yeah. I just re-read this and, me being in my early twenties, cringed at some scenes but somehow I still like this book, although it might be from the nostalgia I had while reading it. I don't love it, but I didn't expect to. The cliches are abundant and it's cheesy, but if you're anyone with half a brain, you'd realize this before going in. The summary alone is cheesy af. The main protagonist, Raven, is a 17 year old self-proclaimed goth girl (and yes, she REALLY makes sure you understand that she's goth every other sentence) in a town full of preppy, upbeat residents that she calls Dullsville. I still haven't quite figured out the real name of the town, but it's irrelevant since you're getting POV of Raven and that's what she wants to call this town. And then there's Alexander, new creepy guy with an old ass butler, who just moved into a once vacant Adam's Family-esque mansion on a hill. Raven is immediately all over him. Then, come to find out, he's a vampire. WHEW, didn't see that one coming did ya?
Obviously, this series is meant for a younger audience, but if you're intrigued and still want to pick up the first book in the series, go ahead. Just don't take this seriously and you might have a fun time.
(BTW this is still a better love story than twilight, thanks for coming to my ted talk)
Listen, is this a fantastic series? LOL Nah. Did my 12-year-old self adore this series back in middle school? Heck Yeah. I just re-read this and, me being in my early twenties, cringed at some scenes but somehow I still like this book, although it might be from the nostalgia I had while reading it. I don't love it, but I didn't expect to. The cliches are abundant and it's cheesy, but if you're anyone with half a brain, you'd realize this before going in. The summary alone is cheesy af. The main protagonist, Raven, is a 17 year old self-proclaimed goth girl (and yes, she REALLY makes sure you understand that she's goth every other sentence) in a town full of preppy, upbeat residents that she calls Dullsville. I still haven't quite figured out the real name of the town, but it's irrelevant since you're getting POV of Raven and that's what she wants to call this town. And then there's Alexander, new creepy guy with an old ass butler, who just moved into a once vacant Adam's Family-esque mansion on a hill. Raven is immediately all over him. Then, come to find out, he's a vampire. WHEW, didn't see that one coming did ya?
Obviously, this series is meant for a younger audience, but if you're intrigued and still want to pick up the first book in the series, go ahead. Just don't take this seriously and you might have a fun time.
(BTW this is still a better love story than twilight, thanks for coming to my ted talk)
November 22, 2009
Even as vampire novels go, this is a stinker. It was probably the cheesiest thing ever, and absolutely no thought went into it. Everything about the vampire lore was traditional and illogical (they had to sleep in coffins, allergic to garlic, could change into bats), and there was nothing in this book that you couldn't find in vampire movie 80 years ago. And Raven, the protangonist, was not "Goth". No matter how many times you call yourself Goth, no matter how many times you use the words "gothic" on the page, that does not make you Goth. True Goths do not define themselves to a Goth stereotype. The romance between Alexander (who has no personality) and Raven was completely flat. The romance consisted of this: Raven sees Alexander and automatically falls in love with him based on his appearance (which she describes constantly) and decides it is true love. Raven does not go through the process of falling in love, nor does she displays that she loves him. She simply meets him and tells the readers she loves him. The dialogue amongst all the characters is predictable, as all the plot twists. Even though I am not a big fan of Twilight, it would be a step up compared to this series.
October 16, 2023
Did not finish. I couldn't force myself to keep on suffering like this.
I made it as far as 25% of the last book and then I realized that there was absolutely no reason why I should finish it when I no longer cared for what happened.
This is insufferable MC at its finest level. Rude, edgy, self-centered and sadly unremarkable.
There isn't a single quality about Raven that I like, and even in the narrative the only adjective she can attribute to herself is "Goth".
There is absolutely no reason why a real vampire (let alone two) would want her as their girlfriend (or bride in some cases) all of a sudden and after barely even trading a few words with her.
Not to bring the author down, but I've read fanfiction by 13 year old that is better written than this.
Maybe my edgy teenage self would have liked this. Maybe it just didn't age well.
I'm sure there are lots of people out there that resonate with these characters and that's fine. But as it stands, and personally, I would not recommend wasting time on this.
I made it as far as 25% of the last book and then I realized that there was absolutely no reason why I should finish it when I no longer cared for what happened.
This is insufferable MC at its finest level. Rude, edgy, self-centered and sadly unremarkable.
There isn't a single quality about Raven that I like, and even in the narrative the only adjective she can attribute to herself is "Goth".
There is absolutely no reason why a real vampire (let alone two) would want her as their girlfriend (or bride in some cases) all of a sudden and after barely even trading a few words with her.
Not to bring the author down, but I've read fanfiction by 13 year old that is better written than this.
Maybe my edgy teenage self would have liked this. Maybe it just didn't age well.
I'm sure there are lots of people out there that resonate with these characters and that's fine. But as it stands, and personally, I would not recommend wasting time on this.
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