Author: Alyxandra HarveyRelease Date: December 22, 2009
Pages: 248 (ARC)
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solange and her entire family.
Luckily she has her own secret weapon—her human best friend Lucy—who is willing to defend Solange’s right to a normal life, whether she’s being smothered by her well-intentioned brothers or abducted by a power-hungry queen. Two unlikely alliances are formed in a race to save Solange’s eternal life—Lucy and Solange’s brother Nicholas, and Solange and Kieran Black—in a dual romance that is guaranteed to jump start any romance-lover’s heart.
Even fans of the genre who’ve seen it all will find a fresh read with kick-butt characters and family dynamics that ring true for all brothers and sisters—vampire or otherwise.
Hearts At Stake was a fun, fast-paced read that I didn't want to end.
The plot was always moving. Stake here, holy water there, something was always happening. I loved that aspect of Hearts At Stake. It's a page-turner that quickly becomes addictive and hard to put down.
In the midst of all of the action, I somehow managed to fall in love with a few characters. I can't just pick one favorite character from Hearts At Stake, but it's a three-way tie between Lucy (Solange's best friend who's can kick some major butt), Helena (the Drake family's mother who was also a very strong, kick butt character), and Nicolas (he's one of those super-sweet guys/vampires...usually). I had a lot of trouble distinguishing which brother was which, except for maybe one or two. (And obviously not the brother that Hearts At Stake mainly focused on, Nicolas.) There were seven of them, so it was a little hard to remember every single one.
The writing flowed nicely, and Alyxandra Harvey seems to write action and romance scenes with ease. She'll be a much welcome addition to the genre.
The ending was climactic and exciting, just as I'd expected. My only complaint with Hearts At Stake would be that I didn't get to know some of the characters as much as I'd like in the midst of all of the action. But overall I really enjoyed this novel to the very happy ending. Definitely one for paranormal fans to pick up when they're looking for a fast, fun read! I'm very excited to read the sequel, Blood Feud.
(Thanks again to Walker Books for Young Readers/Bloomsbury for providing me with a review copy!)Hearts At Stake is one of seven books being offered in my 200 Follower Shin Dig. Go enter!
I love books that you don't want to end. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteI want to read this. Making not of To-Read status right now. Thanks so much this was a great review and it sounds like such a great premise. Like I need another series to be into...LOL - Parajunkee
ReplyDeleteI just loved this book! It's awesooome!
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this :o) I hate the way it has a different name in the UK though (My love lies bleeding) & I'm not so keen on the UK cover either lol
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this :o) I hate the way it has a different name in the UK though (My love lies bleeding) & I'm not so keen on the UK cover either lol
ReplyDelete4 stars is good! I've heard a lot about this books, and I have high hopes for it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great review. I am not one of those who has been put off by the vampire craze
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! I haven't read this yet, but I really should, especially after all the lovely things people have to say about it! :)
ReplyDeleteNice review, thanks. I'm hosting an event with her in February and now I'm looking forward to starting the book...
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