Almost To Die For Review

Author: Tate Hallaway
Release Date: August 3, 2010
Pages: 241 (Paperback)

Publisher: NAL (Penguin Group)

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review from publisher

On her sixteenth birthday, Anastasija Parker learns that her so-called deadbeat dad is actually a vampire king. And he wants Ana to assume her rightful position at his side, in spite of the fact that she has witch's blood running through her veins-from her mother's side.

Too bad witches and vampires are mortal enemies. And now Ana's parents are at each other's throats over her future. It's up to Ana to make a choice, but deciding your eternal destiny is a pretty big deal for a girl who just wants to get through high school.
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Towards the beginning of Almost To Die for, I wasn't that impressed. It just wasn't grabbing me.

But when it grabbed me, it really grabbed me.

Yeah, slow to start, but once it picks up, it really picks up. It was definitely a new take on vampires and general YA paranormal. There wasn't too much conflict until the end, but I think that part of that had a lot to do with building the story up for the next books in the series.

Ana was a good protagonist, and I'd definitely use the words feisty and fun to describe her. I loved the guys in this book, especially Nikolai. What can I say? I have a thing for non-jerk rocker guys. But I also liked the very gentlemanyly Elias. Ana's mom annoyed me to no end, and her dad did as well.

I was really impressed by Tate Hallaway's writing and storytelling abilities. Sometimes you have to pick between good writing and good humor, but not in Almost To Die For.

The ending was action-packed and left me wanting book 2! Overall, a welcome new paranormal romance. Definitely one to pick up.

How kid friendly is it? Not a lot of language, violence, or sexual content. This one is definitely safe for younger teens, in my opinion!