Monday, July 13, 2009

Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side Review

Release Date: February 1, 2009
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Age Group: 12+
Pages: 351

The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancĂ©. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction
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Overlook the cheesy title and high-schooly sounding description. I know, I was kinda embarrassed to show people this book with a title like Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side. But, trust me, you won't regret reading this.

It's a well-known fact that a vampire book can be ruined with a weak high-schooly plot. I was worried that Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side would do just that. Instead, Beth Fantaskey delivers with a ridiculously original plot with twists and turns that, if you're like me, will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The romance between Lucius and Jessica was fantastic! And the characters themselves were phenomenal. At first, I wasn't liking Jessica, but as the story progressed she grew stronger, and grew on me. And I am very much in love with Lucius, because there really isn't anything not to love about him with his arrogance, chivalry, and sarcasm. And, besides, a vampire who listens to Hoobastank is amazing, in my mind.

Beth Fantaskey is an excellent storyteller. She keeps the story moving along at a great pace, and wrapped up the book wonderfully. The writing was good, it didn't quite stand out to me, but I did love how she had Lucius's letters to his uncle thrown in there.

Overall, a great vampire, and coming of age read! With laugh-out-loud humor, fantasic characters, a highly original plot, and a romance for the ages, I definitely recommed that you pick this book up. I doubt that there will be a sequel, which greatly saddens me, but that won't stop me from recommending it to everyone!


5 comments:

  1. Hey 4 and a half, not bad...

    Might read this..

    Have you sign up for my contest? If you haven't please do!

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  2. O based on this review I'm adding this to my list. I was on the fence but you've convinced me.

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  3. Yes, I'd definitely recommend it to both of you!

    Taschima: Do you mean your Meridian contest? Of course I've signed up for it, that books looks great!

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  4. I have this at home from the library, so I'm glad to hear a positive review about it! I have no clue when I'll get to reading it, but I will try this month. :)

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  5. I did an interview with the author, if anyone wants to see it:

    lolitamariereviews.blogspot.com

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Your comments feed the greedy comment-addicted blogger inside of me. Thanks for keeping me going.