Secret Vampire (Night World)

by Lisa J. Smith | Science Fiction & Fantasy |
ISBN: 0340722711 Global Overview for this book
Registered by erinacea of Friedrichshain, Berlin Germany on 7/9/2007
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2 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by erinacea from Friedrichshain, Berlin Germany on Monday, July 9, 2007
Yesterday, when I found myself in a dark and depressed mood I was suddenly gripped by a mighty hunger for blood a vampire story. Luckily, just the day before I'd bought one at my local English bookshop. I'd already started reading it, and - I admit it - that was probably the reason for my strange avarice (when I should have been rereading "HP and the Halfblood Prince" instead). :D

First off, vampire stories are not what I usually read. At all. I think, since I've left Rüdiger the little vampire ("Der kleine Vampir") behind at the age of twelve, I've only read one (really badly written) book featuring vampires. (Though Dracula _is_ waiting on my TBR pile.)
Nevertheless I was intrigued enough to buy this book (cheaply, but still). The story:
Poppy North, a vivacious American teenager, is diagnosed with the worst kind of cancer and has only a few weeks left to live. Her best friend James - secretly a vampire - realizes that for Poppy to survive there's only one chance...

Admittedly, the characters of Poppy and James (why do I always have to think of Lily and James? ;) ) remain a bit pale and maybe the story is not all that original (I wouldn't know), but there's a sweetness in the depiction of their relationship, and also in the wonderful siblingship between Poppy and her twin brother Phil, that I just couldn't help liking. I just love it when books feature the strong and vulnerable bonds between siblings, full of love and envy and hate and trust. *sighs in contentment*
In comparison, the parents (both sets) never move beyond vague descriptions and caricatures. James' cousin Ash, on the other hand, turns out to be interesting again: by behaviour and role he could be related to fanfiction Draco Malfoy and he'd sure make a fine Slytherin. :p

For a story that's so tame it doesn't even feature a single on-page kissing scene (!), the descriptions involving Poppy and James' relationship are surprisingly intense. This is actually the first time I've really understood just why vampires are so closely linked with sex and seduction.

I had a hunch about the ending that proved to be correct, but it sure was satisfying enough and left me closing the book in a much happier mood. If I ever find them cheaply, I might even take a look into the companion stories - and for me, this is saying something.

Journal Entry 2 by erinacea from Friedrichshain, Berlin Germany on Friday, September 21, 2007
Will take it along to the BBT.

Journal Entry 3 by Ballantine on Monday, September 24, 2007
I found you! I usually like vampire stories, that's why I picked you up in Köpenick - curious!

Ballantine

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