Title: Kissing Coffins
Author: Ellen Schreiber
First published July 26, 2005
224 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060776244 (ISBN10: 0060776242)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
Just a stone’s throw away from Dullsville, danger lurks in the shadows. Raven, the goth-girl, finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and captivating Alexander Sterling.
But as in her beloved flick, “Kissing Coffins,” Raven knows that love comes with its own set of troubles, particularly when Alexander is keeping a massive secret. When Alexander vanishes without a trace, Raven embarks on a treacherous quest to track him down.
Will she be able to keep herself out of harm’s way, no matter what kind of dangers she confronts on her journey?
About the Author
I used to be an actress before I became a writer. I studied theatre at a local university and spent a summer in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
My time in London was unforgettable, and I learned a lot from my incredibly talented teachers about the “Old Bard.”
After London, I moved to Chicago and spent 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 into Lake Michigan! My classmate and I created a two-woman show that we performed for a year before I ventured into stand-up comedy.
During my time doing stand-up, I started writing an adult novel about a rock star. I had always enjoyed writing, so this was a natural progression for me.
A few years later, I moved back home and started performing stand-up at comedy clubs in the area. While on a plane to LA to decide whether to move there or not, my brother Mark, who happens to share my last name (he’s the author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE, and STARCROSSED), gave me a young adult book to read during the flight.
As I read it, I thought, “I can do this!”
Instead of moving to LA, I stayed home and wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel. I called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
My brother Mark, who is also my writing mentor, edited it for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium–Facet–and they published it! In Dutch!
From there, things took off. In 2001, HarperCollins offered to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, and they also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.
It was a dream come true!
Since then, my books have been published in several countries, including Belgium and Germany. HarperCollins also published VAMPIRE KISSES 2–KISSING COFFINS and the soon-to-be-released VAMPIRE KISSES 3–VAMPIREVILLE.
I’m currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I’m not writing about the love between Raven, a goth girl obsessed with vampires, and Alexander Sterling, my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and trying to wrestle the remote away from my boyfriend.
Editoral Review
Kissing Coffins, by Ellen Schreiber, is a standalone novel in the Vampire Kisses series. Published on July 26, 2005, this book falls under the Young Adult, Fantasy, and Romance genres.
Schreiber is an American young adult fiction author, who is best known for the Vampire Kisses series. The novel is set in a small town called Dullsville and follows the story of Raven Madison, a goth teenager who is deeply in love with a mysterious vampire named Alexander Sterling.
In Kissing Coffins, Raven’s summer vacation is disrupted by the arrival of Jagger, Alexander’s dangerous vampire cousin, who is interested in recruiting Raven and Alexander to join a secret society of vampires. As Raven tries to uncover the truth about Jagger’s intentions, she finds herself caught in a web of danger, deception, and intrigue.
Schreiber’s writing style is simple, yet engaging, with quick pacing that keeps the story moving forward. The characters are well-developed and memorable, especially Raven, who is a relatable protagonist with a strong sense of identity.
The small-town setting adds to the book’s charm and authenticity, painting a vivid picture of a place where people are judged based on their appearance and behavior. In terms of themes, Kissing Coffins deals with issues such as identity, acceptance, and loyalty.
Raven’s struggle to fit in with her peers and be accepted for who she is, no matter how unconventional, is a relatable theme that many teenagers can relate to. The vampire theme also adds an interesting twist to the genre, as Schreiber explores the pros and cons of eternal life and the consequences of giving in to temptation.
However, the novel does have some weaknesses. One of the limitations is that the plot is predictable and lacks originality, with clich vampire tropes that are common in the genre.
The romantic elements of the story also feel rushed and underdeveloped, lacking the emotional depth that would make the reader invested in the relationship between Raven and Alexander. Overall, Kissing Coffins is a fun and enjoyable read that is suitable for teenagers who are fans of the Young Adult, Fantasy, and Romance genres.
Despite its flaws, the book is well-written and a good introduction to the Vampire Kisses series. I would give this book a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
In conclusion, Kissing Coffins is a recommended read for those seeking a light and enchanting YA romance novel. While it may not be the most groundbreaking or original book out there, it is an entertaining story that provides a fun escape from reality.
It is ideal for fans of Twilight or the Vampire Diaries, as it follows a similar vampire theme. Overall, Schreiber’s writing is engaging and enjoyable, with a protagonist that resonates with teenagers everywhere.
