Title: Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Vol. 2
Author: Ellen Schreiber
First published September 23, 2008
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780061340826 (ISBN10: 0061340820)
Rating: 4.28
Overview
In Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Vol. 2 by Ellen Schreiber, Raven and Alexander’s relationship is put to the test once again.
With the arrival of Alexander’s troublesome half-vamp cousin, Claude, the couple must navigate through dangerous territory. Claude and his gang are searching for a stash of blood-filled vials that will turn them into pure vampires, and they’ll stop at nothing to get them.
Raven and Alexander must come up with a plan to outsmart them, but as the search intensifies, Raven is faced with a difficult decision. Will the temptation of the vials lead her down a path she never imagined?
Find out in this thrilling sequel to Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives.
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 at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, where I had some amazing teachers who taught me about the “Old Bard.”
After London, I moved to Chicago for five years. I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies, and dramas.
I even sang and danced on a cruise ship without falling into Lake Michigan! One of my classmates and I created and performed a two-woman show for a year before I started doing stand-up comedy on my own. It was around this time that I began writing an adult novel about a rock star, something I’d always enjoyed.
A couple of years later, I moved back home and started performing stand-up comedy at local clubs. On a plane to LA to decide whether or not I should move there, my brother Mark (who happens to have the same last name as me and is the author of several books) gave me a young adult novel to read on the flight.
As I read it, I thought, “I can do this!”
So, instead of moving to LA, I wrote my own young adult novel about a rock star and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING. Mark, who had become my writing mentor, edited the book for me and sent it to his publisher in Belgium, Facet, who ended up publishing it in Dutch.
This was the start of a new life path for me.
In 2001, HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! They published TEENAGE MERMAID, VAMPIRE KISSES, and COMEDY GIRL in English, and I was over the moon. Since then, Facet has published VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN in Belgium, and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.
My editor at HarperCollins then asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES, and thus VAMPIRE KISSES 2–KISSING COFFINS was born. Now, VAMPIRE KISSES 3–VAMPIREVILLE is about to be released, and I’m currently working on VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I’m not writing about Raven and Alexander Sterling’s love story, I work on my other novels, shop for Hello Kitty items, and try to wrestle the remote away from my boyfriend.
Editoral Review
Ellen Schreiber’s Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Vol. 2 is a stunning addition to the vampire genre.
Schreiber expertly crafts a tale that is equal parts suspense, romance, and mystery, drawing readers in with its engaging characters and intricate storyline. Set in the fictional town of Dullsville, the novel follows Raven, a teenage goth girl, as she navigates the complex world of vampires and their blood relatives.
When her boyfriend Alexander mysteriously disappears, Raven teams up with his powerful and enigmatic vampire cousin Claude to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. Schreiber’s writing is masterful, skillfully balancing suspenseful action sequences with poignant character moments.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while still allowing for moments of tender romance and emotional depth. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its attention to detail.
Schreiber has created a fully-realized world in Dullsville, complete with a rich history and well-developed cast of characters. Raven is a particularly compelling protagonist, showcasing both vulnerability and strength as she navigates the dangerous world of vampires.
The novel also touches on important themes, including the danger of falling prey to groupthink and the importance of choosing one’s own path in life. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding a layer of depth and sophistication to the story.
Overall, Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Vol. 2 is an outstanding addition to the vampire genre.
Schreiber’s writing is superb, and her characters are both engaging and complex. Fans of the genre will find much to love in this novel, and those new to vampire fiction will be drawn in by its expert storytelling and well-crafted worldbuilding.
If the novel has any flaws, it is perhaps that it relies too heavily on tropes of the genre. While Schreiber certainly puts her own spin on the formula, readers looking for a completely original tale may find themselves disappointed.
However, for those looking for a well-written and engaging vampire story, Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Vol. 2 is an excellent choice.
With its compelling characters, engaging storyline, and sophisticated themes, this novel is highly recommended to fans of vampire fiction and anyone looking for a great read. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys the genre, and will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this gripping series.
Score: 4.5/5.0
