A Shade Of Vampire
I’d been walking along the sea shore for about an hour when I suddenly sensed that I wasn’t alone. Someone was approaching me from behind. My heart leapt. I was so sure it was Ben, that when a stranger showed up beside me, I couldn’t hide my disappointment.
He must have noticed, because a smirk formed on his lips. “Were you expecting someone else, love?”
I eyed him suspiciously, remembering how many times my father told me not to talk to strangers. I looked him over from head to foot, taking in his appearance. I held my breath. I couldn’t find words to describe how fine a man he was. He was almost beautiful. The first thing I took notice of was how his blue eyes were about three shades brighter than any I’d ever seen before. It was such a stark contrast to his pale – almost white – skin and his dark hair. I next noted how he was easily more than half a foot taller than I was. His height, broad shoulders and lean build reminded me of Ben, but he had a presence that was far more imposing than my best friend’s.
My gaze settled on his face.
I realized that he was inspecting me just as closely as I was him. His eyes on me suddenly made me feel uncomfortably vulnerable. I gave my father’s advice a second thought, but quickly canceled out all notions of heeding to his counsel when I reminded myself that he stopped caring a long time ago. I straightened to my full height and mustered all the courage I had to keep myself from running away from this stranger.
Big mistake.
The confident smirk didn’t leave his face for even a moment. “Like what you see?”
— Bella Forrest, A Shade of Vampire
Story
A Shade of Vampire is a classic YA love story between the young human girl and a powerful, ancient vampire written by author Bella Forrest.
Sophia is taken on her 17th birthday to the Blood Shade, a magical place where it is always night and the vampires are free to live as they wish…most with human slaves. She is offered to the powerful, prince vampire, Derek, who has recently woken from a 400 year sleep. He instantly falls for her and claims her as his own.
Derek is in constant inner turmoil between wanting to love and protect her and wanting to drain her of all of her blood. Sophia struggles with an inner turmoil as well…to escape this horrible place or to stay with this creature she is beginning to care for.
Their love story develops as secrets are kept, and eventually uncovered, that will cause them to make unimaginable choices.
Style
The story is told in first person, but goes back and forth between Sophia and Derek being the narrator. This helps the reader to get Sophia/Derek’s points of view and know what their thoughts and reactions are to the other character. I understand why the author chose to tell the story this way, but personally I find it a bit confusing at times to remember which person is talking. I had to keep referring back to the chapter headers to see which character was sharing.
Stars
I give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars. I was able to connect immediately with the characters and want to find out how things turn out for them. It was well written. I finished the book within 48 hours of starting it and was immediately asking for book 2. I cannot wait for the next book!
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Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of A Shade of Vampire to facilitate the review. The Amazon links are affiliate links. As always, the opinions are 100% my own.