Author: Heather Brewer
Series: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Publisher: Puffin Books
Release Date: 22 Jan 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0142413425
Synopsis
If middle school stunk for Vladimir Tod, high school is a real drain. Besides being a punching bag for bullies, he’s still stalled with dream girl Meredith, and he’s being tailed by a photographer from the school newspaper. Needless to say, practicing his vampire skills hasn’t exactly been a priority for Vlad — until now. A monumental trip to Siberia with Uncle Otis is Vlad’s crash course in Vampire 101. Training alongside the most gifted vampires is exactly what Vlad needs to sharpen those mind-control skills he’s been avoiding. And he’d better get it right, because the battle brewing back home with the slayer who’s been stalking him could be Vlad’s last.
My Review
This is the second book in the series and I couldn't wait to get stuck into it. If Vlad thought eighth grade was tough, he was in for a shock starting ninth grade. Having defeated what he thought was the evil vampire daunting his existence, he thought he could rest easy. But Vlad doesn't get off that easy, he's still having trouble with Meredith, there's a slayer loose coming after him, his uncle is in trouble and the school nerd is following him, convinced there is something strange going on. Then Henry's cousin comes to stay and they become fast friends, but not everyone is as they seem.
Vlad takes a trip to Siberia to meet vampire Vikas, one of the oldest and most talented vampires still alive, he only has a short time to learn as much as possible and prepare him for the danger that awaits him back home.
I got easily back into this story and straight into the characters lives. Vlad is still the charming, moody but thoughtful young vampire who although doesn't like his situation, he bites his tongue and gets on with it. I really like him as a character and can sympathize with his struggles.
This book seemed a little slow in places, but when the action hit, it really got going. It was predictable in places too, the big revelation about who the slayer was, I had figured out when the character first entered the book, maybe I just have an intuition for that sort of thing, but I thought it was obvious.
I did enjoy the story though and would still read the next one. I feel a part of Vlad's life now and I want to know what happens to him.
My Rating
I would give this book 7.5/10, a good story but not as good as the first.
2 comments:
It's a bummer to hear the series is starting to drop off. I hate when I have to read a book I don't like as much just because it's part of a bigger series that I want to know more about. I haven't read the first one, but it's been on my wishlist for some time now. I am discouraged by the review of this one though.
-Sandra from http://sandrathenookworm.blogspot.com
I agree, it starts becoming more of a chore, but this series does still have it's promising moments, at the moment there is just more good than bad. I would definitely recommend book 1 though. Hope I haven't put you off too much.
Going to try and get book 3 and see what that's like. Will post a review when I've read it, so I will let you know.
Thanks for stopping by.
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