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heyjudy's review
2.0
~2.5/5
[Available on my blog.]
I did not really enjoy this book. It was a bit nostalgic for me, and had a feel like most Disney Channel movies/TV shows that I don’t like and yet get sucked into anyway have, which is why the rating is as high as it is. Because I do have several problems with this book.
Now, if you have not, then you should go read my review for Once in a Full Moon, because I have somewhat similar feelings to this book as I did to that one.
In this book of the Vampire Kisses series, Raven is wondering more seriously (and by more seriously, I mean more frequently, and in the state of mind as ‘I want him to do it’) about Alexander (you know, her vampire boyfriend) biting her and turning her into a vampire. Also, Jagger, Sebastian, Luna, Onyx, and Scarlet, are all still in town and setting up a vampire/human gothic club for the town. Which of course Raven and Alexander don’t want any vampires, other than themselves, to attend, so they have to try to convince Jagger of that.
First, let’s talk about the club. Jagger’s idea is for it to be like the Coffin Club, but Raven quickly gets everyone to agree that there should be no other vampires, because that would be bad. Which, okay, they don’t want any other vampires causing a mess in the town, or getting everyone’s attention. But I have a problem with the vampires, and how it’s a little racist, maybe, for her to automatically assume that every other vampire out there is bad, when she has only met nice ones (well, aside from Luna and Jagger, but mostly Luna, and that’s just their personalities). But I have a problem with the vampires in general that I will talk about in a minute.
My problem with the club is that, it’s a gothic club. With coffins and spider webs and other dark, creepy things. That no one in town but Raven and the vampires like. So why would anyone else in town want to go there? I get that they want something to do because it’s so boring there, but I don’t think people are that influence-able, that as soon as Trevor, a popular boy, says it’s okay, they’re all on board. That’s a shallow assumption. Not to mention a dumb one.
I just don’t understand why all these people that give Raven crap would suddenly decide to go to a goth club, just because it’s there. And why Jagger would decide that their town would be the place to put a club, out of all the other, more popular, towns. Why would he think that he would make money off of it in the first place? That doesn’t make sense to me.
Now, the vampire thing. My main problem revolves around the fact that most vampires are born that way. You are not born as an evil creature, okay? You grow into that. If they are born with the vampire traits, okay, but everyone is suggesting that vampires are evil, terrible things, when they are born like that. And why, exactly, can’t they look in the mirror or get their picture taken? Usually, as far as I know, that means that they don’t have a soul. But how can they not have a soul, when they are born that way? That just doesn’t add up in my head. Also, Raven called them ‘undead’ once. You can’t be undead if you are born like that. Being undead means that you were dead, are in a dead-like state, and you are not in that kind of state, if you are still growing. If you age, and reproduce. That does not work, okay? I’m just having a hard time accepting the logistics of it all.
And Raven wants so badly to be one of them, to be joined forever with Alexander, while he’s hesitant to do it. He’s smart to be hesitant. Because that would change her life forever, which she doesn’t seem to realize, because she thinks that her life revolves around him and doesn’t think that’s a bad thing. Although, honestly? It would change how she lives her life, yea, and that she would have to drink blood, which is a big deal, but the vampires aren’t dangerous. These vampires are not dangerous, at all, and so I don’t see why anyone should be afraid of them. They apparently aren’t controlled by their thirst, some of them are just assholes. Well, you know what? Some humans are assholes, too; not a big deal.
Another problem I have with this book, is the whole ‘love’ thing. At one point, Raven’s mom asks her about college, and she says something along the lines of how she would go with Alexander, if he went. Because her decisions are made when he makes his. Because, you know, they’re in love and that’s apparently all that matters in life. And her mom just lets the subject go, because she believes that Raven has found true love, and that’s the most important thing, I guess.
And, later in the book, Becky (Raven’s best friend) finds out that Alexander and the others are vampires, and freaks out a bit. Raven tells her that no one else can know. Becky responds by telling her that, oh, yea, of course, she won’t tell anyone. Except for Matt, her boyfriend, because, you know, they’re in love and she can’t keep a secret like this from him. And I get not wanting to keep a secret from him, but this is kind of a big thing. And you’ve been together maybe a year. I think this is something you can keep from him.
Which is another thing. As of this book, they’ve been together a year. A year. That’s not very long. At all. They shouldn’t be planning their lives together after a year, when they’re seventeen and eighteen years old. That is not old enough. Especially when they act like they’re closer to thirteen/fourteen (well, maybe fifteen for Alexander. He does act a bit more mature than everyone else). They barely even know each other. Raven didn’t even know Alexander had a younger sister until this book, in fact. (Who, of course, we will be meeting in the next book.)
It bothers me that this is such an immature book (especially with the way the towns are called ‘Dullsville’ and ‘Hipsterville’), and yet it’s talking very seriously about spending the rest of your life with someone and what their version of getting married is, when the characters aren’t even out of high school yet. I read this in middle school/early high school, which is the age I would recommend it for, but there’s all this other stuff that makes this not a good book for those ages.
Next, the writing. I mentioned in my other review, how much more tell there is than show, and it’s the same way in this book. Alexander is described, several times, as saying something seductively, or in a sexy voice, which isn’t really a description at all. And we’re told, several times, that Alexander is her vampire boyfriend; which is just one example of the repetitivity. And, again, the kissing/romantic scenes are not very good in description, at all, and thus not exciting.
Oh, another thing that’s repeated so many times, is how Trevor is her nemesis. She kind of has feelings for him, but doesn’t want to, because she’s in love with Alexander. And of course, her feelings for Alexander win out by far, but it was a rather annoying subplot that I didn’t really care for.
The writing makes it very easy to get through, but not particularly a nice read. Although, this series is, by far, easier to read than her Full Moon one, so that’s saying something.
I did not really enjoy this book, but it wasn’t completely terrible. And I’ve had it on my shelf since around the time it came out, so it’s been a while. I finally decided to read it, and, because I knew that I’d pretty much grown out of it, I planned to read this book and be done with it. Then I found out that there’s only one more book in the series. Which, of course, means that I’m going to have to read the last book. It's not going to be terrible or anything, but it still might be a while until I decide to get it.
[Available on my blog.]
I did not really enjoy this book. It was a bit nostalgic for me, and had a feel like most Disney Channel movies/TV shows that I don’t like and yet get sucked into anyway have, which is why the rating is as high as it is. Because I do have several problems with this book.
Now, if you have not, then you should go read my review for Once in a Full Moon, because I have somewhat similar feelings to this book as I did to that one.
In this book of the Vampire Kisses series, Raven is wondering more seriously (and by more seriously, I mean more frequently, and in the state of mind as ‘I want him to do it’) about Alexander (you know, her vampire boyfriend) biting her and turning her into a vampire. Also, Jagger, Sebastian, Luna, Onyx, and Scarlet, are all still in town and setting up a vampire/human gothic club for the town. Which of course Raven and Alexander don’t want any vampires, other than themselves, to attend, so they have to try to convince Jagger of that.
First, let’s talk about the club. Jagger’s idea is for it to be like the Coffin Club, but Raven quickly gets everyone to agree that there should be no other vampires, because that would be bad. Which, okay, they don’t want any other vampires causing a mess in the town, or getting everyone’s attention. But I have a problem with the vampires, and how it’s a little racist, maybe, for her to automatically assume that every other vampire out there is bad, when she has only met nice ones (well, aside from Luna and Jagger, but mostly Luna, and that’s just their personalities). But I have a problem with the vampires in general that I will talk about in a minute.
My problem with the club is that, it’s a gothic club. With coffins and spider webs and other dark, creepy things. That no one in town but Raven and the vampires like. So why would anyone else in town want to go there? I get that they want something to do because it’s so boring there, but I don’t think people are that influence-able, that as soon as Trevor, a popular boy, says it’s okay, they’re all on board. That’s a shallow assumption. Not to mention a dumb one.
I just don’t understand why all these people that give Raven crap would suddenly decide to go to a goth club, just because it’s there. And why Jagger would decide that their town would be the place to put a club, out of all the other, more popular, towns. Why would he think that he would make money off of it in the first place? That doesn’t make sense to me.
Now, the vampire thing. My main problem revolves around the fact that most vampires are born that way. You are not born as an evil creature, okay? You grow into that. If they are born with the vampire traits, okay, but everyone is suggesting that vampires are evil, terrible things, when they are born like that. And why, exactly, can’t they look in the mirror or get their picture taken? Usually, as far as I know, that means that they don’t have a soul. But how can they not have a soul, when they are born that way? That just doesn’t add up in my head. Also, Raven called them ‘undead’ once. You can’t be undead if you are born like that. Being undead means that you were dead, are in a dead-like state, and you are not in that kind of state, if you are still growing. If you age, and reproduce. That does not work, okay? I’m just having a hard time accepting the logistics of it all.
And Raven wants so badly to be one of them, to be joined forever with Alexander, while he’s hesitant to do it. He’s smart to be hesitant. Because that would change her life forever, which she doesn’t seem to realize, because she thinks that her life revolves around him and doesn’t think that’s a bad thing. Although, honestly? It would change how she lives her life, yea, and that she would have to drink blood, which is a big deal, but the vampires aren’t dangerous. These vampires are not dangerous, at all, and so I don’t see why anyone should be afraid of them. They apparently aren’t controlled by their thirst, some of them are just assholes. Well, you know what? Some humans are assholes, too; not a big deal.
Another problem I have with this book, is the whole ‘love’ thing. At one point, Raven’s mom asks her about college, and she says something along the lines of how she would go with Alexander, if he went. Because her decisions are made when he makes his. Because, you know, they’re in love and that’s apparently all that matters in life. And her mom just lets the subject go, because she believes that Raven has found true love, and that’s the most important thing, I guess.
And, later in the book, Becky (Raven’s best friend) finds out that Alexander and the others are vampires, and freaks out a bit. Raven tells her that no one else can know. Becky responds by telling her that, oh, yea, of course, she won’t tell anyone. Except for Matt, her boyfriend, because, you know, they’re in love and she can’t keep a secret like this from him. And I get not wanting to keep a secret from him, but this is kind of a big thing. And you’ve been together maybe a year. I think this is something you can keep from him.
Which is another thing. As of this book, they’ve been together a year. A year. That’s not very long. At all. They shouldn’t be planning their lives together after a year, when they’re seventeen and eighteen years old. That is not old enough. Especially when they act like they’re closer to thirteen/fourteen (well, maybe fifteen for Alexander. He does act a bit more mature than everyone else). They barely even know each other. Raven didn’t even know Alexander had a younger sister until this book, in fact. (Who, of course, we will be meeting in the next book.)
It bothers me that this is such an immature book (especially with the way the towns are called ‘Dullsville’ and ‘Hipsterville’), and yet it’s talking very seriously about spending the rest of your life with someone and what their version of getting married is, when the characters aren’t even out of high school yet. I read this in middle school/early high school, which is the age I would recommend it for, but there’s all this other stuff that makes this not a good book for those ages.
Next, the writing. I mentioned in my other review, how much more tell there is than show, and it’s the same way in this book. Alexander is described, several times, as saying something seductively, or in a sexy voice, which isn’t really a description at all. And we’re told, several times, that Alexander is her vampire boyfriend; which is just one example of the repetitivity. And, again, the kissing/romantic scenes are not very good in description, at all, and thus not exciting.
Oh, another thing that’s repeated so many times, is how Trevor is her nemesis. She kind of has feelings for him, but doesn’t want to, because she’s in love with Alexander. And of course, her feelings for Alexander win out by far, but it was a rather annoying subplot that I didn’t really care for.
The writing makes it very easy to get through, but not particularly a nice read. Although, this series is, by far, easier to read than her Full Moon one, so that’s saying something.
I did not really enjoy this book, but it wasn’t completely terrible. And I’ve had it on my shelf since around the time it came out, so it’s been a while. I finally decided to read it, and, because I knew that I’d pretty much grown out of it, I planned to read this book and be done with it. Then I found out that there’s only one more book in the series. Which, of course, means that I’m going to have to read the last book. It's not going to be terrible or anything, but it still might be a while until I decide to get it.
brandyryann's review
4.0
Although these are obviously written for a younger crowd, I thoroughly enjoy them.
pnj's review
2.0
Raven, Raven, Raven. When will you just grow up?
Once in this book Raven said "I said selfishly." It’s strange because she realize that she’s selfish but she doesn’t even try to change her personality. Sorry I keep complaining about Raven but I just feel bad for Alexander. Why does he even like her? I think he just might be really stupid to not realize how much trouble this girl is. Or how she's the most annoying girlfriend someone can have.
Once in this book Raven said "I said selfishly." It’s strange because she realize that she’s selfish but she doesn’t even try to change her personality. Sorry I keep complaining about Raven but I just feel bad for Alexander. Why does he even like her? I think he just might be really stupid to not realize how much trouble this girl is. Or how she's the most annoying girlfriend someone can have.
haven101g's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
fallen_for_books30's review
4.0
I am getting close to the end of the series and only one book is left to read and I really want to tell you I am gonna miss Raven , Alexander...!!
In this book Raven and Alexander take their relationship a little forward with help of blood!! Thank god!! raven cut herself or else it wouldn't have happened and I really liked Alex drinking Raven''s blood. It was hot and sweet.
This book has recurring characters like Jagger Luna Sebastian. They all want to set up a coffin club in the small town and how Alexander and
Raven tackle this problem, negotiating with Jagger ..Raven dealt with Luna and her remarks...I feel angry and pity for her...and her relationship with Sebastian.
Raven was strong , intelligent and I really loved her good heart she was selfless and selfish ant right times. I really felt sad that Alexander didn't want to turn her even I know Alexander's concern/
Introduction of Phoenix was awesome...Even if we know who was he but still his personality is no different than Alexander...I quite came to love him too!!
There are more stuffs,more depth to this book..
We come to know more about Trevor and I really liked this guy even if he is pain in ass and I loved the last scene!! Hats off to Raven for what she did!!
With conclusion of the book I am eagerly waiting for the last book TO BE DEVOURED BY ME SOON!!
In this book Raven and Alexander take their relationship a little forward with help of blood!! Thank god!! raven cut herself or else it wouldn't have happened and I really liked Alex drinking Raven''s blood. It was hot and sweet.
This book has recurring characters like Jagger Luna Sebastian. They all want to set up a coffin club in the small town and how Alexander and
Raven tackle this problem, negotiating with Jagger ..Raven dealt with Luna and her remarks...I feel angry and pity for her...and her relationship with Sebastian.
Raven was strong , intelligent and I really loved her good heart she was selfless and selfish ant right times. I really felt sad that Alexander didn't want to turn her even I know Alexander's concern/
Introduction of Phoenix was awesome...Even if we know who was he but still his personality is no different than Alexander...I quite came to love him too!!
There are more stuffs,more depth to this book..
We come to know more about Trevor and I really liked this guy even if he is pain in ass and I loved the last scene!! Hats off to Raven for what she did!!
With conclusion of the book I am eagerly waiting for the last book TO BE DEVOURED BY ME SOON!!
justasmidge's review
2.0
I loved this series, really. But I want it to end. Hopefully book 9 will be the last one. But I have a feeling that Schreiber is going to drag this out till probably 10 books(though I have this feeling she is going to end it on 13 because that's something very Raven-like) The story is getting dull. Book 6 and 7 were boring, but not as bad as this..
lexxluthor's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
alyson7's review
2.0
Raven's ever-so-dull Dullsville isn't so dull anymore. Now, Jagger and Sebastian are planning to open a club, just like the Coffin Club. Raven is so excited, but she has suspicions that there are more to Jagger's plans than meets the eye. Maybe he'll want to attract more vampires to her small town. If so, that might mean the end of secrecy for Alexander. Will Raven be able to change his mind?
Book 8! Nearly done the series. I really feel as if these books are starting to lose momentum and steam. They are just being churned out just because rather than to add to character development or storyline. Really, not much happens in this book. The beginning was exciting. A little bit of romance between Raven and Alexander, but it didn't take long before the romance subsides and Raven has to go around investigating (again).
Still hoping that this series will end with a bang! Is that too much to hope for?
Hopefully not.
Book 8! Nearly done the series. I really feel as if these books are starting to lose momentum and steam. They are just being churned out just because rather than to add to character development or storyline. Really, not much happens in this book. The beginning was exciting. A little bit of romance between Raven and Alexander, but it didn't take long before the romance subsides and Raven has to go around investigating (again).
Still hoping that this series will end with a bang! Is that too much to hope for?
Hopefully not.
erinicorn's review
4.0
This book was interesting, but at times it would get slow, and there was weird cliff-hangerish end. I'm not really sure how to put what I feel about this book into words, soooo...read the book and let me know what you think. please. :D
gabbyreadswithtea's review
4.0
*Warning: There may be spoilers, but big ones will be marked.*
I thought this was the last book in the Vampire Kisses series. I was VERY (and extremely) happy to find out I was wrong (It was only the last book that was out at the book-store!) I Love her series and i couldn't wait to read more!
Okay, back to the point. (If you have read some of my other reviews, you will know that occasionally i will go off subject and eventually steer back.). This book is about Jagger and some of his friends (I think, i read this a little while ago and can't remember much about it. I can remember the Books altogether, but have trouble remembering what happens in them Individually.) Camp out in the Dullsville mill. Jagger plans to build a vampire club, (Which in case you havn't read the previous book, Jagger's hobby is building clubs.) which Raven thinks is cool, until she dicovers what a risk this is going to be to the Dullsville residents. Can Both Raven and Alexander convince Jagger to make the club safe for everyone? Even the mortals?
Okay, i love how at the end of the book SPOILER!!!!
They convince him to make an excellent club for both Mortals and Vampires alike (Wouldn't want Trevor to get hurt, would we?)and how now we know that Alexander's sister (That we never even knew existed,) is coming to Dullsville, (The scene in which this happens is funny, considering Alexander receives a text from his sister that sounds like a girl that is flirting with him, like, "I miss you so much! etc. etc." (Well, we'd think the same thing if our boyfriend received a text like that) but then Alexander assures her that it is only his sister (And that he does have a younger sister that she never knew about) and she is coming to Dullsville!
Well, i couldn't wait to read the next one :) It was awesome, too. (But also very sad that the series is at an end.)
I recommend this book for (Like i said Before) People who like the previous instalments to the vampire kisses series, The Vladimir Tod series, series where the main character is goth, Vampires, and YA Teen fantasy fiction.
I thought this was the last book in the Vampire Kisses series. I was VERY (and extremely) happy to find out I was wrong (It was only the last book that was out at the book-store!) I Love her series and i couldn't wait to read more!
Okay, back to the point. (If you have read some of my other reviews, you will know that occasionally i will go off subject and eventually steer back.). This book is about Jagger and some of his friends (I think, i read this a little while ago and can't remember much about it. I can remember the Books altogether, but have trouble remembering what happens in them Individually.) Camp out in the Dullsville mill. Jagger plans to build a vampire club, (Which in case you havn't read the previous book, Jagger's hobby is building clubs.) which Raven thinks is cool, until she dicovers what a risk this is going to be to the Dullsville residents. Can Both Raven and Alexander convince Jagger to make the club safe for everyone? Even the mortals?
Okay, i love how at the end of the book SPOILER!!!!
They convince him to make an excellent club for both Mortals and Vampires alike (Wouldn't want Trevor to get hurt, would we?)and how now we know that Alexander's sister (That we never even knew existed,) is coming to Dullsville, (The scene in which this happens is funny, considering Alexander receives a text from his sister that sounds like a girl that is flirting with him, like, "I miss you so much! etc. etc." (Well, we'd think the same thing if our boyfriend received a text like that) but then Alexander assures her that it is only his sister (And that he does have a younger sister that she never knew about) and she is coming to Dullsville!
Well, i couldn't wait to read the next one :) It was awesome, too. (But also very sad that the series is at an end.)
I recommend this book for (Like i said Before) People who like the previous instalments to the vampire kisses series, The Vladimir Tod series, series where the main character is goth, Vampires, and YA Teen fantasy fiction.