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whatyoutolkienabout's review
3.0
I want to start by saying I am likely not the intended audience. Growing up with TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Charmed I thought this may be a sort of nostalgic trip down memory lane with some funny quirky characters and vampires.
Unfortunately even when I kept in mind this may be for someone younger than myself I was questioning just how young. A few reviews see this as Young Adult and normally I find these enjoyable with The Reluctant Vampire Queen I felt it sometimes changed it’s aim and intended audience. From young adult to very early teen. Personally I’d put it towards early teen rather than young adult. Or perhaps, as I say it was just not for me.
We follow Mo Merrydrew who is the stereotypical geek of the school but suddenly becomes The Chosen One. She is meant to become the Vampire Queen of Great Britain. Only Mo has The Plan she wants to follow and it doesn’t involve being turned into a Vampire or ruling over anyone unelected.
Beyond seeing bits of myself from my school days in Mo I couldn’t really connect with any of the characters. There didn’t seem to be any development throughout which made me think this is more intended for younger teens. I appreciate it was partly meant to be funny but I also found the contradiction in Mo’s character as soon as the ‘handsome’ Luca appears to be rather frustrating.
That said it wasn’t all bad. There were some funny lines and parts that I will remember and stick with me, always a good sign. It was also an easy and quick read. So if you are looking for a bit of fun and fluff to bridge your reading or just something to unwind to with a supernatural and funny vibe this might be for you. I think my view was skewed with my expectations and the changing in style. I certainly have and do enjoy the occasional middle grade and younger teen story I found this one just missed the mark for me. I do think it may be a good stepping stone for teens looking to go into the more supernatural genre.
I’ve rounded this up to four stars though purely because of the Monty Python reference. At least I hoped it was one about the election of ruling officials. That did make me laugh. I also want to add there is a lot of ‘British’ Humour which may not be fully appreciated by an international audience. And Bogdan. I did like Bogdan. He deserves at least half a star on his own.
As always thank you to Netgalley and HotKey Books. I have left this review voluntarily.
Unfortunately even when I kept in mind this may be for someone younger than myself I was questioning just how young. A few reviews see this as Young Adult and normally I find these enjoyable with The Reluctant Vampire Queen I felt it sometimes changed it’s aim and intended audience. From young adult to very early teen. Personally I’d put it towards early teen rather than young adult. Or perhaps, as I say it was just not for me.
We follow Mo Merrydrew who is the stereotypical geek of the school but suddenly becomes The Chosen One. She is meant to become the Vampire Queen of Great Britain. Only Mo has The Plan she wants to follow and it doesn’t involve being turned into a Vampire or ruling over anyone unelected.
Beyond seeing bits of myself from my school days in Mo I couldn’t really connect with any of the characters. There didn’t seem to be any development throughout which made me think this is more intended for younger teens. I appreciate it was partly meant to be funny but I also found the contradiction in Mo’s character as soon as the ‘handsome’ Luca appears to be rather frustrating.
That said it wasn’t all bad. There were some funny lines and parts that I will remember and stick with me, always a good sign. It was also an easy and quick read. So if you are looking for a bit of fun and fluff to bridge your reading or just something to unwind to with a supernatural and funny vibe this might be for you. I think my view was skewed with my expectations and the changing in style. I certainly have and do enjoy the occasional middle grade and younger teen story I found this one just missed the mark for me. I do think it may be a good stepping stone for teens looking to go into the more supernatural genre.
I’ve rounded this up to four stars though purely because of the Monty Python reference. At least I hoped it was one about the election of ruling officials. That did make me laugh. I also want to add there is a lot of ‘British’ Humour which may not be fully appreciated by an international audience. And Bogdan. I did like Bogdan. He deserves at least half a star on his own.
As always thank you to Netgalley and HotKey Books. I have left this review voluntarily.
kait_leslie's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
the_fang_kid's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this in one sitting! A funny, light read to get you out of a reading slump
mermaird's review
3.0
‘Thank you for the offer, Mighty Steve,’ Mo said, ‘but I don’t need a husband. I’m the strong and independent type. I can rule alone, with a little help from my familiar, of course.’
What would you do if you’re a smart teenage girl and was suddenly offered to become a Vampire Queen? Mo Merrydrew definitely rejected it adamantly. But maybe she’ll be able to fake being a Vampire Queen and live happily with her new cute familiar. Or… maybe not.
This book has been a cute and rather fast-paced read, and I enjoyed both the plot and characters. I love that the main character, Mo, has strong goals that she refuse to give in to. And even when she made mistakes, she owns up to it and settles everything on her own accord. Mo Merrydrew style ✨
Also shoutout to Lou for being the most fun best friend, Luca for being so supportive (despite distracting Mo’s future plans so badly
bxckysbxxks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
faemorgan's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars overall.
I already knew this book was going to be a ridiculous ride with a few laughs. And it was, the only problem I felt I had with the overall book was pacing. Like I understand the decision to become Vampire Queen of England is a big decision and takes a lot of thought; but the first part just felt too long. Beside from that, the confrontation of Mo and the Vampire King was tense but Mo taking charge at the end of that conversation was awesome. Really liked that part.
Wasn't expecting it to possibly be a series.
I already knew this book was going to be a ridiculous ride with a few laughs. And it was, the only problem I felt I had with the overall book was pacing. Like I understand the decision to become Vampire Queen of England is a big decision and takes a lot of thought; but the first part just felt too long. Beside from that, the confrontation of Mo and the Vampire King was tense but Mo taking charge at the end of that conversation was awesome. Really liked that part.
Wasn't expecting it to possibly be a series.
faesissa's review against another edition
Library book, not what I was in the mood for
dawnthoma100's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rachiebeeee's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
scrollsofdragons's review
2.0
1.5
How is this YA? She did not read like a fifteen-year-old, this read like a middle-grade book and the vampire stuff was so disappointing. The novel felt kind of ridiculous, like a bad fan fiction that somehow made it to publishing. The only thing that saved it was Luca.
How is this YA? She did not read like a fifteen-year-old, this read like a middle-grade book and the vampire stuff was so disappointing. The novel felt kind of ridiculous, like a bad fan fiction that somehow made it to publishing. The only thing that saved it was Luca.