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burntout_bookworm's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved this!! The cheesy, non-serious vampire vibes this gave off was great. I especially loved all of the pop culture referenced scattered throughout the novel, which made it a really enjoyable fast paced novel. I also really enjoyed the plot line and the characters. The only thing that meant that this was not a 5 star was that there was a few things that I think we glossed over to wrap up the novel that could of used a few more pages. However, I will definitely continue in the series and do believe that it might be one of those series that the books get better throughout.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood, Violence, and Murder
sarahasyouwish's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a fun, vampy, gothic read that included many of my favorite bookish buzz words. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities, and I love reading books set there. This one is set in the mid-1990s in New Orleans, and along with vampires, it also includes some haunted tours and mansions complete with reenactments of famous horror movie scenes. The gory mystery of a serial killer recreating some of New Orleans most infamous murders kept the plot moving along quickly. I will admit that some of the dialogue felt awkward, and and the characters seemed to often suddenly need to go to sleep just at a moment when you’d expect an important conversation, but those things really didn’t bother me. I definitely had a good time with this YA paranormal mystery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror, Death of parent, and Gore
kellysrambles's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I properly enjoyed this fast paced, murder mystery laced with classic horror, blood and gore. I immediately liked Mina as our main character and was intrigued as to what would unfold during her time in New Orleans. The writing was easy to fall in love with and I felt transported to the fascinating, yet dark, world of New Orleans in the 90s. Knowing only a little about New Orleans, I was absolutely enamoured with all of the mythology shared in this novel and how these horrors unfolded to touch Mina’s own life. It made me want to visit New Orleans whilst also simultaneously making me wary.
I wouldn’t say I am hugely into vampires or books about them but I loved the way they were interlaced into this book and the different classic references that appeared. Mina and Libby’s fascination with all things horror was fun. I would definitely be pants taking part in any kind of horror tour but reading along in the safety of my home made it thoroughly enjoyable! I really loved how clearly I could imagine everything whilst reading.
I really loved the characters in this book, especially the complex relationship between Mina and her estranged sister Libby. The way in which their feelings towards each other change and develop throughout the nook was really well done. Not to mention my love for Jared, Lucas and Della too. Another favourite of mine was definitely Thandie who I grew to love for a number of different reasons!
Mina and the Undead is packed full of punches. Full to the brim with adventure, mystery, gore and horror – definitely a favourite read of 2021 so far!
Thanks to NetGalley, UCLAN Publishing and Amy McCaw for my free digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Gore
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