Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
This book is straight up Stockholm Syndrome but she’s cool with it because he’s so good looking. I guess I was just in the right mood for this today. I’ll read the next one.
You know I had this book on my To-Read list for quite some time. A Shade of Vampire is a shorter read revolving around a kidnapped girl and secret race of vampires.
I love the cover! It's different and creative. The insides however had the same feel as most other vampire romances but it also had a lot of potential. The story was pleasant to read but lacked surprise and excitement I crave.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Warning: Quotes from the book might spoil something.
So while walking along the beach all alone at night she finds herself confronted by a stranger and the next thing you know he drugs and kidnaps her.
She had that coming. Don't wonder off alone at night in a strange place you fool! I yelled at Sophia a lot can you tell? I also found a lot of contradictory descriptions and statements.
Derek just woke up after being asleep for 400 years AND made a comment about how his clothes didn't look right, but he's wearing jeans and a t-shirt? Did he change at some point? Did he fall asleep in the 1600's wearing that? I found myself asking a lot of unanswered questions. Not much was explained by anyone. Everything feels too easy. I'm naturally inquisitive so leaving plot lines so undefined bothered me.
The book was told by both Derek and Sophia. I love double view points. Especially when the author gives you a heads up. I hate when they blend, but Bella Forrest used each name for chapter titles so it was easy to keep track.
The characters are at no loss for depth. Underdeveloped a little but I believe the length had a hand in that. Especially Lucas. I must be pretty messed up because I'm loving his psychotic tendencies. Using him to push the boundaries of issues like rape and abuse was a good move, brings the book to the edgier side.
I'm not quite sure I can grasp the romantic attachment between Sophia and Derek yet. It feels as if there must be something going on that the reader isn't seeing because they just come together without much between them.
So about 85% of my problems with this book was the length. I think it could have been a bit longer to better develop the characters and story line. The romance felt forced because everything went by so fast. What happened to Sofia training to fight? The story ended too abruptly for me. The arrival of someone on the island (nameless for spoiler reasons) felt like it could have been the middle controversy and stretched a bit more for conflict before leaving off on the cliffhanger.
Speaking of the cliffhanger... did she leave? Did she stay? Will Ben become a hunter and Sofia kill Lucas? What about the premonition? Will I continue the series? Yes, lol, definitely. I think it was a fun read. Not to mention, A shade of Blood, the second book, is twice as long so I have a feeling it can only get better from here.
I love the cover! It's different and creative. The insides however had the same feel as most other vampire romances but it also had a lot of potential. The story was pleasant to read but lacked surprise and excitement I crave.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Warning: Quotes from the book might spoil something.
Spoiler
A Shade of Vampire began with a dejected young girl on her birthday. He best friend/crush had forgotten about it and she took off on her own to mope. Did I mention he's the most popular guy in school and dating someone else? Yeah.So while walking along the beach all alone at night she finds herself confronted by a stranger and the next thing you know he drugs and kidnaps her.
"I heard the waves, felt the sand, smelled the ocean salt, tasted the flavor of cherry and saw the stranger’s manic appearance as he stuck a needle to my neck." - Sofia
She had that coming. Don't wonder off alone at night in a strange place you fool! I yelled at Sophia a lot can you tell? I also found a lot of contradictory descriptions and statements.
"Even Derek, Lucas and Vivienne were dressed pretty normally – jeans, crisp black shirts on the men..." - Sofia
Derek just woke up after being asleep for 400 years AND made a comment about how his clothes didn't look right, but he's wearing jeans and a t-shirt? Did he change at some point? Did he fall asleep in the 1600's wearing that? I found myself asking a lot of unanswered questions. Not much was explained by anyone. Everything feels too easy. I'm naturally inquisitive so leaving plot lines so undefined bothered me.
The book was told by both Derek and Sophia. I love double view points. Especially when the author gives you a heads up. I hate when they blend, but Bella Forrest used each name for chapter titles so it was easy to keep track.
The characters are at no loss for depth. Underdeveloped a little but I believe the length had a hand in that. Especially Lucas. I must be pretty messed up because I'm loving his psychotic tendencies. Using him to push the boundaries of issues like rape and abuse was a good move, brings the book to the edgier side.
He raised his blue eyes to meet mine and the faintest smirk formed on his lips. “I enjoyed it the same way I would’ve enjoyed you.” - Lucas
I'm not quite sure I can grasp the romantic attachment between Sophia and Derek yet. It feels as if there must be something going on that the reader isn't seeing because they just come together without much between them.
"She was no longer mine. At some point during all those nights I’d spent with her, I’d become hers." - Derek
So about 85% of my problems with this book was the length. I think it could have been a bit longer to better develop the characters and story line. The romance felt forced because everything went by so fast. What happened to Sofia training to fight? The story ended too abruptly for me. The arrival of someone on the island (nameless for spoiler reasons) felt like it could have been the middle controversy and stretched a bit more for conflict before leaving off on the cliffhanger.
Speaking of the cliffhanger... did she leave? Did she stay? Will Ben become a hunter and Sofia kill Lucas? What about the premonition? Will I continue the series? Yes, lol, definitely. I think it was a fun read. Not to mention, A shade of Blood, the second book, is twice as long so I have a feeling it can only get better from here.
I read this book in one sitting and LOVED every minute of it! I didn't want it to end! Starting book number 2 ASAP. Would highly recommend!
Ok so first off I'd like to give a huge thanks to Bella Forrest for giving me a free copy!
So to give a quick summary, Sofia Claremont is kidnapped on her birthday and is whisked away to an island called the Shade for vampires. And not our sweet, we-love-human vampires, but the good ol' cold, bloodthirsty ones. She is chosen to be the personal slave of Derek Novak, the prince. However, complications arise when Derek's brother, Lucas, takes a cruel liking towards Sofia, even as she begins to fall in love with her captor: Derek.
Characters: Enjoyed the characters, and though Sofia isn't my favorite female protagonist, she is certainly much smarter, stronger, and more likable compared to other cookie cut outs we've been seeing. I mean, to be kidnapped and awaken in a room full of vampires and NOT have a mental breakdown takes some serious strength. In fact, she even comforts another in this situation, thinking of others rather than herself. If she was stronger (physically speaking) she definitely would have been kicking some vampire-ass! Next we have Derek Novak, who is totally swoon worthy. He is one of the few that does not like the fact of human slaves, and definitely treats them much better. He is protective, and very sweet and careful towards Sofia, and begins to give her more respect throughout the novel. Lucas, the antagonist, and also Derek's brother, is a creep, and let's just say he has no quarrels doing terrible, terrible things. The other characters have a lesser influence in my opinion to be honest, although one of my favorite characters was Corrine, the snarky sarcastic witch.
Plot: Five stars on this aspect because I believe the idea of this is really unique. The idea of human slaves for vampires (Need I remind you dark uncaring ones?) gives a horror aspect intertwined with paranormal and romance themes. And though the main problem in this novel is Lucas's thirst for Sofia, there is obviously other problems that will come up in later installments.
I did feel this book was a bit short, and the ending a bit rushed. I did enjoy the alternate perspectives between Sofia and Derek.
All in all, a really great read! You kinda get everything you want all in one: vampires, kings, romance, blood, mysterious islands, and witches! So go check it out! Thanks again to Bella Forrest, and I for one will definitely be checking out the sequel!
So to give a quick summary, Sofia Claremont is kidnapped on her birthday and is whisked away to an island called the Shade for vampires. And not our sweet, we-love-human vampires, but the good ol' cold, bloodthirsty ones. She is chosen to be the personal slave of Derek Novak, the prince. However, complications arise when Derek's brother, Lucas, takes a cruel liking towards Sofia, even as she begins to fall in love with her captor: Derek.
Characters: Enjoyed the characters, and though Sofia isn't my favorite female protagonist, she is certainly much smarter, stronger, and more likable compared to other cookie cut outs we've been seeing. I mean, to be kidnapped and awaken in a room full of vampires and NOT have a mental breakdown takes some serious strength. In fact, she even comforts another in this situation, thinking of others rather than herself. If she was stronger (physically speaking) she definitely would have been kicking some vampire-ass! Next we have Derek Novak, who is totally swoon worthy. He is one of the few that does not like the fact of human slaves, and definitely treats them much better. He is protective, and very sweet and careful towards Sofia, and begins to give her more respect throughout the novel. Lucas, the antagonist, and also Derek's brother, is a creep, and let's just say he has no quarrels doing terrible, terrible things. The other characters have a lesser influence in my opinion to be honest, although one of my favorite characters was Corrine, the snarky sarcastic witch.
Plot: Five stars on this aspect because I believe the idea of this is really unique. The idea of human slaves for vampires (Need I remind you dark uncaring ones?) gives a horror aspect intertwined with paranormal and romance themes. And though the main problem in this novel is Lucas's thirst for Sofia, there is obviously other problems that will come up in later installments.
I did feel this book was a bit short, and the ending a bit rushed. I did enjoy the alternate perspectives between Sofia and Derek.
All in all, a really great read! You kinda get everything you want all in one: vampires, kings, romance, blood, mysterious islands, and witches! So go check it out! Thanks again to Bella Forrest, and I for one will definitely be checking out the sequel!
This was ehhh. I needed a mush mushy romance but apparently It was that good. I like it and I will probably continue with the series. :)
3.5 STARS
I liked this book and it was a nice start to a series. Derek is the nicest vampire since Edward. I enjoyed the dual POVs as well, however, the book was really short. I will definitely continue with the series.
I liked this book and it was a nice start to a series. Derek is the nicest vampire since Edward. I enjoyed the dual POVs as well, however, the book was really short. I will definitely continue with the series.
Wow
What an ending?! I’m actually in shock. I didn’t see that for an ending. Spoiler alert I knew they’d fall in love but just WOW!
What an ending?! I’m actually in shock. I didn’t see that for an ending. Spoiler alert I knew they’d fall in love but just WOW!
First off it was a quick read which is good. The book has a good premise and characters and setting. I don't know something just seemed to be missing. I couldn't care about the characters. I keep waiting for something to happen and it did not happen.
Interesting but Short
I would have gladly given this book 5 stars but it was just too short. There were so many opportunities to create more in depth looks into the story line and the characters themselves. However, the little bit that I did learn about both the characters and the story intrigued me enough to start the next book as soon as possible!!
I would have gladly given this book 5 stars but it was just too short. There were so many opportunities to create more in depth looks into the story line and the characters themselves. However, the little bit that I did learn about both the characters and the story intrigued me enough to start the next book as soon as possible!!
I was both very excited and nervous when I started this book, and I will tell you why! I had gotten many recommendations telling me how great it was, but when I read what it was about I was a little nervous that it wouldn't be in my category...and I was so wrong! This book had everything I would want, but I couldn't help but feel it was a little on the short side. That's not always a bad thing, but when your supposed to love the bad guy (A.K.A Derek) you need to know him just as well as the main character. I thought he seemed nice, and his actions were always correct towards her, but I didn't share her feelings, which was a bummer, because when I pick up a book like this its because I want to fall in love to make up for my own sad love life, and I didn't get that with him. I feel that there needed to be more time alone with her and Derek just to get to know him and so I could feel them falling in love through the pages. On a better note, when reading I felt almost as if I was watching this play out on a T.V. screen. I could picture every last detail! This book would work great as a movie! This is so unique and different. How the vampires live, the other vampire clans, its just the most interesting vampire book I have read in a while! A Shade of Vampire was a really great book, and I am excited to read the next! This series is definitely one I will be watching!