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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
I first read this book in sixth or seventh grade and didn't read it again until high school. Reading it many years later as an adult I can much more easily see errors in the writing, but there's still a part of me that just adores this book for the simple story that it is. And for introducing me to William Blake's "The Tiger" which remains to be one of my favorite poems.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Short - I read this as a kid and it stands up pretty well. It's nothing special, but it's not bad, either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death, Violence
Minor: Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy
I remember reading through these when I was a teen, but I wound up picking up Demon in My View first and going back to read this book after. I remember that I really just didn't care for this book at all, but that I liked the others quite a bit. Now, as an adult, I'm still not impressed with this first installment as much. However, when you consider the age at which the author wrote this first book, you can't help but be impressed. I applaud her for that. It's an impressive feat to publish your own book in high school while also managing your school work.
My main criticism of this book is that you can't really liking any of the characters because you don't get to learn much about their motivations. Even the main character, Rachel, doesn't seem to know what she wants out of her life - something you'd think she'd have figured out after being alive/undead for 300 years. The villains are also just kind of evil because they can be. It's not really explained what drew them to her in particular aside from seeing some potential within her. They seem to just be unkind to be unkind, which is my least favorite kind of villain honestly.
It's not a bad book, but it's definitely not for me. This is pretty approachable for people of all ages. If you know what a vampire is and what they do, you should be safe to read this book.
My main criticism of this book is that you can't really liking any of the characters because you don't get to learn much about their motivations. Even the main character, Rachel, doesn't seem to know what she wants out of her life - something you'd think she'd have figured out after being alive/undead for 300 years. The villains are also just kind of evil because they can be. It's not really explained what drew them to her in particular aside from seeing some potential within her. They seem to just be unkind to be unkind, which is my least favorite kind of villain honestly.
It's not a bad book, but it's definitely not for me. This is pretty approachable for people of all ages. If you know what a vampire is and what they do, you should be safe to read this book.
I read this book a few years ago when [b:The Den of Shadows Quartet|6483519|The Den of Shadows Quartet|Amelia Atwater-Rhodes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442808528l/6483519._SY75_.jpg|6674835] came out and instantly fell in love with the main character Risika. This is a great start to an awesomely unique series. I just enjoy the pace and style of Amelia's writing and look forward to re-reading the rest of this series!
Good book here is my review
http://rainydayreadingreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/in-forest-of-night-den-of-shadows-2-by.html
http://rainydayreadingreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/in-forest-of-night-den-of-shadows-2-by.html
Risika is a 300 year old vampire. Rachel, born in 1684, became a vampire against her will (was renamed Risika) and still struggles with her human morality. However, as much as she wants to hang on to her humanity, she is a vampire - an especially strong one, with a grudge against Aubrey, the vampire who she believes murdered her twin brother. The showdown between Risika and Aubrey is a bit disappointing, as was the twist at the end (I saw it coming). However, considering that this book was written by a 13 year old, it is a solid first effort.
Readers who are intrigued by vampires, but intimidated by the size of Stephenie Meyer's tomes will find this a quick, easy, and entertaining read.
Readers who are intrigued by vampires, but intimidated by the size of Stephenie Meyer's tomes will find this a quick, easy, and entertaining read.
This was an interesting story. I liked the way it switched between the past with Rachel and the present with Risika. The past got a lot more history into the vampires and the lore while the present showed how Risika was handling things.
It was interesting watch her struggle with things. In the past it was learning what she was and how to deal with that. In the present it was her hatred and fear of Aubrey. I loved the way she cared for Tora and how she managed to memorialize her in her own way. Although I was saddened that it took Aubrey sticking his nose where it didn't belong to get Risika to finally see what she'd been thinking all along.
Aubrey was just plain slimy. I didn't like him at all and I wished she'd gone after him a few times honestly. It was clear from the beginning that he definitely feared her but mostly because he was uncertain just how strong she'd end up being.
I do have to admit that I saw the person who knew she'd been Rachel coming from a mile away; things just hadn't added up from the past. I wished they'd done something sooner though; maybe then she still could have realized her strength but wouldn't have had to give up as much.
It was interesting watch her struggle with things. In the past it was learning what she was and how to deal with that. In the present it was her hatred and fear of Aubrey. I loved the way she cared for Tora and how she managed to memorialize her in her own way. Although I was saddened that it took Aubrey sticking his nose where it didn't belong to get Risika to finally see what she'd been thinking all along.
Aubrey was just plain slimy. I didn't like him at all and I wished she'd gone after him a few times honestly. It was clear from the beginning that he definitely feared her but mostly because he was uncertain just how strong she'd end up being.
I do have to admit that I saw the person who knew she'd been Rachel coming from a mile away; things just hadn't added up from the past. I wished they'd done something sooner though; maybe then she still could have realized her strength but wouldn't have had to give up as much.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced