Summary - There’s an allure to vampire tales that have seduced readers for generations. From Bram Stoker to Stephenie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!
This collection of original tales comes from some of the hottest, most popular, and best-selling YA writers, including:
Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tithe)
Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty)
Melissa De La Cruz (Blue Blood)
Cassandra Clare (City of Bones)
Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires)
Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie (Wicked)
Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof, Queen of Cool)
Kelley Armstrong (Women of Otherworld)
Maria V. Snyder
Sarah Rees Brennan
Lili St. Crow
Karen Mahoney
Dina James
They will make everyone a sucker for eternal kisses.
Review - Anthologies are like the tastiest of literary samplers - you get a little bit of this and that and (hopefully) it gives you the hunger for more. An anthology is only as strong as it's weakest link and this is quite a solid collection that leaves a good (and varied) impression on bit-lit. There is also a great mix of new and established authors presenting their take on what makes an entertaining YA vampire short story.
There are stories contained that are more effective than others due to varying degrees of success with the short story structure. Among the more impactful contributions:
UK debut author, Karen Mahoney's Falling to Ash commentates on protagonist Moth's daddy (and sire) issues but throws in some considerable URST with a mission involving some ashes and a vampire hunter. In some respects it is a warped take on an interrogation scene but instead of violence, it's heavy on the oomph - you know, an oxygen sucking, heart pounding, toe curling scene that satisfies?
American fantasy writer, Holly Black's The Coldest Girl in Coldtown was an especially strong contribution. Black possessed a stronger sense of what worked in a shortened format with a very distinct tone combined with some interesting takes on vmapire lore. By far the most emotionally taxing of the thirteen stories, Matilda's journey downward spiral leaves a chilling after taste that will stay with you.
Lastly, Ireland's Sarah Rees Brennan's Undead is Very Hot Right Now was piercingly funny. Who would have thought to combine the cliched boy band, young love and vampires in one hysterical but emotionally grounded mishmash? It takes awhile to settle into the tongue-in-cheek tone but once you're comfortable you will find yourself cackling at the many ways the band's manager tries to pimp out Christian's vampirism for album sales.
If you are fang-inclined, and not all vamped-out, then this anthology is for you.
Published: 3 August 2009
Format: Paperback, 416 pages
Publisher: Random House Australia
Origin: Everywhere
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2 comments:
*drools*
I don't normally comment directly on reviews (I have been told it's not always a good thing to do), but I have to say I'm *so* happy with this one. You picked up on something I specifically tried to do with the twisted version of an interrogation scene, so yay! Thank you. :)
Cheers,
Kaz
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