Friday, January 29, 2010

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

I must admit, when I initially came across this book quite some time ago I scoffed at the title and thought this was going to be just another horrible Twilight copy. However, I recently decided to take a chance and read it and was happily surprised. The story is about a American teenager, Jessica, who has lived her entire life in rural Pennsylvania when her life changes forever. Enter Lucius, a tall, dark, and handsome new transfer student from Romania who tells Jessica that she's a long lost vampire princess and that he is her intended fiance. Needless to say, Jessica is shocked and spends a good portion of the book in total disbelief of her heritage, but when push comes to shove can she save her intended from the clutches of an man-stealing cheerleader and other vampires who seek to punish and destroy Luscious Lucius? Sounds pretty fluffy, but I have to admit I found it pretty entertaining. What saves this book from being a total waste and helps it stand out a bit from the wave of other teen fantasies is the author's skills as a writer. Although the characters are stock, I found the witty repartee of the old-world Lucius very entertaining and refreshing. Only complaints I really have concern the ending (which I believe didn't do the rest of the story justice) and the developments in Lucius' personality that causes a break in his normal character - didn't seem quite convincing and at the end I was still scratching my head as to why he became the way he was....

I would say for anyone looking for a relaxing, use less than 5 brain cells kind of book this may be a winner! I got it from the library which was good, since I enjoyed it just enough to have picked it up but wasn't in love with it to the point where i could justify shelling out my precious $ for it

*** 3 1/2 stars