Chaos Theory

May 15, 2020
Ryan Callan might be mistaken for an average, angst-y 17-year-old girl who loves vampire novels and listens to Taylor Swift--except she happens to be a vampire herself. At a vampire compound in Ireland, Ryan hopes to become a member of the Royal Guard, like her parents before her--but they died 10 years ago in a rebel attack. When blood shortages threaten the vampires' survival, they decide to introduce themselves into human society to gain easier access to volunteer blood donors. So the crown prince Nickolai joins a private school where he can take night classes, with Ryan along to protect him. But danger lurks as a rogue vampire starts murdering students on campus--and sets his eyes on Ryan, wanting to make her his queen. Though sometimes forced and over-the-top provocative, Ryan's constant snarky quips keep the story entertaining. She enjoys needling Nickolai, and the chemistry between them builds throughout the book. Mentions of pop culture--TV, movies, and music from Saved by the Bell to the Backstreet Boys--occasionally seem out of place. Vampire fans who can overlook weak worldbuilding will encounter a gruesome cliffhanger ending that will leave them thirsting for more. All main characters are white; two of the older vampires are a gay couple. (This book will release as a digital edition on May 20, 2020, with print release scheduled for Jul. 20, 2020, at time of review.) A satisfactory vampire tale. (playlists) (Paranormal romance. 14-18)

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