The Eternal Kiss

December 1, 2009
Gr 8 Up-This anthology is full of high-quality fiction that mixes some well-established authors of vampire stories with some new ones. The selections have diverse story lines, some strong on the horror component but including lighter fare with some comedy and romance, and an array of writing styles. Vampires are portrayed in a variety of ways along with their history and lore, making this an entertaining read. Particularly noteworthy are Sarah Rees Brennan's "Undead Is Very Hot Right Now," Karen Mahoney's "Falling to Ash," Holly Black's "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown," and Libba Bray's "The Thirteenth Step." These fang-tastic tales are a must for libraries with a strong vampire fan base."Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2009
Grades 8-12 As the title of one of these stories professes, Undead Is Very Hot Right Now, and the 12 vampire tales from teen fictions A-list of authors should keep the fires lit. Here, vampires run the gamut of possibilities: they are mysterious, romantic, violent, tormented, or just everyday folks. Themes of love and longing, sacrifice and betrayal bind the stories together, covering everything from first love to psychologically abusive relationships to familial care. In some stories, vampires live out in the open, as in Rachel Caines Morganville story, All Hallows, and Holly Blacks disturbing The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. In others, predator vampires are fought by a select few, like members of the fencing academy in Maria V. Snyders Swordpoint. Other standouts include Sarah Rees Brennans hilarious yet heartbreaking story about a snarky vampire in a boy band who falls for a fan, and Lili St. Crows tale about a lonely girl who betrays a friend for a vampire who claims he is, like her, out in the cold. This will have strong pull with the vampire crazed.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)