Bite Me!

August 3, 2009
First-time novelist Francis presents a tasty story that uses humor and a light touch to rise above typical teen vampire fare. Seventeen-year-old “good girl” AJ may be a closet blood-drinker, but that's the least of her problems. Her mom's remarriage has just turned her boyfriend into her stepbrother (“Momma's exact words to me were, 'Ariel Jane, if you so much as look at that boy with fangs in your eyes again, I'll bite you myself.' ”), her AP Lit teacher is already out to get her on the first day of school, and she might have accidentally turned her rebound guy into a vamp who is now threatening her family. On top of that, she's been accused of cheating on a quiz, and compromising photos have appeared on her Facebook page—someone has to be setting her up. But who? Francis keeps things moving, creating an absorbing and refreshing page-turner with a solid mythology, sympathetic heroine and appealing characters that readers will want to invite back to their own homes (well, almost). Ages 14–up.

December 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-Mississippi teen AJ works hard to ignore her vampire side, focusing on fitting in at school by getting good grades and staying out of trouble. Even so, the 17-year-old's problems are beginning to pile up. Her boyfriend has just become her stepbrother, and though she and Ryan are still strongly attracted to one another, their parents have broken them up. Worse, she may have created a truly evil vampire during an ill-advised night of drinking. In order to protect herself and her family, she must explore her vampire heritage while discerning who among her friends and acquaintances she can trust. Though the premise is promising, this chick lit/vampire crossover doesn't quite succeed at either genre. Underdeveloped characters and side plots distract from the story, and the dialogue feels forced. However, diehard vampire fans may forgive these flaws and enjoy this breezy read."Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2009
Grades 9-12 For AJ Ashe, fitting in means keeping her fangs hidden. She has always considered herself way more human than vampire, but since starting senior year, things have become more complicated. Her mom has just remarried, and now AJs hot boyfriend is her new stepbrother (not hot); her English teacher claims that she cheats (not true); and she might have turned a too-grabby classmate into a vengeful vampire (not good). AJ has an increasingly tough time keeping her vampire identity a secret as she faces unexpected dangers, as well as discoveries about her past, new family, and, ultimately, her own future. AJ is an appealing, thoroughly modern teen vampire whose engaging, funny, matter-of-fact narrative is packed with pop culture, from brand names to Buffy. Intricate vampire lore and diverse characters, including classmates and a history teacher with secrets of his own, add depth and drama to AJs struggle to navigateand surviveordinary teen and vampire life. Though some readers may guess key plot developments, they will nonetheless enjoy this fun, fang-filled debut and anticipate its sequel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)