The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix, 404 pages

From GoodReads: "Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias meet Dracula in this Southern-flavored supernatural thriller set in the '90s about a women's book club that must protect its suburban community from a mysterious and handsome stranger who turns out to be a blood-sucking fiend."

This book has a slow, infuriating-but-necessary build. It features rampant systematic racism and misogyny and violation on a level that was intense. My cheeks burned with second hand humiliation in some scenes. Some scenes were so disturbing on a visceral level that I had to stop reading and just sit with it. The horror and the dread stick with you in a vicious, disturbingly thrilling way. 

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness, 561 pages

From the MARC: "Historian and witch Diana Bishop and vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont return to the present to face new crises and old enemies."

Originally this series was a trilogy and thus ended with The Book of Life. If this were to be the end of the Bishop-Clairmont tale, it would have been a satisfying ending. I really enjoyed the way Harkness blended magic and science. The characters were written richly, weaving together in a tapestry worthy of Diana's own cords. Given the state of the world, it was also illuminating that the end of the major conflict of the book resulted in inclusion and togetherness.  Not the author's intention from 2014, but it struck me as an interesting parallel.  

 

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harknes

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness, 583 pages

The second book of the All Souls series covers Diana and Matthew's adventures timewalking in Elizabethan London searching for a witch to properly train Diana, and to find an intact Ashmole 782 manuscript. But soon it becomes evident that the longer they stay in the past, the more they risk the future and must fight to find a way back. 

 

The Night Eternal by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

The Night Eternal by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, 371 pages

The religious angels and angles were missing from the television series, but helped build this, the final leg of The Strain to completion.  I am satisfied by the ending.

 

The Fall by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

The Fall by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, 308 pages

The second Strain novel started more slowly than the first, but eventually gained enough momentum to derail a train. The horror unfolding on the pages is at once both natural and unnatural; it was difficult to put this book down for any length of time. The television show definitely branched away from the source material, but the spirit and feel remain largely the same. 

 

The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, 585 pages

The Strain is the first in a vampire horror trilogy. I had watched the television show first, unaware of the series' existence. While the show is (so far) a pretty good adaptation of the book, as always there is depth and fullness in the novel that don't translate to screen.  It  reads at a breakneck speed despite the page count.  From the first page, we get an overwhelming sense of dread. As the story unfolds and the virus progresses, panic builds until it is almost claustrophobic. 

 

Haunted Honeymoon by Marta Acosta

 Haunted Honeymoon by Marta Acosta, 320 pages

From Amazon: "When Ian’s flirtations with a pretty neighbor infuriate Milagro, she travels to London, and the blood really hits the fan. People around her are dying grisly deaths, and Milagro’s framed for murder. She escapes to Oswald’s ranch, but an accident gives her amnesia and she forgets her entire existence as the only human survivor of a vampire infection. Will Milagro make all the same mistakes, or will she discover the real killers and finally get to use the Margaritanator 3000 at her wedding reception?"

The previous book in this series had left on a sour note, so I was anxious to experience how the series would end.  The ending was perfect. Acosta gave us an ending that made sense, and in hindsight, had been portended in the preceding installments. Spoiler: Milagro gets a happy ending. She has a development arc and yet holds onto the key traits that made me love her. 

The Bride of Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

The Bride of Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta, 286 pages

"Does she have prewedding jitters, or is someone out for her blood?

Milagro De Los Santos is having serious problems planning her wedding to fabulous Oswald Grant, M.D. Her future in-laws loathe her, her dog just died, and Oswald’s family has a genetic anomaly that makes them crave blood. Then her extravagant best friend hijacks the role of wedding coordinator, and the secretive Vampire Council assigns conniving Cornelia Ducharme to guide the couple through the ancient vampire marriage rituals." (Summary from Goodreads)

This installment of the series was highly entertaining, but is probably my least favorite so far. I abhor love triangles with every atom of my being, and Bride of Casa Dracula leaned heavily into that story line. The ending felt very abrupt, like the floor falling away so you tumble into empty space. I look forward to reading the last book of the series to see if the story is concluded satisfactorily. 

Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta, 336 pages

Milagro de Los Santos has settled into life at Casa Dracula, spending her time in her beloved garden, or writing, or simply being with the love of her life, Oswald Grant, MD.  But when she is excluded from a mysterious ceremony conducted by a creepy old world elder, Milagro wants answers.

When Milagro is seriously injured trying to prevent an assault on a friend of the Grant family, she goes into hiding. After an offer to doctor a screenplay, she flees to the desert and finds herself embroiled with a spoiled actor, neovamps, a clever tabloid reporter, and an opulent spa with a mysterious new blood treatment.  Trying to find her way back home to Casa Dracula, Milago must heal, finish the screenplay, and thwart a scheming neovamp's plan for world domination.

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison-304 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐
 

Sloane Parker is just going through the motions of life and isn't looking forward to her upcoming (36th, I think) birthday. She's married to Joel, but not really happy. Joel and Sloane's best friend, Naomi, book a weekend trip at a remote cabin resort for both Sloane and Naomi. They go into town on the first night and Sloane has this eerie feeling that someone is watching her. Naomi connects with someone at the bar they go to in town. The next night, Naomi convinces Sloane to go to Ilie's (the person she connected with at the bar) house nearby. What happens at Ilie's house? Who/what are Ilie and his friends and is this really their house? I liked this book, overall. It's a good read and I would recommend it to those looking for a good vampire read. 

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta, 314 pages

Milagro de Los Santos is unmoored, desperately searching for her place in a dog-eat-dog world.  Everything she knows about the world is flipped upside down when, after a passionate encounter with a mysterious man, she becomes seriously ill and is whisked off to a secret ranch.  Milagro soon finds herself caught between her mysterious (and very engaged) amor and her former ex-boyfriend, who may or may not want to cut off her head.

This novel was a fun, rom-com take on the vampire trope. In the tradition of rom-coms, many of the misunderstandings keeping the love triangle(s) going were a little exasperating, but nothing out of the usual. I enjoyed Mil's attitude and wit, but hands down, Edna is the shining jewel in Casa Dracula's crown. 

 

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Bride by Ali Hazelwood -- 403 pages

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast-again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are she has been called upon to uphold an historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange. Again . . .

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It's clear from the way he tracks Misery's every movement that he doesn't trust her. If only he knew how right he was . . .

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what's hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory . . . alone with the wolf.

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson, 352 p.

"Sumptuous and addictive, An Education in Malice is a dark academia tale of blood, secrets and insatiable hungers from Sunday Times bestselling author S.T. Gibson, author of the cult hit A Dowry of Blood.

Deep in the forgotten hills of Massachusetts stands Saint Perpetua's College. Isolated and ancient, it is not a place for timid girls. Here, secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and strange ceremonies welcome students into the fold.

On her first day of class, Laura Sheridan is thrust into an intense academic rivalry with the beautiful and enigmatic Carmilla. Together, they are drawn into the confidence of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine, who holds her own dark obsession with Carmilla.

But as their rivalry blossoms into something far more delicious, Laura must confront her own strange hungers. Tangled in a sinister game of politics, bloodthirsty professors and dark magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge." --Amazon blurb

 

Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness

Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness -- 448 pages

On the battlefields of the American Revolution, Matthew de Clermont meets Marcus MacNeil, a young surgeon from Massachusetts, during a moment of political awakening when it seems that the world is on the brink of a brighter future. When Matthew offers him a chance at immortality and a new life free from the restraints of his puritanical upbringing, Marcus seizes the opportunity to become a vampire. But his transformation is not an easy one and the ancient traditions and responsibilities of the de Clermont family clash with Marcus's deeply held beliefs in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.

Fast-forward to contemporary Paris, where Phoebe Taylor--the young employee at Sotheby's whom Marcus has fallen for--is about to embark on her own journey to immortality. Though the modernized version of the process at first seems uncomplicated, the couple discovers that the challenges facing a human who wishes to be a vampire are no less formidable than they were in the eighteenth century. The shadows that Marcus believed he'd escaped centuries ago may return to haunt them both--forever.

A passionate love story and a fascinating exploration of the power of tradition and the possibilities not just for change but for revolution, Time's Convert channels the supernatural world-building and slow-burning romance that made the All Souls Trilogy instant bestsellers to illuminate a new and vital moment in history, and a love affair that will bridge centuries.

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness -- 561 pages

Bringing the magic and suspense of the All Souls Trilogy to a deeply satisfying conclusion, this highly anticipated finale went straight to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In The Book of Life, Diana and Matthew time-travel back from Elizabethan London to make a dramatic return to the present—facing new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, they reunite with the beloved cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency.

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness -- 584 pages

Picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night takes Diana and Matthew on a trip through time to Elizabethan London, where they are plunged into a world of spies, magic, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the School of Night. As the search for Ashmole 782 deepens and Diana seeks out a witch to tutor her in magic, the net of Matthew’s past tightens around them, and they embark on a very different—and vastly more dangerous—journey.

The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6) by Richelle Mead

 The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6) by Richelle Mead-348 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐✩

Sydney and Adrian have escaped the Alchemists for now and are temporarily safe at Moroi court. However, many Moroi and others are skeptical of a human and Moroi marriage, so it's awkward even there. Jill is missing and Sydney and Adrian want to help find her, but can't risk leaving Moroi court. They want a happily ever after and be left alone once they find Jill. Will they find Jill? Will they get their happily ever after? I did like this book and there are some twists and turns. Overall, it is a satisfying end to the series, but I do feel it was a bit rushed. I did like the ending to the book, though. 

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines, #5) by Richelle Mead

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines, #5) by Richelle Mead-380 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sydney Sage has been kidnapped by the Alchemists and they will attempt to "Re-educate" her. Adrian is in a downward spiral without her and is visited by his mom fresh out of Moroi prison. She takes him back to Court with her. He spirals further for a while, but then snaps himself out of it. There are complications at Court, but finally Adrian gets a lead and works with es-Alchemist Marcus to spring Sydney from Alchemist "Re-education." Meanwhile, Sydney endures depravity and torture while in Alchemist captivity as they attempt to get her to see the "error" of her ways and turn back from them. Will Adrian and Sydney be reunited? If so, then at what cost? I continue to like reading this series and have already started the final book of it. 

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4) by Richelle Mead

 The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4) by Richelle Mead-420 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sidney Sage now has more company in helping keep Jill Dragomir safe in Palm Springs. Her sister, Zoe, and another Dhampir, Neil, have joined her group. Now she must keep her friendships with the Moroi and Dhampirs, and her relationship with Adrian a secret from Zoe. Sydney also is intent on developing an ink to counteract the Alchemist compulsion tattoo. If she can, then she can help so many more. Can she keep her relationship with Adrian secret from her sister or will she be found out? What will happen if she is found out? I really enjoyed reading this book and continue to enjoy this series. I look forward to reading the penultimate book in this series and then finishing it. 

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines, #3) by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines, #3) by Richelle Mead-401 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sydney Sage continues her Alchemist mission to protect Jill Dragomir from her enemies. Things get complicated by a witch coming after her and her teacher Ms. Terwilliger. Sydney learns more magic and becomes more comfortable around magic. Also, Sydney tracks down former Alchemist Marcus and gets his story. Her relationship with Adrian continues to evolve. Can Sydney continue to deny her feelings for Adrian? Will the witch defeat her and/or Ms. Terwilliger? I continue to enjoy reading this series and look forward to reading the next book.