Tenth Grade Bleeds

September 1, 2009
Gr 6-10-Vladimir Tod just wants to be a normal teen. Unfortunately that is impossible for a vampire who is the only one "living" in the small town of Bathory. Now starting 10th grade, he faces some typical teen problems. His friend Henry seems to be dumping him to hang out with the popular crowd. Pesky Eddie is determined to expose him, thinking this will bring him the popularity and fame he desires. Meredith has agreed to be his girlfriend, and he can't believe someone so perfect would want to be with him. He is troubled by terrible nightmares, and the need for human blood is growing extremely difficult to resist, putting Aunt Nelly, Henry, and Meredith at risk. The wicked vampire D'Ablo is determined to get rid of him and steal his powers for himself. Vlad needs to act fast if he is going to save himself and everything he holds dear. The plot is full of twists and turns, but the tone is darker and more intense than in the earlier books as Vlad struggles to overcome the obstacles thrown in his path and come to grips with who and what he really is. The stakes are high and the ending leaves readers dying for more."Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Half-vampire Vlad has a lot on his plate: he's hungry all the time (and not for food), he feels unworthy of his new girlfriend, his uncle (who's also his advisor and protector) is leaving, and a baddie vampire is coming to town. Though some of the humor falls flat, overall there's a witty balance between high school mundanities and paranormal action.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)