Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire, from a prominent vampire family that blithely kills human beings. They're responsible for hosting a ball for the vampire king, and for providing a human feast for all of the attendees. But her life starts to change after the night that a unicorn stabs her through the heart; suddenly Pearl can go out in the sunlight without burning to a crisp. Her family thinks she's gone a little crazy (after all, unicorns don't exist) but her parents discover a way to capitalize on her new abilities. Now, Pearl's job is to attend the local high school to acquire teenagers to serve as the king's feast. It wouldn't be a problem, except that she seems to be growing a conscience...
I really enjoyed this book and the fact that it had the best of both worlds -- evil, soulless vampires, and a touch of silliness and fantasy. The characters were well defined and the world-building was believable. Parts of the story were a little predictable, but overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to fantasy fans who like vampire stories or who enjoy stories of the supernatural in the real world.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions, Rampant, Fairy Bad Day, or The Prophecy

Repossessed by A. M. Jenkins

This is the story of one of the Fallen (a demon) who steals a human body to take a vacation from his job torturing souls in Hell. He has never experienced physical senses or human emotions, but he has to learn while he tries to fit in as "Shaun" -- the human boy whose life he has usurped. But time is short, so he'll have to find a way to have all of the experiences that he wants before he has to leave again.

I thought this story was interesting in the way that it examined a lot of sensations and small daily experiences from a unique point of view. It was a quick read and I did find some of the general insights about life to be thought-provoking. However, this is a fairly reflective story, without a lot of action and the main character is not terribly sympathetic, so it may not be for readers who like really strong storylines. I would recommend this book to older readers who enjoy stories about the real world or about unlikely characters and perspectives.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Wish List, Kisses From Hell, The Ghost and the Goth, or Immortal Beloved

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Despite popular belief, Romeo and Juliet is not entirely fiction, but it didn't happen the way Shakespeare claimed, either. Instead, Romeo killed Juliet to gain immortality and now he tries to convince other lovers to make the same decision. But Juliet didn't actually die; she was saved by the Ambassadors of Light who fight to save true love from agents like Romeo. Each time, Juliet temporarily takes over the body of a girl who is close to the couple in danger. But something is different about this mission; Juliet finds a new, forbidden love - but will it turn out any better than her first, or will Romeo destroy it yet again?

This was an interesting take on Romeo and Juliet, and an interesting concept in general. There were some things that I really liked about this book, and I definitely liked the level of depth that we see in Juliet. One odd thing is that it was a little difficult to understand the premise - this is partly due to the fact that Juliet doesn't really understand it, either. I don't think the premise is necessary to enjoy or appreciate the story, but if you really like to understand the background and "rules" that govern a particular setting, this book might be too vague for you. I would recommend this book to older fantasy fans who like books that have some romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Just Ella, Radiant Darkness, Wicked Lovely, or Once a Witch

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Nikki Beckett has returned home after mysteriously disappearing for six months. What she can't tell her family and friends is that during that time, she spent 100 years in the Everneath, allowing Cole - an Everliving - to feed off her so that he can continue his immortal lifestyle. The humans in the Feed were not expected to survive, but thoughts of her mortal boyfriend, Jack, kept Nikki sane. Now she's trying to regain some semblance of her previous life and reestablish relationships with her family, and with Jack for six months...before she has to go back.

Although this book is not really a retelling, it does make allusions suggest an alternate interpretation to Greek myths, particularly the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and of Persephone. The plot and characters are compelling and gain quite a bit of depth in the second book; Nikki turns out to be a surprisingly strong heroine. I would recommend this to older fantasy fans who enjoy stories in the real world that have a darker edge.

This book is followed by Everbound and Evertrue (will be released in January 2014).

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Ever, Radiant Darkness, or Trylle trilogy

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

Nastasya is 459 years old. As an immortal, it's nearly impossible for her to die. She and her friends are living the good life - constant drinking and partying, moving from city to city and changing identities whenever necessary to blend in. But, for some reason, Nastasya doesn't find it enjoyable any more. In an attempt to make a change, she goes to River's Edge, a place for immortals who need to be away from the rest of the world. Doing farm chores and taking classes at River's Edge is a difficult change for a party girl, but all of the lives that she has lived and the things that she has witnessed are starting to weigh heavily on Nastasya. She will have to learn how to live with her past - and her present.

This is the first book in the Immortal Beloved trilogy (followed by Darkness Falls and Eternally Yours). It was definitely an interesting book and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, to find out what happens to the characters. The concept is interesting and the characters are well developed; however, if you enjoy lots of action, this book may not be for you. There are lots of flashbacks to various times in Nastasya's life - some of which have plenty of action - but the main story is a bit slower and focuses on her personal growth. However, it's told in first person and the descriptions/commentaries are often creative, wry, and incredibly funny. I would recommend this to older fantasy fans who enjoy books about persons with magic in the real world and stories of characters who are finding themselves.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Wicked Lovely, Warbreaker, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, or Daughter of the Flames

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Ten-year-old Winnie Foster is tired of feeling fenced in by rules and the ever-watchful eye of her family. One morning Winnie sneaks into the wood that borders their yard. Even though it is owned by the Fosters, it has always been off-limits. But when Winnie stumbles upon Jesse Tuck and their family secret - the Tuck family drank from a spring in the Foster's wood and it has rendered them immortal. Suddenly, Winnie has to face serious questions about whether eternal life is worthwhile, and how much one should risk for friendship.

This book is fairly short and quick to read, but it is also very descriptive with a serious tone. I did like the fact that there were some thought-provoking questions that were raised throughout the book, but if you want something really light, this may be one to put off for another time. Overall, I would recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages, particularly those who prefer real-world/realistic, stories or who are looking for something a little less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: East, Ever, or Bound

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Bella has decided to move from Phoenix, Arizona to a tiny town called Forks in Washington to live with her father. The first day of school, she meets a boy named Edward who seems to hate her upon first sight, even though she doesn't know why. It turns out that Edward is a vampire - and Bella is falling in love with him regardless of the consequences.

I'm not usually a huge fan of vampire books (they're ok, just not really my thing), but this one has been so popular that I decided to pick it up and I have to admit - it was pretty great. This book is incredibly addictive and the story pulls the reader in quickly. The characters are believable and well developed (although I have to admit there was one detail about the vampires that was a little hokey). I'm really looking forward to the time when I can get my hands on the sequel. Obviously, I would recommend this book to other readers, but I do have to point out that while this is a vampire book (with some blood and violence and whatnot), the main focus of the book is on the romance between Bella and Edward - so if romance is not your thing, this is probably not your book.


Note: This is the first book in the Twilight Saga which includes Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. Additionally, the author is working on a parallel book, Midnight Sun which tells the story of Twilight from Edward's point of view. For more information, or to read excerpts, check out Stephenie Meyer's homepage.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Wicked Lovely, Poison Study, or Resenting the Hero