[description from goodreads, but I edited it and added in the italics part]On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solange and her entire family.
Luckily she has her own secret weapon—her human best friend Lucy—who is willing to defend Solange’s right to a normal life, whether she’s being smothered by her well-intentioned brothers or dealing with people who want to kill her.*
Oh and there's some romance too, but more on that in the review.
Review:
I was pleasantly surprised by Hearts at Stake-- it is by no means amazing, but it's a fun read. I wish there was a bit more development on some things, especially the romance, but I liked it!
Even though the summary on the back of the book gives everything away, I still enjoyed reading the beginning, before the "spoiled" bits came up. I thought the vampire myth was fascinating, as there are more politics involved than most of the other paranormal novels I've read. I loved the inclusion of the royal families and the different types of vampires; at times, I had some difficulty remembering which types did what, but I think I got it sorted out at the end. (And for those of you thinking "this sounds like Vampire Academy: eh, I guess there are a few similarities, but this world stands on its own.)
Let's get a few of the things I didn't like out of the way: Lucy and Solange each have their own romantic storyline, and I was not a huge fan of either. I was never sure if either storyline was supposed to develop beyond the "I know we like each other, now what?" stage, and only one of the two arcs had much tension. I also felt that the characterization wasn't spectacular- the characters are all given different traits and quirks, but they weren't explored enough for my liking. Though, I did like that the main girls were both kick-butt and humorous-- it made them fun to read about.
I loved the action involved most of all. It takes a while for all the excitement to start happening, but once it does, it's great. Plenty of blood, fighting, and twists. Fun times.
Hearts at Stake is quick, light read. Not the deepest book in the world, but it's fun and action-packed. I can't wait to read book two, because if it's even half as enjoyable as this one, I'll adore it.
*And that half a sentence, my friends, is why I do not write my own summaries.
Book details: Walker/Paperback/$9.99
Source: BEA
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