Review: 9th Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

Title: Ninth Grade Slays

Series: The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd #2

Author: Heather Brewer
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Date: 22 Jan 2009

Synopsis: From GoodReads

If middle school stunk for Vladimir Tod, high school is a real drain. Besides being a punching bag for bullies, he’s still stalled with dream girl Meredith, and he’s being tailed by a photographer from the school newspaper. Needless to say, practicing his vampire skills hasn’t exactly been a priority for Vlad — until now. A monumental trip to Siberia with Uncle Otis is Vlad’s crash course in Vampire 101. Training alongside the most gifted vampires is exactly what Vlad needs to sharpen those mind-control skills he’s been avoiding. And he’d better get it right, because the battle brewing back home with the slayer who’s been stalking him could be Vlad’s last.

Review: May contain spoilers for book #1

Following almost directly on from 8th Grade Bites, Heather Brewer manages to recap the events of Book one succinctly within the narrative without making it feel repetitive, bringing necessary details to the forefront in order to progress both the plot and the characterisation. It was so nice to see that it isn't only Vlad that progresses.

Vlad is developing his vampire powers from our last meeting. I cannot believe that this book does not gross me out, for I am of the squeamish variety. The image of Vlad with his mug of warm blood or glass of spiced blood and a cookie was instead comforting rather than gross. Weird, yes I know, but I think that it is due to the fact that Vlad is so 'normal'. Although I am still unable to reconcile the image of Vlad being bullied with that of him as a vampire. The two images just do not go together in my head.

Vlad's relationships are few, the pain still fresh from the loss of his parents brought tears to my eyes. although at the back of my mind I am left wondering if they are still alive but in hiding.

The portrayal of the bond between Vlad and Henry was heart-warming easing Vlad's fears that Henry is only with him because of Drudge duties. I liked the cute romantic aspect that was included and how Vlad's confidence grew throughout this book.

The inclusion of the trip to Siberia for what I began to think of as Vampire School gave Vlad (and me as a reader) the opportunity to see the other side of vampire life depicted in these stories. Due to this trip Vlad's powers are not only increased but the bond he has with his Uncle Otis is strengthened.

The introduction of Vampire Hunters provided an interesting development. Chapters focalized from the Hunters perspective gave insight into the Hunter's background. There was no surprise when the identity of the Hunter was revealed as the clues are placed within the narrative to easily be picked up on.

There are some clever plot twists and jaw dropping incident that could well be classified as a cliff-hanger. However,  I am slightly incredulous as to one point (no spoilers) and would like further explanation regarding Diablo please.

Full of ironic humour and sarcasm (oh how I love sarcasm) this book provides a refreshing addition to the vampire genre with greater appeal to boys than most vampire books.

I dare you to read this book and not become a minion of 'Auntie' Heathers.

Review: 8th Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Title: 8th Grade Bites
Series: Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Author: Heather Brewer
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: 06 Jan 2011

Source: UK Book Tours - Thank you Lynsey




Synsopsis: From Publishers Website
Vladimir Tod has a secret. His mother was human, but his father was a vampire...
With no idea of the extent of his prowess and no one to teach him, thirteen-year-old Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and enlarged fangs. And when a strange substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown.
But then he realises he has a much bigger problem. He's being hunted by a vampire killer who is closing in . . . fast!

Review:
I have been a minion of Heather Brewer's since seeing the books advertised on amazon and goodreads, even before reading them. I am so glad that after reading the 1st book I am even more of a minion, lol.

Written in 3rd person narrative, yet focalized from Vlad's perspective, although I did feel as if the narrator had an audible presence itself similar to that of a voice-over. Vlad is a very complex character, on the one hand you have his human nature and his love for his guardian. While he keeps his half vampire nature secret and his vampire 'urges' firmly under control. Believing he is the only vampire in the world leads to a sense of loneliness that emanates from Vlad. I actually found myself feeling very maternal towards him.

Imagine only 2 people in the whole world that you can talk to; yet even though have no idea what you are going through, no concept of the internal battle you have everyday. Remembering what it was like to be a teenager *shudders* this is an internal struggle most people deal with feeling misunderstood and alone. I can't imagine how having a secret vampire identity would exaggerate these feelings.

The plot is layered with mystery after mystery, kept firmly within the reigns of the third person narrative, all the plot threads wove around one another  like a tightly coiled braid, adding dimension to the plot as a whole while keeping the reader guessing as to where exactly the story was going to conclude. Believe me there are a few surprises in store and not all the questions get answered in this one installment. Hence the trip to the library to pick up the next book in the series.

The writing is very descriptive which can be a bit off putting for the gore-aphobic that I am, the picture of Vlad with a cookie dipped in blood actually completed the picture in my imagination of him as a teenage vampire. The vampire side being just a singular part of who he is and what makes him whole. So although I am not a fan of gore, it enhanced the story in this instance. The lack of popularity and the bullying that Vlad receives seemed at odds with his personality though, this may be because he lives in the shadow of his best friend, Henry's, popularity and good looks. He is wary of defending himself against the bullying in case it reveals his vampire nature, so instead he endures it. Vlad appears to have tremendous inner strength and with his guardian ('Aunt' Nelly's) guidance he has a strong sense of decency/moral code (I am struggling to find the right word for what I want to express...blah, I am sure you get the picture) which is reflected in his protective nature towards Nelly and Henry.

The book as a whole works beautifully together. I must say I am totally invested in Vlad's future and cannot wait to find out what the other books have in store. A terrific addition (plus fun) to the Vampire genre.