Creatures of Forever (Last Vampire #6) Review

Creatures of Forever (The Last Vampire #6)

- Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodder’s Children’s Books

Alisa has fought every battle, against evil, against hate, and even against death itself. Now she nears the end of her incredibly long life and another unexpected force emerges to destroy her, or perhaps save her. But this force is unlike anything she has experienced before.

This is the final book in the original Last Vampire series and having saved the world from old Vampires, young Vampires, her daughter and various other threats, Alisa could be forgiven for thinking she earned some respite. However dark forces are stalking her and Seymour and their origin lies in her past…where she will have to confront true evil in order to save her soul.

One of the things I always liked about this series is that Alisa is a five-thousand year old vampire and she feels like one. She has a past which moulded her and made her into the person she is today. This time rather than simply confront and dealing with her past she has the opportunity to relive it. While the story starts with Seymour and Paula nearby, it’s not long before Alisa leaves them both behind as she truly confronts the past and her actions.

Again there is a mix of the philosophical with action, but some of the elements I didn’t like in the end of Evil Thirst came back. I guess the mix of vampires with science and deeper questions didn’t sit well me. However, this time the ending really turned it around for me and made me sit back. It was a wonderful game changer than wrapped up the whole series beautifully and would be a great end to a wonderful character who has earned her rest. Which just makes me really curious about how The Last Vampire: The Eternal Dawn will work!

Recommended for fans of LJ Smith and CC Hunter. 6 out of 10

Evil Thirst (Last Vampire #5) Review

Evil Thirst (The Last Vampire #5)

- Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodder’s Children’s Books

Alisa's daughter, Kalika, has transformed into a blood-thirsty monster with powers far beyond Alisa's. It is Alisa's task to track her down and destroy her, yet Alisa still has trouble believing her daughter is totally evil. She still hopes to save Kalika, even if it means risking her own life--and perhaps the lives of everyone in the world.

Alisa, the last vampire is back and determined to stop her blood drinking daughter before she can harm her friend Paula’s son, who may be the reincarnation of the Soul that was Krishna. For the first time Seymour is with Alisa for her adventures rather than being on the end of the phone and this friendship is core to the store, giving Alisa someone to fall back on and talk to. Alisa is once again powerful and smart, but so is her daughter, Kalika.

This is a short book – less than 200 pages but a lot is packed in. There is more than the usual philosophical ponderings with Alisa’s memories of her time in Egypt coming to the fore. That’s always an element I like with Christopher Pike’s books – while there are some great actions, the heroes are always deep thinkers, wandering about their place in the universe and where they fit in. There is some truly exciting scenes when Alisa is trying to stop her daughter that will satisfy most adrenaline junkies, but I was a little disappointed with the ending. Without giving much away it felt a little quick and less emotional than is should have. Still up to that point it was enjoyable.

Recommended for fans of RL Stine and LJ Smith. 6 out of 10.

The Eternal Enemy Review

The Eternal Enemy

-          Christopher Pike

Publisher: UK – Hodder

Rela has just bought herself a new VCR. She sets the machine to tape a movie, but instead she gets the news--tomorrow's news. Soon Rela is regularly recording next week's news, even what is to happen in the far future. It's fun at first, until she sees herself on the news, and learns that there is no future for her...

I remember reading this as a teen and enjoying it immensely. However, the first thing that struck upon picking this up again is how dated the premise is now. In the current age of downloads, streaming and digital recording, the idea of using a video player is very old fashioned. So the idea of recording tomorrows news by mistake is slightly bizarre to me now! However, once you get past that idea (and shudder at the idea of anyone finding Mel Gibson fancy-able any more!), there is an interesting idea. What if you knew tomorrow news – and could make money from it and perhaps save lives...? And what if my changng the furture, means there is no future for you any more...?

The set up of the story takes a while and I have to confess I don’t understand what Rela sees in her love interest, Chris. The characterisation is a little shallow but as the whole book is less than 200 pages, there is no extraneous detail. However, the initial idea is so intriguing – and just when you think it reaches a climax, there is a twist out of left-field which puts all slow introduction into perspective.  

Christopher Pike has a fascination with philosophy, what it means to be human and what is the meaning of life – all fascinating ideas that people struggle with for their whole lives and it is refreshing to see them introduced into a teen book. I think it was the early exposure to these ideas that lead to an early interest in physics and how the universe works. The last 60 pages are full of little ideas that stay with you long after the book is closed.

Recommended for fans of LJ Smith and Jeri Smith-Ready. 7 out of 10

What a challenging year...

At the start of 2011 I agreed to participate in 3 official reading challenges and 1 personal challenge - now the year is all but over, how did I get on with each challenge?

Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge 2011
Hosted by Book Chick City

Details

Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

Books Read in Challenge: 13/12 Books
Book 1: The Five Greatest Warrior - Matthew Reilly
Book 2: Full Dark House - Christopher Fowler
Book 3: Mistress of the Art of Death - Ariana Franklin
Book 4: Sanctus - Simon Toyne
Book 5: Sacrifice - SJ Bolton
Book 6: Breathless - Dean Koontz
Book 7: The Tenth Chamber - Glenn Cooper
Book 8: Now You See Me - S.J. Bolton
Book 9: Hard Spell - Justin Gustainis
Book 10: The Quarry - Johan Theorin

Book 11: Death Sentence - Mikkel Birkegaard
Book 12: Crippen - John Boyne
Book 13: The Burning Wire - Jeffery Deaver

My Thoughts: So I read 13 books - more than the 12 that were required. Challenge complete! I have to admit though that this was a genuine challenge as mystery and suspense books are not my regular fall back and occasionally throughout the year I had to read books just to make sure I was getting on with the challenge! But this was good as it broke me out of my regular reading habits and I did read some great books - Now You See Me, Hard Spell and Full Dark House are great reads for anyone. I did consider signing up for this challenge again for 2012, but thought I would try to experiment with some different challenges!

Speculative Fiction 2011

Hosted by Floor To Ceiling Books

Details

Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

Rules: To read 12 Speculative Fiction novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum - you can read more if you wish!)

Books Read in Challenge: 19/12 Books
Book 1: The Spirit Thief - Rachel Aaron
Book 2: Foundation - Issac Asimov
Book 3: The Magician's Apprentice - Trudi Canavan
Book 4: The Fallen Blade - Jon Courtenay Grimwood
Book 5: I Am Number Four - Pittacus Lore
Book 6: Foundation and Empire - Issac Asimov
Book 7: American Gods - Neil Gaiman
Book 8: Spirit Dances - CE Murphy
Book 9: Shades of Grey - Jasper Fforde
Book 10: Second Foundation - Issac Asimov
Book 11: The Neon Court - Kate Griffin
Book 12: Married with Zombies - Jesse Petersen
Book 13: Morlock Night - K.W. Jeter
Book 14: Secrets of the Demon - Diana Rowland
Book 15: Change - Jim Butcher
Book 16: Hunted By The Others - Jess Haines 
Book 17: Corsets and Clockwork - Trisha Telep
Book 18: Magic Slays - Ilona Andrews
Book 19: Black Swan Rising - Lee Carroll

My Thoughts: Although I counted 19 books for this challenge but as speculative fiction is probably my favourite type of reading, I know the number should be a lot higher! Overall, this was a pretty easy challenge and not that challenging...so I don't think I'll be doing this again. I did have a thought though...isn't all fiction speculative to some degree - whether it is high fantasy or contemporary romance, it's all made up and therefore speculative. Still it was a fun to take part in! 

YA of the 80s and 90s

Hosted by The Book Vixen

 

Details
Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
Read as many YA books that were originally published in the 80s and 90s as your heart desires. The only requirement is that the book(s) have to have been first published sometime between 1980 – 1999. 

Books Read in Challenge: 15/12 Books
Book   1: Nightmare Hall: The Scream Team - Diane Hoh
Book   2: Deepwater Black - Ken Catran
Book   3: Deepwater Landing - Ken Catran
Book   4: Deepwater Angels - Ken Catran
Book   5: Remember Me - Christopher Pike
Book   6: The Last Vampire - Christopher Pike
Book   7: The Last Vampire: Black Blood - Christopher Pike
Book   8: Nightmare Hall: The Roommate - Diane Hoh
Book   9: Remember 2: The Return - Christopher Pike
Book 10: Remember 3: The Last Story - Christopher Pike
Book 11: Sweet Valley High: Perfect Summer - Francine Pascal
Book 12: Teacher's Pet - Richie Tankersley Cusick
Book 13: The Last Vampire: Red Dice - Christopher Pike
Book 14: The Last Vampire: Phantom - Christopher Pike
Book 15: 13 Tales of Horror - Edited by Christopher Pile

My Thoughts: This was a fan challenge! Throughout the year I read 15 books that were originally published in the 80s and 90s aimed at teens. As this was roughly when I was a teenager it was a very nostalgic trip for me and interesting to see how YA has changed. The most notable element was how short YA was back then - typically 200 pages or so. But there were some interesting stories, ideas and characters packed into the short page count and much less teen angst! I don't know if this challenge is being run again for next year, but I still a couple of books I picked up at charity stores for this challenge that I haven't read yet so expect to see a few more reviews for YA of the 80s and 90s... 

Personal Classic Challenge

Challenged by Kris

My friend Kris has set a challenge for me to read a classic every three months. Below are his terms:

1. Firstly the classic must be a classic or at least 20 years old;
2. it has to set a definition for the genre or change it in a way which ‘inspire’ later writers;
3. available for free or a reduced price and
4. semi easy to read.

So my task for Mel is to read:

1. Homer’s Odyssey – this is the cornerstone of Western Cannon and seems to have the basis for most fantasy. Easements: You can read a modern version (i.e. made into something that is easier to read).
2. Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation. Yes I know it is three books, but they are short ones. They are very good and they are the foundation (not a pun) for modern space epic’s such as Iain M Banks Culture and Star Trek. The Foundation series was published in 1942 and then collected in proper book in the 50s.
3. Ring World by Larry Niven. I thought it looked quite good. It is a interesting story about a space structure.
4. Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard I have not read these book, but I think they may underpin some hero fantasy or it might be tripe

Books Read in Challenge: 6 books

Book 1: Foundation - Issac Asimov
Book 2: Foundation and Empire - Issac Asimov
Book 3: Second Foundation - Issac Asimov
Book 4: The War of the Worlds - HG Wells
Book 5: The Invisible Man - HG Wells
Book 6: The Midwich Cuckoo - John Wyndham

Book 7: Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

My Thoughts: This was a challenge set my friend Kris and officially I did read a classic at least every three months. I think those books inspired future writers and were easy to read and get hold off. However, off the books listed above I only read the Foundation series by Issac Asimov - although I do now own Ringworld, just never got a chance to start reading it! So did I complete this challenge? There's only one person who can answer that...Kris - how did I do? :-)

Kris' Thoughts: When I set this challenge, I was also going secretly read these books in parallel. However, I could not keep up with Mel. The other reason to set a challenge was to hook Mel into the world of Sci-Fi as Mel hooked me into Fantasy. The classics I chose were a mixture of Fantasy (Odyssey and Conan) and Hard Sci-Fi (Foundation and Ringworld). I had read the Foundation Series of books before I set the challenge and I was very nervous that Mel would not like them. I was pleased that Mel enjoyed them <insert blog post links here>. They are interesting books that are more about people and society than Dilithum Crystals. This prompted a conversation between Mel and Myself about these books, which gave me the feeling of being cultured. I hope it inspires Mel to read more of Asimov's works. Homers Odyssey is something would be a challenge to read. It is a classic book and would be hard going. This was more of an aspiration target. I have it in my bookcase and it looks at me (although it looks a lot more readable than any Dan Brown Book).

On balance, Mel has met the challenge and surpassed it. Well done.

Yay me! So I'm four for four on 2011 Challenges! Lets hope 2012 goes as well!

13 Tales of Horror Review

13: Tales of Horror

-       Edited by Christopher Pike

Publisher: Point Horror: First published in 1992

Assembled on the pages of this anthology are 13 original short stories by the best known writers of the genre: Christopher Pike, R.L. Stine, A. Bates, D.E. Athkins, Lael Littke and Pat Windsor---just to name a few. They have given us their best...You'll be cast into an endless night of wax museum horrors, vampire love, deadly dolls, and...who knows what else may await you?So let the masters take you and do their worst---with their best.

This is an anthology of top teen horror writers in the early 90s who each contribute one tale to the collection. I first read this when I was a teenager in the early 90s and picked a second-hand copy earlier this year to relive some of the YA of my youth. Was it successful? Some stories are more memorable than others – Christopher Pike’s Collect Call stands out to me as I think he captures what it means to be a teenager – complete with getting drunk and having sex – not that there is anything explicit but it is talked about.

House of Horrors by JB Stamper is probably the scariest tale here – about being trapped in a wax work house overnight. Some of the tales are a little dated – especially Hacker by Sinclair Smith as most teenagers these days are much more savvy with computers. Some are a little strange – like Where The Deer Are by Caroline B Cooney which tries too hard to scary. Overall though this is a good taste of the type of horror that was popular twenty years ago and a nice flash back to my youth. I wasn’t blown away by any one writer or story and don’t think I’ll be hanging onto this copy any more than I did my original copy.

Recommended for fans RL Stine and LJ Smith. 6 out of 10.

Last Vampire: Phantom

The Last Vampire 4: Phantom

-          Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodder’s Children’s Books

First published in UK in 1995

After five thousand years she was again mortal. The dead alchemist's experiment has worked. Alisa is no longer a vampire, but a frail and confused human. Not only that -- she is pregnant. The baby grows in her at supernatural speed. But what child will Alisa's seed produce? A demon or an angel? Alisa does not know...

This fourth book takes a very different turn for Alisa. She is no longer a vampire, but human again. And when she discovers she is pregnant she realises that sometimes, having everything you ever wanted will not make you happy. Instead of action, this time we get more introverted discussions as Alisa is torn between love and right. That’s not to say there isn’t blood involved – this is a book about vampires!

Christopher Pike has always had a fascination with the spiritual side and this shows here with miracle births, discussions on what love means and of course Krishna. I personally like that as it adds extra layers to what might otherwise be a fairly lightweight YA books, but it’s not everyone.

I read this book in a single sitting on the train – again less than 200 pages of very easy to read story. I definitely connect to Alisa more this time – although I was horrified by what she was doing half the time. As before the book ends on a cliff-hanger – more of one than before if you ask me and I do want to know  what happens next to Alisa, her daughter and of course Seymour.

Recommended for fans of Alyson Noel and Carrie Jones. 7 out of 10.

Last Vampire: Red Dice Review

The Last Vampire 3: Red Dice

-          Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodder’s Children’s Books

First published in UK in 1995

Alisa and her partner, Joel, are vampires. But Joel is also an FBI agent, and someone inside the government has discovered their secret. The government wants their blood, to study it, to duplicate it. They send a massive manhunt after Alisa and Joel. But using skills and abilities developed over 5,000 years, Alisa manages to elude the hunt. Unfortunately Joel is caught, and taken to a top-secret base in the Nevada desert. Now it is Alisa's task to free him.

 I read the first two books in The Last Vampire series earlier this year and had planned to read the rest, but other books distracted me and I’ve only just got around to it. Red Dice picks up exactly where Black Blood finished with Alisa turning Joel into a vampire to save his life. From there we are plunged straight into an explosive escape as the LA police attempt to capture the two of them. When Joel is caught, Alisa has to search her past for the clues in how to free him from the government who are looking to use their blood for evil.

Despite the high stakes (no pun intended) and many action scenes involving guns, leaping from skyscrapers, helicopter chases, Las Vegas nightlife and heavily armed secret bases, Red Dice lacked the elegance of the first two books. Perhaps because of them. Alisa is alone for most of this adventure – there is no Ray, little Seymour and no Yaksha for Alisa to open up to so I didn’t connect with her as much this time round.  However, the writing is easy to fall into and compared to recent YA there are less than 200 pages so it doesn’t take a long time to read. I still like Alisa – she is different from other vampires in YA with supreme confidence in her abilities and it really does feel like she has 5,000 years of knowledge behind her. This is still a tasty snack of a book – like an oatmeal cookie.

Recommended for fans of LJ Smith and Isobelle Carmody. 6 out of 10

Teacher's Pet Review

Teachers Pet

-          Richie Tankersley Cusick

Publisher: Point Horror.

First Published in UK in 1991

Kate loves to be thrilled and is fascinated by horror. But she get more than she bargained for when she goes on a week-long writing conference. First, her teacher, William Drewe goes missing. Then someone tries to frighten her in the woods.

Another little flash back to my teens when I used to gobble up Point Horror novels quicker than an anteater swallows ants! This is a fairly typical one that I read in the earlier 90s originally but little sticks out in my mind about it. Re-reading all these years later, I was amused by the setting – a wooden camp near a lake surrounded by forest – perfect for isolation and screaming at shadows! Still, it’s not a bad story with a few twists and turns along the way. There are few red herrings which do make you wonder what is going on. The banter between Kate and her new friends is fun – I love Tawny’s innocence.

What I didn’t like was how every guy seems to fall for Kate straight away – she didn’t seem all that exciting or attractive. But then again this happens all the time in teen books where some unassuming teen manages to snare every guy in town…I guess my main complaint is that this story is not that original. It takes well worn horror tropes and uses them well, but I missed any originality. It’s not a long book – just over 200 pages and I managed to read it in one train journey. This is a light, fun thriller – perhaps more suited for pre-teens than teenagers.

Recommended for fans of Chris Priestly and Caroline B Cooney. 6 out of 10

The Book Vixen's YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge Book 12/12

SVH: Perfect Summer Review

Sweet Valley High: Super Edition – Perfect Summer

-          Created by Francine Pascal

Publisher: Bantam

It's summer in Sweet Valley, and the Wakefield twins and their friends are taking a bike trip up the beautiful California coast.  What could be more exciting than four weeks of glorious sunshine, sandy beaches, and endless fun at every stop? But the dream of a perfect vacation soon fades.  Elizabeth Wakefield is about to break up with her boyfriend, Todd, over another girl.  Her twin, Jessica, chases after sexy Robbie October, who ignores her.  Bruce Patman is mean to his cousin Roger, Lila Fowler holds a grudge against Ms. Dalton, and Ms. Dalton is barely speaking to Mr. Collins.  Can this feuding group unite when an unexpected disaster threatens their lives? Join the Sweet Valley gang as they find love and adventure on the road in Perfect Summer

This was a complete flashback to the numerous Sweet Valley books I read in the late 80s/early 90s. The twins were as I remember them – blonde, beautiful and with different personalities: Jessica, fun loving and boy crazy while Elizabeth was thoughtful and kind. In this book the twins and selection of their friends go on a bike trip along the Californian coast. Along the way they have to deal with bickering between Bruce Patman and his cousin Roger, between Lila and Jessica and between Elizabeth and Todd as two new arrivals cause friction between the friends.

I don’t read a lot of contemporary YA – I usually prefer mine with a supernatural twist so this seemed a little tame to me. The focus was on relationships but with so many characters it all seemed a little shallow and brief. A lot is read into small glances and everyone is taken at face value. There isn’t really an over-riding arc unless you count the spoilt rich girl who joins the Sweet Valley gang, but even her scheme seemed a little silly. Romance is written as kisses, nothing more – even when a main character creeps off over night to meet a boy! It didn’t feel realistic as teenagers  are generally a lot more savvy about sex – especially at seventeen!

My fond memories kept me reading, even though I was a little bored – and without the voyeuristic need to know that Sweet Valley Ten Year Later gave me a couple of weeks ago – I spent most of the time trying figure out what to read next. It was nice to see what I used to read but I’m not sure I’m going to go out of my way for any more Sweet Valley books.

Recommended for fans of Sweet Valley & Babysitters Club. 5 out of 10.

The Book Vixen's YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge Book 11/12

Remember Me 3: The Last Story Review

Remember Me 3: The Last Story

-          Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodder’s Childen’s Books

First published in the USA and UK in 1995

Shari Cooper lives on, as the talented writer Jean Rodrigues. She has a dream - that vicious creatures are trying to destroy humanity. The creatures won't let the story be told. Neither will they let Shari survive to tell it.

After being somewhat disappointed with Remember Me 2, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the final in the trilogy. Again it was a book I read in my teens but I didn’t remember too much about it (ironic, huh?). However, I was pleasantly surprised as I found taught introspective tale of materialism verses spiritual enlightenment. And if that sounds a little heavy, I promise it’s not. On one level it’s the final part of Shari’s tale and how she has to regain her way again. Woven throughout is a science fiction tale about an alien culture invading Earth in the future that Shari is writing which adds real tension and action to the story. Added to which there is plenty adventure still to be had as Shari starts shooting her new movie based on one of her books.

Romance is a strong element to this book, yet  Christopher Pike has added so many philosophical questions throughout that it gets you thinking about the meaning of life. There are some pleasing cameos by Jimmy, Jo and Detective Garrett, but even Peter doesn’t get a lot of screen time – this is firmly Shari’s story. I was surprised to find a tear in my eye at the end as I was moved by the story. However, despite this it might be a bit wordy for some and the action takes a while to get going. Overall, this is a great end to a trilogy that starts with our heroine’s death and ends the only way it can.  I enjoyed the journey immensely.

Recommended for fans of Christopher Pike and RL Stine. 8 out of 10.

The Book Vixen's YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge Book 10/12

Books Remembered #9: Sweet Valley High - Francine Pascal



This is a semi-regular feature where I reminisce about books or even series that I read over and over again. Or even a book read once that changed the way I looked at life. I wanted to re-introduce it as I wanted to highlight some books that have been out for a while and maybe don't get as much attention as the new releases. It’s not a review of the book(s) but merely remembering the impact it had on me and how it’s shaped my reading habits and likes –what made that book(s) memorable.

 

I’ve always been a big reader – addicted according to my mother. This was because whenever I found an author or series I liked I wanted to read everything they’d ever written. And before Urban Fantasy, before Anne Rice, before Christopher Pike, before Point Horror, there was Sweet Valley. Sweet Valley was my first experience of Americana where everyone lived in sun drenched California, the rich were snobby and shallow, the cheerleaders and jocks were the most popular people in school and there were these ‘perfect size six, blonde haired, blue eyed identical twins’ – Jessica and Elizabeth. Jessica was the fun loving, risk taking, shallower twin with numerous boyfriends while Elizabeth was the more studious twin who had a steady boyfriend and wanted to be a journalist. I wanted to be their friend so much - especially Elizabeth! They had the perfect life – with understanding but generally absent parents, cool friends, sneaky plots to see their boyfriends and help their ‘poor’ friends in Sweet Valley. It was how I imagined everyone in America lived and I gobbled up the books. They were numbered and I wanted to read them all plus the numerous special editions. I spent all my pocket money on them (I could a book every two weeks if I saved) and begged my Gran to bring me back books from the series when she visited family in Canada.

I also read Sweet Valley Twins but it was SVH that I adored! I loved the crazy schemes, the number of times the twins would steal a boyfriend off each other (I swear neither of them ever had a boyfriend to themselves!), the serious storylines covering drugs (bad), teenage sex (frowned upon), the beautiful people (no-one was ever ugly!).  For me, Jessica and Elizabeth were the perfect teen role models growing up. Even now I have fond memories of the series and while I haven’t kept any of the books, I wanted to write this Books Remembered before I started to reading the new Sweet Valley Confidential so I could try to capture the adoration I had for them. I know that various other series were written about them including going away to university, but to me they will always be juniors at Sweet Valley High and while I lost track of them around book 90-something, I can’t wait to see what they now up too. I wouldn't say these books had as big an impact on me as others, but they were one of my first favourites and I loved them! Were you a Sweet Valley addict as well? Were you a Jessica or Elizabeth girl? :)

PS – I thought it would be fun to try re-reading some of the classic SVH books as well, but despite all the books that were printed and scouring all the second book stores I know, I could only find one Sweet Valley High book! What happened to all the other books...?

 

 

Remember Me 2: The Return Review

Remember Me 2: The Return

-       Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodders Children’s

First published in 1995 in UK

Shari Cooper, a murder victim, is given the opportunity to return to Earth in the shape of a Wanderer

It’s unusual to have a sequel to a book when the main character died in the first book – however seeing as Shari died at the beginning of Remember Me, it doesn’t really impact this sequel too much. The story starts a year after Shari was pushed off the balcony with Jean Rodrigues getting ready for a party at her boyfriend’s place. At the same time we also follow Shari’s adventures in the afterlife as she tries to come to terms with her life cut short.

 I had a lot of affection for the first Remember Me when I first read it as a teenager – enough that I picked up this and the third in the trilogy as well. However, I didn’t have as many fond memories for this book as I did the original. Re-reading now after all these years and I can see the reason I didn’t have any fond memories is that not a lot happens in this book. Jean has a near death experience and Shari decides to return to earth...and that’s pretty much it. This is more of a setting up book – putting the pieces in place and expanding on the epilogue from the first book. To be honest I felt the story was completed in Remember Me and didn’t really need a sequel – and as much as I liked the writing – this story doesn’t really add a lot. I’m not sure how much sense it would make if you haven’t read the first book either!

On the plus side Christopher Pike’s writing is as good as ever – I really have rediscovered the joy of his writing through this challenge! I also liked the philosophy Shari discusses with the master – it adds some depth and complexity to a simple story.    

Recommended for fans of RL Stine and Carrie Ryan. 5 out of 10.

The Book Vixen's YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge Book 9/12

Nightmare Hall: The Roommate Review

Nightmare Hall: The Roommate

-       Diane Hoh

Publisher: Point Horror

Four roommates share a suite in a dorm. Four girls who are very different, but not what they seem. Each of them hides a secret, and soon one of them may die.

There are a lot of things to be scared about when you go away to college –new classes, living away from home for the first time, making friends (and if you’re in the UK huge new tuition fees!), but most people don’t have to worry about their roommate trying to kill them. And it’s not something that Danni, Maureen, Lacey and Margot worry about. In the beginning the roommates all get along but as time goes by strange things keep happening...and maybe one of them isn’t as happy with the situation as they pretend.

This is the second Nightmare Hall I’ve read as part of the YA of the 80s and 90s challenge and I have to say I prefer this to Scream Team. The scene setting and worrying about going away to college was something I could relate to and there was some mystery over who the disturbed roommate was. It was fun, if short and I read it in one sitting. It's a bit like a mini chocolate bar - short, sweet and after a short time you've forgotten you eaten it!

Recommended for fans of point horror and LJ Smith. 7 out of 10.

The Book Vixen's YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge Book 8/12

The Last Vampire: Black Blood

The Last Vampire: Black Blood

-          Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodders Children’s Books

First Published in UK in 1995.

Alisa and Ray are the last vampires. Or so they think. But now the evil plague is spreading. A brutal murderer is terrorising Los Angeles. Has Alisa the power to stop him? Or will he destroy her first?

Black Blood picks up six weeks after the end The Last Vampire with Alisa hunting down a serial killer in LA who has all the characteristics of a vampire – but she and Ray are the only ones left...or are they? Whereas the first book had a haunting quality to it with the past very much influencing her actions, this sequel is firmly placed in the here and now. If the first book was like honey, this is a clementine – still sweet but refreshing and as delightful to read.

There is more action than before with a fantastic battle in the opening chapter that sets your heart racing. One element that I love about Alisa is that being five thousand years old, she has absolutely confidence in herself and her abilities – and as a result frequently under-estimates her enemies and that leads to mistakes that costs her. Alisa seems more human this time around, helped by her on-going relationship with Ray, but she still kills and keeps herself removed. I really liked her investigation with Joel, the FBI agent also looking into the killing – it made her feel more real.

Once again the story hangs on a cliff hanger which does mean I will be picking up the third book, Red Dice soon!

Recommended for fans of Twilight and the Vampire Diaries. 8 out of 10.

The Book Vixen's YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge Book 7/12

The Last Vampire Review

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The Last Vampire

-          Christopher Pike

Publisher: Hodder’s Children’s Books

First Published in US & UK 1994

Alisa Perne is the last vampire. Beautiful and brilliant, for five thousand years she has hunted alone, living among humans, living off humans. But somebody knows her secret - and they want her dead...

Alisa is the last vampire and has a voice like honey. Even reading her story I felt myself sucked in and reluctant to put the book down at all. Almost effortlessly Christopher Pike has created an anti-hero that you root for. From the opening pages we follow Alisa as she kills a detective brutally for simply knowing too much about her finances and realises someone is tracking her. She never apologies for the violence she does – simply accepts it as part of her nature.  Yet she does have feelings and passions – the way she quickly takes to Seymor and Ray demonstrates that she isn’t above friendship and love. At the same time she views humanity from a distance – five thousand years is a long time to distant yourself from your beginnings.

Less than two hundred pages but you get your money’s worth with romance, action, history and different take on the vampire legend – here coming from India. I gobbled it up and will be starting on the second book Black Blood as soon as possible.  It was a melodic read with the words flowing off the page to create a unique twist on vampires. Even more impressive it was written long before the current Twilight fascination.

Recommended for fans of Vampire Academy and Isobelle Carmody. 9 out of 10.

The Book Vixen's YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge Book 6/12