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The Clanless #1
Senior Year Bites
Senior year is supposed to be boys, dances and graduation.
It's significantly harder to enjoy it when you’re dead.
Truth or Dare is supposed to be fun too. It’s not even close to dangerous, so playing at Steph's house didn't seem like a bad idea. My dare? Spend the rest of the night in the graveyard next to her house. It was only a couple of hours until false dawn, my proscribed return time, so no big deal right? Right.
I survived the attack, but it took me a few days to figure out what was going on. I mean vampires might stalk pop culture, but they're just myths. Yeah. Not so much.
School is a lot more difficult when you're a nocturnal creature of the night. I was managing, but I couldn't keep it hidden from my friends for long. After I managed to accidentally save one of our cheerleaders from her drunk and ill-intentioned boyfriend. Steph decided that we should be cool, like superheroes, and fight crime.
Only I’m a vampire, not a hero, and we live in a sleepy New England town, so crime's a little harder to come by. At least it is until a serial killer moves into the area. He’s got the authorities stumped, but then again, the cops don't have a teenage, blood-sucking, non-hero on their team.
It's significantly harder to enjoy it when you’re dead.
Truth or Dare is supposed to be fun too. It’s not even close to dangerous, so playing at Steph's house didn't seem like a bad idea. My dare? Spend the rest of the night in the graveyard next to her house. It was only a couple of hours until false dawn, my proscribed return time, so no big deal right? Right.
I survived the attack, but it took me a few days to figure out what was going on. I mean vampires might stalk pop culture, but they're just myths. Yeah. Not so much.
School is a lot more difficult when you're a nocturnal creature of the night. I was managing, but I couldn't keep it hidden from my friends for long. After I managed to accidentally save one of our cheerleaders from her drunk and ill-intentioned boyfriend. Steph decided that we should be cool, like superheroes, and fight crime.
Only I’m a vampire, not a hero, and we live in a sleepy New England town, so crime's a little harder to come by. At least it is until a serial killer moves into the area. He’s got the authorities stumped, but then again, the cops don't have a teenage, blood-sucking, non-hero on their team.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2011
41 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Campbell
73 books223 followersWhen Julie is not writing she's often out riding horses, or working sheep with her dogs. She lives in Colorado with her three cats, Kira and Bran, her border collies, her Traveler-in training, Triska, and her Irish Sailor. She is the author of many Vampire and Ghost-Hunting Dog stories the Tales of the Travelers series, and many other young adult books. She’s a member of the Horror Writers Association and the Dog Writers of America Association and the editor for Story Emporium fiction magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 10, 2015
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review
The cover definitely screams high school and vampire, so I like it :)
This is the first book in the series, and it is about 180ish pages long. This is a new author for me. I always try to read a mix of YA stuff just in case a student needs suggestions for something they might like to read.
This book started slow for me, but this is usually a me issue when I start a new series and trying to get connected with the characters and world that the author has created. While it was bumpy for me at the start, I was completely sucked into the story by the end. Meg and her friends are typical high school students with their attitudes, parental issues, and trying to become their own person. The paranormal aspects just makes me more interesting for me since I live high school issues daily :) Some of the characters started on my should-be-slapped list, but in the end, they removed from the list. This doesn’t mean they were bad characters just the characters did something to irk me so I thought they should be slapped to adjust the tudes :)
I definitely want to check out more of this series because I think it will get better as the series goes on especially once you establish those connections in the world. I loved J.A.’s humor in this book especially between Meg and Alexander. I was definitely laughing out loud :)
I recommend this book to readers who like high school drama and troubles with a paranormal twist :) This would definitely be a great addition to my classroom library in the future :)
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review
The cover definitely screams high school and vampire, so I like it :)
This is the first book in the series, and it is about 180ish pages long. This is a new author for me. I always try to read a mix of YA stuff just in case a student needs suggestions for something they might like to read.
This book started slow for me, but this is usually a me issue when I start a new series and trying to get connected with the characters and world that the author has created. While it was bumpy for me at the start, I was completely sucked into the story by the end. Meg and her friends are typical high school students with their attitudes, parental issues, and trying to become their own person. The paranormal aspects just makes me more interesting for me since I live high school issues daily :) Some of the characters started on my should-be-slapped list, but in the end, they removed from the list. This doesn’t mean they were bad characters just the characters did something to irk me so I thought they should be slapped to adjust the tudes :)
I definitely want to check out more of this series because I think it will get better as the series goes on especially once you establish those connections in the world. I loved J.A.’s humor in this book especially between Meg and Alexander. I was definitely laughing out loud :)
I recommend this book to readers who like high school drama and troubles with a paranormal twist :) This would definitely be a great addition to my classroom library in the future :)
July 25, 2011
I was lucky to read the first chapters of Senior Year Bites when it was still a WIP (Work in Progress)....and already, at that time, I wanted more. The final story was even better than I thought it would be. :)
I really like JA Campbell YA stories because her characters are not "IhatetheWorld-MylifeisHell-emo-camefrombrokenhome" teen clichés, but rather kids whose lifes have changed drastically and who are trying to cope and "grow up" through adversity. :)
I really like JA Campbell YA stories because her characters are not "IhatetheWorld-MylifeisHell-emo-camefrombrokenhome" teen clichés, but rather kids whose lifes have changed drastically and who are trying to cope and "grow up" through adversity. :)
January 28, 2012
My summary:
Meg is facing her senior year in high school but she isn't worried about grades, boys and graduation like most senior are. No she's worried about keeping her secret from her mom, her friends, really from everyone. The secret that started the night she played truth or dare at her best friends party. Afraid of telling truths, she agreed to stay the night in the nearby graveyard. Attacked and left ... well dead, Meg survived the night figuring out slowly that her problems with sunlight and craving for blood only meant one thing. She hadn't survived alive. Now she tries to hide the truth from everyone. Harder to do now that there are strange unexplained murders turning up in their sleepy little town. She wasn't responsible, was she?
My Thoughts:
3 stars - an okay read
Senior Year Bites holds most of the classic lure for vampires: sunlight, drinking blood, pale skin, no heart beat,- you get the drill. It is different in that it's only direct sunlight that burns Meg, though she's more comfortable in the night. I think the world building was okay. Meg's ability to figure out how to use her vampire powers was a little strange. Once she was made aware of she had a power, she just tried and there it was. I wondered why she had to be told about those powers if they were so easy to use.
I Liked Meg. She was strong and tried to protect her family from what she had become. She tried to do the right thing when she realized someone was killing people. Her ties to her friends were strong and I loved that her friends stood by her. I liked her brother's character a lot but I wish there had been more for him.
Things that frustrated me about this book include never finding out who turned her or why, never finding out ... well that one's too spoiler to say and Meg never telling her family. I would have enjoyed the book more if there was resolution to a few points that just aren't dealt with in the book. I always hope that characters grow and I wish Meg had made a little more progress by the end of the book.
This is more of a classic vampire story. Very little to no romance in this book. I guess I have come to think of paranormal and romance as going together but this book is not that way. So if you like your vampires traditional and wish the romance would stay in the romance books, then this one may be a good fit for you.
Meg is facing her senior year in high school but she isn't worried about grades, boys and graduation like most senior are. No she's worried about keeping her secret from her mom, her friends, really from everyone. The secret that started the night she played truth or dare at her best friends party. Afraid of telling truths, she agreed to stay the night in the nearby graveyard. Attacked and left ... well dead, Meg survived the night figuring out slowly that her problems with sunlight and craving for blood only meant one thing. She hadn't survived alive. Now she tries to hide the truth from everyone. Harder to do now that there are strange unexplained murders turning up in their sleepy little town. She wasn't responsible, was she?
My Thoughts:
3 stars - an okay read
Senior Year Bites holds most of the classic lure for vampires: sunlight, drinking blood, pale skin, no heart beat,- you get the drill. It is different in that it's only direct sunlight that burns Meg, though she's more comfortable in the night. I think the world building was okay. Meg's ability to figure out how to use her vampire powers was a little strange. Once she was made aware of she had a power, she just tried and there it was. I wondered why she had to be told about those powers if they were so easy to use.
I Liked Meg. She was strong and tried to protect her family from what she had become. She tried to do the right thing when she realized someone was killing people. Her ties to her friends were strong and I loved that her friends stood by her. I liked her brother's character a lot but I wish there had been more for him.
Things that frustrated me about this book include never finding out who turned her or why, never finding out ... well that one's too spoiler to say and Meg never telling her family. I would have enjoyed the book more if there was resolution to a few points that just aren't dealt with in the book. I always hope that characters grow and I wish Meg had made a little more progress by the end of the book.
This is more of a classic vampire story. Very little to no romance in this book. I guess I have come to think of paranormal and romance as going together but this book is not that way. So if you like your vampires traditional and wish the romance would stay in the romance books, then this one may be a good fit for you.
November 7, 2015
It's been a bit since I've read a book dealing with vampires, but I'm glad I got to read this one. Senior Year Bites is a fun read. A fresh take on vampires and other supernatural creatures. Meg is a vampire, only she doesn't know how she got that way. Say what!? Yeah, I told you it was a fresh take. So, sunlight irritates the crap outta her, no she doesn't sparkle and yes she likes blood. The journey begins in the beginning of the story, so no hashing through crap in order to get to the good stuff... so to speak.
Meg worries her friends will think her nuts'o and yes, they kind of do. But being awesome pals, they stick by her side, helping her figure out who changed her into a vamp. During this time, people are being killed and a strange guy seems to know more about her than she does. (Freaky) Meg and her friends run into a ton of danger along the way. The end is left open, allowing room for a second book. I can't wait to see where Meg and pals end up!
Meg worries her friends will think her nuts'o and yes, they kind of do. But being awesome pals, they stick by her side, helping her figure out who changed her into a vamp. During this time, people are being killed and a strange guy seems to know more about her than she does. (Freaky) Meg and her friends run into a ton of danger along the way. The end is left open, allowing room for a second book. I can't wait to see where Meg and pals end up!
September 18, 2011
*This review contains minor spoilers*
Teaser: I wondered what her name was. Though I could identify her by her reek, I didn't think either Steph or Ann would appreciate me calling her "reeks of lavender" out loud.
That was almost too much, even for me. I had to believe in vampires, but I couldn't help picturing Tinker Bell flying around and sprinkling faerie dust on people that had been killed. I snorted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Thoughts:
I've been a fan of Campbell's writing since her first installment of her "Into the West" series (and I'm impatiently waiting for the last two installments.) This book has similarities in style to that short story series: a minimum of angst (though there's more in this one, but it's not overdone), humor, an easy, light way of writing, and teens who are a little bit goody two shoes but believable. She also avoids details that might date the story - music, cars, clothes, etc are not referred to by brand except generically ie Meg drives a Jeep but that's all the detail we get. I like that sparseness, there's enough detail to visualize what's happening and fill in the blanks but she doesn't drown you in detail or get all trendy or drop names. The focus is the story and the characters.
The main characters are Meg and her friends, who are high school students and college students; what few adults we see have little page time. I was somewhat disappointed actually that we didn't see more of Meg's mother. We're told, often, how worried she is and we see her worry but we learn little about her and her interactions with Meg are mostly "honey, why aren't you eating?" (she doesn't know that Meg's a vampire now), "you're so tired these days" and "Yes, you can go to a sleepover at Steph's" house. The focus is on the teen characters but I really would have liked more depth to the adults.
That aside, I really enjoyed this book. The story starts after Meg has been bitten. Her attacker didn't stick around but took off and Meg is taking the sink or swim course in learning how to be a vampire. Later in the story she gets help from an unexpected source. Meg has a lot to learn - how to live as vampire (simple things like remembering to wear her coat while outside in the middle of winter are a challenge for her), dealing with her family, friends, and even high school as a vampire, and, when a supernatural killer comes to town and starts targeting her food ie humans that she's fed from, she grapples with hunting him down and embracing her inner vampire. The scene near the end, where she lets lets her vampire self have full reign in dealing with the killer, is both bittersweet and victorious. She stops the killer and saves her friends but has to let go of a piece of her humanity to do so.
As the story goes along, Meg's friends also have to learn how to cope with her and their relationships change. They also collect some new acquaintances and form an updated Scooby Doo gang, inspired more by Buffy's version than the original, cartoon version. The interactions are enjoyable and come off as believable, something that can be challenging for YA authors.
The world building is light, but she's working on the next book so we may see more in that one. The supernatural world in this book is has vampires and faerie so far; I hope will see more supernatural species, maybe werewolves (bats eyelashes), in future books. We get a glimpse of the faerie world via one of the characters, who also gives us, and Meg, info about vampires. The faerie, who seem to be traditionally based, and vampires, who also seem to have traditional characteristics, do not get along. At first, he doesn't trust Meg, simply because she's a vampire and she dislikes him, he makes the hair on her neck rise and she's suspicious of his relationship with her friend Ann.
The story is set in New England but there's little of a New England feel to the story; it really felt as if it could have happened in any state in the US that has four seasons. (I live in New England and have for most of my life) Also, the school closing for heavy snow was unlikely in the manner in which it happened. The sparseness of details, which I mostly like, may have contributed to the lack of place; I don't know how much research she did but I know she has researched the setting for the next one.
There were some loose ends at the end of the story - Why does Ann speak in a somewhat unnatural, very formal manner? ("It is okay. She is very self-centered. Candice is much better." and "Okay, then we will not have to fight traffic.") What's the connection between the group of teenagers, including Ann's new friends, who moved here simultaneously, and at the same time as Meg's "accident", and recent events? Is there a connection or is it just a red herring? Why did the killer change focus from targeting Meg's victims to girls who resembled Ann? Was Alexander just using Ann to get to Meg? I hope these will be addressed in the next book.
When you get down to it, despite my quibbles, I enjoyed this book and have read it several times now. I like the characters, her mix of vampires and faerie, her style and the overall story.
The reviewer owns this ebook. You can also see this review at my blog, Bea's Book Nook - http://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/2011...
Teaser: I wondered what her name was. Though I could identify her by her reek, I didn't think either Steph or Ann would appreciate me calling her "reeks of lavender" out loud.
That was almost too much, even for me. I had to believe in vampires, but I couldn't help picturing Tinker Bell flying around and sprinkling faerie dust on people that had been killed. I snorted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Thoughts:
I've been a fan of Campbell's writing since her first installment of her "Into the West" series (and I'm impatiently waiting for the last two installments.) This book has similarities in style to that short story series: a minimum of angst (though there's more in this one, but it's not overdone), humor, an easy, light way of writing, and teens who are a little bit goody two shoes but believable. She also avoids details that might date the story - music, cars, clothes, etc are not referred to by brand except generically ie Meg drives a Jeep but that's all the detail we get. I like that sparseness, there's enough detail to visualize what's happening and fill in the blanks but she doesn't drown you in detail or get all trendy or drop names. The focus is the story and the characters.
The main characters are Meg and her friends, who are high school students and college students; what few adults we see have little page time. I was somewhat disappointed actually that we didn't see more of Meg's mother. We're told, often, how worried she is and we see her worry but we learn little about her and her interactions with Meg are mostly "honey, why aren't you eating?" (she doesn't know that Meg's a vampire now), "you're so tired these days" and "Yes, you can go to a sleepover at Steph's" house. The focus is on the teen characters but I really would have liked more depth to the adults.
That aside, I really enjoyed this book. The story starts after Meg has been bitten. Her attacker didn't stick around but took off and Meg is taking the sink or swim course in learning how to be a vampire. Later in the story she gets help from an unexpected source. Meg has a lot to learn - how to live as vampire (simple things like remembering to wear her coat while outside in the middle of winter are a challenge for her), dealing with her family, friends, and even high school as a vampire, and, when a supernatural killer comes to town and starts targeting her food ie humans that she's fed from, she grapples with hunting him down and embracing her inner vampire. The scene near the end, where she lets lets her vampire self have full reign in dealing with the killer, is both bittersweet and victorious. She stops the killer and saves her friends but has to let go of a piece of her humanity to do so.
As the story goes along, Meg's friends also have to learn how to cope with her and their relationships change. They also collect some new acquaintances and form an updated Scooby Doo gang, inspired more by Buffy's version than the original, cartoon version. The interactions are enjoyable and come off as believable, something that can be challenging for YA authors.
The world building is light, but she's working on the next book so we may see more in that one. The supernatural world in this book is has vampires and faerie so far; I hope will see more supernatural species, maybe werewolves (bats eyelashes), in future books. We get a glimpse of the faerie world via one of the characters, who also gives us, and Meg, info about vampires. The faerie, who seem to be traditionally based, and vampires, who also seem to have traditional characteristics, do not get along. At first, he doesn't trust Meg, simply because she's a vampire and she dislikes him, he makes the hair on her neck rise and she's suspicious of his relationship with her friend Ann.
The story is set in New England but there's little of a New England feel to the story; it really felt as if it could have happened in any state in the US that has four seasons. (I live in New England and have for most of my life) Also, the school closing for heavy snow was unlikely in the manner in which it happened. The sparseness of details, which I mostly like, may have contributed to the lack of place; I don't know how much research she did but I know she has researched the setting for the next one.
There were some loose ends at the end of the story - Why does Ann speak in a somewhat unnatural, very formal manner? ("It is okay. She is very self-centered. Candice is much better." and "Okay, then we will not have to fight traffic.") What's the connection between the group of teenagers, including Ann's new friends, who moved here simultaneously, and at the same time as Meg's "accident", and recent events? Is there a connection or is it just a red herring? Why did the killer change focus from targeting Meg's victims to girls who resembled Ann? Was Alexander just using Ann to get to Meg? I hope these will be addressed in the next book.
When you get down to it, despite my quibbles, I enjoyed this book and have read it several times now. I like the characters, her mix of vampires and faerie, her style and the overall story.
The reviewer owns this ebook. You can also see this review at my blog, Bea's Book Nook - http://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/2011...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2015
I wanted to read
Senior Year Bites
because I thought it would be similar to a YA version of Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series, especially since it seemed like play on the second book,
Friday Night Bites
.
Overall, I enjoyed Senior Year Bites . It was a lot of fun and a really quick read. I stayed up a little late to finish reading it, because I wanted to see what happened. I had a few issues, but I still ended the book with a smile on my face.
Most of my problems were that there were some unbelievable parts and I just couldn't suspend my disbelief. When kids start showing up dead around town, Meg's friends (who don't know that she's a vampire) just go along with the assumption that the suspect is a supernatural creature. My first thought regarding dead bodies in real life, even those drained of blood, would be that it is an insane person that either is doing something ritualistic or thinks he/she is a vampire, not that the person is actually vampire. There was also no addressing that everyone Meg bit would have bite marks the next day or that biting someone would be a messy endeavor that would require cleanup.
Other than my nitpickiness, Senior Year Bites was a cute story, and there was no teenage angst! There is a little bit of angst, but it's more in the best friend variety than the boy variety. It also gets cleared up rather neatly. Meg and friends do have some cute boy romances, but the romance and courtship is just sweet and comes about naturally.
Because Meg's maker pretty much leaves her for dead (undead?), we don't really get any information on the vampire world, except for what Meg figures out on her own. Another supernatural creature or two show up later, and Meg gets a little bit of information, but I still want to know a lot more about the supernatural world. Also, there were some loose ends that didn't get resolved. I don't know if that was intentional and a set up for book two (like did Ann's new friends show up in town coincidentally or was there a reason they showed up at the same time that Meg was turned?), or if those will just be unanswered questions.
I would recommend Senior Year Bites to anyone looking for a cute, light YA paranormal with enjoyable characters and little to no YA relationship angst.
Overall, I enjoyed Senior Year Bites . It was a lot of fun and a really quick read. I stayed up a little late to finish reading it, because I wanted to see what happened. I had a few issues, but I still ended the book with a smile on my face.
Most of my problems were that there were some unbelievable parts and I just couldn't suspend my disbelief. When kids start showing up dead around town, Meg's friends (who don't know that she's a vampire) just go along with the assumption that the suspect is a supernatural creature. My first thought regarding dead bodies in real life, even those drained of blood, would be that it is an insane person that either is doing something ritualistic or thinks he/she is a vampire, not that the person is actually vampire. There was also no addressing that everyone Meg bit would have bite marks the next day or that biting someone would be a messy endeavor that would require cleanup.
Other than my nitpickiness, Senior Year Bites was a cute story, and there was no teenage angst! There is a little bit of angst, but it's more in the best friend variety than the boy variety. It also gets cleared up rather neatly. Meg and friends do have some cute boy romances, but the romance and courtship is just sweet and comes about naturally.
Because Meg's maker pretty much leaves her for dead (undead?), we don't really get any information on the vampire world, except for what Meg figures out on her own. Another supernatural creature or two show up later, and Meg gets a little bit of information, but I still want to know a lot more about the supernatural world. Also, there were some loose ends that didn't get resolved. I don't know if that was intentional and a set up for book two (like did Ann's new friends show up in town coincidentally or was there a reason they showed up at the same time that Meg was turned?), or if those will just be unanswered questions.
I would recommend Senior Year Bites to anyone looking for a cute, light YA paranormal with enjoyable characters and little to no YA relationship angst.
October 20, 2011
High school can be bad enough, but what if you're turned into a vampire too? I loved this novel, sort of a manual on how to deal with suddenly becoming a vampire in high school. How do you cope? What about your family and friends. Wonderful story on how to turn a bad situation into a good one. Vampires can be heroes too. Definitely recommend.
June 27, 2011
Well, I gave it five stars cause it is mine. I think that's cheating, but I wanted it to have one rating :)
March 5, 2018
Megan is a senior in high school and attends a slumber party with a group of high school friends. During the slumber party they decide to play 'Truth or Dare' and as a result, Megan must spend the night in a nearby graveyard. During her night at the graveyard she blacks out and wakes later with two very serious problems. Problem number one is that she is dead and problem number two is that she has fangs.
I really enjoyed this novel. Plenty of action throughout but the further into the novel you get the more you can relate to the characters and the plot.
Well written, well edited and the type of book that really begs you to read the next in the series.
I really enjoyed this novel. Plenty of action throughout but the further into the novel you get the more you can relate to the characters and the plot.
Well written, well edited and the type of book that really begs you to read the next in the series.
June 7, 2017
This was fun and gripping--the characters were great and the plot was tight. Meg is genuine and smart, Steph and Ann are great friends and their loyalty to each other was refreshing. The characters that Meg ended up meeting as a result of her transformation were unexpected and turned out to be pretty awesome--I loved the way her new friends rallied around her. The story has good layers and an excellent ending. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Gentle Reader Alert: There is some language, including a few f-bombs.
Gentle Reader Alert: There is some language, including a few f-bombs.
March 25, 2018
This idea had potential but this book was lacking- thank goodness it was free.
The character development was weak, the story dove straight into the plot, and the plot itself was thin. The interactions between characters was weak and choppy. Also Ann’s character “quirk” of never using contractions would be more effective if she refused to use any contractions but she does. It makes her hard to relate to and unbelievable. The characters needed more individual voices.
That being said there were some great ideas here, just wish it had not been so poorly done.
The character development was weak, the story dove straight into the plot, and the plot itself was thin. The interactions between characters was weak and choppy. Also Ann’s character “quirk” of never using contractions would be more effective if she refused to use any contractions but she does. It makes her hard to relate to and unbelievable. The characters needed more individual voices.
That being said there were some great ideas here, just wish it had not been so poorly done.
November 19, 2019
I Think the story could have profitted from a slower pace and more time with the huge set of characters. I also wouldn't have minded more exposition. Give me knowledge and understanding, please. Thank you.
For example, there's this group of college students who are researching the paranormal, but it's very unclear why, how, WHAT? and therefore hard to understand their decision to join the heroine and her friends in a seemingly crazy witch hunt.
For example, there's this group of college students who are researching the paranormal, but it's very unclear why, how, WHAT? and therefore hard to understand their decision to join the heroine and her friends in a seemingly crazy witch hunt.
August 9, 2017
I guess I never added this one to my Goodreads list because I read a beta copy and it hadn't been added to GR yet. Still, I really enjoyed the book, and think it's about time for a re-read of the series.
June 14, 2020
Senior Year Bites
The writing is actually pretty good, but the story was kind of slow, in my opinion, and just a teensy bit Scooby-Doo-like — there's nothing wrong with that, but I don't know. I wasn't expecting that.
The writing is actually pretty good, but the story was kind of slow, in my opinion, and just a teensy bit Scooby-Doo-like — there's nothing wrong with that, but I don't know. I wasn't expecting that.
March 20, 2017
An enjoyable read
At first I wondered about this story but then I was pulled in and couldn't stop. It was a good and enjoyable read.
At first I wondered about this story but then I was pulled in and couldn't stop. It was a good and enjoyable read.
June 6, 2023
Everyone is way too quick to decide something supernatural is going on and there isn't nearly enough worldbuilding.
June 30, 2011
Senior Year Bites is a young adult fantasy novel by J.A. Campbell. Available in e-book form from Decadent Publishing, where you can find an excerpt. http://www.decadentpublishing.com/pro.......
I have to say, that I loved this novel. I usually don't rate young adult books - (I don't know why, I just haven't been) but I give this one six out of a possible six. I enjoyed everything about this book
Imagine being a young senior high school student. Hanging out with friends, two best friends, thinking about prom maybe, studying, doing homework, doing the normal teen thing. Then imagine being at a sleepover one night and taking up a dare - go to the graveyard at night. This is what Megan does...only Meg gets attacked at the graveyard-she doesn't remember much of the attack. She survives, and yet the thing is kind of vague....except she begins to notice a few things. Sunlight starts to bother her, a lot. She's very, very sleepy during the day. She's having a hard time with the whole food thing - her family and friends are suddenly appetizing....
Meg comes to an understanding of what she's become and tries to deal with it on her own. Afterall there isn't anyone around that would give her any easy answers. She learns how to hunt for food and is slowly learning about some of her newfound abilities - the strength, the whole mind power thing, the extra speed. Of course Meg tries to keep it all a secret, but her mom and friends are beginning to be suspicious of her new behavior and sleep habits. Around this time, strangers appear in town - one of them forms a friendship with one of her best friends. Then, suddenly, some of the food her blood "donators" - donators that Meg had made sure she's left alive and safe- begin to turn up as dead bodies, then things start getting way more complicated and dangerous.
I thoroughly enjoyed Senior Year Bites. Ms Campbell's teen characters SOUND like teens. Her adult characters sound like adults, her "other" characters are different. Senior Year Bites is told in first person and I loved Meg's voice. There were times when Meg was surprised at her self and there were times when she was a little disgusted with her self, yet there were no overly angsty moments. Meg is a strong willed young woman, making the best of her situation. One thing I enjoyed was the lack of a love triangle situation - this is a story of a girl made into a vampire; it's refreshing to read a story with out the addition of the seemingly formulaic presence of two boys who are attracted to and fighting for one young woman. In fact, the beginning romance was with a couple of side characters and still did not include extras.
Another thing that I found refreshing - no info dumps. We learn along with Meg and her friends what is happening, what vampire problems and abilities Meg obtains. In fact, Meg is learning as she goes along. The narration (Meg's voice) and the dialog was good - very believable. I enjoyed the plot and the twists, enjoyed the story very much. So much that I would love to read a sequel. Happily, I have it on good authority (lol - I heard from J.A. Campbell, in fact) that Ms Campbell is working "hard on a the sequel, and hopes to submit it when finished." Oh, I hope so. I hope it's submitted and picked up. I want to see where Meg goes next, what happens - does her mom find out what's going on with Meg? How about her brother (who has been serving in Afghanistan)? Does Meg ever accidently attack anyone at high school? Y'know, because of the whole "wow, these people smell delicious" thing. Does Meg find out more about being a vampire? meet any other vamps? Oh yeah. There's going to be more and I'm certainly willing to buy more from this author. J.A. Campbell is an author to watch (or read, definitely read)
I recommend this novel to fantasy lover, vampire lit lovers, and readers of YA fantasy. So go check it out, read an excerpt and show some author love. I'm sure a lot of you will enjoy this novel. I certainly did. :)
I have to say, that I loved this novel. I usually don't rate young adult books - (I don't know why, I just haven't been) but I give this one six out of a possible six. I enjoyed everything about this book
Imagine being a young senior high school student. Hanging out with friends, two best friends, thinking about prom maybe, studying, doing homework, doing the normal teen thing. Then imagine being at a sleepover one night and taking up a dare - go to the graveyard at night. This is what Megan does...only Meg gets attacked at the graveyard-she doesn't remember much of the attack. She survives, and yet the thing is kind of vague....except she begins to notice a few things. Sunlight starts to bother her, a lot. She's very, very sleepy during the day. She's having a hard time with the whole food thing - her family and friends are suddenly appetizing....
Meg comes to an understanding of what she's become and tries to deal with it on her own. Afterall there isn't anyone around that would give her any easy answers. She learns how to hunt for food and is slowly learning about some of her newfound abilities - the strength, the whole mind power thing, the extra speed. Of course Meg tries to keep it all a secret, but her mom and friends are beginning to be suspicious of her new behavior and sleep habits. Around this time, strangers appear in town - one of them forms a friendship with one of her best friends. Then, suddenly, some of the food her blood "donators" - donators that Meg had made sure she's left alive and safe- begin to turn up as dead bodies, then things start getting way more complicated and dangerous.
I thoroughly enjoyed Senior Year Bites. Ms Campbell's teen characters SOUND like teens. Her adult characters sound like adults, her "other" characters are different. Senior Year Bites is told in first person and I loved Meg's voice. There were times when Meg was surprised at her self and there were times when she was a little disgusted with her self, yet there were no overly angsty moments. Meg is a strong willed young woman, making the best of her situation. One thing I enjoyed was the lack of a love triangle situation - this is a story of a girl made into a vampire; it's refreshing to read a story with out the addition of the seemingly formulaic presence of two boys who are attracted to and fighting for one young woman. In fact, the beginning romance was with a couple of side characters and still did not include extras.
Another thing that I found refreshing - no info dumps. We learn along with Meg and her friends what is happening, what vampire problems and abilities Meg obtains. In fact, Meg is learning as she goes along. The narration (Meg's voice) and the dialog was good - very believable. I enjoyed the plot and the twists, enjoyed the story very much. So much that I would love to read a sequel. Happily, I have it on good authority (lol - I heard from J.A. Campbell, in fact) that Ms Campbell is working "hard on a the sequel, and hopes to submit it when finished." Oh, I hope so. I hope it's submitted and picked up. I want to see where Meg goes next, what happens - does her mom find out what's going on with Meg? How about her brother (who has been serving in Afghanistan)? Does Meg ever accidently attack anyone at high school? Y'know, because of the whole "wow, these people smell delicious" thing. Does Meg find out more about being a vampire? meet any other vamps? Oh yeah. There's going to be more and I'm certainly willing to buy more from this author. J.A. Campbell is an author to watch (or read, definitely read)
I recommend this novel to fantasy lover, vampire lit lovers, and readers of YA fantasy. So go check it out, read an excerpt and show some author love. I'm sure a lot of you will enjoy this novel. I certainly did. :)
July 15, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
Senior Year Bites is the first book in the Clanless Series. It is a teen book but as an adult I seriously enjoyed and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
Opening Scene:
I had plans for my last year of high school.
The Review:
Meg has just been turned into a vampire and is trying to deal with it, and keeping her school grades up. Admitting to her best friends Steph and Ann the truth about why she’s avoiding them, off sick so often on very sunny days and just plain paler than usual is a relief but not as much as when they accept and support her.
But when people are being murdered, people that Meg previously fed from (but left alive) Steph decides they must find the killer. With the help of three college guys, they start patrolling the area to try and find the supernatural killer. But it’s only with the help of Alexander, Ann’s boyfriend they begin to realize the exact danger, they are in. With increasing attacks time is running out, because the killer wants Meg to suffer and die.
Notable Scene:
I needed someone male, alone, and drunk for this to work properly in my head. Getting that close to a girl was something I couldn’t yet bring myself to do. I spotted a potential subject in the back. He appeared to be in his early twenties, cute, and drinking heavily. I started his way and jumped when a hand touched my shoulder. Some cool huntress of the night I was.
“Yes?” I turned to face the owner of the hand. Young enough to still be in college, he had dark brown hair and eyes, and a nice tan. His winning smile made me feel butterflies all the way down to my toes.
“I’ve seen you in here before. I’m Gary.”
He smiled again, apparently trying to be friendly, but he wasn’t drunk enough to suit my needs.
“Hi. I’m Bridget.” I didn’t want to give him my real name. I did smile back, unable to resist his grin.
Then what he said clicked. He’d seen me in here before. Damn. Sloppy. It looked like I wasn’t going to find dinner here tonight.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
I improvised. “No, thanks. I was looking for someone, and she isn’t here. I need to get going.”
“Maybe next time?”
“Maybe. It was nice to meet you.” I headed for the door, watching Gary out of the corner of my eye. He went over to a table with a couple other guys his age and gestured once at me before shrugging.
I put them out of my mind, hunger driving me to the sports bar and my next meal.
FTC Advisory: Jen Wylie provided me with a copy of Senior Year Bites by J.A. Cambell. Published through Untold Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Senior Year Bites is the first book in the Clanless Series. It is a teen book but as an adult I seriously enjoyed and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
Opening Scene:
I had plans for my last year of high school.
The Review:
Meg has just been turned into a vampire and is trying to deal with it, and keeping her school grades up. Admitting to her best friends Steph and Ann the truth about why she’s avoiding them, off sick so often on very sunny days and just plain paler than usual is a relief but not as much as when they accept and support her.
But when people are being murdered, people that Meg previously fed from (but left alive) Steph decides they must find the killer. With the help of three college guys, they start patrolling the area to try and find the supernatural killer. But it’s only with the help of Alexander, Ann’s boyfriend they begin to realize the exact danger, they are in. With increasing attacks time is running out, because the killer wants Meg to suffer and die.
Notable Scene:
I needed someone male, alone, and drunk for this to work properly in my head. Getting that close to a girl was something I couldn’t yet bring myself to do. I spotted a potential subject in the back. He appeared to be in his early twenties, cute, and drinking heavily. I started his way and jumped when a hand touched my shoulder. Some cool huntress of the night I was.
“Yes?” I turned to face the owner of the hand. Young enough to still be in college, he had dark brown hair and eyes, and a nice tan. His winning smile made me feel butterflies all the way down to my toes.
“I’ve seen you in here before. I’m Gary.”
He smiled again, apparently trying to be friendly, but he wasn’t drunk enough to suit my needs.
“Hi. I’m Bridget.” I didn’t want to give him my real name. I did smile back, unable to resist his grin.
Then what he said clicked. He’d seen me in here before. Damn. Sloppy. It looked like I wasn’t going to find dinner here tonight.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
I improvised. “No, thanks. I was looking for someone, and she isn’t here. I need to get going.”
“Maybe next time?”
“Maybe. It was nice to meet you.” I headed for the door, watching Gary out of the corner of my eye. He went over to a table with a couple other guys his age and gestured once at me before shrugging.
I put them out of my mind, hunger driving me to the sports bar and my next meal.
FTC Advisory: Jen Wylie provided me with a copy of Senior Year Bites by J.A. Cambell. Published through Untold Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
July 15, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
Senior Year Bites is the first book in the Clanless Series. It is a teen book but as an adult I seriously enjoyed and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
Opening Scene:
I had plans for my last year of high school.
The Review:
Meg has just been turned into a vampire and is trying to deal with it, and keeping her school grades up. Admitting to her best friends Steph and Ann the truth about why she’s avoiding them, off sick so often on very sunny days and just plain paler than usual is a relief but not as much as when they accept and support her.
But when people are being murdered, people that Meg previously fed from (but left alive) Steph decides they must find the killer. With the help of three college guys, they start patrolling the area to try and find the supernatural killer. But it’s only with the help of Alexander, Ann’s boyfriend they begin to realize the exact danger, they are in. With increasing attacks time is running out, because the killer wants Meg to suffer and die.
Notable Scene:
I needed someone male, alone, and drunk for this to work properly in my head. Getting that close to a girl was something I couldn’t yet bring myself to do. I spotted a potential subject in the back. He appeared to be in his early twenties, cute, and drinking heavily. I started his way and jumped when a hand touched my shoulder. Some cool huntress of the night I was.
“Yes?” I turned to face the owner of the hand. Young enough to still be in college, he had dark brown hair and eyes, and a nice tan. His winning smile made me feel butterflies all the way down to my toes.
“I’ve seen you in here before. I’m Gary.”
He smiled again, apparently trying to be friendly, but he wasn’t drunk enough to suit my needs.
“Hi. I’m Bridget.” I didn’t want to give him my real name. I did smile back, unable to resist his grin.
Then what he said clicked. He’d seen me in here before. Damn. Sloppy. It looked like I wasn’t going to find dinner here tonight.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
I improvised. “No, thanks. I was looking for someone, and she isn’t here. I need to get going.”
“Maybe next time?”
“Maybe. It was nice to meet you.” I headed for the door, watching Gary out of the corner of my eye. He went over to a table with a couple other guys his age and gestured once at me before shrugging.
I put them out of my mind, hunger driving me to the sports bar and my next meal.
FTC Advisory: Jen Wylie provided me with a copy of Senior Year Bites by J.A. Cambell. Published through Untold Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Senior Year Bites is the first book in the Clanless Series. It is a teen book but as an adult I seriously enjoyed and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
Opening Scene:
I had plans for my last year of high school.
The Review:
Meg has just been turned into a vampire and is trying to deal with it, and keeping her school grades up. Admitting to her best friends Steph and Ann the truth about why she’s avoiding them, off sick so often on very sunny days and just plain paler than usual is a relief but not as much as when they accept and support her.
But when people are being murdered, people that Meg previously fed from (but left alive) Steph decides they must find the killer. With the help of three college guys, they start patrolling the area to try and find the supernatural killer. But it’s only with the help of Alexander, Ann’s boyfriend they begin to realize the exact danger, they are in. With increasing attacks time is running out, because the killer wants Meg to suffer and die.
Notable Scene:
I needed someone male, alone, and drunk for this to work properly in my head. Getting that close to a girl was something I couldn’t yet bring myself to do. I spotted a potential subject in the back. He appeared to be in his early twenties, cute, and drinking heavily. I started his way and jumped when a hand touched my shoulder. Some cool huntress of the night I was.
“Yes?” I turned to face the owner of the hand. Young enough to still be in college, he had dark brown hair and eyes, and a nice tan. His winning smile made me feel butterflies all the way down to my toes.
“I’ve seen you in here before. I’m Gary.”
He smiled again, apparently trying to be friendly, but he wasn’t drunk enough to suit my needs.
“Hi. I’m Bridget.” I didn’t want to give him my real name. I did smile back, unable to resist his grin.
Then what he said clicked. He’d seen me in here before. Damn. Sloppy. It looked like I wasn’t going to find dinner here tonight.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
I improvised. “No, thanks. I was looking for someone, and she isn’t here. I need to get going.”
“Maybe next time?”
“Maybe. It was nice to meet you.” I headed for the door, watching Gary out of the corner of my eye. He went over to a table with a couple other guys his age and gestured once at me before shrugging.
I put them out of my mind, hunger driving me to the sports bar and my next meal.
FTC Advisory: Jen Wylie provided me with a copy of Senior Year Bites by J.A. Cambell. Published through Untold Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
July 21, 2014
REVIEW
This book is a fantasy novel by J.A. Campbell for YA. The reader goes back to being a high school senior. You might be hangin' with a couple of your best friends, dreaming about prom, doing that dreaded homework and scarfing down on junk food. Just a normal teenage. Megan goes to a sleepover and takes a\up a dare. Visit the cemetery at night. The all out dreaded dare. Megan goes to the cemetery and gets attacked. She makes it through the attack but doesn't remember much. She doesn't like the sunlight. She sleeps a lot during the day and is having trouble with food.Instead of wanting food, it seems that everybody she knows appeals to her taste buds. Reality settles in on Meghan. She realizes what she is. There is no one to help her, so she is trying to handle this on her own. While she is learning how to deal with this, she knows she must keep it a secret. The trouble is, those close to her are becoming aware that there is something going on with Megan. Then, things become more dangerous when a stranger comes to town.
The author wrote a book that has characters that are described to be so realistic. The author didn't go over board with the descriptions. She just made them realistic. They sound like everyday teens. The reader wasn't bogged down with too much information that really wasn't necessary. Sometimes all those adjectives are fill in words. That becomes boring after a while.
The book is narrated in first person, Megan. The main character was written to be a strong willed young woman who is trying her best to deal with a very bad situation.The isn't your usual YA book. There aren't two boys seeking one girl's attention. The romance didn't include Megan but a couple of characters that were fill ins. What a wonderful read. The plot is about one main person and that is Megan who becomes a vampire.The story is actually very believable, especially for the readers who are vampire lovers. There are a lot of questions left unanswered, which makes me think there may be a Book Two. The reader is left wanting answers and I hope the author writes another book to answer some of those questions. I loved the tittle of the book. How appropriate. So if you love those blood sucking little devils, grab yourself a copy and enter into the teen age vampire world.
Swash Tattoo Clip Art
I was given a complimentary copy of SENIOR YEAR BITES from the author, G.A.Campbell for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
This book is a fantasy novel by J.A. Campbell for YA. The reader goes back to being a high school senior. You might be hangin' with a couple of your best friends, dreaming about prom, doing that dreaded homework and scarfing down on junk food. Just a normal teenage. Megan goes to a sleepover and takes a\up a dare. Visit the cemetery at night. The all out dreaded dare. Megan goes to the cemetery and gets attacked. She makes it through the attack but doesn't remember much. She doesn't like the sunlight. She sleeps a lot during the day and is having trouble with food.Instead of wanting food, it seems that everybody she knows appeals to her taste buds. Reality settles in on Meghan. She realizes what she is. There is no one to help her, so she is trying to handle this on her own. While she is learning how to deal with this, she knows she must keep it a secret. The trouble is, those close to her are becoming aware that there is something going on with Megan. Then, things become more dangerous when a stranger comes to town.
The author wrote a book that has characters that are described to be so realistic. The author didn't go over board with the descriptions. She just made them realistic. They sound like everyday teens. The reader wasn't bogged down with too much information that really wasn't necessary. Sometimes all those adjectives are fill in words. That becomes boring after a while.
The book is narrated in first person, Megan. The main character was written to be a strong willed young woman who is trying her best to deal with a very bad situation.The isn't your usual YA book. There aren't two boys seeking one girl's attention. The romance didn't include Megan but a couple of characters that were fill ins. What a wonderful read. The plot is about one main person and that is Megan who becomes a vampire.The story is actually very believable, especially for the readers who are vampire lovers. There are a lot of questions left unanswered, which makes me think there may be a Book Two. The reader is left wanting answers and I hope the author writes another book to answer some of those questions. I loved the tittle of the book. How appropriate. So if you love those blood sucking little devils, grab yourself a copy and enter into the teen age vampire world.
Swash Tattoo Clip Art
I was given a complimentary copy of SENIOR YEAR BITES from the author, G.A.Campbell for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
February 24, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis :
Senior year is supposed to be fun: boys, dances and graduation. It’s significantly harder to enjoy it when you’re dead.
Thanks to an innocent game of Truth or Dare, I wound up sleeping in a graveyard. Probably not the brightest thing I’ve ever done, but thanks to a couple of well-placed fangs, I’m here to tell the tale.
Vampires might stalk pop culture, but they’re just myths, right? Yeah. Not so much…
Everything seems a lot more difficult when you’re a nocturnal creature of the night, especially school. I was managing, but couldn’t keep it hidden from my friends. Steph decided that we should be cool, like superheroes, and fight crime.
I’m a vampire, not a hero. Living in a sleepy New England town, crime is a little harder to come by. At least it is until a serial killer moves into the area. He’s got the authorities stumped, but then again, the cops don’t have a teenage, blood-sucking, non-hero on their team. It doesn’t take long for me to discover the world is full of monsters. I may be one of them…but will I turn out to be the hero, or the killer everyone is looking for.
Senior Year Bites was a great read! It was filled with excitement and adventure that left me wanting nothing but more more more! The author, J.A. Campbell, really did an awesome job making the story and the character's stand out, while still keeping the story on track. Senior Year Bites was fast paced and action packed and I couldn't put it down!
Meg was a great lead. She was witty, sarcastic, strong, and brave. Everything a female protagonist should be. Meg was a really great friend to Steph and Ann. She tried her hardest to protect them from her new life as long as she could, afraid she would lose them. But even after they figured out her secret they stood by her.
I loved the secondary characters! Each and every one was a riot to read about. They all had something special about them that made them stand out. Gage was probably my favorite. He was just hilarious in every scene he was in! I loved all the boys, Alexander included, but I couldn't help but think Gage stood out.
Senior Year Bites was excellent and I can't wait to start book 2! I would recommend this book to all lovers of the Paranormal and YA.
4 Stars
Synopsis :
Senior year is supposed to be fun: boys, dances and graduation. It’s significantly harder to enjoy it when you’re dead.
Thanks to an innocent game of Truth or Dare, I wound up sleeping in a graveyard. Probably not the brightest thing I’ve ever done, but thanks to a couple of well-placed fangs, I’m here to tell the tale.
Vampires might stalk pop culture, but they’re just myths, right? Yeah. Not so much…
Everything seems a lot more difficult when you’re a nocturnal creature of the night, especially school. I was managing, but couldn’t keep it hidden from my friends. Steph decided that we should be cool, like superheroes, and fight crime.
I’m a vampire, not a hero. Living in a sleepy New England town, crime is a little harder to come by. At least it is until a serial killer moves into the area. He’s got the authorities stumped, but then again, the cops don’t have a teenage, blood-sucking, non-hero on their team. It doesn’t take long for me to discover the world is full of monsters. I may be one of them…but will I turn out to be the hero, or the killer everyone is looking for.
Senior Year Bites was a great read! It was filled with excitement and adventure that left me wanting nothing but more more more! The author, J.A. Campbell, really did an awesome job making the story and the character's stand out, while still keeping the story on track. Senior Year Bites was fast paced and action packed and I couldn't put it down!
Meg was a great lead. She was witty, sarcastic, strong, and brave. Everything a female protagonist should be. Meg was a really great friend to Steph and Ann. She tried her hardest to protect them from her new life as long as she could, afraid she would lose them. But even after they figured out her secret they stood by her.
I loved the secondary characters! Each and every one was a riot to read about. They all had something special about them that made them stand out. Gage was probably my favorite. He was just hilarious in every scene he was in! I loved all the boys, Alexander included, but I couldn't help but think Gage stood out.
Senior Year Bites was excellent and I can't wait to start book 2! I would recommend this book to all lovers of the Paranormal and YA.
4 Stars
September 4, 2011
What do you do when you find out you’re a vampire? Well, if you’re Meg, the heroine of J. A. Campbell’s YA novel, Senior Year Bites, you fight the darkness and work toward the light. Not the sunlight you can no longer stand, but the light that means you’re fighting for good.
When things don’t turn out exactly the way she planned at first, when the hunger is too strong to let her be any kind of “vampire superhero,” Meg does the next best thing and tries to solve the string of murders happening in her small New England town.
What’s so refreshing about Senior Year Bites is that right away Meg confesses to her core group of friends, who dutifully try to help her cope with what she’s become. I thought that was very refreshing, considering most vamp books employ a lot of cat and mouse -- and sometimes unnecessary -- “games” being played with family and friends. This technique really worked for me!
I also like how we kind of start in the middle of this story. Meg realizes she’s a vampire, but we don’t spend pages and chapters rehashing why, or how she got that way or even what it means. Like any teenager, she kind of adapts and overcomes and figures out a way to make good use of her “superpowers.” Oh, with a little help from her friends, that is!
I really enjoyed Senior Year Bites. It really loves up to its title, steeping the reader in all the trappings of one’s senior year – the bittersweet endings and anxiety about beginnings – and yet all with a kind of mystery-slash-vampire story as well. What’s not to like?!?
When things don’t turn out exactly the way she planned at first, when the hunger is too strong to let her be any kind of “vampire superhero,” Meg does the next best thing and tries to solve the string of murders happening in her small New England town.
What’s so refreshing about Senior Year Bites is that right away Meg confesses to her core group of friends, who dutifully try to help her cope with what she’s become. I thought that was very refreshing, considering most vamp books employ a lot of cat and mouse -- and sometimes unnecessary -- “games” being played with family and friends. This technique really worked for me!
I also like how we kind of start in the middle of this story. Meg realizes she’s a vampire, but we don’t spend pages and chapters rehashing why, or how she got that way or even what it means. Like any teenager, she kind of adapts and overcomes and figures out a way to make good use of her “superpowers.” Oh, with a little help from her friends, that is!
I really enjoyed Senior Year Bites. It really loves up to its title, steeping the reader in all the trappings of one’s senior year – the bittersweet endings and anxiety about beginnings – and yet all with a kind of mystery-slash-vampire story as well. What’s not to like?!?
November 26, 2015
This was an enjoyable book. With Meg being turned into a vampire early in the book, I was expecting primarily a vampire story or at least more vampire characters. However, the author threw in multiple twists, introducing other "mythical" creatures into the story, along with a serial killer angle. I thought the characters were decently developed. It was interesting to see how Meg adjusted to her new life, in particular her struggle with having to drink blood but being disgusted by the concept, and having to hide who/what she was from others. I thought the author did a good job of dealing with the reactions of others to finding out what/who Meg was. I also liked how Meg slowly learned about her new powers, sometimes figuring things out by accident. The tense "relationship" with Alexander was a good aspect of the story. Well worth the read.
One thing I would have liked to know/discover (or rather have Meg discover) is who the vampire was that turned her. She becomes a vampire in the beginning of the book and there is occasional reference to the existence of at least one other vampire in the area (the one who turned her), but then he/she/it basically disappears from the storyline. Maybe in a later book in the series, the identity or whereabouts of the vampire will be addressed.
One thing I would have liked to know/discover (or rather have Meg discover) is who the vampire was that turned her. She becomes a vampire in the beginning of the book and there is occasional reference to the existence of at least one other vampire in the area (the one who turned her), but then he/she/it basically disappears from the storyline. Maybe in a later book in the series, the identity or whereabouts of the vampire will be addressed.
April 22, 2012
I read the description of this book ages ago and have been impatiently waiting on the release, so I'm glad it's finally out and I was able to get my grubby little hands on it (figuratively since it's an E-Book). I really liked Meg and her friends and was pleasantly surprised by the ending.
One little thing that irked me (and it really was a tiny thing) was the way the characters "spoke". They don't use contractions when they speak. Since I tend to "act" the parts out in my head, this was hugely noticeable to me and started grating a little, the further into the story I got. But again, I think this is purely a personal thing for me, I can see authors writing like this in the actual story but when it comes to the actual "speaking" parts? I don't know anyone that speaks like that so it kind of felt like padding.
Other than that small thing, I loved the book. The story was really well told and, as I stated, J.A. Campbell has a way of leading you down one path then suddenly opening another door for you. Very well written and I definitely hope to read more.
One little thing that irked me (and it really was a tiny thing) was the way the characters "spoke". They don't use contractions when they speak. Since I tend to "act" the parts out in my head, this was hugely noticeable to me and started grating a little, the further into the story I got. But again, I think this is purely a personal thing for me, I can see authors writing like this in the actual story but when it comes to the actual "speaking" parts? I don't know anyone that speaks like that so it kind of felt like padding.
Other than that small thing, I loved the book. The story was really well told and, as I stated, J.A. Campbell has a way of leading you down one path then suddenly opening another door for you. Very well written and I definitely hope to read more.
July 7, 2016
Oooo! This is one book I won't soon forget! The writing is flawless, engaging, and held me at the end of my seat page after page.
From the moment Meg awakes to the last period, JA Campbell took me on an adventure. Meg was a normal teen who is attacked when she answers a dare to sleep in the graveyard. What follows is an amazing journey as she grows into and learns her powers with a very unexpected tutor. I really enjoy vampires, and this particular novel wins the world for me simply because it doesn't follow the regular cliches, and the humorous details of discovering if the books and movies are right is a delightful treat.
JA Campbell also gets high marks for combining otherworldly characters into this vampire tale. This is the true magic of the book for me as I am a huge fan of all things Celtic, most of all the fae.
This is just the first book in a series, but I know I will be waiting with bated breath for the next one. I will not soon forget any of the characters from this story.
From the moment Meg awakes to the last period, JA Campbell took me on an adventure. Meg was a normal teen who is attacked when she answers a dare to sleep in the graveyard. What follows is an amazing journey as she grows into and learns her powers with a very unexpected tutor. I really enjoy vampires, and this particular novel wins the world for me simply because it doesn't follow the regular cliches, and the humorous details of discovering if the books and movies are right is a delightful treat.
JA Campbell also gets high marks for combining otherworldly characters into this vampire tale. This is the true magic of the book for me as I am a huge fan of all things Celtic, most of all the fae.
This is just the first book in a series, but I know I will be waiting with bated breath for the next one. I will not soon forget any of the characters from this story.
August 13, 2014
Reading this book was a little like watching an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Only it wasn't the vampire they were slaying. Senior Year bites is a a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat gripping the arm rests wondering what is going to come at you next. I loved the realness of the characters and how the bonds of friendship felt real and genuine not forced. Meg the main character gets hit with a lot to deal with all at once but I thought she handled it very well with the help of her friends. I completely enjoyed this book and can honestly say that I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I would love to find out more about Meg and the rest of the group! I believe J.A. Campbell has written a great book that thoroughly entertains the reader and also takes you to a darker side of things and leaves you wondering about things that go bump in the night. I may look at cemeteries a little differently from now on!
September 14, 2014
What Angela though: 5 Stars
It’s been a bit since I’ve read a book dealing with vampires, but I’m glad I got to read this one. Senior Year Bites is a fun read. A fresh take on vampires and other supernatural creatures. Meg is a vampire, only she doesn’t know how she got that way. Say what!? Yeah, I told you it was a fresh take. So, sunlight irritates the crap outta her, no she doesn’t sparkle and yes she likes blood. The journey begins in the beginning of the story, so no hashing through crap in order to get to the good stuff… so to speak.
Meg worries her friends will think her nuts’o and yes, they kind of do. But being awesome pals, they stick by her side, helping her figure out who changed her into a vamp. During this time, people are being killed and a strange guy seems to know more about her than she does. (Freaky) Meg and her friends run into a ton of danger along the way. The end is left open, allowing room for a second book. I can’t wait to see where Meg and pals end up!
It’s been a bit since I’ve read a book dealing with vampires, but I’m glad I got to read this one. Senior Year Bites is a fun read. A fresh take on vampires and other supernatural creatures. Meg is a vampire, only she doesn’t know how she got that way. Say what!? Yeah, I told you it was a fresh take. So, sunlight irritates the crap outta her, no she doesn’t sparkle and yes she likes blood. The journey begins in the beginning of the story, so no hashing through crap in order to get to the good stuff… so to speak.
Meg worries her friends will think her nuts’o and yes, they kind of do. But being awesome pals, they stick by her side, helping her figure out who changed her into a vamp. During this time, people are being killed and a strange guy seems to know more about her than she does. (Freaky) Meg and her friends run into a ton of danger along the way. The end is left open, allowing room for a second book. I can’t wait to see where Meg and pals end up!
August 3, 2014
Megan is a newly made vampire trying to hide her affliction from her mother and finish high school. I thought this book was really clever. The writing is really good. The pacing is good. The book starts with Megan already being a vampire, the explanation is short: she was playing truth or dare, spent the night in a graveyard, died and awoke a vampire. Then the story just moves on with Megan trying to go to school, hide from the sun and find someone to feed her hunger without getting caught. It brings up the question: If you were suddenly made into a vampire, what would you do? Try to go on with your life as if nothing had happened, like Megan? Go off on your own? Try to find other vampires? It is an interesting concept. Later in the book some mysterious things start happening and Megan's story starts to get really exciting. I was enjoying this book a lot. 4 stars.
October 7, 2014
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say, I loved reading this book. I enjoyed this fresh new take on vampires...I loved the characters...it was just fun to read.
There was some action, lots of drama, a little romance, mystery, humor..just a lot of great components that make up a great, fun book to read!!
The main character Meg, is awesome, she wakes up one day a vampire with no idea how she got that way or by whom. She tries to keep it from her friends but falls flat. I loved getting to know Meg and her friends, they are what made this book so great.
I highly recommend this book! Campbell is a great author that knows how to take you on an adventure..as my 7 year old puts it....with her writing style.
Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!!
I have to say, I loved reading this book. I enjoyed this fresh new take on vampires...I loved the characters...it was just fun to read.
There was some action, lots of drama, a little romance, mystery, humor..just a lot of great components that make up a great, fun book to read!!
The main character Meg, is awesome, she wakes up one day a vampire with no idea how she got that way or by whom. She tries to keep it from her friends but falls flat. I loved getting to know Meg and her friends, they are what made this book so great.
I highly recommend this book! Campbell is a great author that knows how to take you on an adventure..as my 7 year old puts it....with her writing style.
Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!!
March 24, 2016
I liked the book, the story was well developed and there was a good amount of action. Though I wish that the author had explain or had been more explicit in regards of Megan transformation from human to vampire. I loved the idea that Megan had a lot of control over her feeding urges and that she was able to walk in daylight even if she was uncomfortable under the sun and had to hide sometimes. Her friends were cool and I thought they were an important part of the story, Alexander was a bit weird at first because he kind of appeared out of nowhere but grew to be a very likable character along with Gary, Gage and Tad. I will definitely read the following books of the serie. I wish that is it is just as thrilling as this one and that it contains more romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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