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Donor
The life of a vampire’s live-in food supply is never long.
Richard is a modern vampire who likes to eat in. That's why he always keeps a fresh victim trapped in his home. All of his captives eventually die; Lenore hopes to be the first to escape.
Life at Richard's is short but never dull. Not with Richard's vampire friend, Paul, constantly popping in. Paul loves toying with Richard's victims before they die. But is Paul getting too attached to his plaything? His human servant, Charles, certainly thinks so. Charles is next in line to be turned and wants to eliminate the competition.
If Charles's schemes don't kill Lenore, then Richard's hunger surely will. Lenore has a plan to survive, but someone will have to die in her place. She now has something terrible in common with her she must kill in order to live.
Richard is a modern vampire who likes to eat in. That's why he always keeps a fresh victim trapped in his home. All of his captives eventually die; Lenore hopes to be the first to escape.
Life at Richard's is short but never dull. Not with Richard's vampire friend, Paul, constantly popping in. Paul loves toying with Richard's victims before they die. But is Paul getting too attached to his plaything? His human servant, Charles, certainly thinks so. Charles is next in line to be turned and wants to eliminate the competition.
If Charles's schemes don't kill Lenore, then Richard's hunger surely will. Lenore has a plan to survive, but someone will have to die in her place. She now has something terrible in common with her she must kill in order to live.
215 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2011
3 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Elena Hearty
3 books19 followersElena Hearty graduated from the University of Virginia in Y2K with a BS in computer science. After that, she bought a house, got married, and had two children, all while working full time to ensure that your online and mobile experience is replete with banner ads and pop-up windows.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 12, 2024
This novel is fire. My Mom is awesome.
May 24, 2012
I loved Elena Hearty's Donor. It's way way more than just another vampire book. If you think you've read enough vamp stuff, think again. Elena has breathed new life into the vampire world. Even if you are not a vampire fan, but you love great writing, witty dialogue and a ton of tension, you'll love this book. My favorite thing about this novel is the interaction between the characters. I never knew when to relax or worry. Her use of dialogue is incredible--and the whole thing basically takes place in one apartment. Simply fantastic!
May 3, 2025
I wanted to read this after finishing the Interactive Fiction (IF) version of the game, and it's near word-for-word the same, with some dialogue re-ordered around. So unless you're unhinged like me, you can skip this one if you've already played it. 😅
Lenore is not in a romance novel. These men will never love her. At best, she can be a pet. Adored, but ultimately disposable. After all, how many rid their pets out of inconvenience? There's quite a few scenes (especially with Paul), that reminded me of how people will intentionally harass their animals to get a reaction, then laugh because it was "cute."
Except in this case, the vampires aren't laughing at endearing reactions of irritation, they're laughing at a broken woman's fracturing sanity. Richard is vicious, but Paul frightens me more. He reminds me of how some abusers operate, the way he lulls Lenore (and his other victims) into a naive sense of complacency before eventually dropping the other boot. Of course, he's not the bad guy. He can't help it. It's in his nature. You'll forgive him, Lenore, won't you?
...That cycle of hurt and apology can be somewhat triggering, tbh.
The writing is simple, but I don't mind that. I do think it works a little better in IF format, since it's Lenore's point of view (versus the book's third person).
My only real critique is while I liked the journey, I hated the ending. It feels incomplete and leads directly into Bait, which I also read. I honestly think the two books should have been combined, since as is, it's unsatisfying. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I played the game first, which includes time skips that actually go beyond Bait. So unless the author plans on deviating from the IF epilogues in the third book, I already know what happens 4-5 years later.
For those who've played the game and don't want to re-read the story, the book's end corresponds to the "happy" ending . I don't like this ending, and I think people who unironically believe that this is a good outcome for Lenore are delusional. I'm not sure how you could go through all the scenarios and possibly think that this is a good ending for anyone but the vampires.
Anyway, obviously I enjoyed the story as I got 100% of the achievements in game, immediately read the book version, and then also binged the sequel, Bait, all in one sitting bahaha. Strong recommendation, although keep in mind I generally don't like books in the "horror" genre.
P.S. My personal favorite endings from the game are
Lenore is not in a romance novel. These men will never love her. At best, she can be a pet. Adored, but ultimately disposable. After all, how many rid their pets out of inconvenience? There's quite a few scenes (especially with Paul), that reminded me of how people will intentionally harass their animals to get a reaction, then laugh because it was "cute."
Except in this case, the vampires aren't laughing at endearing reactions of irritation, they're laughing at a broken woman's fracturing sanity. Richard is vicious, but Paul frightens me more. He reminds me of how some abusers operate, the way he lulls Lenore (and his other victims) into a naive sense of complacency before eventually dropping the other boot. Of course, he's not the bad guy. He can't help it. It's in his nature. You'll forgive him, Lenore, won't you?
...That cycle of hurt and apology can be somewhat triggering, tbh.
The writing is simple, but I don't mind that. I do think it works a little better in IF format, since it's Lenore's point of view (versus the book's third person).
My only real critique is while I liked the journey, I hated the ending. It feels incomplete and leads directly into Bait, which I also read. I honestly think the two books should have been combined, since as is, it's unsatisfying. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I played the game first, which includes time skips that actually go beyond Bait. So unless the author plans on deviating from the IF epilogues in the third book, I already know what happens 4-5 years later.
For those who've played the game and don't want to re-read the story, the book's end corresponds to the "happy" ending . I don't like this ending, and I think people who unironically believe that this is a good outcome for Lenore are delusional. I'm not sure how you could go through all the scenarios and possibly think that this is a good ending for anyone but the vampires.
Anyway, obviously I enjoyed the story as I got 100% of the achievements in game, immediately read the book version, and then also binged the sequel, Bait, all in one sitting bahaha. Strong recommendation, although keep in mind I generally don't like books in the "horror" genre.
P.S. My personal favorite endings from the game are
October 11, 2021
Some months ago i bought this as a free sample of a choices game (i guess that the game was based on the book), so i knew what to expect. It was fun to compared my decisions from game with written text from the book.
It was interesting story, it was dark with dark sense of humor. I couldn't decide if i'm on Lenore's side or the vampire's. It is a great break from YA books which starting to look like one and the same.
Lenore isn't some badass female or crying lady who always needs saving. She is just ordinary human and she acts like it. Sometimes she find a solution, sometimes she is courageous, sometimes she is scared.
The vampires are this selfiss, blood lusted, cruel beasts of the night. How i love vampires who are vampires. Richard and Paul are my second favorite vampires (right after Gavriel from The Coldest Girl in Coldtown). Their bevaior couln't be more different, which makes their interaction so great and funny.
I love how the ending is just one short sentence, not even direct speech, after Paul's question. But what i like the best is the fact that there is no love triangle or romance whatsoever!
It was interesting story, it was dark with dark sense of humor. I couldn't decide if i'm on Lenore's side or the vampire's. It is a great break from YA books which starting to look like one and the same.
Lenore isn't some badass female or crying lady who always needs saving. She is just ordinary human and she acts like it. Sometimes she find a solution, sometimes she is courageous, sometimes she is scared.
The vampires are this selfiss, blood lusted, cruel beasts of the night. How i love vampires who are vampires. Richard and Paul are my second favorite vampires (right after Gavriel from The Coldest Girl in Coldtown). Their bevaior couln't be more different, which makes their interaction so great and funny.
I love how the ending is just one short sentence, not even direct speech, after Paul's question. But what i like the best is the fact that there is no love triangle or romance whatsoever!
January 15, 2022
Donor in a few words: kill or be killed.
Our Xanax Queen isn't a typical heroine where good rules above evil and that stuff. She's doing what she has to do to survive, but her vampire captors are doing the same, so maybe the only difference is a beating heart? I loved the fact the book took place (for the most part) in a basement, but what I loved the most was that there's no romance. No evil vampire turned soft because he fell in love. Paul seems nice, but both Lenore and him are aware their friendship is just a game, and their dynamic is more like weird big brother/little sister. Richard, on the other hand, prey/hunter. Their common ground is , so you get the idea who Lenore is and what she's willing to do. After all, Lenore is alone, and she wants to live.
Oh, and Charles? Suck it up, buddy.
Our Xanax Queen isn't a typical heroine where good rules above evil and that stuff. She's doing what she has to do to survive, but her vampire captors are doing the same, so maybe the only difference is a beating heart? I loved the fact the book took place (for the most part) in a basement, but what I loved the most was that there's no romance. No evil vampire turned soft because he fell in love. Paul seems nice, but both Lenore and him are aware their friendship is just a game, and their dynamic is more like weird big brother/little sister. Richard, on the other hand, prey/hunter. Their common ground is , so you get the idea who Lenore is and what she's willing to do. After all, Lenore is alone, and she wants to live.
Oh, and Charles? Suck it up, buddy.
July 6, 2018
Loved it.
From the moment Lenore walked...stumbled into that building, I couldn't wait to see how she handled her situation. Excellently written. Kept me guessing to the last page. Bravo Ms Hearty.
From the moment Lenore walked...stumbled into that building, I couldn't wait to see how she handled her situation. Excellently written. Kept me guessing to the last page. Bravo Ms Hearty.
June 26, 2018
This might be my all-time favourite vampire story. Actually, no maybe about it.
May 20, 2012
I won this book through a Goodreads Book Giveaway, and as part of the terms and conditions I am required to disclose that when giving any review.
Now that we have that out of the way. Wow. There are a few things that really got me about this book. First, almost the entire thing takes place in a single apartment. Which makes it one of the only books that I've ever read to attempt something of that sort, not to mention pull it off by being able to make it interesting.
Basically, the plot of the book is that through a horrible misunderstanding the heroine is captured by a Vampire since she saw a body. She's given a choice of her new "owner" killing her quickly, or living in the apartment under his rules and being a ready and willing "donor" for a few cups of blood here and there whenever he wants it and whenever she can afford it.
Months go by.
So in short, picture this. You're kidnapped and forced to live in the same apartment with your kidnapper for months and months. There are no phones, no windows, no internet, no contact with the outside world. Food is brought to you. You're only allowed to watch TV with the sub-titles on and the volume down. Your kidnapper is sadistic and tortures people to death in a back room of the apartment and tells you that your time is coming sooner or later over and over. Then make it a little more complicated and throw in the fact that he's a Vampire. Nice twist to a traditional psycho type thriller story.
Now that we have that out of the way. Wow. There are a few things that really got me about this book. First, almost the entire thing takes place in a single apartment. Which makes it one of the only books that I've ever read to attempt something of that sort, not to mention pull it off by being able to make it interesting.
Basically, the plot of the book is that through a horrible misunderstanding the heroine is captured by a Vampire since she saw a body. She's given a choice of her new "owner" killing her quickly, or living in the apartment under his rules and being a ready and willing "donor" for a few cups of blood here and there whenever he wants it and whenever she can afford it.
Months go by.
So in short, picture this. You're kidnapped and forced to live in the same apartment with your kidnapper for months and months. There are no phones, no windows, no internet, no contact with the outside world. Food is brought to you. You're only allowed to watch TV with the sub-titles on and the volume down. Your kidnapper is sadistic and tortures people to death in a back room of the apartment and tells you that your time is coming sooner or later over and over. Then make it a little more complicated and throw in the fact that he's a Vampire. Nice twist to a traditional psycho type thriller story.
March 14, 2012
Ok. I liked Lenore, though she's not your typical heroine. Their really is very little "hero" about her. But she's about as real a character as I've ever read. Totally flawed and not much to recommend her. She's an addict, not overly brave, though she has "staying power". She's like the common cold. Not particularly powerful, but lasting, resilient, and hard to get rid of. She didn't have sudden changes of heart or do anything out of character. She wasn't endearing, but her character didn't try to be, didn't try to reach out to the reader and be something she's not. So, you kinda just accepted her. I liked that about her. As the the two males, Richard I found to be inconsistant. Bad vampire, but still childish at times. It's possible he was written that way as a stab to men. If so, genius. If not, well, inconsistent. Paul, I had difficulty finding ground with him. It was hard to tell if he had any redeeming qualities or not. He had moral ground, but no desire to stand up for it.
Since all the characters were off the beaten path, they needed the support of an outstanding plot to really pull off a solid book ranking. This is where I feel the book failed to rise to the occasion. The plot had an interesting idea but lack luster carry through. The end I hated. I can appreciate books with no ending, but this was too obscure. I didn't get it.
Since all the characters were off the beaten path, they needed the support of an outstanding plot to really pull off a solid book ranking. This is where I feel the book failed to rise to the occasion. The plot had an interesting idea but lack luster carry through. The end I hated. I can appreciate books with no ending, but this was too obscure. I didn't get it.
May 31, 2016
I received my copy of Donor from the publisher in return for an unbiased review.
As a big fan of vampire fiction, I was incredibly excited to read another vampire story that didn't go in the way of Twilight. Don't expect to find another Edward in this novel, as these vampires are more true to what a vampire should be. If I had to compare, I would call the vampires in this novel closer to those of The Queen of the Damned, which is something I really appreciated. The vampires are brutal, but also interesting enough that you come to actually like them, despite their murderous nature. The lead female is also an interesting, flawed individual, and thankfully, not a stupid one. My favorite thing about her was the fact that she is agoraphobic, and as someone who also happens to have this condition, it was nice to see it represented - and represented well at that. The story of the heroine, Lenore, trying to escape from being held hostage by her vampire captive, was both engaging and enjoyable, and I found it hard to put down each time I picked it up.
My only warning to readers is that the ending leaves off on a cliffhanger, which I was frustrated about until I realized I already have the next novel. If you are going to read this book, I recommend having the sequel on hand, because you are going to want it. Definitely an author that I am excited to see more of in the future.
As a big fan of vampire fiction, I was incredibly excited to read another vampire story that didn't go in the way of Twilight. Don't expect to find another Edward in this novel, as these vampires are more true to what a vampire should be. If I had to compare, I would call the vampires in this novel closer to those of The Queen of the Damned, which is something I really appreciated. The vampires are brutal, but also interesting enough that you come to actually like them, despite their murderous nature. The lead female is also an interesting, flawed individual, and thankfully, not a stupid one. My favorite thing about her was the fact that she is agoraphobic, and as someone who also happens to have this condition, it was nice to see it represented - and represented well at that. The story of the heroine, Lenore, trying to escape from being held hostage by her vampire captive, was both engaging and enjoyable, and I found it hard to put down each time I picked it up.
My only warning to readers is that the ending leaves off on a cliffhanger, which I was frustrated about until I realized I already have the next novel. If you are going to read this book, I recommend having the sequel on hand, because you are going to want it. Definitely an author that I am excited to see more of in the future.
October 5, 2015
I loved this. It’s original and, in a way it shouldn’t have worked. Indeed, if the author hadn’t handled her subject so masterfully, it wouldn’t have. Elena Hearty presents us with a flawed main character – Lenore – who is introduced to us with precious few redeeming qualities, but it is down to the skill of the author that I really wanted her to win through. Lenore has had so many problems in her troubled past, and now she is locked up – a literal meal ticket for her captors. But Lenore’s personal battles have given her an inner strength. This time the vampire Richard has a battle on his hands – she may be at his mercy; she may be at the mercy of his friend, Paul and even of his servant, Charles, but Lenore is determined to find a way to escape. She learns a lot about herself, her will to survive. And she also learns just what she is prepared to do to stay alive.
This is not your typical vampire tale and it is certainly not sparkly. This is honest horror. This vampire will kill you. He will not bring you a bouquet of roses or send you a Valentine’s card! Great story – and there is to be a sequel, which I’m delighted about. Highly recommended.
This is not your typical vampire tale and it is certainly not sparkly. This is honest horror. This vampire will kill you. He will not bring you a bouquet of roses or send you a Valentine’s card! Great story – and there is to be a sequel, which I’m delighted about. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (and won the sequel, "Bait", in a book giveaway), and to be truthful, I'm not completely sure what I think about it. Did I like it? Not as much as I hoped I would. I love vampires--I was a huge Trueblood fan and love paranormal-but I really like fresh takes on the paranormal, and there wasn't a lot that was fresh about this. The vamps had the typical weaknesses and typical superiority complexes, but for some reason can't bring themselves to kill the main character, Lenore, an agoraphobic Xanax addict who somehow is tough enough to dish back whatever. They throw at her. But since this is usually the way the "special" humans win the vamps over, I wasn't hugely impressed by that. So did I hate it? Not completely. I thought the dialogue was funny at times, and I thought that Lenore's idea for escape was a novel one. But I felt like I knew the way the book would end pretty soon after I started it. If you are looking for a quick fun read and don't care too much about novelty, then you will like this book. If you are a bit picky with plot, then this book might not be for you.
February 14, 2012
I wasn't too sure about this when I bought it, but the premise seemed too good to ignore. Boy was it worth it. It's kind of slow to start but after the first 70 pages or so I couldn't put it down.
There are no sparkly vampires here. No tortured heroes needing the love of a good woman to save them. These vamps are cruel and callous and beautiful in their sinister behavior. Lenore is food and nothing else to Rich and Paul, yet she still manages to outsmart them to her advantage in several places. Even though there's only one possible conclusion for Lenore I couldn't help but root for her. She's full of inconsistencies which makes her extremely real and relatable. During her captivity she grows on Rich and Paul but never changes who and what they are.
Is it twisted I finished this bizarre tale on Valentine's Day? Maybe a little. ;)
There are no sparkly vampires here. No tortured heroes needing the love of a good woman to save them. These vamps are cruel and callous and beautiful in their sinister behavior. Lenore is food and nothing else to Rich and Paul, yet she still manages to outsmart them to her advantage in several places. Even though there's only one possible conclusion for Lenore I couldn't help but root for her. She's full of inconsistencies which makes her extremely real and relatable. During her captivity she grows on Rich and Paul but never changes who and what they are.
Is it twisted I finished this bizarre tale on Valentine's Day? Maybe a little. ;)
April 6, 2012
This book just flew by and I was at the end before I realized it.
This review is based on a free copy of this book received from the publisher through the Goodreads First Read program.
This was a fun book to read. Lenore just wanted some action and boy did she get it. Turn’s out Richard is a vampire who likes to eat in, thus the invitation back to his place.
Even though he looks in his 20’s he has been around for a lot longer. Lenore is his latest live in food source and he’s going to slowly drain her until she dies.
Lenore has to get out of Richards place which is the bulk of the book. There are other minor characters involved that Lenore tries to manipulate to her advantage.
There’s a twist at the end and Lenore accepts it grudgingly.
Good fun.
This review is based on a free copy of this book received from the publisher through the Goodreads First Read program.
This was a fun book to read. Lenore just wanted some action and boy did she get it. Turn’s out Richard is a vampire who likes to eat in, thus the invitation back to his place.
Even though he looks in his 20’s he has been around for a lot longer. Lenore is his latest live in food source and he’s going to slowly drain her until she dies.
Lenore has to get out of Richards place which is the bulk of the book. There are other minor characters involved that Lenore tries to manipulate to her advantage.
There’s a twist at the end and Lenore accepts it grudgingly.
Good fun.
December 15, 2015
Ok. It really got me. I couldn't stop reading! It's such a breath of fresh air that "vampires" are different from those we imagine these days (I mean in books, as sexy arrogant bastards with killer smiles and hard chests). Cruel. Sadistic. Human. I like Lenore too - all the characters came out natural and seriously well matched. I'm glad there was no real romance and all this sweet-eternal-love thing that conquers all.
Argh!! Great! It was seriously great! It will keep me up at night thinking about it!
BUT: the ending? Hmmm... I think it was just ok. I would prefer outcome equal the whole story... no spoilers for you, though.
Read it!
Argh!! Great! It was seriously great! It will keep me up at night thinking about it!
BUT: the ending? Hmmm... I think it was just ok. I would prefer outcome equal the whole story... no spoilers for you, though.
Read it!
February 27, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the macabre premise, this book was oddly compelling. Donor was intriguing and Lenore was a deeply flawed and realistic human struggling to survive in paranormal world. These vampires are cruel, callous, and often entertaining in their antics. This is a story where the lines between good and evil, compassion and cruelty, and hope and despair are blurred. A good read. 3.5/5
Despite the macabre premise, this book was oddly compelling. Donor was intriguing and Lenore was a deeply flawed and realistic human struggling to survive in paranormal world. These vampires are cruel, callous, and often entertaining in their antics. This is a story where the lines between good and evil, compassion and cruelty, and hope and despair are blurred. A good read. 3.5/5
March 1, 2012
I won a copy of Donor in a goodreads give away and boy I am sure glad I won. This book had me hooked and I was disappointed when it ended as I wanted the story to carry on even more. I loved all the characters especially Paul and Lenore, Paul had me in giggles and Lenore was strong and weak all in one. Loved it.
May 2, 2012
Unique. Really LOVED it! Waiting for more!
Want to read
May 31, 2012$4.51 on Nook
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