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V
Being an autistic Chicana in L.A. isn’t easy…especially when you’re a vampire.
V’s undying love for humans doesn’t allow her to fit in, and nobody understands her but Mya, her best friend, soul mate, and fellow vampire. V's inherited an ancestral gift that intensifies once she becomes a vampire and creates a psychic connection to those she feeds on, an ability she desperately wants to learn to control.
Living with Mya allows her to have the lavish lifestyle she’s always wanted, but V still can’t seem to find peace. As she works to discover who she is as a vamp, all she has to do is not fall in love with a human.
She cannot fall in love.
No big deal, she just needs to not fall in love.
…and then, she meets Madís.
V’s undying love for humans doesn’t allow her to fit in, and nobody understands her but Mya, her best friend, soul mate, and fellow vampire. V's inherited an ancestral gift that intensifies once she becomes a vampire and creates a psychic connection to those she feeds on, an ability she desperately wants to learn to control.
Living with Mya allows her to have the lavish lifestyle she’s always wanted, but V still can’t seem to find peace. As she works to discover who she is as a vamp, all she has to do is not fall in love with a human.
She cannot fall in love.
No big deal, she just needs to not fall in love.
…and then, she meets Madís.
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First published August 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 15, 2023
"Even after that night I couldn't stop thinking about you. It's like you inserted yourself into my mind and a piece of you was left behind."
Rated: 3.75, but rounded to 4 as the book was still undergoing a final round of edits as I read the eARC and I'm sure it will hit that 4 star once those are done.
V is, to me, about how a chance encounter can ultimately change your entire trajectory later on in life without you even being aware of it. It is a story about life, loss, and love, and how they aren't always mutually exclusive.
V is a vampire who is aimless - never wanted to be a vampire, yet here she is after her trashy ex changed her as a laugh. She has come to terms with the change and is doing what she can to not harm people. After a human enters her life, she seems to see them everywhere, unable to stop the magnetic pull that they both feel. But when V is forced into a vampiric military position, she hopes that it will be the end of the danger she has put them in. Will it be though?
While I cannot say too much more without spoilers, I will say that this novel made me laugh and cry with our main character as she grows through this season of her life and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
Rated: 3.75, but rounded to 4 as the book was still undergoing a final round of edits as I read the eARC and I'm sure it will hit that 4 star once those are done.
V is, to me, about how a chance encounter can ultimately change your entire trajectory later on in life without you even being aware of it. It is a story about life, loss, and love, and how they aren't always mutually exclusive.
V is a vampire who is aimless - never wanted to be a vampire, yet here she is after her trashy ex changed her as a laugh. She has come to terms with the change and is doing what she can to not harm people. After a human enters her life, she seems to see them everywhere, unable to stop the magnetic pull that they both feel. But when V is forced into a vampiric military position, she hopes that it will be the end of the danger she has put them in. Will it be though?
While I cannot say too much more without spoilers, I will say that this novel made me laugh and cry with our main character as she grows through this season of her life and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
August 22, 2023
V by Aura Marquez follows a V— a Chicana, autistic, newly-turned vampire— on her journey navigating her place in the vampire world and how this impacts her relationships.
I was so excited by the summary of the book. It’s queer, the main character is Chicana, she’s autistic, and she’s a vampire. I’ve never read something like that and it sounded amazing. The emphasis on V stimming, her listening to music, hyperfixating, and generally just having autistic traits is not something you often get to see in fiction novels— especially fantasy ones. Marquez having was non-binary representation and almost all characters of color was amazing. I think having representation in fantasy genres is so important which is why I was so excited for this title. However, I think the plot left a lot to be desired and the length of the book does not at all match how much happens.
This book was the definition of telling and not showing. I got told that V had developed close relationships with people, but I never saw it. The only relationship we saw developed was with Madís and their relationship became one of the best, if not my favorite, parts of the book. V has a lot of strong moral values, yet those are often flipped in scenes to enthusiasm for being praised, then back to negative. I know feelings are complicated, but it was odd to read and follow. Also… the sex scene take took place at the end was not actually problematic, I think, but it felt… yucky… due to the circumstances (that I cannot spoil).
There is a lot of heart in this story, but unfortunately, I did not find that it translated onto the page. With a longer page count, I think a lot of these issues could have been fixed. I look forward to seeing what comes next of this series.
Received as an advanced copy through Pride Book Tours.
I was so excited by the summary of the book. It’s queer, the main character is Chicana, she’s autistic, and she’s a vampire. I’ve never read something like that and it sounded amazing. The emphasis on V stimming, her listening to music, hyperfixating, and generally just having autistic traits is not something you often get to see in fiction novels— especially fantasy ones. Marquez having was non-binary representation and almost all characters of color was amazing. I think having representation in fantasy genres is so important which is why I was so excited for this title. However, I think the plot left a lot to be desired and the length of the book does not at all match how much happens.
This book was the definition of telling and not showing. I got told that V had developed close relationships with people, but I never saw it. The only relationship we saw developed was with Madís and their relationship became one of the best, if not my favorite, parts of the book. V has a lot of strong moral values, yet those are often flipped in scenes to enthusiasm for being praised, then back to negative. I know feelings are complicated, but it was odd to read and follow. Also… the sex scene take took place at the end was not actually problematic, I think, but it felt… yucky… due to the circumstances (that I cannot spoil).
There is a lot of heart in this story, but unfortunately, I did not find that it translated onto the page. With a longer page count, I think a lot of these issues could have been fixed. I look forward to seeing what comes next of this series.
Received as an advanced copy through Pride Book Tours.
September 2, 2023
Woven with lots of vampire lore, V shows what it’s like when an average person is turned, and learns to become an ultra-sexy but still humble vampire. My favorite thing about V is that she wasn’t wealthy or famous in her human life, just an average person dealing with the crap life threw at her. It took me a minute to really connect with the text, but when I did? Wow. I can see myself in V. “I want to turn things off, to not feel so intensely, or care so much about how my actions effect others.” Whew, when I tell you I felt that… I effin felt that. No spoilers, you definitely need to pick this one up!
Read
August 9, 2023I'd describe this book as: adventurous, challenging, dark, emotional, funny, mysterious, reflective, sad, tense, and fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer if you’ve read other reviews by me and are noticing a pattern: You’re correct that I don’t really give starred reviews, I feel like a peasant and don’t like leaving them and most often, I will only leave them if I vehemently despised a book. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not, regardless if I add stars or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
This is only about 160 pages but packs a real punch! V is a vampire who was turned against her will by her horrible ex who flippantly made the decision for her. She is simply trying to get by without harming humans, but for the most part, feels pretty indifferent and depressed about life. She finds immortality boring, but she has a very fun playlist, and often shares the music she's listening to with us. This ranges from the Smashing Pumpkins, to Lady Gaga, to Depeche Mode.
Then V meets Madis (he/they), a human, and becomes immediately enamored with them. This is new for V, as most of her time has been spent feeling a complete lack of purpose, direction, and excitement for anything. The plot takes V to joining a militaristic vampire academy, and she then must do everything in her power to protect Madis. I am unsure if this is meant to be a standalone or the first in a series following V, but this reads as V's "origin" story. Either way, I think it works as a standalone or an introduction to V, and I'm excited to read more from Aura!
V is also Chicana, autistic, and pansexual - Aura wrote a queer normative world where V doesn't have to "come out" to people, and heteronormativity is not as present as it is in our world. I deeply appreciated that!
Content Warnings
Physical abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer if you’ve read other reviews by me and are noticing a pattern: You’re correct that I don’t really give starred reviews, I feel like a peasant and don’t like leaving them and most often, I will only leave them if I vehemently despised a book. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not, regardless if I add stars or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
This is only about 160 pages but packs a real punch! V is a vampire who was turned against her will by her horrible ex who flippantly made the decision for her. She is simply trying to get by without harming humans, but for the most part, feels pretty indifferent and depressed about life. She finds immortality boring, but she has a very fun playlist, and often shares the music she's listening to with us. This ranges from the Smashing Pumpkins, to Lady Gaga, to Depeche Mode.
Then V meets Madis (he/they), a human, and becomes immediately enamored with them. This is new for V, as most of her time has been spent feeling a complete lack of purpose, direction, and excitement for anything. The plot takes V to joining a militaristic vampire academy, and she then must do everything in her power to protect Madis. I am unsure if this is meant to be a standalone or the first in a series following V, but this reads as V's "origin" story. Either way, I think it works as a standalone or an introduction to V, and I'm excited to read more from Aura!
V is also Chicana, autistic, and pansexual - Aura wrote a queer normative world where V doesn't have to "come out" to people, and heteronormativity is not as present as it is in our world. I deeply appreciated that!
Content Warnings
Physical abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
August 7, 2023
This is a creative and thoughtful fantasy novel that celebrates differences and disabilities by putting a spot light on V, a chicana autistic, pan FMC.
Aura Marquez’s debut novel takes a different approach to your typical vampire story. While you’re following V’s life after unwillingly being turned into a vampire, the author takes you on a journey through autism and sensory processing disorder. Your reading experience is enhanced even further by weaving a handpicked playlist into the storyline.
This thoughtful story telling gives the reader a cool experience of being able to be transported into someone else’s mind that functions differently than what you may be used to.
V runs you through love, loss and trying to find a sense of purpose. If you’re into vampires, spice, strong FMC and celebrating differences then this story is for you!
Aura Marquez’s debut novel takes a different approach to your typical vampire story. While you’re following V’s life after unwillingly being turned into a vampire, the author takes you on a journey through autism and sensory processing disorder. Your reading experience is enhanced even further by weaving a handpicked playlist into the storyline.
This thoughtful story telling gives the reader a cool experience of being able to be transported into someone else’s mind that functions differently than what you may be used to.
V runs you through love, loss and trying to find a sense of purpose. If you’re into vampires, spice, strong FMC and celebrating differences then this story is for you!
August 8, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though it’s short, it took you on such a journey which was so hooking. I loved V and her friends. I loved how much representation there was, it’s a perfect example of representation written right. I am looking forward to any future books which may be linked to this one as I loved V as a main character. I just truly love everything about this book. I received this as an arc in return for an honest review and I’m so pleased to say that I can share such love and joy for this book. 100% recommend.
August 8, 2023
This book was super short, but don’t let that stop you from reading it. It was such a beautifully written story, that makes you feel so much love for V. She was a very strong female main character with a lot of personality. I really love vampires as well so that sucked me in immediately !
dnf
July 10, 2024DNF at chapter 7.
Clunky writing style is working against me.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author through Pride Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Clunky writing style is working against me.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author through Pride Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2023
Here is another ARC review!
I am truly lucky and honored to have been given the privilege to read debut Novel V by @aura_marquez_author . I want to thank you for trusting in me and allowing me to explore this world before you unleash it to the world.
ARC: V by @aura_marquez_author
🩸🩸🩸🩸/5
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
꧁༒☬𝓜𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓼𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓵𝔂 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓮𝓷𝓭, 𝓼𝓸 𝓘 𝓯𝓸𝓬𝓾𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓽, 𝓘 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴.☬༒꧂
🩸Tropes🩸
🩸Vampire Queer Romance
🩸Autistic Pansexual FMC
🩸Anxiety, depression, sensory processing disorder
🩸self discovery
V- 55 year-old Pansexual Mexican turned at the age of 40. Going thru this new life as a vampire while still dealing with all the feels she felt as a human. Hindered by anxiety, depression and worse of all sensory processing disorder.
This novel felt to me as a story of acceptance. Not by others but by oneself. The FMC V is having to learn; adapt and accept who she is now after her change. As well as live the life of a vampire, learn the life and accept those around her all while dealing controlling her disability’s.
My Opinion
I really enjoyed this novel. @aura_marquez_author took her time with the world building and character development. Letting us in on how she feels and deals daily. So that we can also see and understand the character and the world around her. V is such a super relatable character. The anxiety was real. How she coped was real. The culture shared is one that I am blessed to be a part of and truly love. The music in this book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I heard each and every song as it went on in this story. I absolutely love V and all the characters in this story! The cliffhanger 😭.
I am truly lucky and honored to have been given the privilege to read debut Novel V by @aura_marquez_author . I want to thank you for trusting in me and allowing me to explore this world before you unleash it to the world.
ARC: V by @aura_marquez_author
🩸🩸🩸🩸/5
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
꧁༒☬𝓜𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓼𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓵𝔂 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓮𝓷𝓭, 𝓼𝓸 𝓘 𝓯𝓸𝓬𝓾𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓽, 𝓘 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴.☬༒꧂
🩸Tropes🩸
🩸Vampire Queer Romance
🩸Autistic Pansexual FMC
🩸Anxiety, depression, sensory processing disorder
🩸self discovery
V- 55 year-old Pansexual Mexican turned at the age of 40. Going thru this new life as a vampire while still dealing with all the feels she felt as a human. Hindered by anxiety, depression and worse of all sensory processing disorder.
This novel felt to me as a story of acceptance. Not by others but by oneself. The FMC V is having to learn; adapt and accept who she is now after her change. As well as live the life of a vampire, learn the life and accept those around her all while dealing controlling her disability’s.
My Opinion
I really enjoyed this novel. @aura_marquez_author took her time with the world building and character development. Letting us in on how she feels and deals daily. So that we can also see and understand the character and the world around her. V is such a super relatable character. The anxiety was real. How she coped was real. The culture shared is one that I am blessed to be a part of and truly love. The music in this book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I heard each and every song as it went on in this story. I absolutely love V and all the characters in this story! The cliffhanger 😭.
June 17, 2024
Vampires, love, raza, and LGBTQIA culture make this an amazing read! V’s undying love for humans doesn’t allow her to fit in. V, a Chicana vampire living La Vida Loca in L.A., inherited an ancestral gift that intensifies once she becomes a vampire and creates a psychic connection to those she feeds on, an ability she desperately wants to control.
But here are the things I love most about V. She was turned when she was 40, which means she remembers her humanity and does her best to cling to it. She’s autistic, and in a world with super-hearing, you can see how this is a challenge for her. And lastly, she is looking to define herself in this new role. Living with her vampire friend/lover/mentor has allowed her a lavish lifestyle, but V still can’t find peace. As she works to discover who she is as a vamp, all she has to do is not fall in love with a human.
No big deal. She just needs to not fall in love.
…and then, she meets Madís.
When the Commission knocks on her door, expecting her five years of servitude, she unexpectedly finds her place and purpose until things go belly-up (can’t reveal the spoiler). Now, V’s against the institution she thought she loved.
It was refreshing to come across a vampire novel with an autistic protagonist who is neither a teenager nor a young adult. The world-building is fantastic. V is a compelling blend of diversity, identity, and the supernatural, making it a must-read for those seeking an imaginative twist on a good vampire tale.
Better yet, the author includes a playlist that complements the chapters. So dig in. You won’t be disappointed.
But here are the things I love most about V. She was turned when she was 40, which means she remembers her humanity and does her best to cling to it. She’s autistic, and in a world with super-hearing, you can see how this is a challenge for her. And lastly, she is looking to define herself in this new role. Living with her vampire friend/lover/mentor has allowed her a lavish lifestyle, but V still can’t find peace. As she works to discover who she is as a vamp, all she has to do is not fall in love with a human.
No big deal. She just needs to not fall in love.
…and then, she meets Madís.
When the Commission knocks on her door, expecting her five years of servitude, she unexpectedly finds her place and purpose until things go belly-up (can’t reveal the spoiler). Now, V’s against the institution she thought she loved.
It was refreshing to come across a vampire novel with an autistic protagonist who is neither a teenager nor a young adult. The world-building is fantastic. V is a compelling blend of diversity, identity, and the supernatural, making it a must-read for those seeking an imaginative twist on a good vampire tale.
Better yet, the author includes a playlist that complements the chapters. So dig in. You won’t be disappointed.
August 8, 2023
I got the opportunity to preview this book and, not usually one to read vampire fantasy-type books, I was concerned I would have a hard time getting into this novel or understanding vampire-related concepts. I came looking for a little representation though (let's be real: stories from the perspective of a BIPOC woman living in the present-day United States are still hard to come by) though and was pleasantly surprised to get a glimpse into an identity journey (yes!) of a neurodivergent adult (YES!!). In "V," we get to watch a character stretch and grow through unexpected (and sometimes unwanted) life changes and we are reminded that- in spite of V being a vampire- it is human to struggle and normal to have to figure yourself out at different stages in life. The complexity of the main character, the wider representation brought in by secondary characters, all mixed together with supernatural fiction made this novel a compelling read. The steamy, teasing storylines were icing on the cake!
TL;DR: Stories this intersectional are hard to come by and offer the reader a chance to understand a historically marginalized worldview if they're able and willing to step outside the typical perspective that usually gets published. I'm honestly looking forward to a sequel.
TL;DR: Stories this intersectional are hard to come by and offer the reader a chance to understand a historically marginalized worldview if they're able and willing to step outside the typical perspective that usually gets published. I'm honestly looking forward to a sequel.
September 30, 2023
"I know that my ability to love so deeply is an asset, not a weakness– but when everyone around you tells you that you’re the one that’s broken, that you’re the one that’s all wrong, it gets really hard not to believe it." ⠀
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Aura Marquez, V⠀
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V (Book 1 of The V Chronicles) by Aura Marquez is my newest vampire book crush! The book is all about an autistic, queer, Chicana, 40-year-old (give it up for us middle ish aged women!) vamp trying to navigate her way through the seedy underbelly of the L.A. vampire scene. I really enjoyed reading V's point of view and seeing how she adjusted to life with her stims and special interests. ⠀
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This story has a Spotify list of all the songs mentioned within and you HAVE to listen to it! I always have music playing because it helps me process my feelings so I really connected to this aspect of V's personality. She also loves reading (especially Vampire books!) and weapons so she's pretty much one of my new favorite characters. ⠀
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This story is a great combination of supernatural fantasy and contemporary fiction with tons of interesting queer characters and a sprinkle of spicy romance. It's a great start to the series and I'm keen to read more! ⠀
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Aura Marquez, V⠀
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V (Book 1 of The V Chronicles) by Aura Marquez is my newest vampire book crush! The book is all about an autistic, queer, Chicana, 40-year-old (give it up for us middle ish aged women!) vamp trying to navigate her way through the seedy underbelly of the L.A. vampire scene. I really enjoyed reading V's point of view and seeing how she adjusted to life with her stims and special interests. ⠀
⠀
This story has a Spotify list of all the songs mentioned within and you HAVE to listen to it! I always have music playing because it helps me process my feelings so I really connected to this aspect of V's personality. She also loves reading (especially Vampire books!) and weapons so she's pretty much one of my new favorite characters. ⠀
⠀
This story is a great combination of supernatural fantasy and contemporary fiction with tons of interesting queer characters and a sprinkle of spicy romance. It's a great start to the series and I'm keen to read more! ⠀
October 2, 2023
'V by Aura Marquez' is a captivating and refreshingly unique take on the vampire genre. The protagonist, a Chicana autistic vampire, is a breath of fresh air, offering an authentic representation that resonates deeply with me as a Chicana myself. Their fluid attraction to souls rather than gender beautifully challenges conventional norms, resonating with my own experiences as a bisexual individual.
What truly sets this story apart is how it weaves music into its narrative, just as I often attach core memories to specific songs. The way the protagonist refers to certain songs that capture pivotal moments in the book resonated with my own tendency to find myself transported back in time when I hear familiar tunes. It's a brilliantly layered narrative that seamlessly blends diversity, identity, and the supernatural.
This story is a compelling blend of diversity, identity, and the supernatural, making it a must-read for those seeking an imaginative twist on the vampire tale.
'V' is not just a book; it's a journey through memory and identity that any reader can cherish."
-Jess
What truly sets this story apart is how it weaves music into its narrative, just as I often attach core memories to specific songs. The way the protagonist refers to certain songs that capture pivotal moments in the book resonated with my own tendency to find myself transported back in time when I hear familiar tunes. It's a brilliantly layered narrative that seamlessly blends diversity, identity, and the supernatural.
This story is a compelling blend of diversity, identity, and the supernatural, making it a must-read for those seeking an imaginative twist on the vampire tale.
'V' is not just a book; it's a journey through memory and identity that any reader can cherish."
-Jess
July 19, 2023
I love the representation in this b0ok! I loved having a Chicana main character that was queer and neurodivergent. The intersectionality of V's character is really dope. It made the character way more relatable and offered a different experience while reading the book. It is a little bit of a slow burn and read, but it does pick up in various spots. The author left the book on a cliffhanger, so I could easily see this story continuing on.
Overall, I liked the book. I think would be perfect for a YA crowd. This is Aura's first book and have to say she did a great job. If the series continues, I can't wait to read more character development from V and others. I hope to see this author continue to grow and highlight more neurodivergent, queer and BIPOC characters because it is so needed and appreciated!
Overall, I liked the book. I think would be perfect for a YA crowd. This is Aura's first book and have to say she did a great job. If the series continues, I can't wait to read more character development from V and others. I hope to see this author continue to grow and highlight more neurodivergent, queer and BIPOC characters because it is so needed and appreciated!
December 24, 2023
This book was such a treat. A vampire story that is both unusual and makes complete sense in that it is very queer, very autistic, and very Chicane.
It's all of these things together and in abundance, and full of joy and connection with others as well as those parts of oneself. V is not a list of words in fractured isolation, but all of them together in their entirety. She is whole. She makes "being autistic" an active verb. I feel like I know her well.
This book is full of deep love inasmuch as it is about deep struggle. Sometimes I read a book and there's something quintessentially neurodivergent about the writing that has me starry-eyed. This is one of those books. For that reason it may not appeal to every reader, but I loved it.
I am so glad I read it.
And I cannot BELIEVE it ended that way! I am eagerly awaiting more in the series.
It's all of these things together and in abundance, and full of joy and connection with others as well as those parts of oneself. V is not a list of words in fractured isolation, but all of them together in their entirety. She is whole. She makes "being autistic" an active verb. I feel like I know her well.
This book is full of deep love inasmuch as it is about deep struggle. Sometimes I read a book and there's something quintessentially neurodivergent about the writing that has me starry-eyed. This is one of those books. For that reason it may not appeal to every reader, but I loved it.
I am so glad I read it.
And I cannot BELIEVE it ended that way! I am eagerly awaiting more in the series.
August 31, 2023
This book isn't for everyone, and I'm going to explain why in this review as it’s incredibly niche.
This is the story of a female main character who has autism and becomes a vampire, learning to cope with both her new vampiric existence and her autism. This book has a lot of diversity and representation, and more books should follow its example.
The intention of this book is not to read like a regular novel. The author intends to present the protagonist's inner thoughts differently than usual, with more telling than showing to aid the reader in understanding their thought process. So, if you read this book, please be open-minded.
It's refreshing to come across a vampire novel with an autistic protagonist who is neither a teenager nor young adult. The constant references to the protagonist's obsession with vampire stories when growing up made me reminisce on my own teenage days and I absolutely loved it.
The worldbuilding and protagonist were both fantastic. It was satisfying to predict the plot's direction without being let down by its predictability. While I did feel that the ending was a bit hurried, I think it was mainly because I was thoroughly enjoying the story and didn't want it to end.
Cannot wait for the next instalment.
This is the story of a female main character who has autism and becomes a vampire, learning to cope with both her new vampiric existence and her autism. This book has a lot of diversity and representation, and more books should follow its example.
The intention of this book is not to read like a regular novel. The author intends to present the protagonist's inner thoughts differently than usual, with more telling than showing to aid the reader in understanding their thought process. So, if you read this book, please be open-minded.
It's refreshing to come across a vampire novel with an autistic protagonist who is neither a teenager nor young adult. The constant references to the protagonist's obsession with vampire stories when growing up made me reminisce on my own teenage days and I absolutely loved it.
The worldbuilding and protagonist were both fantastic. It was satisfying to predict the plot's direction without being let down by its predictability. While I did feel that the ending was a bit hurried, I think it was mainly because I was thoroughly enjoying the story and didn't want it to end.
Cannot wait for the next instalment.
October 13, 2023
V was an amazing read! It’s been a while since a book was able to hold my attention all the way through. This one was so good and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Let’s talk about the representation that I have yet to see elsewhere. A vampire dealing with LA traffic, panic attacks, stimming, and the references from our cultura. This book was something different and new, in a day and age where “everything’s been done already,” and I loved it.
That ending left me wanting more! Without giving too much of the plot away, if you’re into vampires, romance, and action that leaves you on the edge of your seat, give it a read. It does not disappoint!
Let’s talk about the representation that I have yet to see elsewhere. A vampire dealing with LA traffic, panic attacks, stimming, and the references from our cultura. This book was something different and new, in a day and age where “everything’s been done already,” and I loved it.
That ending left me wanting more! Without giving too much of the plot away, if you’re into vampires, romance, and action that leaves you on the edge of your seat, give it a read. It does not disappoint!
April 19, 2024
V is turned into a vampire by an ex-boyfriend is very unhappy with her new existence. She ends up with a wealthy, female mentor but is mesmerized by Madis, a trans guy she meets at a club. After she's called for 10 years of service by the vampire Commission, she's worried that as a person with autism, she might be seen as deficient. The vampires at the Commission's facility feed on human captives and one night she finds Madis among them. She's determined to set him free.
The author does a good job of teaching the reader about the assets and challenges of V's autism, but I didn't find the writing very strong.
The author does a good job of teaching the reader about the assets and challenges of V's autism, but I didn't find the writing very strong.
May 4, 2024
My rating is largely based on the fact that this is autistic representation done RIGHT! I was between 4 and 5 and (4 for there being some room for improvement on the prose side, but 5 for the believability of the characters). I am rounding up to a 5 because of the story and characters being so incredibly touching.
The way V struggles as both a vamp and an autistic person is believably written. It is evident that this is own voice writing. I sincerely appreciate that Aura wrote real meltdowns and in depth characters into the urban fantasy genre. I can't wait to see where this series goes.
The way V struggles as both a vamp and an autistic person is believably written. It is evident that this is own voice writing. I sincerely appreciate that Aura wrote real meltdowns and in depth characters into the urban fantasy genre. I can't wait to see where this series goes.
July 3, 2024
I loved the autistic representation. The prose was a little awkward but that didn't bother me too much. The plot doesn't really kick off until about 35% but I found everything that was going on before that interesting and it was good for establishing the characters. There is definitely a telling instead of showing issue that I think could have been solved by fleshing this out to more like 300 pages. But I loved the characters and the world building is interesting so I'm gonna stick around for the second book.
September 1, 2023
Paranormal autistic read for everyone
The story was nicely written and the author did a great job with the way she drew awareness to being autistic and the way individuals deal with it or even endure the various symptoms that most people may just brush to the side. I like this story, though I am not one for vampires and all but occasionally I do enjoy a good read. And this was one of them. Definitely work a read and given a chance.
The story was nicely written and the author did a great job with the way she drew awareness to being autistic and the way individuals deal with it or even endure the various symptoms that most people may just brush to the side. I like this story, though I am not one for vampires and all but occasionally I do enjoy a good read. And this was one of them. Definitely work a read and given a chance.
September 26, 2024
interesting take on a higher power ruling vampires
V gets turned by another not so nice vampire. She eventually goes to be trained by the Commission. She starts making connections with people and hatches a plan to escape. Was a wild ride that was both wonderful and sad. Had me crying in a number of places.
V gets turned by another not so nice vampire. She eventually goes to be trained by the Commission. She starts making connections with people and hatches a plan to escape. Was a wild ride that was both wonderful and sad. Had me crying in a number of places.
August 12, 2023
I love this book so so much! I find it relatable, and it's really an interesting read. I would highly recommend this book to my friends and family- and the neurodivergent community! Much love!
October 22, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes:
Autistic Rep
Chicana Rep
Pan Rep
Vampires
Review:
If you want an easy, cozy, vampire read, this is it for you. Aura gives a lot of insight into how V, a newly turned vampire, copes with being a vampire while dealing with autism. She stems via music, which creates a solid playlist, so I highly suggest checking the playlist out. Even though V is older than me, she felt like a little sister watching her come into her own. She’s as frustrating as a little sister can be, but you can’t help but root for her.
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes:
Autistic Rep
Chicana Rep
Pan Rep
Vampires
Review:
If you want an easy, cozy, vampire read, this is it for you. Aura gives a lot of insight into how V, a newly turned vampire, copes with being a vampire while dealing with autism. She stems via music, which creates a solid playlist, so I highly suggest checking the playlist out. Even though V is older than me, she felt like a little sister watching her come into her own. She’s as frustrating as a little sister can be, but you can’t help but root for her.
October 5, 2023
I read V as part of a bookclub for September and am glad that I took a chance on debut author, Aura Marquez. A contemporary vampire book with a dash of romance and authentic, diverse representation, V was a fast-paced, interesting story. There is a cliffhanger, and I'm intrigued for the next chapter of V's story!
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