For the Twilight/ Buffy the Vampire Girlies
As we know Vampires are very “ hot right now”
And they are a huge feature in the paranormal romance genre.
The issue in writing such stories, is to not borrow too heavily from some of the more recent popular interpretations.
The issue with “Awake” is that it does.
There a very strong leaning towards a Twilight scenario in this first book in The Red Claw series.
Nell Cartwright arrives in the sleepy town of
Angel Falls, to live with her Aunt Laura , after the sudden deaths of her parents.
Concerned about her lack of funds and wanting to contribute with the finances, Nell takes a job waitressing at The Tiger Diner.
It’s while working, that Nell runs into the cute guy who organises “Open Mike “ Nights, Devan.
As Nell allows herself to indulge in a little light flirting with Devan, it’s actually the dark brooding guy in the leather jacket sitting in the corner with his guitar that has garnered her most of her attention.
And!
When he stands to perform…
The whole Diner stops what they are doing to listen.
After crossing paths later that night after Nell leaves work, the hot guy introduces himself to Nell.
His name?
Christopher Deverell
After meeting up for guitar lessons, it’s not long before Christopher has Nell joining him on stage.
But, something is puzzling …
Christopher never eats, or drinks anything at the Diner
And, Nell discovers he appears to wear heavy makeup-up.
After a visit to his rather austere home, followed by a bit of stalking, Nell witnesses exactly what Christopher is
He is a vampire.
Turned twenty years earlier, at the human age of twenty-two.
Now, Christopher’s main purpose, appointed by the Higher council, is to be caretaker to the vicious Red Claw family who have been left in stasis due to their violent tendencies.
I this point, I think we all know where this story is heading.
Complete with a Twilight-esque Love triangle between Human ( Nell ) - Vampire ( Christopher ) - Werewolf ( Devan )
It’s not all drama though, with the author attempting to injecting some humorous banter between the main characters.
Particularly, between Devan and Nell’s bestie, Librarian, Amara.
By the end of this first book we have been left with the obligatory…Cliffhanger.
For what it is, and the audience it is aimed at, it’s not bad.
The plot is reasonable entertaining, if not ground breaking, the characters are pleasant enough.
But, there is just something I feel that is missing.
At times, the story, especially when it comes to Nell and Christopher, becomes a little rushed.
Like the author was in a hurry to establish their love for each other to push the narrative along.
It went from Zero - to a Hundred.
One minute, they are all stolen looks, and chased touching, then they are blurting out their love for each other.
There was also elements of the group banter that was very reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Some of Devon’s one liners could have come straight from the mouth of Xander.
So, as the Human and the Vampire are holed up at the vamp safe house with the Werewolf and the Librarian, The Red Claw family awaits at the door.
They want Nell.
If they have her, an ancient prophecy will not be able to come to fruition.
A prophecy that could see their families demise.