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Oliver Nocturne #1
Upírova fotografie
Emalii, tvrdohlavé holce s prapodivnou minulostí, se podařilo vyfotografovat upíra. Úplnou náhodou vyfotila Olivera Nocturna a vůbec netušila, co tím všechno rozvíří. Oliver je totiž jiný než jeho krvežízniví upírští spolužáci, milující rodiče a jeho zákeřný starší bratr, který si nechává říkat Zlocius. Oliver je zkrátka o trochu víc člověkem než všichni ostatní. A to může být problém. Připravte se na velký příběh, který v sobě mísí to nejlepší z D. Shana a H. Pottera!
225 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
22 people are currently reading
1490 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Emerson
40 books446 followersAuthor of sixteen novels for children and young adults, most recently LAST DAY ON MARS, BREAKOUT, and the ATLANTEANS series. His books have been published in ten different countries. Formerly a science teacher and a creative writing teacher, Kevin is also a singer and drummer. He has won a spelling bee, lost a beauty pageant, and once appeared in a Swedish TV commercial.
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July 19, 2023This is the first book in a series written for middle schoolers or younger high school students. It's written very well, with delightful imagination. The manner in which the series is set up is suspenseful in that the young reader doesn't learn exactly what's "wrong" with the eponymous character, who is a youthful vampire living in the underworld of Seattle. The author creates an entire city beneath the city which is accessed in any number of ingenious ways. While the vampires are able to emerge much more often than they would in a sunnier environment, Seattle's gloomy short days during winter and early spring allow the characters to come and go and mix with humans. I loved the entire imaginary world that the writer created, along with the clever explanations of how things work in a world in which there are hundred and hundreds of vampires that come into contact with other vampires, zombies, and humans. I recommend this book for middle schoolers especially.
November 9, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Oliver Nocturne is a normal 13-year-old vampire. At least that's what he always thought. THE VAMPIRE'S PHOTOGRAPH is the first book in the OLIVER NOCTURNE series.
Early one evening, Oliver is awakened from his slumber. He hears a sound upstairs. Sneaking out of his coffin because his parents and brother are still asleep, he sneaks upstairs into the decrepit human house that sits above his vampire home. There he encounters a human girl around his age. She is snooping around the house and taking photographs. Oliver should turn her in, but he's too fascinated watching her activities. Using his powers to stay hidden, he makes a noise that startles the girl and she runs off. Oliver thinks nothing of it.
At least not until a picture of his house turns up in the local school's newspaper.
In the article, it states that the follow-up article will show a photograph of a real vampire. This, of course, gets to Oliver and he's torn as to what to do. Instead of telling the grown-ups, he finds out where she lives. As he sneaks into the house, she can sense his presence.
At that point, a tentative friendship forms between Oliver and Emalie, as well as her cousin, Dean. It turns out that the photograph has a hidden blob in it, that Emalie can't get developed properly. Oliver is just as curious as the two humans, and they chance a venture into the vampire underworld to seek answers.
As the story quickly unfolds, answers lead to more questions, and, ultimately, an innocent person gets killed. Oliver is stuck in the middle of everything, and is more confused about himself and what is happening around him.
Mr. Emerson writes a novel perfect for younger readers with a fascination with vampires. Oliver is a curious boy that gets himself into some tight situations. The story flows quickly with typical teen angst and rebellion. The story leaves off with many unanswered questions.
To find out how everything plays out, the reader will have to pick up the second book in the series, THE SUNLIGHT SLAYINGS.
Oliver Nocturne is a normal 13-year-old vampire. At least that's what he always thought. THE VAMPIRE'S PHOTOGRAPH is the first book in the OLIVER NOCTURNE series.
Early one evening, Oliver is awakened from his slumber. He hears a sound upstairs. Sneaking out of his coffin because his parents and brother are still asleep, he sneaks upstairs into the decrepit human house that sits above his vampire home. There he encounters a human girl around his age. She is snooping around the house and taking photographs. Oliver should turn her in, but he's too fascinated watching her activities. Using his powers to stay hidden, he makes a noise that startles the girl and she runs off. Oliver thinks nothing of it.
At least not until a picture of his house turns up in the local school's newspaper.
In the article, it states that the follow-up article will show a photograph of a real vampire. This, of course, gets to Oliver and he's torn as to what to do. Instead of telling the grown-ups, he finds out where she lives. As he sneaks into the house, she can sense his presence.
At that point, a tentative friendship forms between Oliver and Emalie, as well as her cousin, Dean. It turns out that the photograph has a hidden blob in it, that Emalie can't get developed properly. Oliver is just as curious as the two humans, and they chance a venture into the vampire underworld to seek answers.
As the story quickly unfolds, answers lead to more questions, and, ultimately, an innocent person gets killed. Oliver is stuck in the middle of everything, and is more confused about himself and what is happening around him.
Mr. Emerson writes a novel perfect for younger readers with a fascination with vampires. Oliver is a curious boy that gets himself into some tight situations. The story flows quickly with typical teen angst and rebellion. The story leaves off with many unanswered questions.
To find out how everything plays out, the reader will have to pick up the second book in the series, THE SUNLIGHT SLAYINGS.
June 6, 2024
Todo el lore de los vampiros me pareció súper diferente y me gusto . Pero no continuaré con los demas
June 2, 2013
The first in a five book series, Kevin Emerson takes us into a world unlike any other.
In a small town in Ohio, there is a sub-division that is deserted and neglected. The houses are falling apart and are unsafe. Anyone who ventures into that part of the town usually doesn't linger long. Beneath the rubble and filth, in the lower parts of the houses, live vampire families. In fact, a few are upstanding citizens in the human community to make sure their sub-division isn't razed to the ground.
In one particular house lives the Nocturnes. A normal looking family , mother, father, and two sons. However, normal families don't eat sugared blood cake for breakfast or sleep in a coffin using dirt as their blanket. But over the centuries, they've tried to bring forth their old world ways and adapt to today's society. Hence, the boys go to school. After the human school day is over, the vampire's secretly use it at night. Oliver, the youngest Nocturne, doesn't have many friends. He finds it hard to be menacing like so many other vampire children.
Oliver was having trouble sleeping lately. One morning, when everyone else was sleeping, he heard a noise coming from above. Being very careful and quiet, he slipped upstairs and was shocked to see a young girl sneaking into their home by crawling through a broken window. He watched her, curious about this human who did not seem scared. She snapped several pictures of the abandoned room, the flash from the camera disorienting him. Trying to get closer to her, but unseen, she senses something and whirls around and snaps a picture. Shocked, Oliver knows this is very bad.
The next day, he leaves for school early. Oliver hopes to see the human girl as she leaves school so he can follow her. He must get that photograph. His parents have always told him to never let his picture get taken. Before long, Oliver and Emalie are kind of friends and they embark on a dangerous journey into the vampire world to acquire a potion to fix the photograph. Along the way, Oliver learns the truth about his origins and his more confused than ever.
Escalating to a shocking and fierce ending, Oliver, still drawn to the human world, must find his purpose in the vampire world. With well-developed characters, and a detail painted backdrop, Emerson takes us into a world of fun fantasy with a twist of reality. Highly recommended and I look forward to reading the next in this unique series.
In a small town in Ohio, there is a sub-division that is deserted and neglected. The houses are falling apart and are unsafe. Anyone who ventures into that part of the town usually doesn't linger long. Beneath the rubble and filth, in the lower parts of the houses, live vampire families. In fact, a few are upstanding citizens in the human community to make sure their sub-division isn't razed to the ground.
In one particular house lives the Nocturnes. A normal looking family , mother, father, and two sons. However, normal families don't eat sugared blood cake for breakfast or sleep in a coffin using dirt as their blanket. But over the centuries, they've tried to bring forth their old world ways and adapt to today's society. Hence, the boys go to school. After the human school day is over, the vampire's secretly use it at night. Oliver, the youngest Nocturne, doesn't have many friends. He finds it hard to be menacing like so many other vampire children.
Oliver was having trouble sleeping lately. One morning, when everyone else was sleeping, he heard a noise coming from above. Being very careful and quiet, he slipped upstairs and was shocked to see a young girl sneaking into their home by crawling through a broken window. He watched her, curious about this human who did not seem scared. She snapped several pictures of the abandoned room, the flash from the camera disorienting him. Trying to get closer to her, but unseen, she senses something and whirls around and snaps a picture. Shocked, Oliver knows this is very bad.
The next day, he leaves for school early. Oliver hopes to see the human girl as she leaves school so he can follow her. He must get that photograph. His parents have always told him to never let his picture get taken. Before long, Oliver and Emalie are kind of friends and they embark on a dangerous journey into the vampire world to acquire a potion to fix the photograph. Along the way, Oliver learns the truth about his origins and his more confused than ever.
Escalating to a shocking and fierce ending, Oliver, still drawn to the human world, must find his purpose in the vampire world. With well-developed characters, and a detail painted backdrop, Emerson takes us into a world of fun fantasy with a twist of reality. Highly recommended and I look forward to reading the next in this unique series.
December 6, 2011
Oliver is about to experience things that he would've never thought before: befriend a male and a female human being. It all began when a curious human girl named Emalie was wondering around in Oliver's house, and dragged along a human boy named Dean. Boy, did that get things a lot rowdier.
Oliver was a vampire, and a vampire that had very little self esteem. He was the nobody of the group. He is a demonless vampire. Even though he has super-human powers, like lifting up things heavier than his own weight, and able to blend in and stick to the wall, he is a very meek vampire, a lamb, as so his brother Bane says.
Oliver lives with his vampire mother and father Phlox, or Phloxian, and Seb, or Sebastian. They care for Oliver fiercely, and gently as well.
Emalie and Dean happen to entangle their own problems with Oliver's. Emalie takes a photo of him, and it turns out blurry.
Oh No's.
Then they go on a series of adventures. Emalie involves Oliver into searching for her mother. They escape from many dangers, get caught but then get away. Then they find out something amazing. Oliver Nocturne was sired, or turned into a vampire, meaning that Phlox and Sebastian stole him away from his parents, then sucked his blood, and made him a vampire.
Well, I guessed I just ruined it for you now, but you can still taste that blood-curdlin' adventure, eh??
Find out more things. More details by diggin' in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2010
Would NEVER have picked this one up. However, Harley managed to choose it at our last library visit and check it out before I saw it. I decided that maybe I ought to read it first. I'm only a few chapters in, but am pleasantly surprised at it's age-appropriateness. I think it may be a decent read after all.
Okay, so now that I've finished it, I have to admit that I rather enjoyed it. I think I was somewhat cynical coming into it with the surge of popular vampire literature, and wondering how similar to Meyer's version of vampire activity it would be. I don't know that Harley needs to read it... it's not inappropriate, but I just feel like, "Stay 8!" Vampires seem a bit older than she needs to go at this point. This is like a "gateway" book into vampirical reading. Shouldn't she still be reading about talking ponies? I, on the other hand, would like to know what happens to our title character and just may have to finish the series.
Okay, so now that I've finished it, I have to admit that I rather enjoyed it. I think I was somewhat cynical coming into it with the surge of popular vampire literature, and wondering how similar to Meyer's version of vampire activity it would be. I don't know that Harley needs to read it... it's not inappropriate, but I just feel like, "Stay 8!" Vampires seem a bit older than she needs to go at this point. This is like a "gateway" book into vampirical reading. Shouldn't she still be reading about talking ponies? I, on the other hand, would like to know what happens to our title character and just may have to finish the series.
September 27, 2019
A middle grade book about a vampire world existing parallel to our own, with a vampire hero who feels different to those of his race — because he is — and the reckless human girl who endangers herself and others with her determination to prove the existence of vampires (because, sure), this book is weirdly addictive, mainly because the mystery surrounding its protagonist is so damned oblique.
Oliver Nocturne — yes, the vampire family name is Nocturne, what of it? — is 83 years old, but appears and acts 12, because that is how vampire biology works. They are not immortal but only slowly ageing, and also, New World vampires like Oliver are born, not made.
Except, what is up with Oliver? Why does he, alone, have to endure annual medical checkups, when the majority of the vampire race are so… well, vampirey? Why does he, in particular, have to fear getting caught on camera, when other vampires show up on film and are even work on TV? What is so special about him?
For all its silliness — and this book is very, very silly — I have to admit that I really, really wanted to find out. And when Book 1 ended, and this question was only partially ended, you better believe I was torn about embarking straight away on Book 2, also in my possession, because, whatever will happen next? Can Emalie ever forgive Oliver? Can Oliver ever forgive himself? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?
But then I discovered that there are six Oliver Nocturne novels, and since I only own two of them, I would have to go out of my way to find the remaining four to get to the end of the story — and I’m not sure how committed I am to this vampire kid-lit world for me to go that far. You know how it is with series. Book 2 could very well resolve some of these dangling plot threads, but it will assuredly hint at more, and then where will I be? A grown woman desperately hunting for sequels to a middle-grade vampire tale.
So Book 2 will remain on the shelf for a while. But in the meantime, I really am beset with lingering questions over this utterly unbelievable, outlandish, illogical and at times even flat-out stupid novel. Again, and as always, this says way more about me than about the book itself. But I can live with that.
Oliver Nocturne — yes, the vampire family name is Nocturne, what of it? — is 83 years old, but appears and acts 12, because that is how vampire biology works. They are not immortal but only slowly ageing, and also, New World vampires like Oliver are born, not made.
Except, what is up with Oliver? Why does he, alone, have to endure annual medical checkups, when the majority of the vampire race are so… well, vampirey? Why does he, in particular, have to fear getting caught on camera, when other vampires show up on film and are even work on TV? What is so special about him?
For all its silliness — and this book is very, very silly — I have to admit that I really, really wanted to find out. And when Book 1 ended, and this question was only partially ended, you better believe I was torn about embarking straight away on Book 2, also in my possession, because, whatever will happen next? Can Emalie ever forgive Oliver? Can Oliver ever forgive himself? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?
But then I discovered that there are six Oliver Nocturne novels, and since I only own two of them, I would have to go out of my way to find the remaining four to get to the end of the story — and I’m not sure how committed I am to this vampire kid-lit world for me to go that far. You know how it is with series. Book 2 could very well resolve some of these dangling plot threads, but it will assuredly hint at more, and then where will I be? A grown woman desperately hunting for sequels to a middle-grade vampire tale.
So Book 2 will remain on the shelf for a while. But in the meantime, I really am beset with lingering questions over this utterly unbelievable, outlandish, illogical and at times even flat-out stupid novel. Again, and as always, this says way more about me than about the book itself. But I can live with that.
February 26, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Oliver Nocturne lives a pretty normal life—he deals with bullies, has an obnoxious older brother, and generally feels misunderstood. But being a vampire presents another host of problems, especially when he feels—he knows—he's not quite like everyone else.
When Emalie, a human girl with a troubled past, takes a picture of him, Oliver ignores the rules that forbid him from interacting with humans and agrees to show her the darkest secrets of the Seattle underworld. But their quest will uncover more than vampire mythology—they will learn the terrible truth about Oliver's past and his purpose. And for Emalie, this knowledge could come at a fatal price.
I guess I am not the target audience for this book specifically - but as a bookstore, I thought I would give this a go and see if it had legs for our customers. While I personally found it a bit "meh", I can see younger readers getting really excited about this series.
Oliver is not quite like everyone else - in fact, he is a vampire. But he wants to know more. About himself, his history. He meets up with Emalie, a human girl with her own set of issues and problems, and together they visit the underworld of Seattle to try and find the answers to Oliver's questions...
Paul
ARH
Oliver Nocturne lives a pretty normal life—he deals with bullies, has an obnoxious older brother, and generally feels misunderstood. But being a vampire presents another host of problems, especially when he feels—he knows—he's not quite like everyone else.
When Emalie, a human girl with a troubled past, takes a picture of him, Oliver ignores the rules that forbid him from interacting with humans and agrees to show her the darkest secrets of the Seattle underworld. But their quest will uncover more than vampire mythology—they will learn the terrible truth about Oliver's past and his purpose. And for Emalie, this knowledge could come at a fatal price.
I guess I am not the target audience for this book specifically - but as a bookstore, I thought I would give this a go and see if it had legs for our customers. While I personally found it a bit "meh", I can see younger readers getting really excited about this series.
Oliver is not quite like everyone else - in fact, he is a vampire. But he wants to know more. About himself, his history. He meets up with Emalie, a human girl with her own set of issues and problems, and together they visit the underworld of Seattle to try and find the answers to Oliver's questions...
Paul
ARH
September 8, 2022
2022/35
První díl Olivera Nocturna jsem už Merlin-ví-jak-dlouho měla na čtečce, a teď jsem se přes něho tedy konečně prokousala. Tématiku upírů mám ráda, zvlášť, když to nejsou romantiky. Ale už jsem na Olivera asi trochu stará, a vystupování hlavních postav mi moc nesedlo (přece jen je jim třináct, nebo kolik. Ale asi je to i stylem psaní, protože třeba u dualogie Prospera Reddinga mi stejný věk hrdinů vůbec nevadil).
Takže ano, věřím, že pro mladší čtenáře to může být cool čtení, ale mně to přišlo moc jednoduché/mírné (nepřekvapivě), nesedla mi Emalie, a moc mě to celkově nebavilo.
První díl Olivera Nocturna jsem už Merlin-ví-jak-dlouho měla na čtečce, a teď jsem se přes něho tedy konečně prokousala. Tématiku upírů mám ráda, zvlášť, když to nejsou romantiky. Ale už jsem na Olivera asi trochu stará, a vystupování hlavních postav mi moc nesedlo (přece jen je jim třináct, nebo kolik. Ale asi je to i stylem psaní, protože třeba u dualogie Prospera Reddinga mi stejný věk hrdinů vůbec nevadil).
Takže ano, věřím, že pro mladší čtenáře to může být cool čtení, ale mně to přišlo moc jednoduché/mírné (nepřekvapivě), nesedla mi Emalie, a moc mě to celkově nebavilo.
May 4, 2017
It's like Harry Potter, but with Vampires. I love it! Moar!
January 1, 2019
I really liked this book, it was very creative! Kevin Emerson is one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
February 9, 2019
It was ok not really that interesting to me.
January 2, 2020
nice book for the 13 year old market.
January 29, 2022
The MC's name is Oliver Nocturne? Really?
February 1, 2023
Mi mejor lectura irónica
March 1, 2024
This book (and the rest of the series) ignited my passion for fantasy books for years to come.
May 27, 2024
I wanted to read this book since I was in 3rd grade! I was this in the book fair and i loved it!
Want to read
May 6, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 16, 2011
La fotografía del vampiro es el primero de una serie de 5 títulos de corte juvenil titulada Oliver Nocturne.
La novela comienza con un enigmático prólogo en el que nos habla de una misteriosa Puerta con vida propia y de un más extraño personaje llamado Illisius. Una vez finalizada esa parte que me dejó alucinada porque crea muchas dudas y no se sabe a que viene, empecé la novela sin muchas ganas.
De primeras te metes en el papel de Oliver, un adolescente con problemas de sueño que está espiando a una chica que lleva semanas entrando a hurtadillas en su casa sin saber que está habitada. (también hay que contar que está camuflada para que parezca deshabitada) En ese momento porta una cámara de fotos y Oliver, curioso, se acerca sigilosamente a Emalie que acaba sacándole una foto por casualidad al sentir la presencia del joven.
Desde ese momento, Oliver empieza a saber lo que es tener problemas y a tomar conciencia de lo que pasa a su alrededor.
Y es que ser un vampiro adolescente no está exento de problemas. Pero Oliver tiene más que la mayoría. Para empezar, es el único al que le realizan "chequeos" anuales con la excusa de su insomnio, excusa que empieza a fallar en esos momentos. También empieza a notar que sus padres le ocultan algo importante y además ahora está el tema de la foto que Emalie le sacó. Tiene que hacerse con el negativo antes de ser descubierto, aparte de que los vampiros temen a las fotografías (no se dice el porqué). Eso le lleva a mantener una relación amistosa con Emalie y su primo Dean que le conduce a peligrosas aventuras dentro del mundo subterraneo de los vampiros adultos y la gran revelación del secreto familiar que le concierne directamente.
Al igual que muchas series, esta novela es introductoria y navega hacia una trama que espero sea más compleja. Por lo menos tiene varios detalles que la hacen diferente al resto de vampirillos juveniles que leí el año anterior. Los personajes pese a ser bastante anodinos durante toda la aventura, tengo la esperanza de que en la siguiente entrega brillen un poco más. El mundo de los vampiros, excepto por un par de detalles novedosos, como el de conseguir tu propio demonio cuando te sientes preparado para pasar a la edad adulta y lo que parece ser la trama principal que entiendo es la interacción con los humanos, es una fotocopia de lo que sería el mundo convencional que conocemos actualmente. La misma rutina de los padres trabajadores, el prota con sus clases y el hermano mayor aprendiendo a ser adulto y a escaquearse de los deberes como cualquier joven rebelde.
No me siento capaz de recomendarlo hasta que no lea la siguiente entrega. Para los que cuenten con este título en su estantería, que sepan que cumple la función de entretener sin más.
La novela comienza con un enigmático prólogo en el que nos habla de una misteriosa Puerta con vida propia y de un más extraño personaje llamado Illisius. Una vez finalizada esa parte que me dejó alucinada porque crea muchas dudas y no se sabe a que viene, empecé la novela sin muchas ganas.
De primeras te metes en el papel de Oliver, un adolescente con problemas de sueño que está espiando a una chica que lleva semanas entrando a hurtadillas en su casa sin saber que está habitada. (también hay que contar que está camuflada para que parezca deshabitada) En ese momento porta una cámara de fotos y Oliver, curioso, se acerca sigilosamente a Emalie que acaba sacándole una foto por casualidad al sentir la presencia del joven.
Desde ese momento, Oliver empieza a saber lo que es tener problemas y a tomar conciencia de lo que pasa a su alrededor.
Y es que ser un vampiro adolescente no está exento de problemas. Pero Oliver tiene más que la mayoría. Para empezar, es el único al que le realizan "chequeos" anuales con la excusa de su insomnio, excusa que empieza a fallar en esos momentos. También empieza a notar que sus padres le ocultan algo importante y además ahora está el tema de la foto que Emalie le sacó. Tiene que hacerse con el negativo antes de ser descubierto, aparte de que los vampiros temen a las fotografías (no se dice el porqué). Eso le lleva a mantener una relación amistosa con Emalie y su primo Dean que le conduce a peligrosas aventuras dentro del mundo subterraneo de los vampiros adultos y la gran revelación del secreto familiar que le concierne directamente.
Al igual que muchas series, esta novela es introductoria y navega hacia una trama que espero sea más compleja. Por lo menos tiene varios detalles que la hacen diferente al resto de vampirillos juveniles que leí el año anterior. Los personajes pese a ser bastante anodinos durante toda la aventura, tengo la esperanza de que en la siguiente entrega brillen un poco más. El mundo de los vampiros, excepto por un par de detalles novedosos, como el de conseguir tu propio demonio cuando te sientes preparado para pasar a la edad adulta y lo que parece ser la trama principal que entiendo es la interacción con los humanos, es una fotocopia de lo que sería el mundo convencional que conocemos actualmente. La misma rutina de los padres trabajadores, el prota con sus clases y el hermano mayor aprendiendo a ser adulto y a escaquearse de los deberes como cualquier joven rebelde.
No me siento capaz de recomendarlo hasta que no lea la siguiente entrega. Para los que cuenten con este título en su estantería, que sepan que cumple la función de entretener sin más.
June 25, 2010
The Vampire's Photograph is the first book in a series about Oliver Nocturne, a 13-year-old vampire. Oliver lives a fairly typical life; as a child vampire. He lives in a world where vampires exist with families and have their own rules, businesses and lives. Oliver feels he is different from those around him; he doesn’t have the same attitude towards humans (humans are walking blood banks and beneath them) as his family and schoolmates. When Emalie, a human girl with a troubled past, unwittingly takes a picture of him, it ignites a friendship between them that is unexpected. This sets them both off on a mission to uncover his true origins and uncover more about a prophesy that involves Oliver.
Although the book is directed towards a younger audience, the author writes a novel perfect for younger readers unable to read the older vampire genre. This is a perfect book for young teens as Oliver is a great role model as a young boy who doesn’t fit in and goes beyond convention and has friendships with 2 humans. Emerson creates a fantastical world, well thought out, and allows the reader to become emersed in the vampire world and left wanting answers to questions in the next book.
Although the book is directed towards a younger audience, the author writes a novel perfect for younger readers unable to read the older vampire genre. This is a perfect book for young teens as Oliver is a great role model as a young boy who doesn’t fit in and goes beyond convention and has friendships with 2 humans. Emerson creates a fantastical world, well thought out, and allows the reader to become emersed in the vampire world and left wanting answers to questions in the next book.
March 31, 2011
Quick read, even though it is slow in parts and no language, but references to violence, but quite tame for a vampire book. I've heard it compared to Twilight for the younger set, I think it's more like a light vampire Harry Potter or Charlie Bone. I intend to read the next book to see if it's going to continue to be mysterious and slow or if it will start to develop into a real action story.
Likes: vampire book for the younger crowd; Oliver's character is a confused but sympathetic character; his brother, Bane, tries to help him; Emalie is a daring human, but she might be more than that and an Orani, seer, might be interesting; the shop owner, Dead Desiree, was an intriguing character that I am looking forward to hearing more about (if she isn't a vampire, than what is she?); fascinating tidbits of vampire life, lore and culture.
Dislikes: I found Dean annoying, but that's no longer an issue; Emalie won't be able to forgive Oliver; lots of hints at things, but not enough answers, making it more like a prologue than a full story; too much lying; the bullies were irritatingly realistic.
Likes: vampire book for the younger crowd; Oliver's character is a confused but sympathetic character; his brother, Bane, tries to help him; Emalie is a daring human, but she might be more than that and an Orani, seer, might be interesting; the shop owner, Dead Desiree, was an intriguing character that I am looking forward to hearing more about (if she isn't a vampire, than what is she?); fascinating tidbits of vampire life, lore and culture.
Dislikes: I found Dean annoying, but that's no longer an issue; Emalie won't be able to forgive Oliver; lots of hints at things, but not enough answers, making it more like a prologue than a full story; too much lying; the bullies were irritatingly realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2009
I've been on the prowl for tween (4th-8th grade) appropriate vampire tales to give the poor kids whose reading level or parents won't let them read Twilight and other read a likes. Oliver Nocturne fits the bill beautifully, which, of course, is what the sly Scholastic publishers had planned... However, with a flashy cover, quick action, and not too many pages, it's an easy sell to both boys and girl readers. There are a few awkward spots which could have used the editing Scholastic likely omitted in it's rush to meet the Twilight rush, but... overall, Emerson creates a swiftly moving story with description and dialogue that puts Stephanie Myer to shame. 5 books in the series thus far. A good pick for reluctant tween readers, particularly 4th-6th grade. Nothing inappropriate or out of grasp for younger readers with higher reading levels though. Recommended.
September 12, 2010
Good book for librarians looking to supply the demand of the vampire craze but with a book that is appropriate for children. This story is probably best suited to kids 9-12. In this story 13-year-old (in human years) vampire Oliver Nocturne doesn't fit in amongst his vampire family and peers. He's always felt different, but when he comes across a human girl visiting his house during a sleepless afternoon, Oliver begins to realize his difference lies in being a little more human than other vampires. Ending was a bit violent though not graphic, so definitely recommended for a certain audience. A little draggy in certain parts, but a fun and intriguing narrative. Cliff-hangerish ending means you have to keep reading, so good for circulation at least.
November 28, 2011
If the YAs and older have Edward from Twilight, I dare say the younger age group can claim Oliver Nocturne for themselves. I can imagine that this story would stir a whole lot more of suspense and reaction from younger readers than from me as an adult. The story wasn't bad at all, and it was entertaining enough to make me read till the end and even made me buy the next in its series, the Sunlight Slayings. In this second book, Oliver has more depth and becomes a stronger character. His adventures are fraught with risks and perils, and shared by his human girl-friend and otherworldly companions. The story is fast paced, clean, easy and unambiguous. This is definitely suited for 5th or 6th graders, and for older ones like me who just refuse to grow up.
February 15, 2011
This is a great series for any young reader who wants to learn the behind the scenes of everday vampire life. Following Oliver, a 13 year old vampire, we learn about his eating habits, his school life, and how vampires live among us and we never know about it. Oliver feels different than other vampires and soon learns his family is keeping secrets from him about his destiny. A great book to show young readers who aren't ready for Twilight.
April 30, 2013
Oliver Nocturne by Kevin Emerson is an amazing book. It's full of suspense, action, and all that good stuff. Oliver is a vamp who is having trouble with sleep. The story unfolds and he meets Emalie and Dean. They help him try to see a picture of himself. Near the end, Oliver's older brother, Bane, tricks Oliver into doing something awful. He soon meets his demon, Illuis, and rumor has it that he killed Dean. I really can't wait to read the 2nd and 3rd book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 25, 2011
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to going to work tomorrow and getting the next one (I am the childrens' book specialist at a bookstore)! I like the fact that there is a bit of scandal and mystery and that it doesn't sugar-coat vampires too much. It is for ages 9+ and good for fans of the Goosebump books.
Read
July 25, 2011Very cool vampire series for younger audience than the Twilight novels. Great characters and the scenario is original - they live on blood and high sugar foods - blood soaked cake anyone? The whole vampire city underneath and parallell to the human world works well and a great cliff hanger is established. Highly recommended for the 9-14 crowd.
December 6, 2018
dia de la navidad
este libro me ha sorprendido dirigido para adolescentes o pre adolescentes es un libro bueno.
muy bueno, no trata a los niños como tontos pero no pones tramas muy complejas .
el protagonista intenta averiguar porque no debe tomarse foto mientras se hace amigos de unos chicos humanos. todo eso mientras finge tranquilidad en la navidad.
este libro me ha sorprendido dirigido para adolescentes o pre adolescentes es un libro bueno.
muy bueno, no trata a los niños como tontos pero no pones tramas muy complejas .
el protagonista intenta averiguar porque no debe tomarse foto mientras se hace amigos de unos chicos humanos. todo eso mientras finge tranquilidad en la navidad.
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