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Can't Wait To Be Dead
Can't Wait To Be Dead
The moment I stepped foot in this house I knew I was going to die, or maybe I was dying before I got here. I don't know, Mom always said I was a hypochondriac, but this feels different. There's something seriously strange about Harker Drake and finding out the truth will be the death of me. Werewolf, wizard, shapeshifter, heck maybe he's a robot and I'm just overthinking it. I thought he was a vampire, but like, come on, that would be so obvious. At the very least, he's totally annoying and clearly has an attitude problem. I guess I can still leave wraith on the table, but human? Fat chance. How am I supposed to live with him when he clearly doesn't want me here? Classes haven't even started yet, and this school year already bites.
436 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2022
5 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 23, 2025
OMG ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST ORIGINAL VAMPIRE BOOKS I’VE EVER READ (while paying homage to beloved classics)!! this can’t be real life right now! the world sam created was so vivid in my mind and my god the yearning i felt was so painfully delicious! then BAM! she hits you with the grand finale we’ve all been waiting for, only for it to be BETTER than you could ever imagine! I AM IN AWE!!! I WANT TO REREAD THIS IMMEDIATELY BUT WITH THAT ENDING, I MUST CONTINUE TO BOOK 2!!
July 9, 2023
It's taken me a minute to get this review out because the schedule has been HECTIC. I was freaking a lil - worried I'd data dump the book. I did NOT! I doubt I'll ever forget this book; actually I'm feeling a bit offended that the next book isn't out yet. RUDE A F.
As I always say, I'm not one to pick up YA books but I think I need to finally get real with myself.
The best way I can describe this book is to tell you that from the very first page it was a nostalgic journey through 80s-90s horror & pop culture. Legit chef's kiss. Favs like The Burbs, Once Bitten, and Fright Night come to mind.
Ellie and I had a love/hate relationship throughout this book but I'll take the brunt of that blame. She thinks, acts, and makes decisions like you'd expect an 18yo girl with poor interpersonal skills, and her only frame of reference being horror movies & books - to act ;)
Harker is forever my boo and will never do a damn thing wrong in my eyes. Fight me.
Brandon...why? No, really...WHY?????????? I'm traumatized, lost, needed an hour to stare at the ceiling to wrap my head around that...w/e the f I'm supposed to call that.
Ok - uh...READ IT! k thnx byeeee
As I always say, I'm not one to pick up YA books but I think I need to finally get real with myself.
The best way I can describe this book is to tell you that from the very first page it was a nostalgic journey through 80s-90s horror & pop culture. Legit chef's kiss. Favs like The Burbs, Once Bitten, and Fright Night come to mind.
Ellie and I had a love/hate relationship throughout this book but I'll take the brunt of that blame. She thinks, acts, and makes decisions like you'd expect an 18yo girl with poor interpersonal skills, and her only frame of reference being horror movies & books - to act ;)
Harker is forever my boo and will never do a damn thing wrong in my eyes. Fight me.
Brandon...why? No, really...WHY?????????? I'm traumatized, lost, needed an hour to stare at the ceiling to wrap my head around that...w/e the f I'm supposed to call that.
Ok - uh...READ IT! k thnx byeeee
August 17, 2023
You know those books that you just can't seem to put down? You keep thinking 'one more chapter' and then you look at the clock and it's past 4AM and you have to be up for work in less than three hours? Yeah, this is definitely one of those books. If you're into supernatural slow burn romance with a creative twist, you'll love this! The characters are dynamic and engaging; they feel like people I've met in real life. The story was also highly captivating! I loved the unique take on vampirism and I can't wait for the sequel. Also, I love that it included Harker's playlist and Ellie's watchlist!
10/10 would definitely recommend.
10/10 would definitely recommend.
February 9, 2023
So detailed, descriptive, funny, dark, and immersive. I couldn’t put this book down for the life of me. I feel like I really got to know all the characters deeply and cannot WAIT for the next book!
September 8, 2025
Witty, fun, and somewhat horrifying, CAN'T WAIT TO BE DEAD is equal parts expertly crafted mystery and heartbreaking coming-of-age story all wrapped up in a modern-day twist on classic vampire lore.
Forced to move to the country after her mom takes a job as a live-in homeschool teacher, Ellie's life gets turned upside down in more ways than one when she trades in her NYC life for a sleepy, close-knit community tucked away in rural Pennsylvania. Not only is the shift from the big city to the country a shock to her system, but the teenage boy with the haunting eyes and aloof attitude who her mom is meant to homeschool sends Ellie down an unexpected path of bone-chilling discoveries. Is it possible that her mom lied about the real reason they needed to move away? Does it have something to do with the never-ending health scares that have plagued Ellie since her early childhood? And what is up with all the missing pets in this town? Maybe Ellie just watches too many horror movies for her own good. Or maybe she has to admit that there's more truth to them than she ever could have imagined.
If you loved the TWILIGHT series but were hoping for more of a traditional take on vampires a la Anne Rice, CAN'T WAIT TO BE DEAD is the book for you. Despite its many spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes (literally the only reason I didn't give 5 stars), this book will suck you in and hold you hostage well after you've turned the final page. I found myself unable to put it down, telling myself, "Just one more chapter," until suddenly, I reached the end. Gripping, spooky, and relentlessly suspenseful, Verba delivers a master class in YA horror that will leave you thirsting for the next installment more than a vampire craves blood.
Forced to move to the country after her mom takes a job as a live-in homeschool teacher, Ellie's life gets turned upside down in more ways than one when she trades in her NYC life for a sleepy, close-knit community tucked away in rural Pennsylvania. Not only is the shift from the big city to the country a shock to her system, but the teenage boy with the haunting eyes and aloof attitude who her mom is meant to homeschool sends Ellie down an unexpected path of bone-chilling discoveries. Is it possible that her mom lied about the real reason they needed to move away? Does it have something to do with the never-ending health scares that have plagued Ellie since her early childhood? And what is up with all the missing pets in this town? Maybe Ellie just watches too many horror movies for her own good. Or maybe she has to admit that there's more truth to them than she ever could have imagined.
If you loved the TWILIGHT series but were hoping for more of a traditional take on vampires a la Anne Rice, CAN'T WAIT TO BE DEAD is the book for you. Despite its many spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes (literally the only reason I didn't give 5 stars), this book will suck you in and hold you hostage well after you've turned the final page. I found myself unable to put it down, telling myself, "Just one more chapter," until suddenly, I reached the end. Gripping, spooky, and relentlessly suspenseful, Verba delivers a master class in YA horror that will leave you thirsting for the next installment more than a vampire craves blood.
April 29, 2023
A 10/10 Recommendation for Vampire Fiction and Supernatural Romance Lovers! 📚🩸🔮🧛♀️✨📖
As a small business, I love supporting other small shops, artists, and authors, and this book is an absolute gem!
If you're a fan of vampire fiction, paranormal romance, or anything supernatural, this book is a must-read!
From the very beginning, you'll be taken on a thrilling journey alongside the main character, Ellie, as she uncovers the truth about the mysterious vampire in her life. As well as, what is truly keeping her alive.
With a unique twist on vampire lore, this book will keep you hooked till the very end, and leave you eagerly anticipating the release of Book 2 in the fall.
Get your copy on Amazon now and prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary read! 📚🌙🔥
Can't Wait To Be Dead Samantha Verba
https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Wait-Dead...
As a small business, I love supporting other small shops, artists, and authors, and this book is an absolute gem!
If you're a fan of vampire fiction, paranormal romance, or anything supernatural, this book is a must-read!
From the very beginning, you'll be taken on a thrilling journey alongside the main character, Ellie, as she uncovers the truth about the mysterious vampire in her life. As well as, what is truly keeping her alive.
With a unique twist on vampire lore, this book will keep you hooked till the very end, and leave you eagerly anticipating the release of Book 2 in the fall.
Get your copy on Amazon now and prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary read! 📚🌙🔥
Can't Wait To Be Dead Samantha Verba
https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Wait-Dead...
March 6, 2023
Chapters like Fall Out Boy songs.
A spin on the popular "plain, shy girl" and "something secret boy". But this one made me feel more connected, with the girl being quirky, and the boy NOT a billionaire. Definitely got my inner, off beat, high school teen feeling heard! Each character has their own unique thought process, not the monotonous bullet points. I got caught up in twist after turn, never expecting the next. I wanted to finish to see what happens but never wanted to end! Can't wait to be dead? Can't wait for the next book!
Great job!
A spin on the popular "plain, shy girl" and "something secret boy". But this one made me feel more connected, with the girl being quirky, and the boy NOT a billionaire. Definitely got my inner, off beat, high school teen feeling heard! Each character has their own unique thought process, not the monotonous bullet points. I got caught up in twist after turn, never expecting the next. I wanted to finish to see what happens but never wanted to end! Can't wait to be dead? Can't wait for the next book!
Great job!
June 9, 2023
holy smokes
As excited as I am for the second book, I can't wait to get my hands on it! I am absolutely in love with this story! The book captures you from the first page and nothing holds your interest in the end. I am very sad to see the book come to an end. As I was reading the book, I didn't realize that I had devoured that much of it in such a short period of time. An absolutely amazing read. Can't wait to read more from you.
As excited as I am for the second book, I can't wait to get my hands on it! I am absolutely in love with this story! The book captures you from the first page and nothing holds your interest in the end. I am very sad to see the book come to an end. As I was reading the book, I didn't realize that I had devoured that much of it in such a short period of time. An absolutely amazing read. Can't wait to read more from you.
October 14, 2023
Love love love
This was a great read.. some hints of classic teen vampire romance with a totally different approach. The imagary and writing style is witty and fun with relatable casual dark humor. Can't wait to read book 2 and see where the story goes from here because I can totally see this being a multiple book series.
This was a great read.. some hints of classic teen vampire romance with a totally different approach. The imagary and writing style is witty and fun with relatable casual dark humor. Can't wait to read book 2 and see where the story goes from here because I can totally see this being a multiple book series.
July 4, 2025
"Small flecks of silver whorl through his burgundy iris, like a supernova, bursting through every part of me that didn't immediately trust him. One look can clear out an entire universe built around anxiety and pain, leaving us sitting here alone with no interruptions. If I were to die in this moment, I'd want to be buried inside his eyes."
If you crossed Stephen King with Emily Henry, this is the kind of book you'd get - something dark and sinister but still so funny and enjoyable to read. Cleverly written with lots of pop culture references delightfully scattered throughout. Highly recommended! Can't wait to start reading the next one.
If you crossed Stephen King with Emily Henry, this is the kind of book you'd get - something dark and sinister but still so funny and enjoyable to read. Cleverly written with lots of pop culture references delightfully scattered throughout. Highly recommended! Can't wait to start reading the next one.
June 4, 2025
DNF: Lost momentum. Twilight meets The Fault in Our Stars with a dash of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. The quirky chapter names and wittier dialogue kept me turning pages, and telling friends to pick up the book themselves. Overall, it's a good book with a solid foundation of world building, relatable characters to love, and a slow build to something I'm sure I would have enjoyed based on other reviews.
Note: I have physical copies of both book #1 and #2.
Note: I have physical copies of both book #1 and #2.
November 30, 2022
Can't Wait To Be Dead, A Review
This is an interesting, unusual story. There's a lot if internal dialogue from the main character that slows the pace, but it pulls itself together and speeds up. Highly imaginative.
This is an interesting, unusual story. There's a lot if internal dialogue from the main character that slows the pace, but it pulls itself together and speeds up. Highly imaginative.
December 12, 2022
This was one of my favorite books that I read this year. The mystery and suspense had me unable to put the book down. Each twist and surprise was enjoyable and the characters were very likeable. I can't wait for book two!
September 26, 2024
Teen vampire, romance, with a neat dash of internal dialogue that gives the pacing a nice measure.
I am biased because I like vampire stories in general. It isn't easy to measure mystery and surprise well, but this managed to do so precisely.
I am biased because I like vampire stories in general. It isn't easy to measure mystery and surprise well, but this managed to do so precisely.
March 22, 2023
A new dimension in the vampire universe
I must confess, I have rather reluctantly started to read Sam Verba’s debut volume “Can't Wait To Be Dead”, having been somewhat conditioned by what I consider to be one of the greatest stories I have come to love, the “Twilight Saga”. However, and I pride myself in following this pattern, after having interacted with the author on social media, and after seeing and feeling her complex intellectual value, I have decided to read the book.
Intriguingly smart, and brilliantly staged, we're just a few of my initial reactions. And while vampires did not initially seem much in sight, the plot and the uniquely created characters wanted to be further discovered. A first clue was the name of one of her main characters, Harker, the peculiarity of medical conditions entwined with cleverly dripped sparks of supernatural, secretive and obstinately unnamed, but religiously consumed “fruit juices” starting to resemble more and more with the expected “life juices”, doors unlocked yet expected not to be touched and opened, are just glimpses in the preamble which will introduce the reader to incredible and absolutely rewarding developments of this (hopefully to be continued very soon) excellent reading.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
I must confess, I have rather reluctantly started to read Sam Verba’s debut volume “Can't Wait To Be Dead”, having been somewhat conditioned by what I consider to be one of the greatest stories I have come to love, the “Twilight Saga”. However, and I pride myself in following this pattern, after having interacted with the author on social media, and after seeing and feeling her complex intellectual value, I have decided to read the book.
Intriguingly smart, and brilliantly staged, we're just a few of my initial reactions. And while vampires did not initially seem much in sight, the plot and the uniquely created characters wanted to be further discovered. A first clue was the name of one of her main characters, Harker, the peculiarity of medical conditions entwined with cleverly dripped sparks of supernatural, secretive and obstinately unnamed, but religiously consumed “fruit juices” starting to resemble more and more with the expected “life juices”, doors unlocked yet expected not to be touched and opened, are just glimpses in the preamble which will introduce the reader to incredible and absolutely rewarding developments of this (hopefully to be continued very soon) excellent reading.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
July 28, 2023
I got this book gifted to me and it took me a few months to pick it up but once I did??? DEVOURED IT. this book reminds me so much of only lovers left alive which I know was some inspiration for it but I think that’s why I loved it so much. Because who doesn’t love an emo vampire that plays instruments??? It’s so good and I need the next book more than I need oxygen. Highly recommend to any of my vampire book lovers!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews