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The Stoker Sisters #1
Daughters of Dracula
Two sisters... Born during the time of Jane Austen... Set to marry for advancement, but escaped their fates by becoming vampires. Now vampires in the 21st century, hunted by a sect of rogue hunters and governed by an ancient Romanian and Bulgarian vampire myth, the sisters live in a small beach town of California where they meet Keegan Knowles, a mysterious boy. For hundreds of years they've shared clothes, books, and their home, but will they share the same boy or is it there going to be war?
The Stoker Sisters, was the Award-Winning Finalist in Women's Literature of the 2011 International Book Awards, where Kailin Gow won first place overall in Fiction Horror, joining winners from St. Martin's Press, Simon & Shuster, Zondervan, and Random House.
She joins other winners such as Bishop Desmond Tutu and Rick Warren in the 2011 International Book Awards. Disclaimer: Author has no affiliation with the awards organization and just entered the awards contest just like any other awards contest.
The Stoker Sisters, was the Award-Winning Finalist in Women's Literature of the 2011 International Book Awards, where Kailin Gow won first place overall in Fiction Horror, joining winners from St. Martin's Press, Simon & Shuster, Zondervan, and Random House.
She joins other winners such as Bishop Desmond Tutu and Rick Warren in the 2011 International Book Awards. Disclaimer: Author has no affiliation with the awards organization and just entered the awards contest just like any other awards contest.
270 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2010
9 people are currently reading
1598 people want to read
About the author
Kailin Gow
347 books2,501 followers2025 News!
https://ventsmagazine.com/2025/04/10/...
Kailin Gow is an USA Today Bestselling author, publisher, screenwriter, director, producer, and speaker with hundreds of books published. She is also the owner/founder and organizer of mega-book signing events like Rockin' Hollywood, Naughty Mafia in Las Vegas, which has featured the very top authors of Romance and drawn thousands of readers, including being in a documentary film now out on Amazon Prime.
Over 14 Million copies of her books have been downloaded around the world and translated into 25 languages. 2 of her book series, FADE Series and Red Genesis Series, has been optioned by the Academy Award-winning team behind Netflix #1 most Liked and Top 10 Netflix Original Film, Wish Dragon, also the team behind the special effects magic of Star Wars and Marvel films.
She owns a traditional publishing company with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) Diversity initiative that has partnerships with production companies across the globe with distribution through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and more! Kailin Gow is a go to media guest on Women in Film and Television and is a voting member of the Academy Awards.
Her Worldwide Brand, Kailin Gow's Go Girl has won awards for its tv series, books, cosmetics, fashions, beauty and health products, and soon-to-be home and travel products. As of 2021, Kailin Gow's Go Girl is excited to expand into its own line of hotels, starting with a 70+ room hotel in Texas. In 2022, her books will be adapted into entertainment venues called Sparklesoup World, offered in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
She has been a host on world-class stages, an invited speaker for BEA and a regular radio/TV guest for major stations. She is an official voice of AAPI, She has a TV Reality show on her as an author and personality. She is also the host and publisher of a leading author industry guide, subscription newsletter, and podcast called Authors Voices. Five of her pen names are USA Today Bestselling authors and will be traditionally published in 2022. She is also a recurring speaker/instructor of writing series and serials for professional screenwriters and producers as of 2021.
She was called an "innovating author" and an "Author as Influencer" by Goodreads executives at Book Expo America 2014 in their speech.
Kailin Gow is one of Cindy Crawford's Beauties, who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, along with Gabrielle Union.
She was called "a successful author who knows how to balance being an author and life" by Huffington Post. USA Today recommends her steamy romances while PBS Kids have recommended her Teen Fantasy Series.
Amazon highlighted her author success story on the homepage of Amazon.com and in their book, Transformations and was invited by Amazon to be an author spokesperson for Amazon's launch of the Kindle fire in Santa Monica.
In the publishing industry, she has written and presented many articles and workshops for major publications as well as conventions. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/kail...
and is the host/founder of the podcast and newsletter Author Voices. Additionally, she owns a law firm specializing in consumer advocacy.
Kailin Gow holds a Masters degree in Management from USC and degrees in Social Ecology (Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Ecology/Climate), Drama, and Film making from UC Irvine where she once ran and DJ for a radio station that helped discovered OC bands like Sugar Ray and Gwen Stefani.
https://ventsmagazine.com/2025/04/10/...
Kailin Gow is an USA Today Bestselling author, publisher, screenwriter, director, producer, and speaker with hundreds of books published. She is also the owner/founder and organizer of mega-book signing events like Rockin' Hollywood, Naughty Mafia in Las Vegas, which has featured the very top authors of Romance and drawn thousands of readers, including being in a documentary film now out on Amazon Prime.
Over 14 Million copies of her books have been downloaded around the world and translated into 25 languages. 2 of her book series, FADE Series and Red Genesis Series, has been optioned by the Academy Award-winning team behind Netflix #1 most Liked and Top 10 Netflix Original Film, Wish Dragon, also the team behind the special effects magic of Star Wars and Marvel films.
She owns a traditional publishing company with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) Diversity initiative that has partnerships with production companies across the globe with distribution through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and more! Kailin Gow is a go to media guest on Women in Film and Television and is a voting member of the Academy Awards.
Her Worldwide Brand, Kailin Gow's Go Girl has won awards for its tv series, books, cosmetics, fashions, beauty and health products, and soon-to-be home and travel products. As of 2021, Kailin Gow's Go Girl is excited to expand into its own line of hotels, starting with a 70+ room hotel in Texas. In 2022, her books will be adapted into entertainment venues called Sparklesoup World, offered in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
She has been a host on world-class stages, an invited speaker for BEA and a regular radio/TV guest for major stations. She is an official voice of AAPI, She has a TV Reality show on her as an author and personality. She is also the host and publisher of a leading author industry guide, subscription newsletter, and podcast called Authors Voices. Five of her pen names are USA Today Bestselling authors and will be traditionally published in 2022. She is also a recurring speaker/instructor of writing series and serials for professional screenwriters and producers as of 2021.
She was called an "innovating author" and an "Author as Influencer" by Goodreads executives at Book Expo America 2014 in their speech.
Kailin Gow is one of Cindy Crawford's Beauties, who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, along with Gabrielle Union.
She was called "a successful author who knows how to balance being an author and life" by Huffington Post. USA Today recommends her steamy romances while PBS Kids have recommended her Teen Fantasy Series.
Amazon highlighted her author success story on the homepage of Amazon.com and in their book, Transformations and was invited by Amazon to be an author spokesperson for Amazon's launch of the Kindle fire in Santa Monica.
In the publishing industry, she has written and presented many articles and workshops for major publications as well as conventions. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/kail...
and is the host/founder of the podcast and newsletter Author Voices. Additionally, she owns a law firm specializing in consumer advocacy.
Kailin Gow holds a Masters degree in Management from USC and degrees in Social Ecology (Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Ecology/Climate), Drama, and Film making from UC Irvine where she once ran and DJ for a radio station that helped discovered OC bands like Sugar Ray and Gwen Stefani.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 8, 2011
I started this book a while ago and i just couldn't finish it despite the fact of it being an easy read . The story started out so promising and exciting however the more i read the more it become boring and predictable . I expected some action some thrilling and this book in my opinion lacked both . The two sisters are amazingly different and each of them is incomplete all alone but together they make the perfect woman , a wild and loving female at the same time , i liked their relationship , Alexis' wildness and Sadie's gentle heart however i found the simulation to the vampire diaries extremely annoying. Lord Arshwin the old lover and the one that turned both girls into vampires is the male replica of Cathrine , Keegan the loving protecting boyfriend is the one for Elena ,And the sisters fighting for the love and attention of both young men were like damon and stefan .
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April 23, 2011I was pretty excited when I discovered Daughters of Dracula, along with the rest of Kailin Gow’s books. She writes so much young adult fiction that I thought all of it must be fantastically awesome, right? This being my first experience with her work, it wasn’t everything I wanted it to be, but it definitely wasn’t a total letdown.
Despite the fact that Sadie and Alexis are polar opposites, both sisters have a level of relatability to them. Sadie was kind and innocent, while Alexis was dark and dangerous, but at the core was truly a good person. Both girls were turned as teenagers, Alexis being just a few years older than Sadie at the time, but Alexis was always the rebellious one.
This book has an interesting thing not found in most books—a love quadrangle. Yes, two girls and two guys, and a big love hurricane that is sure to destroy some hearts in the future. For now, however, Sadie, Alexis, Keegan, and Ashwin will have to deal with their complicated relationships.
The writing in this book was elegant and poised, and Kailin Gow used strong diction choices that will surely appeal to readers with a more diverse vocabulary, but sometimes it was a little too much, especially when it came to dialogue. For a good portion of the book, I was so distracted by dialogue used by the characters that it was hard to focus on the actual story at hand. There was a time where I actually banged my head against the wall and said, “People don’t talk like this!”. Once I got over my slight concussion, I read more and figured out why the characters all talk the way they do, and was slightly more content with their dialogue choices.
Another thing I didn’t quite like was that I felt like this book was just telling what happened, not showing readers. The book went by in such a blur, and large portions of time were skipped over in this book, making it hard to understand why some characters behaved the way they did.
I’m not usually one to compare books to other books, but in this case I feel like I must. The whole time I read this book, I was reminded of The Vampire Diaries series. Now, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since I love the series, but there were so many similarities it started to bug me. The Vampire Diaries was even mentioned in this book! If you are looking for a series to read similar to that of L.J. Smith’s The Vampire Diaries, I am sure you’ll like The Stoker Sisters.
I still enjoyed Daughters of Dracula, but not as much as I was hoping or expecting to. I will continue to read anything Kailin Gow puts out, since she is such a passionate writer and storyteller, and all of her books sounds fantastic. If you’re looking for a fun book to take your mind off of things for a while, Daughters of Dracula might be just what you are looking for. Now, get me the sequel stat; I need to know what happens next!
Story: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Originality: 2/5
Writing: 3/5
Ending: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Despite the fact that Sadie and Alexis are polar opposites, both sisters have a level of relatability to them. Sadie was kind and innocent, while Alexis was dark and dangerous, but at the core was truly a good person. Both girls were turned as teenagers, Alexis being just a few years older than Sadie at the time, but Alexis was always the rebellious one.
This book has an interesting thing not found in most books—a love quadrangle. Yes, two girls and two guys, and a big love hurricane that is sure to destroy some hearts in the future. For now, however, Sadie, Alexis, Keegan, and Ashwin will have to deal with their complicated relationships.
The writing in this book was elegant and poised, and Kailin Gow used strong diction choices that will surely appeal to readers with a more diverse vocabulary, but sometimes it was a little too much, especially when it came to dialogue. For a good portion of the book, I was so distracted by dialogue used by the characters that it was hard to focus on the actual story at hand. There was a time where I actually banged my head against the wall and said, “People don’t talk like this!”. Once I got over my slight concussion, I read more and figured out why the characters all talk the way they do, and was slightly more content with their dialogue choices.
Another thing I didn’t quite like was that I felt like this book was just telling what happened, not showing readers. The book went by in such a blur, and large portions of time were skipped over in this book, making it hard to understand why some characters behaved the way they did.
I’m not usually one to compare books to other books, but in this case I feel like I must. The whole time I read this book, I was reminded of The Vampire Diaries series. Now, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since I love the series, but there were so many similarities it started to bug me. The Vampire Diaries was even mentioned in this book! If you are looking for a series to read similar to that of L.J. Smith’s The Vampire Diaries, I am sure you’ll like The Stoker Sisters.
I still enjoyed Daughters of Dracula, but not as much as I was hoping or expecting to. I will continue to read anything Kailin Gow puts out, since she is such a passionate writer and storyteller, and all of her books sounds fantastic. If you’re looking for a fun book to take your mind off of things for a while, Daughters of Dracula might be just what you are looking for. Now, get me the sequel stat; I need to know what happens next!
Story: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Originality: 2/5
Writing: 3/5
Ending: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
June 23, 2012
Completely awful. I thought the plot had potential to begin with, but I was so, so wrong. The story was disjointed and full of holes. Not in the good way like omg-what-a-surprise-hole but in a wtf-is-this-hole. The characters are flat. They have absolutely zero depth. And I'm sad to say the the author writes like a fanfiction poster. And not the good wow-I-can't-believe-they-aren't-published kind. I even tried to give the author a chance to redeem herself by starting the second one. I got 5 chapters in and called it quits. It actually got progressively worse.
Cheers,
Katt
Cheers,
Katt
October 4, 2010
A wonderful take on Dracula's story, based on the author's personal experience. Imaginative and complex, this story of two sisters who become vampires during Victorian times England and end up in modern-day America is a fascinating mix of old and new. The story starts off in Jane Austen's time where the sisters are being brought up as proper young ladies, set to marry for social advancement. They meet a dashing gentleman who changes literally. This vampire awakening is like a symbolism of their awakening as women. We learn they have gone in separate directions since becoming vampires. Sadie, the obedient younger sister, has tried to blend into human society, while Alexis has relished in it, sometimes flaunting it into human faces. Alexis incurs the wrath of powerful vampire hunters when she meets up again with Sadie. Unable to defeat them, they flee and somehow end up in a California beach town in America. Here Sadie believe would be they can lead a quiet life, not stir up trouble because there would be no vampires or hunters. As they settle into the community and meets a mysterious boy, they learn why they're drawn to this town, and why they have an instant attraction to Keegan.
I could not have expected a more fantastic ending! The story is full of plot twists and turns, and drama. You can feel the heavy sibling rivalry, you can feel the change in time period. You can even relate (although they are vampires) to Sadie and Alexis' adjustment to their new vampire state, and new place.
I enjoyed the reference to Dracula and Bram Stoker, especially since it is not at all like Bram Stoker's version of Dracula. I highly enjoyed the reference to Jane Austen and her time period when a girl of proper upbringing can only become two things: marry for wealth and status or become governesses.
Though this book was written for the ya/teen audience, it does touch on these issues of women's roles in Victorian times, perspective on fiction Dracula versus the real-life Dracula, and the choice to accept one's fate.
I actually haven't read Bram Stoker's Dracula before reading this book, but have read it a day after. Because of Daughters of Dracula, it got me to read an old classic that I otherwise wouldn't read.
As encouraged by this book, too, I've sent recommendations to my friends to read Daughters of Dracula. This would make an excellent bookclub choice.
Arc copy provided by publisher
I could not have expected a more fantastic ending! The story is full of plot twists and turns, and drama. You can feel the heavy sibling rivalry, you can feel the change in time period. You can even relate (although they are vampires) to Sadie and Alexis' adjustment to their new vampire state, and new place.
I enjoyed the reference to Dracula and Bram Stoker, especially since it is not at all like Bram Stoker's version of Dracula. I highly enjoyed the reference to Jane Austen and her time period when a girl of proper upbringing can only become two things: marry for wealth and status or become governesses.
Though this book was written for the ya/teen audience, it does touch on these issues of women's roles in Victorian times, perspective on fiction Dracula versus the real-life Dracula, and the choice to accept one's fate.
I actually haven't read Bram Stoker's Dracula before reading this book, but have read it a day after. Because of Daughters of Dracula, it got me to read an old classic that I otherwise wouldn't read.
As encouraged by this book, too, I've sent recommendations to my friends to read Daughters of Dracula. This would make an excellent bookclub choice.
Arc copy provided by publisher
October 3, 2010
Daughters of Dracula, the first book in The Stoker Sisters series is aptly named. Based on Romanian mythology of vampires combined with a tale of two sisters who lived within Victorian constraints during Jane Austen's England,The Stoker Sisters is at once gothic, yet modern. The book starts off during Jane Austen's time period with the Sisters, who are avid readers, meeting an incredibly intriguing and mysterious young lord, Lord Ashwin, who reminds them of Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. As Lord Ashwin becomes a long-term guest at their parents' manor, they soon become drawn into his world. Their world is destroyed when a fire rampage through the manor, killing their parents. They are saved by a vampire who turns them, and since then, they have lived an existence as vampires. How they approach being vampires and their choice as being a certain kind of vampire is interesting. Sadie, the good sister, has lived her vampire life quietly in a small corner of Ireland, trying to blend in with humans, while Alexis, the wild sister, has used her vampirism to extort humans. They're brought back together when Alexis, in trouble with powerful vampire hunters, runs to Sadie to warn her. With rogue vampire hunters after them, they escape to America, as far away as they can. To avoid being found by hunters, they lay low, trying to blend into the human community in their new town. Sadie, who was turned at seventeen, almost eighteen, enrolls in high school, while Alexis acts as her guardian. Things get complicated when they meet a boy named Keegan, who has an interest in vampires. There is something about him which renders Sadie's vampire instincts numb around him, making her feel more human. Yet, he also seems to be able to tame Alexis' wild side. Who is he?
A lot of concepts are combined well in Daughters of Dracula: The mythology of the Strigois and Dracula, as he is viewed in real life, not as Bram Stoker's version of Dracula, and a story of fueding vampire sisters.
Because of the Jane Austen influence, the story takes place at a slower pace than typical Gow books, but towards the middle of the book, the action picks up, there are twists and turns that makes for an interesting and dramatic new series. Daughters of Dracula sets up this new series well. Book 2, titled Angels and Hunters, hints at more action and drama to come.
Review copy from publisher.
A lot of concepts are combined well in Daughters of Dracula: The mythology of the Strigois and Dracula, as he is viewed in real life, not as Bram Stoker's version of Dracula, and a story of fueding vampire sisters.
Because of the Jane Austen influence, the story takes place at a slower pace than typical Gow books, but towards the middle of the book, the action picks up, there are twists and turns that makes for an interesting and dramatic new series. Daughters of Dracula sets up this new series well. Book 2, titled Angels and Hunters, hints at more action and drama to come.
Review copy from publisher.
April 10, 2016
In Daughters Of Dracula, Sadie and Alexis Stoker are the last human relatives of Vlad Dracule. The sisters are complete opposites. Sadie has always been quiet and reserved, while Alexis has always been wild and carefree. The girls' sheltered lives are changed forever with the arrival of Lord Ashwin.
Lord Ashwin is a handsome, mysterious traveler claiming to be in town on business. In truth, he brings darkness and death to their peaceful English town. On one faithful night, he turns both girls into vampires, and vanishes.
Three hundred years later, the sisters have managed to lead separate lives until Alexis blows into town with hunters in tow and wrecks havoc on Sadie’s attempt at passing for human.
Being a fan of vampires and being intrigued by the myths and origins, there was no question that I was going to love this book. The book made several references to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which for some reason I have never read, but will be putting on my TBR.
Daughters Of Dracula was a great change of pace from the other vampire books that I’ve been reading. It’s a story of two young women that do their best to blend into society despite being vampires. They run into new and old acquaintances and have a hard time trying to figure out who to trust. Through it all, they remain loyal to each other and continue to learn more about their heritage and why everyone is being so damn secretive.
I liked both main characters. Although Sadie is compassionate, and Alexis can be a serious bitch, I couldn’t decide who I liked more. I didn’t like the fact that both girls fell for the same guy twice, but I loved the drama that the triangle brings.
I’ve often stated that I’m not a big fan of YA because most young adult books do not hold my attention well, but Daughters Of Dracula keep me interested. Although the plot and characters did remind me of The Vampire Diaries show, I will be picking up the next book. The story leaves you with a felling that all hell is about to break loose and you want to be there when it does.
Lord Ashwin is a handsome, mysterious traveler claiming to be in town on business. In truth, he brings darkness and death to their peaceful English town. On one faithful night, he turns both girls into vampires, and vanishes.
Three hundred years later, the sisters have managed to lead separate lives until Alexis blows into town with hunters in tow and wrecks havoc on Sadie’s attempt at passing for human.
Being a fan of vampires and being intrigued by the myths and origins, there was no question that I was going to love this book. The book made several references to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which for some reason I have never read, but will be putting on my TBR.
Daughters Of Dracula was a great change of pace from the other vampire books that I’ve been reading. It’s a story of two young women that do their best to blend into society despite being vampires. They run into new and old acquaintances and have a hard time trying to figure out who to trust. Through it all, they remain loyal to each other and continue to learn more about their heritage and why everyone is being so damn secretive.
I liked both main characters. Although Sadie is compassionate, and Alexis can be a serious bitch, I couldn’t decide who I liked more. I didn’t like the fact that both girls fell for the same guy twice, but I loved the drama that the triangle brings.
I’ve often stated that I’m not a big fan of YA because most young adult books do not hold my attention well, but Daughters Of Dracula keep me interested. Although the plot and characters did remind me of The Vampire Diaries show, I will be picking up the next book. The story leaves you with a felling that all hell is about to break loose and you want to be there when it does.
November 6, 2010
I wholeheartedly agree with another reviewer this book is like the "Girl Version of Vampire Diaries". This is my third book from Ms. Gow, and one Gow fans should not miss. Typical of Ms. Gow's teen fiction, her women characters are always strong. The vampire sisters in The Stoker Sisters will make you proud of the complex strength these characters have. Sadie and Alexis are two sides of the same coin, but both are descendants of the Dracule line. One is good, the other has a natural penchant for evil. Caught in between is mysterious Keegan Knowles, who will turn their world upside down.
I've found the perfect book club book! You will be choosing sides. I was drawn to both Sadie, Alexis, and even Keegan, but I'm leaning toward Sadie. She is one of the best female characters to come along in any Young Adult or Adult book I've read. Her message to teens and young women is so positive, she is a true heroine who is relatable, flawed, yet strong. I love her and can't wait for the next book!
I've found the perfect book club book! You will be choosing sides. I was drawn to both Sadie, Alexis, and even Keegan, but I'm leaning toward Sadie. She is one of the best female characters to come along in any Young Adult or Adult book I've read. Her message to teens and young women is so positive, she is a true heroine who is relatable, flawed, yet strong. I love her and can't wait for the next book!
October 19, 2010
Having read the books from Gow's other vampire series, Pulse 1 and 2, I jumped to reading Daughters of Dracula. I don't know which is my favorite vampire Gow series. Pulse is fun, fast-paced, and full of hot vampire men. Daughters of Dracula has hot vampires, too. But there's a sister rivalry. There's Jane Austen, there's Twilight discussions, there's Dracula. Strigois, too! Gow brings them all together in this marvelous retelling of Dracula through these two sister vampires. The characterization is amazing. I feel like I know Sadie so well. I want to be in her book club. I want her to be in mine.
You have to read this book. I agree another reviewer how these characters are among the best I've seen in a while. Can't wait for book 2!
You have to read this book. I agree another reviewer how these characters are among the best I've seen in a while. Can't wait for book 2!
April 19, 2011
lots better than Bitter Frost, I could hardly stay focused enough to read a paragraph with that one, but still not great.
I gave this 2 stars because i really sympathised with Sadie. In fact, if it wasn't for Sadie, i probably would have given this 1 star. seems like Kailin Gow is not my kind of author.
I gave this 2 stars because i really sympathised with Sadie. In fact, if it wasn't for Sadie, i probably would have given this 1 star. seems like Kailin Gow is not my kind of author.
Read
June 27, 2018Eckk, I guess I should have never read the Twilight series it has ruined Vampire books for me. I didn't even finish reading it I started it but by page fifty I was skimming pages and by 100 I just decided it wasn't my cup of tea and decided to give up trying to read it. It just seemed like so many other books, it didn't help that it was young adult, I guess I have no tolerance for them any more. I can see the why teenage girls would like it but I have outgrown it long ago.
June 15, 2011
The Stoker Sisters won Finalist in Women's Literature/Chick Lit in the 2011 International Book Awards.
May 11, 2013
Could hardly make it through. Poorly written, the story line was not exciting (other than the first chapter), cliche dialogue and irritating characters. A real shame, it sounded so promising.
August 2, 2016
So bad dear lord save me
October 26, 2019
OMG, this was such an amazing book. It moves along at a speed at which it makes it a very comfortable, enjoyable read. Not to fast nor to slow and transitions nicely between scenes. The characters are awesome and you feel as though you know personally and no matter what you want to see them succeed. The story is great and once you start reading you will be unable to put down, until you finish the very last page and then you go looking for more great books by this amazing author. This needs to be on your TBR list there is no doubt about it.
October 25, 2010
Yet another amazing and perfect story from Kailin Gow!
Okay, I am going to do a bit of gushing. I was first introduced to Kailin Gow's work with The Phantom Diaries, which I instantly fell in love with. I then went on to read Bitter Frost, which I greatly enjoyed and now with her newest series, The Stoker Sisters, Ms. Gow has won a place in my heart and library as one of my absolute favorite authors. Her ability to take a well-known classic story (in this case Bram Stoker's Dracula) and create an amazing story which includes bits and pieces of the original well-known stories, intertwining them with her own mind-blowing imagination and creating a "what-if" scenario that will leave the reader racing through pages to see what happens next, is magnificent.
The Stoker Sisters: Daughters of Dracula, is the first in a new series which focuses on two sisters, who are as different as night and day. There is the innocent and very "human" younger sister, Sadie, and then there is the bit older and very non-innocent and seductress-y sister, Alexis. Both are vampires, Sadie turned to saved her life, while Alexis turned on her own will. Sadie does everything in her power to lead a normal life, not becoming the monsterious stereotypical vampire by feeding and murdering, but choosing her food sources while trying to clean up the lesser desirables of the world - though never going as far as draining and killing them. Alexis, however, takes her feeding too far one night, draining a victim and becoming a vampire who must constantly feast, draining and leaving victims dead in her wake.
As if being a vampire isn't difficult enough, Sadie falls for a handsome boy in school, Keegan. She must deal with her sister trying to sink her fangs into Keegan, while at the same time watching as her sister tries everything in her power to seduce him. How can Sadie ever compete with her sister's sultriness and determination to get whatever she wants. As the truth about Keegan comes to light, the lives of both girls change forever and Sadie must prove that she is not of the evil vampires. Can she do it before it's too late and can she help her sister before she loses her forever to the dark and brutal side of vampirism?
Though geared toward the young adult genre, The Stoker Sisters is a book that easily transcends that age group and will be adored by adults as well. This is a story that has suspense, romance, urban fantasy, and an all around intriguing appeal. Kailin Gow does an amazing job in her characterization of the girls. I honestly found myself not being able to stand Alexis and adoring Sadie. Both sisters are strong, however Alexis is the perfect antagonist that adds conflict to the story, thereby making it increasingly interesting and never dull. I also found myself being pulled toward Keegan, who holds great spirit and appeal.
I truly cannot express my love of this story enough and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second in the series, The Stoker Sisters: Angels and Hunters, due for release February 8, 2011. As a side note, I do want to emphasize the fact that, though Kailin Gow's stories may stem from the idea of a classic book (this one, Dracula and The Phantom Diaries from Phantom of the Opera) those books and the knowledge of them are not needed to fully appreciate and enjoy Ms. Gow's books. However, after reading Ms. Gow's works, interest in the classics may rear it's head, lol.
If you have not read Kailin Gow, I truly hope you do so very soon. You are truly missing out on a wondrous author. The Stoker Sisters: Daughters of Dracula is the perfect place to start and with the holidays coming up, what an amazing gift to bestow upon someone!
Okay, I am going to do a bit of gushing. I was first introduced to Kailin Gow's work with The Phantom Diaries, which I instantly fell in love with. I then went on to read Bitter Frost, which I greatly enjoyed and now with her newest series, The Stoker Sisters, Ms. Gow has won a place in my heart and library as one of my absolute favorite authors. Her ability to take a well-known classic story (in this case Bram Stoker's Dracula) and create an amazing story which includes bits and pieces of the original well-known stories, intertwining them with her own mind-blowing imagination and creating a "what-if" scenario that will leave the reader racing through pages to see what happens next, is magnificent.
The Stoker Sisters: Daughters of Dracula, is the first in a new series which focuses on two sisters, who are as different as night and day. There is the innocent and very "human" younger sister, Sadie, and then there is the bit older and very non-innocent and seductress-y sister, Alexis. Both are vampires, Sadie turned to saved her life, while Alexis turned on her own will. Sadie does everything in her power to lead a normal life, not becoming the monsterious stereotypical vampire by feeding and murdering, but choosing her food sources while trying to clean up the lesser desirables of the world - though never going as far as draining and killing them. Alexis, however, takes her feeding too far one night, draining a victim and becoming a vampire who must constantly feast, draining and leaving victims dead in her wake.
As if being a vampire isn't difficult enough, Sadie falls for a handsome boy in school, Keegan. She must deal with her sister trying to sink her fangs into Keegan, while at the same time watching as her sister tries everything in her power to seduce him. How can Sadie ever compete with her sister's sultriness and determination to get whatever she wants. As the truth about Keegan comes to light, the lives of both girls change forever and Sadie must prove that she is not of the evil vampires. Can she do it before it's too late and can she help her sister before she loses her forever to the dark and brutal side of vampirism?
Though geared toward the young adult genre, The Stoker Sisters is a book that easily transcends that age group and will be adored by adults as well. This is a story that has suspense, romance, urban fantasy, and an all around intriguing appeal. Kailin Gow does an amazing job in her characterization of the girls. I honestly found myself not being able to stand Alexis and adoring Sadie. Both sisters are strong, however Alexis is the perfect antagonist that adds conflict to the story, thereby making it increasingly interesting and never dull. I also found myself being pulled toward Keegan, who holds great spirit and appeal.
I truly cannot express my love of this story enough and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second in the series, The Stoker Sisters: Angels and Hunters, due for release February 8, 2011. As a side note, I do want to emphasize the fact that, though Kailin Gow's stories may stem from the idea of a classic book (this one, Dracula and The Phantom Diaries from Phantom of the Opera) those books and the knowledge of them are not needed to fully appreciate and enjoy Ms. Gow's books. However, after reading Ms. Gow's works, interest in the classics may rear it's head, lol.
If you have not read Kailin Gow, I truly hope you do so very soon. You are truly missing out on a wondrous author. The Stoker Sisters: Daughters of Dracula is the perfect place to start and with the holidays coming up, what an amazing gift to bestow upon someone!
December 31, 2015
I had such high expectations for this series since I’ve always enjoyed Kailin’s other novels but somehow this book didn’t live up to my expectations. It wasn’t what I had expected – I had expected something grander since this was basically a novel about the daughters of Dracula. I mean, it’s Dracula! What couldn’t be more exciting than that? But alas, this series was not so.
Sadie, the younger sister, was the quiet and docile one. She was the one who always listened to her parents and her authorities and rarely strayed. She was also the one whom both guys fell in love with: the vampire who changed her and the vampire hunter who was meant to kill her. However, I found her so incredibly annoying. She kept going back and forth between the two guys. She clearly did not know what she wanted. I honestly just wanted to punch her in the face and then stake her myself because she was that irritating. I hate people who are all sweet and whatnot but are dumb as shit. That was basically her. She was so naïve and innocent to the point that it physically hurt me to read more about her.
Alexis, the other sister, was the wild one. While she certainly brought more life into the book with her antics, she was also stupid and naïve but thankfully, not to Sadie’s level. At least Alexis learned fast and understood when things were not going as planned and adapted. I was reading some other reviews and I read someone describing them as two halves and if they are combined, they would be one great person but separate, they are incomplete. In a way, I completely agree but since both of them are naïve and relatively dumb, combining them together would not fix that unfortunately. However, if they were combined, at least it would be infinitely better than them being separated.
The two males: Keegan and Lord Arshwin were both very very different. One was protective and loving while the other was older and was a vampire. They both loved Sadie but somehow neither of them could take their eyes off Alexis. What was up with that? It was as if all of the characters in the book didn’t know what they wanted. Everyone just kept sliding back and forth between either the two males or the two sisters. They just need to make up their goddamn minds. It was quite irritating if you couldn’t tell from my somewhat rant.
After the first book, I thought maybe I’ll give the second book a try since I already had it on hand. Unfortunately the second book fared no better than the first but at least I pushed on through to the end. And that was where I called it quits. I have no interest in reading the third book because this whole plot and the bland and retarded characters were so terrible that I have no interest whatsoever to look for the third book.
I forgot to mention the plot – it was terrible. Because both Sadie and Alexis were stupid, they both got caught in so many obstacles and situations where they could have easily avoided if they were smarter. But no, that was not the case. Clearly this book was not for me. Honestly though I’m surprised I disliked it so much. I usually like Kailin’s novels and I love to read about vampires and the supernatural but this series just did not do it for me. I’m disappointed.
Overall, if you’re willing to overlook Sadie’s nauseating sweetness and innocence and Alexis’ wildness and naughtiness, perhaps you should give this book a try. Otherwise, steer clear.
Also, I'm not giving it a 1 star only because I KNOW there are worse books out there.
Sadie, the younger sister, was the quiet and docile one. She was the one who always listened to her parents and her authorities and rarely strayed. She was also the one whom both guys fell in love with: the vampire who changed her and the vampire hunter who was meant to kill her. However, I found her so incredibly annoying. She kept going back and forth between the two guys. She clearly did not know what she wanted. I honestly just wanted to punch her in the face and then stake her myself because she was that irritating. I hate people who are all sweet and whatnot but are dumb as shit. That was basically her. She was so naïve and innocent to the point that it physically hurt me to read more about her.
Alexis, the other sister, was the wild one. While she certainly brought more life into the book with her antics, she was also stupid and naïve but thankfully, not to Sadie’s level. At least Alexis learned fast and understood when things were not going as planned and adapted. I was reading some other reviews and I read someone describing them as two halves and if they are combined, they would be one great person but separate, they are incomplete. In a way, I completely agree but since both of them are naïve and relatively dumb, combining them together would not fix that unfortunately. However, if they were combined, at least it would be infinitely better than them being separated.
The two males: Keegan and Lord Arshwin were both very very different. One was protective and loving while the other was older and was a vampire. They both loved Sadie but somehow neither of them could take their eyes off Alexis. What was up with that? It was as if all of the characters in the book didn’t know what they wanted. Everyone just kept sliding back and forth between either the two males or the two sisters. They just need to make up their goddamn minds. It was quite irritating if you couldn’t tell from my somewhat rant.
After the first book, I thought maybe I’ll give the second book a try since I already had it on hand. Unfortunately the second book fared no better than the first but at least I pushed on through to the end. And that was where I called it quits. I have no interest in reading the third book because this whole plot and the bland and retarded characters were so terrible that I have no interest whatsoever to look for the third book.
I forgot to mention the plot – it was terrible. Because both Sadie and Alexis were stupid, they both got caught in so many obstacles and situations where they could have easily avoided if they were smarter. But no, that was not the case. Clearly this book was not for me. Honestly though I’m surprised I disliked it so much. I usually like Kailin’s novels and I love to read about vampires and the supernatural but this series just did not do it for me. I’m disappointed.
Overall, if you’re willing to overlook Sadie’s nauseating sweetness and innocence and Alexis’ wildness and naughtiness, perhaps you should give this book a try. Otherwise, steer clear.
Also, I'm not giving it a 1 star only because I KNOW there are worse books out there.
May 16, 2012
I had to sit back and reflect a little to properly review this for you. Not that I didn't like it. I did trust me I have now ordered the second book because I don't want to wait. I don't want to wait even long enough for book 2 to get here!! This book took a completely different road than I expected. I know we have all read something at some point and time in our lives and then sat back and thought "Wow." Sometimes it's a good wow and others it's a wow because you just don't know what to think.
My wow started off as the not sure what to think. I didn't realize just how much back ground story there was going to be. There was a lot and I had started to think maybe I was missing something or had misunderstood the description. Don't get me wrong when I say that either. Getting to know how and why is SUPER important and I enjoyed reading about it but it was just a bit of a shock when I was expecting something else. In fact this really made the story for me in the end. How could you not love sisters that come from the Jane Austin era!! The more you learned the more involved you felt and honestly I am not sure you could feel more involved!!
The second wow came when we moved on to the now. This really showed how different the sisters are and how they deal with that. I am not going to say they deal with it well but they deal with it. I was really blown away on how each sister deals with what has happened to them. With sisters like night and day you really never know what you are going to get. Both girls have their ups and downs and are set in their own ways but as far as things go family is family and even when you want to kill them, you will protect them and let nothing come in your way.
Then you get your second taste of swoon in this book(I am not telling you about the first swoon). Keegan is honestly amazing. For the most part he goes through this book and keeps his mind on what he wants but like all guys where there is choices... Doesn't help that Alexis is about as smoldering as they come and Sadie is an all around sweet person (well vampire). The things that he has to go through and deal with aren't easy either and I had a good idea not too long after meeting him as to what was going on. I mean a guy can't be that perfect right? I was kind of proven wrong but was happy about it and continue to LOVE Keegan.
Overall this book was wonderful. It's was kind of the backwards version of a love triangle, if that makes any sense at all. Instead of having one girl and two boys that she has to choose from, you get two girls that want the one boy. There is so much more to this story I WANT to share with you but don't want to spoil any of the fun in discovering what really happened and what is really happening!! Really I am not sure that this review does this book the justice it needs. I can not wait for the next one to get here!!
My wow started off as the not sure what to think. I didn't realize just how much back ground story there was going to be. There was a lot and I had started to think maybe I was missing something or had misunderstood the description. Don't get me wrong when I say that either. Getting to know how and why is SUPER important and I enjoyed reading about it but it was just a bit of a shock when I was expecting something else. In fact this really made the story for me in the end. How could you not love sisters that come from the Jane Austin era!! The more you learned the more involved you felt and honestly I am not sure you could feel more involved!!
The second wow came when we moved on to the now. This really showed how different the sisters are and how they deal with that. I am not going to say they deal with it well but they deal with it. I was really blown away on how each sister deals with what has happened to them. With sisters like night and day you really never know what you are going to get. Both girls have their ups and downs and are set in their own ways but as far as things go family is family and even when you want to kill them, you will protect them and let nothing come in your way.
Then you get your second taste of swoon in this book(I am not telling you about the first swoon). Keegan is honestly amazing. For the most part he goes through this book and keeps his mind on what he wants but like all guys where there is choices... Doesn't help that Alexis is about as smoldering as they come and Sadie is an all around sweet person (well vampire). The things that he has to go through and deal with aren't easy either and I had a good idea not too long after meeting him as to what was going on. I mean a guy can't be that perfect right? I was kind of proven wrong but was happy about it and continue to LOVE Keegan.
Overall this book was wonderful. It's was kind of the backwards version of a love triangle, if that makes any sense at all. Instead of having one girl and two boys that she has to choose from, you get two girls that want the one boy. There is so much more to this story I WANT to share with you but don't want to spoil any of the fun in discovering what really happened and what is really happening!! Really I am not sure that this review does this book the justice it needs. I can not wait for the next one to get here!!
October 6, 2010
Is the ultimate vampire story! It's dangerous, dark and exciting!
I love the whole premise of this series. The sisters are the last remaining descendant of Vlad Dracule. This one really stood out, Although this isn't the first novel I've read about vampires, the story is definitely unique and well done. Plus it has that whole sible rivalry going on, which is something that I can't get enough of for some reason. Things definitely get heated when you add a cute guy.
I really like the elements in the story like in Vampire Academy the evil vamps are Strigios, and it’s the same for The Stoker Sisters. Sadie and Alexis struggle to keep what’s left of there humanity and lay low on the radar from Hunters…but with Sadie, it’s pretty hard when you have a sister who is sometimes just evil! Lol
Sadie is a really well developed character and as a reader you can't help but get caught up in the emotional battle that she struggles with throughout this novel. Sadie's character has a very compelling and relatable voice, and I think readers will automatically like her. I know I did. Alexis spices up the novel…because the things she does just get on Sadie’s nerves. And the boys in this novel, wow. They are definitely Mr. Darcy material...,and read Austen....hot right?
I enjoyed the story, it ‘s like the girl version of Vampire Diaries(Sadie is Stefan and Alexis is Damon) meets The Prophecy of the Sisters. It was excellently written and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep you on you toes. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
~Rating 4.5
I love the whole premise of this series. The sisters are the last remaining descendant of Vlad Dracule. This one really stood out, Although this isn't the first novel I've read about vampires, the story is definitely unique and well done. Plus it has that whole sible rivalry going on, which is something that I can't get enough of for some reason. Things definitely get heated when you add a cute guy.
I really like the elements in the story like in Vampire Academy the evil vamps are Strigios, and it’s the same for The Stoker Sisters. Sadie and Alexis struggle to keep what’s left of there humanity and lay low on the radar from Hunters…but with Sadie, it’s pretty hard when you have a sister who is sometimes just evil! Lol
Sadie is a really well developed character and as a reader you can't help but get caught up in the emotional battle that she struggles with throughout this novel. Sadie's character has a very compelling and relatable voice, and I think readers will automatically like her. I know I did. Alexis spices up the novel…because the things she does just get on Sadie’s nerves. And the boys in this novel, wow. They are definitely Mr. Darcy material...,and read Austen....hot right?
I enjoyed the story, it ‘s like the girl version of Vampire Diaries(Sadie is Stefan and Alexis is Damon) meets The Prophecy of the Sisters. It was excellently written and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep you on you toes. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
~Rating 4.5
October 11, 2010
Daughters of Dracula, the first of The Stoker Sisters series by Kailin Gow, an author who had personally visited Transylvania and Dracula's Castle as a journalist (this is in the Forward), turns Bram Stoker's Dracula and everything we think we know of Dracula upside down. Sadie and Alexis Stoker are some of the most realistic characters I have come across, as far as vampires can be. So engrossed with Sadie and Alexis' story, I forgot I was reading a book, and felt I knew Sadie and Alexis. They can be the girls I knew in my neighborhood or the sisters I knew growing up. I thoroughly enjoyed the Jane Austen beginning and even the gothic feel of Stoker and Austen's influence. Yet, this is a contemporary tale, and the references to pop culture is amusing. Sadie is one kick-butt character, and I love everything about her, including her wanting to start a book club and a blog, her desire to be a writer like her friend Jane Austen. Teen girls, Jane Austen fans, vampire fans, Twilight fans (there's a book discussion Sadie and Keegan has about Twilight in the book), and booklovers would love this series. You can tell through the book-loving characters, the references to literature and current books, that this series encourages and promotes reading.
June 14, 2011
Meet Sadie and Alexis. Two sisters who could not be more different. Sadie, the calm, rational one, longs to be as much like a human as she can. Alexis, on the other hand, is Sadie's completely opposite. She adores the fact that she has been turned and does everything to live in the moment... which usually ends up costing her.
Daughters of Dracula is a highly addictive novel that completely took me by surprise. With its references to Romanian mythology and Victorian society, readers are introduced to an completely different side of the typical Dracula vampire story. With Gow and her tale, everything seems more realistic... well, as realistic as it can get when you are discussing vampires. Sadie and Alexis are some of the best characters that I have seen in a while. And readers are sure to be picking sides in this sibling rivalry.
While there are some slower parts and questionable scenes for younger readers, Daughters of Dracula is a promising start to what I hope will be an outstanding series. Gow takes the old Dracula legend and completely turned it on its head.
Daughters of Dracula is a highly addictive novel that completely took me by surprise. With its references to Romanian mythology and Victorian society, readers are introduced to an completely different side of the typical Dracula vampire story. With Gow and her tale, everything seems more realistic... well, as realistic as it can get when you are discussing vampires. Sadie and Alexis are some of the best characters that I have seen in a while. And readers are sure to be picking sides in this sibling rivalry.
While there are some slower parts and questionable scenes for younger readers, Daughters of Dracula is a promising start to what I hope will be an outstanding series. Gow takes the old Dracula legend and completely turned it on its head.
January 25, 2011
The first in the series, Kailin has taken a touch of Dracula and mixed it into The Stoker Sisters, creating a rather unique tale.
In Dorset England 1818, at the lovely and well known Stoker Manor lived Sadie and Alexis. Many came to visit and stay up until the mysterious fire. When the fire happened, Sadie didn't have a choice, she either died, or became a vampire. Alexis on the other hand, walked in on what was happening and begged to be turned.
Now, present day, living together in California, Sadie enrolls in school. Sadie is the one who wants to keep human. She's the younger of the two. Alexis on the other hand, is constantly trying to outdo Sadie. Take it one step further. Sadie meets Keegan and Alexis decides that's her new goal, except that there's secrets about Keegan that the Sisters don't know. And when someone from the past shows up, things really turn interesting!
October 17, 2010
This is a FABULOUS new series. I LOVED so much about it. Sadie and Alexis are some of the best characters who has come along. They are from the repressed Victorian times, but they shine as independent young women in modern times. Sadie is a heart-of-gold vampire who will fight that bully for you in school. She's a protector of the weak and oppressed. Her sister Alexis is the exact opposite. She plays with humans, she loves to put down her little sister Sadie every chance she gets. Throw in a hot guy with a secret, and you have drama, romance, and action. This is Vampire Diaries, but the sister version. Girl issues. This is the ultimate sisters book and mother-older teen daughter book club book.
December 20, 2011
The Stoker Sisters is the vampire story with a new bite! Vampires can walk in the sun and shift into animals. This is the tale of two sisters who are the descents of Dracula himself and turmoil this relation brings to their life. The closeness of the sister's age causes a realistic tension and competition. As the first book in the series and my first Kailin Gow book, I enjoyed the novel, but would actually rate it 3 and 1/2 stars. The beginning was a little slow for me and having two sisters of my own, I had a difficult time initially relating to the both girls fawning over Ashwin. However, by the end of the novel I could not wait to read the next one in the series to discover what is going to happen. I recommend this book for anyone who loves vampires, romance and young romance.
March 14, 2011
To be completely honest I was not expecting much. I had previously read one of Kailins other books and was not impressed at all. However I was very surprised to find that I enjoyed this one. As a childrens specialist bookbuyer and seller I read alot of books along the vampire/faerie/werewolf line and most of them get quite tiresome, However I found this one quite refreshing and the plot as far as I have read is fairly original for a vampire book. It is a short read but the story and plot were well thought out, Intriguing and kept you interested. I look forward to reading the second one in the series.
November 22, 2010
A really enjoyable read. Kailin Gow best book so far. I loved the story line and the characters are all likeable I loved sadie and I really wanted to dislike alexis but I just couldn't there was something about her that made want to like her and keep Reading more about her. This book would have been a five star but I kind of wanted more of a better ending that being said I can't wait to read book 2!
November 6, 2010
Truly the ultimate vampire book for teens and up. If you love vampire books, you can't miss this one. Gow takes the idea of vampires as we know them, and turned it around. You're left wondering who is the greater monster, vampires or humans?
November 13, 2010
Although I did like this book I'm trying not to really form an opinion until I've read the entire seris. Not sure how many it's going to be...it could be years before I can officially form an opinion. :) It's interesting enough that I'll keep reading but it wasn't unputdownable.
August 16, 2011
I was excited when i found this book.when i was and i recommened this to a friend. She was mad/happy when i told her about it.Proubly had something to do with me telling her every single detail.But i give this 5 out of 5.and i would sooo recommend this to a friend=)
dnf
January 1, 2017*Sigh* I thought this would have been good. I mean sisters who become vampires to escape forced marriages? I liked the idea of this book, it just wasn't well executed, at least to me. I did not like the dialogue, the characters were one-note, everything was just bad.
November 23, 2010
Review coming.
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