What do you think?
Rate this book
The Youngbloods #1
After Midnight
Ever since the death of their parents, Catlyn Youngblood and her two older brothers have shared a nomadic existence, always moving from place to place. When they at last settle for good in the sleepy backwoods town of Lost Lake, Florida, Cat thinks she might finally have a normal life. While riding her horse late one night, Cat meets an enigmatic boy named Jesse Raven. Even more strange than her overpowering attraction to him is Jesse's apparent aversion to daylight. Only under the cover of darkness can they meet. As Cat and Jesse's bond grows stronger, Cat discovers an incredible secret about the Ravens' and her own family's pasts--a secret that could destroy their love. Their families, knowing the truth, conspire to keep them apart. But Cat and Jesse will risk everything to be together . . . including death.
360 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
1309 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Viehl
54 books986 followersAlso see S.L. Viehl, Gena Hale, Jessica Hall. Rebecca Kelly.
She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an element of romance will always be present.
In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.
She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an element of romance will always be present.
In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 11, 2011
This was a book once I picked up I didn't want to put it down until I was finished. When I was finished my first thought was I loved it and was so bummed this book just came out because that means probably a long wait for book 2. After I went to bed I kept thinking about it and there are so many questions about things that didn't make sense to me and I am not sure if I missed something because I was so anxious to finish the book.
We don't see too much of Jesse as we follow Catlyn around but I liked that while he's totally hot he has this vulnerable side andso far wasn't too much of an emo, brooding vampire. I definitely hope we get to see more of him in the next book and see a little more of his personality as well as more about his past. I loved Catlyn's character. She was the perfect mix of spunky, naive and savviness. While I am normally not a fan of the love at first site with the main characters going goo goo gaga after each other with no real basis to the attraction I still was really rooting for the two of them. Cat's brothers were interesting and I haven't really decided how much I like them. Gray was just too brooding for my tastes and seemed pretty one dimensional. At the end I finally see why he might be the way he is but of course we only get a taste of that before the book ends. Trick on the other hand was great although a bit over protective. Then the ending had me re-thinking how I felt about him. Granted I can understand some of his reasons for his actions but I don't know if I agree with his attitude.
The story is what really had me intrigued. There were so many little things going on that had me scratching my head wondering what was going on and then at the end the revelation made me go "oh wow, so that makes so many things make sense." I love when a story totally takes you surprise with a twist that makes you go over everything you just read looking for clues and with a new perspective on everyone's actions. The only thing is like I mentioned above is as I was lying in bed thinking about the story there were a few things that didn't make sense. I don't want to ruin the end so I'm going to put my questions below.
And I can't end this without commenting on the cover. The main reason I let this one sit on my shelf for so long was the cover. I'm not a huge fan of the girl but it was the guy model that totally creeped me out. So not how I was picturing Jesse and I am not seeing the whole handsome vampire thing going on. Hoping the next cover has different cover models.
Spoilers
I don't understand why Trick and Gray were messing with Cat's memories so often before they moved to Lost Lake. It seems like she couldn't have stumbled across that trunk often enough to need to keep wiping her memory and there is no other mention of strange happenings in Chicago to warrant the memory wipe.
Then I also didn't really get why they moved to Lost Lake. It seemed like Trick new there were vampires there because of the iron fence and garlic but they didn't seem to really be hunting the Ravens so why live near them when they were deliberately trying to keep Cat in the dark about who she is? It just seems to be tempting fate.
We don't see too much of Jesse as we follow Catlyn around but I liked that while he's totally hot he has this vulnerable side andso far wasn't too much of an emo, brooding vampire. I definitely hope we get to see more of him in the next book and see a little more of his personality as well as more about his past. I loved Catlyn's character. She was the perfect mix of spunky, naive and savviness. While I am normally not a fan of the love at first site with the main characters going goo goo gaga after each other with no real basis to the attraction I still was really rooting for the two of them. Cat's brothers were interesting and I haven't really decided how much I like them. Gray was just too brooding for my tastes and seemed pretty one dimensional. At the end I finally see why he might be the way he is but of course we only get a taste of that before the book ends. Trick on the other hand was great although a bit over protective. Then the ending had me re-thinking how I felt about him. Granted I can understand some of his reasons for his actions but I don't know if I agree with his attitude.
The story is what really had me intrigued. There were so many little things going on that had me scratching my head wondering what was going on and then at the end the revelation made me go "oh wow, so that makes so many things make sense." I love when a story totally takes you surprise with a twist that makes you go over everything you just read looking for clues and with a new perspective on everyone's actions. The only thing is like I mentioned above is as I was lying in bed thinking about the story there were a few things that didn't make sense. I don't want to ruin the end so I'm going to put my questions below.
And I can't end this without commenting on the cover. The main reason I let this one sit on my shelf for so long was the cover. I'm not a huge fan of the girl but it was the guy model that totally creeped me out. So not how I was picturing Jesse and I am not seeing the whole handsome vampire thing going on. Hoping the next cover has different cover models.
Spoilers
I don't understand why Trick and Gray were messing with Cat's memories so often before they moved to Lost Lake. It seems like she couldn't have stumbled across that trunk often enough to need to keep wiping her memory and there is no other mention of strange happenings in Chicago to warrant the memory wipe.
Then I also didn't really get why they moved to Lost Lake. It seemed like Trick new there were vampires there because of the iron fence and garlic but they didn't seem to really be hunting the Ravens so why live near them when they were deliberately trying to keep Cat in the dark about who she is? It just seems to be tempting fate.
August 12, 2015
HOLY MOTHER OF CLIFFHANGERS/OPEN-ENDED SHENANIGANS. I WANT MORE!
After Midnight was the perfect book for me to read during all of this end of school year madness because it was light, cute, funny, sweet, intriguing, adorable, mushy, lovely, beautiful, and all around awesome. I have always been a sucker for cheesey, completely adorable teen romances. Seriously. I can remember watching hours of those Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson and Hilary Duff Movies growing up.
This book was awesome. If you like cutesy romances I'd suggest you read this mofo. Right meow.
After Midnight was the perfect book for me to read during all of this end of school year madness because it was light, cute, funny, sweet, intriguing, adorable, mushy, lovely, beautiful, and all around awesome. I have always been a sucker for cheesey, completely adorable teen romances. Seriously. I can remember watching hours of those Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson and Hilary Duff Movies growing up.
This book was awesome. If you like cutesy romances I'd suggest you read this mofo. Right meow.
October 25, 2011
Very enjoyable. I cannot wait to continue reading this series. A bit badly edited at times (i.e., wrong homonyms and repeating words) but overall descriptive, pleasant to read.
December 3, 2020
I gave this book 3 stars because let me start of by saying romance books aren't really my thing but I figured I will try something new but at the same times it will be a very good book if your into romance stuff. Well first the book starts off with a girl named Catlyn and her brother Gray that spend their life moving around a lot after the death of her parents by a car crash. She has been having a hard time making friends because of her constant moving to one place to another but as she wish she could her wish comes true when she meets this boy called Jesse and they start to build a connection. As their connection grow stronger and stronger a secret about their families about inheriting property could destroy all what they have. That would lead them into fending for their life but with enough courage and determination they get out safe with each other still in each other arms. I would recommend this book to all the people who are in love with romance because it has all the qualities of a die hard romance and love. I wish they would have spread some more light on her past it to really know who she is and where she comes from it was alright.
April 11, 2018
I loved this book. Its one of those books that once you pick up you can't put down. It was constantly shocking me and keeping me at the edge of my seat. There was so much action and secrets along with Love and passion. The connection those two had for each other were amazing and so strong. They proved that they can defeat all odds of being together. They stood together through everything. No matter what happened they would find here way back to each other. Like when she would lose her memory and not remember him once hey would see each other. All the memories and feeling would come flooding back to her. It was a beautiful action packed love story. I recommend it to people who like action, romance, dark, vampire and vampire hunters along with mystery.
June 12, 2017
Let us take a moment of silence for the loss of what was predicted to be a great read, but turned out to be one horrific mess…
Read the rest of my review at https://caylasbooktopia.wordpress.com...
Read the rest of my review at https://caylasbooktopia.wordpress.com...
August 5, 2022
Very fast paced and interesting. It was a bit confusing in spots but ik ow that was part of the style with the plot. The end seemed rather abrupt or this would have been a 5 star review. Maybe it is to convince us to read the next on the series.
December 10, 2022
It’s a slow read for most of the book but it definitely still keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what’s gonna happen next. I definitely recommend if you are into teen high school romance dramas +vampires.
June 16, 2019
Truth mixture
She struggles and eventually find truth behind elder brother secret. Family secret to be discover. Beyond being in vampire world
She struggles and eventually find truth behind elder brother secret. Family secret to be discover. Beyond being in vampire world
December 22, 2012
As I love Lynn Viehl’s adult books, I just had to try her YA series as well. And I am not disappointed. After Midnight is a well written novel, with lots of action, and NO LOVE TRIANGLE!
Catlyn Youngblood is a 15 year old schoolgirl, and she is always the new girl in school. Her brother, who is her legal guardian, has to move for his job every six months or so, meaning they never get to make real friends or put down roots. But now he has quit his job, and is planning to stay in Lost Lake, Florida, for good. Starting a horse breeding ranch. They have always had their horses with them, wherever they have been living, and now Patrick (Trick) is planning on adding some more. Patrick is 30, and a big and strong muscled man. He cares deeply for his brother and sister, and is a bit overprotective. Okay, a lot.
Cat’s second brother is Grayson (Gray), or Grim as she calls him, due to his sunny nature. Cat and Gray have to go to highschool, Tanglewood, something Cat hates, as she is always the loner there. But to her surprise, this time it seems to go a bit different. If only that bully of a jock, Aaron Boone, did not seem to like her so much. She is totally not interested in him, even though he is the star of the school, of a rich family and the schoolteams quarterback. He has been with his girlfriend Tiffany, who is ofcourse head of the cheerleaders, since 5th grade. So why is Tiffany acting so hostile against her? It is not like she is trying to steal him away or something.
Trick has forbidden it, but Cat loves to ride her horse at night, without a saddle so he won’t notice it is wet at the underside in the morning. She has excellent nightview, and Sadi is very steady, so she is not afraid of having an accident. Then one night, she sees another rider on a big black horse. He is going straight for the new fence Trick build, as if he is used to riding there without there being a fence. His horse doesn’t try to jump it, but swerves, throwing his rider in the barbed wire fence. Catlyn does her best to free the boy, who is tangled badly, at the cost of some bad scrapes on her arms and hands. She likes the boy, who is very handsome, and smells good, and is kind to her, but then she faints.
A few hours later, she wakes up, alone, and manages to make it home just before her brothers wake up and she is busted. Will she ever see that boy again? She doesn’t even know his name! All she has is a ring he was probably wearing, and lost when he fell.
At breakfast, her brother Gray has a surprise. He wants to go to the tryouts for the football team. He never has wanted to before, so why now? Trick doesn’t like it, and forbids it, but for once, Gray is going to defy him. If they are going to stay here forever, he wants a normal life and try to blend in, be a part of the community. And then the local sheriff pays them a visit, seeming to warn them away.
Cat keeps meeting Jesse in secret, she knows her brothers would never allow her to date a boy. Her mother was pregnant when she ran away with their father, and for some reason they are afraid she will do the same.
During the next few weeks, Cat discovers secrets about her own family, her parents, and Jesse’s. It was surprising to me, and I enjoyed it. Of course they fall in love, and Jesse wants her to run away with him for a chance to be together. His parents don’t want him to see her anymore, and her brothers will also keep them apart. But Cat loves her brothers too much to do that, they will work something out. Especially after the attack …
I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated, and the ending made me really happy to have book 2 ready to grab to continue reading. I liked Cat, she is levelheaded, even if only 15 and in love for the first time. She doesn’t do really stupid things, strange things keep happening, but she deals with it. And highschool is not easy for anybody I guess. At this point, I really dislike her brothers for what they have done to her, but it will be explained in the next book. And wow. It is really hard not to tell a bit more, but that would mean spoiling all the nice surprises, and I don’t want to do that.
If you like YA vampire books, I heartily do recommend this one. Remember, no love triangle, intrigue and mystery, and originality. (But perhaps I have not read enough YA to be the judge of that).
What I still cannot comprehend at all, and perhaps never will, is how a boy who looks 18, but is in reality well over a hundred, can fall in love with a schoolgirl. His body might be 18 but his mind has to be looking for something else. And that is perhaps my main issue with reading paranormal YA as a genre.
And one note of displeasure: I was thrown out of the story more than just a few times, by the missing of small words in the sentences. This book needs to be edited again.
8 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
Catlyn Youngblood is a 15 year old schoolgirl, and she is always the new girl in school. Her brother, who is her legal guardian, has to move for his job every six months or so, meaning they never get to make real friends or put down roots. But now he has quit his job, and is planning to stay in Lost Lake, Florida, for good. Starting a horse breeding ranch. They have always had their horses with them, wherever they have been living, and now Patrick (Trick) is planning on adding some more. Patrick is 30, and a big and strong muscled man. He cares deeply for his brother and sister, and is a bit overprotective. Okay, a lot.
Cat’s second brother is Grayson (Gray), or Grim as she calls him, due to his sunny nature. Cat and Gray have to go to highschool, Tanglewood, something Cat hates, as she is always the loner there. But to her surprise, this time it seems to go a bit different. If only that bully of a jock, Aaron Boone, did not seem to like her so much. She is totally not interested in him, even though he is the star of the school, of a rich family and the schoolteams quarterback. He has been with his girlfriend Tiffany, who is ofcourse head of the cheerleaders, since 5th grade. So why is Tiffany acting so hostile against her? It is not like she is trying to steal him away or something.
Trick has forbidden it, but Cat loves to ride her horse at night, without a saddle so he won’t notice it is wet at the underside in the morning. She has excellent nightview, and Sadi is very steady, so she is not afraid of having an accident. Then one night, she sees another rider on a big black horse. He is going straight for the new fence Trick build, as if he is used to riding there without there being a fence. His horse doesn’t try to jump it, but swerves, throwing his rider in the barbed wire fence. Catlyn does her best to free the boy, who is tangled badly, at the cost of some bad scrapes on her arms and hands. She likes the boy, who is very handsome, and smells good, and is kind to her, but then she faints.
A few hours later, she wakes up, alone, and manages to make it home just before her brothers wake up and she is busted. Will she ever see that boy again? She doesn’t even know his name! All she has is a ring he was probably wearing, and lost when he fell.
At breakfast, her brother Gray has a surprise. He wants to go to the tryouts for the football team. He never has wanted to before, so why now? Trick doesn’t like it, and forbids it, but for once, Gray is going to defy him. If they are going to stay here forever, he wants a normal life and try to blend in, be a part of the community. And then the local sheriff pays them a visit, seeming to warn them away.
Cat keeps meeting Jesse in secret, she knows her brothers would never allow her to date a boy. Her mother was pregnant when she ran away with their father, and for some reason they are afraid she will do the same.
During the next few weeks, Cat discovers secrets about her own family, her parents, and Jesse’s. It was surprising to me, and I enjoyed it. Of course they fall in love, and Jesse wants her to run away with him for a chance to be together. His parents don’t want him to see her anymore, and her brothers will also keep them apart. But Cat loves her brothers too much to do that, they will work something out. Especially after the attack …
I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated, and the ending made me really happy to have book 2 ready to grab to continue reading. I liked Cat, she is levelheaded, even if only 15 and in love for the first time. She doesn’t do really stupid things, strange things keep happening, but she deals with it. And highschool is not easy for anybody I guess. At this point, I really dislike her brothers for what they have done to her, but it will be explained in the next book. And wow. It is really hard not to tell a bit more, but that would mean spoiling all the nice surprises, and I don’t want to do that.
If you like YA vampire books, I heartily do recommend this one. Remember, no love triangle, intrigue and mystery, and originality. (But perhaps I have not read enough YA to be the judge of that).
What I still cannot comprehend at all, and perhaps never will, is how a boy who looks 18, but is in reality well over a hundred, can fall in love with a schoolgirl. His body might be 18 but his mind has to be looking for something else. And that is perhaps my main issue with reading paranormal YA as a genre.
And one note of displeasure: I was thrown out of the story more than just a few times, by the missing of small words in the sentences. This book needs to be edited again.
8 stars.
© 2012 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
April 11, 2011
This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.
I want to start this review by saying that it pleasantly surprised me. I'm often skeptical when Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy authors decide to try their hand at YA fiction. Some authors--and people, for that matter--assume that because if they can write to appeal to an adult audience, than writing to a teen one will be easy peasy lemon squeezy. Then again, there are crossover authors whose adult stuff I won't touch (Kelley Armstrong comes to mind), but that doesn't keep me from adoring their Teen stuff. Lynn Viehl doesn't quite fall into the same category as Kelley Amstrong, but I do think that After Midnight was more successful than any book she's written with an "adult" audience in mind.
After Midnight is a Rural Fantasy. The story picks up with Cat, the heroine, beginning her first day at her new school. After years of moving around and constantly being the new girl in town, Cat and her brothers have decided to settle in Lost Lake, a small town in Florida. Cat and her brother, Gray, have been raised by their older brother, Trick, since their parents died and for most of Cat's existence, it's been just the three of them. Wherever they've lived, they've felt like outsiders. And while Cat's ready to continue their cloistered lifestyle, Gray is yearning for a more normal All-American life, whatever their older brother says.
I genuinely liked Cat, though she was a little too independent to be true. It's rare to find a teenager that self-possessed, or one who is never at a loss for what to say when she's up against an antagonist. It was Cat's two brothers that intrigued me. I was fascinated by Gray. He's uber-protective of his sister, but he has no trouble manipulating her into helping him achieve his goals. Sadly, his protective streak fades when siding with his sister conflicts with his romantic interests. Gray's desire to play football and date the head cheerleader was poignant, bizarre and sad. Trick isn't as easy to read. His main function in the book appears to be keeping secrets from Cat, but his motivations are, as yet unclear. Intriguing is the word for him.
I was less impressed with Jesse. He's sort of your stereotypical vampire hero: Moody, broody, isolated and tortured but totally in love with the heroine. He kind of doesn't do anything. He's acted upon, and does very little acting himself. Fortunately for Jesse, there was no rival for Cat's affections. As far as romance goes, I'm waiting to see what develops for Gray. I have a suspicion. Or, a theory at least.
Frankly, the part of this book that won me over was the end. It puts a whole spin on the mythology--and on Cat's relationships--that I think is fascinating. I should say that is hast no effect not on Cat and Jesse's l-o-v-e. They're just as blahblah-still-in-lovecakes as ever. Plotwise, though, the story ends with discoveries that redeem After Midnight from the banal star-crossed lovers theme. And, the Van Helsing/Vampire cliche. So, my advice to you is this: if you reach the middle of the book and are bored by Jesse's brooding, read on to the end anyway. The best parts of the book are the parts without him. I know, you're surprised to hear me say that. But: Trust me. Romance aside, it's worth it.
I want to start this review by saying that it pleasantly surprised me. I'm often skeptical when Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy authors decide to try their hand at YA fiction. Some authors--and people, for that matter--assume that because if they can write to appeal to an adult audience, than writing to a teen one will be easy peasy lemon squeezy. Then again, there are crossover authors whose adult stuff I won't touch (Kelley Armstrong comes to mind), but that doesn't keep me from adoring their Teen stuff. Lynn Viehl doesn't quite fall into the same category as Kelley Amstrong, but I do think that After Midnight was more successful than any book she's written with an "adult" audience in mind.
After Midnight is a Rural Fantasy. The story picks up with Cat, the heroine, beginning her first day at her new school. After years of moving around and constantly being the new girl in town, Cat and her brothers have decided to settle in Lost Lake, a small town in Florida. Cat and her brother, Gray, have been raised by their older brother, Trick, since their parents died and for most of Cat's existence, it's been just the three of them. Wherever they've lived, they've felt like outsiders. And while Cat's ready to continue their cloistered lifestyle, Gray is yearning for a more normal All-American life, whatever their older brother says.
I genuinely liked Cat, though she was a little too independent to be true. It's rare to find a teenager that self-possessed, or one who is never at a loss for what to say when she's up against an antagonist. It was Cat's two brothers that intrigued me. I was fascinated by Gray. He's uber-protective of his sister, but he has no trouble manipulating her into helping him achieve his goals. Sadly, his protective streak fades when siding with his sister conflicts with his romantic interests. Gray's desire to play football and date the head cheerleader was poignant, bizarre and sad. Trick isn't as easy to read. His main function in the book appears to be keeping secrets from Cat, but his motivations are, as yet unclear. Intriguing is the word for him.
I was less impressed with Jesse. He's sort of your stereotypical vampire hero: Moody, broody, isolated and tortured but totally in love with the heroine. He kind of doesn't do anything. He's acted upon, and does very little acting himself. Fortunately for Jesse, there was no rival for Cat's affections. As far as romance goes, I'm waiting to see what develops for Gray. I have a suspicion. Or, a theory at least.
Frankly, the part of this book that won me over was the end. It puts a whole spin on the mythology--and on Cat's relationships--that I think is fascinating. I should say that is hast no effect not on Cat and Jesse's l-o-v-e. They're just as blahblah-still-in-lovecakes as ever. Plotwise, though, the story ends with discoveries that redeem After Midnight from the banal star-crossed lovers theme. And, the Van Helsing/Vampire cliche. So, my advice to you is this: if you reach the middle of the book and are bored by Jesse's brooding, read on to the end anyway. The best parts of the book are the parts without him. I know, you're surprised to hear me say that. But: Trust me. Romance aside, it's worth it.
August 7, 2011
As a first ever Young Adult novel I think that Lynn did a very good job and I will be buying the sequel.
It’s true that as far as the vampires are concerned you can’t help to get some twilight flashes. As for example, Jesse is only drinking Animal blood or they eyes turned onyx (black) when they need blood but except that they are not very similar.
I really like the characters, they are very consistent and Cat, the main character, is very likable. She is witty and brave and loves her brothers and more than that she will fight for what she believes in.
Jesse is slightly stereotypical as far as the brooding, mysterious vampire ‘love of your life’ come to play but it might be because I read wait too many of those. However, Jesse Raven is a cutie and you can’t help but be found of him. I loved how he says that Cat is his ‘lady’ (yes I admit it I like old-fashioned hotties).
All the characters have dimension and they are well written. My only issue might we with Boone. He is supposed to be that big bad bully but…I don’t know, he is after Cat and stand for her but you don’t really get a reason for that.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the plot. I thought “Vampire/Vampire hunter? yes it has been done.” But this one differ. These two families have history….much more than you even presume at first.
Cat and Jesse are by definition the star-crossed lovers….A vampire and the one chosen to destroy him but I really enjoyed how they decide to be brave and defy destiny. They have a “come what may” attitude that is much more pleasant than the “I can’t be with you because I‘ll kill you” sullen we usually get in this sort of novel.
Cat life is in danger through the whole book and I liked how it was not cliché. The end did take me by surprise and that give the story BIG bonus points. The danger is both supernatural and human in this book. What I also liked is how Lynn set the history surrounding the Van Helsing and the Vampires. It makes sense, you can see it was well thought about and not just dumped on you with no real back story where you go ’ok….that doesn’t make any sense” (I’m pretty sure you all have a couple of books in your mind with now).
This book is full of action, love and mystery.
In conclusion I would advise this young adult novel to anyone who enjoy vampires and mysteries. I think it’s a good series start and I really want book 2 to continue with Cat and Jesse.
It’s true that as far as the vampires are concerned you can’t help to get some twilight flashes. As for example, Jesse is only drinking Animal blood or they eyes turned onyx (black) when they need blood but except that they are not very similar.
I really like the characters, they are very consistent and Cat, the main character, is very likable. She is witty and brave and loves her brothers and more than that she will fight for what she believes in.
Jesse is slightly stereotypical as far as the brooding, mysterious vampire ‘love of your life’ come to play but it might be because I read wait too many of those. However, Jesse Raven is a cutie and you can’t help but be found of him. I loved how he says that Cat is his ‘lady’ (yes I admit it I like old-fashioned hotties).
All the characters have dimension and they are well written. My only issue might we with Boone. He is supposed to be that big bad bully but…I don’t know, he is after Cat and stand for her but you don’t really get a reason for that.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the plot. I thought “Vampire/Vampire hunter? yes it has been done.” But this one differ. These two families have history….much more than you even presume at first.
Cat and Jesse are by definition the star-crossed lovers….A vampire and the one chosen to destroy him but I really enjoyed how they decide to be brave and defy destiny. They have a “come what may” attitude that is much more pleasant than the “I can’t be with you because I‘ll kill you” sullen we usually get in this sort of novel.
Cat life is in danger through the whole book and I liked how it was not cliché. The end did take me by surprise and that give the story BIG bonus points. The danger is both supernatural and human in this book. What I also liked is how Lynn set the history surrounding the Van Helsing and the Vampires. It makes sense, you can see it was well thought about and not just dumped on you with no real back story where you go ’ok….that doesn’t make any sense” (I’m pretty sure you all have a couple of books in your mind with now).
This book is full of action, love and mystery.
In conclusion I would advise this young adult novel to anyone who enjoy vampires and mysteries. I think it’s a good series start and I really want book 2 to continue with Cat and Jesse.
May 11, 2011
My Thoughts: We are introduced to Catlyn aka Cat. She lives with her two brothers Patrick and Grayson. Patrick is older and has taken care of them for a while now. Their parent's passed away. Grayson and Cat are still in high school and the family moves around a lot. They have lived many many places but finally decided to put down some roots in Florida. Cat starts a new school and makes a few friends, a boy and a girl. She also attracts the attention of the football quarterback and his girlfriend, which she could do without.
She ends up taking out her horse Sali on a midnight ride and bumps into Jesse Raven, the mysterious boy who lives on an island with his parents. Jesse can't go out in the sunlight or he'll burn, he doesn't need to eat, and he's very cute.
Cat and Jesse begin a romance that nobody understands and nobody wants them together, not even the town sheriff who is just looking for a reason to lock up the family.
Many secrets are unraveled throughout the novel, family secrets. Both Cat's and Jesse's. Honestly, I felt the relationship between Jesse and Cat was rushed. And I didn't feel much of a connection to any of the characters. Jesse and Cat just instantly had feelings for each other and that bothered me, they barely knew each other!
I liked the aspect of the book where the secrets came out, but it was a bit predictable. I knew mostly what was going to happen before it did. I did like learning all about Cat and why cat's liked her so much. I liked her brothers. I enjoyed the football scenes. I liked the chaos between her classmates.
I just felt the storyline was rushed, yet the book seemed to go on and on forever. I was ready to finish it about halfway through because I saw the ending coming.
Overall: After Midnight was an okay read. Will I read the next one? Yes, just to see what happens. I'd like to know more about her brothers and what happens to them as well. I'd like to know more about their abilities and what they choose to do with them.
Cover: I've seen similar versions of this cover on other books. It's an ok cover.
What I'd Give It: 3/5 Cupcakes
________________________________
Review Based On Softcover Edition
Taken From Princess Bookie (blog)
www.princessbookie.com
She ends up taking out her horse Sali on a midnight ride and bumps into Jesse Raven, the mysterious boy who lives on an island with his parents. Jesse can't go out in the sunlight or he'll burn, he doesn't need to eat, and he's very cute.
Cat and Jesse begin a romance that nobody understands and nobody wants them together, not even the town sheriff who is just looking for a reason to lock up the family.
Many secrets are unraveled throughout the novel, family secrets. Both Cat's and Jesse's. Honestly, I felt the relationship between Jesse and Cat was rushed. And I didn't feel much of a connection to any of the characters. Jesse and Cat just instantly had feelings for each other and that bothered me, they barely knew each other!
I liked the aspect of the book where the secrets came out, but it was a bit predictable. I knew mostly what was going to happen before it did. I did like learning all about Cat and why cat's liked her so much. I liked her brothers. I enjoyed the football scenes. I liked the chaos between her classmates.
I just felt the storyline was rushed, yet the book seemed to go on and on forever. I was ready to finish it about halfway through because I saw the ending coming.
Overall: After Midnight was an okay read. Will I read the next one? Yes, just to see what happens. I'd like to know more about her brothers and what happens to them as well. I'd like to know more about their abilities and what they choose to do with them.
Cover: I've seen similar versions of this cover on other books. It's an ok cover.
What I'd Give It: 3/5 Cupcakes
________________________________
Review Based On Softcover Edition
Taken From Princess Bookie (blog)
www.princessbookie.com
October 15, 2016
For me, this book went off to a slow start. I can't relate to the rural lifestyle the main character has been forced into. I also didn't find her to be a terribly strong heroine. The only time Cat truly exhibits the type of cunning I expect from a decent heroine is in her dealings with her brothers and the Ravens at the end. Once she starts taking responsibility for how her actions will affect other people, Cat becomes easier to sympathize with. This was when I started cheering for her. She did change a lot in the course of the novel, and for the better.
I will admit to having a distaste for both of Cat's brothers. They seem domineering and are completely lacking in sensitivity. Jesse was the only redeeming male character in the novel. Jesse and Cat's relationship is pretty realistic as far as pacing. It didn't happen overnight and it wasn't something that emerged as purely physical. They actually have respect and affection for each other: qualities that are sometimes forgotten in this genre. I just wonder how Cat gets enough sleep to be up at dawn when she's out all night with Jesse.
I was puzzled and startled by the sharp change of...perspective, let's say...that occurs at the end of the novel. I did not expect any of those changes in character and was unprepared for the betrayal of both of Cat's brothers as they conspire to hide the truth from her. Cat may be a year or so younger than Gray, but not significantly enough to merit sheltering her to her detriment. Clearly, that was not the approach taken with Gray, so I am baffled by this discrepancy.
What I can say for this novel is that the characters are more complex than they seem on the surface. It's just that what they are hiding does not truly match who I believe them to be. This made the twists in the novel seem unrealistic and forced, as though the author wanted the novel to end a certain way, but even when it didn't line up well with the beginning of the plot or the characters, she made it happen anyway.
This novel was a decent, quick read, but not something I will treasure. I am reading the sequel, but I don't have the same expectations I had going into this first novel.
I will admit to having a distaste for both of Cat's brothers. They seem domineering and are completely lacking in sensitivity. Jesse was the only redeeming male character in the novel. Jesse and Cat's relationship is pretty realistic as far as pacing. It didn't happen overnight and it wasn't something that emerged as purely physical. They actually have respect and affection for each other: qualities that are sometimes forgotten in this genre. I just wonder how Cat gets enough sleep to be up at dawn when she's out all night with Jesse.
I was puzzled and startled by the sharp change of...perspective, let's say...that occurs at the end of the novel. I did not expect any of those changes in character and was unprepared for the betrayal of both of Cat's brothers as they conspire to hide the truth from her. Cat may be a year or so younger than Gray, but not significantly enough to merit sheltering her to her detriment. Clearly, that was not the approach taken with Gray, so I am baffled by this discrepancy.
What I can say for this novel is that the characters are more complex than they seem on the surface. It's just that what they are hiding does not truly match who I believe them to be. This made the twists in the novel seem unrealistic and forced, as though the author wanted the novel to end a certain way, but even when it didn't line up well with the beginning of the plot or the characters, she made it happen anyway.
This novel was a decent, quick read, but not something I will treasure. I am reading the sequel, but I don't have the same expectations I had going into this first novel.
April 29, 2011
I don't even know where to begin with this review since it was a book that I was really looking forward to. While it was one I was excited to receive, it fell flat while reading the story.
After the death of her parents, Catlyn has been living with her oldest brother Patrick and middle brother Grayson. While Catlyn is trying to adjust to another move and yet another school, Patrick announces that they are finally going to settle down in one place and stay in Lost Lake, Florida. Catlyn tries to make the best of it, but she still feels like an outsider after the way she is treated by the people in town. When she decides to take a night ride on her horse Sali, she literally crashes into Jesse Raven, who just happens to be the mysterious boy who lives on an island in seclusion.
I felt the author did a great job at setting up the story in the beginning. It was paced nicely, but as soon as Jesse entered the storyline, the author rushed everything and at times leaves the reader confused. There were many times in the book that I wanted to stop reading the story even if I wanted to know what happens at the end. The romance was forced between Catlyn and Jesse, the secrets were not so secret at times, and the revelations that are revealed near the end are predictable and cliche. It seemed like the story had no outline and was just a jumble of thoughts and ideas rushed into a book. This could have been an amazing story if the author would have paced the story like the first few chapters instead of forcing the plot in a rush. I never could connect with any of the characters in the story. There wasn't much chemistry between Jesse and Catlyn, and what was there was too rushed.
Would I read the next book in the series? Yes, but only if the author can sit down and time the plot better. I am looking forward to see what the author will create for Grayson and Patrick, who in my opinion, were more exciting than Catlyn and Jesse. For that fact alone, I am willing to find out what their stories will bring.
After the death of her parents, Catlyn has been living with her oldest brother Patrick and middle brother Grayson. While Catlyn is trying to adjust to another move and yet another school, Patrick announces that they are finally going to settle down in one place and stay in Lost Lake, Florida. Catlyn tries to make the best of it, but she still feels like an outsider after the way she is treated by the people in town. When she decides to take a night ride on her horse Sali, she literally crashes into Jesse Raven, who just happens to be the mysterious boy who lives on an island in seclusion.
I felt the author did a great job at setting up the story in the beginning. It was paced nicely, but as soon as Jesse entered the storyline, the author rushed everything and at times leaves the reader confused. There were many times in the book that I wanted to stop reading the story even if I wanted to know what happens at the end. The romance was forced between Catlyn and Jesse, the secrets were not so secret at times, and the revelations that are revealed near the end are predictable and cliche. It seemed like the story had no outline and was just a jumble of thoughts and ideas rushed into a book. This could have been an amazing story if the author would have paced the story like the first few chapters instead of forcing the plot in a rush. I never could connect with any of the characters in the story. There wasn't much chemistry between Jesse and Catlyn, and what was there was too rushed.
Would I read the next book in the series? Yes, but only if the author can sit down and time the plot better. I am looking forward to see what the author will create for Grayson and Patrick, who in my opinion, were more exciting than Catlyn and Jesse. For that fact alone, I am willing to find out what their stories will bring.
February 3, 2012
I honestly thought this book was just mediocre and didn't care too much for it - until the last quarter, which was so cool that the book redeemed itself enough to earn three stars.
What I didn't like...
I didn't like the book, but I didn't really not like it either. For me, it was very cliche, predictable and at times really cheesy. I mean a girl is new in school. She makes friends with the odd ones (the school gossip and the smart loner boy). She's targeted by the popular boy and hated by the popular girl. She meets a mysterious boy and falls for him. And she finds out who she really is and realizes that the relationship is not going to be easy.
I thought it was annoying that we didn't find out what Jesse is until the last quarter of the book - a little late if you ask me. But all the hints leading up to finding out what he is are all pretty cliche - has a sickness, can't be out in sunlight, is on a strict diet. I wish Viehl had found something just a little bit more interesting. At last in Twilight, as cheesy as it is, Edward sparkled (though I did get a good chuckle out of that).
But the end was really awesome...
From the summary, we know that Jesse is a vampire, and that Cat is from a family of vampire hunters. But I was surprised to find that Viehl threw in a few more twists than just that, which made the book so much more interesting. I kind of wish it was a little earlier on. And the whole high school drama thing did catch me off guard too. I hadn't really seen that one coming, and even though I started having an idea at the end, I had assumed it was the obvious culprit. And the last few chapters are really pretty cool
In the end, I think I started liking the book when all the loose ends were tied. I just kind of wished the rest of the book had been more of the end's standards, and I would have liked it a whole lot more. Still, it wasn't a bad read at all.
What I didn't like...
I didn't like the book, but I didn't really not like it either. For me, it was very cliche, predictable and at times really cheesy. I mean a girl is new in school. She makes friends with the odd ones (the school gossip and the smart loner boy). She's targeted by the popular boy and hated by the popular girl. She meets a mysterious boy and falls for him. And she finds out who she really is and realizes that the relationship is not going to be easy.
I thought it was annoying that we didn't find out what Jesse is until the last quarter of the book - a little late if you ask me. But all the hints leading up to finding out what he is are all pretty cliche - has a sickness, can't be out in sunlight, is on a strict diet. I wish Viehl had found something just a little bit more interesting. At last in Twilight, as cheesy as it is, Edward sparkled (though I did get a good chuckle out of that).
But the end was really awesome...
From the summary, we know that Jesse is a vampire, and that Cat is from a family of vampire hunters. But I was surprised to find that Viehl threw in a few more twists than just that, which made the book so much more interesting. I kind of wish it was a little earlier on. And the whole high school drama thing did catch me off guard too. I hadn't really seen that one coming, and even though I started having an idea at the end, I had assumed it was the obvious culprit. And the last few chapters are really pretty cool
In the end, I think I started liking the book when all the loose ends were tied. I just kind of wished the rest of the book had been more of the end's standards, and I would have liked it a whole lot more. Still, it wasn't a bad read at all.
July 8, 2015
I’m a long-term fan of Lynn Viehl’s work, so when she released a young adult novel, I figured I’d give it a try. I was not disappointed.
After Midnight offers the reader a complex tale centered around Catlyn Youngblood, a teenager who lives with her two brothers because her parents were both killed in a car accident. After years of moving around and rarely finishing a year of school at the same place, her brother and guardian Trick declares they’ll be staying in some tiny, backwards town in the middle of nowhere.
The novel starts with more traditional high school issues, and offers those throughout, but a deeper, darker even, story unfolds when Cat defies her brother’s dictates to blow off steam in a midnight horseback ride.
As a sophisticated reader, I was able to pick up on cues about Jesse, her “dark boy,” long before Cat has clue, but at the same time, this is Lynn Viehl we’re talking about, so don’t expect things to be what they appear to be.
The story Cat and Jesse find themselves in offers surprises not only to the readers, but to the characters as well. No path this book takes is straight and obvious. There are twists and turns in the many plotlines that are seeded, but some in such a way to guarantee the “oh of course” reaction without a hope of figuring it out on your own.
I’d love to say more, but I keep running into the issue of spoilers, and I don’t want to disrupt the unfolding of the story for you. Suffice to say it offers a glimpse of the dark side of high school, and the light side; where family and love can conflict; and the moment when a young girl has to make her own decisions, and make good ones.
After Midnight is a delightful read, and I look forward to the next one showing up on my doorstep soon.
After Midnight offers the reader a complex tale centered around Catlyn Youngblood, a teenager who lives with her two brothers because her parents were both killed in a car accident. After years of moving around and rarely finishing a year of school at the same place, her brother and guardian Trick declares they’ll be staying in some tiny, backwards town in the middle of nowhere.
The novel starts with more traditional high school issues, and offers those throughout, but a deeper, darker even, story unfolds when Cat defies her brother’s dictates to blow off steam in a midnight horseback ride.
As a sophisticated reader, I was able to pick up on cues about Jesse, her “dark boy,” long before Cat has clue, but at the same time, this is Lynn Viehl we’re talking about, so don’t expect things to be what they appear to be.
The story Cat and Jesse find themselves in offers surprises not only to the readers, but to the characters as well. No path this book takes is straight and obvious. There are twists and turns in the many plotlines that are seeded, but some in such a way to guarantee the “oh of course” reaction without a hope of figuring it out on your own.
I’d love to say more, but I keep running into the issue of spoilers, and I don’t want to disrupt the unfolding of the story for you. Suffice to say it offers a glimpse of the dark side of high school, and the light side; where family and love can conflict; and the moment when a young girl has to make her own decisions, and make good ones.
After Midnight is a delightful read, and I look forward to the next one showing up on my doorstep soon.
October 10, 2011
Every book I read, I hope is a great and enjoyable book and one that I will read over and over again. Once in a while though I will read a book that I think doesn’t reach its full potential. Sadly this is one of those books. I thought that the author did a good job of making the story flow together with transitions, however the characters just did not feel real to me. I also felt that the plot could have been a little more original and have more depth to it.
The story begins with Catlyn who is a teenage girl who has moved around her whole life. Living with her two brothers, they finally find a place where they can settle down. In a middle of nowhere town called Lost Lake, Florida Catlyn begins high school where instantly she feels like an outsider. Suddenly her life changes for the better when she meets a strange boy in the woods near her house. Instantly she begins to harbor strong feelings for him, but finds out a shocking truth that is indeed a vampire and that she sorrowfully is vampire hunter. This sends them on a seemingly doomed relationship.
I was truly disappointed with this story. That just might be because I’m a guy and I wanted to see a deeper world in this book. But look this is simply my opinion; you might like it. I would not rush out to buy it though. Whenever you just want something to read that’s when I would get it.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
The story begins with Catlyn who is a teenage girl who has moved around her whole life. Living with her two brothers, they finally find a place where they can settle down. In a middle of nowhere town called Lost Lake, Florida Catlyn begins high school where instantly she feels like an outsider. Suddenly her life changes for the better when she meets a strange boy in the woods near her house. Instantly she begins to harbor strong feelings for him, but finds out a shocking truth that is indeed a vampire and that she sorrowfully is vampire hunter. This sends them on a seemingly doomed relationship.
I was truly disappointed with this story. That just might be because I’m a guy and I wanted to see a deeper world in this book. But look this is simply my opinion; you might like it. I would not rush out to buy it though. Whenever you just want something to read that’s when I would get it.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
February 27, 2012
first posted: http://newborrowedused.blogspot.com/2...
My Thoughts: Overall I enjoyed this story. I ended up liking the premise of the series more at the end once everything was explained. Who Cat's parents were and the different gifts the three Youngbloods have.
Cat and Gray worked for me but I'm not sure how much I care for the oldest brother Trick. He just seemed to over the top with his controlling of everything. Even after you find out why it seems like too much.
The romance between Cat and Jesse was OK. I'll wait to see where it goes before I make a final decision. I did like the fact that being around him or thinking about Jesse helped Cat to remember things she was meant to forget.
High school drama didn't work for me. I had that figured out right away but it detract from the book any. I love quirky so my favorite characters were Ego and Kari.
The only problem I had while reading this book, there seemed to be a lot of editing errors. Between missing word, double words and words out of place it became annoying. I'm used to there being a few but it seemed to be happening more often than usual in a finished book.
My Thoughts: Overall I enjoyed this story. I ended up liking the premise of the series more at the end once everything was explained. Who Cat's parents were and the different gifts the three Youngbloods have.
Cat and Gray worked for me but I'm not sure how much I care for the oldest brother Trick. He just seemed to over the top with his controlling of everything. Even after you find out why it seems like too much.
The romance between Cat and Jesse was OK. I'll wait to see where it goes before I make a final decision. I did like the fact that being around him or thinking about Jesse helped Cat to remember things she was meant to forget.
High school drama didn't work for me. I had that figured out right away but it detract from the book any. I love quirky so my favorite characters were Ego and Kari.
The only problem I had while reading this book, there seemed to be a lot of editing errors. Between missing word, double words and words out of place it became annoying. I'm used to there being a few but it seemed to be happening more often than usual in a finished book.
January 2, 2015
I read this one to get a taste of what is all the rage about vampire and romance stories; and found this to be an alright read, although there were a few grammatic errors, and a little predictable - sometimes. However, there were some unpredictable moment's too.
The story follows the teenager Caitlyn Youngblood, who (as you find out later in the story,) is the grand daughter of the legendary Vampire hunter Van Hesling.
Her and her brother are moved to a rundown farm to escape their previous lives, and to 'start again.' They are a little freakish compared to your normal teens, so seem to be ostracized wherever they end up.
Unfortunately, she meets the dark and mysterious boy, Jesse Raven.
Her dad, and also Jesse's' family (very rich as can be predicted . . .) are dead-set against the budding romance and will stop at nothing to prevent it.
Why? I cannot tell you.
Yes I did enjoy the story although it was a little slow in some places, kind of meandering through some parts, so the flow was not all face-paced.
The story follows the teenager Caitlyn Youngblood, who (as you find out later in the story,) is the grand daughter of the legendary Vampire hunter Van Hesling.
Her and her brother are moved to a rundown farm to escape their previous lives, and to 'start again.' They are a little freakish compared to your normal teens, so seem to be ostracized wherever they end up.
Unfortunately, she meets the dark and mysterious boy, Jesse Raven.
Her dad, and also Jesse's' family (very rich as can be predicted . . .) are dead-set against the budding romance and will stop at nothing to prevent it.
Why? I cannot tell you.
Yes I did enjoy the story although it was a little slow in some places, kind of meandering through some parts, so the flow was not all face-paced.
March 13, 2011
If you've read my past reviews, you know I am a serious sucker for paranormal romance. This book is full of it. Yes, I will tell you parts of the this relationship feels rushed. They become too gah-gah for each other a little soon. However, I still love it when two characters are willing to do anything for each other. Abandon their families, chance dying or whatever it takes to be together. It totally adds to the romance.
There really isn't any elements that make it stand out among other YA paranormal romances I've read, but that didn't keep me from enjoying this one. The element that makes Cat and Jesse mortal enemies was a nice touch though. I love the VanHelsing story as well as the movie with Kate Beckinsale and Hugh Jackman.
Read this one if you like paranormal romance.
3.5/5
For More YA Reviews: www.youngadultbookworm.blogspot.com
There really isn't any elements that make it stand out among other YA paranormal romances I've read, but that didn't keep me from enjoying this one. The element that makes Cat and Jesse mortal enemies was a nice touch though. I love the VanHelsing story as well as the movie with Kate Beckinsale and Hugh Jackman.
Read this one if you like paranormal romance.
3.5/5
For More YA Reviews: www.youngadultbookworm.blogspot.com
July 26, 2011
I'm a very great fan of Lynn Viehl's PNR books, and this foray into the YA world doesn't disappoint at all.
Catlyn Youngblood and her brothers Patrick and Grayson move to Lost Lake, Florida after years of moving home every couple of years or so. Cat hopes for a normal life, although things don't go well at the new school she and Gray attend. Lonely, and wary of making friends, she takes refuge with her horse and explores the new property the family own.
Here she meets Jesse, riding his own horse, in the middle of the night and a friendship develops. Things happen that she doesn't quite understand, but her growing affection for Jesse makes her question what is going on around her.
The unexpected explanation of all things weird comes with a very strong conclusion, and I really will look forward to the next in the series.
Catlyn Youngblood and her brothers Patrick and Grayson move to Lost Lake, Florida after years of moving home every couple of years or so. Cat hopes for a normal life, although things don't go well at the new school she and Gray attend. Lonely, and wary of making friends, she takes refuge with her horse and explores the new property the family own.
Here she meets Jesse, riding his own horse, in the middle of the night and a friendship develops. Things happen that she doesn't quite understand, but her growing affection for Jesse makes her question what is going on around her.
The unexpected explanation of all things weird comes with a very strong conclusion, and I really will look forward to the next in the series.
May 29, 2014
I like how cat, Gray, and trick stick together and how the oldest takes place as the parent. I dislike the copp. I like it when Gray tries out for Football and turns out to be great at it. I hate Grays GF. I love when jesse and Cat start to meet in secret. I like the fact that Gray and Trick notice Cat's new attitude. I like how when Cat goes to the zoo and helps that little kid aand Jesse shows up to save her(even though she did not need his help.)I like when Trick sees Cat with the Ravens and freaks out. y favorite si prom when the fight happens and Jesse shows up. I also like how Cat stays with Jesse even when he was around the blood. I hate that Gray and Trick erase Cat's mind and how upset Trick is on the "first" day of school. I love how Cat gets her memory back . My absolute favorite part is when i find out all of the story links back to another story(Dracula.)
June 11, 2011
Catlyn Youngblood and her brothers are used to changing towns and schools. But maybe this time they can stay. After her parents' deaths she and her brother Gray went to live with their older brother Patrick. They have moved from place to place because her brother worked with computers and moved every six months. But now they are on a farm in Central Florida and Trick says they can stay. Cat meets Jesse one night when she is out riding her horse. They fall in love but he doesn't go to school with her. He is the rich son of the people who own most of the town and he can't go out in daylight. This was Romeo and Juliet with some Twilight thrown in too. There were lots of twists and turns and surprises in the story. It was a nice young adult romance.
May 9, 2013
As a fan of Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series, I was curious about her foray into the YA genre. I was not disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think Viehl's transition into the YA market was a huge success. Everything about the story perfectly appealed to my tastes and I am so glad I have book 2 ready to go because I'm hooked! I do feel I have to mention the one thing about this book that needs improvement, which has nothing to do with the actual story. I noticed a LOT of typographical errors, in fact I've only ever read one other book with more errors than this one. It's too bad because every time I hit an error I'd be pulled out of the story. Even a simple grammar check in Word would have identified the large number of missing and incorrect words.
September 10, 2011
3.5 stars. The story was really good, and I'm looking forward to the second book in the series, but the publishers really need to hire a better editor! There were SO MANY mistakes in this book that, instead of getting into the flow of the story and enjoying it to it's possible fullest, I was mostly distracted by the errors and royaly annoyed! If you're not aggravated to no living end by numorous editing boo-boos, you will probably like this book. One other small complaint: the boy on the cover looks more like a member of "Jersey Shore" than the swoon-worthy description of Jesse Raven (I pictured Ben Barnes while reading and avoided flipping back to the front cover altogether-that helps!)
October 20, 2011
This is really more of a three-and-a-half star book, but it doesn't quite rate 4. Girl with no parents, being raised by two older brothers moves to, like, the fifty-fifth new town of her life, is a leper in her new school...and falls for Jesse Raven, who lives with his parents on an isolated island where no one even answers the phone. Jesse, of course, is allergic to sunlight. And garlic. And iron. Because yeah, he's a vampire. But then...there's this huge twist at the end that made me want to keep reading sort of. In the end, not sure how I feel about this addition to the never-ending parade of vampire books.
January 14, 2012
So this girl moves into a new town where she doesn't know anyone and starts a new school. She doesn't consider herself particularly pretty and has never had a boyfriend. But she meets this mysterious, gorgeous, rich guy who's family is very secretive and reclusive. Nobody knows a lot about him, but she falls for him, and of course, he falls for her. Except, wait, it turns out he's a vampire!
Sounds familiar, right? Except this book is not Twilight. In all, very disappointing. No original material, not particularly insightful. The characters are shallow and the story is sort of pointless. I was really disappointed.
Sounds familiar, right? Except this book is not Twilight. In all, very disappointing. No original material, not particularly insightful. The characters are shallow and the story is sort of pointless. I was really disappointed.
February 4, 2012
This author needed to do quite a bit more research for this to get five stars. From the first 2 chapters on, I was extremely frustrated with the setup of the novel. Here's some things that bothered me:
1) high school freshman do not take calculus (I should know, I'm a senior taking calculus)
2)despite four years of high school, I have yet to see someone get dunked in a urinal.
3) teachers don't just back down because a football player tells them to.
4) breaking into an animal habitat is not as easy as lifting up a grate.
5) the lineage aspect needed more explanation
The story itself was a good story, but I just couldn't ignore the unrealistic details.
1) high school freshman do not take calculus (I should know, I'm a senior taking calculus)
2)despite four years of high school, I have yet to see someone get dunked in a urinal.
3) teachers don't just back down because a football player tells them to.
4) breaking into an animal habitat is not as easy as lifting up a grate.
5) the lineage aspect needed more explanation
The story itself was a good story, but I just couldn't ignore the unrealistic details.
February 16, 2012
Summary:
Sophomore Catlyn Youngblood is used to her nomadic existence. When they settle down in Lost Lake, Florida, Cat meets the enigmatic, handsome Jesse Raven. As their attraction intensifies, Cat learns that the Ravens are a centuries-old vampire clan, and--worse still--she is a descendent of a world-famous vampire hunter.
Review:
I liked it. The characters were enjoyable and the story kept you guessing but in the end I felt it was rushed. I wish the story was developed more and it just didn't come to an end. But I see that this is only the first book in a series so I hope the next book picks up and is more detailed with the story line and just doesn't leave you hanging.
Sophomore Catlyn Youngblood is used to her nomadic existence. When they settle down in Lost Lake, Florida, Cat meets the enigmatic, handsome Jesse Raven. As their attraction intensifies, Cat learns that the Ravens are a centuries-old vampire clan, and--worse still--she is a descendent of a world-famous vampire hunter.
Review:
I liked it. The characters were enjoyable and the story kept you guessing but in the end I felt it was rushed. I wish the story was developed more and it just didn't come to an end. But I see that this is only the first book in a series so I hope the next book picks up and is more detailed with the story line and just doesn't leave you hanging.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews