BOOKS, Pick of the Month: March

Did you all notice that nowadays most books are all about vampires? There is just something so intriguing about them, don't you think? So we at Namelia-J have decided to do book reviews on four vampire novels this month! And let me tell you, trying to decide the pick of the month was very difficult because these books were just so GOOD.

"Marked" by P.C and Kristin Cast
Namelia-J's Pick of the Month



When sixteen year old Zoey is marked by the Tracker, she knows her old life is over. Now she has to leave her friends and family to join the House of Night School, where there's only one subject Zoey needs to study: Vampire 101. Of course, there's always a catch, and this one's nice and simple: if you fail, you die...

We think: Someone please give the mother and daughter team which consists P.C. and Kristin Cast an award! This is the first book in the House of Night series. They have created an intriguing story where readers can definitely relate to the characters. Sadly, the book ended when the excitement was just beginning. I would like to read more of the Casts' works on House of Night series and hopefully, the rest will be just as good, if not better!




"Blue Bloods" by Melissa De La Cruz

Schuyler Van Allen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes to the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler's life changes dramatically. The death of a popular schoolmate haunts her in unexpected ways. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her. Once an outcast, Schuyler is is thrust into Manhattan's most exclusive social circle. Its members are the powerful, the wealthy, and - as Schuyler soon discovers - the inhuman. They are Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires, and for centuries they've been invincible. Now something is preying on this elite group, and Schuyler wants to find out the truth. But is she the most vulnerable of them all?

We think: Sexy and compelling, this is definitely a book that you should read. I think Melissa De La Cruz has created one of the most interesting concepts of vampires, far different from your traditional stake-fearing vampire. Give this book a try and you will see for yourself that you will get addicted to Melissa De La Cruz's Blue Bloods series.

"Cirque Du Freak" by Darren Shan

Darren Shan is just an ordinary schoolboy - until he gets an invitation to visit the Cirque Du Freak... until he meets Madam Octa... until he comes face to face with a creature of the night. Soon, Darren and his friend Steve are caught in a deadly trap. Darren must make a bargain with the one person who can save Steve. But that person is not human and only deals in blood...

We think: As the first book of the Darren Shan saga, it is a great start to a great series. This series is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you begging for more. This book even made me cry at one point because of the emotional part of it. You can't go wrong with this book. Even J.K Rowling, the genius behind the Harry Potter series, reviewed this book, saying, 'A compelling book... a plot full of twists which leaves the reader hungry for more.'

"A Girl's Guide to Vampires" by Katie MacAlister

Nowadays, finding The One really can be a pain in the neck. Joy Randall should know. She's been looking for the right guy for years. But, as yet, no real man has lived up to the heroes of the vampire romance novels she's completely addicted to. So when her friend Roxy suggests a holiday to the Czech Republic, Joy simply can't say no. After all, it has everything: A craggy romantic landscape; tall, dark, handsome strangers; Immortal, undead, bloodsucking fiends... OK, the last one is just Roxy's imagination. Because vampires don't really exist... or do they? Plagued by dreams of a handsome stranger, haunted by a mysterious prophecy, and pursued by three pale, brooding, sinister suitors, suddenly, Joy isn't so sure...

We think: The beginning of the book is really slow and boring, it is only later on that this book gets interesting. But not interesting enough. Not only that, but I found that Joy's bestfriend, Roxy, is really annoying. I think this book might have strayed away from the plot somewhat. But this book is not all bad. There is definitely a few highlights in this book. But not enough to call this book good.