The Chronicles Of Vladimir Tod - A Biting Good Series

Totally awesome. That enough of a review for ya? Ha. In (longer) truth, this is a great series, one with appeal for both sexes and all ages. (Well, down to a certain age. Some stuff in here not appropriate for really young kids.) It's the kind of book you give someone who is convinced they don't like to read, especially if they liked the Twilight movies or Buffy on TV. Action packed, nerve-wracking and dilemma-filled. Great fun, but also good openings for some interesting philosophical conversations.

The Chronicles are the story of Vladimir Tod, who's about to start eighth grade as the series opens. His secret has been safe so far, well except from his best friend, Henry, whom he bit back when they were eight. But his world is about to be turned upside down as he discovers there is far more to being a vampire than the need for blood. The world his father came from clashes with the only world he's ever known, putting his life in danger and making high school even more difficult than normal.

Populating Bathory with Vlad are his best friend Henry, "aunt" and guardian Nelly, his "uncle" Otis Otis and Henry's cousin Joss, who just happens to be a vampire slayer. Not to mention Meredith, who Vlad is crushing on, and Snow, who crushes on Vlad but is really only a food source to him. The major characters are well drafted - with possible exception of Nelly, who is fairly stock but also doesn't have much of a role - although we only see inside Vlad's head for motivations. His world is filled with complicated relationships with humans and vampires and bullies, all of which are highly believable.

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