Book Review & Giveaway- Cryptic Cravings

By Ellen Schreiber

Published by Harper Teen

Released on May 17th, 2011

Source- Book from publisher to review

The morbidly monotonous Dullsville has finally become the most exciting place on earth now that Raven is madly in love with her hot vampire boyfriend Alexander, and a crew of vampires has taken residence in Dullsville's old mill. Raven discovers Jagger's plan to open a new club, The Crypt, right here in Dullsville. But is it her dream come true, or her worst nightmare? Raven and Alexander have to figure out what the nefarious vampire has in store for Dullsville's teen and vampire population. Can Raven convince Jagger to listen to her plans to make the Crypt the morbidly magnificent dance club it could be? Will it be safe for mortals and vampires alike?

And as Sebastian and Luna's relationship heats up, Raven wonders about her own amorous fate: Will Alexander ever turn her? Does he crave her and does he want to spend eternity together? And what does she really want?

Being the 8th book in the series, and the first one I've read I feel like I've missed really getting to know the characters, but there's enough of a story line that I didn't feel lost as to was going on, or who was who. Raven, the story's main character seems like a very accepting, open minded, fearless character. I mean she hangs out with vampires and wants nothing more than her vampire boyfriend to turn her so she can be with him forever. The only thing that bothered me about her was how immature I felt her voice was for the story. I'm still trying to figure out her and Alexander's relationship. Alexander seems like a great character and someone who really loves Raven, but I can't figure out if Raven really loves him or loves him because he's a vampire. However, I liked the fact that both of them are very supportive of each other, and work through their misunderstandings.

I can't speak for the series, but Cryptic Cravings is a very character driven plot, which makes it a light, fun, read. Much of this story is centered on a new club being opened and the worries and fears about new vampires coming to town, because a club would be opened for humans and one for vampires. I'm the type of reader who feels engaged with a book when there's a bit of action or suspense, both of which this story doesn't have. I was also a little confused about Raven not being able to make up her mind about the club. She was against it, then was supportive of it, then changed her mind again before she and Alexander decided to support it. There are a few character twists and even an introduction of a new one for the next book. Even though I've not read the series to really get to know Trevor, I felt I got a pretty good idea about the type of character he is just from reading this book, and I like that twist Ellen throws in with him and Raven.

With everything that happens at the end at the book with the characters, I'm a bit curious as to what Alexander's sister will throw into the mix with the next book. My only guess is chaos will ensue with everyone. Over all Cryptic Cravings is clean cut, fast paced, light read.

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As part of The Dark Days of Summer Tour, I was able to meet Ellen when she was in Austin and she graciously signed this hard copy of the book for us to giveaway. To enter, please fill out the form below:

* This is open to everyone

* You must be 13 yrs & older to enter

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