cover image Vampire Crush

Vampire Crush

A.M. Robinson, HarperTeen, $8.99 trade paper (416p) ISBN 978-0-06-198971-1

Robinson's debut is a snappy, romantic tale in which even vampires have to deal with high school drama. Junior Sophie McGee is focused on becoming editor-in-chief of the school paper and thinks writing fluff pieces on new students like Vlad Smithson is a waste of time. Finding out that all the new kids know each other, her investigative reporter instincts are tickled, and she's compelled to snoop. Complications start when James, her old next-door nemesis/best friend, returns to town and is somehow connected to the creepy new kids. Things turn downright dangerous after Sophie is attacked and uncovers Vlad's real reason for moving to town. James tries to protect her, but he's not exactly the boy she remembers, and dealing with their mutual attraction is hard since it appears that they're going to end up on opposite sides. Robinson keeps things light through Sophie's sense of humor, and danger and excitement push the story forward. Lively twists and unusual characters add fun to what is ultimately a love story, but many unresolved questions indicate a sequel may lie ahead. Ages 12–up. (Jan.)