Pretty Dead

Title: Pretty Dead

Author: Francesca Lia Block

Summary: Charlotte, with her willowy frame, designer clothes, perfect skin, and long blonde hair is pretty. But she is also dead. A vampire who has traveled the world and been witness to nearly every horror of the 20th century, she longs for a companion to spend her days with, even though she would never curse another with immortality. When she meets the sweet-natured Emily, they develop an intense friendship. But when Emily’s dead body is found, the result of an apparent suicide, Charlotte begins to change. It begins with a torn fingernail. Then, a pimple appears on her perfect forehead.

As Charlotte wonders what is happening to her, her relationship with Emily’s boyfriend Jared intensifies. And when Charlotte’s creator and former companion William, appears, it seems that not even the dead are safe. Can Charlotte reclaim her humanity and keep Jared from succumbing to his desire to become a monster? This fast-paced story takes the traditional vampire tale and twists it just enough to satisfy readers who might be Twilight-ed out.

Who will like this book: Fans of paranormal romances (and not just the ones by Stephenie Meyer.) Readers who have enjoyed the other urban fantasy books by this prolific and award-winning author.

If you like this, try this: The Weetzie Bat books by Francesca Lia Block. The Immortals books by Alyson Noel. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Title: Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Author: Justin Somper

Summary: Twins Connor and Grace are freshly-made orphans after their storytelling father dies. Left with a tale of the ‘vampirates’ they set out onto the ocean to find a place to live. But a storm darkens their hopes as their boat is wrecked and they are separated – Connor is saved by a strong second-in-command – Cheng Li – of some not-so-honest pirates, and Grace by the mysterious boy Lorcan who never seems to go out into the sun… Will the two be able to find each other, let alone survive?

Who will like this book?: People out for a good pirate or vampire story that isn’t just about gore and violence. It holds some mystery, and is a great sea shanty as well.

If you like this, try this: The sequels, Vampirates: Tide of Terror and Vampirates: Blood Captain.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.