Vampire Kisses
📘 About This Book
In her small town, dubbed "Dullsville," sixteen-year-old Raven -- a vampire-crazed goth-girl -- is an outcast. But not for long... The intriguing and rumored-to-be haunted mansion on top of Benson Hill has stood vacant and boarded-up for years. That is, until its mysteriously strange new occupants move in. Who are these creepy people -- especially the handsome, dark, and elusive Alexander Sterling? Or rather, what are they? Could the town prattle actually ring true? Are they vampires? Raven, who secretly covets a vampire kiss, both at the risk of her own mortality and Alexander's loving trust, is dying to uncover the truth. Ellen Schreiber's spooky and stirring romance tells the story of two outsiders who fall in love in a town where conformity reigns, and ends with a shocking surprise.
📖 Summary
Ellen Schreiber's young adult fiction novel, Vampire Kisses, plunges readers into the dreary and uninspired atmosphere of Dullsville, a small town where conformity reigns supreme and individuality is treated like a foreign disease. Enter sixteen-year-old Raven, an outcast who proudly embraces her identity as a vampire-crazed goth-girl. Surrounded by people who value normalcy and dull predictability, Raven stands out with her dramatic style and deep obsession with the supernatural. For years, the gloomy, rumored-to-be haunted mansion perched atop Benson Hill has remained vacant, boarded up, and shrouded in local superstitions. That all changes when a mysterious new family moves into the sprawling estate, instantly sparking endless town prattle and curious whispers. Among the strange new occupants is Alexander Sterling, a handsome, dark, and elusive young man who immediately captures Raven's imagination and curiosity. As Raven begins to investigate the newcomers, she is driven by a secret desire that borders on the dangerous: she covets a vampire kiss. This yearning puts her own mortality on the line, threatening not only her physical safety but also the delicate, budding trust between her and Alexander. The book weaves a spooky and stirring romance between two total outsiders trying to navigate a world that demands uniformity. As their bond deepens, Raven is determined to uncover the ultimate truth about Alexander and his family, risking everything to find out if the wild rumors circulating through Dullsville are actually true. Are Alexander and his relatives truly creatures of the night? The narrative builds tension through atmospheric settings, secret meetings, and the classic clash between a misunderstood teenager and a small-minded community. Along the way, themes of first love, the beauty of being different, and the cost of chasing romantic fantasies come to the forefront. The story ultimately culminates in a shocking surprise that challenges everything Raven thought she knew about her handsome neighbor, the haunted mansion on Benson Hill, and the true nature of love and mortality. Vampire Kisses stands as an engaging piece of young adult literature that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they did not quite belong in their hometown.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and atmospheric setting that captures a classic spooky romance vibe.
Relatable and distinct protagonist who proudly owns her individuality as an outcast.
Fast-paced plot filled with mystery, small-town gossip, and romantic tension.
A shocking final twist that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
⚠️ Cons
The small-town setting relies heavily on familiar young adult tropes and clichés.
Some secondary characters can feel one-dimensional compared to the main pair.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the main character of Vampire Kisses? +
The main character is sixteen-year-old Raven, a vampire-crazed goth-girl living in Dullsville.
Who is Alexander Sterling? +
Alexander Sterling is the handsome, dark, and elusive new neighbor who moves into the haunted mansion on Benson Hill.
What is the setting of the book? +
The story is set in a small, conformist town fittingly dubbed Dullsville.
What is Raven's secret desire? +
Raven secretly covets a vampire kiss, risking both her mortality and Alexander's trust.
How does the book end? +
The novel concludes with a shocking surprise that challenges Raven's understanding of the town and her new love interest.
