Are you over-vampired and tired of werewolves?  Or, are you dying for more?  Either way, these two novels offer fresh takes on the supernatural and are worth checking out! 

Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising
by Jason Henderson

Summary:  Alex is surprised to discover that he doesn’t simply share the name of a legendary vampire hunter, he might actually become one too.

Thoughts:  I admit I have been a little over-vampired.  I was a huge Twilight fan when it was first published, but I've grown weary of the vampire mania.  So, I wasn't that excited to read this new novel by first time novelist Jason Henderson.  But, I heard a lot about it and decided to give it a try.  Boy, am I glad I did!  I loved it!  Mr. Henderson's vampire storyline is fresh & new and filled with delicious literary & historical references.  I just ate it up!  It's a an exciting, suspense-filled adventure that is anything but a Twilight copycat.  One review calls it a "modern-day spin of James Bond meets Dracula" which sums it up perfectly!  Fans of Vladimir Tod, Alex Rider, Alfred Kropp, the Young Bond series, or anyone who likes good adventure, try this new series by Jason Henderson.     

Click here for more info about the Alex Van Helsing series and author Jason Henderson!
 

Claire de Lune
by Christine Johnson

Summary:  Claire, a seemingly normal 16-year-old, is thrilled when she finally catches the attention of handsome, popular Matthew.  But, she soon discovers a family secret and realizes she is anything but normal.   

Thoughts:  Again, I wasn't thrilled about another werewolf novel, but was pleasantly surprised with Claire de Lune.  The mother-daughter relationship and the concepts of self-acceptance are explored in this suspenseful, intriguing fantasy. I really liked Matthew, the boy who captures Claire's heart, and liked that he is the son of Claire's mother's arch enemy.  Lots of tension, intrigue, and romance.  I am hoping for a sequel to this fun, alpha-female fantasy!  :)     

Click here for more details about Claire de Lune and author Christine Johnson.

Sucks to be Me

by Kimberly Pauley

Summary: Most teenagers are wrestling with questions about their future, but not many must make the decision Mina faces: become a vampire or stay human? Mina's parents are vampires, and it's never been that big of deal. But now, Mina must attend vampire orientation classes and decide whether or not she wants to become one. Her life is about to change forever, and she only has a month to decide! New friends, would-be boyfriends, living forever? Or, her lifelong best friend and the life she's always know?

Thoughts: Sucks to be Me is a sassy, lighthearted vampire novel. I liked Mina and the contrast between her real-world high school experiences & the vampire realm. I also liked Mina's lists, vampire "myth-busting", and her eccentric English teacher. This is a fun choice for readers looking for vampire novels without the gory bite!

Evernight

By Claudia Gray

Summary: Bianca is dreading her first day at the Evernight Academy. Her parents have taken positions as professors at this elite school, and she is forced to leave her hometown to come to the exclusive academy. Bianca feels like she will never fit in with the rich, glamorous, gifted Evernight students. But, then she meets Lucas, a fellow outsider, and her world is turned upside down. The two connect immediately; but does their relationship have a chance when both are hiding deep, dark secrets?

Thoughts: I was pulled into this book immediately. I loved the mysterious, boarding school setting and the plot twists and turns. This is a good choice for fans of vampire fiction who are looking for something beyond Twilight. I can't wait for the sequel!

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

Twilight

by Stephenie Meyer

Summary: When her mother remarries, Bella Swan moves from sunny Phoenix to rain-soaked Forks, Washington to live with her father. She just wants to fit into her new school without being noticed. But noticed she is, by the gorgeous and mysterious Edward Cullen. Bella is instantly drawn to Edward, and she is determined to unveil the true identity behind this distant yet alluring boy.

Thoughts: This captivating novel is one of my very favorites. If you haven't read Bella & Edward's story, be sure to do so before the film release on December 12, 2008. The story continues in New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.

Suck It Up

by Brian Meehl

Summary: Morning McCobb is graduating from the International Vampire League. Unlike his gorgeous, skilled classmates, Morning is a scrawny loner who has never fit in with the other vampires. Suprisingly, however, he is given the chance to become a superhero (his lifelong dream!) by taking on the League's bold mission: becoming the first vampire to reveal his identity to humans. There are many challenges in store for Morning including resisting the charms of a lovely "Lifer" and evading a vampire killer!

Thoughts: This is a fun, clever novel with a lot of action and humor. It is an original spin on the vampire tale with a lot of twists, turns, and "punny" surprises.