Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Suspenseful vampire horror really goes for the gore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 10 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a mix of excitement and gore, appealing mainly to teens and older due to its violent content and some mature themes, like romance and drugs. Although some readers praise its fast-paced action and character development, others criticize its excessive violence and confusing plot, suggesting it might not suit younger audiences or those sensitive to graphic details.
- over 10 recommended
- teen audience
- graphic violence
- mixed reviews
- action-packed plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Two years after Jamie Carpenter sees his father shoot himself as the authorities close in, his mother is kidnapped and Jamie is picked up by Department 19. The super-secret organization informs him that his mother is being held by a vampire -- the oldest and most sadistic one. They also tell him that his father worked for Department 19. In fact, the Carpenters were one of the founding families of the organization, guaranteeing Jamie a place there. Hoping to save his mother, he quickly trains and suits up in some pretty impressive vampire-hunter gear. But the vampire is always three steps ahead of him, even with the monster Frankenstein and an attractive teen vampire helping Jamie track him down.
Is It Any Good?
Horror fans are really in for a treat. Even those who think they've read too many vampire books in the last few years will enjoy visiting the undead in DEPARTMENT 19. It's got plenty of gore, but it's also smart with good twists that will keep teens guessing. The author adds depth by flashing back to classic characters from the genre, like the original vampire hunters who took down Count Dracula. Frankenstein's monster is also a character, which could have been hokey (see Young Frankenstein for proof), but instead readers will find him complex, funny, terribly loyal, and a born vampire hunter. Jamie's montage-like vampire hunter training session seems familiar (see The Matrix), but it's easily forgivable. In the end, readers will quickly drain Department 19 and be thirsty for more. This is going to be a riveting series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about horror, blood, and guts. Is there too much in this book, or is it just right for the subject matter?
Were you shocked by any of the gory scenes, or does it remind you of video games you've played or movies you've watched?
This is yet another vampire book. How is it different from what's been wildly popular the last couple years? How is it the same? What drew you to the book?
Book Details
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