Common Sense Media Review
Sexually violent book is nothing like the TV show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 61 kid reviews
Kids say the book features themes of love and friendship mixed with violence and some mature content, making it suitable for older teens rather than younger readers. While many enjoyed the story and character development, some reviews noted that it differs significantly from the television adaptation, which they found more appealing due to its pacing and depth.
- mature content
- violence present
- character development
- different from show
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A mysterious new student (Stefan) arrives at a high school and the most popular girl in school (Elena) becomes obsessed with him, especially when he tries to ignore her. She uses everyone around her to get him to notice her. Meanwhile murders of animals, pets, and humans start happening around town -- not the time to use the local graveyard as a hook-up spot. When tragedy strikes and Elena and another girl are assaulted it finally gets Stefan's attention.
Is It Any Good?
This is definitely not a Twilight wannabe. Instead of tons of pining and talk of handsome otherworldy characters and their allure there are almost lurid descriptions of vampires hunting and feeding on animals -- including beloved pets and humans. Gratuitous assaults and a rape do not enhance a story that is basically about life in high school 20 years ago; no cell phones, no Internet, no strong femal characters. And the main characters find true love but don't find any self-awareness or gain any emotional maturity by the story's end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether reading horror or scary stories helps readers to face fear in real life.
How can you tell this book was written nearly 20 years ago?
Are vampires criminals?
Why do people let Elena treat them badly?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Horror
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : September 1, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 253
- Last updated : May 27, 2022
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