Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die For Me by Amy Plum
Expected publication date: 10th May, 2011
Source: Thanks to HarperTeen (netgalley)

DIE FOR ME is the first of three books about Kate, a sixteen-year-old American who moves to Paris after the death of her parents. It introduces a new version of the undead with revenants, beings who are fated to sacrifice themselves over and over again to save others’ lives. Kate finds herself falling for Vincent, who she discovers is not the typical French teenager he appears: he is something else entirely.

DIE FOR ME presents a new supernatural mythology presented in a city where dreams are sometimes the same as reality.

My Review:

LOVE this book!  Die For Me was one of my most anticipated reads of 2011, after hearing good things from a friend who read it early in the publishing stage. So as you can imagine I had high expectations and I can happily say they were exceeded.     

Plum's writing I couldn't get enough of it.  Her prose is beautiful and magnetic.  While the concept was truly unique and intriguing.  The pace was perfect allowing the beauty of this story to soak in, like the descriptions of the Paris setting ~sighs~.   Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world, so romantic and gorgeous.  And Die For Me being set there added some extra charm to this story.  Also it was a refreshing change from the usual high school setting.  There was talk of art, museums and sitting at Cafe' on the streets of Paris reading a book that will make you want to trade places with Kate (that and the kissing scenes with Vincent).        

The characters were fantastic.  What I loved most about Kate is she thought about the consequences before making a decision.  It was nice change from your typical heroine that rushes into everything.  She was smart, strong and genuine.   Vincent ~pâmoison~ (that is swoon in French...I hope).  Gorgeous, mysterious, sweet yet sexy and has a french accent.  What else could a girl want!

And the romance ~sighs again~.  If you are like me and are a complete romantic fool you are going to love Kate's and Vincent's relationship.  It was delicious yet tender.  Lots of  playful banter and yummy kissing scenes.   I could quote so many moments but I can't since this is an ARC (I will have to wait until a book boyfriend post).

Oh and if you hate those damn cliffhangers then you are going to love this beautiful ending that gave us a little something extra.  I wish that every series could end like this one.

Overall, Die For Me is an awesome debut that I want to read all over again.  It is a passionate and engaging read that I highly recommend for fans of paranormal romance.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Cover: 5/5

For More Info: Visit Amy Plum's website

For More reviews:  Goodreads

Out For Blood by Alyxandra Harvey

Goodreads Description - Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, she sees the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that can become friends—or even more. When students at the academy fall victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would be easy?

My Review:

Favourite Quote: "His fangs lengthened, but only a little.  I wouldn't even have noticed if I wasn't used to watching for things like that.  And it didn't make me nervous for some reason.  I wasn't scared, and not just because I had a purse full of small sharp weapons.  There was something between us suddenly, and it wasn't merely a secret unraveling."

I always have a blast reading The Drake Chronicles and Out for Blood is no exception.  There are certain elements that I require for a good vampire tale and this book ticks all the boxes - fast paced plot, action and adventure, witty dialogue and a delicious romance.

First of all this is not your average vampire tale.  It has such a unique concept with the Helios-Ra, the hounds, the Host, and the Hel-Blar.  In this installment Harvey focuses mostly on the Helio-Ra Academy where they train teenagers the skills to kill vampires.  While the writing is good and the plot captures your attention (I devoured it in one day), it is a tad bit predictable.  Don't get me wrong, there are some little surprises along the way but you know in the end the guy and the girl are going to up end together and of course save the day.  But I like it that way.  It is nice to have a series that doesn't need to end of a cliffhanger or with a break up. 

Each installment focuses on a different member of The Drake family (expect book one which had Solange and Nicholas Drake).  Out For Blood is Quinn Drake and Hunter Wild's story.  And let me tell you I have been waiting for Quinn's tale (I have been drooling over him since book 1).  Apart from being delicious, he has an energetic attitude and is a big flirt.   While Hunter is strong and fierce but a sweetheart.  Not only can she kick some butt but she is the type of girl who you would want to be friends with.   Quinn and Hunter relationship is filled with lots of flirting making for sizzling chemistry.  It also a lot of fun and it is nice change from all those intense paranormal romances.

We also get to visit some of our favourite couples and characters from the previous books.   I love getting a glimpse of what is going on in Lucy and Nicholas' lives.  I love their snarky but sweet banter toward each other. 

Overall, Out for Blood won't disappoint fans of this series.

Here are some other quotes I enjoyed:

"You are actually strutting", Nicholas muttered.

"Just a little.  It is good for the soul."

"Quit studying- we haven't even started classes yet.  Tell me about the Drake brothers.  Are they as yummy as everyone says?"

"Totally."  I didn't even have to think about that one.  "It was like being in a room full of Johnny Depps.  One of them even kind of dressed like a pirate."

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing: 4/5

Characters:5/5

Romance:5/5

Cover: 4/5

Recommend for fans of:  Morganville Vampires Series and vampire action/romance.

For More Info: Alyxandra Harvey's website.

Note: Book 4 - Bleeding Hearts will have 3 POV's Connor (Quinn's twin) Christabel (Lucy's cousin) and also Lucy! So excited as I love Lucy and wherever Lucy is Nicholas is sure to be! They are my favourite couple.