Hearts at Stake (Drake Chronicles, Book 1) - Softcover

Grade 8 Up—There is a touch of classic fairy tale in this action-packed story that's narrated by a teen vampire, Solange, and her best friend, Lucy, a human. It's another book in the slew of novels in which a vampire hunter discovers that not all vamps are evil and forbidden romance flourishes. Solange is the youngest child and only female born in 800 years to a blue-blood clan. As she approaches her 16th birthday, she is pursued by male vamps from all over. An ancient prophecy predicts that she will be queen, thus putting her life in danger from various forces, human and otherwise. Solange's family is trained in martial arts and other types of fighting and her seven older brothers keep close watch over her. When the current queen kidnaps her, Lucy convinces Solange's brother Nicholas to help rescue her, and a frantic search ensues. Kieran, a young Helios-Ra, discovers that his hate for vampires is fueled by lies and helps to save Solange, and a romance develops between the formerly feuding Lucy and Nicholas. This is a coming-of-age story with a tragic heroine and a snarky friend. The two young women try to find some normalcy in a life filled with craziness, resulting in a fun read.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library
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