June 23

‘The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod’ by Heather Brewer

Eighth grade bites“A tree branch slapped John Craig across the face, scraping his skin, but he kept on running and ignoring the stabbing of pine needles on his bare feet. He could hear the man’s footsteps behind him, echoing his own.”

This sentence is from none other than The Chronicles Of Vladimir Tod. The story is set in a small town where most neighbours knew each other, much like a town just off the city.

The main character is Vladimir Tod. He is a strange outcast vampire that no one really tries to get to meet except for his best friend Henry, who everyone knows and is a very confident person. Only two of Vlad’s most trusted friends know who Vlad really is… a vampire disguising his true identity by never drinking anyone’s blood. Nelly, Vlad’s grandma, is a kind woman which looks out for Vlad by stealing blood from the hospital where she works as a nurse, because Vlad will never drink blood from a living being. Another character is a strange teacher who is very curious about Vlad, asking lots of questions and being extremely deceptive about his outside life and appearance.

This book was an easy read but surprisingly a good book considering I’m not usually into books. The plot is a bit simple however, but it was a good story line with believable characters. It makes vampires seem real and convincing, it has a supernatural theme that includes real teenager problems such as bullies, crushes, teachers and homework. I would strongly recommend this story to teenagers that are desperately wanting to read about vampires mixed in with their life.

Ben M, Year 8

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       This is a tale about a mythical boy who is half human and half vampire who is being hunted by his kind. The story is based in the small town of Bathory. Vladimir Tod and his best friend Henry are trying to figure out the mysterious death of Vlad’s parents; death while being hunted.

Vladimir Tod is a vampire that has a starving crave for blood but is satisfied by the taste of blood that his aunt Nelly supplies for him from the hospital where she works. He is very alone without guidance from his parents so he is discovering new powers and abilities that he holds. But the least favourite part of this vampire’s life is school. Vlad is constantly getting bullied, his secret crush likes Henry more than him and the principal hates him. But after one of his teachers disappears without a trace a new teacher comes along with a strange attraction to mythical beings and is quite fond of Vladimir Tod. After a while Vlad discovers that the teacher is quite close to him but not in a good way because now Vlad is being hunted.

Will you discover the reason Vlad’s parents are dead? Will you find out if Vlad gets the girls or Vlad’s friend Henry? Will you also find out if Vladimir Tod survives after being hunted?  Calum, Year 8

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Will Vladimir Tod survive? The vampire killer is after him as Vlad has many secrets. Only his best friends, Henry, and his grandmother Nelly know his deep dark secrets.

Vlad was born on November 21, 1993. He has black hair, grey eyes and he is half vampire and half human. The story is based in a small town called Bathory. Vlad lives with his grandmother as he lost both his parents in a house fire. Vlad spends most of his time with his best friend Henry. Vlad is a normal teenage boy who goes to school and does the same things as a normal boy. Vlad is a vampire and drinks blood but he doesn’t bite people’s necks. His grandmother works in the hospital and she takes blood from the blood room to give Vlad. Vlad likes a girl called Meredith Brookstone, however his friend Henry also likes Meredith and Meredith likes Henry. Unfortunately Vlad doesn’t know this.

Vlad has no idea of the extent of his powers. Unfortunately he has nobody around to teach him how to use his powers. Vlad is struggling every day with his blood cravings and his growing fangs. He worries every day that someone will find out his secret, however his biggest problem is that he is being hunted by a vampire killer.

I like this book because it is mostly fiction. It also explains the story pretty well and it gets to the point straight away. I like how there is a big problem and when they are trying to fix the problem there are little problems in it.

I think that this book is recommended for people who like fantasy fiction books. I think the age recommended for this is 12 and over. I rate this book 7 out of 10.

Jack R., Year 8

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June 12

‘Vampire Academy’ by Richelle Mead

vampire academyMeet Rose Hathaway, a very talented, smart, pretty, and fierce teenage girl. She’s a saviour and knows it. With an attitude and fast moves, she might just be the Moroi’s last hope…. This action-packed book will be keeping you up all night. You won’t want to put it down.

Rose doesn’t live the same way as you and I. She’s a dhampire half-human half-moroi. She has dedicated her entire life to protecting Lisa, a moroi princess. Moroi are the good vampires. They don’t wear black capes, turn into bats or sleep in coffins, but they do drink blood but not from unwilling victims. Dhampires were brought up to become a guardian, and protect moroi from strigoi – evil blood suckers who will stop at nothing to make Lisa and the moroi one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lisa are caught and taken back to St Vladimir’s Academy, a school where moroi practice magic and dhampires train to be the fittest, fastest, and strongest. But when they get back, more terror awaits them there than just strigoi.

I loved this book so much I finished it the day I started it. I now have the rest of the series and all the books of series two to read. I love action and adventure books. I was never much of a reader but since I read this book all my friends have called me a bookworm. It’s an action book that has lots of heat and fun about an awesome teenage girl with attitude who can take down men three times her size. This was the start of my love for books and it is so amazing that I have watched the movie literally ten times and remember every word from the book even though I read it two years ago. The way Richelle Mead describes the scenes and events that go down are so addicting that anyone would love it.

I would recommend this book to people of ages between 12 and 21 who love action, romance, and sci-fi fantasy. This book is truly amazing and I would rate it 4 and half stars if not 5.

Amy, Year 8

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May 19

‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer

“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him, and I didn’t know how tame that part might be that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”

twilightTwilight is set in Forks, Washington. Forks is rarely visited by the warm sunlight, a perfect condition for Edward’s family of vampires.

The story tells of the love between a human, Belle Swan, and vampire Edward Cullen. Bella is a pretty, pale, small, shy 17-year-old who likes to keep to herself and isn’t all that good at sports. Edward is a perfect stunning 17-year-old boy who is admired by every girl in his school, including Bella, and he is good at everything.

The book is about Bella moving to Forks and meeting Edward, with Bella immediately intimidated by his dazzling eyes. Edward can read minds but he is stopped when he realises he can’t read hers. He ends up feeling very protective over her and they fall in love, but it isn’t so innocent. Soon she will either have to decide if she wants to be with Edward forever, meaning she can’t stay human, or be with her family and not Edward. Throughout the book you fall in love with the love shared between the two characters. The amount of consideration and daring they present to each other is so meaningful.

One of the reasons why I love this book is because of the relationship between the main characters even though they are so different. Bella is quiet and harmless, and she often stumbles into damaging situations, and Edward often saved her from these scenarios. One of the first scenes leading up to Bella uncovering his secret is when she is standing by her car in a parking lot and she is almost slammed between two cars. If not for Edward’s super speed, she wouldn’t have survived.

I would recommend this book for teenagers; it is a very intriguing book, definitely hard to put down.

Angelique R, Year 9

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“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how tame that part might be that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”

Twilight is set in Forks, Washington. Forks hardly ever gets any good weather so it’s mainly just cloudy with no sun. The story is mainly about a warm blooded person and a cold blooded vampire.

Bella moves back to Forks and she meets a guy named Edward at her school. She immediately fell for Edward Cullen. Edward can read minds but he is confused when he realises he can’t read Bella’s. He ends up feeling very protective over her and he follows her everywhere so he knows she’s safe. Edward ends up falling in love with Bella as well, but a human is a threat to the vampire world. If any other humans find out about Edward and his family the Denali Coven clan would have to kill the Cullens. But that doesn’t stop Edward and Bella; Bella’s just got to try and keep they’re secret.

I have recommended this book to many people, and the people I have recommended this to have absolutely loved it. This book is mainly for teenagers, young adults and even adults. This is one of my favourite books because the connection between the two main characters is a very interesting story and the book just doesn’t stop at twilight. There are four more novels in the twilight series and these books do not disappoint.

Erin Cullen, Year 9

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November 12

‘Eighth grade Bites’ by Heather Brewer

eighth grade bites“The world is full of monsters with friendly faces.”

      If you like books that get you on the edge of your seat  wanting to read more and more then Eighth Grade Bites is a book for you.

      Eighth Grade Bites was set in a small little town, with a small little family, but this wasn’t an ordinary family. It was a vampire family.

    The main character in this book is Vladimir Tod. Vlad’s dad is a vampire that married a non-vampire. At the start of the book, Vlad’s parents got caught in a house fire and died. So Vlad’s mother’s best friend Nelly looked after him ever since the fire. She looked after him as if he was her own son. Nelly works in a hospital, and this is how Vlad retrieves his food, which is blood, because otherwise Vlad will have to kill people to retrieve his food. Vlad is a typical eighth grader; tall, thin, black hair, pale, and many would describe him as ‘goth’. At school Vlad would get bullied because of the way he looked. No one really liked him except for his English teacher Mr Craig and his best friend Henry.

      This book was a good read. It grabbed my attention because at the start it went straight into a fighting scene. I also liked this fantasy book because it was an easy book to read. I would probably recommend this book for ages 12 to 15 years of age because it is based in the eighth grade and it’s an easy book to read and it’s full of fantasy and thrills.

Max, Year 8

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   Life is not easy for Vladimir Tod. His mother was a human and his father was a vampire, and they were both killed in a fire. The school bullies harass Vlad and he struggles to get the girl he’s had a crush on since second grade. Vlad’s thirst for blood is satisfied when his Aunt Nelly brings him outdated blood bags from the hospital where she works.

      The book takes place in a small town named Bathory. Vlad’s Aunt Nelly is raising him, and she understands his problems and helps him to hide the fact that he is a vampire. Vlad’s best friend, Henry, is the only other person who knows his secret. Vladimir’s favorite teacher has disappeared and no one knows where he is. Vlad and Henry are determined to find out what happened to him, but the substitute teacher begins to question Vlad too closely, and there is just something strange about Mr. Otis. What will Vlad do? What does Mr. Otis want?

      This book was a great read and grabbed from the start of the first chapter. I would recommend it to anyone aged 13 to 16 years of age that enjoys a good book about vampires.

Dylan B, Year 9.

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June 5

‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer

twilight“Surely it was a good way to die, in the place of someone else, someone I loved. Noble, even. That ought to count for something.”

-Bella, ‘Twilight’

 

‘Twilight’ is about an average 17-year-old girl, Bella Swan, who moves to the town of Forks. Her parents are split up and her mum lives in Florida so she moves in with her dad. She hasn’t seen her dad in a while because she hates Forks. While in Forks she starts at a new high school. This is where she meets the mysterious Edward Cullen who just happens to be a vampire. Edward and his family, the rest of the Cullens, are different from other vampires. They don’t drink human blood, they drink animal blood, which makes them able to walk around just like a normal human. Bella finds out about Edward but doesn’t care and this leads to a romance between the two but of course with Edward being a vampire there is some difficulties. One is that Edward doesn’t want to kill Bella!

     ‘Twilight’ is a great book about the love between a vampire and a human and how hard it is to love a vampire. It’s a great book and I would give it a 4 out of 5 five stars.

Lauren, Year 8

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     Twilight. A place where vampire’s shine, werewolves growl, blood drips like rain and love, sweet and pure. Mark my words, ‘Twilight’ is a novel that will keep you attached until you find all the answers to your questions, including whether Bella’s and Edward’s life will keep their love apart. There will be more blood than ever before, and even for a fiction book, it will make you believe in the greatest myths of all. You must take a risk, for no one’s stopping you, and read this book, if you don’t believe me.

   In this novel ‘Twilight’, Bella Swan is a shy, peaceful girl who doesn’t have a worry in the world, but has a lot of questions about it. As Bella moves in to the town of Forks to live with her dad, the dull, wet area gives her the sign that her life won’t be the same. She discovers a secret. When Bella finally goes to high school, she notices a tall, charming, unusual boy, but Bella realizes there is something different about him and is to keen to find out what it is. When Bella discovers who he is and his secret, will she look at him in a different way than she used to?

     Over the time that I have read this book, it has knocked me off my feet, as you don’t know what to expect or what is heading your way. That’s just one reason why I’ve enjoyed it so much. The description of the characters and the verbal responses of them are so detailed, I feel as if it’s real and happening before my very eyes. Another reason why I loved it is how much I can relate to the characters, such as Bella Swan. They remind me of other people in my life, which is why I’m so attached to them, so I can find out more and maybe have the same thoughts Bella does throughout the book.

I would recommend this book to people who absolutely love a dramatic romantic book as well as sci-fi and fantasy because this novel has wild raging scenes that fit these genres. I also recommend this book mostly to teenage girls, as the novel ‘Twilight’ is more feminine and will touch many of their hearts as it has touched mine.

     Stephanie.T, Year 8

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The novel “Twilight” is about a young lady named Bella Swan who moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets this mysterious young man named Edward Cullen. As she sets out living her life in her new town she finds out more about her new lover and his dark hidden secret. The more she hangs out with him the more she is putting herself at entire risk of danger. As soon as she meets his bizarre family she soon realizes that they aren’t the normal bunch of people she thought they were. It turns out that Bella doesn’t care about how bizarre and weird his family are. All that she cares about is her strong feelings for him but she is determined to find out the big secret that he is hiding from her. As their relationship grows, Bella doesn’t mind about his family but she finds out that she has another secret admirer, “Jacob”. Edward Cullen has two foster parents Esme and Carlisle. He also has other half siblings: Rosalie Hale, Jasper Hale, Emmett Cullen and Alice Cullen.

 

I enjoyed the book “Twilight” because it is a mysterious and bizarre novel that is also a love story. I also enjoyed the setting out of the book where all of the scenes take place. I would like to recommend this book to ages from 13+ because of some violent scenes. I would rate this novel **** stars out of 5. This story will stay in your mind long after you turn the final page. Keeara.N Year 8

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     Bella Swan just moved to the comfortless town of Forks, but wasn’t prepared for what she was in for.

     If you are interested in books about love, betrayal and mysteries this is the book for you!

     The Cullen’s are a bizarre family. Nobody in the school knew their secret, until now. Bella fell in love with Edward Cullen but there was a secret in their relationship. Bella tried so hard to find out what it was about the Cullens that was so unusual but as she got closer Bella fell into more danger and before she could blink it was too late to turn back.  In chapter 7 Bella says, “I know what you are…”

     There’s a hard-hitting story line that will make you read on and on.  I really enjoyed “Twilight” because I loved the secret turns in the story that kept your full attention. Even though Bella loves Edward someone else in her life was in love with her – Jacob, who was also hiding a dark secret. Bella gets more interested in her love life, so much so that she forgets what kind of danger she has put herself in. But all it took was a kiss to change everything.

     The end was pleasurable and made me want to read the rest of the trilogy. I thought that they could have detailed Bella’s character a little more but other then that I found all the characters very interesting.

     I would recommend this book to female teens (12 to 20) that are interested in fantasy/ mysteries and also enjoy reading a series of novels. Even though it can get boring at times you still have to make it to the end to find out the dark twisted secret of the Cullens. Girls who love a sneaky love story will no doubt enjoy the book. I would give this book ✩✩✩ 3 stars.

Olivia V.G. Year 8

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November 6

‘Year Eight Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #1’ by Heather Brewer.

“Where’s the boy? Where’s Vlad?”

If you like thrills and sitting on the edge of your seat The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is the book for you.

This book is set in a small town in America. Vladimir Tod is the main character in this story. He is the only child in his family. His father was a vampire but his mother was not a vampire. When he was younger though, his mother and father died. So his mother’s best friend who is like a sister to her, Nelly, looked after Vlad and has gone the extra mile to care for him. Nelly works at the hospital and takes blood so she can feed Vlad without him killing people because he is a vampire. Henry is Vlad’s best friend and they are always together. They love playing video games and drinking soda.

People would like this novel because it involves different genres, for example romance, fantasy, adventure and lots more. I recommend this novel for ages 13-17.

Laura Year 9

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 To be honest, this was not the best read, as I said in all three of my journals. This book was very well written though I didn’t really like the structure and language displayed within this book. I found the beginning of this novel quite interesting as the build up began early. I’m sure I’d really enjoy reading another book by Heather Brewer if it did not involve vampires and fantasy. It’s a very easy book to read and something to do in my spare time.

Throughout this novel “The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod”, there is a lot of fantasising and interesting bits scattered all over the story. I like that Vlad is only half vampire, hence it makes it different to other vampire stories. The Vampire killer sounds very determined to kill Vladimir Tod, which put some thrill into the novel. In a way, this book involves bullying, which relates to everyday life in many children’s lives. Heather Brewer has very cleverly written and thought about the expression in the story. It tells young audiences that is not always easy to fit in and to be yourself.

To conclude my review, I’d definitely recommend this novel to girls and boys between the ages of 13-16 years of age. This just wasn’t an enjoyable read for me.

Ellie-Rose, Year 9

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May 4

‘The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites’ by Heather Brewer

I normally don’t like reading that much if the book I’m reading isn’t that good, because I can’t get stuck into it. The chronicles of Vladimir Tod is the kind of book I’m talking about. It started off being very weird and I didn’t like it, but then when I kept reading it started to grow in me. I think this book attracts readers who like unusual and gothic books. Vladimir, the male character, is a boy who has just entered high school. He is trying really hard to control the vampire within him by bringing in blood capsule sandwiches to satisfy his needs. In my opinion I liked the ending more than any other part of the book because many problems arise in Vlad’s life at home and at school. Imagine having your own teacher tempting to reveal the biggest secret of your life.

“I can’t wait to hear your oral presentation,” Mr Otis says. Mr Otis has assigned an assignment describing what a “werewolf” is but when the letters on the paper change into “vampire” a whole world of pain arises for Vlad. This is a good book and I think you should give it a try.

Sebastian, Year 8

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I hate reading. I almost never read, but fortunately I was forced to read “The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod” and surprisingly, I enjoyed it. It is a vampire story, filled with a lot of twists and turns in the story. I recommend this book to 12-15 year olds who enjoy reading fantasy books such as Christopher Paolini’s series “Eragon” or J.R.R Tolkien’s “Lord Of The Rings”

The main character Vladimir Tod is very intriguing because nothing is known about vampires.  Vladimir and his best friend, Henry find themselves in the middle of a mystery when they discover Vlad’s fathers journal. The journal contains many secrets to Vladimir’s secrets and history. Unknown to Vlad, he is being hunted by another mysterious character.
By Jordan, Year 8

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I am not the type of person that likes to read. If someone ever asked me to read I book, I’d try and make excuses to get out of reading the book.  But when I started reading The Chronicles Of Vladimir Tod by Heather Brewer, I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t stop or put it down.

This book is mainly for boys and girls that are different. It’s basically about a boy named Vladimir who isn’t popular at school just because he’s different.  He ignores all the bad comments that everyone has to say about him. He just lives life no matter what anyone says.

It helps all children realize that you don’t have to be perfect to live life. You can be whatever you want to be whenever you want.

I highly recommend this book to boys and girls from an age of 12-15 as when you older, people seem to believe popularity is the most important thing. This book is filled with friendship problems and school problems and helps you solve them and it often brings a smile to one’s face.

By Alana S, Year 8.

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My book Blog The chronicles of Vladimir Tod

Vampire and his Victim. Usually I don’t really like to read books because I don’t find them that interesting. At first when I was given the book The chronicles of Vladimir Tod I didn’t think that I would like it because I usually like books that are sporty ones, so when I got one about a vampire I thought it would be interesting to see what it would be like. I think that this book is probably more for boy teens because I find that the girls won’t really like what’s in there compared to the boys. None of my friends that I know have read this book so I had to start it not knowing at all what it would be like. I find that this book is a bit harder to relate to because it’s about a vampire called Vladimir Tod and I haven’t met anyone who is a vampire before. Although at first when I started reading the book I found it hard to get into, when I read on I found the book to be very interesting. I found it interesting because it is about a boy at the beginning who is a vampire and he likes a girl but can’t find the guts in him to actually talk to her. The two main characters in this this book are Vladimir and his friend Henry. Vladimir is a vampire and likes to drink glasses of blood in the morning. Henry is Vladimir’s best friend. All the girls at school have a crush on Henry. There is also Vladimir’s mum’s friend Nelly who has looked after Vladimir since his parents died three years ago. She is a fully qualified nurse and tries to sneak some blood from the hospital to take home to Vladimir so he can drink it. Vladimir and Nelly are not family but Vladimir said that he would consider her as family after all she has done for him in his life. If I had to recommend this book to any age I would say for 11-15 because it is sort of a mystery but not too serious and also has some romance in it which people of that age would be able to relate to from their life.

Taine Year 8

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October 21

‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer, is a novel that explores the idea of forbidden love. The story starts when seventeen-year-old Bella Swan moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to the small town of Forks, to live with her father. Here, she meets Edward Cullen, a mysterious student at the high school. When Bella starts to fall in love with Edward, she realises he might not be as perfect as she thought he was. But why is it that the Cullens are different to other students? This question is soon answered for Bella when she finds out what he really is: a vampire. Follow Bella’s journey as she uncovers more of the Cullens’ secrets, and makes choices that will change her life forever. Bella’s life will be put in danger as she puts her love for Edward to the test. This story is both sci-fi/fantasy and romance, and I would recommend it to girls aged 13 up.       Ruby, Year 9.

Bella Swan is a young adult who moves to the small town of Forks so her mother and boyfriend can travel. She becomes quite popular as she is the new girl at her school, but she still feels as though she doesn’t fit in. All she wants to know is who is the mysterious Edward? Why does he conceal himself from everyone and what is he hiding? This book is an exciting romance that is aimed for teens, as the main characters are teenagers themselves. I liked this book, as it was not the average romance novel. It contained an interesting twist. I would definitely recommend this book for teenage girls who enjoy romance novels.

 By Kassidy , Year 9

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer starts off when a seventeen-year-old girl named Bella Swan moves to the town of Forks and meets a mysterious family called the Cullens. One of the them, whose name is Edward, really catches her attention. He continuously looks at her in a weird way and she has no idea what she has done wrong to make him feel that way towards her, as she had only just met him. Bella starts to notice that he does things and sometimes looks as if he is not all human. He is hiding something about himself and Bella is determined to find out what it is, but as she does and becomes closer to him, she finds it hard to stay away from him. Will Bella ever find out what Edward really is? And is she in danger if they fall for each other? Twilight is a really good read with heaps of mystery and suspense and you just want to keep reading to find out the outcome of their new love and all the danger it possess. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a thriller and a love story all wrapped into one. Selena, Year 9.

Twilight is both a sci-fi/fantasy and romance novel written by Stephenie Meyer, which I’d recommend for girls 12 years and up. The story starts off with Bella Swan, a seventeen-year-old girl, who moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Forks to live with her father. Little does she know that everything is about to change. She meets Edward Cullen during her first day at her new high school, but she hadn’t realized at the time that Edward isn’t what he seems to be. With the Cullens a secretive and very different family, Bella soon finds out the truth, which changes her life forever. Bella has to make decisions that that will affect her life. Bella puts her life on the line throughout the story to save her true love Edward. The book takes you on the journey of Bella and Edward’s love for each other as it’s put to the test.   Madi, Year 9

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October 21

‘The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites’ by Heather Brewer

Dear Readers,

I liked this book. It kept me entertained for hours. It is recommended for teenagers and was set at school and Vladimir’s Aunt’s house. The book’s title is ‘The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod’, which was written by Heather Brewer. Vladimir likes eating blood bags.  Aunt Nelly likes working at the hospital and bringing blood bags home for Vladimir Tod. I liked the book very much and my favourite character is Vladimir Tod because he is a vampire and I like vampires.        Jasmine, Year 9   

“Sometimes you have to be alone to think, and sometimes the best place for thinking isn’t home.”

This story takes place in Vladimir’s aunt Kelly’s house and the school that Vladimir attends. He is a vampire who went to live with his Aunt Kelly after his parents were killed by a pure blood vampire. Vladimir is just trying to get through life with the help of his best friend Henry, a normal human being. A pure blood vampire is trying to kill Vladimir for his blood. Vladimir’s Aunty Kelly works in a hospital and brings home blood bags for Vladimir. I like this story because it is a horror story and I like horror stories. It really entertained me. I recommend this story to my friends because I reckon they are missing out on a really great story.

Hannah, Year 9

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“ Morning, sunshine”

Vlad blinked at her. “Morning, sulfuric acid”

“Pardon me?”

“Well isn’t it kinda wrong to call a vampire ‘sunshine’?”

Junior High is not a fun place for thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod. Bullies harass him, the principal picks on him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: his mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: he’s being hunted by a vampire killer!

Vlad was orphaned three years previously and he lives with his late mother’s best friend Nelly, a nurse, in the quiet town of Bathory. He’s the target of bullies, embarrasses himself in front of the girl he likes and now his favourite teacher has gone missing….Oh, and he’s half vampire, and his strange new substitute teacher possibly knows his secret…

Until recently Vlad thought he was the only vampire left until a recent string of disappearances makes him realise that not only is he not alone, but someone’s after him. Vlad is also only just discovering his abilities, since his vampire father died before he could share his knowledge. But Vlad is on his own as he comes to understand just what he can do as well as the fact that among his kind, being a half vampire is not just unique, but unheard of.

Vlad himself is a good character and besides the vampire aspect he’s a typical thirteen year old boy. He’s got his best friend Henry, he’s shy around girls and he isn’t the biggest fan of school.

I like this book because I could relate to the things that happen to Vlad in terms of being bullied at school and not enjoying school. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes vampire novels and reading about characters who have everyday problems like we do.

By Noah Year 9.

Vladimir Todd, a young vampire teenage boy and the child of a vampire father and human mother, lives at home with his aunt Nelly. Aunt Nelly and Vlad’s best friend Henry are the two main important people in his life. However there is a vampire killer out to get Vladimir Todd or even someone close to him. What will happen? I love reading this book because it keeps me engaged as I read every page, and every chapter.  I really like Vladimir Todd. He isn’t like any of the others at school, he is vampire. Does anyone else know that Vlad is a vampire or is he hiding it?  How will Vladimir Todd be able to control his cravings for blood? I highly recommend this book to teenagers and above.

Samantha, Year 9

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August 4

‘New Moon’ by Stephenie Meyer

new moon‘New Moon’ is the second book in the world best selling ‘Twilight Saga’.

Bella Swan, an ordinary human teenager living in the small town of Forks, has to risk her life for her soul mate, vampire Edward Cullen. On Bella’s 18th birthday, Edward and his family throw Bella a birthday party. While unwrapping a present, Bella gets a paper cut, which causes Edward’s adoptive brother Jasper to be overwhelmed by the scent of Bella’s blood. To protect Bella, Edward ends their relationship. The Cullens move away from Forks and Bella is severely depressed. Bella learns that adrenaline packed activities, such as cliff diving, allow her to ‘hear’ Edward’s voice in her head. She also allows a deepening friendship with Jacob Black, who she later learns is a werewolf.  Jacob and his werewolf friends protect Balla for the vampires Laurent and Victoria, who come to seek revenge. But is this really the end of Bella and Edward’s relationship?  You’ll have to read the book to find out.

I would recommend ‘New Moon’ to teenage girls and young adults. It is a classic love story with a very unusual twist. Every book leaves you wanting more. An individual would want to read this book to see what all the fuss is about regarding the ‘Twilight Saga’, because they have an interest in fantasy or classic love stories, or because they have read fantastic reviews on these books. Courtney, Year 9 http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilightseries.html

Mmmm…sounds awfully like ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to me! Mrs K.

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June 10

‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer

twilight1By far the hottest book in our library at the moment! If you haven’t read it, then you’re history, really! What do I think? It really annoyed me that Bella just wanted to be bitten. Doesn’t she have a mind of her own? Would she sacrifice everything just to be with Edward? Frankly, I think she should have chosen Jacob…run with the wolves, I reckon, not fly with the bats! http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/ Mrs K.

Bella Swan moves to a small town called Forks and meets the mysterious Edward Cullen. She soon realizes that Edward isn’t like the other boys in the neighbourhood. He is a vampire who thirsts for her blood. Edward is irresistable to Bella and the closer she tries to get to him, the more danger she gets herself and others into.

I would recommend this novel to people who like romance, adventure and action books. It is a very interesting book that grips you from the first page. My favourite part of the novel is when the Cullen family and Bella were playing baseball during the storm. This part of the book was very intense and exciting. An alternative title for ‘Twilight’ could be ‘Vampire Love’. Year 9 Student

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