Darkness Before Dawn

Gr 7 Up—The VampHu Treaty has ended the 30-year-long war between humans and vampires, but it has not brought peace. Still grieving the loss of her family, Dawn Montgomery becomes the youngest delegate to serve the vampires. As liaison to the Great Vampire Lord Valentine, the teen must make sure that the human blood supply quota is met and that human-vampire relations are sound. In exchange for blood, humans are guaranteed safety within the city of Denver walls. But vampire attacks are increasing and humans are quickly losing faith in the system. The world needs change and Dawn's hatred for the elite vampire ways compromises her position. Then she meets Victor, Valentine's son, who rescues her and whose mindset is exactly what Dawn has been waiting for. Though at first the two are suspicious of each other, they eventually come together to fight his father and a "new kind of monster" that threatens the city. This new twist on the vampire genre is action-packed and full of plot turns. The main characters are compelling, and the love triangle that evolves between Dawn; her boyfriend, Michael; and Victor adds to the suspense and intrigue. A satisfying read with a cliff-hanger ending that leaves readers thirsty for more.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY