Eleventh Grade Burns

Gr 6—10—Never judge a book by its cover or a vampire by his fangs. Vladimir Tod, 16, is not your ordinary vampire. He struggles with homework, teachers, and girlfriends (or lack thereof). And while it's impressive to have the ability to read minds and travel with superman speed, neither can help him pass his tests or buy a car. Vald's greatest struggle is with Joss, his best friend since childhood and current member of the Slayer Society, who has recently returned to Bathory High with the sole purpose of permanently staking Vlad. That's just the beginning. Vlad and Otis, "a man who entered his life as a threat and was now his uncle, friend, and mentor," are awaiting the fateful trial with the Elysian Council that is sure to give Otis the death penalty for crimes against vampires. Also, the powerful and feared Dorian desperately wants to drink Vlad's exotic (half-human, half-vampire) blood. Heather Brewer's latest volume (Dutton 2010) in the series features some of her strongest writing and plot-twisting moments, including the disclosure of the final piece of the Parvus prophecy and a mind-spinning ending that will have listeners eagerly awaiting the final installment. Kevin Pariseau is spot-on in his voicing of a soul-searching, confused teenage vampire, a wise uncle, and evil vampire enemies. Numerous references to previous books are helpful, but not enough to make this a stand-alone title. A wonderful series for readers who want to sink their teeth into a blood-thirsty vampire saga.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH