I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Kiss of Death
by
Rachel Caine
urban fantasy in Paperback edition that was published by New American Library (NAL) on April 27, 2010 and has 241 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Undone, Unknown, Ghost Town, Rachel Caine, Bite Club, Dark and Stormy Knights, Devil's Bargain, Devil's Due, Last Breath, Unseen, Hex Appeal, Unbroken, Black Dawn, Working Stiff, Two Weeks' Notice, Bitter Blood, Fall of Night, Daylighters, Kicking It, Prince of Shadows, Ink and Bone, Paper and Fire, Ash and Quill, Killman Creek, Honor Among Thieves, Smoke and Iron, Honor Bound, Honor Lost
Eighth in the Morganville Vampires urban fantasy series for young adults. This particular installment is about Michael and a potential recording contract!
My Take
Whoa…I never thought to see the day that Amelie would allow Michael, Shane, Eve, or Claire to leave town! Although Oliver’s presence puts a bit of a damper on things. But not for long, and certainly not when they hit that one-horse town.
One particular key element occurs in this one: Eve finds her signature car.
Snicker…Juluglar, Texas. Hmmm, wonder where she means…LOL
Yet more whoa…the road trip from hell. This could easily be one of those slasher movies with all the violence and mayhem. Just a bit of Morganville transferred down the road apiece and mixed with a lot of crazy.
Who knew a number 2 pencil could have such a powerful effect.
The Story
Michael gets an offer for a couple days at a recording studio as well as plans for some club dates in Dallas. It’s the dream of his lifetime. His former, living, breathing lifetime.
Even better…Amelie gives all four of them passes to drive down to Dallas. Provided Oliver goes with them.
The Characters
Claire Danvers is a genius who got trapped in Morganville when she chose to attend Texas Prairie University — she’s too valuable to be allowed to leave, and she works for Myrnin, a crazed, mad scientist vampire. She’s one of four housemates in the Glass House including her boyfriend Shane Collins with a major hate for vampires; Eve Rosser is the Gothic barista; and, Michael Glass, vampire and musician.
Claire’s mom and dad are living in Morganville; dad has some crazy job. Hannah Moses is the sheriff.
Amelie is the Founder of Morganville, the head vampire and Claire’s boss. Oliver is her rival and the owner of Common Grounds where Eve works. He’s a major jerk and always seems one step away from draining their lives away. Morley is a crazy, skanky, British vampire tired of waiting for Shane to fulfill his promises. Patience and Jacob Goldman somehow hooked up with Morley. Now they’re the only protection the kids have.
Jason Rosser is Eve’s psychotic brother and a part of Claire’s worst memories. Monica Morrell is the Queen Bee Bitch of Morganville, who will do anything to hurt anyone. Claire is one of her favorite targets. Jennifer is “one of her lipstick mafia girls”.
Orange Cap, Berle, and Angry Guy must be friends of that jerk sheriff. Linda owns the motel and has the brother, Ernie, who sells used cars. Bishop was Amelie’s crazy father. And a busy bee it seems.
Mrs. Grant is the librarian in Blacke; she’s also what’s holding what’s left of the town together.
The Cover and Title
The cover is pink and shades of gray with a soft black as an empty road stretches out behind Eve with her own soft pink hair, and softer gray ensemble. It’s a quarter moon up in the sky, shrouded by an ominous-looking cloud bank.
The title is all about contact with the crazed vampires they run into in Blacke. One touch is a Kiss of Death.
