ReVamped

Had enough of vampire books?! Well, let me throw ReVamped at you and say even if you’re sick of vampire books, you’ll want to set aside your bias and read this book! I loved it. Ada definitely put her own touch on the whole vampire lore and I loved that she put such a modern feel to it. You’ve got a Vampire President, who lives in the Scarlet House (a play on the White House, lol), and even vampire reality stars (oh, yes), plus so much more. Vampires and humans coexist peacefully and vampires are considered such a hot commodity that there’ quite a booming industry for vampire products like blood alternatives, since they’re technically not allowed to feed on humans. Special powers?! Garlic?! Daylight?! All the myths and beliefs about vampires are taken for a very fun spin as Ada shows readers what is true or false in her world of vampires.
As far as female leads go, I’d say I really liked Dawn. She’s tough, nice, determined and funny. In an effort to prove hr worth to her father, she takes on the role of training a band of misfits as guardians for a small town called Angel Creek. It’s here that the mystery of her past and the sins of her father come to light. There were times throughout the book that I thought she could’ve been a bit stronger, fighting-wise (you know I don’t like those damsels-in-distress types), but it played well with the plot and it didn’t bother me enough to make me dislike her or the story. She definitely grows a lot as the story progresses and you really learn to love and adore her.
Dawn is also a bit innocent, having never had a boyfriend, so it was fun seeing her interactions with Ethan and Sebastian. Oh, Sebastian and Ethan! Both are hotties, one is sweet and caring while the other is brooding, but still equally caring. Although not a true love triangle, per say, there are plenty of back and forth moments that will leave you smiling. I was definitely more of a Sebastian fan all throughout the book, but I could see the appeal of Ethan and really liked him too. I loved that even though there’s the obvious instant attraction, Dawn’s feelings for both boys develops at a natural and realistic pace and she’s guarded with her heart so I’m happy to say she’s the kind of girl I like.
I was surprised at how fast I read ReVamped. I honestly finished this in one night. It pretty much kept me entertained the whole time and it was definitely the characters that did it for me. I love the whole misfit crew: an airhead-type who is pretty and means well (not evil or anything like that), a nerdy guy, a shy bookworm, and loner ex-druggie. Talk about misfits! It really takes a lot of work and effort to turn these guys into a team and make them ready and able to fight off danger. They’re still a work in progress by the end of the book, but I couldn’t have put together a better cast of characters myself. Their friendships are rough from the start, but by the end you’ll see how much they really needed each other and how great their little group really is.
ReVamped is a very cute, fast, and wonderful read; not at all your typical vampire book. I have to say that most of it is pretty predictable as you read, but not in a bad way. The mystery behind Dawn’s past was one I didn’t expect and loved uncovering, so that was a plus. There were definitely some emotional times in the book, especially regarding Sebastians’s past, Dawn’s father, and her past that add to the depth of the story, but overall it was very light-hearted and fun. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to read ReAwakened.

When Ada requested some R&R (read and review) of her first novel, I did a little research before immediately going 'yay! books!,' because I am a grownup and capable of thinking before I act. Anyway, my brief research suggested that, although dealing with vampires, a subject even I am starting to get a bit skeptical of at this point, she might do something new and interesting with the topic. Additionally, ReVamped sounded like it might actually be funny, which was seriously encouraging. I am happy to report that my initial judgments were correct!

Actually, of all of the vampire novels I have read, ReVamped reminds me most of a mix of the Sookie Stackhouse series and The Reformed Vampire Support Group. The parts that reminded me of the former were largely in the organization of the vampires. They have a government, both local and national, although obviously not kings and queens here. In Adams' world as in Harris', the vampires have gone public. In both, this led to the production of non-human blood sources. Although, I definitely think that the vamps in ReVamped have a better deal, since they have tons of blood drinks to choose from, including Blood Vodka. Awesome.

As for the latter novel, which I didn't much like, the ragtag group of not very vampiric vampires was what brought it to mind. Of course, I didn't much like that book. Thankfully, ReVamped did that angle way better, because these characters did actually seem to grow and change through the novel. Plus, ReVamped was actually funny, and not just descriptions of feeding on guinea pigs.

Now, I do not want to imply that Adams is entirely derivative, because she's definitely not. She added her own unique bits of lore for the novel. For example, I am really fascinated by her distinctions between born and made vampires. In fact, I would love to have a discussion about the logistics of this. Mostly, I want to know how the born vampires first came into being, since they can only come from a born vampire. Of course, I can accept that, since it's really a chicken-or-the-egg argument.

Adams also did something pretty hilarious with the garlic part of the legend, although I'll leave that as a surprise. Another change from tradition to watch for are the werewolves. They made a definite impression. Additionally, I quite enjoyed Adams' writing style. I only wish that the book had had slightly better editing, as several errors got through to the Kindle version.

Dawn was a fantastic main character. She's so powerful; seriously, there are probably like two people in the world who could take her in a fight...if that. She doesn't need anyone's protection. However, Dawn is also quite naive. She's been sheltered for all 19 years of her life, which has the end result of making her act a little silly where boys are concerned. Even then, though, she doesn't do anything stupid, because she's a smart, cautious girl.

ReVamped was a great read, better than a lot of the vampire-centered books I've read. If you like strong heroines, humor and like to support debut authors, go get yourself a copy of this gorgeous new book. Seriously, check that cover!

ReVamped is an action packed and intriguing page-turner of a story...
a good mix of paranormal and mystery !

The story takes place in 2015, where vampires have already been accepted and live among us. Along with the current human President, there is also a Vampire President and laws that claim that Vampires cannot feed off of humans nor turn them. Vampires are trained to become Guardians for protecting towns and its inhabitants.

The Vampire President's daughter, Dawn, has lived her whole life at the President's mansion. She has been in training for her whole entire life and is one of the strongest and most reliable warriors ever. It also helps that Dawn is one of the rarest types of Vampires, she is a Born - which means that she wasn't Made by being bitten, but was conceived by vampire parents. It's very complicated and very rare to be a Born Vampire...

The world that Adams builds for these vampires is so refreshing. Usually when I think of a vampire I automatically assume that they are going to be physically strong, but that they also are going to be fearless and impeccable. The unique group of characters that Adams puts together is so comical but in such a good way - to the point that you want to join their group and be friends with all of them.

Yes, there is a good mystery going on, involving a ton of action - rogue vampires are fighting about, and they want Dawn! Why?

And lets not forget the love interests here! Ethan, the sexy human bartender who had arrived into town just a few weeks before Dawn - what's his story and what is he hiding?
And of course, there is the sexy vampire, Sebastian, that had just recently arrived into town too, just a few months before - what is his story? Why is he so adamant about keeping his distance from Dawn, and yet, following her around everywhere she goes?
I have to say, while reading this book I couldn't help but think that it reminds me a little bit of the Sookie Stackhouse Series (True Blood) - the YA version of course! If you're a fan you will definitely enjoy ReVamped!