Review Detail

I couldn't wait to read this book! For one thing I loved the premise of a Amish teen getting ready for her Rumspringa, coming of age experience, right when all things break loose. In this case, vampires. You'd think this mixture of things wouldn't work but it does!

First off I loved the protagonist, Katie. The author does a great job showing a teen that questions. Why I mention this is I feel some books shy away from this when in fact most teens go through a time of questioning what they believe in. In this case it's Katie's Amish faith. It's assumed she'd wed her best friend Elijah after their Rumspringa experience. The horror that comes next is shown through Katie's eyes.

Another thing I loved is how the author didn't get preachy or knock down a faith. What was refreshing was how the whole idea of someone's faith, regardless if they're Christian, Muslim, Jew, or Wicca, can in fact be a protection against evil.

Katie's faith is challenged at times especially when the Elders refuse to listen to the truth. Katie risks everything when she finds a stranger outside their community when she gives him shelter even when the Elders want nothing to do with him.

Subtle horror elements throughout this story up the creepiness factor. Add to that a teen struggling with her faith and what she really believes in, make this a must read book!

Kuddos to the author for not being afraid to address some hard questions. I know that's what makes this amazing dystopian/vampire tale work!