Vampire Beach: Bloodlust (Book One)

Jason has moved to Malibu and starts attending a new high school where he makes friends quickly and meets Sienna; hot, popular and taken. With a new crush and invitations to parties, things seem to be going fairly well for Jason. That is, until someone turns up dead.

When one of Jason's new friends reveals his crazy theory about the student's death, that she was killed by a vampire, he's skeptical but wary. But as the evidence begins to add up, Jason learns that there's something dangerous in Malibu, and everything is not as it seems.

I think the best way for me to sum up my feelings concerning this book is that it was enjoyable, but it wasn't memorable. It's an easy, quick read, but it's not the kind of book that you'll be recommending to all your friends, rushing out to get the sequels or hoping that it becomes a movie. This is the kind of book that you read after you've read a long novel or you've just finished a series. It's a fill-in book, something to entertain yourself with while taking a break from a regular reading schedule or a big to-read pile.

The characters weren't all that special, they were pretty flat and stereotypical. However, they did make the story move forward effectively, albeit predictably. Jason was a likeable main character because he seemed like a decent guy, but there was nothing really unique about him. He didn't really stand out from the crowd or make an impression like some characters in other books.

The plot overall was really predictable, except for near the end where there was a twist. I thought it was a pretty good ending and a decent twist, however I wish that there had been more evidence or foreshadowing leading up to what happened. I don't really like it when twists seem random, or when clues only appear near the end of the book. I like to be able to guess, and this book didn't really fulfill that for me.

While this doesn't really stand out from the rest of the YA books I've read, I do recommend it for fans of vampires and YA novels. If you're looking for a short read or a break from long, intricate books, you may want to give this one a try.

This review can also be found at http://fortheloveofbooksreviews.blogspot.ca/2016/08/bloodlust-by-alex-duval.html

Reader reviewed by Jess

I am 16 years of age so this books suits me alot..

Reader reviewed by Alexis

I loved this book. At first I thought it would be a book that tried to copy the Twilight saga, but it was so different...in a good way. I think that it is kinda a mix between Gossip Girl and Twilight. Jason and his family move to Malibu and now live with the rich and famous. But Jason and his friend Adam soon find out that they live among some very respected vampire families. I think this has enough of a plot to keep you reading but doesn't take you on a rollercoaster. The book is easy to follow and a fun great read. I think it is perfect for teens.

Reader reviewed by Bookluver-Carol

Jason Freeman is stoked when his family relocates to exclusive DeVere Heights, Malibu. The in-crowd at his posh new high school is surprisingly friendly -- soon Jason's hitting all the best parties. He even meets the token hot-but-unattainable girl. Determined to enjoy his almost postcard-perfect new life, Jason tries hard to ignore the many strange things going down in DeVere Heights. But then a girl washes up dead the morning after one off-the-hook party -- and with no explanation but a suspicious-looking bite mark. Now Jason has to admit that what you don't want to know can hurt you. (Amazon.com)

I really enjoyed this book. It took about half the book for Jason to realize that the in-crowd was made up of vampires. The plot was kind of weak but if you stick to it, the book gets very interesting. It's a modern retelling of a vampire story. If you like vampire books you will certainly enjoy this one.The characters are interesting and they grow on you. Check out the sequel Initiation by Alex Duval.