Review Detail

Kat Finn lives and works with mortals while barely making it on Hema, a synthetic blood substitute. She fantasizes about attending Harcote, an elite vamp boarding school, and goes behind her mother's back to apply. She's beyond excited when she's accepted. Even better she finds out an unknown benefactor pays for everything. When she arrives on campus she finds she's roommates with someone from her past. But there are worse things than being around someone who betrayed you. Seems there are secrets on campus that include her own mother. Secrets that might reveal that not all is what it seems.

What worked: Captivating and original vamp boarding school story filled with mystery, intrigue, and a slow-burning romance. I really liked the premise of a virus that ends up killing most of the original vampires and the idea of synthetic blood being the new food source. In this story, not all vampires have easy access to Hema. Kat's journey to Harcote and being accepted is a roller coaster ride. She tries hard to fit in. She even mingles with two of the mean girls, thinking that will help. All the while she prays no one will find out she's not the rich, elite vamp like the others.

Taylor is strong, stubborn, and proud of her queerness. When Kat and her get together at the beginning there is tension and resentment. Kat believes Taylor is the reason behind her having to flee the only home she knew with her mother. Slowly this changes as both girls let their guards down. Kat learns not only new things about her mother and her part in Hema and the virus but herself.

Harcote is an edgier vamp elite boarding school. There are secrets everywhere. Even the school staff have something to hide.

Page-turning with suspense and surprises throughout. For those who love a twist on the usual vampire story and one that has strong queer protagonists, this one is for them!