Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
Young Adult, 256 pages
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Purchased Copy
Tina's Quick Synopsis:
Meet Solange Drake. A lovely fifteen year old girl, daughter of a powerful family, sister to seven over protective brothers. Just a normal gal who loves her best friend Lucy and loves coffee- not for long though- Solange will be turning sixteen soon and with it a case of death.
As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and at the same time elude the vampire league that are out to capture her. Unlikely alliances and romances are formed in a race to save Solange’s eternal life.
Memorable quote
I tingled all the way down to my toes……………………..
I gave myself to the moment, all but hurled into it. I wanted it to last for the next year and a half a least. I’d never felt like this before. It could totally become addictive.
(Lucy’s thoughts on Nicholas’ kiss)
Review
If I had to compare Hearts at Stake I’d say its cross between Evernight and Underworld.
Solange is the prophesied queen among the vampires who are broken up into numerous tribes. As of right now Lady Natasha is currently acting queen. Although the title hasn’t officially been given to her- having a princess alive and well is seriously putting a kink in her plans for world domination. So what is a vile, hungry power filled wanna be queen vamp to do? Place a bounty out for Solange’s head! To make matters worse- the bounty interests not only bad vampires but also a rogue unit of vampire hunters. And even worse than that- one of the vampire hunters is a dead ringer for "hot boy with a serious sensitive side".
The plot moves very fast and shifts between Solange and Lucy’s perspectives. The dialogue flowed very easily and I thought the development of Lucy was the books finest point. If there was ever a best friend- it’s Lucy!! Lucy has grown up with the Drakes and is under the family’s protection, but when Solange faces mighty danger, Lucy is willing to go the distance even her life to save her best friend. Lucy also has captured the eye of Nicholas, a Drake brother- and the romance sizzles between them.
This story was fast paced and entertaining and although it didn’t bring anything new to vampire genre- it did portray a strong family unit, so often not seen in a YA book. How funny it takes parents being of the true undead to show love, support and fierce protection over their children. That’s what I loved the most was the fantasy aspects of the story along with reality aspects of family and true friends.
Rating
No sex scenes except for some hot kisses, however language scores a high. Recommended for 15 and up.
4/5- YA- Vampires, Romance
Wonderful review, I just recnetly read this one, i cant wait to read Blood Feud :)
ReplyDeleteI liked this too. I signed up for the book tour for the second one, its on its way!!
ReplyDeleteHmm...a cross between Evernight and Underworld? Definitely sounds interesting. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll have to pick myself up a copy soon...
ReplyDeleteO love the idea of a strong family..It's rare to find that
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