Vampire Forensics

Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend
by Mark Collins Jenkins

In Vampire Forensics, Mark Jenkins probes vampire legend to tease out the historical truths enshrined in the tales of terror: sherds of Persian pottery depicting blood-sucking demons; the amazing recent discovery by National Geographic archaeologist Matteo Borrini of a 16th-century Venetian grave of a plague victim and suspected vampire; and the Transylvanian castle of "Vlad the Impaler," whose bloodthirsty cruelty remains unsurpassed.

Mark Jenkins’s engrossing history draws on the latest science, anthropological and archaeological research to explore the origins of vampire stories, providing gripping historic and folkloric context for the concept of immortal beings who defy death by feeding on the lifeblood of others. From the earliest whispers of eternal evil in ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, vampire tales flourished through the centuries and around the globe, fueled by superstition, perversion, mystery, fear of disease and death, and the nagging anxiety that demons lurk everywhere.

Jenkins navigates centuries of lore and legend, weaving an irresistibly seductive blend of superstition, psychology, and science sure to engross everyone. Some parts were grotesque but I still couln't put it down. I was horrified and titilated.

Cirque Du Freak Series by Darren Shan

Grades 6+

1. A Living Nightmare
2. The Vampire's Assistant
3. Tunnels of Blood
4. The Vampire Mountain
5. Trials of Death
6. The Vampire Prince
7. Hunters of the Dusk
8. Allies of the Night
9. Killers of the Dawn
10. The Lake of Souls
11. Lord of the Shadows
12. Sons of Destiny

I have only read the first 6, but what I have found has really surprised me. Looking at the cover of the book, I thought they would be wayyyyy to gross for me to even consider reading. But the sucker that I am, I went and saw the movie. While there are gross elements in the tales (a spider is kinda central...creepy!), it was an interesting storyline and the plight of the character Darren intrigued me. Thus, I was sucked into the underbelly of the vampire world.

The story follows Darren, a normal kid, who has an interest in horror. He and his friend Stephen sneek out one night to see a "freak show" and he is awed by what he sees, mainly, a strange red and blue spider who has top billing in the show. He manages to steal the spider and when the owner of said spider, a vampire, comes calling Darren realizes that his whole life is going to change.

Darren is a surprisingly sympathetic character and I find that what he is thinking is what I am thinking (apart from wanting to go to a freak show. ahhhH!)

Masquerade (Blue Bloods, #2) by Melissa De La Cruz

Schuyler Van Alen is starting to get more comfortable with her new found vampire powers, but she still has many unanswered questions. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the famous Four Hundred Ball. In true Blue Blood fashion, the ball is totally fab, complete with masks, and hidden behind this masquerade is a revelation that will change the course of a young vampire's destiny.

This is the second book in the Blue Blood series about vampires with a different folklore. It is strange that there are new "theories" about vampirism so late in the game. I mean, the idea has been around for a while, but it is refreshing that we don't get the same sparkly picture that Stephenie Meyer paints. Variety is always welcome.

I really like this series ::looks slight ashamed::. It is fun and the snarky antagonist named Mimi Force, is so fun to read. Mimi is just someone you have in your life that you hate and feel totally justified in it. Mimi is a name for a person destined to be the alpha female in a group who will totally bite your head off for wearing that shirt with those pants ! Love it.

Although, as I read more of the series the mystery starts to wear off. The same thing happened to me when I read Harry Potter. As Harry becomes more familiar with his new environment there are not as many surprises. I really enjoy being enveloped in a new culture and trying to figure out what is going on. But that is not to say there is no mystery at all. We still don't know what is going to happen or what the silver bloods are up to. Very intriguing!