Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Volume II

You miss the old vampire era when Twilight came out? Then this is the book for you.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO READ A GREAT STORY IN COMIC FORM WOULD LOVE THIS SERIES. ITS GREAT FOR OLDER KIDS MAYBE 11 AND UP AND A VERY LITTLE FUNNY STORY. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS.

Raven is back, along with her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, and trouble is still following them around town. Alexander's cousin, Claude, along with his gang, is unfortunately continuing to grace them with their presence - and it is definitely not for good reasons. Raven is doing all she can to protect her family from these half-vampires, even resorting to the age old trick of garlic necklaces placed around the house. But Raven knows that the only way Claude will leave and stop bothering her is if they finally find the vials that will aid them in turning into true vampires. So now Raven and Alexander must come up with a plan to find the vials before Claude can get to them. Alexander then remembers a map when he was little that could possibly be the key to finding the vials; if only he could remember where that map is now. Not being able to work together during the day, Raven and Alexander must work quickly with the limited time they have, in order to prevent Claude and his gang from becoming the full vampires that they have yearned to be. But can a team of two go up against a gang of four? Quick and entertaining, the second in the VAMPIRE KISSES manga series is just as captivating as the first. The plot is gripping, the drawings are amazing, and each page will have readers at the edge of their seats. Fans of the novel series will want to sink their teeth into this manga installment - just be warned, it definitely isn't over yet. Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

Reviewed by Avni Gupta (age 15) for Reader Views (11/08) When I got "Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Volume II" I was slightly intimidated by the fact that it was a graphic novel. I had never read one before and was slightly scared that I was not going to like it. I shouldn't have worried. I loved it! It was an amazing story! I loved how even though it is a comic book, you could really get a feel of both Raven and Alexander, as in who they are, and what they stand for. The only thing that was slightly annoying to me was the fact that it started with chapter 5. I hadn't read the first one, so I was slightly lost at first, but as soon as I figured out what was going on, it was smooth sailing from there. This book is about Raven and her vampire boyfriend, Alexander. Alexander's cousin is in town trying to find the vials of vampire blood that will turn him into a full vampire instead of just a half vampire. In doing so (being in town, I mean) he is messing up Raven's life. Now she is willing to do almost anything to get him to leave. I really enjoyed this book because the characters were so gorgeous! All of them looked exactly like their description described them! I wouldn't change anything about it! My absolute favorite part about this book was Alexander *sigh*. He seems like the most perfect person ever! He really cares about Raven and isn't ashamed to show it. He knows that his cousin is a danger to her and to her family, and therefore, he does every thing he can to make sure that they are safe. He is amazingly caring and sweet, plus he had wicked cool hair. I wish my boyfriend was like him (the vampire part would be amazing as well). "Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Volume II" by Ellen Schreiber is an amazing book.

One of the better examples of Amerimanga that I've ever read, this installment of the Vampire Kisses series doesn't disappoint those looking for a good, humorous story with catchy artwork and likable characters. I'd recommend reading the first Blood Relatives installment before jumping into this one, as well as the novels, though one doesn't necessarily have to read the novels to be able to pick up the manga. It's all just better together! If you like vampires and goth hijinks, then you'll love Vampire Kisses.

The plot was more involved than the first book, which made me happy, partly because it was longer I suppose. Over all, I love the characters. They make these hilarious expressions at just the right moment! I honestly love all of them, even the side characters - for instance one of Claude's groupies ducks for cover when found in the bathroom because she's avoiding her lack of reflection being discovered and then she makes up some snarky comment about losing her contact lens. It remains just light enough throughout that even in tense situations there will be the occasional funny. I'm looking forward to the third book! :3 Even more character and plot development I hope is soon to come.