For Vlad, middle school sucks. Not only does he have to deal with normal problems like bullies, girls and grades, but he also has to worry about blood cravings and fangs that tend to come out at the most inconvenient moments. Vlad lives with Nelly, a nurse, after his mother (a human) and father (a vampire) were killed in a house fire. With the help of Nelly and his best friend Henry (also a human), Vlad does a pretty good job of fitting in, but things change when a strange new teacher comes to his school.
Through a series of coincidences, Vlad begins to uncover secrets about his father’s past. He finds out that there is a thriving vampire society based at a place called Elysia. Further, he learns that the vampire council had been tracking his father before his death and planned to punish him for breaking vampire code and having a romantic relationship with a human. He begins to suspect that the council (aided by his new teacher) killed his parents and that he may be next.
This story is a nice (if not entirely unique) combination of high school drama and fantasy. A weak plot and mediocre characterization may scare off some readers, but vampire lovers will probably stick around until the last bite. Though far from perfect, this short book may pack just the right combination of bloody fantasy and real life issues to draw in some reluctant readers.
DweebMeter: 2.5/5
Random Sidenote: Okay, I know I’m not Miss Sensitivity, but Vlad cries way too much!
P.S. The sequel, Ninth Grade Slays, came out on April 17, 2008.
Links
Finally, check out this cool anime book trailer for Eighth Grade Bites:
Apr 30, 2008 at 12:44 am
So, how much did you love this book, huh? I’m gonna have to go buy the sequel 9th grade slays soon if the library doesn’t hurry up and get it in already!!
Team Edward!
Apr 30, 2008 at 12:46 am
ok, I should totally READ your post before I say anything. You only gave it a 2.5? You’re crazy.
Apr 30, 2008 at 1:35 am
What can I say? It was a fun read, but it had really weak characterization and the plot was flawed. I would still read the sequel, but I couldn’t give it more than a 2.5
Jan 31, 2009 at 8:15 pm
This book wasn’t amazing but it deserves more then a 2.5. It was a pretty lame book at some parts but i would give it a 4.
books4life!!!!!!!!
Apr 29, 2009 at 8:51 pm
the book was gr8 and i have already read the 1st n 2nd now waiting on the 3rd
Apr 29, 2009 at 9:01 pm
i luv 3 things this book, the nxt book, and the last 1!!!