(ARC) Book Review: Slayed

Slayed by Amanda Marrone
I received an ARC of this book through Good Golly Miss Holly (ARC) Tours.


Description: The Van Helsing family has been hunting vampires for over one hundred years, but sixteen-year-old Daphne wishes her parents would take up an occupation that doesn’t involve decapitating vamps for cash. All Daphne wants is to settle down in one place, attend an actual school, and finally find a BFF to go to the mall with. Instead, Daphne has resigned herself to a life of fast food, cheap motels and buying garlic in bulk.

But when the Van Helsings are called to a coastal town in Maine, Daphne’s world is turned upside down. Not only do the Van Helsings find themselves hunting a terrifying new kind of vampire (one without fangs but with a taste for kindergarten cuisine), Daphne meets her first potential BF! The hitch? Her new crush is none other than Tyler Harker, AKA, the son of the rival slayer family.

What's a teen vampire slayer to do?


My Review: Slayed was a quick and easy read that I finished in one sitting. Despite the serious nature of the story hinted at from the jacket copy, it was full of humor and laugh out loud moments. The story was a real page turner that kept me engrossed from beginning to end.

The character of Maybelle "Kiki" Crusher was one of the main reasons why I enjoyed Slayed so much. She was funny and a great complement to Daphne's character. I liked how Kiki was all gung ho vampire slayer one minute and then nervous and unsure of herself the next. But in the end, she was a true friend to Daphne and always come through for her no matter what the situation.

I was a little skeptical about Tyler and Daphne's relationship at first. Their Romeo and Juliet style romance seemed a little too formulaic and unoriginal, but Marrone threw in some twists that kept it from being too much "been there, read that." I really would have liked to have read some of the story from Tyler's point of view, though. His family history was interesting and I think his character could have been developed more if readers could have had a glimpse into his mind.

Overall, Slayed was a great read and I look forward to reading more from Amanda Marrone.


My Rating: 4 stars

Picture and description courtesy of Goodreads.