by Z Brewer
First published 2008
Vladimir Tod dreads walking through the halls of his junior high school. At thirteen, he faces the usual torments: bullies who target him daily, a principal who watches his every move, and the crushing disappointment of watching his crush favor his best friend instead. But Vlad carries a secret that sets him apart from every other middle schooler. His human mother raised him alone after his vampire father died, leaving Vlad to navigate his mixed heritage without guidance. Each day brings new challenges as he fights to control his growing fangs and the persistent craving for blood that gnaws at him. When a substitute teacher starts asking pointed questions about his background, Vlad fears his carefully maintained human facade might crumble. Just as he thinks he has his biggest problem identified, a far deadlier threat emerges. Someone is hunting him, and this pursuer knows exactly what Vlad is trying to hide.
Genres: fantasy, horror, supernatural, adolescence, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
192 pages · Library Binding · Turtleback Books
Content warnings: violence