The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #2: Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

January 2011, Razorbill

288 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's 12+ 

School life, bullying, vampires, vampire slayer, betrayal, teenage emotions, mild teen romance, telepathy, hunter and the hunted, secrets, families and friendships, life from the view of a male teen, some action/gore, lots of humour

Summary from Puffin 

If middle school sucked for Vladimir Tod, high school is a real drain.

Besides being a punch bag for bullies, he's still going nowhere fast with dream girl Meredith. Needless to say, practicing his vampire skills hasn't exactly been a priority for Vlad ­- until now.

A monumental trip to Siberia with Uncle Otis, training alongside the most gifted vampires, is exactly what Vlad needs.

And he'd better get it right, because the battle brewing back home with the vampire who's been stalking him . . . could be Vlad's last.

Nayuleska's reasons for liking Vlad...He's a decent character, makes mistakes like every teen does, copes mostly ok with being different, and somehow strikes a chord with me. 

Is there another character who deserves a mention? Yes, Vlad's Aunt Nelly is his main guardian, she's a terrific baker, is fairly relaxed with Vlad (no matter what he thinks!), and her love for him is unquestionable. 

How evil/nasty is the enemy? The slayer is obviously evil (or are they...?), so are the vampires who are after Vlad because he's the chosen one. They are all evil enough that I wish I hadn't been on my own after reading this. 

Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? Apart from the storyline with Vlad and Meredith, I was in the dark for the rest of the plot twists, a few of which were heart wrenching. 

One of my favourite parts was...whenever Vlad ate food which was disguised to look normal, but had blood in - it's the little things which help make Vlad's need to hide his identity realistic. 

I happily give this engaging read 10/10

Check out more about the series and Heather over on her website.

Suggested read

Be sure to read the first book, Eighth Grade Bites