REVIEW: Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Vesper
by Jeff Sampson


Pages: 304
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/ HarperCollins
Release date: January 25th 2011
Format: Hardcover
Shelfability: Acquire/Borrow
Reading Level: YA (16+)
My final rating: It will exceed your expectations


From Goodreads:

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

My Review:

I was genuinely surprised with this book. From what I heard and read it wasn't that good. I admit It's no Hunger Games but I started reading with low expectations and came out craving the sequel NOW!!! Jeff Sampson surprised me. I guess his being a man and all really helped in the not-completely-focused-on-romance department. The whole novel is about Emily's transformation, acceptance and I really liked it. It was a welcomed change if I so say. If you are an "entertainment nerd" (as Emily put it) you'll love all the pulp culture reference, her love of reading and paranormal/horror/cult shows and movies. Sampson's writing style is fresh and identifiable.

Now for THE List:

What I loved:

• The character development ( she was a little shy rose bud and she bloomed into a full fledged awesome-sauce covered heroine)
• Pop culture reference
• Having a nerd as a protagonist (deserves a SQUEE from me)
• Writing style ( I talk like that sometimes)
• Both Nighttime and Daytime Emily and how she came up with that!
• Some of the scenes were I.N.T.E.N.S.E.

What I didn't like all that much:

• The pacing (It could have been edited a bit and made my heart pump even more)
• Megan (GAWD is she ever annoyingly self centered!)
• The lack of parental unit. (or their presence at least) Where the hell WERE they?

What did you think? Awesome or not? Comment and share! xoxoxo


(Havoc, Deviants #2 comes out January 2012)