With the current vampires trends hitting not only the literary world, but now the mainstream television circuit, there is no question in my mind that this book would be a hit with pre-teens and teens alike. Amazing as well as fascinating vampire myths from around the globe and scary imagery add to the charm of this incredibly interesting book. Creatures featured range from fearsome, flesh-eating Ghouls to Kali, the goddess of destruction, all portrayed in two page spreads in bright,scary illustrations.
I can’t imagine a teen alive that will not embrace this book and eagerly read through it, and sneakily enough, they are learning while doing it. There is a page about Bram Stoker, the Dracula author, a section describing Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood countess, plus information about Churches in the medieval times. All these little tidbits of knowledge gather together to form a web of knowledge not only about Vampires and their kindred evil, but the eras when the legends were born and fostered.
And I admit, the fact that they had a page about vampire hunters featuring none other than my favorite kick-butt girl of all time, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, just added to my delight with this dark and devilish read.
Reading level: ages 10 and up
Page Count: 96 pages
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, Sept 29, 2009
What to expect: scary images, frightening stories and facts, but it IS about vampires!
Publisher’s synopsis: Vampires have always fascinated and frightened, and now their reach goes beyond horror-flick fans. Teens the world over have fallen under the spell of these mysterious, blood-sucking, and oh-so-alluring beings! From Buffy to Twilight, vampire fans have gotten smarter and savvier, and this is the book for them.
Learn how vampires live, how they avoid capture, and why they’re so darn attractive. Also trace the history of vampire lore–in literature, movies, and on television–from the woods of Transylvania to the modern-day high school.
Chock full of info and insight, each gorgeous page will draw in readers of every age, with innovative styling, never-before-seen imagery, and deliciously wicked design. Perhaps this enticing tome is best read while wearing a garlic necklace . . .
Our Rating: 5 out of 5
For more information on this book and others, you can visit DK Books at http://www.dk.com, and click the flag to choose your country.
My 11 year old just bought this the other day! She likes the comparisons of how they used to be (ugly and scary) vs how they are now (shiny and pretty). She agreed, 5 out of 5!