Shadow Kiss: A Vampire Academy Graphic Novel

Gr 9 Up—This is no Twilight rip-off, but a graphic novel adaption of a popular series that paranormal aficionados will love. Mead's "Vampire Academy" books (Penguin), which showcases a world of vampire royalty and the Dhampirs, half-vampire/half-humans, who must protect them at all costs. This third installment, tells the continuing story of Rose (a Dhampir) and Lissa, her best friend and a Moroi princess, who has the gift of channeling magic from the earth. Many would like to get their hands on the royal, and this tale highlights that danger as well as some new surprises. The full, rich colors and enticing artwork will have fans and newcomers alike picking up this volume. The characters are consistently well drawn, and the flow of the panels is appealing to the eye. The narrative picks up right where the last entry left off, and it can be confusing for those who have not read the previous titles: many plotlines are in continuation, and it's difficult for teens to understand the characters' motives if they are not aware of past dilemmas. Otherwise, this version is smooth and easy to comprehend. A great purchase if Mead's novels are popular or for beefing up graphic novel collections with fun, easy reads.—Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL