Drink Slay Love by Sarah Beth Durst

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Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 9781742379166
(Age: 15+) Pearl enjoys life as a sixteen year old vampire, prowling the streets at night, snacking on humans and driving fast cars. All of that changes when she is stabbed in the heart by a white Unicorn which then heals her. Her family denounce the existence of Unicorns, dismissing this brush with death but Pearl begins to notice some unusual changes. Firstly, she has a new ability to tolerate daylight and secondly, she is developing a conscience, which impedes her ability to hunt.
Pearl's family decide to put her ability to survive daylight to good use. They are preparing to host the vampire king of New England and need to prepare a sumptuous, bloody feast. If Pearl attends High School she will have access to a large number of students and consequently lots of lovely blood! Pearl is torn between betraying her friends or her family. Either option could have fatal consequences for her.
Vampire stories seem to be the ever popular choice for young adults and this one will not disappoint. Ultimately a variation of the classic good versus evil theme, the novel creates a sense of tension which unfolds in a climatic way. It has all the elements that teenage readers will find appealing, adventure, high school dramas and romance.
Tina Cain

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