iDrakula by Bekka Black
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 160
Source: Received from publicist for honest review
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 160
Source: Received from publicist for honest review
Summary: The classic vampire story that started it all gets new life for a generation of connected teens. 18-year-old Jonathan Harker is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder after visiting a Romanian Count. His girlfriend Mina and a pre-med student named Van Helsing team up to investigate the source of the disease. The teenagers discover a horrifying truth: the Count is a vampire. The harrowing events unfold through emails, text messages, web pages, Twitter feeds, and instant messaging-the natural modernization of Bram Stoker's original Dracula, which was written in letters, diary entries, and news clippings.
My Review: iDrakula was a modernized version of Dracula that seemingly had great potential. Unfortunately, the execution was sadly not up to par. Despite that, Bekka's idea of introducing the concept and characters through texts, e-mail and other ways of communication was enjoyable. I especially loved the iPhone texts, it felt like I was reading a conversation on my own cell. In the beginning, Jonathan and Mina had a flirtatious and playful relationship. Yet, once Jonathan went to visit a Romanian Count, their lives would be forever changed. Mina not only felt the need to help others affected by the rare blood disorder, she also struggled with the discovery of betrayal and lies. Mina's vulnerability and hurt surfaced through her texts and e-mails which helped me connect with her.
Now, the whole truth about the Count being a vampire was poorly presented. The shock value that vampires existed was lacking. I personally, didn't buy there calm and collective attitudes while people were turning into blood suckers left and right. Meanwhile, Mina's best friend was also going through a transformation that was unpreventable. Their friendship suffered a lot of ups and downs and it was quite interesting to see the outcome. Overall, I wish the concept was better developed, instead of it feeling rushed. I understand it was based on Bram Stroker's, Dracula, however not everyone knows the back story. On the bright side, it was a quick read and held my attention throughout, especially when Mina was narrating. Besides my feelings on the writing, I really love the cover choice. It's dark and fits perfectly with the vampire and technology theme.
My Rating:
Book Trailer:
Author's Info:
Bekka Black is the pseudonym for mystery author Rebecca Cantrell, whose recent novel A Trace of Smoke received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Library Journal. The book was reviewed by the New York Times, was chosen as a pick by numerous independent bookstores, and was a Writer's Digest Notable Debut.
My Review: iDrakula was a modernized version of Dracula that seemingly had great potential. Unfortunately, the execution was sadly not up to par. Despite that, Bekka's idea of introducing the concept and characters through texts, e-mail and other ways of communication was enjoyable. I especially loved the iPhone texts, it felt like I was reading a conversation on my own cell. In the beginning, Jonathan and Mina had a flirtatious and playful relationship. Yet, once Jonathan went to visit a Romanian Count, their lives would be forever changed. Mina not only felt the need to help others affected by the rare blood disorder, she also struggled with the discovery of betrayal and lies. Mina's vulnerability and hurt surfaced through her texts and e-mails which helped me connect with her.
Now, the whole truth about the Count being a vampire was poorly presented. The shock value that vampires existed was lacking. I personally, didn't buy there calm and collective attitudes while people were turning into blood suckers left and right. Meanwhile, Mina's best friend was also going through a transformation that was unpreventable. Their friendship suffered a lot of ups and downs and it was quite interesting to see the outcome. Overall, I wish the concept was better developed, instead of it feeling rushed. I understand it was based on Bram Stroker's, Dracula, however not everyone knows the back story. On the bright side, it was a quick read and held my attention throughout, especially when Mina was narrating. Besides my feelings on the writing, I really love the cover choice. It's dark and fits perfectly with the vampire and technology theme.
My Rating:
Book Trailer:
Bekka Black is the pseudonym for mystery author Rebecca Cantrell, whose recent novel A Trace of Smoke received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Library Journal. The book was reviewed by the New York Times, was chosen as a pick by numerous independent bookstores, and was a Writer's Digest Notable Debut.
9 comments:
Sounds interesting but I don't think I could read a book full of emails, text, etc. To me its distracting. :(
I was wondering myself if this would be a good read. It does seem like a weird way to read a book via emails, text messages. That being said that think the cover really draws you in. It looks dark but sexy in its own way, despite the fact that there is blood everywhere. lol
Great review!
Thanks for the review! I always discover new books whenever I visit your blog. The book seems kind of different but I think I might check it out.
Disappointing because it sounds so promising
I think I could still enjoy this, flaws and all. Thanks for the fab review
I definitely gets kudos for a unique concept!
~Alyssa
Teens Read and Write
Ooh, interesting concept! It really is too bad about the execution though.
It's a bummer you didn't like this more. I hate it when the novel has an amazing concept but doesn't live up to it. Thanks for the honest review!
i love books with a different format. I think I'll try this at some point, I'm very curious still. Nice review!
-lauren
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