Immortal: Love Stories with Bite

Title: Immortal: Love Stories with Bite
Author: Various - edited by P.C. Cast
ISBN: 9781933771922
Publisher: BenBella

Summary:
"When you're immortal, true love really is forever.
Rachel Caine revisits the setting of her popular series, where the vampires are in charge and love is a risky endeavor, even when it comes to your our own family.
Tantalize author Cynthia Leitich Smith gives us a love triangle between a vampire, a ghost, and a human girl, in which none of them are who or what they seem.
Claudia Gray takes us into the world of her Evernight series, in which a pre-Civil War courtesan-to-be is courted by a pale, fair-haired man whose attentions are too dangerous to spurn - in more ways than one.
Vampire Academy author Richelle Mead brings us the tale of a young vampire on the run from the rest of her kind, and the human boy who provides the getaway car - as well as a reason to keep running.
Wicked series writer Nancy Holder immerses us in a post-apocalyptic New York where two best friends are forced to make a choice that may kill them both.
Rachel Vincent explores a new corner of her Soul Screamers universe with the story of a leanan sidhe capable of inspiring the musician she loves to new creative heights - or draining him, and his talent, dry.
Master fantasist Tanith Lee shows us what happens when a bright young woman with some supernatural savvy encounters a misguided (but gorgeous) young vampire.
And Kristin Cast, co-author of the House of Night series, introduces us to a new kind of vampire one with roots in Greek mythology, and the power to alter space and time to save the girl he's meant to love."
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First Lines:

"So... just what in the hell is it with you teenagers and vampires? Huh? Okay, I have my suspicions."
Page vii from P.C. Cast's Introduction
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Review:

That's quite the summary, huh? The back of the book does a good job of lining up the types of stories you're going to read so I don't have to! woo hoo :). As with many short story books, this one has quite the theme... vampire romance (obvs). And it's absolutely going to appeal to those Twihards and lovers of other wonderful vampire series. I mean, look at that cover!

I think my favorite of the stories comes from Richelle Mead. This isn't all that surprising considering my love of her Vampire Academy Series. This story is called Blue Moon and is really well fleshed out. I know that short stories sometimes lack a little.... umph. This one had me wishing for more chapters. It's all about a world where vampires rule and one girl has a prophecy to change it all - and she doesn't want to. So she runs away. It's a great base and the story is written wonderfully. Kudos Mead!

I had a little heart pitter patter when I saw there was a story from Rachel Caine (why are there so many Rachels?) that was based on her Morganville series. I'm a fan :). The normal series is written from Claire's point of view, but this one went a little deeper with Shane and his dad. It's a really interesting addition to the series... and I'm wondering if it's going to play a small part in the next book. hmmm.

The rest of the stories in the book are wonderful as well - I just don't want to bore you with my take on each one. All of these authors are so experienced, it's almost like gliding through a simple obstacle course. Easy peasy. So seamless. As always, they're just impressive. :)

The introduction by P.C. Cast is absolutely wonderful. If you don't read this entire book, you at least need to read the intro. She writes about why vampires have taken off - what teens really love about it... and why she's so into it. It's really introspective and a great kick off for the rest of the stories.

I do recommend this book for those who are into the vampire romance stuff. It's definitely meant for the older teen - considering the amount of sensuality and such. ahem. It gets a bit steamy at some spots. But it's a great book and I'm glad to pass it along.
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Other Blog Reviews:

All Things Urban Fantasy
Tink's Place
There really aren't many reviews out there for this one... so be one of the few! :) At least that I could find. Did you review this one?