Book Review - Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

 


Title : Infinite Days (Vampire Queen #1)
Author : Rebecca Maizel


Genre : Young Adult / Paranormal Romance / Vampire
Paperback : 308 pages
Publisher : St. Martin's Press, Griffin
First Publication Date : August 3, 2010


"Throughout all my histories, I found no one I love more than you... no one."
Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love.
The last time I would see his face. 
It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste. 
Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust. 
I never expected to fall in love with someone else who wasn't Rhode. But Justin was... darling. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream. I never expected to be sixteen again... but then again, 
I never expected my past to come back and haunt me. 


Review: 

**WARNING- The underlined segments of this review contain SPOILERS**

I was ready for another cheesy vampire romance series.  After reading "Twilight" I was curious about all these "other" vampire books that seemed to be popping up everywhere. So I tried the "House of Night" series, "Blue Bloods" and the "Vampire Diaries". But nothing took. With most of them I even went as far as reading the second book. But now I am sure that I will never restart/finish these three series, EVER!!


There was however one exception, the "Vampire Academy" series, which I've finished and is by far my favorite Vampire books (yes people, I like this book more than I will ever like 'Twilight'). So as that story ended, I found myself, yet again, "thirsting" for another blood filled corny romance! Which is how I ended up reading Rebecca Maizel's 'Infinite Days'.


This book has a fresh idea of some sort. The story is about a high-and-mighty vampire queen who wants to become human again after having lived as a vampire for nearly 600 years. It is also about three, perhaps four different kinds of "love".


The first type of love is seen in the first few chapters. I found myself captivated immediately as I read about a love that is as profound as death itself, which takes place between Lenah (the former vampire queen) and a character named Rhode. I would have loved to read about their epic forever love story for the whole book, but it was obvious (just from reading the back of the book) that this wasn't going to be the case.


**SPOILERS**
Lenah had no choice when she was turned into a vampire by Rhode but she loved him back as he had hoped and for a while it seemed to work. Until Rhode could not stand to watch Lenah kill an infant to fulfill her blood lust. So, he left her without saying anything for 100 years. (What is up with him, disappearing like that!! Who does that?!) But as if he was trying to make amends for turning her into a vampire, he gives her the ultimate gift. He sacrifices himself to give her another chance on life as a human being.


The second love is with Lenah and a sizzling hot guy she sees doing a dare-devil motor boat show with his brothers named Justin. She literally falls in love with him instantly. It's the way he looks, how he glows, (from being out in the sun and getting tanned, I bet is why) his structure, his piercing green eyes (compared to Rhode's blue) etc. Just like any other girl in every other book of this kind, she fell in love with the next dreamy guy she sees, and that guy just happened to be Justin. There is no 'logic' to her infatuation, but being in love as a human, able to touch, feel, smell and taste was exhilarating for Lenah. Like a girl in love for the first time at 16, sweet and innocent. 


Vicken, the third love as I have numbered, also has quite an interesting story. When Rhode leaves Lenah, she is left alone and vulnerable. So, she makes herself a coven to protect herself from death and most of all loneliness. He is the last vampire she made and like Rhode, she shares a bond with him.

**SPOILERS**
Unfortunately, Vicken seems to be the villain in this book, but I personally think of him as a victim. Poor guy... he has given up his family and life to be with Lenah but she doesn't see this until she gets her human senses back. What she does for him in the end, to save him, is very touching.


Lenah's relationship with Tony is a bit annoying, mostly on her part. I mean, how can a girl not notice that a guy likes her when he's giving off such obvious hints? Taking hundreds of pictures of only her, wanting to draw her portrait, and telling her that she's gorgeous! I mean, come on! He couldn't have been any more obvious! She just denies his advances because she needs his friendship more than she wants to admit. 


I also enjoyed reading the flashbacks of Lenah's past- her hundreds of years as a vampire queen are very intriguing. However, I must admit, it does not feel like she was nearly remorseful enough of her past actions as she should have been. Anyway, I have said too much already, so I'll end by saying that I have enjoyed this book alot more than I had originally anticipated that I would. I look forward to reading the next book.


................................................................................................................................Review by Kathryn


Rating : 4 starts / 5


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