Author, Wynne Channing sent me an copy of What Kills me. I’m so grateful, ’cause I really enjoyed it.
Description from Goodreads:
An ancient prophecy warns of a girl destined to cause the extinction of the vampire race.
So when 17-year-old Axelia falls into a sacred well filled with blood and emerges a vampire, the immortal empire believes she is this legendary destroyer. Hunted by soldiers and mercenaries, Axelia and her reluctant ally, the vampire bladesmith Lucas, must battle to survive.
How will she convince the empire that she is just an innocent teenager-turned bloodsucker and not a creature of destruction? And if she cannot, can a vampire who is afraid of bugs summon the courage to fight a nation of immortals?
Review:
What Kills Me was a pleasure to read. The very beginning left me wondering if ‘Zee’ was going to be one of those ultra goody-two shoes that are simply too pure to stomach, but she wasn’t. I liked her immensely. She was strong, without being cold; sarcastic, without being irreverent; and vulnerable without being a sniveling weakling in constant need of protection. Don’t get me wrong, she needed protecting, but she wasn’t one of those useless female leads who just flails about waiting for the hero to do all of the work. The hero, by the way, is also fabulous. Lucas is just as strong as you would expect him to be, but shows a surprising depth of emotion, despite his gruff exterior. Yummy!
What I loved most, however, was the witty repartee between the two of them. It was done very well and I think warranted five stars all by itself. It was often used to lighten a tense moment, without making either character appear oblivious to danger or overly flippant. I did think Uther’s timely arrival there at the end was a little too convenient, but by that point I was so afraid the whole thing wasn’t going to wrap up and be a cliff-hanger that I has too happy to care.
After reading the book and Channing’s bio I have to admit to feeling a little inadequate. Apparently she is an awesome writer with an awesome job. I would ask how any one person could be so lucky, but it would be naive to think that there is no connection. I am definitely up for reading another of her novels in the future.