Book Review: "Hearts at Stake" by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Hearts at Stake (Drake Chronicles Book 1)

Author: Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher: Bloomsbury

ISBN, PUB Date: 9780802720740, December 22, 2009

Reviewed by: Jennifer Shaw for Author Exposure

Solange Drake and her vampire family have been exiled from the royal court. A centuries-old prophecy states that a female vampire born to an ancient family will become the queen and bring all the vampire tribes together. Solange is believed to be the one who will fulfill that prophecy. As if that isn’t enough to make a young girl stress out, there are vampires trying to woo her and others trying desperately to kill her. As she and her family struggle to keep her safe, her approaching bloodchange weakens her to her core. Solange’s best friend, a mortal girl named Lucy, is by her side every step of the way. Both girls find more than they bargained for as the prophecy unravels before them. Will Solange step up to the rank of queen or will she succumb to the bloodchange?

I was absolutely astonished with Harvey’s fresh approach in this fantastic vampire novel and I enjoyed the fact that the violence wasn’t bogged down in gore. With the market smothered with every possible option, it was a delight to see an author think outside the box, creating a startling view of vampires.

Each character was true to the vampire stereotype, adding a colorful, family feel to the Drake’s. As far as the dark side of vampires, Harvey created enough drama to set the plot in motion, propelling it to a dramatic finish. Harvey’s view of the vampire world is electric, giving the reader a view of the immortal life unlike any other story out there.

Hearts at Stake is a fantastic YA novel filled to the brim with action, intrigue, and romantic interests you won’t see coming. I highly recommend the Drake Chronicles to anyone who loves a good vampire story with a touch of romance. Blood Feud is the next installment and I can’t wait to devour it page by page.