I really enjoy storylines that are very different and unique. So, right up front I’m going to let you know this one is about vampires. Usually vampires don’t hold my attention, what with all the blood drinking and stuff going on, but this is not the typical vampire tale. (Still drinking blood, just a little more sophisticated about it.) They call themselves The Silver, because of the silver streaks that appear in their eyes, and they are a vicious group just about ready to take over the world. Then there are The Weepers, who are zombies with red tears running down their faces, and they enjoy munching on humans when they can catch them.
Emilia works at Parker’s Bar, where she and the other employees have become as close as most families. They let her know it is not a wise idea to walk home at night, but she informs them that she can make her own way. Of course, in the darkest area of the street, Emilia is frightened out of her wits when she is cut off by three strangers inside of a construction tunnel. One of them is a large man with blood around his mouth. What is that about?! Just as she is certain that she is looking death in the face, she is rescued by a very handsome man named Drew. He explains to her that she was almost attacked by Weepers and the best part…they like to eat people. Eww. As he tries to draw her away to a safe place, she refuses to budge and prefers to argue and demand answers, even as the streets fill with Weepers. Since he has the strength to rescue her from three scary monsters, I am unsure as to why he simply stands there and waits for the Weepers to get closer and closer. She’s looking rather obstinate and not too smart. Lucky for her, he has the patience of Job.
Eventually, Drew convinces Emilia that they will be much safer at his apartment. He lives in a very, very expensive building on the 10th floor. They hike their way up to his place, leaving her out of breath and exhausted. How about half dead? By the third floor most of us would be looking for the elevator key, but yes, there is a power outage. Once in the apartment, Drew brings her to the television and tells her to watch and listen. (No power outage? Or does he have a backup generator?) A very authoritative Silver introduces himself as Solomon and proceeds to tell the human population that to survive in the new social order they must do the job assigned to them and provide a monthly donation of blood. In return, the Silvers will provide for all their needs, such as health care, food, and housing. Emilia is utterly shocked and hardly capable of thinking, but moments later she is showing her strong will once again. She spots Drew on the stage with Solomon and wants to know just who he is and what she is doing in his apartment. It doesn’t take Drew long to convey his personal thoughts about Emilia (Could it be love?) and then it is up to her to decide what she is doing with him.
In time, Emilia meets Solomon and he shows interest in her. She is afraid of them both and wonders if there is a way to escape. She has a special place in this new society, though. While others are basically slaves, she is treated with care and continually speaks her mind without forethought. She questions everything and constantly makes demands, never recognizing that other women would not last long with her attitude. Even when her escape plans culminate with the deaths of three friends, she still does not soften her attitude or recognize the danger she is in.
The story is quite interesting with the a difference in the relationship between the Silver and the humans. There is a lot of action in some chapters, but then there is a slowing of the pace in the middle. Also, there is a certain amount of ‘cookie cutter’ story when it comes to the perfection of the Silvers and their out-of-this-world beauty. It’s a staple of vampire storylines and romance novels. After a few slow chapters, the story starts gaining speed again and rolls on to the end. Those who enjoy romance will like this one. Those who like vampires will absolutely enjoy the unique take on these bloodsuckers. However, I think the author had a real chance to develop a much larger and more interesting story if she had involved characters that were actually out in the slavish society, trying to survive.
The rating:
- Genre and general reading age – Fantasy/Romance for older teens and adults.
- Level of sexuality – There is certainly a lot of thought on the subject, but the characters have a long way to go if they’re going to have any kind of real relationship.
- Did I cry? No.
- Did I laugh? No. At times, I think Emilia was meant to be entertaining, but fell short. Or maybe I don’t know funny when I read it. (Yes, I do.)
- Is this part of a series? Yes, and I admit that if the sequel were to land on my desk, I would probably read it just because I am insatiably curious on ‘unique’ takes on generic storylines.
- Level of character development – The characters did not change and Emilia started as a spoiled child and it ended with her as a spoiled child. It would have been wise for her character to give maturing a try. I thought even Drew, the macho man, could have used at least a touch of strength when it came to dealing with his darling Emilia. The wringing of hands did not add to his character and only served to make him look weak.
I award this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
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