If I tell you to just read this book, will you listen? Didn't think so. If I tell you that there is no sparkly vampires, lots of blood, and guts, will you be curious? You should. If I tell you that I wanted to put the book down when Frankenstein was introduced as a character, will you shy away? You shouldn't. I'm glad that I didn't set the book down.

Department 19 should be a big hit. If it isn't, I have lost my faith. It has so much going for it. Let me explain:

First....

Jamie Carpenter. Poor Jamie. His dad is dead. His dad is dead because his dad was a traitor to his country. Or was he? Jamie will go into my record book as one of the best written teenage characters EVER. From the opening paragraphs to the last page, I felt for him. I felt his heartache when he was so very lonely, and angry, that he would rather turn his back to his mom, than share her grief in losing his dad. I felt for him when he first realized that the world is not what it seems and he'll play a major part in this new world. I felt for him when he first realized, by the blood drops on the window sill, that his mom was missing and his last words to her were words of anger. If you don't instantly feel for Jamie's character, something is wrong.

2nd....

There are no sparkly vampires in this book. Got it?

3rd....

There is an actual storyline in this book. A real one, not a love triangle with a story written around it.

4th....

It's an easy read, a fast read and appropriate for teens and adult. The violence is a bit graphic because the vampires don't sparkle they bite, and rip and kill but I think teens can handle it.

Overall-

Love it. Going to keep my copy. That should tell you something.

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