The Vampire
Hunters Stalked
behind the writing ~ sample chapters ~ book reviews
behind the writing ~ sample chapters ~ book reviews
A jumbled teen horror story explores real-life issues. Having survived their first encounter with a vampire (The Vampire Hunters, 1999), teens Scooter, Russell and Kristi, along with their dog, Flash, see the world and its facts and fictions anew. But does anyone believe them? Not the local sheriff, who thinks the vampires are cult misfits; and not the mother of the angelic preacher's daughter, who worries the boys are dragging Kristi into trouble. Only Marcus, a wise, retired horror-movie director, believes their story. But when evil strikes again, the teens don't know where to turn. With the whole town cursed and changing before their eyes, they must battle betrayal, even within themselves. Meanwhile, the vampires want to assure that their story is told; since Marcus has refused to make a movie about them, they'll do whatever it takes to guarantee their legacy. Mired in the ponderous narrative is a tribute to the power of stories to shape beliefs. The vampires will go to any lengths necessary--including murder--to tell their story, and the local townfolk are so entrenched in their beliefs that they refuse to consider alternate truths. Even young Scooter flexes his talent as a writer under the guidance of his mentor Marcus. The story is hectic,. . . Young-adult readers may find kinship in these determined teens, who chafe under parental restrictions and long to follow their own paths. Rich themes and spirited characters strengthen an otherwise cluttered novel. (Fiction YA) --Kirkus Discoveries 2007
Review
Just when the "Vampire Hunters" (as the town has dubbed them) are just getting used to their powers, strange occurrences once more plague Gunstock. Who is the mysterious man who's posing as Scooter's writing mentor? What's the sinister force behind the Gibbering Darkness idols? What is the deadly Curse of Thirteen? And most importantly, who's behind it all? After all, the vampire is dead ...isn't he? Sporting just as many twists, turns, and suspense as the first, The Vampire Hunters Stalked is a note-worthy return to the setting in Gunstock, Texas. Plenty of details are given about Scooter and his developing friendships, including a few closer moments with love-interest Kristie. . . .All in all, readers who've fallen in love with Hill's characters in the previous book are sure to be satisfied with the sequel. --Alyssa Feller, Books: YA Reviews 2007
Press Release from Cheatham County Schools
