Twelve-year-old Sophie Dawes loves her adopted moms for their unique and intense personalities and the fact that they—vampires—chose to adopt her—a human. It was not easy for vampires to first come into the light to live among humans, but those who did were able to do so thanks to the open mindedness of their global communities. However, vampires have lately been going rogue unexpectedly, becoming feral versions of themselves who must be removed to a local facility…from which they never return. When rogue behavior finds its way to Sophie’s beloved town of Hopeville, she must put the puzzle pieces together to save those she loves before it is too late.
From the very first moments, this book captivates readers’ attention through excellent writing and characters who are both tangible and memorable. Though the concept of vampires walking among, and even blending in with, humans is within the realm of fantasy, the details of such an occurrence are so thoughtfully executed that this story feels as though it could be real. Sophie recounts the story in the first person, explaining details to the reader as unusual events occur around her, and her voice is dynamic and engaging throughout the book. Readers will easily connect with Sophie as she works to save her adopted family while attempting to decide whether she wants to reconnect with shadows from her past.
This story, while fantastic on its face, settles into very real emotions with each conflict and situation in which its characters find themselves. From the discomfort that stems from being different from others in her community to the fear of being unexpectedly torn from her life due to circumstances beyond her control, Sophie’s plight is familiar within the context of a fictional novel. Readers who enjoyed Zootopia will find similar threads in this story, especially as readers work to solve the mystery alongside Sophie and her best friend Delphine. Thanks to high-quality writing and a compelling premise, this book is one readers will not be able to put down. It is an excellent addition to library collections for middle grade readers.
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