27. Night Road by A.M. Jenkins

Night Road by A.M. Jenkins
ISBN: 9870060546045
Harper Teen, New York, 2008
362 pages

Teaser: The journey of young hemovores (a more sophisticated vampire), out of the safety of seclusion and on the street for a life journey. Cole takes Gordon under his wing and teaches him the path of their kind, without being caught.

Summary: Cole prefers the open road to the seclusion of hiding in shadows and staying in pacts. After centuries of being on his own, Cole is asked to look after a new hemovore. As they set out on the streets of Manhattan, Cole tries to help the younger Gordon, much like himself, learn the skills needed to stay under suspicion and out of the light of day. If he cannot hone the survival skills necessary into Gordon, he may have to take him out, like a wild dog.

Evaluation: I liked the detailed interactions between the characters, not only hemovores, but the other tenants in their building and on the streets. The night life details and how they prey on their victims is much like a stalker and singling out the weak to cull out of the herd. I enjoyed the pace of the book and the multiple faucets of the book as it progressed, involving many characters. It kept the flow of the book going and interesting. A book you would want to finish and hate to put down. I like the vampire type theme and enjoyed the book.

Challenge issues and age recommendation: The book is graphic and deals with killing, upscale vampire life, swindling from others and praying on those they suck blood from. A bit of mature language and knowledge of travel and inner city travel would be good to follow the pace of the adventure. I think due to the nature of the characters, I would recommend this book for readers 16 and up.