I came across Jamie Manning's Blood Born (The Blood Prophecy Trilogy ) after visting Mr. Manning's blog. I have to admit, that, although I immediately added the book to my TBR list, I put off reading it. After all, there are so many vampire books out there - I wondered if this one would be at all original. The answer, friends is yes!

There is nothing ordinary or cookie-cutter about this novel. Jamie has managed to create a unique and unpredictable cast of characters that kept me engaged right up until the last page of my kindle.

My only criticism of this book is that I wanted more! I really wanted to get into these characters' heads and know more about them. It's always exciting when a book engages you, but even more so when you find out that it's part of a series. I look forward to continuing the journey with Ava, Chance, and Kayla in 2013. ( )

I for one am glad to see more vampire books popping up again, especially with the scary blood-thirsty kind of vampires found in Jamie Manning’s Blood Born. Blood Born is the first book in the Blood Prophecy Trilogy and is about a girl named Ava who wakes up in a coffin underground to find she’s been reborn a vampire. Good thing she has Chance, the boy who dug her out of the grave, to help her. But a new vampire is not the safest person to be around if you know what I mean. All Ava has to do to get out of her dire predicament is kill 100 vampires and she’ll be human again. Part Vampire Diaries and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Blood Born is scary and fun.

There’s a lot of mystery and secrets surrounding Ava’s new vampire existence. She has no memory about her past life at all. Since this is the first book in a series, there are hints about Ava and the other vampire players to whet your appetite, but we are in the dark along with Ava for the most part. Ava seems like a normal high school student, but when the fangs come out—watch out. Ava has a great sense of humor though, and I was rooting for her to be strong and hold on to her humanity.

The romance is really well done, and Ava and Chance have a lot of potential. And it doesn’t seem like there’s a love triangle, so thank goodness for that. Chance is a great guy, but he has secrets of his own to keep things interesting. I am very curious to see where their relationship goes in the sequel.

Ava has her own Scooby gang of vampire hunters to help her in her quest. It is a different twist to have a vampire bond with vampire hunters but Ava can use all the help she can get. The fighting and action are exciting and Manning is fearless in putting his characters in danger. There is death and mayhem, and when it’s all over you will be craving the sequel like a newborn vampire craves blood.

Blood Born is witty, action packed, fun, surprising and romantic. And it’s not too scary to read only during during the day, though there is definitely some bloodshed. Recommended for YA paranormal romance fans, this is an enjoyable quick read sure to please those looking for a fresh vampire tale. Bring on the sequel. ( )

I am so happy that I got a chance to read this book. Not only did it leave me extremely happy but I loved the ending!

What hooked me about this book are the characters. Written stunningly well, the reader is able to easily slip into the shoes of the characters. I like that Ava and Chance are characters that are written to their age. They sound and act like teenagers.They have aspects to them that make the reader feel as if they can know them like a real person.

The love interest in this book isn't really a love yet but it is developing. I love that these characters carefully rely on each other for information as well as trust each other. Through the hardships, their friendship grows in to something greater. A love that I know will be strong in the end.

Now, the ending! OMG! I mean really! Did he have to end it that way?
*That is all*

Blood Born is an explosive read from start to finish. Different from other vamp books, the set up for the story line hooks you right away. Blood Born is terrific! ( )