Review: My Love Lies Bleeding

My Love Lies Bleeding (Drake Chronicles #1) by Alyxandra Harvey
Published: 22nd December 2009 (UK)
Publisher: Bloomsbury (UK)

Description from Goodreads:


The Blakes are rather different to your usual neighbours. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solange, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her. Lucy soon discovers that she would like to be more than just friends with Nicholas. But how does one go about dating a vampire? Meanwhile, Solange finds an unlikely ally in Kieran, a vampire slayer on the hunt for his father's killer.


My thoughts:


I loved this book immediately! I loved Lucy and Solange's narration I instantly clicked with their characters. I'm not always a fan of changing perspectives but in this case I really liked it. I love seeing girl's perspectives of each other- where Lucy thinks Solange is prettiest for certain reasons, then it flips to Solange and you see how she thinks Lucy is the prettiest and how she wishes she could look like her. I think that really holds true to girls in reality. Lucy is such a funny narrator and I loved her banter with the Drake brothers. Solange's voice was quieter and more analytical but I loved that too. 


I loved the take on the vampire mythology in this book-I thought it was really fresh and interesting. I loved how there were so many different types of vampire and how each had their own backstory. I'll admit the description of them all definitely pulled me out of the story briefly, but it was really interesting to hear about.  The vampire pheromones were a nice touch, I liked that their lure was less supernatural and more of a scientific evolutionary thing, that always appeals to me. 


I definitely had a bit of a soft spot for Nicholas, one of Solange's 7 brothers. He reminded me a bit of Fang in Max Ride. I felt the other brothers faded into the background a bit, which is to be expected when there's 6 of them, but I heard the rest of the stories revolve around different brothers so I've forgiven that. I liked how protective they all were of Solange and I loved her mum Helena, she was hilarious. The only thing I was a bit confused about was if the males in the Drake Family are all born vampires, and they all turn when they're 16, as is what happens in their family, does that mean Solange's Dad looks 16? It was never fully explained, and I guess that's the case and if so that's a bit weird. Not sure how I feel about that if all the males are 16 then their turned wives look their actual age. 


When I first picked it up I didn't actually expect that much to happen in it, but it had a kick ass plot and I couldn't put it down! I started reading it on the train to Nottingham and whilst I was with my friends I was constantly wondering what was going to happen in the book, I couldn't wait to get back on the train the next day so I could finish it! It's one of those books that really flows well and you just devour until its finished. I definitely didn't expect all the twists and turns to the plot, but I really enjoyed them and I was literally on the edge of my train seat towards the end. 


This book is a refreshing and gripping take on vampire lore, with an obviously well planned out and interesting backstory. All the characters are well written and the plot is fantastic. I can't wait to read more about the Drakes!


5/5