Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Pages: 304

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: Debut Author Challenge

Release Date: January 25, 2011

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

Stars: 4.5/5

Cover: A

Plot:

Emily was fine with being invisible at her school, and living in the shadow another girl named Emily that was sweet, popular, and pretty. But when the popular Emily is murdered, geeky Emily starts changing. She's more outgoing, and she'll do whatever to get what she wants.

When another kid is shot, but not killed, Emily starts getting scared. Soon, she finds out that the murderer is coming after her and trying to kill her.

Emily has to figure out what she is, and what she's changing into, and discover what connects her to the other two victims, before the murderer catches up to her.

Characters:

I loved Emily, the main character. She was witty, and very, very, likable. I loved who she was during the day, but I loved even more the daring side of her that came out when the sun set.

I found Emily's best friend to be extremely irritating, though. She seemed really arrogant and acted superior to everyone else.

Writing:

Jeff Sampson wrote a book that I couldn't put down. It was just simply amazing. I'd say to myself, "okay, just one more chapter," but then I'd get to the end of the chapter and just HAVE to know what happens next.

I love books like this, and Jeff Sampson pulled it off quite wonderfully.

I also thought it was unique how every so often the interview transcripts would be shown. (If you pick up the book and flip through it, you'll know what I mean.)

Ending:

All I can say is that it is going to be a looooooong wait until the next Deviant's novel.

I want to know what's going to happen with Emily, and I REALLY want to know how everyone is connected to each other.

Cover:

I think the cover is gorgeous! It's alluring and creepy, yet the pop of color makes it really stand out on the shelf.

Lovely Lines:

And he had said "us." I wasn't alone. Even though Emily Cooke was gone forever and Dalton would be in the hospital for who knows how long, I had found another person like me, someone who knew exactly what the past week of my life had been like. Someone I could talk to about everything without having to keep any secrets.

(Pages 251-251)

The Final Verdict:

Vesper was exciting, exhilarating, and an all-around good read. I enjoyed every single second of it, and I think you will, too.

FTC: Zoe

*By the way, if you haven't already, there's a suggestion box at the VERY bottom of my page. I would love it if you'd give me your feedback as to how to make The Cover better! :)