Saturday, June 5, 2010

Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson

I finished this book yesterday and simply could not get my brain to formulate a passable book review. I can say that I enjoyed this book tremendously, and that it is a nice change from the vampire love stories that have saturated the supernatural market. Beyond that, I drew a blank. But I did find this review from School Library Journal that says what I have been unable to articulate:

"Alex Van Helsing always believed he was a normal teen who just happened to possess a legendary last name. All that changes when he begins to experience strange sensations and is involved in the bizarre death of a student at Frayling Prep. His parents decide to send Alex to Switzerland in order to attend Glenarvon Academy near Lake Geneva. Alex's dreams of a new beginning are shattered when he is attacked by a vampire on his second day. He must now face the realization that his instincts about supernaturals have been right all along and that they do indeed exist. Mr. Sangster, Alex's teacher, reveals to him that the Van Helsings have always been an integral part of the Polidorium, a secret organization of vampire-hunters. The Polidorium is in Lake Geneva to find the Scholomance, a vampire stronghold under the leadership of an ancient vampire known as Icemaker. When the vampires take captive two of Alex's friends, the 14-year-old must take action. Henderson references Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to weave a great story line full of action, suspense, and adventure. The satisfying story captivates readers with a modern-day spin of James Bond meets Dracula. It has lots of bite that will have readers thirsting for more."

—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

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