3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I really enjoyed this book a lot it only took me a few days to finish reading this book. I loved how suspenseful the plot was and how it kept me wanting more to find out what was going to happen next.

** spoiler alert ** 3 Stars. Maybe a bit more. And a C. This novel was nice. [tbh, that's not how you want to describe horror novels, but okay]. I mean, it's got enough action and good characters and all, but I just didn't feel it. It was interesting enough for me to complete it and made me want to read it too, but I think that was because of the secondary characters (Jude and Ryder) more than the protagonist, Micheline. As for the plot, I pretty much guessed both the plot twists ages ago. And I found Micheline pretty stupid for not realizing it was her mother who did all that shit. And the Dracula hints were off the charts too. I think Supernatural has effectively ruined all horror for me. I can picture Sam and Dean dealing with this ghost in like minutes. Also, the entire lens-mirrors thing got a bit sketchy and dear god, there is a lot of info-dumping because the book creates supernatural beings and fighters AND has to explain them. I think this was written with a sequel in mind, because closing the last few pages there are several unanswered questions. Where's Luca/Dracula? Who killed her mother? etc. etc. But then, I don't think I'd read it so it's good that this is a standalone. I'd recommend it if you like horror, a touch of the extreme and some weird ass stuff.

And they lived happily ever after... Had my life been a movie, like I often wish it was, that would have scrolled across the screen as I flipped the last few pages of this book. Shutter and I started out on rocky terrain. I just wasn't sure we were compatible, and worried we wouldn't go the distance. Then, about halfway through, something magical happened. My eyes were glued to the page. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I was hooked. Redemption! If you want to know why I chose this book, look no further than the fact that the Helsings and Stokers are involved. Descendants of the vampire elite? Yes please, and thank you. I had visions of stakes flying, havoc being wrought and all manner of creepy baddies appearing as I turned the first page of this book. As it turns out, I was right on all accounts! I'll simply say this: don't give up on this story. The beginning does start out a bit slow, but once things pick up? You'll be holding on for dear life. I think my favorite piece was that Shutter is a "girl saves the boy" type story. Micheline isn't afraid of things that go bump in the night. She doesn't need anyone to save her, except herself. She does, however, appreciate the way a perfectly synchronized team works. I loved her fire. I was attracted to her strength. What sold me indefinitely though was her willingness to admit when she'd been bested, although not by the creatures she'd assume would ultimately take her down. Cryptic you say? Yes, intentionally. I won't spoil a minute for you. Although this started slow, I can't give it any less than four stars. The middle, and the ending, were completely brilliant. They caught me up, covered me in necrotic gore, and left me breathless. I'm so happy, I could cry.