Reviewette - “Undead Is Very Hot Right Now” by Sarah Rees Brennan

Anthology: The Eternal Kiss
Story: 5 of 13
Pages: 39

Undead Is Very Hot Right Now is the story of Christian, nineteen, a vampire and a member of a newly minted boy band. As the rapacious manager Faye reminds him – he’s the gimmick. A lot of the clichés about bands, the music business, groupies and vampires are dusted off deliberately for comedic effect. Coming up the red carpet and avoiding the photographers flashes Christian reacts -

He lifted his hand to cover his eyes, then realized Faye had glued his cape to his sleeve somehow and now he was doing that thing. That vampire thing.

And a gentle poke or two is taken at romance novels –

"Come on, you should get ..." Christian paused and tried to think of something that might persuade a girl not to faint. All he could think of were smelling salts, which just went to show he should never have started reading mum's Mills & Boon novels.

Also a scene and a line I never expected to find in a vampire story, this one with the band manager Faye –

"Faye, please don’t. I’m scared of you.” Chris pleaded, terror making him blunt.
She stopped at the door of their dressing room, reached up and pinched his cheek between two pointy fingernails.
“l know you are, my little vampire cupcake. Now get in there."

Christian is young and awkward and not a particularly good vampire, just looking for love and understanding. By the conclusion, Christian’s eyes are wider open and a little self-knowledge is achieved. A funny and fun story with a fine ending.

Rating – 4 Eternal Kisses (of 5)

Official Sarah Rees Brennan Website

Sarah Rees Brennan was born and raised in Ireland. Her first novel The Demon’s Lexicon was released just last month.