There are places in the world where darkness rules, where it's unwise to walk. Sunshine knew that. But there hadn't been any trouble out at the lake for years, and she needed a place to be alone for a while. Unfortunately, she wasn't alone. She never heard them coming. Of course you don't, when they're vampires. They took her clothes and sneakers. They dressed her in a long red gown. And they shackled her to the wall of an abandoned mansion--within easy reach of a figure stirring in the moonlight. She knows that he is a ...
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There are places in the world where darkness rules, where it's unwise to walk. Sunshine knew that. But there hadn't been any trouble out at the lake for years, and she needed a place to be alone for a while. Unfortunately, she wasn't alone. She never heard them coming. Of course you don't, when they're vampires. They took her clothes and sneakers. They dressed her in a long red gown. And they shackled her to the wall of an abandoned mansion--within easy reach of a figure stirring in the moonlight. She knows that he is a vampire. She knows that she's to be his dinner and that when he is finished with her, she will be dead. Yet, as dawn breaks, she finds that he has not attempted to harm her. And now it is he who needs her to help him survive the day.
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Robin McKinley might be my favorite author. I loved reading about the whole town becominig more magical as time went on, and I enjoyed the little spice of a vampire romance too!
GoluxGirl
Sep 10, 2008
great mix of dark and light
I agree with Ellyb's review completely, and would just like to add my own reaction. As a fan of McKinley, I expected the superb prose and character development, which were delivered with her usual skill. The tone of this story is so very different from her others, though, that I was surprised and intrigued by this new "voice." McKinley's narration displays a complete connection to the realistic present that stands in contrast to the fairy tale-like stories I've previously enjoyed, but still blends humor and action in a way that is recognizably her own. Truly, a display of virtuosity.
Now, a small caveat: Those of you (like me) who love McKinley's books with an added appreciation for their lack of swear words and sex scenes, be warned. This novel has more graphic language than is usually found in her works. Sunshine thinks about her sex life and relationships, and sex generally, and it plays a part in the storytelling. So just be aware of that and expect a few naughty words in the process of it.
Ellyb
Apr 8, 2007
Favorite favorite....favorite.
Every single one of McKinley's books is worth reading. That said, her most recent, "Sunshine," has become my favorite of her canon. Of all books, really. The stream of consciousness narration gives a wonderful sense of immediacy with an incredibly rich personality. The main character is wonderfully earthy and real, with a grumpy streak to which we can all relate. She improvises her way through situations that are completely terrifying and bizarre, reacting the way anybody would: in disbelief, confusion, and mind-numbing denial. I'm not a particular fan of the vampire genre. This is actually the only book I've ever read that fits in the category, so I can't say whether fans of the genre will appreciate it, but fans of fantasy definitely will.
