Bibliography: Harvey, Alyxandra. (2010). Blood Feud. New York: Walker Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0802720962
Plot Summary: Continuing where Hearts at Stake left off, vampire clans are converging for the coronation of a new queen, Helena Drake. The Drake family is working hard to negotiate peace and alliances with other clans. A delegate from the much misunderstood and maligned Hounds, Isabeau St. Croix finds herself reluctantly working closely with Logan Drake when Leander Montmartre, a legendary evil vampire, threatens the Drake family. As they fight to protect their families and loved ones, their relationship intensifies. But when confronted by someone from her past, can Isabeau put it behind her in the name of love?
Critical Analysis: I really enjoyed Hearts at Stake and am happy to say that Blood Feud did not disappoint. If anything, Harvey has upped her game, fleshing out more of her vampire world, and giving the reader more layers and complexity in both writing and plot.
Isabeau is a complicated character, but Harvey uses flashbacks and action scenes to show her history and where she has been. At first Logan and Isabeau only tolerate each other for the sake of their mission, but Harvey skillfully advances their relationship as events unfold.
The flashbacks add another level of interest, and I would say I would read a whole book just about the Isabeau from the past. While there is still humor in this volume, the tone is much more melancholy and serious, as fits both the characters and the events they are involved in, a tricky line to walk, that.
What I might love the most about this book is that it is obvious that Harvey is patterning her series after so many adult romances, where books feature romance between characters, are set in the same world, and are loosely connected. I can understand the appeal of a long drawn out relationship that spans several books, but I love this style. Fans will be glad to know that many characters from Hearts at Stake make appearances.
Readalikes: Again, I am reminded of Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey. More than just a vampire book, it also features a romance between characters who aren’t quite sure they really want to be with each other, and a history and fighting between clans and attempts to make peace.
I reminded a little as well of Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. They too worked hard to flesh out this magical world. In addition, while the focus is on the romance between the two teen characters, we also see an extended family, magic, tradition, and history, just as is found in the Drake Chronicles. The tone however is very different.
Review Excerpts: ”Harvey continues to weave an action-packed story full of intrigue, suspense, and romance with a great cast of characters. The historical flashbacks into Isabeau’s life and the unique vampire lore of the Hounds add a new twist to the genre. A satisfying read in a series that is sure to have a strong following.”–School Library Journal
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