Eleventh Grade Burns is the fourth book in The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series by Heather Brewer.  While it makes more sense to read all the books in order, they are pretty amazing by themselves.  definitely worth reading

The story starts with a young half-vampire, half-humans struggle. He has girl problems. He’s fallen for all girl that he also views as food. Big dilemma there, because daddies get mad when you threaten daughters. So, as not to suck her blood and kill her, Vladimir breaks up with her.

Vladimir is also stressed out over his family. His human mother and vampire father have been dead for some time so he is living with an old family friend, Nellie. His uncle randomly showed up in the first book and has attached himself to the family. Now, completely braking major vampire laws, he has fallen in love with Nellie and plans on marrying her if he survives his trial. He’s almost certainly dead, but stuff happens and he makes it out okay. You have to read the book to find out.

Just to complicate matters a bit more, a vampire slayer shows up in town. Kill him before he kills you, right? Only he is the cousin of your best friend and drudge, and he used to be your best friend too. Not to mention, he is dating the girl you broke up with and still have feelings for.

Events are circling around and round and it reaches a point of tension. Joss, the vampire slayer, kills another vampire instead of Vladimir. Just as Vladimir is ready to kill him for the offense in blind rage, he hears a voice and looks up… his father is standing there.

This is one of those special books that are almost impossible to put down. The tension is high and the action is fast paced enough to miss things if you aren’t careful. It makes for a good read. However, like any series it leaves you in suspense at the end of the book and then you are a book addict until you finally get the next book into your hands.

It is an easier read and relaxing. Their is no need for a dictionary by your bedside table to understand the meaning, but a it would be extremely helpful if the author would stop foreshadowing and just get to the point and explain what a “pravus” is. I personally would like to know exactly how he manages to rule over humans and vampires.

But enough venting, the novel, Eleventh Grade Burns: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, is very well written. Themes of forgiveness and hope are woven throughout the book. If someone stabbed you in the back with a stake, would you go out of your way to be friendly with them? Yet Vladimir does. This novel also explores relationships. Your family isn’t always blood, but actually is the people who are there to catch you every time you fall. This book is big on honesty too. Telling lies is an absolute no. The truth will be found out especially if you’re around mind-reading vampires.

I give it a five out of five and I hope you will take my suggestion and read it yourself.