Midnight by Mari Adkins

Midnight
Book One: Harlan Vampires
by Mari Adkins

A Review by Jeremy Seffens

488 pages
3Sides Publishing
ISBN: 0-9730709-5-1
© 2005 Mari Adkins
http://www.sacredtriskele.net/3sides/midnight.html


Set in Harlan County, Kentucky, Midnight paints a beautiful picture in one of the most vividly described settings I have read. This is done in a manner that does not slow the narrative, so the reader can't help but develop a desire to visit the beautiful area, despite the supernatural “dead” feel of it. Adkins creates a world both in the light and darkness that is easy to lose oneself in.

The story starts off with the main character, Sami, moving in with her best friend, Steve. He takes her in after she has a nervous breakdown and nearly commits suicide. The story progresses as Sami comes to terms with herself and the strange things she discovers about Steve and her boyfriend, Jeremy.

Later in the story, Sami discovers they are indeed vampires. Not the fantastic creatures of the night as dwells in most fiction, but real people wit real lives. Sami's life changes when she makes a fatal error in judgment and has to make a decision that will affect the rest of her life.

Midnight has great character development. Adkins creates a bond between her characters and the reader. The reader can't help but fall in love with all the characters: Sami, Steve, Jeremy, and Michael. The storyline is easy to follow, as plot and subplots all run together in a highly artistic manner. This book is difficult to put down once started. Expect to see much more from her in the future.

What kind of vampires?

Well, her vampires are just like normal people, but with heightened senses and such. They drink blod, but can substitute it for psychic energy if they have to. Also, they are not "turned," they are born and have to be awakened or their bodies will break down. It's kind of complicated, but explained well in the story.

awesome idea there.

thanks