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| Image copied from Goodreads |
I received a copy of this novel in my book box from the RSJ Virtual Romance Book Convention I attended this past summer. When I read the blurb on the inside cover and saw that Sign of the Slayer was comped as being Full Metal Alchemist meets Vampire Diaries I was instantly intrigued. Most paranormal romances with vampires geared towards young adults that I've read have been compared to cult classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the Twilight series. So, it was hard saving this Sharina Harris novel for Spooky Season.
As soon as the leaves on the trees started to change, I was ready to crack the cover and delve in to see how this book could be anything like its comp titles. I was not disappointed. From the very first page main character Raven jumps off the page, her voice as clear as a bell as she begins narrating her story. She opens by asking if it is possible for a person to "take part in photosynthesis" (Harris). An interesting question since we know that Raven is about to meet up with vampires at some point, creatures who are severely allergic to sunlight. From there we see and hear Raven's interactions with her friends and fellow band geeks on what seems like a typical Friday Night Lights football game in the Texas town she lives in. However, in the midst of what seems like a mundane high schooler's evening Harris weaves in moments of suspense and some spine-tingling moments for Raven that had me, as the reader, sitting on the edge of my seat. We're also given hints that all may not be as it seems with Raven either, as she tells us that she lives with her grandmother after both her parents were killed and that at some point in her life Raven got in trouble because she has a violent temper she has to keep under tight control. All clues that build tension before tragedy strikes and Raven suddenly comes into her powers as a vampire slayer in the wake of a violent and gruesome attack. One that causes her to lose everyone she loves.
From that moment on we are whisked into another world with Raven. One where she has to learn to utilize her newfound strength and supernatural gifts all while figuring out what a clan of vampires was doing in rural Texas in the first place. Along the way Raven is forced to team up with the mysteriously sexy boy who helped save her, only to find out that he is one of the very monsters she's vowed to herself to exterminate. Not only is Khamari a vampire, he's a vampire prince and next in line for the throne as king to his clan. What follows is a slow-burn romance and urban fantasy that is hard to put down. I enjoyed every moment of it. I can also see where the comps it was compared to come in as well. The complex world of vampire politics and supernaturals that Harris has created is very much reminiscent of Vampire Diaries. While Khamari's desire to save his brother in the story at any cost, bears hallmarks to Full Metal Alchemist. Other things I appreciated about this novel were the pop culture references Harris included that would appeal to an adult audience but that young adult readers wouldn't necessarily get. The author cleverly works them in by having the vampires reference them only to have their attempts at humor or levity go right over Raven's head. I also loved the fact that Raven, Khamari and most of the main cast of characters in this novel are all people of color. Seeing representation like this in young adult fiction is always a joy, especially in fantasy fiction.
All in all I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys young adult paranormal romance or urban fantasy with a diverse cast of characters, slayer academies and vampires. I look forward to seeing what Sharina Harris cooks up next in the sequel for this series.
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