Dancing With Death by Andrea Heltsley--My REVIEW

Meet Andrea Heltsley:

 I’m a biologist turned writer.  I write YA/NA paranormal romance books mainly.  I’m the author of Devour and have several more books scheduled to come out later in 2013. I book blog for fun.  I also have a strong addiction to caffeine and fruit snacks.  You can find me in Tennessee with my husband and two Italian greyhounds.

If you ask anyone, I’m a total fangirl!  I love the entertainment industry.  I love Revenge and the Vampire Diaries on television.  My favorite movies are Elektra and P.S. I Love You.  I have a definite weakness for Tim Burton movies too. I’m beyond a huge fangirl for Shakira, both her English and Spanish music; Jack’s Mannequin comes in a close second.   I have too many favorite authors to list, but Kelley Armstrong and Rachel Vincent are two of them.  I’ve read all their books.

 

Synopsis:

 

 

Death is coming and he’s coming for me.

Murders have plagued the woods in the past, making them a place of fear. Eighteen year old Wendy and her friends become worried when a new string of murders come to their high school.

 

 

After a horrible car accident, Wendy returns to school, going from wallflower to popular overnight. Suddenly she is the center of attention, paying more attention to guys and clothes. Things are heating up for Wendy with more than one guy vying for her affections.

 

 

As the murderer edges closer to Wendy she realizes things are changing. She is afflicted with nightmares that are all too real and she herself is undergoing unnatural changes. Learning the truth about her past, could be the key to saving her future.

From My Perspective: 

 

I was quite surprised by Dancing With Death.   I don't know if I was just unprepared for what was in store or whether I was shocked to find out I was reading about a succubus and a demon hunter.   Even though I have read some YA reads in the last couple of years, I had not read about succubi.

Wendy and her friend Halle are typical high school girls.   They share gossip, they like boys, although Halle is a more experienced girl than Wendi....until Wendi is injured in a car accident.   This accident spurs her into a young-life crisis where all the boys at school start to notice her and the sexy way she dresses.    After the accident she is a hot number in the halls and her hormones have been released....She is attracted to the new boy in school as well as the new librarian.   She continues to have nightmares and feels that someone is watching her.

The writing is ok except I was bothered by the constant description  of clothes selections.  I felt like I was reading a fashion magazine and the amount the girls spent on clothes and accessories was a bit beyond what normal teens would spend, or maybe I am out of touch with that, way out of touch.   I also didn't like the instant love between Wendy and the new boy from California and also between the librarian and Wendi...risky, risky!

Other than two things referenced above...it was an enjoyable read.   I enjoy how Andrea spins her stories, how her characters support each other even in the worst of times.  The fact that Wendy turned out to be not quite human, didn't bother me and I enjoyed learning about what a succubus does and how they change after reaching age 18.   Interesting concept.

I rate this a 3 Wink read!  And I am sure paranormal YA fans will love it!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a complimentary copy from the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.