Review: Hearts at Stake by. Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Hearts at Stake                                              Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Series: The Drake Chronicles
Age Range: 12+
Publication Date: January 4, 2010
Pages: 320
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 9/10

Synopsis from goodreads: On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solange and her entire family.
Luckily she has her own secret weapon—her human best friend Lucy—who is willing to defend Solange’s right to a normal life, whether she’s being smothered by her well-intentioned brothers or abducted by a power-hungry queen. Two unlikely alliances are formed in a race to save Solange’s eternal life—Lucy and Solange’s brother Nicholas, and Solange and Kieran Black—in a dual romance that is guaranteed to jump start any romance-lover’s heart. 

Review:  Edgy, funny, romantic, Hearts at Stake was a refreshing new look into the vampire world. Told in alternating persepectives from the main character Solange, and her hilarious best friend Lucy, Hearts at Stake is a fun, romantic, and action packed read that all vamp lovers will enjoy having in their collections.

Solange, the main character is the first female vampire made/born in over 600 years. Now 15, like the rest of her brothers, she is to start her transition from human to vampire on her 16th birthday. Not only does she have to worry about possible dying on her 16th birthday, but also about the ancient prophecy she has to fufill. Staying 15 never sounded so good. 

One of my favorite parts of this book were the two main characters and how the author alternated their perspectives every chapter. They are such fun individual characters and they told the story seemed a lot more elaborate through them.

I adored the romance in this book. Both Lucy and Solanges romance were unconvential to say the least. A sweet case of falling for the one you know you aren't supposed to fall for. The romance was so fun and sweet. I have to say of the two pairs Lucy and Nicholas are my favorite couple. They are just so hot together and its that whole forbidden love thing that kept me hooked.

The plot was fast paced without leaving out any needed details. This was my favorite part of the book. There are so many characters, and types of vampires and new vampire legends I had never heard of but where explained. The plot is so intricate and engaging that after i finished the book, I felt like I just watched a full length action movie. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.

Overall this was a fun and enganging read. The characters were awesome, the plot was fast pace and kept me on my toes, and everything else just tied the book together perfectly!!!

I Recommend: this book to all vampire fanatics, romance lovers, and those who love fast paced action reads.


Characters: 10/10 
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 8/10 
Entertainment: 9/10 
Ending: 10/10 
Writing Style: 9/10 
Cover: 9/10
Total: 9/10