Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collections
Publication
Harcourt Children's Books (2009), Edition: 1, Hardcover, 368 pages
Description
Seventeen-year-old Jessica, adopted and raised in Pennsylvania, learns that she is descended from a royal line of Romanian vampires and that she is betrothed to a vampire prince, who poses as a foreign exchange student while courting her.
Media reviews
The Bulletin
"Jessica evolves nicely with each new shocking revelation, becoming, over the course of the novel, intriguing and strong protagonist...romance buffs will find the ultimate pairing of Lucius and Jessica absolutely irresistible, and it's downright swoonworthy once their elaborate courting ritual
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begins in earnest." Show Less
Publisher's Weekly, starred review
"This first novel quickly bursts ahead of the pack of Twilight wannabes...The romance sizzles, the plot develops ingeniously and suspensefully, and the satire stings."
User reviews
LibraryThing member elliepotten
This book has been doing the rounds of the blogosphere for a while, and between the enthuasiastic reviews and the intriguing cover, I thought it was about time I joined the fray and bought a copy!
The novel, one of the YA/adult crossover books that have been so popular of late, is a delicious
The book is fluffy to be sure, with a definite hint of 'The Princess Diaries' as Jessica is slowly introduced to her heritage, but it also draws heavily on literary tradition. Stoker's 'Dracula' is both utilised and satirised, with the vampires' roots in the Carpathian mountains, in gothic mansions, surrounded by forests populated by howling wolves, offset by the stark contrast of American teenage life, with its carnivals and basketball and school classes. Lucius, the charismatic antihero, tall, dark and handsome, with his devilish mockery, tormented history and supreme arrogance, combines the most enigmatic, dangerous and appealing elements of Heathcliff - something that is picked up directly in the book.
I really enjoyed this novel. There were brief moments when the pace slowed - particularly where Jessica's parents appeared at length - but when Lucius and Jessica were together, the tension sizzled. The romance between them was intense without ever veering into the explicit, and Jessica's wry narrative and the sparky dialogue was often very amusing. It would make a fantastic movie, in fact! I'd recommend it to fans of YA vampire novels, as well as fans of paranormal romance in general - and I've ordered Fantaskey's next book, 'Jekel Loves Hyde', already!
The novel, one of the YA/adult crossover books that have been so popular of late, is a delicious
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paranormal romance just begging to be devoured on a rainy day, curled up cosily, looking out at the stormy skies. It is narrated by Jessica Packwood, a seventeen year-old girl who was adopted from Europe as a child and has been living happily on her family's Pennsylvania organic vegan farm ever since. One morning a new 'foreign exchange student', Lucius Vladescu, arrives in town and Jessica is almost positive that she has heard him whispering her 'old name'. When he reveals that he is a Romanian vampire prince and that he has come to claim her, princess of his rival clan, as his betrothed, she is certain that he's insane. Until strange things start happening, and she realises that perhaps Antanasia Dragomir has been dormant inside her all along...The book is fluffy to be sure, with a definite hint of 'The Princess Diaries' as Jessica is slowly introduced to her heritage, but it also draws heavily on literary tradition. Stoker's 'Dracula' is both utilised and satirised, with the vampires' roots in the Carpathian mountains, in gothic mansions, surrounded by forests populated by howling wolves, offset by the stark contrast of American teenage life, with its carnivals and basketball and school classes. Lucius, the charismatic antihero, tall, dark and handsome, with his devilish mockery, tormented history and supreme arrogance, combines the most enigmatic, dangerous and appealing elements of Heathcliff - something that is picked up directly in the book.
I really enjoyed this novel. There were brief moments when the pace slowed - particularly where Jessica's parents appeared at length - but when Lucius and Jessica were together, the tension sizzled. The romance between them was intense without ever veering into the explicit, and Jessica's wry narrative and the sparky dialogue was often very amusing. It would make a fantastic movie, in fact! I'd recommend it to fans of YA vampire novels, as well as fans of paranormal romance in general - and I've ordered Fantaskey's next book, 'Jekel Loves Hyde', already!
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LibraryThing member SamuelW
Twilight meets The Princess Diaries in this forgettable addition to the reams of teenage vampire fiction already choking our shelves.
Jessica Packwood is just an average American girl until she meets Lucius Vladescu, a tall, dark and handsome exchange student from Romania who insists that Jessica is
The similarities to Twilight are so apparent that they almost lend themselves to parody. Fantaskey's central love triangle could have been pulled directly from Stephenie Meyer's Edward/Bella/Jacob model, (although she takes care to balance it with a few more cardboard clichés, like Faith Crosse, the ditzy high-school ice queen who is also, predictably, a cheerleader.) Paper-cuts prove to be a dangerous issue. References to high-school English literature are scattered all over the place. Despite his feelings for Jessica, Lucius holds himself back because he is 'too dangerous for her', eventually severing their relationship and leaving the country in a desperate and painful measure to allow her to lead a normal life. True to the plot of New Moon, however, this strategy fails to last.
At times, we see flashes of the humour that could have made this novel. Jessica's home, for instance, is located in Pensylvania; a nod to the vampire clichés of Hollywood films. If Fantaskey had been equally unabashed about her borrowings from the likes of Stephenie Meyer, her novel might have been a bit of fun. Instead, she insists upon earnestly wandering into all the same holes that Twilight fell into. At the ripe old age of eighteen, for example, Jessica is somehow ready to drop everything and move to the Carpathians to wed the vampiric 'love of her life', despite having known him for no more than a few months. Lucius wants to marry Jessica but, because his author displays the usual American penchant for ubiquitous religious belief, he must wrestle with the prospect of condemning her immortal soul to damnation. There are even flirtations with the same feminist ideas that are spuriously attributed to Twilight by way of literary themes.
Perhaps the novel might still have survived this unmitigated lack of originality had it not been written like a Goosebumps book – i.e. badly, with an irritating dose of melodrama at the end of each chapter. It may begin readably and bearably enough, but it soon begins to deteriorate. Aspiring wives of Edward Cullen should look elsewhere for their next fix.
Jessica Packwood is just an average American girl until she meets Lucius Vladescu, a tall, dark and handsome exchange student from Romania who insists that Jessica is
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his vampiric betrothed. Their marriage is set to unite two of the oldest vampire clans in Europe and avert a brewing war – that is, if it ever takes place. As irresistible as Lucius is, Jessica is drawn instead towards a rugged farm-boy named Jake who wants to be much more than friends. Sound familiar?The similarities to Twilight are so apparent that they almost lend themselves to parody. Fantaskey's central love triangle could have been pulled directly from Stephenie Meyer's Edward/Bella/Jacob model, (although she takes care to balance it with a few more cardboard clichés, like Faith Crosse, the ditzy high-school ice queen who is also, predictably, a cheerleader.) Paper-cuts prove to be a dangerous issue. References to high-school English literature are scattered all over the place. Despite his feelings for Jessica, Lucius holds himself back because he is 'too dangerous for her', eventually severing their relationship and leaving the country in a desperate and painful measure to allow her to lead a normal life. True to the plot of New Moon, however, this strategy fails to last.
At times, we see flashes of the humour that could have made this novel. Jessica's home, for instance, is located in Pensylvania; a nod to the vampire clichés of Hollywood films. If Fantaskey had been equally unabashed about her borrowings from the likes of Stephenie Meyer, her novel might have been a bit of fun. Instead, she insists upon earnestly wandering into all the same holes that Twilight fell into. At the ripe old age of eighteen, for example, Jessica is somehow ready to drop everything and move to the Carpathians to wed the vampiric 'love of her life', despite having known him for no more than a few months. Lucius wants to marry Jessica but, because his author displays the usual American penchant for ubiquitous religious belief, he must wrestle with the prospect of condemning her immortal soul to damnation. There are even flirtations with the same feminist ideas that are spuriously attributed to Twilight by way of literary themes.
Perhaps the novel might still have survived this unmitigated lack of originality had it not been written like a Goosebumps book – i.e. badly, with an irritating dose of melodrama at the end of each chapter. It may begin readably and bearably enough, but it soon begins to deteriorate. Aspiring wives of Edward Cullen should look elsewhere for their next fix.
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LibraryThing member EowynA
This is one of the ones I picked up as an Advance Reader's Copy at BEA. It is also a first novel. Wow! Excellently done. This is a Young Adult Paranormal Romance. Our main character is Jessica Parkman, the adopted daughter of a pair of vegan hippie parents. The Parkmans rescued her 17 years ago in
Back in the present, the book opens with her waiting for the school bus outside the family farm in Pennsylvania on the first day of her senior year of high school. Along comes a Romanian exchange student, Lucius Vladescu - tall, lean, good looking, impeccable Old World manners. And he not only knows her birth name, but is apparently her betrothed from birth, in a marriage arranged to keep the peace between two ancient lineages of vampires.
Both Jessica and Lucius are well drawn and believable characters. Not only is Jessica growing up, but we find, in his letters home to his uncle, that Lucius is not as sure of himself as he seems, either. Most of the story is the stuff of high school stories any time, but with the serious undertone of a real vampire coming-of-age story.
Excellently written, engaging characters, fascinating and unpredictable plot. She is not the super-hero that Buffy is, nor does she need to be, but she faces some similar challenges with humor, bravery, and good sense. Highly recommended.
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the Carpathian mountains, when her birth parents were killed by a vengeful mob. Her birth name was Antanasia Dragomir. Back in the present, the book opens with her waiting for the school bus outside the family farm in Pennsylvania on the first day of her senior year of high school. Along comes a Romanian exchange student, Lucius Vladescu - tall, lean, good looking, impeccable Old World manners. And he not only knows her birth name, but is apparently her betrothed from birth, in a marriage arranged to keep the peace between two ancient lineages of vampires.
Both Jessica and Lucius are well drawn and believable characters. Not only is Jessica growing up, but we find, in his letters home to his uncle, that Lucius is not as sure of himself as he seems, either. Most of the story is the stuff of high school stories any time, but with the serious undertone of a real vampire coming-of-age story.
Excellently written, engaging characters, fascinating and unpredictable plot. She is not the super-hero that Buffy is, nor does she need to be, but she faces some similar challenges with humor, bravery, and good sense. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member C.Ibarra
I knew I was in for a treat when upon opening this book the first thing I read was an excerpt from a self-help book aimed at teen vampires. Not that it should have surprised me. With a title like Jessica’s Guide to Dating On The Dark Side I was expecting fits of giggles and I got them. This book
Jessica’s Guide to Dating On The Dark Side is a quick and amusing read. I’d definitely check it out if you are a fan of the vamps. There are some situations and language that might not be suitable for younger teens/preteens. I think this one will definitely appeal to adults that enjoy young adult novels. I very much enjoyed the sarcastic banter and the progression of Lucius and Jessica’s relationship. This is a great book that I highly recommend.
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contains hilarious dialogue and snarky one liners. Jessica, our curvy protagonist, is sweet and likeable. I have to applaud Beth Fantaskey for creating a female character that is a size 10 and not a 2. We need more average sized characters in books especially those aimed at teen girls. Lucius is the hottie vampire betrothed to the lovely Jessica. He is clever and witty but also a little dark. I dig guys with a dark side so Lucius was a hit with me. The letters he writes to his uncle with the use of what he refers to as “Americanisms” had me laughing out loud. Things do get a little angsty towards the end but the majority of the book is seriously funny.Jessica’s Guide to Dating On The Dark Side is a quick and amusing read. I’d definitely check it out if you are a fan of the vamps. There are some situations and language that might not be suitable for younger teens/preteens. I think this one will definitely appeal to adults that enjoy young adult novels. I very much enjoyed the sarcastic banter and the progression of Lucius and Jessica’s relationship. This is a great book that I highly recommend.
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LibraryThing member 59Square
Merideth says: As far as vampire romances go, you could do far worse. I liked how Jessica didn't immediately fall into the arms of her vampire prince, and her nerdy mathlete traits. What I didn't like is how those individual quirks fell away as she fell in love with Lucius. I also had problems with
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the pacing of this book. It seemed to move really slowly in the beginning, then rushed to a cluttered and somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. Show Less
LibraryThing member mjmbecky
I'm not sure what I expected exactly, but the turn in the novel from light and flirty to dark and dramatic threw me. Although the vampire theme warranted some danger, I didn't expect the vampire/fiance to go from determined suitor to the evil, unconcerned vampire he eventually became. If this were
While my biggest concern with the novel was the dramatic shift from light to dark, I will say that this might be my own issue as an adult reader. As a high school teacher always on the look out for books to recommend to my students, I know that teen readers would not be as critical of the drama in the book and probably enjoy the tension that was spelled out in the second half of the novel. For me, it was disconcerting. I liked the fun tone of Jessica finding out she was promised to a vampire prince and wish that the story would have continued in that vein (yes...pun), and allowed a more "campy" play on the vampire theme. The light part of the book I enjoyed and found fun to read; the darker side threw me a little and made me wish for a different conclusion. I'm going to share this one with my students, however, since they are still on the look out for more teen vampire stories!
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a mood swing, then it was some mood swing, brought on by what exactly? Was Jessica's determination not to become a vampire just a bit much? I'm not giving anything away here in saying this, as a teen romance usually always has a conflict that leads you to want the two characters together even more. In this case, I wasn't sure why the character's emotions changed so suddenly, when they had so thoroughly convinced me they originally felt just the opposite?While my biggest concern with the novel was the dramatic shift from light to dark, I will say that this might be my own issue as an adult reader. As a high school teacher always on the look out for books to recommend to my students, I know that teen readers would not be as critical of the drama in the book and probably enjoy the tension that was spelled out in the second half of the novel. For me, it was disconcerting. I liked the fun tone of Jessica finding out she was promised to a vampire prince and wish that the story would have continued in that vein (yes...pun), and allowed a more "campy" play on the vampire theme. The light part of the book I enjoyed and found fun to read; the darker side threw me a little and made me wish for a different conclusion. I'm going to share this one with my students, however, since they are still on the look out for more teen vampire stories!
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LibraryThing member YAaddict
When I first read the title "Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side", I thought I was going to get a fun, fluffy story. This book went beyond that.
Let me start with Lucius. He first comes off as pompous and arrogant. But Fantaskey had a wonderful idea of showing Lucius' point of view in
Jessica was a smart and relatable character. She was very headstrong and didn't want to believe in all the vampire madness. It was fun to watch her transformation in this book. She went from a shy girl who just wanted her first boyfriend, to taking on the qualities of a young woman who could really be a vampire princess.
The romance between Jessica and Lucius grew at a normal and realistic pace. It wasn't a story of love at first sight. It was a story of truly getting to know someone and (eventually) falling in love with that person. My favorite part of the book is when Lucius is injured, and what Jessica was feeling at the time. That was a beautiful scene.
Even though the ending was a bit rushed and didn't fully satisfy me, I was happy with the outcome. This story is a great one on it's own, but I would be happy to see a sequel.
Let me start with Lucius. He first comes off as pompous and arrogant. But Fantaskey had a wonderful idea of showing Lucius' point of view in
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letters he writes to his uncle to update him on his progress with Jessica. In the letters you were able to get to know him better. I loved his sarcasm, especially torwards Jessica's parents, and his chivarly.Jessica was a smart and relatable character. She was very headstrong and didn't want to believe in all the vampire madness. It was fun to watch her transformation in this book. She went from a shy girl who just wanted her first boyfriend, to taking on the qualities of a young woman who could really be a vampire princess.
The romance between Jessica and Lucius grew at a normal and realistic pace. It wasn't a story of love at first sight. It was a story of truly getting to know someone and (eventually) falling in love with that person. My favorite part of the book is when Lucius is injured, and what Jessica was feeling at the time. That was a beautiful scene.
Even though the ending was a bit rushed and didn't fully satisfy me, I was happy with the outcome. This story is a great one on it's own, but I would be happy to see a sequel.
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LibraryThing member pacey1927
Of the Amazon Vine selections I have reviewed so far this story is far and away my favorite. This story tells the tale of high school senior Jessica. Jessica was adopted from Romania by her vegan, earth loving, hippie parents when she was an infant. One day a young man shows up to enroll as a
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foreign exchange student at Jessica's school. Lucius claims to be a Romanian prince and tells Jessica that she was bound to him in an engagement pledge before her birth parents were killed in Romania. Instead of laughing the story off, her parents confirm it. Not only is Lucius a prince, he is a vampire prince...and Jessica is a vampire princess who needs only a bite from her prince to fully come into her vampire powers. Lucius moves into Jessica's family barn and attempts to "americanize' himself and woo over Jessica. Unfortunatly, although darkly handsome, Lucius is also has an overenflated ego, and abrasive and blunt personality. Jessica isn't immediately impressed, nor was this reader. Beth Fataskey did a superb job of drawing out Lucius's character. The reader definitely identifies with Jessica as she goes from being disgusted by Lucius and thinking he is a jerk, to seeing other sides of him that make him amazingly human and intriguing. The plot of the story is exciting. Lucius's integration into the high school and it's students was as exciting as when his creepy vampire relatives show up. The conclusion to the story made sure every piece of the story felt concluded and nothing was left hanging. There was enough curves and suprises in store to make for a truly satisfying conclusion. As an avid reader of all things vampire and paranormal, I must also state that this was truly an original take on the vampire theme. The story glossed over some darker, gorier aspects of the vampire lifestyle that I thought would have added to the story, although seeing as how this is technically a YA novel, I understand. This book is truly a treat to come across and I suggest it for any avid vampire reader out there. Show Less
LibraryThing member London_StJ
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a light and frothy young adult novel that follows the current trend of vampire romance. Ellie Potten compared the book to the Disney "Princess Diaries" films, and she calls it spot-on. What I enjoyed most about Fantaskey's take on the popular Cinderella
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variation is her portrayal of Jessica's emotions; Jessica reads like a typical teenager (albeit in a supernatural position), and her evolution throughout the book seems natural and believable. Lucius is not nearly as interesting as the protagonist. As the love interest, he fulfills all the requirements that readers will expect from the genre. However, I felt his epistolary endeavors to be less than sincere, and I felt that his letters flattened Lucius as a character, rather than developing the character for the audience. His inner monologue is shallow and contrived, and his use of "quotations" is more than a little ridiculous. Still, the book was good fun, and I'd probably seek out Fantaskey in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookbutterfly9
This is a tongue-in -cheek vampire romance about an adopted Romanian orphan with loving parents who finds out she is really vampire royalty. When Lucius Valdescu shows up in her life, initially they both do not hit it off. But their respective clans are teetering on the brink of a full scale war if
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they do not marry. What I loved about Jessica is that she is a multifaceted character with a fierce independance. She doesn't pine endlessly for Lucius. Lucius in turn undergoes his own transformations. In his letters home he is severe in his criticisms of American life and Jessica's family but in the end, he grows fond of their of the strenght and loving bond of her family and easy American lifestyle. This book will surely appeal to teen vampire fiction fans with it's haunting love story and lush Romanian backdrop. Show Less
LibraryThing member TeddyR
This book starts predictably, young women meets a mysterious stranger who changes her life forever. Set in rural Pennsylvania, Jessica meets Lucius on her first day as a Senior. He tells her she is a vampire princess who must marry him to prevent a vampire war in Romania. There are a few adventures
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such as the evil head cheerleader falling for Lucius, and the "nice" boy down the street dating Jessica. But in the end, Jessica learns to stand up for herself, discovers he inner strength and beauty, and prevents a vampire uprising. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cats57
by Beth Fantaskey (Young Adult to be Released February 1st)
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
On the first Day of her senior year Jessica seems to be being stalked. He’s tall, dark and handsome and speaks with an aristocratic Eastern European accent. To make matters
This book is romantic, funny, intriguing and mysterious. I loved the essentially first person point of view with the cleverly added bonus of Lucius views and thoughts on life in modern America as well as his thoughts of Jessica/Antanasia as told via letters to his Uncle in Romania. Lucius, we learn from the beginning of this book, is as old fashioned as any typical old time vampire. He is only worried about how soon he can get Jessica to fulfill her part a bargain that was made between these two Royal families shortly after her birth. But he soon gets the hang of being a ‘teenager’ in modern America. As he gets to know Jessica her family and Americans better, his intrigues and back-stabbing machinations with his Uncle Vasile who is back in Romania, doesn’t seem so important. Can Lucious go from being a manipulative Prince, to Jessica's Knight in Shining Armor? Can Jessica go from being an ordinary American teenager to an extraordinary Royal Princess?
An amazing first novel, one that had me reading until the wee hours of the morning as I finished it. I think that Beth Fantaskey can go far, not only in young adult books but branching out into the realm of adult fiction. Her characters were clearly and strongly written, with Jessica not being overtaken by the romance of the Pact and “forever after“, but clearly living life on her own terms. The plot was handled at a nice pace with enough twists and turns to keep everyone guessing at the outcome. My only regret is that there is no indication anywhere that this may become a series. I would have liked it to be so, since some of the secondary characters are written with potential to be strong candidates for their own books.
A great Valentines’s Day gift for the young adult on your list.
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
On the first Day of her senior year Jessica seems to be being stalked. He’s tall, dark and handsome and speaks with an aristocratic Eastern European accent. To make matters
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worse he knows Jessica’s “old” name from before she was adopted by a slightly eccentric American couple. Now Mr. Tall, Dark and Hot (and did I say a Vampire Prince?) Lucious Vladescu, tells Jessica that she is a Romanian vampire Princess by birth and not the average teenaged “mathlete” and 4H’er she thought she was. Could senior life become any more complicated? This book is romantic, funny, intriguing and mysterious. I loved the essentially first person point of view with the cleverly added bonus of Lucius views and thoughts on life in modern America as well as his thoughts of Jessica/Antanasia as told via letters to his Uncle in Romania. Lucius, we learn from the beginning of this book, is as old fashioned as any typical old time vampire. He is only worried about how soon he can get Jessica to fulfill her part a bargain that was made between these two Royal families shortly after her birth. But he soon gets the hang of being a ‘teenager’ in modern America. As he gets to know Jessica her family and Americans better, his intrigues and back-stabbing machinations with his Uncle Vasile who is back in Romania, doesn’t seem so important. Can Lucious go from being a manipulative Prince, to Jessica's Knight in Shining Armor? Can Jessica go from being an ordinary American teenager to an extraordinary Royal Princess?
An amazing first novel, one that had me reading until the wee hours of the morning as I finished it. I think that Beth Fantaskey can go far, not only in young adult books but branching out into the realm of adult fiction. Her characters were clearly and strongly written, with Jessica not being overtaken by the romance of the Pact and “forever after“, but clearly living life on her own terms. The plot was handled at a nice pace with enough twists and turns to keep everyone guessing at the outcome. My only regret is that there is no indication anywhere that this may become a series. I would have liked it to be so, since some of the secondary characters are written with potential to be strong candidates for their own books.
A great Valentines’s Day gift for the young adult on your list.
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LibraryThing member BookWhisperer
I read several reviews before actually reading this book myself, I was astounded that this being Beth Fantaskey first novel that it was being compared to the Twilight book. Although, having read all of the Twilight book I was doubting that this would compare.
So my readers opion is that YES IN FACT
So my readers opion is that YES IN FACT
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THIS BOOK IS AN AWESOME BOOK AND DEFINETLY COMPARES TO STEPHANIE MEYERS TWILIGHT SERIES. I finished this book in 24 hours. I was addicted within the first two chapters. This book was very fast paced, and had me impressed how quickly Lucius was introduced into the book. I was as if you were learning both characters at same time leaving them both intriguing. I found my stomach in knots this whole book, the emotions you felt while reading this was definetly proof of an tremendously talented author. I look forward to seeing more from the author, and can wait for her to publish another book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Nikkles
This books as a bit too teen angsty for me. I didn't like angst when I was a teen and it has not gotten better. The basic idea that vampires are not that bad if you love them enough and that a man is worth it if you love him even if he might kill you rubs me a bit the wrong way. However, it is not
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terrible, just not great. Show Less
LibraryThing member Joles
This is a lovely little distraction from the real world. There is nothing extravagant in the author's writing. The characters are believable, a math geek that isn't super popular, the best friend, the bully, the malicious beauty queen, the (farm)boy next door and the hunk (vampire).
This novel is
I threw the book at the wall twice. (AKA I was so attached to the characters I disagreed with their decisions and what they saw.) I was very emotionally caught up with this book. (I had a very similar reaction to Twilight, for different reasons.) Jessica's Guide (although, the title is laughable) is a roller coaster ride!
This novel is
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unlike other vampire novels I've read. There is a major twist, besides the fact that our leading lady doesn't fall in love at first sight with our hunky vampire.I threw the book at the wall twice. (AKA I was so attached to the characters I disagreed with their decisions and what they saw.) I was very emotionally caught up with this book. (I had a very similar reaction to Twilight, for different reasons.) Jessica's Guide (although, the title is laughable) is a roller coaster ride!
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LibraryThing member ewinslow
This one will be perfect for Twilight fans looking for their next fix of vampire lovin’, but there’s something here for those of us who aren’t diehard Twihards. Sure, Lucius is gorgeous, mysterious, and aloof, but Jessica’s transition from detestation to lust is both believable and
Jess is a cool, down to earth girl from the beginning—she helps her parents out by mucking stalls in the barn and has no qualms about stabbing a creepy guy in the foot with a pitchfork when he’s bugging her, but throughout the novel she becomes more certain of herself as she grows into her unique beauty. Lucius, in contrast, is demanding, bossy, and opinionated, hardened by a lifetime of grooming to take on his role as a King in the world of vampires, but he is softened and brought into touch with his human side through his relationship with Jessica.
All in all, this one’s a fun, tongue in cheek blood-sucking story that brings some real romance along with the satire. If vampires are your thing, this one’s a sure bet, and even if they’re not, it’s worth a look.
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understandable, and the healthy helping of disbelief on Jessica’s part makes the romance much more enjoyable.Jess is a cool, down to earth girl from the beginning—she helps her parents out by mucking stalls in the barn and has no qualms about stabbing a creepy guy in the foot with a pitchfork when he’s bugging her, but throughout the novel she becomes more certain of herself as she grows into her unique beauty. Lucius, in contrast, is demanding, bossy, and opinionated, hardened by a lifetime of grooming to take on his role as a King in the world of vampires, but he is softened and brought into touch with his human side through his relationship with Jessica.
All in all, this one’s a fun, tongue in cheek blood-sucking story that brings some real romance along with the satire. If vampires are your thing, this one’s a sure bet, and even if they’re not, it’s worth a look.
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
Debut author Beth Fantaskey explodes onto the heavily populated YA vampire lit world with her amazing book, JESSICA’S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE, which is sure to convert Twilight fans into having a new favorite vampire and vampire-novel heroine. Or if it doesn’t do that, then at least it
In rural Pennsylvania, math nerd Jessica Packwood is about to enter her senior year of high school, determined to have a good time, potentially date Jake Zinn, a nice and handsome boy in her grade, and win some more math competitions. But her carefully imagined plan goes down the drain with the arrival of Lucius Vladescu, a hot but arrogant student from Romania who is under the unfortunate delusion that he is a vampire prince destined to marry Jessica, who is apparently a vampire princess from a rival vampire family. Their marriage would end a centuries-long war between the two families and ensure peace for all their vampire relatives.
Jessica, who loves scientific facts, is understandably confused, scared of her reluctant attraction to Lucius and unable to believe the “parlor tricks” that he performs: a flash of fangs here, a miraculous recovery from a serious injury there. But just as she begins to finally believe—in Lucius, in herself—Lucius suddenly begins to court Faith Crosse, the evil-souled reigning cheerleader-slash-prom-queen of Woodrow Wilson High, and Jessica finds herself struggling to win him back, and not just for the sake of her own heart. For if she doesn’t, both vampire families, not to mention Lucius, could end up being destroyed.
Wow! It is almost unfortunate that this book has such an unwieldy and frothy, though eye-catching, title, because I did not realize the extent of what I was in for when I started reading. Jessica and Lucius are two of the best main characters that I have read about in a long time: they are fully three-dimensional and undergo incredible growth through the 350-some pages. Lucius’ intensity and arrogance makes me simultaneously laugh and be attracted to him at the same time, and some of my favorite chapters were those that consisted of Lucius’ letters to his uncle back in Romania. The relationship that develops between Jessica and Lucius seems totally natural, the growing love not forced.
The plot goes beyond a typical Twilight spinoff (which all current YA vampire novels are inevitably being compared to), and reaches its awe-inspiring conclusion wonderfully. My one complaint is minor, and that is that I felt like most of the minor characters were not developed enough. However, the complexity of Jessica and Lucius’ characters—not to mention their wonderful interactions—more than made up for it, and I am happy to overlook the fact that I don’t get to know Jessica’s friends well in return for feeling immersed in Jessica’s life.
Action, love, mortal danger, family, humor—JESSICA’S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE has everything. I am wholeheartedly a fan, and you will be too.
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will leave you smiling, biting your nails, and reading far into the night.In rural Pennsylvania, math nerd Jessica Packwood is about to enter her senior year of high school, determined to have a good time, potentially date Jake Zinn, a nice and handsome boy in her grade, and win some more math competitions. But her carefully imagined plan goes down the drain with the arrival of Lucius Vladescu, a hot but arrogant student from Romania who is under the unfortunate delusion that he is a vampire prince destined to marry Jessica, who is apparently a vampire princess from a rival vampire family. Their marriage would end a centuries-long war between the two families and ensure peace for all their vampire relatives.
Jessica, who loves scientific facts, is understandably confused, scared of her reluctant attraction to Lucius and unable to believe the “parlor tricks” that he performs: a flash of fangs here, a miraculous recovery from a serious injury there. But just as she begins to finally believe—in Lucius, in herself—Lucius suddenly begins to court Faith Crosse, the evil-souled reigning cheerleader-slash-prom-queen of Woodrow Wilson High, and Jessica finds herself struggling to win him back, and not just for the sake of her own heart. For if she doesn’t, both vampire families, not to mention Lucius, could end up being destroyed.
Wow! It is almost unfortunate that this book has such an unwieldy and frothy, though eye-catching, title, because I did not realize the extent of what I was in for when I started reading. Jessica and Lucius are two of the best main characters that I have read about in a long time: they are fully three-dimensional and undergo incredible growth through the 350-some pages. Lucius’ intensity and arrogance makes me simultaneously laugh and be attracted to him at the same time, and some of my favorite chapters were those that consisted of Lucius’ letters to his uncle back in Romania. The relationship that develops between Jessica and Lucius seems totally natural, the growing love not forced.
The plot goes beyond a typical Twilight spinoff (which all current YA vampire novels are inevitably being compared to), and reaches its awe-inspiring conclusion wonderfully. My one complaint is minor, and that is that I felt like most of the minor characters were not developed enough. However, the complexity of Jessica and Lucius’ characters—not to mention their wonderful interactions—more than made up for it, and I am happy to overlook the fact that I don’t get to know Jessica’s friends well in return for feeling immersed in Jessica’s life.
Action, love, mortal danger, family, humor—JESSICA’S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE has everything. I am wholeheartedly a fan, and you will be too.
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LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
I expected a light read - even a comical one. It was for the first half. You see light bantering between Lucius and Jessica (also known as Antanasia). Jessica finds him annoying and overbearing whereas Lucius does whatever he can to convince Jessica that she's his betrothed and a vampire princess.
I found it odd how I found Jessica so annoying in the first half, and then in the last half Lucius took her place. Perhaps it was meant to be that way? you just wanted to smack both them upside the head and make them see reason it was so frustrating! (but frustrating in a good way). As characters, I like Lucius the most (who wouldn't?) he oozes charm and probably could have easily swept me off my feet and we would have done a rendition of that Red Bull commercial (you know, the one with the vampire). He may have been aggrevating at first as he's as stubborn and has to have his own way but it's all about the vampire charm. He just flips it on like a switch and you're instantly sept away. It was hard to like Jessica at first. I'm not really sure why, I just didn't warm up to her like I did with Lucius. I think it was just the way she acted in the beginning of the book. She was almost like a spoiled child and her constant repeated denial just seemed to get on my nerves. When she was faced with a real bad dilemma, I sort of felt she had brought that on herself. However as you start feeling generally annoyed at Lucius and liking Jessica more, she acts more mature and more accepting of who she is. You just see Jessica "growing up" through the plot.
Overall a good read. It's a short one, so it's something that could be read in a week or so. The plot was good and it flowed perfectly. No loose ends though! I could whine and cry out for a sequel, but I'm not so sure. Somehow this one ends up being perfect as a stand alone novel.
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Suddenly Jessica finds her world turned upside down. Alas I will leave my summary there or I'd give it all away. Through the second half of the novel, it's not so light and happy anymore. The story starts getting darker and more serious. The ending, well you may call it predictable, you might not. I liked it and it made the entire story a rather satisfying read.I found it odd how I found Jessica so annoying in the first half, and then in the last half Lucius took her place. Perhaps it was meant to be that way? you just wanted to smack both them upside the head and make them see reason it was so frustrating! (but frustrating in a good way). As characters, I like Lucius the most (who wouldn't?) he oozes charm and probably could have easily swept me off my feet and we would have done a rendition of that Red Bull commercial (you know, the one with the vampire). He may have been aggrevating at first as he's as stubborn and has to have his own way but it's all about the vampire charm. He just flips it on like a switch and you're instantly sept away. It was hard to like Jessica at first. I'm not really sure why, I just didn't warm up to her like I did with Lucius. I think it was just the way she acted in the beginning of the book. She was almost like a spoiled child and her constant repeated denial just seemed to get on my nerves. When she was faced with a real bad dilemma, I sort of felt she had brought that on herself. However as you start feeling generally annoyed at Lucius and liking Jessica more, she acts more mature and more accepting of who she is. You just see Jessica "growing up" through the plot.
Overall a good read. It's a short one, so it's something that could be read in a week or so. The plot was good and it flowed perfectly. No loose ends though! I could whine and cry out for a sequel, but I'm not so sure. Somehow this one ends up being perfect as a stand alone novel.
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LibraryThing member jedziedz
I was very excited to read this and possibly expectations were too high. This novel is okay, the prose flows well, the plot is good, and the characters are not too annoying. Yet, there wasn't that spark between the two main characters that left me wanting more. The teenagers were too cliche: cruel,
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prejudicial, and brimming with teenage angst. Overall, an okay debut that needed more character development. Show Less
LibraryThing member macii
Cheesy, but a fun, quick read that I did enjoy.
LibraryThing member saraxlindsay
Very well written first book from Beth Fantaskey.
It's a story about a Romanian orphan girl named Jessica Packwood. She lives with her adoptive parents in Pennsylvania. She has a normal teenage life, being part of the math team at her high school and crushing over a boy named Jake, but all this
Jessica is confused and in disbelief, because obviously vampires don't exist or do they? She tries to keep herself as distanced from Lucius as she can, but as she spends more time with him she begins to form feelings, but will it be to late, as Lucius has already began to court a blond bimbo cheerleader named Faith Crosse and has given up all hope of ending the rivalry back home in Romania.
Will she win him back and save her family and Lucius from being destroyed?
I read this book in 24 hours and could not put it down. Its funny, romantic, action packed and keeps your stomach in knots right till the end.
It's a story about a Romanian orphan girl named Jessica Packwood. She lives with her adoptive parents in Pennsylvania. She has a normal teenage life, being part of the math team at her high school and crushing over a boy named Jake, but all this
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changes when a student named Lucius Vladescu from Romania comes into her life and tells her of her secret past in which she is a vampire princess destined to marry him, a vampire prince to end a long time war between the two families. Jessica is confused and in disbelief, because obviously vampires don't exist or do they? She tries to keep herself as distanced from Lucius as she can, but as she spends more time with him she begins to form feelings, but will it be to late, as Lucius has already began to court a blond bimbo cheerleader named Faith Crosse and has given up all hope of ending the rivalry back home in Romania.
Will she win him back and save her family and Lucius from being destroyed?
I read this book in 24 hours and could not put it down. Its funny, romantic, action packed and keeps your stomach in knots right till the end.
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LibraryThing member dasuzuki
I really mean this is a 3.5 stars.
I had some doubts about reading this book because I have seen mixed reviews about it. But on one of my trips to the library it was just sitting there on the shelf calling to me to pick it up. I'm glad I did. While it was not an awesome book it was really enjoyable.
I had some doubts about reading this book because I have seen mixed reviews about it. But on one of my trips to the library it was just sitting there on the shelf calling to me to pick it up. I'm glad I did. While it was not an awesome book it was really enjoyable.
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Lucius was funny and a nice mix between obnoxiously arrogant and sweetly chivalrous. The reader also gets to hear his point of view through "letters" written to his uncle about how his courting of Jessica is going. It is pretty funny reading his comments about life as a high schooler, the vegetarian meals in the Packwood home and the various American sayings he has picked up. This book is a really quick read and if you are on the vampire kick going around I would pick this one up. Show Less
LibraryThing member maidenveil
Suitable for teenagers who are caught in search for identity and embracing oneself in spite of uniqueness.Jessica knew she was adopted from the start. She grew up loving her sometimes kooky adoptive parents and still manage to be head strong rational in everything. Then one day a creepy guy appears
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to say she was long betrothed to him and drops the bomb, she's a vampire! And so was he.Interweaving usual teenager/puberty stuffs (e.g. emotional rollercoaster, identity crises, parents-children conflict, relationships, etc) into the whole vampire myth, Beth Fantaskey wrote something that teens would most likely relate to. Show Less
LibraryThing member Luiise
This was an amazing book, i kept reading well into the early hours...couldn't put it down =d
LibraryThing member susanbevans
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside is a well-written example of YA paranormal romance at it's best. The characters are original and relateable, with a "reality" that is sometimes difficult to find in fiction. Beth Fantaskey's writing is outstanding, and could easily be "mistaken" for regular
Fantaskey chose her settings well - what two places on earth could be more diametrically opposed than small-town Lancaster, PA and the grandeur of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania? The differences in culture were captivating and sensational, spurring the plot along and keeping the reader gasping for more.
I had a hard time putting Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside down. Aside from it's silly title (and yes, I do understand the title - still don't like it...) it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Definitely recommend for fans of vampire fiction and paranormal romance.
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old "adult" fiction instead of YA. Fantaskey chose her settings well - what two places on earth could be more diametrically opposed than small-town Lancaster, PA and the grandeur of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania? The differences in culture were captivating and sensational, spurring the plot along and keeping the reader gasping for more.
I had a hard time putting Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside down. Aside from it's silly title (and yes, I do understand the title - still don't like it...) it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Definitely recommend for fans of vampire fiction and paranormal romance.
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Awards
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2011)
The Flume: NH Teen Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2011)
Carolyn W. Field Award (Winner — Children's — 2010)
Language
Original publication date
2009-02-01
Physical description
368 p.; 8.3 inches
ISBN
0152063846 / 9780152063849
Local notes
Down-to-earth mathlete Jessica Packwood is completely horrified when, a few months shy of her 18th birthday, a Romanian named Lucius Vladescu shows up on her doorstep, claiming that he and she are vampire royalty betrothed to each other since infancy.
A fun frothy vampire romance.
1/1 US HB. Signed by Beth Fantaskey.
A fun frothy vampire romance.
1/1 US HB. Signed by Beth Fantaskey.
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