Book Review: Insatiable

Title: Insatiable
Author: Meg Cabot
Release Date: June 8, 2010

Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them.

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die (not that you’re going to believe her; no one ever does).

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future.

If she even has one.

My Review:
When I first heard that Meg Cabot was writing a vampire novel, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical. My second thought, however, was "Hey, its Meg Cabot and vampires, this book is going to be amazing!" And it was.

Because no matter if Cabot writes about princesses, hobby detectives or witches, you can always expect a great story with a strong and independent heroin, a swoon-worthy hero (or two), and smooth and witty writing. Insatiable is no exception.

This book was written in third person perspective, instead of the first person perspective Cabot usually uses. Because of this it took a little while until I got to know, and connected with, the main characters. Since the book was written in alternating chapters, we followed the story from Meena, Lucien, Alaric, and Jon's points of view. So - you, as a reader, knew all secrets the characters kept from each other, their plans and what they were about to do, and you were just expectantly waiting for truths to be revealed, lies to be detected, and things to blow up in their faces. Which, trust me, they did.

So, did Cabot manage to create a believable vampire story? Yes indeed. Insatiable is marketed as "a modern sequel to Bram Stoker's Dracula", and is loosely based on Stoker's novel. Cabot has however adapted it into her own story, changed some things, and kept some. And with Lucien she managed to create a classic vampire. He is charming and irresistible one moment, only to change into a dangerous, inhuman vampire the next. Meena knows that she has to stay away from him, but at the same time she can't resist him. She wants him to go, and she wants him to stay...

I also have to mention Mary Lou - my favorite subsidiary character. Loved her! She was breezy, easy-going and unbothered about everything that happened around her. Admirable!

Lastly, I wouldn't be surprised if readers divide into "Team Lucien" and "Team Alaric" after reading this book! :)

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Read more about the book (including excerpts) here. Look out for Insatiable in stores in June, and don't miss the sequel coming summer 2011!