Legally Undead by Margo Bond Collins Publisher: World Weaver Press on May 27, 2014
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 278
Format: eBook
Source: Review Request
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.
Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she’ll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.
But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire sucking the blood from her fiancé, Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs—not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.
As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire’s heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning to face them, Elle realizes Greg’s body is gone—and her perfect life falls apart.
At A Glance
A good but typical urban fantasy.
The Good
What it comes down to is that I enjoyed myself while reading Legally Undead. The characters were interesting and unique. The plot was interesting and the story flowed well. The dialogue felt real and I was never bored. Definitely some good action.
Elle was interesting. I liked that she was just an average girl, with a normal life. Even after the vampire business wouldn’t leave her alone, she stuck with getting her Doctorate. She didn’t make rash decisions, she didn’t go out looking for trouble. Finally, a non-dumb heroine. It was nice. Elle’s not perfect, but I loved her because she was an every-girl just trying to live in this new vamp-filled world.
The other characters were cool. Nick (who helped Elle with the vamp world) felt like a real friend. I loved how Malcolm (Elle’s rescuer and friend from school) was a bit odd. How curious he was and a little delusional. He learned about the vamp world super fast though. Poor guy. Greg (the old fiancé and now vamp) was straight up yuck! Vampirisim is not all hunky and sparkly. Vampires are vicious and scary in this book.
The Bad
I was hoping for a little something special, something to set this book apart from other urban fantasies, but nope.
Normal girl gets attacked by vamp and she kills him by pure adrenaline. She wants nothing to do with the vampire world, but is forced into it. Then guess what? She becomes a kickass vamp killer in like a day. Seriously! She is better than the guys who have been training for years. I call BS.
The ending is a little cliffhanger-y. I didn’t like what happened because it made me so sad. I hate ending a book on a bad note.
The Snuggly
The romance was thin, which was fine. Elle is interested in Malcolm but they have an odd relationship. Not sure where it’s going. Some sex, but nothing too detailed.
Final Thoughts
While I was reading this book, I liked it 4 to 3.5 stars worth. But as a few days went by after finishing it, I liked it 3 stars worth. Since I am conflicted, I will stick with 3.5 stars. But honestly, I am still not sure what I think of this book. Recommended.
Quotes
“It’s never easy to see an ex for the first time after you’ve broken up. Seeing an ex for the first time after he’s been turned into a bloodthirsty evil creature of the night is possibly even less easy.”
“Have I mentioned how much it sucks (no pun intended) to be hunted by a vampire? Ruins your whole day.
And your whole life, if you’re not careful.
I’d already lost one boyfriend to the vampires, I wasn’t going to lose another, even if he wasn’t actually my boyfriend.
So only one question remained: how do you break up with an un-boyfriend?”
Red Iza
It’s getting hard to come up with an original plot in this line of stories – fortunately, some authors manage it ! Thanks for sharing 😉
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, it’s are rare find now-a-days.
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
I don’t mind it overly much when an UF title isn’t groundbreaking, as long as it’s got plenty of action. I do however dislike it when the heroine goes from being a muggle to a badass vampire slayer overnight. There should be a learning curve, or a special artifact that helps grow her skills, or… SOMETHING.
Jennifer Bielman
Yes, a learning curve for sure!!!
Braine Talk Supe
True confession: I signed up for this book’s blog tour and I fucking missed my stop! So embarrassing!
BUT I still want to read this just because it sounds cool even if it’s formulaic. Maybe the next one will be better… I hope.
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, it happens to the best of us. I hope you love this book a little more than I did, It was good overall.
Bookworm Brandee
Sounds like it was pretty good – good writing, nice characters – it just didn’t have that something special to really trip your trigger. I’ve been curious about Ms. Bond Collins, and I think I’ll still give her a go. Great review, Jennifer!
Jennifer Bielman
Yes, do try her out. I would try her out again.
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, I will be interested to see if book two is stronger. Too bad it had nothing unique.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, not sure if book 2 will be stronger but I might try it out.
Jaclyn Canada
I like the sound of it at least as far as having the bad vamps. The not being unique at all and the bad ending don’t sound fun though. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
I guess most books aren’t unique these days though now that I think about it.
Christy
I’ve been craving UF lately. I think that’s going to me my flavor of choice for awhile. Despite not really standing out, it sounds like a good time.
Jennifer Bielman
Hells yeah for UF. I crave UF all the time, but good UF.
Melliane
Oh it’s difficult when you feel this way at the end of the book… It’s more and more difficult to find unique UF but it sounds well done and the characters look interesting too.
Jennifer Bielman
I would recommend a try at least.
Lily B
aww I am sorry this one did not stand out for you, and a cliffhanger to boot, ouch
Jennifer Bielman
I am still happy I read it, but not sure about book 2.
Heena
Great review 🙂
Molly Mortensen
Enjoyment is one of the most important things to me when reading. A non-dumb heroine too and nasty vamps! Sounds like it’s nothing special, but sometimes all I want is entertaining. I only hesitate because of the bad ending.
Jennifer Bielman
It wasn’t a bad ending per se, it just left me really sad, which I hate.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
It’s a shame this book didn’t stand out against others; bummer about the cliffhanger-y ending, I feel the same when it ends on a sad note!
A great review.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I hate being sad at the end of a book.