Review: A side-story to the Unholy Alliance series,  this story ties into those perfectly well while providing readers a taste
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2013
A novella-length story, Rival was my introduction to the Unholy Alliance series by Lucy Yager, and it was a fun and cleverly written book from a perspective not often seen in vampire stories.Emily is a teenaged girl from a family of vampire chasers, although her widowed mother is not at all willing to discuss her fighting vampires.  Add to that her rather protective family, none of whom believe that she is strong enough or well-enough trained to hunt vampires.All of that is for naught, as this book encompasses the last week before she turns 18: in her mind to leave her home and go on the road as a chaser, with or without her family’s approval.  Trained in martial arts, as well as having her late father’s stockpile of weaponry, she is much more a fighter than a glamour girl, even though one boy finds her irresistible.Brett has been a friend and sparring partner for Emily at the dojo until she believes he let her win a match.  Not sharing his own deep secret with anyone, Brett has hidden an illness that often effects his physical movement.  When he runs into Emily at the mall with her cousin, trying on dresses for her upcoming debut dance, he sees her in a whole new light: always attracted to her for her attitude and spunk, he sees her as a girl.Told in alternating points of view, readers are able to get a sense for both characters: their concerns, thoughts and even their questions are brought forward and easy to understand, creating a connection as the issues are common enough despite the addition of vampires.  Emily and Brett both need to trust in one another, although their relationship is just starting, there are plenty of new ideas to grasp brought forward from both sides, and the dangers are increasing each day.  With the final climax resulting in a vampire attack and help from unexpected places, the two join forces as more assumptions and options are brought forward.Characters are true to both their ages and personalities, with strong voices and a palpable attraction that starts the romance with a sweet build.  Perfect for teen and YA readers alike, there are characters who are easy to connect with and understand, and the action and pacing keep the pages turning.  A side-story to explain one major character absence in the Unholy Alliance series,  this story ties into those perfectly well while providing readers a taste of the author’s style and story to see if more would be of interest.I received an eBook copy from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.