Two vampire brothers must set aside their differences to solve a series of murders in this humorous and delightfully spooky novel for young readers. For fans of Too Bright to See.
Adam and Victor are brothers who have the usual fights over the remote, which movie to watch and whether or not it’s morally acceptable to eat people. Well, not so much eat . . . just drink a little blood. They’re vampires, hiding in plain sight with their eclectic yet loving family.
Ten-year-old Adam knows he has a better purpose in life (well, death) than just drinking blood, but fourteen-year-old Victor wants to accept his own self-image of vampirism. Everything changes when bodies start to appear all over town, and it becomes clear that a vampire hunter may be on the lookout for the family. Can Adam and Victor reconcile their differences and work together to stop the killer before it’s too late?
I begin all vampire stories with hesitation as they don't tend to be my favorite. However, Don't Want To Be Your Monster was the exception. I am absolutely obsessed with the analogy of antisemitism and love that this exists as a middle-grade novel. If we can teach kids to accept vampires, maybe there is hope for this world after all.
I can't say enough good things about the brotherly relationship between Adam and Victor. Their very different perspectives on how to handle the vampire hunter helped round out this story. I found myself agreeing with each of them for different reasons. Their individual and collective development propelled the story forward.
There are lessons in this book I wish everyone would learn, so I limit my recommendation in no way. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Thank you, Tundra Books and LibraryThing, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dates read: Nov 4, 2023 - Nov 4, 2023