Read and Reviewed

3.5/5 stars.I am not afraid to say that, like a lot of readers of paranormal books, I am pretty vampired-out. I feel like it's all been done before, and it's been a long time since I've read a vampire book that had a unique idea or take on the old themes. However, when I was contacted by the author to review A Shade of Vampire, the summary gave off that "different" sort of vibe that I was looking for, so I accepted her request. And I'm glad I did, because "unique" is exactly the word I'd use for this book.What I really loved was the world the vampires in this book call home. The Blood Shade is a fully-developed world, and the descriptions of the trees, the Vale, and the treetop penthouses were wonderful to read about. I felt like I could really see exactly where Sofia and Derek were spending their days. While I really felt like I was visiting the Blood Shade, I would have liked more explanation as to how exactly Derek brought his people to the island and set up the beginnings of the world; there wasn't a lot of background or history, which I really think would have added a lot to Derek's character and allowed the reader to see exactly why he was so revered (and also why his brother hates him so much).I adored Sofia. She is headstrong, tough, and stubborn, and I loved her quite a lot. I also loved the slow-burning relationship between her and Derek, how Derek realized she was different (and that his feelings for her didn't hinge on something superficial; he appreciated that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind around him, which I found kind of refreshing) and his feelings for her (and hers for him) slowly started to change. I particularly liked their interactions when they were alone, and how both felt safe with the other to say or do things they would not have done in front of others.I do want to point out that there are a few dialogue punctuation errors littered throughout (particularly if a character "said" something), and I also noticed that the author tended to use "on" instead of "in" (ie. "closed the door on our faces" or "the look on your eyes"). I found the story entertaining enough, though, to overlook these rather easily, but did want to mention it all the same.If you're looking for a different sort of vampire book that still has enjoyable elements like forbidden love, then do check this one out! A Shade of Vampire is a compelling story with a wonderful main character. I am very intrigued to see what comes next for Derek and Sofia!***To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!