Jamie Carpenter’s life will never be the same. His father is dead, his mother is missing, and he was just rescued by an enormous man named Frankenstein. Jamie is brought to Department 19, where he is pulled into a secret organization responsible for policing the supernatural, founded more than a century ago by Abraham Van Helsing and the other survivors of Dracula. Aided by Frankenstein’s monster, a beautiful vampire girl with her own agenda, and the members of the agency, Jamie must attempt to save his mother from a terrifyingly powerful vampire.
Department 19 takes us through history, across Europe, and beyond—from the cobbled streets of Victorian London to prohibition-era New York, from the icy wastes of Arctic Russia to the treacherous mountains of Transylvania. Part modern thriller, part classic horror, it’s packed with mystery, mayhem, and a level of suspense that makes a Darren Shan novel look like a romantic comedy.
I don’t read a lot of YA generally but when this book appeared in my mailbox a few weeks ago that cover reached out and grabbed me. There’s a bit of buzz over this book and I think I’m going to have to give this a go. What do you think Fiction Vixen romance readers? Would you put down the romance novel and give Department 19 a try? Have you already read it? What did you think?
Department Nineteen by Will Hill
April 5th 2011 by Razorbill (Penguin Group)
Young Adult – Paramormal – Sci-Fi
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About Sophia (FV)
I’ve not read it, but I’ve heard it’s a bit more scary than most YA books but still a good read. I’ve had it on my list, it’s definitely one I want to read. Would I put down a romance novel (or my current read) for it? Guess that depends on how much I’m enjoying the current book. If it’s meh, I’m totally picking up Dept. 19.
I like to mix up my reads. I just read three YA reads and now I want to swing back over to something my erotic. I think I’ll be starting Backstage Pass. Department Nineteen looks great, I’ll be adding this one to my wish list.
@Jennifer (An Abundance of Books): I don’t think I’ve read a scary YA. This should be interesting.
@Rain maiden: I loved Backstage Pass! Enjoy!
I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve heard good things. I don’t enjoy most YAs because of the irritating high school drama, but my friend (who is a big fan of this book) assures me it’s not like that at all. So probably I’ll be checking it out soon.
@Catherine: I get annoyed with YA because the stories often depict parents as brainless morons. I have my fingers crossed for this one.
@Sophia (FV): That does seem to be a common feature in them.
I read on one blog the author’s interview and the reviewer’s concluding remark about Department 19 goes like this: “I just want to read more about her (main protagonist)ripping out people’s throats and gorging on their blood”. It is sooo HORROR! You decide if you want it instead of romance novel
~ Sorilla
P.S.If anyone interested, blog I’ve mentioned is http://bookzone4boys.blogspot.com/2011/04/will-hill-department-19-blog-tour.html?showComment=1302408476770#c1184684627689259770