Romeo & Juliet & Vampires by Claudia Gabel

Book: Romeo & Juliet & Vampires

Author: Claudia Gabel (adapted from William Shakespeare)

Release: August 31st, 2010

Source: Publicist

My Summary: 

Juliet's family, the Capulets, are some of the most bloodthirsty and vicious vampires there are. Yet, Juliet - still a human for a short time - is kind and firmly against harming others. Only problem? She's going to turn into a vampire soon, and she only has two options: Kill and become a vampire, or die a slow and very painful death.

She's entertaining the latter option until Romeo, a Montague, comes along. Coming from a family dedicated to killing her kind, especially her family, they should hate one another.

Against all odds, they fall in love. However, Juliet's time as a human is dwindling, and the two will face more obstacles...and death is an almost certain outcome.

Review: An intriguing and fun take on Romeo and Juliet, Gabel doesn't disappoint with her fresh take on such a classic story.

The characters in this story are very fresh and easy to sympathize with. I found Juliet to be a sweet, sympathetic character, and Romeo an honorable and equally kind. Their romance was sweet, if only a bit rushed (but hey, it's kind of like that in the original). Juliet's struggle with becoming a vampire is an interesting twist, and her parents were downright frightening and intense. The vampire twist seemed to mesh perfectly with the story.

There are, obviously, some differences both major and minor in comparison to Shakespeare's original version.  I was glad for the differences, the twists, and for the similarities. Even if you think you know how it all ends because you read Shakespeare's original, think again.

Highlights: Gabel makes this story readable, which isn't always the case with Shakespeare. I definitely also loved the characters, like Nurse, whom I actually liked more in this version. The story still maintained the essence of Shakespeare's original version, but it was also different and creative in its own right.

Lowlights: A few scenes seemed rushed. I would have definitely preferred the balcony scene to be a bit more fleshed out. But honestly, I enjoyed this one far more than I thought I would.

Rating: