"A Single Word ... "

Fang Time!!

Yes here's one with a bit of a bite to it.  I won this book here on booklikes a while ago and was finally able to read it after some computer issues and where it was on the "to read" list. 

From the Back:

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...

Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...

As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.

This happens to be Shanye's debuting novel and I think she hits on the head.  The combination of a romance of a Regency style gentleman and his ward has been done before in the likes those of the Jane Austin, Georgette Heyer and so many more. But Shayne has given it a different twist when she adds a vampire and his adopted human child, to the storyline as the main characters: Valek and Charlotte. They relationship is complicated at best during the struggles to defined it through out the book. It is more realistic as it is not all rainbows and sunshine.  We know that Valek needs blood from humans and Charlotte is usually the lure that brings the human victim home to Valek.

When we add the other characters like the Phasers, Elves and a Witch. Look out as things get really interesting in this little section of magical woods in Prague. And then it could be said that there is a tad bit of jealous towards the human daughter of the Vampire Doctor.  The details that are used for the background, the characters and such are well thought out that makes them more human-like in their interactions with each other.  I found that the pace was steady enough without feeling rushed. There is a bit of a cliff hanger that hints of a second book.  I could see this being adapted for a movie with out to much work.

Over all I would give this 4 out of 5 stars. 

Be on the look out for more reviews. Until next time... with "A Simple Word."