How to be a Vampire by Amy Gray

Vampires. Can’t seem to beat them, unless maybe you are a werewolf or a slayer, so why not join them? In How to be a Vampire by Amy Gray, you can learn how to do just that – well, sort of.


Book Description
“For those who join the decadent realm of the vampire, eternal life holds juicy perks -- charm and strength, shape-shifting and flying, telepathy and super-powered senses. But then again, one becomes . . . so terribly hungry. Is there an etiquette for feeding without causing a scene? How do you set up your crypt? What supernatural foes will make your blood run colder? In this elegant, edgy resource, the newly immortal will find everything they need to know, including:

* a quiz to determine your true vampire persona
* ways to turn into a vampire -- or when a kiss is not just a kiss and why you should take a look at your family tree
* a transformation checklist, including canine teeth and UV sensitivity
* a makeup and fashion guide to looking damned good (or just damned)
* knowing your weaknesses, from garlic, stakes, and sunlight to an obsession with counting
* ten signs that your boyfriend is a vampire, including super coolness (body temperature-wise) and a habit of sleeping in
* a field guide to vampiric variations around the world and through history”
- How to be a Vampire


My Thoughts
How to be a Vampire by Amy Gray is a gothic gem in the vampire genre. The book is fully illustrated, and even if you aren’t looking to become a vampire (or just dress like one), if you like great photography and illustrations, you’d appreciate the book for that too.

Aside from the stunning visual eye candy in the book, it is also full of exceptional information about vampires. It explains the different types of vampires found throughout the world, how mere mortals are turned into immortals, how to tell if you are dating a vampire, what happens to your senses after you are turned into a vampire, what powers vampires have, what music vampires like, how vampires dress, and much, much more.

I also enjoyed that the author included TV and movie vampires such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, True Blood, Interview with the Vampire, and more. The images included to show each were of course beautifully done as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I love vampires, and enjoyed reading about how to become one, if that were possible. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to become a vampire, how to find a vampire to turn you, and then perhaps what to do after becoming one, or if you just like great artwork about vampires, this is the book for you.


* Thank you to the publisher of How to be a Vampire, Candlewick Press for providing me with a review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.