Morganville Vampires (2) - The Dead Girl's Dance by Rachel Caine
And now to part two of the extra-ordinary, 15-part series - The Dead Girls' Dance (in German Der letzte Kuss, in French La Nuit des Zombies) I read it in German where it had 318 pages. Originally published 2007.
Shane's dad comes to visit Morganville with his gang of Van-Helsings-to-be. This is good, isn't it, when vampires are kicked back in hell? NO! It's not! First, because Shane's dad gets to the "good" vampires, second, because he tries to kill Michael, who isn't even a vampire. And third because Shane is to be burned for that. The only way for Claire and Eve to get him out of that cage is to get to Michael's undead grandpa Sam. Their best chances to find him soon enough is to go to the Dead Girls' Dance. A TPU-Party, where raping and vampire attacks aren't as unusual as they should be. And time isn't on their side...
I held my breath most of the time I spent reading this book (and again and again ;) ). It is tense and funny and the plot is as fast and interesting as in the first book. I really love Rachel Caine's way of writing and Shane, Eve, Claire Michael and even Monica, her friends, Oliver, Amelie, Sam and Shane's dad are all fascinating, understandable and all have a background story. It really is great! The only mistake is that no one bid Gretchen and Hans in, but they can nevertheless get in the Glass House.
However, I like how Monica gets really something for her bitchy behaviour. She doesn't really learn from it, but still... Additionally, it's nice to learn more about Jenny and Gina. And, of course, about Shane and his family. God, that poor boy! Really, this family situation sucks. Worse enough what happened to Lyssa. But the rest? That's just hard.
As for Claire, it's good how she grows, inch by inch. And it's really cool how she still does the right thing. Even though Monica does all these things to her, she never pays her back the same way. In others, sure, but never like she would. That's really great.
As for Michael: I'm so, so sorry for him. This is a shit position he's in and I imagine he doesn't cope too well. Who would?
Sam's great! Especially how he saves Claire – and the thing with the blood groups. That's so, so great!
Eve rocks, as usual. I like her big mouth.
I give this book a star for characters, style, ideas and for the mixture of fun and drama.