Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising | Jason Henderson

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Alex Van Helsing - yes those Van Helsings, athough he does not yet know it - is having a hard time transitioning to life at Glenarvon Academy. His roommates are jerks, he's terribly homesick and, oh, there are vampires chasing him around at night. In no time, he learns that his teacher, Mr. Sangster, works for the Polidorium - a top-secret vampire hunting organization that Alex's father once worked with. Suddenly, his family's philanthropic work and focus on survival skills suddenly makes a lot more sense. Will Alex be able to fulfill his family destiny and take on the deadly vampire, Icemaker?

I couldn't tell you. I only made it a little further than the Cybils-requested 50 page requirement.

It's not that the book is bad. I've inherited a school library collection that could do with some updated adventure stories for my middle grade boys and would probably add this to our book request list. And sure, I don't mind reading paragraphs devoted to Alex fiddling with his contacts and being completely ignorant of the fact he is one of those Van Helsings after repeatedly running into things that go bump in the night.

In the end, what made me realize it would never make my shortlist was the villian. Or rather, this exchange with the villian:

They were gone.
Alex fell to his knees.
Sangster reached Alex's side. "Minhi and Paul?"
"Yes," Alex groaned. "What about Sid?"
"He's safe. He's inside." Sangster stepped back, surveyed the wall of ice. "Look!"
Alex rose and staggered back to read the words carved into the icy wall.
WELCOME TO THE COLD.

Really?! You're going to kidnap the girl on the first interaction between good guy and bad guy and all that's all the villian has to say?! Book closed.

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 20, 2010