You have got to read this book, OMG!

It has been a long time since I have read such an awesome vampire story. And vampire books are my favorite genre. But by far this is the best book about vampires that I have read in years. Please don't pass this book by, put it on your to read list, you will be glad you did trust me. ( )

What Kills Me encompasses everything we loved about vampire books in the mid-2000s, and everything we are now super embarrassed about. Is it enjoyable? Sure, if you’re here for the instalove and a protagonist of incredible power that never wanted this to begin with. What Kills Me is all tropes and no substance. It’s good for a certain kind of read, but it’s not a book you’re going to remember after you’re done reading.

I know that sounds a bit harsh, but it’s the genre. Teenage vampire love story in the style of Stephanie Meyer – you can only expect a certain amount of greatness. It fills that hole where you want something ridiculous but tempting and exciting, I guess. As a reader, I have a very difficult time with books that completely bypass any attempt to remain realistic in favor of creating what the author considers an exciting story. So, for me, What Kills Me was not a great read.

If I’m being honest, the title is even frustrating me as I’m trying to write this review. I just want to keep saying “what kills me about this book“, but that’s the actual title. What kills me about What Kills Me is that there’s no substance to it, the characters are flat as pancakes, and just for once can we try to do a well-rounded vampire story that’s not all about falling madly in love and being converted, not necessarily in that order? If you enjoy the style of book, in the rush of Twilight wannabes from a decade ago, then you’ll like What Kills Me just fine. It entertains enough for lovers of the genre.

Three things that I can’t get past: Axelia, Lucas, and the author’s research. Let’s start with our protagonist. Axelia’s journey is one too many coincidences. The way her progression is set up is so uncomfortably regimented that she feels less like a character in this world, and more like a puppet at the author’s fingertips. The magic of a good book is that we can’t tell the characters are puppets – they feel so real. Her demeanor really irked me as well. Call me jaded, but I have pretty limited tolerance for a “chosen one” protagonist who gets all of the breaks and none of the struggles. If anything, I start to root against them.

Now let’s talk about Lucas. It would’ve been awfully nice for Channing to have given the love interest just a little bit of personality. It’s a bit like watching those old Disney animated films, where Prince Charming comes in to save the day, but he has about as much personality as an old sock. Disney’s princes got better, and I expect the same from my books, thank you very much. The progression of his relationship with Axelia makes absolutely no sense, as everything that happens between them should really drive them apart instead of together. Once again, an instance of fitting a genre rather than writing a good book.

Finally, the research.

Listen, I know if you’re trying just to write a semi-decent paranormal romance, you’re probably not thinking about researching your setting too much. Still, I’ve never even been to Italy, and even I could tell some of the details were completely invented. This may be a bit unfair, but all of the settings in the book felt like they were plucked from sappy romance films or romcoms. Distances didn’t make any sense, food choices didn’t fit in with the setting, behavior of strangers and people around the protagonist wasn’t culturally accurate… it’s a classic silhouette of an author who goes “I have a great idea, I’m going to write a book” and then sits down to write out the entire book without using any frame of reference outside their own imagination. I know it’s the historian me that gets agitated by this, but it really bothers me to find this sort of situation when I read a book.

I have to give Channing a little bit of credit though. As much as I think What Kills Me is not a quality read, nor was it something that I couldn’t get through. Believe me, if the writing was too unpolished to read, I would’ve DNF’d it. At a very technical level, the writing is fine. I hate to say this, but that’s not something you always find in self-published books, so it was nice to see.

I also have to be honest and say that the paranormal vampire romances have never really been my jam. I can see where in 2004, this would’ve been a great read for folks impatient between Twilight and whatever the next book is. Eclipse? Sarah, if you are reading this, I’m sorry for not knowing these things. What I’m saying is: some people really love this kind of story, and others don’t understand the hype. I’m one of the latter.

Nostalgic for a quick, completely unrealistic teenage vampire love story where danger lurks around every corner? Sure, give What Kills Me a try. Personally, I am all set with this trilogy. ( )

4 ½ Stars ( )

4 ½ Stars ( )

Will do the review on Saturday or something. I need to sleep early now cause I'll go out tomorrow by 4am. :o

UPDATE: 12.09.12 Got an exclusive interview with Wynne Channing. It's up in my blog: Ramblings of a YA Reader.

I don't know what to say! OMG. This book doesn't have any boring moments, in my opinion! From the start, What Kills Me, surprised me with how the story progressed, the twists were really exciting and unexpected. One moment, it was like this and then, bam the story would go the other way you thought of. And it was really freakin' good! It was a fun read and brilliantly made.

I thought at the first chapters, it would suck and because I thought it was Paolo who's her partner. So I was shocked when Paolo said and did that to Zee. The author gave my mind some teasing! LOL. I really, really didn't expect that one! From then on, I was hooked. I was craving to know more. So when Axelia or Zee met new people and those people especially Noel wants to protect her, I feel like crying when they need to go now because the Aramatta (am I right about this one's spelling?) was coming for Zee. :(

And oh, that Obaia? I think I got that one right. Cause I don't feel really comfortable when they talk to her. I feel like she's too good to be true. And damn it, I was right. oh yeah, I thought I like the Empress. Then I don't. :p Then I think I'm gonna start liking her once again. :)

I like Lucas. Well, who doesn't like him? He's a bit of a jerk. But jerk guys when they started to like you, they are sweet. It's just an outer shell, their mask to hide their emotions. So yeah, love him.

My only problem with it was that there're lots of fade out scenes. I mean, not sex scenes, cause there's no sex scene as of yet. I want to see how they practice, like with Lucas' Obaia, or how Lucas trained Zee. I want to see how they would DO it. But it was not included and just treated like they already finished the training.

What Kills Me is a fast-paced book that I thought that it was not a series and just a stand alone. But the author confirmed to me that it will be a series and that she's currently doing the second book! Hurray!!! More Lucas! So I was wondering what would happen next? What will be Channing's new tricks for our mind now? ;)

Also, I love the fighting scenes! Zee's an awesome, kick-ass character! ( )

Awesome and deliciously good. ( )

I had this novel buried in the book file of my computer and I am so glad I dug it out, simply amazing. Fast-paced, and never dull it has everything: action, suspense, friendship, betrayal and romance. The characters were lovely, and the story was amazing. Simply a great read that I would recommend to anyone. I loved it!

This review is also posted on The Bawdy Book Blog.

What Kills Me is what every young adult/paranormal romance should be. Epic, fast-paced and not without a hot, non-sparkly vampire leading man guy to make you feel lusty. And thank god he’s not really a teenager, because this reader wanted him bad.

Axelia (Zee) is spending a couple of months in Rome on a study program, when she happens upon a beautiful stranger on her way home one evening – or rather, he happens upon her. He beguiles her with his flirty, friendly Italian accent, and they become fast friends. You know that saying “keep your friends close and your enemies closer?” Yeah, that. Or you might run from someone and fall down a well filled with blood and emerge a powerful vampire everyone believes is prophesied to doom the entire vampire race. Man, life sucks.

Wynne Channing has given the YA/PNR genres something really, really great. Yeah, you could ask yourself, “who isn’t writing something in this space?” But I’ve been bored with a lot of them lately, so much so that I’ve deviated into other genres to get fresh content. Coming back with What Kills Me was like a punch in the gut! But in a very great way! Channing’s characters are incredibly witty and sarcastic…and still they maintain that level of realism that helps to keep a paranormal fiction book grounded somewhat in reality. I simply couldn’t put the book down, and resented things like sleeping when I absolutely had to.

Zee’s sarcasm and self-deprecating humor is everything Bella Swan should have been and never was. I’m a Twilight fan, but I’ll admit, it’s not written well and Bella is a dry and drab character until she’s turned in the second half of Breaking Dawn. Zee is interesting before she’s changed and she’s even more interesting after. She looks life (and Death, ha!) right in the face and smirks at her own circumstances, all the while worrying about decorum and bugs. I really liked her.

Lucas….oh Lucas. You make my heart go pitter-pat. Lucas, the bladesmith tasked to help Zee, is every woman’s fantasy in a leading man: mysterious, quick-witted, and occasionally tender. Swoon. I have nothing against sparkling vampires, and this certainly isn’t a comparison review to Twilight, but Lucas was dark and dangerous and he was still funny. He didn’t take himself so seriously that he’d, you know, leave his girl in the middle of the woods because he’s too dangerous. The two of them together are simply delicious; you know they want to, but will they? Oh pride, it really gets in the way sometimes.

She doesn’t ignore any secondary characters…oh no. They all get their few minutes of fame, and they are as put together as Zee and Lucas, lending a stronger hand to the overall story.

The plot is action-packed and takes the characters from Rome to Thailand to the remote mountains of Asia. I loved traveling with the characters, not knowing where Channing would take us next! There are friends and foes, blood and murder, knives in backs (literally and figuratively). Throughout it all, the plot weaves tightly and thickly, wrapping around the reader and sucking you in (at least this reader). I was fascinated with the method in which Zee was “reborn” and the contents of the well… because while vampires still turn humans the usual way, Zee’s circumstances are so unusual, it makes the rest of the story that much more. It is the story.

It felt impossible to put down and I can’t wait for the next one. Wynne Channing, you can’t write the sequel fast enough. Thank you for giving us such a fabulous story.



I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. ( )

Isn’t it weird how you can read two books completely different and yet award them the same rating? This was something I was thinking about earlier when I finished this book. Thinking about my five star books, some of them I knew from the beginning that it was going to be an awesome read. With What Kills Me, this wasn’t the case. But after a bit of trouble with the opening, this book did a 180 and took me completely by surprise.

Axelia, otherwise known as Zee, is on a two month stay in Rome studying Italian. In a rush to get home one night, having lost track of time, she meets a guy called Paolo. That one incident is to be her downfall, because Paolo isn’t interested in dating girls, as she finds out the following evening. He’s more interested in murdering them. His plans go awry however, and she ends up a vampire...through unconventional means. From then Zee is on the run from the entire vampire race, because according to prophecy, she isn’t just any vampire. She’s the one that’s going to bring the destruction of all vampires.

If [book:The Immortal Rules|10215349] didn’t kill my belief that the vampire genre has been exhausted, What Kills Me certainly did. Seriously, if you still think that, you need to read this. Think words like Monarchy, Crucivium, Sacriva. Have you ever heard of vampires worshipping gods? No? Well, they do now. Wynne Channing impressed me with the fresh ideas she’s brought to the table. I loved seeing this new side to vampires, one where an actual empire has been created, its very foundations built on something so superstitious as a prophecy. Quite frankly, I’ve never been convinced by the idea of a prophecy. There’s something so...convenient about it, something almost intangible that makes me want to roll my eyes. In this case, however, it worked, perhaps because of the context.

Zee went through a pretty extensive, not to mention impressive, transformation. At the beginning, I had one word to describe her: stupid. What kind of girl tells her whole life story to and goes on a date with a guy she met only the night before? A guy who is so obviously trouble? But then when she became a vampire, she didn’t spend very long being self-pitying and railing at Paolo. Faced with death together with him soon after, her survival instinct rears its head and she doesn’t just talk about saving herself, she talks about saving them. Zee toughens and wisens up. Just a little. In later fight scenes I got a little tired of her screaming and not actually kicking butt, but she did find small ways to help. Then she learns to fight and eventually she’s a badass vampire you do not want to mess with. There is true development in her character that was a pleasure to see. Not to mention the fact that she is hilarious.

Now, two things in this book that are conspicuously absent: insta-love and love triangle. Yes, I see the relieved faces. Here we have Lucas, a vampire highly skilled in martial arts and weapons handling. Unless you want your head cut off, I suggest you stay on his good side. It’s quite easy, really. Just don’t try to kill him. Lucas starts off as wanting nothing to do with Zee; he quite clearly puts a wall between them. The relationship between them is incredibly gradual. I loved the banter between them, it was subtle, but witty. It was so sweet to see him help Zee when she was struggling with her acts and morals as a vampire, and see her lightening the mood when he became concerned. Their feelings for each other weren’t revealed until the last possible minute and their fight for each other was just moving; it’s then you see their depth of feeling for the other.

The writing, without being overly descriptive, was vivid enough for me to have consistently clear images in my head – not just images, but mood and atmosphere. The fight scenes were fast-paced and action-packed and this made a nice contrast with, for example, the temple in Taiwan (at least until all hell broke loose). Nor is the story predictable. While I was a teeny bit suspicious of one particular character, she still managed to surprise me. Not to mention the plot twist. Channing has no qualms about taking her time: she leaves you comfortable in the knowledge of one thing and then springs a surprise on you at the last minute.

While this wasn’t perfect, I was incredibly immersed in the story. I was a bit wary starting it but the author soon dispelled that. I don’t know if there’s a sequel in the works, though I can, in a way, see potential for one. In any case, there are no questions left unanswered, the story is wrapped up nicely and I will most definitely be on the lookout for further work from this author.

A huge thank you to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This review is also posted on my blog. ( )

Review:

I used to be quite obsessed with the young adult vampire genre, devouring several paranormal reads per week, but the popularity of the Twilight series spurned my attention. Suddenly, everyone was writing, (and reading), vampire-based novels; most of which were bloodless in comparison to their predecessors. About 60% of the teen vampire books that I attempted to read after 2008 paralleled Twilight - or tried to - Girl meets sexy vampire. Girl wants to be a vampire too. Brooding vampire tells girl to stay away because he's dangerous. Girl ignores vampire, etc... I could only take so much of this "originality" before I was entirely burnt out on the genre. Until recently, I wouldn't even accept vampire fiction review requests, but a couple of interesting blurbs managed to make it into my inbox, and What Kills Me by Wynne Channing was one of them. First-off, I'll admit I was lured in by the cover art - loved the color palate and the ethereal detail. Usually, I try not to be swayed by the cover's literary agenda, (thus, "Don't judge a book by its cover"), however, It spiked my interest enough for perusal.

After the first chapter, I was worried. I loved Wynne Channing's way with words - evocative and well-balanced - but I was not a fan of Axelia (Zee). She seemed like she was going to be another immature, limp-wristed heroine with a penchant for trouble. I was rather annoyed with her, unable to get into her personality, but when push-came-to-shove, she not only transformed from human to vampire, but also from sad-ass to bad-ass! As soon as the action kicked in, I was hooked; the pace just quick enough to propel me from cover to cover in a single night! Zee's will to survive against all odds resonated with me. Sure, she needed protection - cue Lucas - but she was not a weakling by any means; her lite sarcastic streak a notable indication. Speaking of Lucas, I enjoyed his character as well. He was not the typical "handsome hero", he had a realistic and well-crafted back-story, as well as a great set of family/relationship dynamics. I will admit, he too took getting used to, but in reality, how long does it take to really get to know someone? I was surprised how well-developed the characters were for a YA novel, especially since this is the first in a series, (and the first book by this author!). The interactions and dialogue were believable, although Zee tended to talk too much, but the build-up of the action, romance, and overall tension towards the novel's zenith was my favorite part! The entire story-line leading up to the pulse-pounding climax (No Spoilers!) was thought out and executed smoothly. I was glad to see such a refreshingly original take on vampire mythology, only noting the slightest trace of the Twilight-esque. I will definitely be on the lookout for Wynne's next novel, and recommend What Kills Me for teens and adults ready for a new take on the vampire genre!

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. ( )

What Kills Me was a pleasure to read. The very beginning left me wondering if 'Zee' was going to be one of those ultra goody-two shoes that are simply too pure to stomach, but she wasn't. I liked her immensely. She was strong, without being cold; sarcastic, without being irreverent; and vulnerable without being a snivelling weakling in constant need of protection. Don't get me wrong, she needed protecting, but she wasn't one of those useless female leads who just flails about waiting for the hero to do all of the work. The hero, by the way, is also fabulous. Lucas is just as strong as you would expect him to be, but shows a surprising depth of emotion, despite his gruff exterior. Yummy!

What I loved most, however, was the witty repartee between the two of them. It was done very well and I think warranted five stars all by itself. It was often used to lighten a tense moment, without making either character appear oblivious to danger or overly flippant. I did think Uther's timely arrival there at the end was a little too convenient, but by that point I was so afraid the whole thing wasn't going to wrap up and be a cliff-hanger that I has too happy to care.

After reading the book and Channing's bio I have to admit to feeling a little inadequate. Apparently she is an awesome writer with an awesome job. I would ask how any one person could be so lucky, but it would be naive to think that there is no connection. I am definitely up for reading another of her novels in the future. ( )

Overview: I think that I would of liked this book better if I hadn’t read so many in the genre. I never got the feeling that this story and the characters were special. The danger felt contrived and the characters safe in a formulated story. I can understand why people love this book, but I don’t think it was unique enough for my liking. It did have some humorous scenes and one-liners that were nothing short of awesome. The excerpt is one of my favorites.

Characters: Lucas felt short for me. He was too rough and bitter in the beginning and his transformation by the end was too abrupt to be believable. I liked Axelia for the majority of the story, although her part in the very beginning was nothing short of stupidity. There’s no way that a “good” girl would decide to meet a stranger in the dark, after curfew, when everyone warns her not to…just not believable either. Besides that, I did like her. She acted like a dumb blonde sometimes, but the way Lucas played off of that trait was so darn funny that I liked it.

Plot: Girl meets boy. Girl dies and becomes vampire. Girl has lots of people that want to kill her because she’s the chosen one. If this was the first vampire novel I have ever read, I would have loved the plot. I LOVE reading vampire books (and have read way too many) and so I the plot in this book kept reminding me of what I’ve read in other books. It wasn’t predictable, however, and I wasn’t quite sure how Axelia and Lucas would escape the people wanting to kill them until it happened.

Ending: The VERY end felt cheesy to me. It wasn’t what I expected, but really disappointed me.

(I received a copy of this novel from the author (LibraryThing) in exchange for an honest review.) ( )

A period of study in Rome at 17. What could go wrong? If you’ve ever been or raised a 17 yr-old girl you needn’t ask. Axelia only wants to find a “romance in Rome”. What she finds instead is a new life – one filled with terror, blood and loneliness.
When she sneaks out of her sponsors’ home to meet a good-looking guy she has o clue she will never return. He knows because it’s all part of his plan. Gelato, sweet mutterings in her ear and then – well, then she dies. It goes according to plan up to a point but Axelia (“Zee”) isn’t stupid and she runs away from him. In the running, she falls into an old well full of blood. And turns instantly.
She has no idea how to cope with her new life ever after but there are those willing to help her. Unfortunately there are also those willing to kill her – one being the Empress, ruling vampire of the whole vamp nation.
Zee is much more than she was. She is much more than they all know, in fact. Can she make it out of the mess she is in alone? Can she make it at all. This is an excellent story if you like the vampire genre (and I do!). A bit gory for younger teens but the older ones should do fine. ( )

I received this book via the Librarything.com member giveaway.

I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait for book #2! :) This was one of the best YA vampire books I've read in a long time. Lots of action, a little romance and a mostly unique storyline. Very well written- I will definitely read this series.

Fully recommend for anyone who likes urban supernatural fiction- regardless if its YA or not. ( )

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was amazing! I was hooked from start to finish! What lacked in romance was made up for in action. What Kills me was jammed packed with it. This book was seriously just...wow. Poor Lucas though...I am so looking forward to the next part!!

Zee has always been the good girl and has decided that for once in her life she's gonna live a litte, too bad she died in the process. This is a fast paced story of her fight for survival when the vampire empire is looking for her death. Unlike a lot of the vampire stories out there Zee is not immediately excited at her new undead statis and the power that comes with it and grieves for the loss of her previous life and family. As she comes to accept her new reality we get to see the strength and courage that she's always had as she learns to let go of her fear.

I'm really hoping to see more of Zee, literally did not put the book down from start to finish! ( )

This book caught me entirely by surprise, and in a terrific way. If you like Hostel (without the gore) or Kill Bill… heck, if you like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, add some vampires and a whole lot more, and you will like this book. There is so much that happens within this story that I am shocked that the author fit it all in there. And furthermore, it doesn’t feel like anything is glossed over. At just over 200 pages, you get a whole story – with room for a sequel, I believe. From the very first page to the very last page I was enthralled and could barely put it down.

The beginning has all the makings of a classic girl meets boy and falls in love story, but of course there is a twist. And the twists just keep on coming. This is the life of Axelia, Zee for short. And her life has just gotten flipped and turned upside down, nothing will ever be the same. Ever. And she will probably never eat a fishball again. Ha, I bet you want to see what the heck I am talking about there, don’t ya??

People are dying left and right, and Zee is suddenly on the run, and with someone who seemingly can’t stand her - Lucas. Just great. Of all the blessed luck in the world! When you are a new vampire and you are being hunted down, you don’t exactly get to choose your running mate. There is so much going on underneath the top layer, that you can’t help but sit and watch. First, Zee – she is awesome. If I was a newly turned abomination to the vampire race, I would certainly want to be her. She is witty and intelligent, clumsy and awkward. She is just fabulous. And then her accomplice on the run, Lucas. There is so much more to Lucas than meets the eye, I found myself under his spell right away. I wanted to yell at Zee, “kiss him!!!”. Sigh. The struggles we go through as a reader when we can’t get our favorite characters to listen to us.

On top of an action and drama packed storyline you also get some of the most beautiful and descriptive imagery. At times it is dreamy and swoon worthy, while at others it is rough and edgey, and even more, you get serenity, fear, and pleasure. And I’m only talking about the landscape. This book reads fast, there is a steady rhythm to events, and they keep you moving. I am an instant fan of Wynne Channing’s, and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book in this series. ( )

Wow! I love this book. I enjoy reading paranormal books and I love the fact that even though this book is about vampires that the author added in her own twist. I loved all of the characters even the bad guys. Zee and Lucas are so perfect together. I love how they come to feel about each other and how they work together. The writing in this book is so neat and clear that you can't help but to be drawn into the story.

At first Zee was just a normal teenager who was all for breaking the rules and doing the opposite of what she should do, but by the end of the book she is on her way to being a bright young woman or vampire in her case. If you like vampires read this book. This book left me wanting more Zee and Lucas and I can always dream and hope for more.

So read this book and you won't be disappointed. ( )

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I will give this book 4 STARS! I really liked this book and I will read more of Wynne Channing’s work. I read this book extremely fast. It was a quick read, but I thought it was a good read. I think it would be cool if she had a sequel (or epilogue type short story) to “What Kills Me” so that we could see what happens in the next chapter of Zee’s life. I would recommend this book to anyone whom enjoys Young Adult, Paranormal Romance.
Zee is a very untraditional vampire and that scares the rest of the vampire empire. All vampires have a creator, except Zee. When she fell in to a well of Ancient Vampire blood, she emerged a vampire. A long ago prophecy predicted Zee’s arrival, but also said that Zee would be the destroyer of the entire vampire race. Zee knows she is really strong but she doesn’t feel like a danger to anyone. The vampire empire can’t take that risk so Zee has been ordered to die. Could the prophecy possibly be true? Can Zee survive when the entire vampire race wants her dead? Find out in “What Kills Me” by Wynne Channing!

I loved the characters and everything they did. I found myself laughing out loud a few times with things that Axelia (Zee) would do. I mean come on! A super strong vampire screaming out of fear of bugs? That’s funny! Zee didn’t really consider herself a dangerous vampire though, she thought of herself the same way she always did. She was just a shy 17 year old girl that preferred playing scrabble with her parents than partying with kids her age. One trait she definitely held onto through her transition into a vampire was her motor-mouth. Whenever Zee got nervous she would talk so much and just ramble
on and on.

I liked the relationship between Zee and Lucas. It was clear in the beginning Lucas couldn’t stand Zee, and Zee thought Lucas was a jerk. With everything that they experienced together though, they developed a strong bond. They began caring for each other. I found myself routing for their love, wanting them to kiss, wanting someone to confess their feelings for the other! I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw progress in their relationship. Lucas was always so serious, so whenever he would crack a smile, I found myself smiling too.

Overall, I think that this was a fun and exciting read. The only downside was that it was pretty short. BUT! That is only because I liked it so much I didn’t want it to end, though I wanted to see what happened next. I also thought that the cover was really beautiful – this book was just the total package! I think that everyone should go out and read “What Kills Me” by Wynne Channing. I know that I am definitely going to check out more of her work and add it to my ‘to be read’ list.

Brianna Lee Book Reviews
http://www.briannaleereviews.blogspot.com ( )

A very enjoyable read. It took me a bit to get into it but then I couldn't put it down. A nice twist to a well beaten genre. If you like the paranormal and more specifically vampire stories then I thoroughly recommend this one. It is an easy and quick read that would be suitable for teens through to adult. It ticks all the boxes. I look forward to more from this author. ( )

What Kills Me is a truly sensational read that is centered around a remarkable girl named Axelia, A.K.A. Zee. Her life changes one night when she falls into a well while running for her life, only to emerge as something she never dreamed could be real. I tore through this book so fast because I just couldn't get enough of Zee's story, and when I was finished there was no doubt in my mind that this book will continue to stick with me for quite some time! I have always been a huge fan of vampires, and Wynne Channing has managed to take this genre and make it her own; producing an addictive and mind-blowing plot that is unlike any other story involving vampires I've ever read. I find it very refreshing that this author added new rules and circumstances to my favorite group of paranormals.

To say that Zee's journey is very transformative is kind of an understatement. As I said before, she's human one day, and then the next she wakes up to realize that she is a vampire and her old life no longer exists from this point on. But then she soon finds out that the Empress, the leader of the vampires, wants her dead because Zee is a part of an ancient prophecy stating that she is going to be the destroyer of the vampire race. From that point on the book is all about Zee running for her life while the Monarchy's soldiers and mercenaries try to capture her so she can meet her swift demise.

Fortunately, Zee has the help of an incredibly handsome, yet seriously moody, vampire named Lucas. Together they kick some serious butt and leave a trail of bodies in their wake while they come up with a plan to save Zee. Lucas is deadly with a sword, and I must say that I quite enjoyed his intensity. Plus, I can't even tell you how much I adored the blossoming relationship between him and Zee! They had a very sarcastic and witty banter at times that had me laughing out loud, and they never failed to put a grin on my face when they were together. I also like how their romance didn't feel rushed at all; it took time for them to recognize and sort out their feelings for one another, especially because they were both dealing with a lot of personal tragedy.

Something I enjoyed even more than the romance, though, was Zee's growing power and confidence. When she started to really defend herself against those who tried to take her down, she did it with a fierceness that was almost palpable, and I did several fist pumps in her honor out of excitement while reading this book. I'm pretty sure I even shouted something along the lines of, "IN YOUR FACE!" at the end of the book when some outrageously climactic events took place! The ending had me reeling due to the profound information that was revealed. I'm told that there is going to be a follow-up book to this one and I am so incredibly excited to hear it! I'm getting lost in my own thoughts just imagining what the future holds for Zee!

Please do yourself a favor and get your hands on What Kills Me, because it is such a thrilling read and you will not be disappointed. I definitely look forward to reading anything else this author writes!

*Special thanks to Wynne Channing for providing me with a copy of her novel in exchange for an honest review!*

My reviews can also be found at: http://escapingwithfiction.blogspot.com/ ( )

Zee is your average 17 year old Canadian girl who is staying with a host family in Italy for the summer. One night when she gets lost she meets a gorgeous guy named Paolo, who at first she thinks is going to rob her but instead he helps her find her way back to where she is staying, when he asks her out on a date for the next night she is ecstatic, only later will she discover that Paolo isn’t what he seems.
The next night when Zee sneaks out to meet Paolo for their date, she learns that the only thing he’s interested in is drinking her blood until she’s dead. While struggling to get away Zee accidently falls down a well that is full of blood and when she comes she’s no longer human, but a vampire. When discovered, she is taken away to the immortal empire where not only does she come face to face with Paolo but she is sentenced to death. They lock her up in a cell next to Paolo and when the sun comes out and Paolo burns to death, she learns that the sun doesn’t hurt her.
Zee escapes death once again ends up finding a vampire named Noel and his son Lucas. I love that there’s not an instant love connection between Zee and Lucas; that the chemistry gradually grows between them. At first, Lucas comes off as a real jerk but we quickly see his loyalty and protectiveness of Zee.
I don't want to give any details away so let me just say that What Kills Me is an action packed adventure. If you’re a fan of vampires, then this is a book you definitely don’t want to miss.

I won this book through a Librarything's giveaway.

I read this book by the pool this weekend and liked it. I think this is a great summer read for anyone that likes vampires. Alexia's character is funny and Lucas' character is stoic. The race to find help and protect themselves from the Monarchy is filled with action. It definitely keeps your attention. ( )

I liked the realistic aspect of this fantasy story.
At the beginning, the author could almost tell the story of a teenager who goes abroad on holiday and that will exercise poor judgment.
Axelia wants to be different from the good girl she is for all to see. She wants to be daring and adventurous, and what better than a fling in Italy, far from her parents and habits, to try new things. Except when one crosses paths with a vampire who wants to empty your body from your blood...

I liked the simplicity of the heroin. She just wanted to live a little dangerously and she finds herself the star of an apocalyptic prophecy. Immortal, sentenced to death, forced to drink blood to survive, hunted by mercenaries, her life radically changed and will never be the same again.

Between the lines, the reader can decipher the moral weight of an impulsive decision that seemed, at first, innocent and inconsequential. The situation will deteriorate, faster than in a blink of an eye, into a radically transformed life.
Throughout the story, it is the feeling I had. Under the first layer of the rather dark fantasy hides the lines of life lessons about trust, betrayal, courage and strength to stay in the light.

I also appreciated the brevity of the meetings like in real life ... Sometimes you meet people without getting to know them but that does not prevent you from being emotionaly marked by them. Some will reach you out, others will stick a knife in your back.
Thus apart from Axelia and Lucas, all the other characters are crossing briefly the reader's path inside the story or make occasional appearances. As a result, the novel is constantly moving with a lot of rhythm, action and the fights. There are many deaths too. So, If you are looking for a love story like in "Twilight", you are not in the good novel.

However, the author without pressing heavily on the romantic card manages to keep you alert and play with your emotions. The ending is also a nice surprise that makes you want to put your hands on the further adventures of Alexia that promises to be radically different.

A nice dynamical story that takes you into a crazy race.

Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr/2012/07/what-kills-me-by-wynne-channing.ht... ( )

What can I say, What Kills Me is an amazing and fun novel! I received this novel in ebook format from a LibraryThing giveaway, and I can't say that I'm disappointed. I simply loved the book and the characters are fantastic! Though the book is kind of short, it was still a really great one. I couldn't stop reading until I had finished. I only wish there had been more to the story and I hope there will be more! What Kills Me is a refreshing take on vampires, giving new blood to the 'legends of vampires'. ( )