Thirsty

Anderson, M.T. (2005). Thirsty. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. Christopher is a high school freshman that has been having some uncomfortable urges and moods. It is not puberty, but he is actually turning into a vampire. Christopher realizes he is going through the changes when he couldn’t see his own reflection in the day, uncontrollable third for blood, sleep during the days and now he is afraid of hurting his family, friends or possibly his crush Rebecca. His community is preparing their annual special ceremony to keep the evil Vampire Lord defeated and unable to enter our world. Chris’ help is sought out by Chet to the Celestial with an offer to cure his vampirism. Chris agrees to infiltrate the local vampires and avoid them from raising an evil ancient idol. The Vampire Lord tries to make return and is killed. Chet reveals to Chris that he lied to him and there is no cure for vampirism. Chris is all alone since he is alienated from all the other vampires due to his act. Christ realizes he is out of options. This story ends with a cliff hanger, not knowing whether he suffers from not drinking blood or his thirst overpowers his beliefs and kills someone to fulfill his thirst. Chris’s feelings of not wanting to submit to a vampire’s lust are stereotypical of any young vampire wanting to find a cure and not killing others. His decision to go to his room and locking himself up is one example of how they try to keep themselves away from the outside world and not hurt them. Related books: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1) by Richelle Mead, Marked (House of Night #1) by P.C. Cast, and Vampire Knight, Vol. 01 (Vampire Knight, #1) by Matsuri Hino.