Thirst No.1 by Christopher Pike Review

 Title: Thirst

Author: Christopher Pike

Blurb: At five thousand years old, the vampire Alisa thought she was smart enough to stay out of trouble. But when her creator returns to hunt her, she must protect herself by befriending Ray, the boy who may be her only chance at finding her maker. When she begins to fall in love with Ray, all of a sudden there is more at stake than her own life. Originally published in 1994, this series netted more than 500,000 copies as individual titles and later as bind-ups. This hot new repackage will revive the series for today’s teen.

Links: Amazon / Goodreads

Review:

As you may already know, I am a big fan of vampires. From books, to TV shows, movies, videogames and comics, I have always been in the “vampire zone”. Therefore, I must say I was more than shocked to hear that there was a certain vampire heroine, and I knew nothing about her. While scrolling stalking Offbeat YA  (link here), I found out about a certain Christopher Pike. It didn’t take long, and somehow I managed to purchase the first volume of “Thirst” which includes the old “Last Vampire”, “Black Blood” and “Red Dice” volumes. Here is my first Pike review (and now I can imagine Roberta from Offbeat YA, standing behind the computer with a tissue in her hand, merely holding her tears, as she reads my review, feeling so proud of me, thinking “I made her addicted to Pike, just like myself”)

Let’s jump to the review, shall we?

The book shows us the story of Sita, an ancient female vampire. What’s special about Sita, is that she isn’t like the usual vampire stereotypes. She doesn’t feel sorry about herself, like these vegetarian vampires nowadays, but she isn’t that thrilled to be a vampire either. Sita doesn’t need a hero to save her (You go, girl!), but in the same time she isn’t the most powerful creature either. Pike did a great job creating this character, since she is very realistic. Every obstacle she has to face, transforms in a certain experience that shapes her personality. We see a lot of personality development through the book. Sita bases her thoughts on her experiences. She is an expert when it comes to creatures, both humans and vampires. The story is supposed to be YA, though I must warn you that this book really takes some rides on the horror side from time to time.

One of the reasons I love this book, is because here we have a realistic female lead, who doesn’t need any heroes to save her, and considering the time this book was written, I think this is quiet an achievement for the society.

Second, Pike is one of the strangest, weirdest and most unique authors I have ever read (and trust me, I read weird books). He has that talent to make you not only read the story, but feel it too. As you progress with the book, you will find yourself feeling pain for every scar Sita takes.

Since I read this book, I have started talking about it, because “Thirst” is the perfect example of what I mean with “Horror/Paranormal books teach us much more than the ‘normal’ ones”

This book treats a lot of teenage problems, and it gives you a new perception of life and death.

I give this book 5 black cats! Absolutely terrifying!

~An interesting fact is that Pike was born November 12, while I’m born November 17. I think my weirdness can be explained now. It may be a horoscope thing. 

~For more information about Pike's books, please check Roberta's blog in the section Christopher Pike room. This is the link.

Have a great day

Happy Scary Reading!