Book Review: Crimson Born by Amy Patrick
From the moment I stumbled upon Crimson Born, the first book in Amy Patrick’s Crimson Accord Series, I felt a pull—a delicious blend of curiosity and nostalgia for the classic vampire tales of my youth. The captivating premise of a dystopian world where vampires and humans coexist under a fragile peace treaty, paired with a central character who clings to her sheltered upbringing, echoed themes I always find irresistibly compelling.
At the heart of our story is Abigail Byler, an Amish girl with dreams that stretch far beyond her quiet village life. The collision of her idyllic, predictable world and the unexpected chaos of a vampire-centric reality makes for an intriguing backdrop. The narrative thrusts her into a new existence after a harrowing accident—an introduction to a vampire who promises both a new future and immense danger. I appreciated Abigail’s innocence and determination; her spirit makes her a relatable protagonist as she navigates a world that feels entirely foreign yet uncomfortably familiar in its societal tensions.
Patrick’s writing style is notably engaging, weaving poetic imagery with quick-paced dialogue that keeps the story lively. The twist of imagining vampires as productive members of society—long-haul truck drivers and night-shift workers—was both inventive and amusing, adding a layer of absurdity that I cherished. However, the pacing occasionally stumbles in the beginning, as it takes time to fully dive into the thrilling turmoil of the plot. Just as some readers expressed in their reviews, I too found myself initially wishing for more action to propel the story along.
The romance that blossoms between Abigail and Reece serves as both a heartwarming and a heart-wrenching aspect of the story. Their undeniable connection is palpable, yet it is often marred by Reece’s reluctance to share vital truths, creating a bittersweet tension. It’s a plot choice that caused me to oscillate between frustration and empathy. As I turned the pages, I found myself rooting for their love—hoping for them to overcome the barriers standing in their way.
One quote that lingered with me captures this internal struggle: “If this guy could get me all worked up with horseshoes and shoelaces, I knew I couldn’t handle whatever other skills he might possess.” It beautifully encapsulates the innocence and allure of young love set against a backdrop of tension and uncertainty.
Crimson Born is clearly tailored for fans of YA vampire fiction, drawing in those who enjoy tales that explore love, identity, and societal conflict. For anyone who relishes a quick, captivating read filled with sweet moments and underlying stakes, this book is a perfect fit.
In closing, I found my experience with Crimson Born to be both entertaining and thought-provoking—a charming entry point into a series that promises further exploration of its richly imagined world. With the intriguing potential for growth in its characters and plot, I’m looking forward to diving into Crimson Storm and uncovering what lies ahead for Abigail, Reece, and their compatriots. So, grab your copy, and step into this fresh take on the vampire genre—it just might keep you flipping pages late into the night!