Book Review: Team Human by Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan

Team Human
Authors: Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal
Released: July 3rd 2012
Review Source: HarperTeen
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

A few weeks ago, I found myself multi-tasking. I was pretending to watch a basketball game with my husband and was finishing up Team Human By Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan. As my eyes strayed away from the page and to the television screen, I noticed that all the spectators at the game were wearing "Team ???" shirts to show their support for the big game. This sign of true fandom immediately reminded me of my devotion to "Team Edward."

I must start this review by saying that the authors' dedication to all the great writers who have written stories about vampires truly surprised me and was a nice opening treat for the reader. The cover of course reminded somewhat of a movie edition version of a popular book, but I pressed on to see what this joint effort in writing had to offer my imagination and already full commitment to the love of vampire inspired novels. In Team Human the reader is presented with a new outlook in the world of living among humans and vampires. Mel and Cathy are best friends. However, when Francis, a new vampire in the town begins attending the local high school, Cathy immediately falls in love. Mel is disappointed that Cathy has become attached to Francis so quickly. This frustration with Cathy sends Mel on a little fact finding quest for answers to who Francis is and why is he here.

Along the way Mel finds a new friend herself, named Kit. A young human guy, with a unique life and story of his own. With Kit's help, Mel works hard at trying to figure out the secrets that Francis is keeping. Sprinkled throughout the storyline are several minor characters with mysteries of their own, yet to be solved. Finally, Team Human is a hint of all your favorite vampire novels, with many new twists of its own. This extremely quick read, for young adult readers, has a flawless beginning, middle and end, which is well well worth a try.