Review by Kirkus Book Review
A tale of star-crossed love and existential danger featuring characters from the uber-popularMonster High TV series. When a tragic event robs Draculaura of her adoptive father, it also throws things into chaos for Monster High, where Dracula was the principal. A cemetery meet-cute with brooding but (unfortunately) human Poe leads to an ill-fated romance that will put them both in danger if Draculaura's real identity is discovered by Poe's monster-hunter father. As strange and dangerous events threaten the safety of everyone at Monster High, Draculaura discovers a secret about her family that forces her to decide once and for all where her loyalties lie. The trappings of the Monster High fandom are laid over a fairly standard genre framework, and although the beginning is quickly paced and compelling, the story gets bogged down in the middle and loses some steam. Draculaura, Cleo de Nile, Ghoulia Yelps, and the others aren't fleshed out enough to hook newcomers to this world, but existing fans will likely be mostly satisfied despite the shallow characterizations and predictable plot. The nonstop puns, chirpy tone, and focus on friendship are true to the source material, though, and the cast members encompass many different types of monsters. Poe has tan skin, sandy hair, and blue eyes, and Draculaura is pale-skinned. Familiar, beloved characters are the highlights of a slightly hollow story.(Paranormal. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
