The Eternal Kiss by Trisha Telep (Editor)

Title: The Eternal Kiss
Editor: Trisha Telep
Authors: Holly Black, Libba Bray, Melissa De La Cruz, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, Nancy Holder, Debbie Viguié, Cecil Castellucci, Kelley Armstrong, Maria V. Snyder, Sarah Rees Brennan, Lili St. Crow, Karen Mahoney, Dina James
Pages: 416
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Publication Date: July 28, 2009

There’s an allure to vampire tales that have seduced readers for generations. From Bram Stoker to Stephenie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!

Trish Telep gathers a wide range of authors; both old and new for a collaboration that will completely blow your fangs away! From vamps (duh!), to healers, and to vampire hunters (some also actual vamps!), this anthology with 13 different stories is exciting, suspenseful, seductive, and fang-tastic!

Of course, out of the thirteen different stories, I had a few favorites; The Thirteenth Step, All Hallows, Falling to Ash, and, in my opinion, the best out of all: Passing.

Alluring and mysterious, Libba Bray with The Thirteenth Step, is enthralling from the very start. Lauren is both a gullible and logical character at the same time. She's gullible whenever it came to Johannes but logical when it came to other things. Johannes is what pulls you into the plot with his dark, sexy charm. Throughout the whole story, you see something that is so obvious, but can't pinpoint exactly what it is. The Thirteenth Step is a contrast: obvious and mysterious at the same time.

All Hallows brings you a whole new meaning of 'dating the undead'. Rachel Caine writes an action-infested, seductive story with rebellious and hilarious characters to match it. The scene with Eve, Shane, and Claire will definitely laugh out loud and Michael will make you want to be the one 'dating the undead'!

First in The Eternal Kiss, Falling to Ash did not disappoint. Debut author, Karen Mahoney showed everyone that even she can compete with the gladiators of urban fantasy! Falling to Ash was distictly different than the other short stories. It had a kind of twisted humor or allure that fascinated me to no end...especially the very interesting interrogation scene! Loved it!

Out of all the thirteen (my lucky number!) though, there was one. One story that stood out and has me craving for more...

*drum roll please*...

Passing by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié! This rocking duo writes an explosive, action-packed, and cute, paranormally romantic short story! It's an all-in-one perfect package; Passing has everything a vampire read should have. Antonio and Jenn were two characters in the middle of a 'war' with the vampires. Jenn is confused with her feelings and she has to choose between Antonio or Jack. Jack has a secret, but mysterious and brooding Antonio has more...

The Eternal Kiss is a fascinating and entertaining anthology that all vamp-addicts will love. Trisha Telep compiles a range of authors with stories that you will be thirsty for! A+ =)

The Bottom Line: I didn't write single reviews for all thirteen stories because it would've been too long. I loved all of them! These are the few that really stood out to me.

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 8.5/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9.5/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 96/100 (A+)