Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees BrennanExpected Publication Date: July 3rd, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 344 pages
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
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 eternityTeam Human is just one big vampire cliche after another (in a good way!) The writing is funny, witty, sarcastic, and satirical, poking fun at all the different vampire myths and stories we've grown so accustomed to these days. It was incredibly refreshing to read something that wasn't taking the insta-love, vampire romance seriously. Mel is the complete opposite of Bella Swan, and Cathy is a seriously hilarious version of the popular protagonist. Imagine all of your favorite vampire stories rolled into one and performed as a skit on SNL. That's Team Human, and that's why I loved it!
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.
Mel is such a great character, and I loved reading from her point of view. She's completely anti-vamp and when her best friend, Cathy, falls for one she does everything in her power to sway the girl's mind. This is the kind of friend that Bella Swan needed when she started making googly eyes at Edward! Not only is Mel loyal to her bff, but she's also incredibly funny! Some of the things she says just made me laugh out loud! Sadly, I didn't find anything particularly swoon-worthy about either of the love interests, and some of the side characters had minor plot twists that I didn't think were necessary, but overall I enjoyed this eclectic group of friends.
The story itself is so weird. There's a lot of romance as well as mystery going on. The kind of mystery I like where the protagonist doesn't stop searching for answers despite the danger that might be lurking in the shadows. There were a lot of twists that I wasn't able to guess, and the ending definitely had me shocked! I always love being surprised with plot twists and that was definitely one of them! The actual ending was pretty predictable, but I wasn't disappointed in the least! Even the writing is so well done, both Larbalestier and Rees Brennan were able to capture the voice of a witty teenage girl and I loved it! Job well done ladies!
Overall I definitely enjoyed reading Team Human. While it did have some flaws, it was an excellent satirical take on the modern day vampire love story. There are even a few zombies thrown in for good measure! The story is fast-paced, exciting, and laugh out loud funny, you won't want to put it down! Fans of all vampire novels will get a kick out of this one, and I'd really love to see these ladies write a spin on another popular creature! Werewolves anyone!?
