Book Review: Insatiable

Insatiable (Insatiable #1)

By: Meg Cabot

Published By: HarperCollins

Publication Date: June 8, 2010

Page Count: 464

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Audience: Adult - Paranormal Romance, Humor

This series has a ton of mixed reviews so I was a little nervous when I started this book. However, I am so glad I didn't let my decision to read this one be swayed by those who didn't enjoy the book. It was one of the most humorous books I've read in months. The sarcasm directed at the vampire saturated book market was quite entertaining. I loved seeing Meg Cabot unleash her wit on all those who have become vampire obsessed in the past years. I, was one of those who was dazzled by the lure of the Cullens, but I can still appreciate how Cabot makes fun of the Twilight series while telling Meena's story. Cabot doesn't miss any chances to poke fun at the sparkly ones. This is indeed the vampire book for those who hate vampire books.

One of the things that makes Cabot such an appealing writer is her sense of humor. I have been disappointed in the past with some of her work when the humor wasn't allowed to shine through the text. That was certainly not the case with Insatiable. However, in spite of my frequent bursts of giggles, there were also moments during this book where I was on the edge of my seat, waiting with bated breath to find out what was going to happen next. Cabot does a nice job of balancing the tension and humor in a way that makes this one compelling read. I was caught up in Meena's world to the point where I pretty much ignored reality during reading time. Kudos to Cabot to helping me escape a very rough, stressful work week.

Meena, Lucien, and Alaric made this read fun for me. Each of them personifies a different symbol from the vast collection of vampire literature. Meena is based on Mina Harker from Dracula fame. These two women have many things in common: both are writers, have someone dear to them name Jonathan, have prophetic visions, and succumb to the handsome stranger with fangs. However, Meena Harper isn't the quiet, meek female that Mina pretends to be. Our Meena isn't hindered by Victorian values; she is a strong, intelligent heroine who has no problem bossing around the men in her life. Lucien, our vampire prince, isn't the Dracula we all know and love, but rather his son. He's the sort of vampire that follows in the steps of Louis from Anne Rice's Chronicles and Edward from Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga - the reluctant fanged one who longs to be good. Lucien has even outlawed the killing of humans. All vampires in his domain may only drink from willing donors or purchase blood from blood banks. He's the symbol of the redeemable vampire. But never fear - this book is littered with plenty of the blood thirsty sort that we all love to hate. Finally, Alaric is our vampire hunter - think of him as the modern day Van Helsing. He wants to kill every vampire out there and doesn't believe that any of them maintain a shred of compassion. He was one of the most humorous characters in the book and I'm looking forward to spending more time with him in book two. Also, this wouldn't be a satire of all the modern vampire romances if there wasn't a love triangle! I for one am not sure who Meena should end up with because both Lucien and Alaric have some attractive qualities.

Even the supporting characters in this one were people I grew to love. (I adored Mary Lou and hope to see her in future books.) They each bring a little more humor to the storyline - even in the midst of battle - oh, poor Jon can't hit the broad side of a barn.

I also liked the style in which Cabot wrote this one. The book bounces around to show the perspectives of Meena, Lucien, and Alaric. I liked being able to get the story from all three characters since their personalities and outlooks where so different. I also thought it was a nice homage to Dracula as each new chapter started out with a date, time, and location much like a journal entry. 

One Last Gripe: There were some parts of the book that dragged along and slowed down my reading tempo

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved the humor! Meena's relationship with her dog, Jack Bauer, cracked me up.

First Sentence: It was a miracle.

Favorite Character: Meena

Least Favorite Character: Shoshana

Summary:

Sick of hearing about vampires? So is Meena Harper. 

But her bosses are making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn't believe in them. 

Not that Meena isn't familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you're going to die. (Not that you're going to believe her. No one ever does.) 

But not even Meena's precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets...then makes the mistake of falling in love with...Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side. It's a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire hunters, would prefer to see him dead for. 

The problem is, Lucien's already dead. Maybe that's why he's the first guy Meena's ever met whom she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena's always been able to see everyone else's future, she's never been able look into her own. 

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare. 

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future... 

If she even has one.