I found this story quite amazing. Doing research on the author, I found that this novel for him simmered for over 20 years.
Lucy, the main character and narrator of the novel, is a cynical 16-year-old, who suffers from diabetes. Lucy cannot remember a time when she was not checking her blood sugar throughout the day, or taking her insulin shots.
Lucy has done much research on diabetes and believes that the description of vampires could actually be a description of those suffering from diabetes. Lucy writes a school report on this subject, which gets her in trouble with her defeated parents and with her school. They believe Lucy has finally become too odd or weird and take steps to find her help.
When her parents remove her computer, she is no longer able to frequent the Transylvanian chat room. Her chat name is "Sweet Blood." In that room, she has chatted with many who hold an interest in vampires. One person, Draco, seems to know an awful lot about vampires and claims to be an actual vampire. Lucy is not sure she believes him.
Lucy meets a new friend at school, and he leads her to a party where she starts to venture into the world of tarot cards and goth culture. While Lucy dresses "goth like," she has never considered herself a true goth.
At one party, she meets a person who shares her beliefs in vampires and her theories relating to diabetes. Could he be a real vampire? And why does he seem to know so much about her? Lucy is drawn into a world in which she is not sure she belongs, but cannot seem to control. Before long, Lucy's life starts spinning out of control, with almost deadly results.
This novel has many twists and turns. It is an alluring, inspiring read.
Those readers who are expecting the typical vampire novel might be a little bit disappointed, as this is not a cookie cutter vampire novel, but rather a new, fresh take on vampires and vampire culture.
Sweet Blood is a 2004 Burr/Worzalla Award honor book.
I would recommend this young adult book to anyone in 9th grade or older.
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