I’m Still Alive

"What is Dracula's least favorite song? You are my sunshine."

Welcome back readers! Tonight‘s review is special, it’s my second ARC review. My first was Merciless by Jacqueline Pawl (I’ll post that review on another day - great book) and I wasn’t able to find another for a while after that. So, imagine my surprise when I saw Jade Herron’s post about searching for ARC readers for her fantasy romance novel! I signed up right away :).

If any of you have page on Facebook or instagram or just even a webpage, where readers can sign up for ARC teams or Beta teams, let a girl know ;)!

Goodreads' Blurb

Run. Don't cry. Just get away.

All Azalea remembers from before on that deserted London road are the pouring rain and the agonizing pain inflicted by a single bite. Forced to learn of her traumatic past through vivid nightmares, this new vampire tries to piece together the truth as she navigates a world no mortal knows exists.

When romance and hope start to blossom, several barriers are cast towards her, including the wrath of one who is not prepared to share her. As circumstances turn violent, any chance at a normal life is vanquished.

Enlisting the aid of creatures she once believed to be a myth, Azalea begins to fight, but how can she thrive in a world where her own darkness surrounds her and she finds herself constantly haunted by the colour RED?

There are stigmas circulating about indie authors and readers. That they aren’t good writers and the people who read them aren‘t book-enthusiast. False! And if you ever need proof the book‘s cover is above. Jade Herron just broke the stereotype with ‘I’m Still Alive’! The writing was engaging and didn’t dull on, the characters were consistent and factual, the problems of their world made sense, and the relationship was desirable.

Book Review

Azalea is newly born vampire with an asshole of a sire. God, if I could read through pages and choke someone to death it would be Florence. The man has tons of short coming. He’s a mix of stupid and smart, dangerous with a side of damn-the-consequences. The mixture of his vulnerability (which he would deny he has) and his obsession made him a brilliant villain for this story.

Back to Azalea, the girl has big ovaries! Fighting Florence every step of the way and conquering her new standing in the world. I loved how she was a realist in her love with Chadwick. She presented a strong front when faced with her enemies but put Chadwick in front her and she couldn’t tell you which end of the gun was the muzzle. I loved her awkwardness in their romantic relationship and her openness in their friendship. Yes people, Azalea is the main character that denies any feelings for her other half, but in her defense I would have too. Can you imagine being in love with someone who‘s specie thinks your a bag of literal shit?!? The specie that killed someone important to your loved one? I may have just dumped the whole romance and stuck him in the friend-zone. Permanently. Lucky for Azalea and us, Chadwick is a sexy guy with a charming smile ;)

Beside the romance the book the writing was excellent. Informative while staying in character, no long lectures explaining how this world works. It was fun, light. The only problem I found was that some of the words where emboldened and in red, which made reading a bit distracting. The plot had an in depth background for majority of the characters, which I appreciated. I don’t know if I have to wait for the next book or if I was suppose to understand Azalea’s history in this book, but the point is I didn’t completely understand it. I’m hoping my confusion will clear in book 2. I can’t wait!!

Hey, Jade Herron!! If you are reading this when does book 2 and 3 release?!? I must know what happens.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It reminded me of the fantasy romance I used to read under a blanket a night. ’I’m still alive’ is a new adult romance, with characters that will keep your eyes glued to the page. Just a heads up, you may want to say fuck school tomorrow, because you will definitely be otherwise engaged.

Thank you Jade Herron for your generosity!

*No hint today, but it ends on a good note with a cliffhanger*