Author: Rebecca Maizel
Trade Paperback
336 Pages, 5.5 x 8.2 x 0.9 in
August 3, 2010
0312649916
9780312649913
9780312649913
Rating: 5/5
Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.
Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?
Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel was the kind of read where you find yourself a week later still thinking about the world, characters and possible outcomes for book #2. When I first began reading, I found myself upset - sad even, to the point of tears. By page 30ish I was tearing up in the lunch room at work because of the consequence of Lenah (the main characters) becoming human. Rhode is forever held deep within my heart and I treasured every moment he spoke or Lenah flashed back to him. His self sacrifice was immensely touching.
So Lenah is a Vampire Queen, turned by Rhode (her soul mate) and she lived a life of carnage and reckless behaviour for over 500 years. The one thing she yearns for seems impossible but she is unwilling to except that there is a possibility to become human again. What she doesn’t realize upon Rhode vowing to make her mortal, is that this magic runs deep and the person who performs the ritual must have the proper intent. As we find out in the opening pages, Rhode loves Lenah and has never loved anyone as deeply and true as he does her. He willingly sacrifices himself for her happiness.
Lenah finally gets to live the life she has wanted for so long - to be a 16 year old girl at school. What I loved about Lenah’s adventure as a reborn mortal and a girl far beyond her years - her appearance says sixteen but her mind says over 500 years old- is the way everything is described. She has the same sense as a vampire and she still perceives things with a vampire mind set. The description of her being able to read people and how she can tell certain things by staring at their veins was exceedingly well done.It was eerie but at the same time a token of who she was and what she left behind. She meets Tony who quickly becomes her best friend and a character whom you cherish and feel sorry for as the story unravels.
Then there is Justin. Justin is your typical surfing looking, athletic school hottie that all the girls want and all of the guys want to be. Lenah tries to stay away from Justin, but there is something different and alluring about his presence that forces her to fall for him. At first, I found their relationship rushed and the way Justin was able to part with Tracy -his then girlfriend- was a bit disturbing. No one wants to think of a relationship as that disposable and of no consequence. Plus, if you find yourself team Rhode from the beginning, you end up being mad and Lenah for falling so easily. As the novel progressed however, I began to love Justin. The reasons for loving him were completely different from how I felt about Rhode but the love was there none the less.
When the novel hits its climax you are quickly thrown back in time but things for Lenah are drastically different. The end leaves you hanging but if you have the copy with the prologue and teaser chapter of Stolen Nights, then you know the outcome right away. However, do not approach this teaser lightly. There is a HUGE possible revelation that leaves you angry with the 2011 publication date. I can’t stop thinking about the events that may unfold and Rebecca is very sneaky. I need to talk to someone about this, so please feel free to e-mail me with any theories or anything you want to say about those few pages.
I highly recommend this book. You are given everything - romance, history, and the lengths one is willing to go to forever change the outcomes of the ones they love. I loved this book and found it easily placed amongst my favourites.
Okay so this part of the review isn't so much a review but a contest that is currently going on over at Rebecca's Blog (the link is at the top of the page beside Author). The contest asks for fans to choose who they would cast in the major roles of Rhode, Lenah, Vicken and Justin. This task has not been easy! I absolutely love picking actors/actresses whom I'd like to play the characters I cherish in novels but for some reason I struggled. I think the main reason was because Rebecca created characters that were unique in such a way that they were completely their own. With that said, here is my casting of Infinite Days:
Rhode - unknown age, could be 17, could be 25. Brunette almost black hair, the bluest eyes you've ever seen. Six foot or taller. At one time a knight with the Order of the Garter. Excellent swordsman, willing to die for Lenah.
Lenah: 16, brunette long hair that falls well past her chest. Blue eyes but nowhere as blue as Rhode's. 5'7 thin but not too waifish - meat on the bones. When she was a vampire she would easily have killed you. Excellent sword fighter. Afterall she learned from Rhode and Vicken. She is British and her vampire aura makes her mysterious.
So Lenah is a Vampire Queen, turned by Rhode (her soul mate) and she lived a life of carnage and reckless behaviour for over 500 years. The one thing she yearns for seems impossible but she is unwilling to except that there is a possibility to become human again. What she doesn’t realize upon Rhode vowing to make her mortal, is that this magic runs deep and the person who performs the ritual must have the proper intent. As we find out in the opening pages, Rhode loves Lenah and has never loved anyone as deeply and true as he does her. He willingly sacrifices himself for her happiness.
Lenah finally gets to live the life she has wanted for so long - to be a 16 year old girl at school. What I loved about Lenah’s adventure as a reborn mortal and a girl far beyond her years - her appearance says sixteen but her mind says over 500 years old- is the way everything is described. She has the same sense as a vampire and she still perceives things with a vampire mind set. The description of her being able to read people and how she can tell certain things by staring at their veins was exceedingly well done.It was eerie but at the same time a token of who she was and what she left behind. She meets Tony who quickly becomes her best friend and a character whom you cherish and feel sorry for as the story unravels.
Then there is Justin. Justin is your typical surfing looking, athletic school hottie that all the girls want and all of the guys want to be. Lenah tries to stay away from Justin, but there is something different and alluring about his presence that forces her to fall for him. At first, I found their relationship rushed and the way Justin was able to part with Tracy -his then girlfriend- was a bit disturbing. No one wants to think of a relationship as that disposable and of no consequence. Plus, if you find yourself team Rhode from the beginning, you end up being mad and Lenah for falling so easily. As the novel progressed however, I began to love Justin. The reasons for loving him were completely different from how I felt about Rhode but the love was there none the less.
When the novel hits its climax you are quickly thrown back in time but things for Lenah are drastically different. The end leaves you hanging but if you have the copy with the prologue and teaser chapter of Stolen Nights, then you know the outcome right away. However, do not approach this teaser lightly. There is a HUGE possible revelation that leaves you angry with the 2011 publication date. I can’t stop thinking about the events that may unfold and Rebecca is very sneaky. I need to talk to someone about this, so please feel free to e-mail me with any theories or anything you want to say about those few pages.
I highly recommend this book. You are given everything - romance, history, and the lengths one is willing to go to forever change the outcomes of the ones they love. I loved this book and found it easily placed amongst my favourites.
.......
Gaspard Ulliel: His name was the first to pop into my head when contemplating the perfect guy to play Rhode. Now I haven't seen him in many things and yes I do realize he is French. However, with that said, he's an actor. He can learn to adapt. When his looks scream Rhode and from the movies I've seen, his acting is pretty impeccable. Wouldn't you let him turn you and forever keep you as his one true soul mate? I would!
Lenah: 16, brunette long hair that falls well past her chest. Blue eyes but nowhere as blue as Rhode's. 5'7 thin but not too waifish - meat on the bones. When she was a vampire she would easily have killed you. Excellent sword fighter. Afterall she learned from Rhode and Vicken. She is British and her vampire aura makes her mysterious.
Lyndsy Fonseca. This took me FOREVER to figure out. I had so many different actresses running through my head until tonight. Lyndsay is absolutely stunning and I think Lenah's description fits her looks and build just right. She has a look that screams Vampire Queen and most beautiful girl on campus.
Justin- 17. Blonde, tall, adrenaline junkie. Strong features, slim nose, athlete body. Can be reckless and have trouble with authority. A go getter with a danger streak. He's handsome but that's obvious, he's also caring and passionate.
Alex Pettyfer. Okay before people start bringing out the pitch forks, I realize that every body possible wants him for Jace in the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. With that said...there aren't many blonde boys I could think of that fit the character of Justin just right. Alex kept on popping up in my head, so ultimately I'm going with my gut on this one. Doesn't this picture just beckon you to go into the water with him...even if you are afraid your skin could burn?
Vicken- Scottish bad boy. 19 was once a soldier, brown eyes incredible fighter, better with knives than swords. Leader of Lenah's coven. Strong jaw and lean. Not bulky.
Xavier Samuel. ahhh okay, so I didn't want to add a "Twilight" Star into the mix because frankly aside from a few, I feel they are overrated. But if you have seen this boy in any of his Australian films, you would be completely blown away. I think he could play the part of Vicken perfectly. A bit sadistic but also head over heels in love with a girl who has chosen a life without him.
I don't think the accents would are a problem. It's Hollywood right? And they get paid the big bucks to act the part? Well that's my casting for Infinite Days!
-Ashley
I can't even express how much I loved this book. I love Rhode like it's no one's business but I agree with you that Justin is difficult not to like and he did grow on me. I just was so instantly attached to Rhode! I can't wait for Stolen Nights! And you did a brilliant job with your casting:)
ReplyDeleteDanielle - Thank You :)
ReplyDeleteJenny - I know! It ended up being an instant favourite. Thank you so much in regards to my "casting." It took me forever to find the people I felt did Rebecca's characters justice. I'm glad someone else likes those picks. :)
Ow! Seems like a really intersting book. I will look forward to read it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! I unfortunately have not seen the sneak peek but am now DEFINITELY curious. I loved the book for most the reasons you have listed...what a great break out novel for this author (and for fans like us!). Thanks for sharing...and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI love this review, I love your casting! Great job!!!
ReplyDelete