Cave of Terror - YA Vampire Novel

Cave of Terror
by Amber Dawn Bell
Highland Press Publishing, 2008


On her 16th birthday Cheyenne Wilde receives unexpected news from her parents. She is a vampire they tell her. Of course they too are vampires, but as Cheyenne quickly realizes this does not mean undead. Vampires live and breath much like humans but there are some differences. Although not immortal they age quite slowly, have heightened senses, and need special dietary supplements. This is not welcome news to any teenage girl who just wants to fit in with her friends and maybe meet a cute boy. At the age of 16 vampire females discover the special gift that they have been given genetically. Unfortunately Cheyennes gift is not immediately apparent.

The following day Cheyenne's class takes a biology field trip to nearby caverns. Two important events occur. First she meets a really cute boy (Ryan) who lets it be known that he is quite taken with her. Second as she and her classmates tour the caves, Cheyenne senses the oppressiveness of evil. Breathing becomes difficult, the pain is indescribable, but when she thinks she cannot stand it any longer the presence disappears. But there's more. Bats, which according to the tour guide are rarely seen, pop up in almost every room. They begin flying around and at time appear to attack Cheyenne. The guide jokingly dubs her the bat magnet.

All these uncool happenings do little to lighten Cheyenne's mood. When she describes events to her folks that evening they immediately call on an assembly of elders for guidance. It turns out that Cheyenne's special gift has revealed itself. She is a Vanator, a hunter of vampires from the Liliac clica (clan), those who have clung to the old ways, evil ways. One of their characteristics is being able to turn into a bat. This, of course, is only the beginning of the many complications that enter her life.

Cheyenne bargained for none of this, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Our heroine has a very distinct narrative voice. It is not hard to imagine her as a nice, likable teen, who suddenly finds herself as part of a world she never had a clue existed. She is bright, funny, loyal to her friends, and a tad sarcastic. Cheyenne's narration provides humor and drama in this delightful young adult story. I'm looking forward to more adventures with her. The next book in the series is A Ghostly Affair: Vanator Diary Series will be published in late 2009.