Ninth Grade Slays (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod) [Library Binding]

Heather Brewer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Chronicles of Vladimir Tod | Publication Date: April 9, 2009

If middle school stunk for Vladimir Tod, high school is a real drain. Besides being a punching bag for bullies, he’s still stalled with dream girl Meredith, and he’s being tailed by a photographer from the school newspaper. Needless to say, practicing his vampire skills hasn’t exactly been a priority for Vlad — until now. A monumental trip to Siberia with Uncle Otis is Vlad’s crash course in Vampire 101. Training alongside the most gifted vampires is exactly what Vlad needs to sharpen those mind-control skills he’s been avoiding. And he’d better get it right, because the battle brewing back home with the slayer who’s been stalking him could be Vlad’s last.

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6–9—Vladimir Tod wants be popular like his friend Henry and cool and carefree like Henry's cousin Joss. He would so enjoy putting bullies Tom and Bill, who have been tormenting him for years, in their place. And, of course, he longs to tell Meredith about his feelings for her. All of this should really be a piece a cake for him. He is, after all, the only vampire "living" in Bathory, and he possesses extraordinary powers. Unfortunately, luck does not seem to run his way. What is working for him is the opportunity to go to Siberia with his Uncle Otis to be trained by Vikas, one of the oldest vampires around. Vikas sharpens Vlad's skills, especially in the area of mind control, and educates him on vampire history, language, and culture. Vlad also learns about the prophecy regarding the Pravus, a powerful vampire born from a human mother who will not only rule over all of vampirekind but also enslave the entire human race. Upon his return to Bathory, he is pursued by a vampire slayer and attacked by another one. Could Vlad, whom readers have come to love, possibly be this evil Pravus? Brewer does an excellent job keeping readers on their toes with an intense plot full of many twists and turns. Her writing style is original, witty, and on target. It has a different intensity than series like Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" (Little, Brown) or Richelle Mead's "Vampire Academy" (Penguin), but teens will eat up this installment and be ready to sink their teeth into the sequel.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

[O]riginal, witty, and on target...teens will eat up this installment and be ready to sink their teeth into the sequel. --School Library Journal --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding: 278 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439594767
• ISBN-13: 978-1439594766
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,486,511 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Heather Brewer doesn't believe in happy endings...unless they involve blood.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, May 6, 2008

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ninth Grade Slays (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Book 2) (Hardcover)

If Vlad thought eighth grade sucked, he's in for a real treat as a freshman. Vlad is still hiding his vampire side from everyone except Henry and Nelly, he is still picked on by the bullies, and he is still stuck on Meredith.

Although there is a little silver lining -- Vladimir finally has an opportunity and the guidance to learn more about his vampire nature. Otis and Vlad take a trip to Siberia, where Vlad is able to increase his knowledge of his abilities, and is also taught by a very old vampire, Vikas. It's a shame he can't use his abilities to improve his grades! He also learns the myth of the Pravus. Could Vladimir possibly be the vampire from the prophecy?

But Vlad has much more to worry about than his prophetic existence. He is being hunted. It seems like a vampire slayer is in town, but he's not the only one out for Vlad's blood! Vlad may have thought that eight grade bites, but ninth grade slays!

Okay, wow! I must say this book was even better than the first! The plot is more intense and I didn't see the big twist coming until it was right before my eyes! I also loved the Pravus myth; could our beloved Vlad be the one?! If you are a fan of the first book you will not be disappointed with the second installment to the series. Ms. Brewer continues to impress me. I'm looking forward to her next book!

Reviewed by: The Story Siren

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting YA Review: Ninth Grade Slays, July 4, 2008

By 

Enchanting Reviews "Lisa" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ninth Grade Slays (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Book 2) (Hardcover)

NINTH GRADE SLAYS - THE CHRONICLES OF VLADIMIR TOD
Heather Brewer


Rating: 5 Enchantments

And Vlad thought eighth grade sucked. Now he's in ninth grade. Even though he destroyed the president of the Elysian committee, he finds life as a teen hasn't changed much. His best friend, Henry, seems to have his own popularity fan club, Meredith is interested in Joss, Henry's cousin, and there's a slayer out to get him. Somehow he doubts even Buffy's wisdom could help.

Otis comes back and takes Vlad to Siberia to meet Vikas, the oldest vampire, to learn telepathy and the truth of who he might be. Along the way, Vlad finds out more about the prophesized Pravus, maybe more than he wants to know. How he longs for a warm mug of O positive and a side of fresh chocolate chip cookies.

NINTH GRADE SLAYS is a fun fast-read into the mind of Vlad, a ninth grade half-vampire. Ms. Brewer does a great job of showing the reader that even though Vlad craves blood, he still gets flustered while around the prettiest girl of Bathory High. Vlad's struggles to find out the truth about who he is, rang true.
Readers will want to follow Vlad to the Tenth grade where I'm sure the conflict of his heritage will continue.

Heather Brewer doesn't believe in happy endings...unless they involve blood. Check out her website at www.heatherbrewer.com and her blog - Bleeding Ink at www.heatherbrewer.com/bleedingink where she has ongoing contests. Heather lives with her family in St. Louis, Missouri.

Kim
Enchanting Reviews
April 2008

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT!, June 18, 2008

By 

Crystal Adkins "Crystal's book reviews" (Ashland, KY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ninth Grade Slays (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Book 2) (Hardcover)

Vladimir Tod, a teenager that is also half vamp is starting his freshman year at Bathory High. You would think a teenage vampire would have little to no problems right? Well, bullies, crushes and a slayer later, he is still a teenager with above average problems, pimples are not on his worry list right at the moment.

Vlad has had a huge crush on Meredith but just does not have the nerve to even say hello since their last encounter. She is beyond beautiful in his eyes, and is going to the dance with his new friend! What? Yet another teenage problem that even a vamp can not hide from. He has harbored such feelings of regret for the `what could've been' and now it seems he may just be too shy to let Meredith know that he's crazy about her.

A slayer has been sent to eliminate Vlad, and he must be alert at all times, as well as deal with the school photographer. Vlad takes a trip to Siberia with his Uncle Otis, that is going to be unforgettable...too bad there is still a slayer around. And as all teenagers find out, not everyone is your friend. Don't forget about the girl, will Vlad ever get his chance to have the kiss he has dreamed about?

Ninth Grade Slays is majorly packed full of action and being a YA novel it is definitely suitable for adults! Heather Brewer gets in touch with her inner teenager and really rocks out an amazing novel with a very detailed and energetic Vlad. I look forward to more Chronicles in Ms. Brewer's series, this is definitely one of my favorite YA authors! 5 Hearts