“I didn't care that it was a vampire. I didn't care what it was. It was beautiful, and it was mine.”
— Alice's first encounter with Jack, before knowing he's a vampire.
Archivist's Choice
My Blood Approves
Amanda Hocking (2010)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
278 min
Key Themes
See below
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Caught between the charm of two vampire brothers and their dangerous world, seventeen-year-old Alice must navigate a love triangle where her own blood may be the ultimate sacrifice.
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Alice Bonham's ordinary life changes when she meets her new neighbors, Jack and Peter. Jack, with his quirky style, immediately interests her, but it is Peter, his brooding brother, who truly captivates her, despite his apparent dislike. As Alice navigates her confusing feelings for both brothers, she notices unsettling events around them. She soon discovers the truth: Jack and Peter are vampires, and she is drawn into their dangerous world. Alice is caught in a love triangle, torn between the charming Jack and the forbidden allure of Peter, all while her own blood becomes a target. A new threat forces the brothers to protect Alice, leading to confrontations, sacrifices, and a choice that will determine her future among the undead.
Reading time
278 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Romantic, Suspenseful, Intense, Dramatic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced YA paranormal romance with a love triangle and vampires.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer complex world-building, slow-burn romance, or vampire stories without a strong romantic focus.
Plot Summary
A New Neighbor and an Unsettling Encounter
Seventeen-year-old Alice Bonham lives a normal life with her mother and younger brother, Milo, in a quiet suburban town. Her routine changes when a new family moves in next door. She first meets Jack, an interesting and quirky young man with a love for pink Chuck Taylors and New Wave music. Their first interactions are friendly but have an unusual intensity. Alice feels an odd pull towards Jack. This feeling grows when she accidentally walks in on Jack in his bathroom, seeing his unusual strength and agility. He quickly dismisses it as a joke, leaving Alice confused and slightly unnerved.
The Introduction of Peter
Soon after meeting Jack, Alice meets his brother, Peter. The moment their eyes meet, Alice is overwhelmed by an intense attraction. Peter, however, seems to dislike her, making it clear he does not want her around. Despite his coldness, Alice is drawn to him, feeling a connection that is both thrilling and terrifying. She tries to explain her feelings, thinking it is Peter's good looks and mysterious aura, but she knows it is something more. The brothers' different personalities and their shared secrets start to make Alice curious, setting the stage for the truth about them.
Unexplained Events and Growing Suspicion
As Alice spends more time with Jack, she notices several unusual things. He avoids sunlight, does not eat food, and has unusual speed and strength. He also seems to appear and disappear silently. Peter shows similar oddities, along with his clear hostility towards her, which only increases Alice's unease. She watches them with a mix of interest and fear, knowing there is something extraordinary and dangerous about them. Her friends, like Mae, notice Alice's focus on the brothers, but Alice struggles to explain the strange feelings and observations she is experiencing.
The Vampire Revelation
The truth about Jack and Peter is finally revealed to Alice. One evening, after an unsettling incident where Jack shows his superhuman abilities, he can no longer hide his secret. Jack confesses to Alice that he and Peter are vampires. He explains their immortality, their need for blood, and their vulnerability to sunlight. This revelation changes Alice's view of reality, bringing her into a world she never knew existed. Despite her initial shock and fear, Alice is still drawn to Jack, because of the strong connection they have formed, even as the meaning of his confession begins to sink in.
A Dangerous Attraction to Peter
Even though Alice knows Peter is a vampire and he remains cold towards her, her attraction to him grows. She feels a magnetic pull whenever he is near, a sensation that is almost painful. Peter, in turn, struggles to control his urges around her, his hostility often hiding his great hunger for her blood. Their interactions are filled with tension, a dangerous dance between predator and prey, yet Alice cannot resist his allure. This forbidden desire for Peter becomes a central conflict for Alice, contrasting with her growing affection for the kinder, more approachable Jack.
The Taste of Blood
In a moment of vulnerability and curiosity, Alice is exposed to vampire blood. Jack allows her to taste a small amount of his own blood, or she experiences it through a cut or shared intimacy. The experience is overwhelming and intoxicating, opening her senses to a new level of awareness and strengthening her bond with Jack. This act is a turning point, further blurring the lines between her human existence and the supernatural world she is entering. The taste of blood leaves her wanting more, creating a new internal struggle and a deeper understanding of the vampires' constant battle with their own desires.
A Threat Emerges
The peaceful, though secretive, existence of Jack and Peter is threatened by other vampires. Jack explains to Alice that there are different groups of vampires, and some are more dangerous. These new vampires threaten Jack and Peter's family, as well as Alice's safety, as her closeness to them makes her a target. This external threat forces Jack and Peter to protect Alice more, and she begins to understand the constant danger they live under. The introduction of these antagonists raises the stakes, turning her romantic entanglements into a matter of survival.
Protecting Alice
As the threat from the rival vampires increases, Jack and Peter must set aside their personal differences and work together to protect Alice. They create plans to keep her safe, often keeping her hidden or close to them. This shared mission brings the brothers closer and forces Peter to face his complex feelings for Alice. For Alice, being protected by both brothers increases her conflicting emotions, solidifying her place in their dangerous world. She sees their ferocity and loyalty firsthand, realizing how much they care for her, even if it means risking their own lives.
The Love Triangle Deepens
Alice finds herself torn between the two vampire brothers. Jack offers her kindness, understanding, and a gentle love, making her feel safe. Peter, despite his initial coldness, shows glimpses of a deeper, more passionate nature, and his intense, forbidden attraction to her is clear. Alice struggles with the idea of loving two vampires, knowing her choice will have consequences for all three of them. The love triangle becomes a central emotional battle, with Alice's desires and fears pulling her in opposing directions, further complicated by the fact they are vampires.
Confrontation and Sacrifice
The conflict with the rival vampires reaches its peak, leading to a direct confrontation. Alice is in immediate danger, forcing Jack and Peter to fight fiercely to protect her. During the intense battle, sacrifices are made, and the brothers show their loyalty. Alice sees the brutal reality of their world and how far they will go to keep her safe. This confrontation solidifies her understanding of the stakes and the true nature of the love and danger that surrounds her. The outcome of this battle affects the future of the Bonham and Jack/Peter families.
The Aftermath and a Difficult Choice
After the confrontation, Alice must process the trauma and the implications of her new reality. The battle reinforces the danger in her connection to the vampires. She must now make a choice about her future: whether to embrace the supernatural world and her feelings for one or both brothers, or to try and return to her human life, knowing it will never be the same. The ending leaves Alice at a crossroads, her blood changed, and her heart torn, setting the stage for future books as she navigates her identity and her complex relationships with Jack and Peter.
Principal Figures
Alice Bonham
The Protagonist
Alice transforms from a normal teenager into someone grappling with the supernatural, forced to make life-altering choices about love, identity, and survival.
Jack
The Supporting/Romantic Interest
Jack's protective instincts and love for Alice deepen, forcing him to confront the dangers of his world and his brother's conflicting desires.
Peter
The Supporting/Romantic Interest
Peter slowly reveals glimpses of his true feelings for Alice beneath his hostile exterior, struggling to balance his hunger with his growing protectiveness.
Milo Bonham
The Supporting
Milo remains largely unchanged, serving as a representation of Alice's normal life and a source of her human attachment.
Mrs. Bonham
The Supporting
Her character remains consistent, symbolizing the normalcy Alice is moving away from.
Mae
The Supporting
Mae remains a steadfast friend, her role highlighting Alice's growing secretiveness.
Ezra
The Supporting
Ezra attempts to maintain the stability of his family, adapting his protective measures as Alice becomes more central to their lives.
Themes & Insights
Forbidden Love and Dangerous Attraction
The main theme is Alice's intense attraction to two vampire brothers. This explores the allure of the forbidden, as Alice is drawn into a world dangerous to her. Her feelings for Peter, especially, show this, as his initial hostility and vampiric hunger make their connection thrilling and terrifying. The novel explores the idea that love can exist in unexpected and dangerous forms, challenging common ideas of romance and safety. Alice's internal struggle reflects the conflict between desire and self-preservation, showing the intoxicating power of a love that defies norms, as seen when she experiences the effect of vampire blood.
“My blood approved. And if my blood approved, then my heart would surely follow.”
Identity and Transformation
Alice's journey is one of identity change. She starts as an ordinary teenager but is quickly forced to face a reality beyond her understanding. Her exposure to the vampire world, and her connections with Jack and Peter, change who she is. She grapples with the implications of her closeness to the supernatural, questioning her humanity and desires. The theme explores how external forces and intense relationships can reshape one's sense of self, pushing boundaries and forcing a reevaluation of what it means to be human, and eventually, what it might mean to be more. The taste of vampire blood marks a step in this transformation.
“I was falling for two vampires, and I had no idea what that meant for me.”
The Allure of the Other
This theme explores the captivating draw of what is different, mysterious, and potentially dangerous. Jack and Peter, as vampires, are 'others' – beings outside normal human experience. Alice's interest in them, despite the risks, speaks to a human curiosity and attraction to the unknown. The novel suggests a powerful allure in what is dark, powerful, and unconventional, challenging the comfort of the familiar. This is clear in Alice's initial curiosity about Jack's strange habits and her pull towards Peter's brooding intensity, showing how the exotic and dangerous can be compelling.
“There was something about him, something dangerous and beautiful, that I couldn't look away from.”
Family and Loyalty
Beyond romance, the novel also explores themes of family and loyalty, both within Alice's human family and among the vampires. Alice's concern for her brother, Milo, and her mother shows her human connections. Similarly, the bond between Jack and Peter, despite their rivalry for Alice's affection, is rooted in deep loyalty. Ezra's role as the patriarch emphasizes the importance of their vampire family unit and their need to protect their secret and each other. This theme shows how family ties, whether by blood or by choice, create strong obligations and provide a sense of belonging and protection in a dangerous world, especially when they must unite against external threats.
“We're family. We protect each other, no matter what.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Love Triangle
Alice is torn between two vampire brothers, Jack and Peter.
The love triangle is the central romantic conflict of the novel, pitting Alice's affections between the gentle, protective Jack and the brooding, dangerous Peter. This device creates constant tension and internal struggle for Alice, as she navigates her differing attractions and the implications of choosing one brother over the other. It also fuels the rivalry between Jack and Peter, adding layers of complexity to their brotherly bond and increasing the emotional stakes for all three characters. The love triangle ensures that Alice's emotional journey is never simple, constantly forcing her to weigh different aspects of love and danger.
Supernatural Revelation
The gradual unveiling of the vampires' true nature.
This device involves the slow, piecemeal revelation of the supernatural world to Alice. Initially, she notices strange quirks about Jack and Peter, leading to suspicion and confusion. The full truth of their vampirism is then explicitly revealed, shocking Alice and the reader. This gradual unfolding builds suspense and allows Alice (and the audience) to slowly adapt to the new reality before being fully immersed. It also emphasizes Alice's initial disbelief and the profound shift in her understanding of the world, making the eventual acceptance more impactful.
The 'Vampire's Touch' / Blood Bond
The intoxicating and binding effect of vampire blood on humans.
This device refers to the physiological and psychological impact that vampire blood has on Alice. When she tastes Jack's blood, it creates an intense, intoxicating sensation and deepens her connection to him. This 'blood bond' is a common trope in vampire fiction, serving to strengthen the link between human and vampire, making the human crave more and blurring the lines of their species. It acts as a powerful temptation and a physical manifestation of the forbidden attraction, complicating Alice's choices and making her more vulnerable to the vampires' world and their desires.
External Threat
The introduction of rival vampire factions.
The external threat device involves the appearance of other, more dangerous vampires who threaten the peaceful existence of Jack and Peter's family and, by extension, Alice. This device serves to raise the stakes of the narrative, moving beyond purely romantic conflict to one of survival. It forces the characters, especially Jack and Peter, to unite and protect Alice, showcasing their loyalty and the dangers inherent in their world. This external conflict provides a clear antagonist and propels the plot forward, leading to climactic confrontations and difficult choices.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“My blood approves. It's a phrase I've heard my whole life, but I never understood it until now.”
— Alice reflecting on her connection with Jack and understanding her mother's words.
“I didn't want to be human. I wanted to be with him, whatever that meant.”
— Alice contemplating giving up her humanity to be with Jack.
“Sometimes, the things we want the most are the things that will kill us.”
— Alice's internal struggle with her desire for Jack and the danger he represents.
“He wasn't a monster. He was just... different. And I loved different.”
— Alice defending Jack to herself and others, embracing his vampiric nature.
“My mother always said that love was a choice. But this didn't feel like a choice. It felt like breathing.”
— Alice describing the intense, involuntary nature of her feelings for Jack.
“There are things in this world that defy explanation, and sometimes, those are the most beautiful things of all.”
— Alice musing on the supernatural elements of her new life.
“I was falling, and I didn't want to be caught. I wanted to hit the ground, hard.”
— Alice's reckless abandon in pursuing her relationship with Jack.
“Every secret has a price, and some prices are higher than others.”
— Alice realizing the implications of keeping Jack's secret.
“He looked at me like I was the only thing that mattered, and for a moment, I believed it.”
— Alice experiencing Jack's intense focus and affection.
“I wasn't afraid of dying. I was afraid of living without him.”
— Alice's ultimate fear, highlighting her deep emotional dependence on Jack.
“Family isn't always blood. It's the people who stand by you when no one else will.”
— Alice reflecting on her unconventional 'family' including Jack and his siblings.
“Sometimes, the darkness is the only place you can truly see.”
— Alice finding clarity and understanding in her new, darker world.
“Love isn't about perfect. It's about finding someone who makes the imperfections bearable.”
— Alice's evolving understanding of love in the context of her relationship with Jack.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Alice's central conflict revolves around her unexpected romantic entanglement with two vampire brothers, Jack and Peter, while simultaneously grappling with the terrifying reality of their supernatural nature and the threat it poses to her own life. She is torn between her growing affections and the primal fear of being their prey.
About the author
Amanda Hocking is a prolific author of young adult fantasy and paranormal romance. She gained significant popularity through her self-published "Trylle" series, including "Switched" and "Torn," which were later picked up by a major publisher. Her work is known for its fast-paced plots and relatable characters, resonating with a large readership in the genre.
