Crossroads

I'm not going to deny that I'm a fan of vampire stories, especially when said stories take place in a boarding school. Lucky for me, there are plenty to choose from! When J.J. Bonds approached me to review Crossroads I couldn't wait to see what new perspective she would put on this idea.

Katia is enrolled at Crossroads Academy upon her Uncle Aldo's insistence. Crossroads is a premiere facility that caters to the vampire “pure bloods” mostly, and Katia's Uncle thinks it is the best place for her. I was a little confused at first as to why it was so important she go to this remote school. However the reader soon discovers that Katia has a secret. Something so dark, that she won't share it with anyone. No, dear reader, not even with you.

Which brings me to the biggest problem that I had with Crossroads, and that was not getting the opportunity to really dive into Katia's persona. She's the narrator. We are inside her head, and yet so little about her actually comes through. I'll admit that I did like that J.J. Bonds essentially lays a trail of breadcrumbs leading up to what Katia's big secret is. However it was such a slow buildup that I soon found myself rather bored of her lack of emotional depth. I understood the tactic, I just didn't feel like it drew me in.

On the flip side, the descriptive writing regarding other people and places in the story really shines. Crossroads itself is shown in gorgeous details, and the supporting characters actually get more love in the depth department than Katia does. Also, the plot was refreshing. Although it falls into a genre saturated with books, Bonds still manages to put her own spin on the way that things work in the vampire world. It's honestly what kept me reading, and what I know will bring me back for more. Now that Katia's secret is out, things can only get more interesting.