I got my copy of Insatiable in the mail from the publisher and when it came it was a hardback cover too so I was really thrilled! I have been a little behind on books since returning from BEA and I was in the middle of another book when this came in the mail, therefore I had to wait to finish one book before I could start this one. When I finally did get to start this book on Tuesday afternoon I kinda blocked everything else out and when I finally got up to go to sleep that night I was already on page 300! The book is 450 pages so I still had a little ways to go, but I literally could not keep my eyes open anymore so I called it a night. When I work up Wednesday the first thing I did (after taking a shower and eating breakfast) was finish this book. I had to know what was going to happen at the end!

In the beginning of the book as a reader you are taken into the lives of multiple perspectives: Meena, Lucian, Jon, Mary-Lou and Emil and finally Alaric. I love this style of writing, when you are getting multiple perspectives of the story and then eventually they all intertwine, but I know not everyone does because it can get confusing if you do not pay attention. There is a dinner party that takes place around chapter 22 (I know that sounds like it is really far in, but the chapters move quickly) that brings the plot lines together so you are reading one story that flows really well. I enjoyed watching all the characters lives come together, because by the time they all finally meet you know them well as individuals so they way the react with each other makes sense.

Meena, being the main focus of the story, is a vampire hater. Well, she does not really think they exist, but she is tired of seeing them laced throughout society today. To top it off her boss wants her to write about them for the soap opera she works for to try and compete with another show. With her prejudice already in place we get quite a few jabs at modern day vampires, aka Twilight, True Blood and a couple other references thrown in there. Which I found quite humorous and was laughing out loud at a couple of the references. I also found it interesting that many Bram Stroker references were in this book. The most obvious being the names of some of the characters: Dracula, Meena (the original spelling it Mina) and Jon who all played prominent roles in Bram Stoker’s novel. The origins of the novel are also discussed in this book, which I think adds another layer to the story. I love reading books where there is some legend already in place and the author gets play with the details or build on the current knowledge. That is the feeling I get from Insatiable and I liked what Meg Cabot did with the storyline in that respect.

I also like Meena as a character and I have to admit Lucian, even if he is “the prince of darkness” can’t help but be drawn to those guys right? One characteristic that distinguishes Meena is that she see how people are going to die once she has met them. This is a secret she has been living with her whole life and one that she does not like to reveal to others. It is also a secret that makes her feel bonded to St. Joan of Arc, who is said to have heard the voice of God guiding her in life. Meena feels like Joan was misunderstood in her time and persecuted for it, much like Meena was harassed relentlessly as a child. The reason I bring this is up is because I think there is more to Meena just admiring Joan, I am not sure what it is yet, but there is something there. Maybe that will come to the forefront in the next book, or maybe I am just way off base, who knows.

Anyways, Meg does a lovely job of describing things in the book, for instance ” He’d felt her fear…it had been sharp and as tightly wound as a garrote.” I love when descriptions are used in surprising ways, it makes the story richer in my opinion. This story takes the reader on a journey that was not quite expected and left the ending open ended so the story may continue. I read on Meg’s site that there is a second book scheduled out sometime in 2011, which I am looking forward to. If you want more information on Insatiable Meg has a special page on her site just for this book with lots of fun stuff on it so go check that out on her site.

This was a really fun read. Meg has a knack for writing witty dialogue and creating imperfect but lovable characters. Meena is the main character, but I loved that parts of the story are told from the point of view of other characters. I found myself peeking ahead to the next chapter and thinking, "Oh, I HAVE to keep reading to see what (insert Lucien or Alaric here) is thinking about all of this!"

Speaking of Lucien, I have to give Meg credit for creating such an irresistible character. I felt myself torn along with Meena as she tried to decide what to believe and feel about Lucien.

The story was well-paced. I have to admit that I was a little intimidated by its 450+ pages at first, but honestly, I never got bored. There was enough action to keep me reading. All the events in the novel happen within a span of ten days, and each chapter is stamped with the time, date, and place, which I found helpful.

Now let's play good news, bad news. Good news: There will be a sequel! Bad news: We have to wait until summer of 2011 for that one.

My final word on Insatiable: Meg Cabot has injected new life into the vampire craze! (Tee hee hee...life...because vampires are dead and all...I'm so clever.)

I really liked this book. And it would have gotten 5 stars...if the ending hadn't been so terrible.

I adored this new series by Meg Cabot. She took a spin at the vampire genre with a fresh twist! I am anxiously awaiting the sequel to find out what happens next with the characters!

So after I started reading this, I read a few of the reviews here on Goodreads and wasn't expecting much based on those reviews. However, I rarely let the opinions of people I don't know affect my choices, so I read it anyway. It's not any great masterpiece, but it was a fun read. I know there were some things that were obviously derived from Dracula - Meena Harper for example, and Senior Sticky was the most ridiculous name for a sword! Meena wasn't my favorite character because she freaked out way too easily. Granted there was a lot going on in her world, including pretty much everyone in her life being vampires (her bosses, the head writer at her job, the love of her life - which happened too quickly, her neighbors just to name a few), but she would have impressed me more if she was a stronger character. Lucian was a great character, though he had his wishy-washy moments too. I think my favorite character was Mary Lou because she was just a hoot! And...the vampires didn't sparkle! :)

Meg Cabot always makes a book interesting, but the vampires are getting a little old in today's book world.

Fun novel however it did feel it was a mocking type of novel towards the vampire type of novels.

Love triangles and multiple POVs. I was annoyed at the main character at times because she allowed her best friend to be hurt in difficult situations whilst thinking naively based on attraction with a guy.
It was entertaining though.

Review: https://clife.blog/2023/08/22/book-review-insatiable-by-meg-cabot/

I picked this up because it seemed intriguing, heroine with an interesting power, interesting Dracula parallels. But for a book that took several snarky shots at Twilight (which were hilarious) good grief did it seem determined to emulate it!

Blinkered, idiotic characters, overwrought storyline and page after page of the main character lamenting "But I wuv him, but he's eeeevol, but I can't resist him, I wuuuuv him!"

Awful. Truly awful.

I was not impressed. Vampire novel echoing so much of what we’ve already seen. It’s a been there, done that, but we are going to try to be a little more hip and sexual about. Except I couldn’t stop reading it. Is this a series?? Are there more?? I don’t want to read them but now I must. I’m so aggravated. One dimensional characters. The bad boy who has beautiful eyes and just wants to be good (insert sarcastic swoon). The rugged bad boy who you want to root for but Mr Beautiful Fangs is crying in the corner. I do give props for the reversal of the girl who is clingy and wanted to be turned; our “gentle” male was actually the begger of the change while our girl walked away....pretty hip. But gah!!!! I really need to hate this book and I can’t. Someone help.

this was silly and fun. i'll probably read the next book in the series when it comes out