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! :)