This story follows Mia, a girl whose mom is infected with a vampiric virus by a manipulative POS called Devon, and how she becomes her mom's provider of blood from a very early age to avoid them being separated. In this world, people infected with the virus are taken to government-funded centers and kept there, but it's unclear what happens to them. Do they live relatively good lives and get help so they're not out there killing people to survive? Or are they experimented on, tortured, and killed? Who knows.  

While there's a vampiric virus at the center of this story, it's not about the vampires, it's about an abusive, codependent mother/daughter relationship, where the daughter is finally trying to break free and have a life. It's bleak and frustrating at times because you just want to shake this girl and scream at her to just "GOOOO!!! LEAVE," but you also understand why she stays and endures her mother. 

It's a character-driven story and I would say it's more of a thriller with some horror elements and gore than a horror book. There's some action and plot, but it's really more about a moment of transition in Mia's life; she's had enough and wants out, but doesn't know how to leave. The writing is beautiful and that first line really hits, I was immediately hooked. 

However, this isn't 5 stars for me because of the ending. I didn't expect it to go that way. This is supposed to be a trilogy, so the story will continue, I just don't see where it's supposed to go from here and why I should care. Still, I'll keep an eye on it and see what Kerin comes up with!