Review: The Vampire Knife (The Witching Hours)

Oh, wow! I have not read a middle fiction novel like this one before.

There’s a warning on the back of the book that says this series is only for the bravest readers, and that warning does not exaggerate.

Book one in The Witching Hours series, The Vampire Knife introduces readers to brother and sister duo Max and Anna. 

Their dad, the Professor, takes them to a deserted inn in the middle of a stormy Transylvanian forest. And when they arrive he promptly leaves them to attend to his work, putting them in the care of the creepy old innkeeper, who feeds them garlic soup and confiscates Anna’s fairy tale books.

And things only get worse for poor Anna and Max. In the middle of the night, a shadowy monster kidnaps Max from his bed and disappears into the night. Anna, along with the innkeeper’s granddaughter, discover what the monster is, and into the midnight forest they go to try and save Max before the monster devours him.

Gripping, fast-paced and action packed, The Vampire Knife is one thrilling read. It’s got heaps of creepy, a little bit of gruesome and a smidgen of pure frightening. 

This is a book for kids who like things on the scary side, but if you are that kid, or you know that kid, you will definitely want this book. It will pull you into the story world from the first few pages, hook you with mysteries and suspense and keep you coming back for more until you finish the book.

Like the book says: Be Bold. Be Brave. Be terrified.

Title: The Vampire Knife
Author: Jack Henseleit
Illustrator: Ryan Andrews
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760129255
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Fiction