Dunraven Road
by Caroline Barnard-Smith

    DUNRAVEN ROAD by Caroline Barnard-Smith
    Category:  Paranormal
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  6/20/09
    Publisher:  Immanion Press
    Reviewed by:  Jaglvr
    Rating:  5 Stars


    A group of young adults are in awe of their leader, Zach.  When he buys an old church, everyone congregates there
    for the large parties that he throws.  Among the group are Kristy, Zach’s girlfriend; Justin, his best friend; and
    Sapphire, Justin’s girlfriend and Zach’s secret romance.

    Zach has introduced the local citizens to a drug called Red.  It satisfies everyone and their need for it grows.  Little
    does Zach or the rest of them know what’s really in the liquid they eagerly devour.  Zach also introduces them into
    worshiping the dark goddess Lilitu.  Secretly, Zach wants to become a vampire, and he’s assured that his devotion
    will grant him his wish.

    Enter mysterious Gwyneth and Dylan.  Sapphire doesn’t trust them, and when she begins to have disturbing visions
    from the Red, her distrust grows.  Sapphire is befriended by another addict, Paul, and together the two will end up
    determined to end the cavorting that has been building behind the closed doors of the church.

    DUNRAVEN ROAD was a surprisingly good read.  It is a more dark and sinister vampire story than usually
    encountered.  The story moves quickly, building to an unexpected ending.  Ms. Barnard-Smith crafts a story that
    makes you either like or dislike each of the characters for their flaws and personality.    

    Dylan was one of those characters that you wanted to dislike from the beginning, but I think overall he was my
    favorite.  On the other hand, Zach was someone that I couldn’t feel any sympathy or regret for.  

    Overall, DUNRAVEN ROAD was an enjoyable way to curl up and pass the evening.  Although, granted, it’s not
    one I’d want to read on a dark night, alone!