In the Forests of the Night (Den of Shadows)

While the plot of this vampire tale may not stand out from the fanged masses of the genre, what does stand out is the fact that the author is 14 years old. Teen horror fans of Anne Rice and L.J. Smith will surely want to experience for themselves how In the Forests of the Night stacks up to their favorite adult titles--and will be especially interested in seeing how one of their young peers plies the writing trade. (Ages 12 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert

Product Description
I was born to the name of Rachel Weatere in the year 1684, more than three hundred years ago.

The one who changed me named me Risika, and Risika I became, though I never asked what it meant. I continue to call myself Risika, even though I was transformed into what I am against my will.

By day, Risika sleeps in a shaded room in Concord, Massachusetts. By night, she hunts the streets of New York City. She is used to being alone.

But now someone is following Risika. Someone has left her a black rose, the same sort of rose that sealed her fate three hundred years ago.

Three hundred years ago Risika had a family -- a brother and a sister who loved her. Three hundred years ago she was human.

Now she is a vampire, a powerful one. And her past has come back to torment her.

This atmospheric, haunting tale marks the stunning debut of a promising young novelist.

Risika is a 300 year old vampire who was turned and torn from everything she loved when she was only seventeen. The story flips back and forth between present day and the time when Risika was a mortal on the eve of her change.

I thought the past story was more engaging than the present. In the present Risika discovers that her archenemy, a darkly handsome Eeevil vampire named Aubrey (who is evil, I'm guessing, simply because he can be), is near and begins causing her great distress. She fears him, he's more powerful than she, but yet stubbornly defies him, baits him and, by her actions, basically dares him to come after her. It didn't make any sense to me. Because of her actions a tragedy occurs and I groaned aloud out of frustration. For a 300 year old vampire she doesn't appear all that bright and is completely ineffective for the majority of the book when it comes to dealing with Aubrey. The glimpses into Risika's past as she learns to live her life in darkness are much more interesting than the present bits with Aubrey.

The writer was only 13 when she wrote the story (according to the blurb) and, to my jaded eyes, it shows. Her character lacks maturity and common sense and character motivation wasn't explored as nearly as fully as it should have been. There was also an odd sense of emotional detachment throughout the book and I never felt like I knew any of these characters very well. But it was the ending that truly did me in. Everything is wrapped up with a twist that isn't explained and didn't make a lick of sense and, again, the lead character acts oddly and without emotion. Though the atmosphere was done exceptionally well (all dark and broody-like) I was left in the dark too often when it came to character motivation and the plot was too thin to rate this book as anything more than average.

~ Laurie Shallah


I'll buy her next book   December 20, 1999
10 out of 16 found this review helpful

First of all, I would like to note that these are only my opinions. Everyone has their own.

I read this book in one sitting, as many readers appear to have done. This wasn't so much because I couldn't put it down; it had more to do with the fact that there wasn't that much there. It is short and sparse, and not terribly original. As previously mentioned, the author also contradicts herself with some regularity. I would actually give this book 2 1/2 stars if I could.

This aside, I did enjoy reading this book, as I enjoy most fantasy/horror/supernatural tales. I have hope for any books that the author will produce in the future. We should all keep reading as encouragement not only to her but to all young authors everywhere. And that way, we can all form our own opinions.

Also, I would like to suggest a few books. For books about another female vampire with attitude, in her teens, read Christopher Pike's 'Last Vampire' series. Another good series with a female perspective is the 'Vampire Diaries' series from L. J. Smith. 'Companions of the Night' (by Vivian Vande Velde), and 'The Silver Kiss' (by Annette Curtis Klause) both feature young women who are dealing with new men (who happen to be vampires) in their lives, and are also well done.

Enjoy your read!


A decent first effort   November 18, 1999
10 out of 16 found this review helpful

I awaited this book with anticipation since first hearing of it some months ago. I thought - so young and getting good reviews, this will be worth reading. I am not saying this book was NOT worth reading, but I didn't feel it was a spectacular as has been said. I have read many books in the genre, and several along these lines.

Ms. Atwater-Rhodes will no doubt improve with age and maturity. And with any luck her stories will become a bit more original and fleshed out. Although I was a bit disappointed, I will read her next book and hope for better. You should read this one to judge for yourself.

For a spectacular vampire YA book, I would suggest Christopher Pike's Last Vampire series, or Vivian Vande Velde's Companions of the Night, and Annette Curtis Klause's The Silver Kiss.


Great Debut Novel!   July 10, 2002
sUrFeRgUrL
9 out of 13 found this review helpful

It's absolutly amazing to see someone my age write a book and have it published. Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is an amazing author, and should get major credit for writing at her age. This is her first novel, so there are some minor flaws but it doesn't take away from the quality of this book. Basically, this story is about Risika, a 300 year old vampire who struggles battles between human manners/morals and vampire ways. Soon, as the story continues you meet Aubrey, an even older vampire, who threatens Risika and her tiger Tora. The story has a alternating sequence from 1701 to the present. This book is full of action and suspence that'll make you want to read other books by this author, and you will! Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is treamendous, and if you are looking for other books by her you should try "Demon in My View" and "Shattered Mirror."


A Great Read   July 14, 2000
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

To think that a thirteen-year-old could write a novel to be published is astounding. But add to it the facts that it had wonderful dialogue, a dark atmosphere perfect for the genre, and great vocabulary unexpected of a teen, and you have a book far beyond astounding.

IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT is the short but well written story of Risika, a 300-year-old vampire who is still struggling against the battle between her human "morals" and her vampiric apathy. Then there is Aubrey, an even older and stronger vampire who threatens both Risika and her beloved tiger, Tora. IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT alternates between the year 1701, when Risika was changed, and the present.

The story is full of unwavering suspense, though some may say that the author's style is following the ways of veteran horror novelists like Anne Rice and Stephen King. But overall, an amazing debut from Amelia Atwater-Rhodes!