It's Just Abbey

Put on your reading glasses folks it is time for another exciting edition of…

DUELING BOOKS!

For those of you new to the party, Dueling Books is an event in which I have a faceoff with two books that probably shouldn’t be sparring in the first place (here’s looking at you Fight Club/Percy Jackson post.)

Today’s slap fight will be of fantasy/sci fi proportions. Hold onto your panties fan girls because it is a vampire and werewolf throw down!

In this corner, weighing in with a collective… Okay, we couldn’t get them on the scales without losing a few limbs so let’s just say they weigh a lot. They are furry but they ain’t cuddly. They are deadly and they drool like fat kids near cake. We give you the werewolf pack from Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs! Please do not feed the challenger as you are likely to be eaten yourself. While the main character is not a werewolf, but a shape shifter it is stated many times that she would be dead without werewolves on her side. We will keep this fight even.

Aaaand in this corner looking foxy and acting kinda funny we give you the vampires from Bite Me by Christopher Moore. They are normal, brooding people with annoying sidekick with the best name in the world. They will suck you dry and never call you again. They are awesome.

Now let me precursor this fight by saying I will try to keep my bias out of this. While I love both of these books to death and I am still grappling with which is better, I did meet Christopher Moore. I still haven’t come down from that high yet.

And for ease on me this fight will be limited to one vampire and one werewolf. I tried writing this as a Sharks vs Jets gang war but it did NOT work out. Sorry guys. I = Fail.

Ding ding! Let the games begin!

Which book was more true to classic creatures of the night folklore?
Silver Borne takes the vampires off guard and draw the first blood with a snap to the hamstrings.

While Bite Me was a fun book dancing through comedy and vampires Silver Borne was more serious and took more time into describing werewolves and their tendencies. Patricia Briggs also has the Fae coming in and out of her books which gives it the supernatural edge. Bite Me is all vampires all the time. I mean, there were vampire cats but they were still vampires. Right?

Also, I must add that I want to own a vampire kitty like whoa. A cat that sleeps all day and is up all night? Bananas. Straight up bananas!

Which book had the best love story?
Bite Me heals quickly and makes a mad snap at Silver Borne’s jugular. Silver Borne parries and throws Bite me down the nearest stair well.

This one is a tie because I was getting all girly emotional in both books. Without giving away any spoilers I will say that both were very influenced by the concept of love between supernaturals. Bite Me took a more lighthearted approach but was still very real and serious, which was odd. Even in the midst of insanity and comedy there was still a very realistic approach taken when it came to vampire lovers. Silver Borne laid it on thick. So much so I was freaking out most of the book not sure what was going to happen. And when a sex scene makes me burst into tears, you know it means business.

Which book kept reality in check?
Bite Me stalks up the steps, shakes off the rubble and leaps at Silver Borne. Bite Me then donkey punches Silver Borne in the head.

While Silver Borne is very compelling and deep, Bite Me keeps the time period in mind. The vampires are new and fresh so they think about new and current things. The side kick, Abby, spends her narratives blogging and talking about her home life which, btw totes suxs. Bite Me may shoot itself in the foot by becoming dated very fast but for now, it is very refreshing to read something that sounds like my life and people I know.

Which book had the best cover?
Bite Me hammer fists Silver Borne in the chest. Silver Borne counters with a head butt to Bite Me’s chest that would make a French soccer player wince.

Another tie because I love the art work on both. Plus I got really strange looks from the judgmental sales lady at the book store with both books. NO BODY UNDERSTANDS ME!

Which book was the overall best?
Laying on the ground panting and bleeding both books look to each other with anguish, neither willing to fight another second. After a few seconds of silence a tattooed woman runs in the back door and stakes Bite Me. Then she lights it on fire. Then scatters the ashes. Then goes to get a Big Mac.

Gah. That was a hard choice but it had to be made. Both books are part of a series. Bite Me is book three while Silver Borne is book five. Bite Me gets an honorable nod for being a gut busting riot but when it comes right down to it, Silver Borne gave more of a story. There was comedy, drama, love and awesome sexy times. It had adventure, betrayal and a pretty kick ass fight scene.

Honestly I would suggest that if you are into vampires and werewolves you should read these books. They are wildly different but oh so enjoyable. I read them cover to cover fast because I didn’t want to wait to see what happened next. Both are in a wonderful series but again, if you want a compelling story, Silver Borne is your answer.

Sorry Christopher Moore. I love you man, but I can’t be biased. I am a blogger with integrity! Stay tuned for the next edition of Dueling Books when Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and American Gods face off for a 6 round cage match. And neither of these books hold any meaning to me what so ever so prepare for a much sillier, care-free duel.

As always, this is Abbey saying, “Read a book or I’ll set you on fire.” Tell your friends.