Review of The Kiss by Michelle Bolanger

The Kiss by Michelle Bolanger

4 Stars
Reviewed by Char Webster


I was gifted this novel in exchange for an honest review.


Lately, I have begun to read several books that didn’t quite tempt me to continue reading them. That is definitely not the case with this book. The Kiss by Michelle Bolanger immediately captured and held my attention throughout the entire novel. I kept looking forward to what would happen next.


The story moved along at a good pace and had just the right amount of description balanced with action. I loved the refreshingly-unique story line. The author took a completely different approach to the old vampire lore without the story being about vampires.


The Kiss began with Baden and Leis discussing their upcoming bonding and their short reprieve to go to college before that ceremony. The story immediately shifts to college in Ohio where Leis meets Koen. I was slightly concerned that this would be a love triangle story which I must admit, I hate, but happily, it wasn’t. Leis and Koen are soon forced to flee college and begin a dangerous journey to save their dying race.


There was very good character development in this book. Baden is the best friend/big brother every girl wants: smart, ingenious, gorgeous, loyal and trustworthy. Koen is the hot, sexy, musician that is slightly broken/tortured, thinking he will never meet the one. I loved that Koen was not perfect but a real “guy” with challenges.


Leisel is a strong leading female. She developed nicely as the story progressed and is smart, loyal, beautiful and fun. She worried me at first because she started off a little meek, but as the book continues, she develops courage and strength.


Since The Kiss is the first book in a series and had a completely original concept, the author had to reveal a lot of background information and explanations throughout the story. She did so smoothly without taking from the story.


I was pleasantly surprised at a few interesting twists toward the end that kept the book flowing and exciting. I definitely want to read the next book in this series.


Four STARS * * * *
I debated on how many stars to give this book for a while because I really loved the story line and characters, but there were minor editing issues and one continuity discrepancy. This kept me from giving it five stars. * * * *


Late Night Books Reviewer Char Webster