JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE
by Beth Fantaskey
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 edition (January 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0547393091
Source: BEA
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

My Thoughts:

Once I finished JESSICA'S GUIDE TO THE DARK SIDE I knew that this story could not be over in just one book, so you could imagine my immense joy when I found out that Beth Fantaskey was writing Jessica's and Lucius' continuing adventures in JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE.

Upon returning into Jessica's world we find the newly married princess struggling with her role as a ruler. She is constantly doubting herself her ability to stand beside her husband as they prepare to become King and Queen. When their very vocal rival is murdered all stakes point to Lucius. Now, Jessica will have to prove to their elders that she is capable of managing her kingdom while her beloved husband is locked in solitary confinement. Will she be able to prove his innocence before it is too late? She will have to trust someone, will it be the dangerous stranger her husband calls brother? or her family of advisers? Time is running out and easy choices are not in the cards for Jessica. As if ruling a legion of vampires isn't difficult enough?

I really enjoyed this novel and was pleased with this story. It was wonderful to get back into this world that Beth Fantaskey has created with clever plot development infused with wit, romance and suspense. Spending more time with Jessica and Lucius is just what I wanted and I was not disappointed. I was not sure how this story would be told with the emphasis being that Jessica was now a married woman, but Beth did a great job giving you enough to keep your heart racing. In fact this story was enhanced with another couple that I adored and hope that they eventually have a book of their own because witnessing their relationship provided the romantic relief that I truly enjoyed.

If you were a fan of JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE then this sequel will please you and leave you quite satisfied