Vampire Kisses: The Beginning (Vampire Kisses, #1-3) Summary & Key Insights

Ellen Schreiber's "Vampire Kisses: The Beginning," encompassing the first three books of the series, introduces readers to Raven Madison, a teenage girl obsessed with vampires, particularly the brooding and tragically handsome vampire, Alexander Sterling. The trilogy charts Raven's transformation from a goth girl fascinated by the undead to a burgeoning vampire herself, exploring themes of identity, forbidden love, and the complexities of embracing a monstrous identity.

The first book, "Vampire Kisses," establishes Raven's world: a seemingly normal life disrupted by her intense fascination with the macabre and her burgeoning romantic interest in Alexander. Her goth aesthetic, her fascination with death and vampires, sets her apart from her peers. She begins to experience strange, vampire-like symptoms, foreshadowing her destiny. Alexander's presence, though initially fantastical, becomes increasingly real as he begins to subtly interact with Raven, blurring the line between fantasy and reality.

In "Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives," Raven discovers she is descended from a long line of vampires, a revelation that initially terrifies her. This lineage is directly linked to Alexander's family, adding a layer of complexity to their already forbidden relationship. The story delves deeper into the vampire world's hierarchy and rules, introducing more vampires and the inherent dangers of their existence. Raven struggles with accepting her heritage, wrestling with the moral implications of becoming a creature of the night, and grappling with the potential loss of her humanity. She also navigates the complexities of her friendships and the disapproval of her parents, who are oblivious to her true nature.

The third book, "Vampire Kisses: Midnight," focuses on Raven's gradual transformation into a vampire. This process is presented not as a simple shift, but a gradual embrace of the vampire world and the rejection of her previous life. This involves accepting her new powers and learning to control them. Her relationship with Alexander deepens, but remains fraught with danger and uncertainty. The conflict between her human and vampire sides intensifies, forcing her to make difficult choices about her allegiances and her future. She begins to understand the true cost of immortality and the responsibility that comes with being a vampire.

Throughout the trilogy, the overarching theme is the exploration of adolescence and self-discovery, framed by the gothic, supernatural setting. Raven's journey is not merely about becoming a vampire; it's about finding her place in the world, navigating complex relationships, and accepting her true self, however monstrous it may seem. The blend of romance, horror, and coming-of-age themes creates a unique narrative that resonates with young adult readers. The trilogy ends with Raven embracing her vampiric destiny, but her journey of self-discovery is far from over.