romance – An Average Life

Publication date May 2020/ Publisher Flame Tree Press

Synopsis

When fifteen year old Rocky Zukas meets a mysterious dark-haired girl named November, his world is forever changed. The young couple falls under the spell of summer love, but not everyone approves. November’s brother, Gabriel, is the keeper of the family’s secret, and big brother is always watching, growing more sinister as his bloodlust gets the best of him. Directing his attention to Rocky’s family, Gabriel aims to make sure little sister knows who is in charge.
**********

Review

If you’ve been around my blog before you’ll know I read a ton of Flame Tree Press novels. This was my first by Glenn Rolfe, though I do have The Window lined up.
Usually Flame Tree Press is heavy on the horror, violence and gore, though they do have a chunk of Scifi/SFF I haven’t gotten into just yet.
Because of this I entered into Until Summer Comes Around with some preconceptions but this particular novel is a complete change of pace from what I’ve come to expect.

Set in the 80s, before I was born (88) but probably the time period I love to read most, Until Summer Comes Around tells the story of young teen Rocky and his first love, November the vampire. Side note- I adored that character name!

I described it on twitter as an adult version of Twilight in the 80s and I have to admit at first I struggled. This novel is tame compared to others published by FTP. Yes there is violence and a little gore but mostly its a really sweet story.
I rolled my eyes at the romance to start with and honestly thought I’d have to force my way through, but Rocky and his family were so endearing I actually found myself falling a little in love too.

I would have liked a little more of Gabriel the antagonist, his backstory felt lacking and as the only fear factor, whilst he was powerful, he could have been more.

As always I enjoyed the small town America setting and the nostalgic vibes of a time before overbearing technology. Overall the novel was a cute coming of age. Not what I expected but definitely a pleasant surprise.