Total Publishing, 2009
ISBN: 0-88144-367-0
Available: New Paperback
Derrick Clark is a handsome poet who just got lucky at his new school. He will be sharing classes with Annabell Crystal, one of three exceptional sisters who have enslaved Madison Prep High with their beauty, charm and talent. Derrick is instantly captivated by Annabell, and the attraction could be fatal. There are rumors about the dazzling Crystal sisters, and it doesn’t take Derrick and his new friend, Paul, long to discover the truth about them: they are vampires, trying to co-exist in a mortal world.
Roxanne, a student whose boyfriend disappeared after attending a mysterious party thrown by the Crystals, has done her research. Emotionally crippled by her loss and suspicion, Roxanne offers plenty of insight into the family’s dark secrets, and evidence of Annabell’s truly monstrous past. Derrick gains access to her diary, and learns almost more than he can bear.
Nothing can stop his growing affection, however, and, despite serious misgivings about having a relationship with a human, Annabell finally comes to love him. Paul is equally besotted by the sardonic and lethal Precious, Annabell’s petite blonde sister, and encouraged by Derrick’s success, quietly pursues his dangerous crush.
Nicci Sefton began writing Luxuria, the first book in her Deadly Sins Series, as a high school sophomore, finishing it in her senior year. This gives her writing a definite viewpoint advantage, and her limited third person narration is buoyant and sprinkled with direct address, making her voice fresh and very natural. She also produced the dramatic and sensuous cover-art. However, closer style editing, grammar, syntax and even spelling, would improve the work.
The story and characters are very closely influenced by other, best-selling vampire novels; at times uncomfortably close. This resemblance to other works is balanced by Sefton’s inclusion of several pages of Annabell’s diary, which tell an interesting history in a quick and effective way. These passages of historical fiction are strong and passionate, and the book is strengthened by them.
Though familiar types, Sefton’s characters develop as the novel progresses, and they are attractive and lively. The violence and sexual content is very mild and the novel is well suited to younger readers, who are just dipping into vampire literature. The sequel, Invidia, was published directly following, and many of the rough edges were improved.
Contains: mild sexual content and mild violence.
Reviewed by: Sheila Shedd