Eternal

Bibliography:
Leitich-Smith, Cynthia. 2009. Eternal. Somerville: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763647735
Summary:
Miranda is just an average teenager dealing with her parent's divorce, pining after the star of the soccer team, and dreaming of becoming an actress. There is one thing special about her, however: Miranda has a guardian angel...who has fallen in love with her! When Zachary breaks the rules to save Miranda from an accidental death, he unwittingly sets her up as the next victim of a vampire. But not just any vampire-the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul! Miranda has been chosen to be groomed for vampire royalty and, unfortunately, takes to her new role well. Zachary must fall to earth in order to set things right, make Miranda remember who she is, and save both of their souls in the process!
Critical Analysis:
Oh, what's one more vampire novel? At least this one delivers a few twists on the subject. First, it is a romance between an angel and a vampire, much of it one-sided until the end. Second, there are not very many "good" vampires to sympathize with. Unlike many other current vampire books, you don't get the feeling that it is better to be a vampire than to be human. Zachary is a very likable character and his feelings for Miranda are well developed and believable, having known her since birth (even though she didn't know him). Miranda is a little more complicated. Because her initial "soul-sickness" (her adjustment to vampire life, characterized by remorse and sadness for what she has become) is mostly skipped over and only referred to in flashbacks, the reader is left with the vampire Miranda, who is ruthless and completely unsympathetic, for most of the book. However, in the end, I can believe that Miranda has a primal attachment to Zachary and that he slowly brings her humanity back. In romantic terms, the ending bites (no pun intended) but it is also the only credible way for the story to end. It is cosmically satisfying, if not immediately gratifying. There is an underlying theme of appreciating the hand you are dealt, as Miranda is handed the world but grieves the loss of her simple human life. Redemption and sacrificial love also play a significant role in this paranormal romance. There is a grittier feel to this book than some of the other vampire romances as evidenced in the cruelty of the main protagonist, from whose view the reader must hear the story. There is definitely more violence and blood than one might expect at first glance. Overall, it is a well-written book that deserves to join the ranks of this particular genre, bringing something a little different to the table.
Tantalize is the companion book to Eternal and actually takes place at an earlier time. According to Smith's website, an actual sequel in which the casts of both books will cross over is scheduled to be released in 2011 and will be titled Blessed.
Reviews:
School Library Journal:
Grade 9 Up–"This dark romance is told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of 17-year-old Miranda and her guardian angel, Zachary, in an alternate America in which vampires and werewolves exist. Early in the novel, Zachary falls from grace as punishment for materializing in his full radiance in a failed attempt to save Miranda from being bitten by a vampire. The tale resumes a year later with the now-vampire Miranda a revered princess living among vampire royalty and feasting regularly on humans. Zachary, meanwhile, has sunk into a life of aimless debauchery and is resigned to never regaining his wings when an archangel suddenly gives him the opportunity to become Miranda's personal assistant. Determined to save his former ward, with whom he has fallen in love, Zachary takes the job. Miranda finds herself drawn to him, and the murders she has carelessly committed begin to weigh on her conscience. With his help, she is determined to find a way to redeem herself and help him return to grace. The plot is occasionally choppy and frequently grisly, and the dialogue seems forced in places. Neither Miranda nor Zachary is particularly likable, and the ending, while logical, is not one that romance fans will favor. The story lacks the elegance of Stephenie Meyer's hugely popular novels, but serious vampire buffs will undoubtedly add the novel to their must-read list."–Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD
Kirkus Reviews:
"The pace of this entertaining romp is quick and the action plentiful...A true page-turner, I can't imagine any fan of gothic suspense/romance not thoroughly enjoying this - and not just young adult readers either."

Book trailer for Eternal

Here is a Reader's Guide to Eternal that includes discussion questions and interview with the author.