Legally Undead

Vampirarchy, Book 1

By: Margo Bond Collins

Narrated by: Laurel Schroeder

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.

Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her PhD, then swank faculty parties where she'll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.

But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire sucking the blood from her fiancé, Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs - not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.

As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire's heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning to face them, Elle realizes Greg's body is gone - and her perfect life falls apart.

©2012 Margo Bond Collins (P)2016 Margo Bond Collins

Slow to start but then rolls with action

Tho slow starting this first installment sets up the world and lays the groundwork for much potential character evolvement. I had some trouble with thinking of the vampires as bad guys even tho the main character constantly bemoans their horridness. Hopefully they'll be a shift in her naivety in the next book. Worth the credit? Yes here's hoping.

Excellent Series Start

This was an excellent start to a series. The pace was steady and the narration good. The majority of the book is a flash back to the events that lead up to the dead vampire in the first chapter. The ending was unexpectedly sad and will definitely be a key component in the plots of future books. I look forward to listening to them.
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

Legally undead

What did you love best about Legally Undead?

Legally Undead is a standalone paranormal/horror novel.
Elle has everything planned with her life. She's going to graduate and get married to her lawyer fiancé Greg. Everything was perfect until she walks in on a horror scene.

Loved this. I'm hooked!

If you could sum up Legally Undead in three words, what would they be?

Funny, addictive, brilliant.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Legally Undead?

I loved this whole book. It is so difficult to choose just one scene.
The opening scene really catches your attention though. Elle comes home to find her fiancé being attacked by a vampire. Elle's first impulse isn't to run away. She doesn't think twice- runs straight for the vampire and stakes it. This scene sets the pace of the novel and introduces us to the kind of woman Elle is. The book is full of action and there are no shortage of vampires for Elle to deal with.

Which character – as performed by Laurel Schroeder – was your favorite?

I loved how she performed Elle. Her snarky comments were really funny and the character's personality really shone through.
I also liked Malcolm and Nick.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! It was so addictive. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the rest of the series.

Any additional comments?

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Vamps are never good

Would you try another book from Margo Bond Collins and/or Laurel Schroeder?

Yes.

Laurel Schroder is a good narrator and made the more mundane details seem interesting

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

She wanted a quiet life with her fiancé, who decided to turn into a Vampire. A decision that turned her into a reluctant Vampire hunter.

Once the shock wore off, she adjusted to the role and participated in the hunting.

I liked strong female characters who are involved in the action, who doesn't always second guess themselves and their abilities

Which character – as performed by Laurel Schroeder – was your favorite?

I loved both Elle and Nick's characters.

One is a new hunter learning the ropes, the other is a seasoned warrior who still finds the patients to mentor a newbie and help her develop her skills, all without being condescending
He looked beyond Elle's experience and gender and helped her grow....

Was Legally Undead worth the listening time?

Yes.

I love kickass women, this one didn't disappoint.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you love paranormal romance or vampire stories, you need to get this one.

What about Laurel Schroeder’s performance did you like?

Her accents were good and I love the Brooklyn one especially. She's a very talented narrator.

Any additional comments?

There's a lot of emotion in this story. I went from laughing out loud to crying. There was also a lot of smiling throughout. I can't wait to hear the next in the series. I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook after receiving an advanced copy I requested.

Stake em'

I am a vampire nut, I admit it, truly. What I love about this book is Elle is like a modern day Buffy. She has to deal with vamps because her fiance Greg was attacked and turned in to a vamp.
Although thinking back I don’t really think she loved Greg the way you should if you’re going to marry someone.
So she kind of gets thrust in to this life of vampire hunting with the help of some new friends.
Nick and his team are out to protect the humans and hunt the vampires. They take Elle under their wing and teach her how to defend and how to kill. With out being those guys that think just because she is a girl she can't protect her self, I really like that.

Through her up and downs Elle not only finds her way in this new world she is in but she also become very fond of Malcolm a professor who rescued her from a vampire attack… not knowing anything about vampires or that he saved Elle from one. He is too curious for his own good an in a roundabout way finds out about vampires as well.

Some of the fight scenes and the feeding scene wow just wow you have to read/listen to understand that this is a book you need to read/listen to esp if you’re a vampire nutter like me.
Happy, sad, joyful, even had a few tears. Not like that's new I am a softy, but this book makes you feel them all.

It’s not your typical romance, suspense, rom com. It’s different and subtle and unique and witty so very witty and I want more.

*Receive in exchange for an honest review*

what..what? now im a vampire slayer? Ok..lets go..

She's a girl that's does not hesitate to get things done, even if that means she's killing vamps tonight.
This is a wonderfully dark story. Well written and keeps you listening till the very end. So much happens to the people in this story its got some humor but mostly dark. Not for those looking for happy bouncy vampires and their adoring fans. I loved it!

I was given this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review, thank you so much.

good listen

Any additional comments?

the book was good listen. narrator did a good job. I would give it 6 out of 10! ;I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Strong female lead, but boring and pointless story

I liked the main character, she's strong and doesn't whine. But the story was your typical vampire story. And it also doesn't seem to flow very well.