Title: Collecting Tears – Tomoiya’s Story

Author: C.A. King

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

A Vampire Tale

She had everything, including a secret…
But she wasn’t the only one with something to hide.

Graduation as co-valedictorian of her high school class, along with her best friend Moira, was icing on the cake. There was no doubt: Tomoiya, a princess of a wealthy kingdom, was born for greatness. She had everything: intelligence; good looks; popularity; and a secret. Not even her closest friends were allowed to know she was a vampire.

One night was all it took to change everything. When celebrations turned deadly, Tomoiya was forced to come face-to-face with the realization she wasn’t the only one amongst her peers with something to hide. 

Tomoiya’s stuck asking if she can ever trust anyone again, and there is nobody to answer except herself.

Review:

I have read numerous works by C.A. King, but her new take on vampires in Collecting Tears: Tomoiya’s Story is one of my favorites.  I first read Tomoiya’s Story: Escape to Darkness a few months ago, and I couldn’t wait to start reading this next book in the series.

I am always amazed by authors who take fantasy and mythology and make it modern, and King’s specialty is just that.  With this novel, she took vampire mythology and made it modern to connect with today’s teens.  I find King’s novels to be contemporary young adult novels for those who prefer living in fantasy, and I wish that she had been around when I was a teenager.  Her work is so passionate, and I find her writing to be comforting.  King’s take on teenage emotions and experiences is impeccable, and I love how well she connects with today’s youth as an adult writer.

Tomoiya is one of my favorite characters in literature due to King’s crystal clear descriptions of her and her story.  Tomoiya came alive for me, and I loved being able to spend time with her as I read.  Tomoiya is a character who has flaws and comes alive for the reader due to her imperfections.  King creates characters that feel as though they are real people, and even though part of this novel is fantasy, all of the events are believable.  King brings to life a thrilling story of a girl trying to live a normal life while hiding a secret, just to realize that she isn’t the only one.  The twists and turns in Collecting Tears: Tomoiya’s Story were magnificent, and despite how short this novel is, it packed quite a punch.

If you are a fan of vampire tales with a twist, as well as intriguing thrillers, then you won’t want to miss this novel!  King’s work is perfect for young adults and adults alike who enjoy escaping into fantasy, and I have found such comfort in her work.