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The Morganville Vampires #2
The Dead Girls' Dance
Claire Danvers has her share of challenges---like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains, dealing with the homicidal girls in her dorm, and above all, finding out that her college town is overrun with vampires. On the up side, she has a great roommate (who tends to disappear at sunup) and a new boyfriend named Shane, whose vampire-hunting dad has called in backup: cycle punks who like the idea of killing just about anything.
Now a fraternity is throwing its annual Dead Girls' Dance and---surprise!---Claire and her equally outcast best friend, Eve, have been invited. When they find out why, all hell is going to break loose. Because this time both the living and the dead are coming out---and everybody's hungry for blood.
Now a fraternity is throwing its annual Dead Girls' Dance and---surprise!---Claire and her equally outcast best friend, Eve, have been invited. When they find out why, all hell is going to break loose. Because this time both the living and the dead are coming out---and everybody's hungry for blood.
248 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 3, 2007
659 people are currently reading
13917 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Caine
215 books19.2k followersRachel Caine is a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.
She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
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She has also published as:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,167 reviews
July 24, 2016
I don't know what it is about this series that keeps it from being more than average for me. I like the ideas that Caine comes up with but I don't think she's the greatest writer. I find myself distracted while reading her books and not as emotionally connected as I should be. That being said, I liked it enough to want to continue on with the series and find out what happens with the characters.
This entry in the series starts right where the first book left off. This left me feeling a little lost though since I read Glass Houses more than a year ago. Fortunately, much of the previous story gets retold in bits and pieces as you read so it's not that hard to remember what had happened.
Basically, Shane's Dad is back in town and looking to kill vampires. He gets Claire and the rest of the gang involved and they get in all kinds of trouble. There's some attempted rape, some tortured vampires, and some folded space teleportation. A lot of stuff happens in a short amount of time and it starts to get really unbelievable, especially Claire continually saving the day being a size 2 16 year-old.
The only character I really care about is Claire, and she did a lot of stupid things in this book. Actually, Shane, Eve, and Michael all did some stupid things and that's probably one of the reasons I'm having a hard time connecting with them. I do like Shane and Claire's developing romance though.
I honestly think Glass Houses and this one should have been made into one book in the first place. And I think that if I had read them back to back I may have enjoyed this one more.
Overall, not a bad book, but I'm hoping it improves with the next in the series.
This entry in the series starts right where the first book left off. This left me feeling a little lost though since I read Glass Houses more than a year ago. Fortunately, much of the previous story gets retold in bits and pieces as you read so it's not that hard to remember what had happened.
Basically, Shane's Dad is back in town and looking to kill vampires. He gets Claire and the rest of the gang involved and they get in all kinds of trouble. There's some attempted rape, some tortured vampires, and some folded space teleportation. A lot of stuff happens in a short amount of time and it starts to get really unbelievable, especially Claire continually saving the day being a size 2 16 year-old.
The only character I really care about is Claire, and she did a lot of stupid things in this book. Actually, Shane, Eve, and Michael all did some stupid things and that's probably one of the reasons I'm having a hard time connecting with them. I do like Shane and Claire's developing romance though.
I honestly think Glass Houses and this one should have been made into one book in the first place. And I think that if I had read them back to back I may have enjoyed this one more.
Overall, not a bad book, but I'm hoping it improves with the next in the series.
October 18, 2016
Yeahhhhhh...Sorry dudes. I wear the cone of shame-
I'm on book five of this series and I am NOT slowing down to write reviews...I WILL come back and add quotes for each book, though! :P Each book gets better and better!!! :D
February 18, 2013
Dear Series,
I don't know what it is about you, but you confuse me unlike any other series around.
There are times that I like you and I want to get to know you better but then you go and do something stupid to turn me off, only to rekindle my interest in you a few pages later.
It's not fair, dear series.
See, you have this atmospheric-horror-thriller setting going on, keeping me at the edge of my seat, biting my fingernails, and then you send some deus ex machina to do the rescuing.
You give your characters depth and flaws and enough layers for me to believe that they could be real, and then you have them react in ways that make no sense whatsoever.
I'm trying here, dear series. I want us to be together, I really do, but you've got to be straight with me. If you're gonna be good, be good, if you're not, let me go. No more messing around with my head.
Yours Truly
January 1, 2013
At the end of book 1 Glass Houses, Shane's psychopathic, vampire hunting father and his band of thugs showed up. The Dead Girls' Dance has him running amok in Morganville. The vampires are hunting him and Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael are the meat in the sandwich.
This book has some good things going on, but there are a few things that really annoyed me. The epilogue in the form of diary entries from Eve is tedious. The protagonists spend most of their time whining, and it gets to be a bit much.
This still would have been a 3.5 star book if it wasn't for this.
OK...so in brief, Ian invites her to the party with the intention of slipping her a drug and then gang-raping her with three of his mates. While defending herself from the would be rapists, she cracks Ian in the nose. Later she apologizes to him for defending herself. They all end up hiding in the closet, and one of the would be rapist takes her hand and she squeezes it. Later she thinks, those guys weren't so bad.
WTF!!! On what planet is gang rape not so bad??? That scene is so fucked up and I just can't forgive it. Seriously not cool Ms Caine.
This book has some good things going on, but there are a few things that really annoyed me. The epilogue in the form of diary entries from Eve is tedious. The protagonists spend most of their time whining, and it gets to be a bit much.
This still would have been a 3.5 star book if it wasn't for this.
Claire was feeling kind of light headed, in fact she was dizzy, maybe it was the heat. She took another gulp from the bottle, but that just seemed to make her feel nauseous.
As Ian opened the fourth door she said, "I don't feel so good."
Ian smiled and said, "Well that was fast", and shoved her into the room. "I thought I was gonna have to work a little harder, but you're pretty easy."
There were three other guys in the room...
There was something bad out there something worse than four horny, stupid, cruel boys. She felt something brush against her, a hand. One of the boys she didn't know which one, was it Ian? She took it and squeezed.
[to Ian, the guy who drugged her and was going to rape her] "I'm sorry about your nose." she said.
[later] Those boys weren't monsters.
OK...so in brief, Ian invites her to the party with the intention of slipping her a drug and then gang-raping her with three of his mates. While defending herself from the would be rapists, she cracks Ian in the nose. Later she apologizes to him for defending herself. They all end up hiding in the closet, and one of the would be rapist takes her hand and she squeezes it. Later she thinks, those guys weren't so bad.
WTF!!! On what planet is gang rape not so bad??? That scene is so fucked up and I just can't forgive it. Seriously not cool Ms Caine.
October 6, 2014
3.5 I'm Just A Kid Stars
Some days you have to wonder how many enemies can 4 teenagers battle at the same time. As if deadly Vampires and a bunch of psychotic college girls isn't enough, now they have to survive Shane's bat-shit crazy father and his vampire-slaying crusade in a city where no one trusts them and no one is their friend.
Apart from the fact that 4 teenagers manage to do more than a hundred centuries old vampires can do, this series continues to be extremely unique. It gets more gothic and atmospheric with every page you read and the setting starts to become more and more interesting. The four friends also begin to mature day by day as they come across danger. Sometimes too much danger. Some things seem kind of irrelevant to the story. For example the party scene... I really didn't see its purpose.
Although admitedly Claire's puppy love for Shane doesn't exactly leave her room to acknowledge when he is behaving like and idiot(which is often), I also like the romance in the series between both couples.
The weird thing about these books is that although Claire annoys you with her little girl behaviour, you just can't hold it against her. Sometimes she behaves like an immature little girl and she knows it, she owns it and it is just natural. The girl is barely 16 years old and has to go through things that would break much tougher people. Even when I wanted to kill her, I just couldn't blame her.
My favorite character in this book though is Amelie by far. She is just so... detached. It's like she's watching everything from a distance. She takes her time in deciding whether she cares or not(most of the times it's "not") and whether or not she will interfere. It's like she has all the time in the world to make her decisions. Of course, when you are the oldest vampire in the world days and human lives probably seem insignificant. She is actually quite badass. More badass than Oliver and his unorganised rage. I actually found it quite naive of Claire to hope that Amelie would help her even though it's quite obvious that Amelie has an interest in Claire.
Some days you have to wonder how many enemies can 4 teenagers battle at the same time. As if deadly Vampires and a bunch of psychotic college girls isn't enough, now they have to survive Shane's bat-shit crazy father and his vampire-slaying crusade in a city where no one trusts them and no one is their friend.
Apart from the fact that 4 teenagers manage to do more than a hundred centuries old vampires can do, this series continues to be extremely unique. It gets more gothic and atmospheric with every page you read and the setting starts to become more and more interesting. The four friends also begin to mature day by day as they come across danger. Sometimes too much danger. Some things seem kind of irrelevant to the story. For example the party scene... I really didn't see its purpose.
Although admitedly Claire's puppy love for Shane doesn't exactly leave her room to acknowledge when he is behaving like and idiot(which is often), I also like the romance in the series between both couples.
The weird thing about these books is that although Claire annoys you with her little girl behaviour, you just can't hold it against her. Sometimes she behaves like an immature little girl and she knows it, she owns it and it is just natural. The girl is barely 16 years old and has to go through things that would break much tougher people. Even when I wanted to kill her, I just couldn't blame her.
My favorite character in this book though is Amelie by far. She is just so... detached. It's like she's watching everything from a distance. She takes her time in deciding whether she cares or not(most of the times it's "not") and whether or not she will interfere. It's like she has all the time in the world to make her decisions. Of course, when you are the oldest vampire in the world days and human lives probably seem insignificant. She is actually quite badass. More badass than Oliver and his unorganised rage. I actually found it quite naive of Claire to hope that Amelie would help her even though it's quite obvious that Amelie has an interest in Claire.
"Suffice to say that I have chosen to place Shane in that cage for a purpose. He may live, or he may die. That is no longer in my hands, and you may save both your breath and your hopes; I shall not stand up dramatically at the last moment as they light the pyres, and save your lover. Should it come to that, Claire, you must be prepared for the harsh reality that the world is not a fair or just place, and all your wishing cannot make it so. A lesson I learned long, long ago, when the oceans were young, and sand was still rock. I am old, child. Older than you can possibly understand. Old enough that I play with lives like counters in a game. I wish this was not so, but damn me if I can change what I am. What the world is."
August 25, 2023
I hate the concept.
I hate the characters.
I hate the story line on which this book got off.
I practically hate almost everything about this book. So, why did I read this?
I read it 'cause I'm in the mood for reading a series with around 10 books and if anyone can recommend me something better than this, I'll be very grateful.
I read the first part Glass Houses a year back, and disliked it too. The concept is just way too stupid. A 16-year old girl starts going to a college (early admission) in a strange town named Morganville. First, if Claire is such a prodigy, what the hell is she doing studying in Morganville? Couldn't she have gotten a much better college?
Then, she starts getting beaten up by the It-girl gang of the school for NO REASON AT ALL. So she leaves her dorm and goes off to live with some random 3 people who are really weird. Those random weird people tell her that the town is run by Vampires and once you've entered it, you can never escape.
This plot is dumb as a fucking doorknob.
There are so many flaws and so much of stupidity in it! To add to this traumatically annoying plot we have the dumbest possible characters. Claire, Eve and Michael are so irritatingly dumb, Shane is okay-okay sometimes. Claire doesn’t ever stands up for herself, she always needs someone to keep her going. Plus, she takes some really rash decisions at times which should make her look like a brave chick, instead it puts her friends in more trouble.
I, honestly liked the first one better than Dead Girl’s Dance. The storyline involving Shane’s dad in this instalment was getting on my nerves and it was pretty unnecessary too. I mean, nothing huge happened at the end, everything went back to the way it was before. But in Glass Houses there were a few moments that surprised me and caught my interest (which after a year made me read the 2nd one *rols eyes*). Whereas this one was just dreadful. Everything bored me to death, those good for nothing characters and sissy vampires made me claw my eyes out.
I will most probably not continue this series now. My quota of stupidity intake this month is over.
I hate the characters.
I hate the story line on which this book got off.
I practically hate almost everything about this book. So, why did I read this?
I read it 'cause I'm in the mood for reading a series with around 10 books and if anyone can recommend me something better than this, I'll be very grateful.
I read the first part Glass Houses a year back, and disliked it too. The concept is just way too stupid. A 16-year old girl starts going to a college (early admission) in a strange town named Morganville. First, if Claire is such a prodigy, what the hell is she doing studying in Morganville? Couldn't she have gotten a much better college?
Then, she starts getting beaten up by the It-girl gang of the school for NO REASON AT ALL. So she leaves her dorm and goes off to live with some random 3 people who are really weird. Those random weird people tell her that the town is run by Vampires and once you've entered it, you can never escape.
This plot is dumb as a fucking doorknob.
There are so many flaws and so much of stupidity in it! To add to this traumatically annoying plot we have the dumbest possible characters. Claire, Eve and Michael are so irritatingly dumb, Shane is okay-okay sometimes. Claire doesn’t ever stands up for herself, she always needs someone to keep her going. Plus, she takes some really rash decisions at times which should make her look like a brave chick, instead it puts her friends in more trouble.
I, honestly liked the first one better than Dead Girl’s Dance. The storyline involving Shane’s dad in this instalment was getting on my nerves and it was pretty unnecessary too. I mean, nothing huge happened at the end, everything went back to the way it was before. But in Glass Houses there were a few moments that surprised me and caught my interest (which after a year made me read the 2nd one *rols eyes*). Whereas this one was just dreadful. Everything bored me to death, those good for nothing characters and sissy vampires made me claw my eyes out.
I will most probably not continue this series now. My quota of stupidity intake this month is over.
November 20, 2019
“Hess laughed. "You know, I thought you were a mousy little thing when I first saw you, Claire, but you're not, are you? Not underneath."
Oh, I am mousy," she said."All this scares the hell out of me. But I don't know what else to do, sir, except try.
Even a mouse bites.”
― Rachel Caine, The Dead Girls' Dance
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.
Oh, I am mousy," she said."All this scares the hell out of me. But I don't know what else to do, sir, except try.
Even a mouse bites.”
― Rachel Caine, The Dead Girls' Dance
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.
Shane's dad is in town and on a mission to kill vampires, and he won't let anyone get in his way. Not even his own son. After Shane is accused of the crime his dad commited. Claire, Eve, and Micheal have to find some way to save him. They make some allies along the way and a lot of enemies.
Loved it!!! This series is amazing. I can't believe I haven't heard more about it. I know its a bit on the older side, but still. This would make a great series I think or a long movie series. It reads like one and I love it. I love that there are still 13 more books to read in this series and that doesn't even include the companion books. I will say though that there is a part in the book that I sooo saw coming. *Spoiler Alert*
How I choose my rating:
1* Did not finish, or hated it but forced myself to finish.
2** Didn't really like it. Didn't hate it but not sure why I finished it other then for some closure.
3*** I liked it. I had some issues with it, but as a whole it was good. I probably won't reread again ever, but there is a chance I might finish the series. (If part of one) But if not it's not a huge loss.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this again, and I will finish the series. (If part of one) I would recommend to those I know hold interest in this books content.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will definitely be rereading this and probably more than once. I will finish the series and reread it multiple times. (If part of one) I will recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!
July 5, 2016
5 Stars:
This story was even more intense than Glass Houses. It was full of emotions throughout the whole book. Claire's decision at the book's end is heartbreaking, but so in character for her. This book was so much better than the last one. Not to disappointed as of yet, and I am not going on a rambling tyrant reveling any details as I did with Glass House. Sorry you will have to read and enjoy for yourself.
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
This story was even more intense than Glass Houses. It was full of emotions throughout the whole book. Claire's decision at the book's end is heartbreaking, but so in character for her. This book was so much better than the last one. Not to disappointed as of yet, and I am not going on a rambling tyrant reveling any details as I did with Glass House. Sorry you will have to read and enjoy for yourself.
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
July 25, 2019
This series is fantastic!
Don't take it seriously, it's just a fun series.
There is so much going on and the adventures just keep piling up.
I hope Caine can keep up the pace and interest throughout the whole series.
Claire is kind of an idiot but she needs to be for the story.
I hope Amelie has more time in the rest of the books, she is pretty badass!
Don't take it seriously, it's just a fun series.
There is so much going on and the adventures just keep piling up.
I hope Caine can keep up the pace and interest throughout the whole series.
Claire is kind of an idiot but she needs to be for the story.
I hope Amelie has more time in the rest of the books, she is pretty badass!
September 3, 2015
3.5 stars
This series is campy and fun book crack :)
This series is campy and fun book crack :)
April 24, 2025
Sometimes, you shouldn't Re-Read a series. It's been more than 15 years since I originally read this one, and I spent the majority of the time being annoyed by its immaturity.
It wasn't quite love this time...
2.5 Stars
It wasn't quite love this time...
2.5 Stars
January 12, 2016
The Dead Girls' Dance is the second book in the Morganville Vampire series and it picks up right after the ending of the first book. Claire and her roommates now not only have the vampires to deal with in Morganville but Shane's father has shown up with his bikers buddies.
So far I'm finding this series just rather average. Sometimes I enjoy what's going on but at other times I find Claire to be rather annoying and some of the choices made to be laughable. I'm still kind of comparing this to some of the rather campy horror movies that are usually more for a laugh but that's not necessarily a bad thing either.
Not really a bad read but room for improvement still. Hoping that Claire will mature a bit in the upcoming books. Things should get a bit more interesting after some of the happenings in this book.
So far I'm finding this series just rather average. Sometimes I enjoy what's going on but at other times I find Claire to be rather annoying and some of the choices made to be laughable. I'm still kind of comparing this to some of the rather campy horror movies that are usually more for a laugh but that's not necessarily a bad thing either.
Not really a bad read but room for improvement still. Hoping that Claire will mature a bit in the upcoming books. Things should get a bit more interesting after some of the happenings in this book.
February 16, 2009
Ok, I decided to read this 2nd installment after liking the first, even with a few reservations. TDGD has not added anything new to the mix for me. I'll list my arguments:
1. Claire has known Shane, Eve, and Michael for less than a month and she's willing to sign her life away. I'm not saying love is measured by how long you know someone, but come on! She's 16!
2. This girl has dreams of going to MIT (=eventually leaving town) when she just keeps on digging deeper into this town's secrets when she knows people have been killed for less. She's never going anywhere and frankly that's just depressing, especially since she can't see it.
3. This book is about teenagers, I get that. Teenagers just aren't going to have much say in the rules. It just gets really old watching everything happen TO them. If you think about the grand scheme of the story they really aren't the people you want to hear more about.
Book plot consists of: have a nice happy dinner together = Claire and/or Eve to Michael and/or Shane "You can't tell me what to do!" = C&E either get locked in a room or leave and get caught (repeat 3 or 4 times) = vampire comes along makes big appearance and they live to see another dinner of chili or tacos.
GETS OLD! Needless to say I probably won't continue with this series.
1. Claire has known Shane, Eve, and Michael for less than a month and she's willing to sign her life away. I'm not saying love is measured by how long you know someone, but come on! She's 16!
2. This girl has dreams of going to MIT (=eventually leaving town) when she just keeps on digging deeper into this town's secrets when she knows people have been killed for less. She's never going anywhere and frankly that's just depressing, especially since she can't see it.
3. This book is about teenagers, I get that. Teenagers just aren't going to have much say in the rules. It just gets really old watching everything happen TO them. If you think about the grand scheme of the story they really aren't the people you want to hear more about.
Book plot consists of: have a nice happy dinner together = Claire and/or Eve to Michael and/or Shane "You can't tell me what to do!" = C&E either get locked in a room or leave and get caught (repeat 3 or 4 times) = vampire comes along makes big appearance and they live to see another dinner of chili or tacos.
GETS OLD! Needless to say I probably won't continue with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2015
I love how action-packed these books are...they make for such quick reads!
March 3, 2020
I have read the first few books in this series a few time and every time I think I am going to fall out of love with them, but I never do! These books are the perfect combination of the vampire stories I need in my life. I read so many and they seem angsty and predictable, but this series is fun, unique, and like coming home.
June 2, 2015
Πέρασε κ δεν ακούμπησε... δεν ηταν κακό... καπως αδιαφορο να το πω...
April 11, 2008
This is the second book in the Morganville Vampire series and it picks up right where book one leaves off. By now, we've learned a bit more about all the inhabitants of the Glass House, where Claire is currently living off-campus while attending Texas Prarie University. Her roommates—Eve the Goth girl, sexy hunk Shane, and mysterious Michael—have been having to fight off the vampires that rule Morganville because situations beyond their control have really pissed some of them off. It certainly doesn't help when Shane's vampire-hunting father comes to town either, with a plan to take care of all the vampires of Morganville once and for all.
If I hadn't read the first book so recently I think I may have been lost for the first several pages as this book picks up mid-scene from the events of book one, with very little reminder cues. I really don't like when authors do this, particularly since these books are published several months apart and most people aren't going to read them right after another, but instead would read a number of other books in betweeen. Therefore, with this particular series, you might be better served picking up the first two or three books and then reading them all in one go.
In comparison to the other young adult urban (paranormal) fantasy books I've been reading, specifically the House of Night Novels by P.C. Cast, these seem a bit slower paced and not nearly as exciting. I remember thinking something similar about the first book of Ms. Caine's Weather Warden series, Ill Wind, when I read that. Certainly an interesting enough story, but it didn't have that wow factor for me that makes it a favorite. *shrug*
That said, the story is still interesting enough to keep going, and does pick up the pace more as things progress. Though written in the third person, you really only see into Claire's head most of the time, not any of the other main characters, so the inclusion of a few excerpts from Eve's diary at the end of the book is a welcome addition which lets you learn a bit more about what makes her tick.
I certainly plan to keep up with future books in this series, and already have Midnight Alley, the third in the series, waiting on my bookshelf. I'll just have to remember to read it sooner rather than later for the reasons stated above since I'll be passing this second book along and won't have it to refer back to.
If I hadn't read the first book so recently I think I may have been lost for the first several pages as this book picks up mid-scene from the events of book one, with very little reminder cues. I really don't like when authors do this, particularly since these books are published several months apart and most people aren't going to read them right after another, but instead would read a number of other books in betweeen. Therefore, with this particular series, you might be better served picking up the first two or three books and then reading them all in one go.
In comparison to the other young adult urban (paranormal) fantasy books I've been reading, specifically the House of Night Novels by P.C. Cast, these seem a bit slower paced and not nearly as exciting. I remember thinking something similar about the first book of Ms. Caine's Weather Warden series, Ill Wind, when I read that. Certainly an interesting enough story, but it didn't have that wow factor for me that makes it a favorite. *shrug*
That said, the story is still interesting enough to keep going, and does pick up the pace more as things progress. Though written in the third person, you really only see into Claire's head most of the time, not any of the other main characters, so the inclusion of a few excerpts from Eve's diary at the end of the book is a welcome addition which lets you learn a bit more about what makes her tick.
I certainly plan to keep up with future books in this series, and already have Midnight Alley, the third in the series, waiting on my bookshelf. I'll just have to remember to read it sooner rather than later for the reasons stated above since I'll be passing this second book along and won't have it to refer back to.
February 10, 2020
Complete waste of my time.
I can't believe I wasted a second of my life in this series.
Sure, I liked Glass House even though I was ready to tear my hair out if I had to read one more fucking page of that book.
But here?
I couldn't even finish it.
Wanna know the reason why I read this?
The fucking cliffhanger.
Man, I hate those thing, they're pure evil.
Anyways, I kinda have to thank this book because I realized this series annoyed me to no end. I just wanted to skip to the end and get it over with. And not in the 'omg! I wanna know what happens next!' way but in the 'can we just get this over with? God my eyes are bleeding and I'm just about to bash my head so I can get outta here' way.
I would have chucked it at my wall but I was reading an e-copy, so, no.
I think the only reason the first book was bearable was Shane, even though he really isn't that great of a guy. I can deal with Claire's crying, but I cannot deal with stupidity. She was supposed to be the smart one, wasn't she? Well, in this book I just couldn't see that.
I'm sorry Claire, but you are just useless. Sure, you memorized the elements of the periodic table and their reactions, but when its about serious decisions?
You are as useless as a spoon is to open a can.
I won't continue this series (as if that isn't obvious) and I definitely won't recommend this to anyone—well, maybe my mortal enemy but that's it.
I am so done.
Camila out.
Carpe diem!
I can't believe I wasted a second of my life in this series.
Sure, I liked Glass House even though I was ready to tear my hair out if I had to read one more fucking page of that book.
But here?
I couldn't even finish it.
Wanna know the reason why I read this?
The fucking cliffhanger.
Man, I hate those thing, they're pure evil.
Anyways, I kinda have to thank this book because I realized this series annoyed me to no end. I just wanted to skip to the end and get it over with. And not in the 'omg! I wanna know what happens next!' way but in the 'can we just get this over with? God my eyes are bleeding and I'm just about to bash my head so I can get outta here' way.
I would have chucked it at my wall but I was reading an e-copy, so, no.
I think the only reason the first book was bearable was Shane, even though he really isn't that great of a guy. I can deal with Claire's crying, but I cannot deal with stupidity. She was supposed to be the smart one, wasn't she? Well, in this book I just couldn't see that.
I'm sorry Claire, but you are just useless. Sure, you memorized the elements of the periodic table and their reactions, but when its about serious decisions?
You are as useless as a spoon is to open a can.
I won't continue this series (as if that isn't obvious) and I definitely won't recommend this to anyone—well, maybe my mortal enemy but that's it.
I am so done.
Camila out.
Carpe diem!
February 28, 2009
Wow, I'm glad I bought most of the series because these cliff hangers would otherwise make me frantic and would probably keep me up all night thinking when I got the next book. The story plot just flows from book to book and I'm thankful for that. Everything actually connects without a huge unknown year taking place in between. I love Claire and all, but she's got to get some fire in her stomach. Yeah sure she feels revenge for Monica, but it just doesn't seem enough to me. Maybe I'm just a too violent person. When Rachel Caine decided to turn michael into a vampire in this book, I agreed because he was in limbo for a while there. Okay, so I hate werewolves, so I guess I would be devistated if my friend turned into one. But if it was because of my urging that he was useless otherwise, I wouldn't be so mad if he made the final decision... I am a little frustrated on Shane's character being so... unforgiving. They're best buds but he's made that his friend made the giant leap for him? (parly for him) Wake up and be more sympathetic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2023
I’m going to make this real short, so here are some thoughts.
The Dead Girls' Dance didn’t impress me much. I felt like the events that the story focused on weren’t so interesting, and this didn’t get me in the right mood. I didn’t think it was better than Glass Houses, and it wasn’t worse. Claire was better though. Eve and Michael were as good as ever. Shane. Meh. He bothered me many times, but in the end, he was alight.
I got used to Rachel Caine’s cliffhangers so I was bracing myself for a big one. Nope. It was rather stupid if you ask me. My good friend Alk told me that book #3, Midnight Alley, is badass so I’m pretty excited about it. Will be reading it asap.
The Dead Girls' Dance didn’t impress me much. I felt like the events that the story focused on weren’t so interesting, and this didn’t get me in the right mood. I didn’t think it was better than Glass Houses, and it wasn’t worse. Claire was better though. Eve and Michael were as good as ever. Shane. Meh. He bothered me many times, but in the end, he was alight.
I got used to Rachel Caine’s cliffhangers so I was bracing myself for a big one. Nope. It was rather stupid if you ask me. My good friend Alk told me that book #3, Midnight Alley, is badass so I’m pretty excited about it. Will be reading it asap.
June 17, 2018
This wasn't as funny as the first book, but it still kept me involved. There was a lot of plot progression, but not a massive amount of character development. We get to know more about Morganville, and about Shane's past, but it was hard to feel very empathetic as he was absent through a large chunk of the book. This series is very episodic, which makes it hard to put down. It's fluff. But it's fun fluff.
May 4, 2010
Wow! I am now a Morganville Vampire Fan. I had read the first book in the series and really enjoyed it but this book was brilliant.
The writing is engaging and very witty. The plot was fast paced ensuring never a dull moment. It made me wonder how does Rachel Caine fit so much it to one little book.
The characters I love. Claire is such a strong heroine despite the town's craziness. I like the realtionship between Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael and how they look after one another. And how can you forget Shane .... yum. Claire and Shane have great chemistry and sexual tension. And I must say Monica she is just evil, I hope she has what is coming for.
Overall this is one of those books that you can easily get lost in and when you are finished you will be left wanitng more!
The writing is engaging and very witty. The plot was fast paced ensuring never a dull moment. It made me wonder how does Rachel Caine fit so much it to one little book.
The characters I love. Claire is such a strong heroine despite the town's craziness. I like the realtionship between Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael and how they look after one another. And how can you forget Shane .... yum. Claire and Shane have great chemistry and sexual tension. And I must say Monica she is just evil, I hope she has what is coming for.
Overall this is one of those books that you can easily get lost in and when you are finished you will be left wanitng more!
May 15, 2019
Claire Danvers life is just great. Not only was she tormented and almost killed by the most popular girl in school, she also discovered that she moved into a town full of vampires.
Finding themselves in a difficult situation, Shane decides to call his father for help but instead of helping them, his father and his gang make things only worse.
They kill Michael, beliving him to be a vampire. One of them intends to rape Eve and Claire and finally they kill Brandon, making Oliver and the other vampires mad.
For retribution, Oliver imprisons Shane and plans to execute him publicly.
That leaves Claire, Eve and Michael only two days to find a way to help him. But no matter where they search for help, in a town ruled by vampires, there isn't really anyone that can help them other then themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2019
I enjoyed the second book in the morganville series. I have found that i am liking how the plot is moving and the characters are more dynamic than i was expecting them to be. in some ways it passed my expectations. in others, it still has a little younger reader feel to it. i have heard the rest is pretty good. I wasn't aware how many more books were in the series. I will surely keep going.
November 10, 2021
Teenage Gabbey would of 'literally died' reading these books. I'd of adored them. Now, they just make me feel old. Why didn't I know about them when I was younger?!
Never did I feel older than when reading, "The whole idea that somebody would even think of her as jailbait was tremendously exciting." Ummmm? What? I think this is one of the most problematic sentences I have ever read.
Having said that, I did enjoy getting to know the characters better on a deeper level, and there was more plot in this instalment than the first. I find the actions of the characters to be very enlightening in view of their pasts. For example, Shane is a protector, having been unable to protect his sister and mother; Eve turned Goth when she got unwanted attention from older men - Was she trying to be completely opposite to the girl that had attracted such unwarranted attention? I'm interested to read on and discover where Michael gets his responsibility from!
TW: Suicide, references to child abuse and molestation, drink spiking
Never did I feel older than when reading, "The whole idea that somebody would even think of her as jailbait was tremendously exciting." Ummmm? What? I think this is one of the most problematic sentences I have ever read.
Having said that, I did enjoy getting to know the characters better on a deeper level, and there was more plot in this instalment than the first. I find the actions of the characters to be very enlightening in view of their pasts. For example, Shane is a protector, having been unable to protect his sister and mother; Eve turned Goth when she got unwanted attention from older men - Was she trying to be completely opposite to the girl that had attracted such unwarranted attention? I'm interested to read on and discover where Michael gets his responsibility from!
TW: Suicide, references to child abuse and molestation, drink spiking
August 28, 2019
I feel like as this series is continuing we are getting sucked farther and farther into the supernatural world. They will never be able to get out of this place. This town is definitely messed up with what they allow to happen. Luckily we pick up here right where book 1 leaves off. This is a good thing especially with the cliffhanger of the last book!
Claire and crew step off into even more trouble as Shane's dad has shown back up. We get to really learn about Shane's past which is even more tragic than we first thought, Monica is up to some very awful shenanigans and still hasn't got hers.. at least not enough for me to feel satisfied. Shane gets accused of some crimes he didn't commit in an effort to get rid of both him and his dad. Eve is having her own family issues turning up and Michael gets an opportunity to finally have a life... kinda.
This series so far has been almost a little too YA to really keep my interest. I keep thinking if Claire and crew would just grown up a little more it wouldn't be so bad. Maybe they would quit heading straight into danger with no thoughts to consequences whatsoever. The barely making it out of these situations is really riding my anxiety lol. I wonder what is up next for the crew?
Claire and crew step off into even more trouble as Shane's dad has shown back up. We get to really learn about Shane's past which is even more tragic than we first thought, Monica is up to some very awful shenanigans and still hasn't got hers.. at least not enough for me to feel satisfied. Shane gets accused of some crimes he didn't commit in an effort to get rid of both him and his dad. Eve is having her own family issues turning up and Michael gets an opportunity to finally have a life... kinda.
This series so far has been almost a little too YA to really keep my interest. I keep thinking if Claire and crew would just grown up a little more it wouldn't be so bad. Maybe they would quit heading straight into danger with no thoughts to consequences whatsoever. The barely making it out of these situations is really riding my anxiety lol. I wonder what is up next for the crew?
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October 1, 2019
I'm a bit surprised at how fast things are happening? I thought some of the really important plot points in The Dead Girls' Dance happened later in the series, but I guess not. Still a v entertaining and fast read, filled with action and danger and Claire getting hurt and then sleeping it off and waking up all healed \o/
The book begins right where the last one left off and also sets up quite a few important plot points for the next installments in the series. One of them does get kind of brushed off in this book in favor of Frank Collins being the worst human, but I know it'll be picked up again later on. Also, not a lot of development with Claire and Shane's romance; it's definitely going to be a slow burn kind of thing since Caine focuses a lot on Claire still being underage.
Warning this time for two attempted rape scenes, past mentions of drug addiction, referenced/implied physical abuse, and referenced/implied child sexual abuse. Claire's inner monologue also likes to reinforce heteronormative stereotypes so, you know, yikes.
The book begins right where the last one left off and also sets up quite a few important plot points for the next installments in the series. One of them does get kind of brushed off in this book in favor of Frank Collins being the worst human, but I know it'll be picked up again later on. Also, not a lot of development with Claire and Shane's romance; it's definitely going to be a slow burn kind of thing since Caine focuses a lot on Claire still being underage.
Warning this time for two attempted rape scenes, past mentions of drug addiction, referenced/implied physical abuse, and referenced/implied child sexual abuse. Claire's inner monologue also likes to reinforce heteronormative stereotypes so, you know, yikes.
January 23, 2011
This book was equally as good as the first.
The story picked up right where the first book left of and continued to be fast paced and entertaining the entire way through.
The characters continue to be the same great personalities they were from the first book, and I really liked Sam. I feel like he may be the first vampire we’ve met who could be as close to good as vampires in this series can get. I really like the character of Amelie, although I wonder exactly what her intentions are and just how far she’ll go to get what she wants. Who and what would she be willing to risk in order to protect herself?
Personally I think both Claire and Shane along with Eve and Michael are great couples. One of the things that struck me about this series straight away, is how there doesn’t appear to be any love triangles. Honestly, I’ve become sick of them and seeing two fresh couples who are all close and get along together without any extra issues is excellent. It’s a breath of fresh air and I hope it stays that way. I don’t want to see anyone pop up in the story that could be a threat to either romance.
I like that Claire continues to grow and appears to becoming stronger. It’s wonderful when the main character continues to evolve over the course of the series. I find that she’s very mature for her age too. Often during the book, I found myself forgetting that she is almost two years younger than her housemates. She’s very level and balanced that it’s hard to think of her as a child.
I find it very difficult to define Shane after this book. He’s not exactly a bad-boy, although he has that hint of rebelliousness that makes him fun and he’s not outright innocent or sweet either. After learning of his father, it’s obvious that he’s done a number on Shane over the years and that in a lot of ways Shane is vulnerable when it comes to his dad. He’s the only family Shane has left and while doesn’t completely agree or disagree with his father’s beliefs on vampires; Shane can’t deny that he’s a part of that world. Or was. At the end of the book Shane made it obvious how little he wanted to do with his father, but I wonder how long that will last.
I thought it was very interesting to see Michael become a vampire. If there is anyone who can become one of the unread and yet manage to hold on to his humanity and still be himself, it’s him.
Also I wonder how Eve’s brother Jason is going to affect the storyline. Is he really the one killing those girls? And will he be in the next book?
I’m looking forward to finding out.
Now, on to the next book......
The story picked up right where the first book left of and continued to be fast paced and entertaining the entire way through.
The characters continue to be the same great personalities they were from the first book, and I really liked Sam. I feel like he may be the first vampire we’ve met who could be as close to good as vampires in this series can get. I really like the character of Amelie, although I wonder exactly what her intentions are and just how far she’ll go to get what she wants. Who and what would she be willing to risk in order to protect herself?
Personally I think both Claire and Shane along with Eve and Michael are great couples. One of the things that struck me about this series straight away, is how there doesn’t appear to be any love triangles. Honestly, I’ve become sick of them and seeing two fresh couples who are all close and get along together without any extra issues is excellent. It’s a breath of fresh air and I hope it stays that way. I don’t want to see anyone pop up in the story that could be a threat to either romance.
I like that Claire continues to grow and appears to becoming stronger. It’s wonderful when the main character continues to evolve over the course of the series. I find that she’s very mature for her age too. Often during the book, I found myself forgetting that she is almost two years younger than her housemates. She’s very level and balanced that it’s hard to think of her as a child.
I find it very difficult to define Shane after this book. He’s not exactly a bad-boy, although he has that hint of rebelliousness that makes him fun and he’s not outright innocent or sweet either. After learning of his father, it’s obvious that he’s done a number on Shane over the years and that in a lot of ways Shane is vulnerable when it comes to his dad. He’s the only family Shane has left and while doesn’t completely agree or disagree with his father’s beliefs on vampires; Shane can’t deny that he’s a part of that world. Or was. At the end of the book Shane made it obvious how little he wanted to do with his father, but I wonder how long that will last.
I thought it was very interesting to see Michael become a vampire. If there is anyone who can become one of the unread and yet manage to hold on to his humanity and still be himself, it’s him.
Also I wonder how Eve’s brother Jason is going to affect the storyline. Is he really the one killing those girls? And will he be in the next book?
I’m looking forward to finding out.
Now, on to the next book......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2018
This book picks up right where Glass Houses left off, with the aftermath of that cliffhanger. We've got ourselves a new villain in the form of Frank Collins - Shane's father - but that doesn't mean the old ones are going away. The Glass House gang still find themselves in the middle of trouble, which, honestly, could be a summary of the entire series.
Since this is a reread, I'm aware of the fact that this book is setting up a lot of important events, and introducing characters that play a bigger part in the series as a whole. That isn't all this book does however - it has its own plot, and we learn more about our characters as they continue to develop and reveal things about their past.
Perhaps my favourite thing that happens in this book is the introduction of Sam - Morganville's youngest (and sweetest) vampire. There's also more of Richard - Monica's cop brother - who I love for the simple fact that he's constantly fed up with everyone and everything around him.
While I do think this is one of the less memorable books in the series, it's definitely worth reading, both for the important things that happen and the developments between characters. It doesn't hold the same place in my heart as Glass Houses, but The Dead Girls' Dance is a good continuation of the series.
June 5, 2025
The Dead Girls Dance picks up where Glass Houses left off. Shane's dad is on a mission to kill off the vampires due to the hatred he has toward them for killing his wife and daughter. He has mastermined a plan to kill each and everyone. Monica is up to her old shenanegans causing problems for Claire and Eve.
Amelie has placed protection on the Glass House four (Eve, Claire, Michael and Shane) but a death occurs and Shane and one of his father's biker friends is accused. Amelie has revoked her protection for Shane due to the death. ( I like the thought of Shane caged but for me only lol). Claire has to find a way to prove Shane is innocent and will do everything she can to protect him, even if her life is at risk. There are new characters introduced in this installment, good and bad.
I love this series!! I know this is a very short review but this book was super good!! On to the next!!
Amelie has placed protection on the Glass House four (Eve, Claire, Michael and Shane) but a death occurs and Shane and one of his father's biker friends is accused. Amelie has revoked her protection for Shane due to the death. ( I like the thought of Shane caged but for me only lol). Claire has to find a way to prove Shane is innocent and will do everything she can to protect him, even if her life is at risk. There are new characters introduced in this installment, good and bad.
I love this series!! I know this is a very short review but this book was super good!! On to the next!!
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