Generation V by M L Brennan

 

Published: May 2013

Publisher: ROC

Pages: 319

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Fortitude Scott’s life is a mess. A degree in film theory has left him with zero marketable skills, his job revolves around pouring coffee, his roommate hasn’t paid rent in four months, and he’s also a vampire. Well, sort of. He’s still mostly human.

But when a new vampire comes into his family’s territory and young girls start going missing, Fort can’t ignore his heritage anymore. His mother and his older, stronger siblings think he’s crazy for wanting to get involved. So it’s up to Fort to take action, with the assistance of Suzume Hollis, a dangerous and sexy shape-shifter. Fort is determined to find a way to outsmart the deadly vamp, even if he isn’t quite sure how.

But without having matured into full vampirehood and with Suzume ready to split if things get too risky, Fort’s rescue mission might just kill him.…

This title crossed my desk at work and to be honest, what drew me to it was the names.  I mean, any  book with a main character called Fortitude has to have some staying power! Right? (Sorry, couldn't resist.)  'Generation V' introduces the reader to an entirely new vampire mythos that is well thought out, and does not fall into the usual 'bite me and I'll turn' category.  Creating new vampires in this world is a messy, nasty business and is very rarely successful.

Fortitude was one of these successes, but  he is still only part vampire, even though he was born one.  He has to mature into the role. This was mostly what I enjoyed about the book - Fort's character growth.  He changes from a moody, resentful, 26 year-old kid, into a thoughtful, caring, responsible vampire.  Sounds a bit weird doesn't it?  But it works. 

With virtually no help from his older vampire siblings, Prudence and Chivalry, (don't you just love those names?)  Fort sets himself up against the interloper and learns a few things in the process - not the least of which is that kitsune (shape changing foxes) can't always be trusted, even if they are kick-ass gorgeous and have a habit of saving your life.

Be warned though, there is a disturbing adult theme in this that is not what I would consider appropriate reading for younger teens.  That said, this was an enjoyable read for me and I'll happily be recommending it to my vampire loving patrons.