Blood and Chocolate is a young adult novel by Annette Curtis Klause, first published in 1997. It tells the story of Vivian Gandillon, a 16-year-old werewolf who falls in love with a human boy, Aiden Teague, and struggles to balance her dual nature and her loyalty to her pack.
The novel has been praised for its vivid imagery, beautiful passion, and sensual portrayal of werewolves. Klause creates a complex plot, fueled by politics, insanity, intrigue, sex, blood lust, and adolescent longings, and driven by a set of vividly scary creatures to a blood-curdling climax. The author also explores the themes of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance, as Vivian learns to embrace her whole self and not be ashamed of her animal side.
However, the novel also has some flaws, such as not enough focus on certain characters or plot elements, like Vivian’s father’s death. Some readers may also find Vivian’s character to be selfish, arrogant, dramatic, and stupid, and her relationship with Aiden to be doomed from the start. Aiden is portrayed as a kind and gentle poet, but he is also naive and terrified of Vivian’s true nature. He does not understand or appreciate her as a werewolf, and he becomes a prey rather than a lover in her eyes.
Blood and Chocolate is a novel that will appeal to mature fantasy fans who like suspense, mystery, and a bit of voyeurism. It is a novel that breaks the stereotypes of werewolves and vampires, and presents them as complex and realistic beings. It is a novel that challenges the readers to question their own assumptions and prejudices, and to celebrate the diversity and beauty of life.
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Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause | Goodreads
