This review is coming from someone who did NOT read the previous volumes in the series:

I picked this book up on a whim when several of my friends were reading, or wanting to read, the series. I wanted to know what it was all about, and this was the first one I found, so I figured I'd give it a try.

First of all, I had no problem figuring out what was going on. I may not know every detail, but I had no trouble following the story. So, don't think you absolutely have to start with the first book in order to read anything from this series. The book does a great job of repeating all the important details you need to know.

I found most of the characters to be every bit the stuck-up, entitled, self-absorbed, and shallow brats that the book description basically promised they'd be. The whole concept of vampire teenagers with the same extreme attitude issues as stereotypical rich human teenagers is simultaneously genius and hilarious. I particularly enjoyed the comeback Lilith was able to make to her father: "When YOU were MY age, Beethoven was rocking the charts." So, even if I was skeptical at first, I can honestly say that this was a fun book to read. I may even go on the wishlist for the previous ones so I can read them. And as for the next one? Well, I must admit, I AM curious about what happens. ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

AFTER DARK is the third installment in the VAMPS series. It picks up where NIGHT LIFE leaves off; everyone of Old Blood consequence is attending the Rauhnacht Grand Ball at the Orlock estate. But the night turns sour when the Van Helsings show up and start attacking.

Callie is stunned when she sees her old flame, Peter, among the hunters. And Lilith is awestruck when she finds out that Xander Orlock, aka EXO, is partly responsible for her rescue.

But after the Grand Ball, things are no longer the same. Lilith's mother is now dead, and along with her, all the undead and anything associated with her blood right. And Callie's mother and protectors are also gone. In light of these changes, Callie has now been invited to move into the Todd household. She's still not ousted as Victor Todd's daughter, and Lilith is seething at having Callie move into her mother's rooms.

There are some bright spots, though. Callie's fashion designs were discovered by none other than Sister Midnight at the Ball. After showing Sister her sketches, Callie is invited to have her own runway show at Sister's boutique. But unfortunately, Lilith is to be the star model. Callie can work with that, if she has to.

AFTER DARK is a fun look at the lighter side of vampire family struggles. Callie and Lilith want nothing to do with each other, yet circumstance keep bringing the two of them together. The story moves quickly and engrosses the reader from the first page. The story flows better having read the previous two installments, but readers can quickly pick up the gist of the story if this is their first foray into the VAMPS series.

I don't know when the next installment of VAMPS will be out, but AFTER DARK leaves so many loose ends, you just know there has to be one! I for one will be keeping my eyes open for it! ( )