One of our New Gen Debuts of the Year 2011.

This is a well crafted debut paranormal novel for teens but it's much more than that for it features a cleverly laid plot that revolves around a government secret agency who pull into the organisation a 14 year old Jamie whose mother has been kidnapped by some strange creatures.  And yes, vampires do also come into it, most of them as baddies and involved in some quite gruesome parts to the plot but very necessary to keep the reader engaged.  Much more action, suspense and yes, gore than you'd expect from the typical paranormal/horror offerings at the current time and well worth a read.  We suspect the next one may already be in the writing, featuring Jamie who is a key protagonist you really feel for and understand.

Synopsis

In a secret supernatural battle that's been raging for over a century, the stakes have just been raised -- and they're not wooden anymore. When Jamie Carpenter's mother is kidnapped by strange creatures, he finds himself dragged into Department 19, the government's most secret agency. Fortunately for Jamie, Department 19 can provide the tools he needs to find his mother, and to kill the vampires who want him dead. But unfortunately for everyone, something much older is stirring, something even Department 19 can't stand up against!

Reviews

'Teen' and 'Vampire' doesn't always mean 'sparkly'; this Young Adult thriller injects some blood and thunder back into the vamp mythos!a fast-paced and intelligently thought-out story. - SFX

Bram Stoker can stop turning in his grave: his 21st-century legacy extends beyond Twilight. -- The Telegraph

Enough weaponry to satisfy the most warlike of pre-teen boys and enough action on every page to qualify for a health warning -- Belfast News

Injects some blood and thunder back into the vamp mythos! This is a lively set-up to what looks to be a fn and blood-soaked YA thrill ride -- SFX Magazine

Action-hungry lovers of horror and adventure will love it. -- South Wales Argus

Amazing and full of guts galore. -- Bournemouth Daily Echo

About the Author

Will Hill spends a lot of his time in California but he grew up around the North East of England, moving from Skegness to Gateshead to Tynemouth. The area is steeped in vampire mythology, irresistible to the young Will. He turned this fascination into a highly accomplished debut, Department 19. Action hungry lovers of horror and adventure will love it.   Biography and author photo from the Department 19 website, www.department19exists.com More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation