Review: Drink, Slay, Love
Drink, Slay, Love
Sarah Beth Durst
Margaret K. McElderry
Hardcover, 320 pages
September 13, 2011
Amazon | Goodreads
Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire… fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil… until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.
Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don’t exist), and they’re shocked she survived. They’re even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl’s family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King’s feast — as the entrees.
The only problem? Pearl’s starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends—especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache—to be slaughtered? Then again, she’s definitely dead if she lets down her family. What’s a sunlight-loving vamp to do?
Review:
Once upon a time, a book named, Bloodsucking Fiends (A Love Story, #1) by Christopher Moore, walked into a bar. Across the dance floor, he caught the eye of a beautiful booker named, Heist Society (Heist Society, #1) by Ally Carter. After a few drinks, they decided to take their party to the private collection stacks. What ensued was a one-night-stand that would make monkeys blush. Nine months later…Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst was born! True Story.
Okay, not really, but that is exactly what I imagine happened after reading Drink, Slay, Love, and being a huge fan of both Moore and Carter’s, my fantasy that their books hooked up and had a baby seems totally justified.
After Pearl gets stabbed by a unicorn, which, needless to say, was rather rude of of the one-horned creature, she starts to experiences certain…changes…that are very unbecoming of a bloodsucking fiend. The most surprising is that she can now walk in the sun! But this discovery leads to a whole blood bank of problems; the least troublesome being that she can’t bring herself to drink from an open vein anymore, which any respectable vampire will tell you is a total faux pas.
Now Pearl is determined to find the unicorn responsible for turning her night into day, literally. Too bad, Pearl is not used to having a reflection. If she was, then she’d know objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.
Though some of the plot points were a bit predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed Drink, Slay, Love. In fact, if I were creative enough and smart enough to write a vampire novel, this story would be it. By piggybacking off of popular vampire lore, Durst spun a fun, charming, and contemporary tale about a girl trying to answer that ever eluding question, “Where do I belong?”.
Along for the ride are two very different yet quirky groups, The Family and the vampire hunters, and both want to use Pearl for their own agendas. Too bad they can’t seem to understand that an identity crisis kind of takes precedence over little things like mortality and morals. What amused me the most about the lot of them was though there were many players, each character felt like they had their own identity. Some–exaggerated or idealistic and in the spotlight, others quiet or brooding and in the background, but all–loads of fun.
And then there was Evan. *le swoon*
Would it be wrong to claim that were-unicorns are the new vampire in a review for a vampire novel? I have to say, I consider Pearl one very lucky damsel(ish) in distress for getting to gallop into in the sunset on Evan’s back. Yes, he was completely adorable, and intelligent, and brave, and protective, and attentive. With all that going on, it’s really no wonder he’s considered a mythical creature! And though, I wouldn’t bill Pearl and Evan’s relationship as an epic romance or even a love story (fitting since they’re teens), they definitely had a spark, one that developed out of friendship.
Riddled with rad witticisms and even a few Shakespearean deep moments, Drink, Slay, Love continuously hit the mark with its seemingly effortless satire and savvy. It’s definitely the type of book that requires the reader to suspend belief and just take it for what it is, a story about a teenaged vampire dealing with the drama of high school. And yeah, I know that seems like the same ol’ twice told tale, but this one has a funky and fresh twist.
In fact, I was so enchanted with and entertained by Drink, Slay, Love that after reading the Galley Grab from Simon & Schuster, I ordered myself the hardcover so I could put in on my shelves, next to its momma and daddy, of course.
Challenge(s): 111 in ‘11 Challenge, Vampire Challenge 2011
Posted at 5:00 am • Labels: 2011, 4 stars, Book Review, Galley Grab, humor, review copy, unicorns, Vampires, YA
What a fun, awesome review! Just for that, I think I'm gonna prioritize Drink, Slay, Love (I keep thinking of the other book called Eat, Pray, Love. I even wrote it. Haha) Bloodsucking Friends, and Heist Society as my top to-read books next month. And to see if BF+HS = DSL. Hehe. Thanks for stopping by my blog!:)
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Oo la la! Christopher Moore plus Heist Society? Sounds like some math that equals out to my entertainment.
I've been curious about this one for a bit. I DLed it a bit ago but never really looked into more about it. Were-unicorns? What's next?
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I've seen this book around, but have to admit I wasn't particularly interested – I didn't like the Julia Roberts film Eat, Pray Love so I've been avoiding any books with similar titles (my mind works in strange ways and there seems to be a link somehow!). However, you've made me want to read it – although that could just be the mention of a unicorn!
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Definitely want to read this! It sounds too interesting and funny to pass up! Love your review! You're too funny!
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haha Awesome Review. That was fun!! I definitely want to check out this novel now!
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Sounds like you had lots of fun reading this book. Like the unicorn angle.
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I love this cover!
I started a Flashback Friday meme that I'd love for you to be a part of. Here's the link to my post.
Clean Teen Fiction's Flashback Friday
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Ugh, I'm glad you thought this book was good. For some reason I have been hesitant to pick it up but now a subber requested a review of it so I must meet demands! I'm glad to see it isn't a drag. Totally great review, really funny!
Jessica
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I've seen a few bloggers review this one, and it does sound interesting. I would really like to read it.
I both love and hate the cover. It kinda creepy me out…
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Cutie review.
I'm on a long lasting vamp diet but I want to break my diet for this one.
Wouldn't this be adorable as an audio (given the right voice)? I hope they release an audio of it.
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Books are mating now? I love Christopher Moore—he rocks! Abby is the best character eveh!
It sounds like a fantastic read
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Oh my god! How much do I love you??? I want two of my FAV zombie books to hook up and make wild monkey love!!! I never got to finish this one from GalleyGrab!
I need to order it now! I would have anyway bc it's so pretty!!!
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Missie, you never fail to make me laugh. Your reviews are by far the most entertaining reviews I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I need this book pronto so I can meet Evan and ride him. Wait. Get your head out of the gutter. I mean in unicorn form obviously. On his back. Sheesh.
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@Rockee, Both of those books are in my top favorites. If you decide to try them, I hope you enjoy.
@Flannery, It's hard to imagine anything becoming more fantastical than were-unicorns!
@Mel, LOL! I never saw the Julia Roberts film or read the book it was based on, so my mind was untainted.
@Liza, Thank you!
@Jess, Let me know if you like it.
@Kathryn, Sounds like a fun meme. Thanks for letting me know about it.
@Chapter Chicks, It's not a drag at all! I think you'll have fun reading it.
@Mrs. Q, Yeah, the cover is kind of creepy, huh?
@Juju, Great minds. I thought the same thing and I'd totally buy it if it came out as an audiobook.
@Felicia! YES! Pearl reminded me a lot of Abby. If you are an Abby fan than you'll love Pearl.
@Ashley, I doubt zombies have the body parts necessary to procreate. JS.
@Jenny, Uh huh. I believe you.
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Missie, you always know how to make me laugh especially when I'm having a crappy day. This looks like a fun book. *Whispers* I haven't read Moore yet but I better, huh?
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Missie, I wish I had time to read this book! It expired on me! BOO
But with your review, I will definitely still pick it up!
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I put this book on my wishlist based on your My Book Boyfriend post earlier this week, and your review only makes me want to move it up (though it's already at the top of my list, so I can't).
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Hahaha, I love your analogy! Drink Slay Love sounds like a ton of fun. And Evan sounds like my kinda guy!
Thanks for the review, Missie! 
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So, I almost peed myself reading your opening paragraph because I read “…he caught the eye of a beautiful hooker named, Heist Society…. That was quite hilarious to me…espcially because it says “booker,” not hooker. LMAO! Plus, the thought of a book being a hooker just made me giggle like a 12 year old boy…because I'm just that mature.
I've wanted to read this book ever since Wednesday and talk of the horny Evan. Plus, I could use a good were-unicorn in my life. Loved this review Missie, it only made me want to pull up Amazon and order 3 books in unison!
Jen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
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So this is the love child. Sounds like a great kid to get to know. When I'm in the mood for some YA drama I'll have to keep Drink Slay Love in mind. And, I so want to read a book about a unicorn as I don't think that's been done before. Lovely review.
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It's that good, isn't it! I loved it!
I didn't care for Pearl very much in the beginning but Sarah did a fantastic job with character growth on this chick!
Fantastic review, my Chica!
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It's that good, isn't it! I loved it!
I didn't care for Pearl very much in the beginning but Sarah did a fantastic job with character growth on this chick!
Fantastic review, my Chica!
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It's that good, isn't it! I loved it!
I didn't care for Pearl very much in the beginning but Sarah did a fantastic job with character growth on this chick!
Fantastic review, my Chica!
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Love the baby vampie. LOL So cute.
Oh so you are saying that you may throw over your vamps for a horny boy? Heh….
Oh I can't wait for this one to come. I'm getting the book for review! SQUEE!
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I don't mind predictable plots, I really don't! And I just love that it got a unicorn in it. Yay evil unicorns.
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Ok thats it- I think you are hands down one of the best reviewers ever……:D
I loved this one too…and yes were-unicorns are the new vampires…
**Team Were-Unicorn**
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LOL! Stabbed by a unicorn, come on, how can I say no to that?
No I can't and i want it
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Loved this book! I also loved your review!
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LOL I love how you describe how Drink, Slay, Love was born. =P It sounds AMAZING. And a were-unicorn?!!! YAY!
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Awesome Review Missie! I really enjoy the Book+Book= demonstration thingy!
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I really liked it too that even though Pearl has such a large family, you kind of get to know all of them. I wouldn't want to meet any of them but they were pretty funny on paper
Fabulous review, Missie!
I'll have to check out Bloodsucking Fiends now since I've never read it. I love Heist Society though. *starts dreaming about Hale*
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Effortless savvy is my kind of read. It sounds super fun. Thanks for the fab review. I really like the cover so I think i would want it in Hardcover as well.
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I generally hide from vampire novels, but this one sounds like a fun read. Thank you for the review!
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The graphic! AH!
Every review keeps mentioning how FUN this book is, that is why I want to read it!
I want to see a picture of all three of those books on your shelf side-by-side
(can I say I miss your ratings…hopefully you don't hate me for this. This is my opinion as a reader, not a blogger)
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LOL I loved Heist Society, haven't read Bloodsucking Fiends yet, but I'm so excited to get my hands on a copy of Drink, Slay, Love because it sounds so EPIC! I love how there are unicorns in this book — that's so different!
Awesome & fun review, Missie! I'm definitely going to get myself a copy of this book too!
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I got about 100 pages into this, but didn't have time to finish it! What I did read was awesome, and I MUST get a copy so I can finish it.
Especially now that I've read your review! 
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What a fantastic review! As unique as the concept of were-unicorns. This sounds fun and very different from any vampire books out there. Says a lot doesn't it, when having a review copy alreay, we still decide to get the finished book.
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I totally forgot about this book coming out! I was in the book store the other day. I didn't see it. This sounds right up my alley. I don't think I'll ever stop enjoying vampire books. This sounds really fun. Great review!
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Missie, I cannot get over how awesome this review is! I hate vampires, but I'm excited to read and review this one soon – it sounds so fun now!
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I so need to read this book! Were-unicorns, swooning and whole lot a fun. Fantastic review Missie
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hahaha ooh I love this review, Missie! Give me pictures and I will give you my heart <3 LOVE the book baby conception :)
I have been so kicking myself for passing up this book when I had the chance! Why did I pass? Because I looked at the cover and thought “Ew, that blood looks gross” Gah! Cover judging has let me down
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Intro paragraph to your review might be the best one I've read…ever.
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Oh this just sounds like a fun read! One to kick back with and laugh and enjoy.
Thank you for the great review. And sooo glad you loved it. 
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That's it – so going to get this one NOW!
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Bahahahaha Missie this review is rock solid gold! Love it. I was already sold on this book thanks to your MBB post last week, but now I totally want it even more! It sounds like a lot of fun.
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You have a great review style. I really enjoyed it. I am reading Drink Slay Love right now.
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HAHA! This review is awesome. I loved this book as well.
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“In fact, I was so enchanted with and entertained by Drink, Slay, Love that after reading the Galley Grab from Simon & Schuster, I ordered myself the hardcover so I could put in on my shelves, next to its momma and daddy, of course. “
SOLD!
Great review
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[...] Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst, 4.5* [...]