Meagan Hatfield's novel is an amazing story of power, betrayal, and passion, with a cast of emotionally driven characters. Hatfield has created her own paranormal Romeo and Juliet by crafting a tale about two people destined to be together, yet everything and everyone working to tear them apart.

Shadow of the Vampire is the story of two facets of power...Declan as King of the Dragons and Alexia as Princess to the vampires. Both are fighting for a crystal with supernatural powers. The vampires and the dragons believe this crystal is a source of the ultimate control and power of their universe. When the dragons finally get the crystal in there control, Declan is kidnaped by the vampires. Alexia wants Declan to reveal the location of the crystal, but she will only go so far to obtain it. Her mother’s consort, Lotharus, isn’t so benevolent and has no limits on the torture he will put the dragon through until the location of the crystal is revealed.

Declan is prepared to die in his prison, vowing to never reveal the location of the crystal. Alexia on the other hand, is facing an inner struggle with all the events taking place around her. She doesn’t trust Lotharus, and worries he is plotting a takeover to be ruler of the Vampires. Meanwhile, her mother is suffering bouts of amnesia and becoming very ill. Alexia’s ascension to be Queen of the Vampires is days away, and despite all of this, she still finds herself drawn to the dragon lord, her sworn enemy.

As a fan of everything paranormal, dragons are one species that is not very popular. So the setup of a vampire and a dragon was a concept that brought something new and original and was very enjoyable. In most paranormal series, you are familiar with the vampires, the shapeshifters and other creatures of lore, but rarely get to see into the world of dragons. With that being said, not only were the dragons enjoyable to read about but their King Declan, is the perfect hero. He is a passionate strong man, who you know immediately will be impossible to break. He doesn't want the crystal for power, but rather to keep it safe and hopefully work toward a time of peace with the vampires. His heart is always in the right place as are his priorities. Declan always values the lives of his people before himself.

“So, you’re telling me you choose to be shackled in a hovel of a dungeon? And for what? To die as some martyr to a cause no one will remember?”

“No, I sit, shackled in a dungeon, surrounded by the corpses of my kin, for the slight spark of hope the my sacrifice can make a difference. That our kind still has a place in this modern world.” Her gaze softened and he made an effort to strip the harsh tone from his voice. “If I don’t believe that, then the future of dragon, vampire, man alike will be different and perhaps wiped out forever. That is something I will not allow to take place as long as I draw breath on this earth.”

Alexia is very similar to Declan in all the right ways. She is a strong, passionate female who is trying to learn the best way to help her people when she becomes Queen. Lotharus has hurt Alexia in the past, so she can sympathize with Declan as a prisoner and victim of Lortharus’ wrath. She sees what her mother’s lover is becoming and knows she wants nothing to do with it...knows that is not the way to rule her people. She is a smart, intelligent Princess who sees beyond the lies to the truth.

Alone, Alexia and Declan are strong but together they are unstoppable. Their story is the odd version of Romeo and Juliet. Two people who are forbidden to be together, but don’t know if they can stand to be apart. They both have duties to their people, their history and yet they must decide where their hearts really lie. Their story was both passionate and heartbreaking. You go on this roller coaster ride of emotions with them, hoping for the best outcome. There are twists and turns, with a few surprises along the way, and you will enjoy every minute of it.

Overall, the book was a great read. Shadow of the Vampire did start out a bit slow. It’s not that the writing is bad, but the story just doesn’t find it’s footing or focus. That being said, about 50 pages in, the book really picks up and doesn’t stop. So whatever you do, don’t quit on this book. Invest a little bit of effort into the first few chapters and you will be rewarded by the time you reach the last page. If you are a fan of paranormal romance, you cannot go wrong with Shadow of A Vampire. If you're looking for a new world, with new brilliant characters, this is the book for you. Her secondary characters made quite an impression, so I look forward to reading their stories in the future. ~ Lisa