R. A. Nelson takes us on a supernatural thrill ride, a modern-day vampire story set on a NASA base and filled with space-and-science intrigue. Seventeen-year-old Emma feels cursed by her epilepsy—until the lost night. She's shocked to wake up in the hospital one morning, weak from blood loss. When her memories begin to return, she pieces together that it was a man—a monster—who attacked her: a vampire named Wirtz. And it was her very condition that saved her: a grand mal seizure interrupted Wirtz and left Emma with all the amazing powers of a vampire—heightened senses, rapid speed—but no need to drink blood. Is Emma now a half-vampire girl? One thing soon becomes clear: the vampire Wirtz is fierce and merciless, feared even by his own kind, and won't leave a job undone.
Throat
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Review
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, February 2011:
"Nelson offers...variation to the vampire YA heap with his pseudo-transformation epileptic chick, but even more interesting and memorable is the thoughtful exploration of the way logic and faith (in varying forms) can sometimes yield much more remarkable results than either alone."
Publisher's Weekly, February 14, 2011:
"Nelson (Days of Little Texas) proves that the vampire genre is not entirely sucked dry with this fast-paced adventure featuring an enjoyably flawed heroine...With a pseudoscientific take on vampires, a smattering of Germanic lore, and a strikingly unconventional showdown, this is a robust alternative to the forbidden love tropes of wispier vampire novels."
BookPleasures.com, December 25, 2010:
"This is not your regular vamp fare, guys and gals. From the romance that is anything but trite, to the amazing science fiction aspects, you will find yourself FINALLY happy that a good writer wrote a very good vampire book. Enjoy!"
TeenReads.com, February 19, 2011:
"I picked up a bit of German vocabulary as Emma's grandfather, Papi, and all the vampires speak the language; I was given an insider's view of what it's like to live with epilepsy; and I learned some things about vampires that I never knew before...THROAT is quite well-written, and I very much enjoyed reading it. I think you will, too."
Bookloons.com, March 1, 2011:
"This unusual supernatural thriller shines a different light on vampires."
"Nelson offers...variation to the vampire YA heap with his pseudo-transformation epileptic chick, but even more interesting and memorable is the thoughtful exploration of the way logic and faith (in varying forms) can sometimes yield much more remarkable results than either alone."
Publisher's Weekly, February 14, 2011:
"Nelson (Days of Little Texas) proves that the vampire genre is not entirely sucked dry with this fast-paced adventure featuring an enjoyably flawed heroine...With a pseudoscientific take on vampires, a smattering of Germanic lore, and a strikingly unconventional showdown, this is a robust alternative to the forbidden love tropes of wispier vampire novels."
BookPleasures.com, December 25, 2010:
"This is not your regular vamp fare, guys and gals. From the romance that is anything but trite, to the amazing science fiction aspects, you will find yourself FINALLY happy that a good writer wrote a very good vampire book. Enjoy!"
TeenReads.com, February 19, 2011:
"I picked up a bit of German vocabulary as Emma's grandfather, Papi, and all the vampires speak the language; I was given an insider's view of what it's like to live with epilepsy; and I learned some things about vampires that I never knew before...THROAT is quite well-written, and I very much enjoyed reading it. I think you will, too."
Bookloons.com, March 1, 2011:
"This unusual supernatural thriller shines a different light on vampires."
About the Author
R. A. NELSON is the author of Teach Me, a Book Sense Kid Pick, Breathe My Name ("Incandescent"—Kirkus Reviews), and Days of Little Texas. He lives in north Alabama with his wife and four sons and works at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Visit him on the Web at RANelsonBooks.com.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By TeensReadToo
Format:Hardcover
Emma's epilepsy has ruined her life on more than one occasion, but she'll never forget the time it saved her from being killed by a vampire named Wirtz. She's grateful to be alive, but she soon learns she'll never be the same.
Emma has the abilities and powers of a vampire, but without the curses of drinking blood and avoiding sunlight. It's a great feeling, until she realizes it's put her in danger. The vampire who bit her isn't about to let her walk free. He's hunting her, and Emma knows it's only a matter of time before he finds her.
Desperate to keep her family safe, Emma runs away. She doesn't count on meeting Sagan and falling in love. When Wirtz catches up with her, she'll have to fight for her life - and for Sagan's, too. But Wirtz is a vampire other vampires fear, and he doesn't fight his battles alone. Emma isn't sure she can win the fight, but it won't be for lack of trying.
Nelson's dark tale of ugly vampires is a refreshing change from the gorgeous vampires found in other novels. I loved Emma from the start. The characters and places are vivid, making it easy for the story to play in full color in my mind. The NASA Space Center setting is a particularly brilliant touch.
I bit into THROAT, enjoyed every gulp of dark mystery, and was sorry to set it aside once I'd drained the story from it.
Reviewed by: Joan Stradling
Emma has the abilities and powers of a vampire, but without the curses of drinking blood and avoiding sunlight. It's a great feeling, until she realizes it's put her in danger. The vampire who bit her isn't about to let her walk free. He's hunting her, and Emma knows it's only a matter of time before he finds her.
Desperate to keep her family safe, Emma runs away. She doesn't count on meeting Sagan and falling in love. When Wirtz catches up with her, she'll have to fight for her life - and for Sagan's, too. But Wirtz is a vampire other vampires fear, and he doesn't fight his battles alone. Emma isn't sure she can win the fight, but it won't be for lack of trying.
Nelson's dark tale of ugly vampires is a refreshing change from the gorgeous vampires found in other novels. I loved Emma from the start. The characters and places are vivid, making it easy for the story to play in full color in my mind. The NASA Space Center setting is a particularly brilliant touch.
I bit into THROAT, enjoyed every gulp of dark mystery, and was sorry to set it aside once I'd drained the story from it.
Reviewed by: Joan Stradling
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.6 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not Your Ordinary Vampire Book
Jan 27 2011
By poet girl
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
It seems every bookstore has a table piled with vampire books that are all pretty much the same. This one looks like a vampire book, IS a vampire book, but it is also different in many important ways.
1. The writing is amazing. No poorly constructed, adverb-heavy sentences here.
2. Great pacing. No labored description of what it's like to be a vampire. The story is very plot-driven.
3. Main character Emma is not your usual vampire -- she has epilepsy, and that leaves her with all the amazing super powers but none of that annoying need for blood. Which makes for some interesting twists.
4. The love story feels completely real -- not contrived at all.
5. There's this whole inside-NASA theme that's fascinating. It actually makes sense that the events in the book could happen. A lot of thought and research went into this book.
6. It's not a popcorn read. Sure its subject is the ever-trendy vampire, but this book actually has meaning.
In short: another great read from gifted author R.A. Nelson.
1. The writing is amazing. No poorly constructed, adverb-heavy sentences here.
2. Great pacing. No labored description of what it's like to be a vampire. The story is very plot-driven.
3. Main character Emma is not your usual vampire -- she has epilepsy, and that leaves her with all the amazing super powers but none of that annoying need for blood. Which makes for some interesting twists.
4. The love story feels completely real -- not contrived at all.
5. There's this whole inside-NASA theme that's fascinating. It actually makes sense that the events in the book could happen. A lot of thought and research went into this book.
6. It's not a popcorn read. Sure its subject is the ever-trendy vampire, but this book actually has meaning.
In short: another great read from gifted author R.A. Nelson.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
And now for something completely different...
Jan 30 2011
By J. Meegan
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Everything about this book bucks many of the current trends of the latest paranormal YA books: the heroine is ballsy, tough, resourceful, brave; the vampire is the polar opposite of Edward Cullen in every way possible; the male lead/sidekick is a good looking, smart, and sensitive (human) nerd; the plot is fast-paced, intense, intelligent, incredibly well researched, and very clever.
Female YA authors take note: it appears we needed a male to remind us what a strong YA heroine could look like. Emma, in spite -- or because -- of her epilepsy, is a courageous yet vulnerable young woman who faces life's challenges head on. She doesn't always make the best choices (see first two chapters)...but she always attempts to do the right thing in the end. Emma doesn't spend a lot of time fixating on her appearance or her clothes...nor does she attempt to hide her real, and sometimes abrasive, personality from the male lead. She's refreshingly honest and decisive.
As for the story itself...wow, what a ride! This book ditches all the angst and drama that seem to be par for the course with many YA paranormals these days in favor of action, adrenaline, and a hefty dose of sheer terror. Yet there are still plenty of sweet moments between Emma and her family and the male lead. The descriptions of Emma's seizures, her dawning realization of her situation, and the horror that is Wirtz are simply fantastic.
If you like your stories intelligent, action packed with strong heroines, lovable heros, and truly frightening bad guys...be sure to give Throat a try.
Female YA authors take note: it appears we needed a male to remind us what a strong YA heroine could look like. Emma, in spite -- or because -- of her epilepsy, is a courageous yet vulnerable young woman who faces life's challenges head on. She doesn't always make the best choices (see first two chapters)...but she always attempts to do the right thing in the end. Emma doesn't spend a lot of time fixating on her appearance or her clothes...nor does she attempt to hide her real, and sometimes abrasive, personality from the male lead. She's refreshingly honest and decisive.
As for the story itself...wow, what a ride! This book ditches all the angst and drama that seem to be par for the course with many YA paranormals these days in favor of action, adrenaline, and a hefty dose of sheer terror. Yet there are still plenty of sweet moments between Emma and her family and the male lead. The descriptions of Emma's seizures, her dawning realization of her situation, and the horror that is Wirtz are simply fantastic.
If you like your stories intelligent, action packed with strong heroines, lovable heros, and truly frightening bad guys...be sure to give Throat a try.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshingly original, surprisingly realistic, terrifying
Feb 6 2011
By Beck McDowell
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
I'm gonna be honest - I finished this book sitting straight up in bed at 2 am, eyes racing down the page, heart pounding, butt-cheeks clenched, shaking fingers flipping pages like mad. R.A.Nelson is a master of suspense and the end of Throat will leave you breathless.
If you're a paranormal junkie, this book is for you. If you're a lover of realism, this book is for you, too. Nelson's main character, Emma, is a real-world gutsy girl dealing with the anxiety of epileptic seizures that isolate her from former friends, the terrifying fear of grisly violence that threatens the life of her sister Manda, and guilt over unwittingly drawing her new-found love, Sagan, into a nightmare that could lead to his death. It's great modern-day magical realism, with everyday events and people interwoven with the dark deeds of the "undead" and horrific attacks by gruesome creatures and hideous monsters - all told in a style that makes the story completely believable.
I love the contrast between the fast-paced, frantic attempts of Emma to build her defenses - physically and emotionally - against a terrifying Verloren vampire, Wirtz, and the touching plight of the Sonen, the "peaceful" vampires, who long for the healing powers of the sun while they engage in the Blood Hunt under cover of night.
Titles are important and this one is perfect. From the book: "'The throat is heilig. Sacred. The most sacred part of the body...the seat of the voice...I could feel your words, your voice, with my fingers as much as I could hear them with my ears. Second, even more than the lips or the mouth, the throat is also the seat of love, passion. There are those who say that the kiss was invented because the throat was too tempting, too dangerous. There is such a natural instinct to taste your lover's skin just here...' She trailed her thin fingers over my neck, making my skin pulse and tingle deliciously. No girl had ever touched me this way. `Are you ready?' she said...She sank her teeth into my neck."
While it is a vampire lover's feast, this book is no Twilight knock-off. The vampire lore of Throat is refreshingly original, with its German influence, historical references, and heart-rending stories. The NASA base setting is unusual and intelligent - full of scientific allusions and vivid descriptions. The characters are beautifully drawn. Emma acts instead of reacting; very much her own person, she doesn't take her cues from others. And I hope we'll see more of the wise and beautiful Lena in a sequel. The credibility of the opening event, the playful development of the two main characters' relationship, and the rich world-building of the opposing vampire camps all work together to drive the plot toward a terrifying conclusion that will leave you wanting more.
If you're a paranormal junkie, this book is for you. If you're a lover of realism, this book is for you, too. Nelson's main character, Emma, is a real-world gutsy girl dealing with the anxiety of epileptic seizures that isolate her from former friends, the terrifying fear of grisly violence that threatens the life of her sister Manda, and guilt over unwittingly drawing her new-found love, Sagan, into a nightmare that could lead to his death. It's great modern-day magical realism, with everyday events and people interwoven with the dark deeds of the "undead" and horrific attacks by gruesome creatures and hideous monsters - all told in a style that makes the story completely believable.
I love the contrast between the fast-paced, frantic attempts of Emma to build her defenses - physically and emotionally - against a terrifying Verloren vampire, Wirtz, and the touching plight of the Sonen, the "peaceful" vampires, who long for the healing powers of the sun while they engage in the Blood Hunt under cover of night.
Titles are important and this one is perfect. From the book: "'The throat is heilig. Sacred. The most sacred part of the body...the seat of the voice...I could feel your words, your voice, with my fingers as much as I could hear them with my ears. Second, even more than the lips or the mouth, the throat is also the seat of love, passion. There are those who say that the kiss was invented because the throat was too tempting, too dangerous. There is such a natural instinct to taste your lover's skin just here...' She trailed her thin fingers over my neck, making my skin pulse and tingle deliciously. No girl had ever touched me this way. `Are you ready?' she said...She sank her teeth into my neck."
While it is a vampire lover's feast, this book is no Twilight knock-off. The vampire lore of Throat is refreshingly original, with its German influence, historical references, and heart-rending stories. The NASA base setting is unusual and intelligent - full of scientific allusions and vivid descriptions. The characters are beautifully drawn. Emma acts instead of reacting; very much her own person, she doesn't take her cues from others. And I hope we'll see more of the wise and beautiful Lena in a sequel. The credibility of the opening event, the playful development of the two main characters' relationship, and the rich world-building of the opposing vampire camps all work together to drive the plot toward a terrifying conclusion that will leave you wanting more.
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Go to Amazon.com to see all 10 reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
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