What Kills Me

By Wynne Channing

An ancient prophecy warns of a girl destined to cause the extinction of the vampire race.

So when 17-year-old Axelia falls into a sacred well filled with blood and emerges a vampire, the immortal empire believes she is this legendary destroyer. Hunted by soldiers and mercenaries, Axelia and her reluctant ally, the vampire bladesmith Lucas, must battle to survive.

How will she convince the empire that she is just an innocent teenager-turned bloodsucker and not a creature of destruction? And if she cannot, can a vampire who is afraid of bugs summon the courage to fight a nation of immortals?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wynne Channing
• Release date: Jun 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9780988105409

Wynne Channing

Wynne Channing is a national newspaper reporter and young adult novelist.She started writing horror/fantasy tales as a girl. She still has the first novel that she wrote when she was 10. It’s (unintentionally) hilarious.Wynne loves telling stories and as a journalist, she has interviewed everyone from Daniel Radcliffe and Hugh Jackman to the president of the Maldives and Duchess Sarah Ferguson. The closest she has come to interviewing a vampire is sitting down with True Blood‘s Alexander Skarsgard (he didn’t bite).She briefly considered calling her debut novel “Well” so then everyone would say: “Well written by Wynne Channing.”

Book preview

Chapter 1

A human girl will be re-born a vampire. She will shed the blood of all who walk in darkness and bring about the death of the entire vampire race.

—Ancient vampire prophecy

The sun’s down. I am so dead.

I walked out of the bakery with a box of cannoli balanced in my hands and when I saw the dark sky, my smile faded. I shouldered my way through the crowds and rushed into a piazza. The clock on the church tower read 9:25 p.m. I rounded the fountain in the center of the square, my flip flops slapping at my heels. I shifted my box of pastries so that it was under my arm like a football and quickened my pace.

Sofia is going to kill me. When I left the house at 7:30 p.m., I had told her that I’d be only twenty minutes. But I’d lost track of time wandering the narrow cobblestone streets, snapping pictures. So far, I wasn’t being a good guest in her home. Two days ago, I had accidentally used dishwasher soap in her laundry machine, producing a titanic bubble bath. This was not the way to redeem myself.

A few people sat on the stone stairs around the fountain. A bearded man plucked at a guitar and nodded his head. A woman reclined against her boyfriend, her hands on his knees as if they were the arms of a chair.

One young man stood alone on the top of the stairs. His hands were in the pockets of a charcoal coat with an asymmetrical zipper that cut across his chest. His face was backlit against the street lamps, but I knew that he was staring at me. He had such rigid posture that nothing but his head moved as he watched me cross the square.

I dropped my gaze. The straps of my backpack dug into my shoulders and shifted my T-shirt. I tugged at the hem so that the Canadian flag was centered in the middle of my chest. He probably wants to rob me. My father had warned me about pickpockets in Rome. A few days before my trip, he had come into my room with a bulgy blue fanny pack: To keep your valuables safe.

From the corner of my eye I could still see the man’s face pointed in my direction, and I heard my best friend’s voice in my head. Zee, he’s checking you out. See if he’s hot. Ryka had encouraged me to have a summer fling. The only fling I’d ever had with a guy was when Felix Lewis flung me in the air during cheerleading tryouts. Find someone and have fun, but avoid the bad guys, she had said. She wanted me to keep my other valuables safe.

Pretending to look back at the clock, I glanced at the fountain. The guy was gone. I searched the piazza but didn’t see him. Too bad. He might have been cute. Would his trying to pick my back pocket count as second base?

I turned down a lane sandwiched between two square buildings and wove through a group of men in soccer jerseys. An old man in an undershirt and house slippers stood in the street with a dusty poodle, and I returned his sullen glare with a smile and a nod.

After walking several minutes, something seemed wrong. Okay, I remember passing this restaurant with the row of people eating on white linen tablecloths under white umbrellas. I remember this tight street with the parked cars on my left. But I don’t remember the street opening into a parking lot and this giant purple bush.

A mass of fuchsia flowers cascaded down the side of a building, like a purple monster arm, reaching for the ground with its branchy fingers. I would have remembered this. I doubled back through the dim streets but then couldn’t find my way to the piazza. Don’t panic.

I took a mental inventory of the contents of my bag: a journal, my wallet, my passport, my digital camera, a bottle of water. Of course, I didn’t take the note card with Sofia’s address and phone number on it. It’s on my dresser. Of course, I didn’t take a map. I could see Sofia’s round face, scrunched with disapproval, the creases on her frowning forehead. I performed a frustrated pirouette.

Come on, I said, exasperated with myself.

Excuse me? A voice said behind me.

I spun around, and there he was in the middle of the road. The guy from the fountain. I recognized his jacket and his tall, stiff stance.

Sorry. I was talking to myself, I said.

He took a step toward me and his face shocked me. He had high cheek bones and clean-shaven, pale skin. His deep-set blue eyes were in shadow under thick, dark eyebrows, but they were luminous.

I realized then that I was staring with my mouth ajar.

You’re American? he asked in his Italian accent.

No, I’m from Winnipeg. It’s in Canada, I said, pointing to my T-shirt. I glanced away, feeling weird that I had just directed his attention to my chest.

He nodded. You are on vacation?

I’m living here for two months studying Italian.

"Well then, welcome to Italia, he said, and his pale pink lips smiled. Do you like it here?"

I’ve only been here for about a week and I love it.

What do you love most? The word, lah-ve, filled his mouth thickly.

I love the architecture, the food, I said. If I could eat gelato every day for the rest of my life, I would.

Then you must be sweet.

His smile widened and I felt embarrassed. To quash my anxiety, I thrust my hand at him. I’m Zee, I said.

He seemed startled, tucking in his dimpled chin to gaze at my hand. Zee?

My name is Axelia but everybody calls me Zee.

Paolo, he said.

He slipped his smooth, cool hand into mine. I gripped his palm and shook it vigorously.

Eggs-ee-lee-ah? he said, pronouncing every syllable of my name. I like it.

"Thanks. I like it too. It’s spelled A-X-E-L-I-A; but the X is soft. Though I hated it when I was young. In kindergarten, someone spread a totally untrue rumor that ‘Zee likes pee,’ and then, you know, at recess, it was always ‘Zee likes pee, Zee likes pee.’"

I laughed and when he didn’t join me, I cleared my throat to silence myself. And I have no clue why I told you that story, since we just met.

Oh, Zee. Always babbling when you’re nervous.

He cocked his head and studied my face. Zee, would you like to go with me for a gelato? he asked.

Whoa. Is this beautiful man asking me out? Ryka would be celebrating with corniness: He doesn’t want to steal your wallet. He wants to steal your heart.

Uh, thank you, Paolo, I said, relishing the opportunity to use his name. But I actually need to get home.

Where do you live?

Good question. I mean, I’m not sure. I’m a bit lost, I said with a shrug and something in between a grin and a grimace. It’s on a narrow street around here. There’s a café on the street. There’s a pizzeria. I know—every narrow street has a café and a pizzeria. And I don’t have a map or an address. I might just have to live on the streets, survive on cannoli, and sing for coins.

You sing?

Yes but I’m sure people will pay me to stop.

Don’t worry, he said. I will help you.

Oh, I remember! I exclaimed. There’s a white church on my street.

Via della Scala has a white church, he said. And a café and a pizzeria.

Via della Scala, that’s it! I said.

He put his hand over his heart and bowed slightly. May I have the honor of walking you there, Zee?

That would be lovely.

As we walked back to Sofia’s apartment, I chattered to fill the silence. I told him about the laundry fiasco and about my Japanese housemate, Miyuki. At one point, I realized that I was nervously swinging the box of cannoli while I walked. Paolo kept his eyes on me while I looked everywhere else. His suede coat sleeve would brush my bare arm, giving me goose bumps.

How old are you? I said.

"How old are you?"

Seventeen.

Me too, he replied.

I start university in the fall. I’m going to take general arts courses for now because I’m not sure what field I’d like to get into. My father’s an aerospace engineer and my big sister is studying mechanical engineering. But I almost failed physics and math in high school. So for the safety of mankind, I don’t think I should get a job building anything. I love taking pictures so maybe I could be a photographer. What do you do?

I’m a student.

What are you studying?

I’m a student of life, he said. He pursed his lips when he smiled.

Was that code for unemployed?

I see, I said, instead. And what have you learned so far?

I’ve learned that treasures present themselves when you least expect them, he said. And you? What has your life taught you?

That I shouldn’t walk around without a map, I said. And that dish soap doesn’t go in washers. Actually, I’m here because I want more life experience. I feel like I’ve been pretty sheltered in Winnipeg.

I’ve never been there. Is it nice?

Yes, but it gets cold.

Cold doesn’t bother me.

This cold would. Our winters are brutal. It’s so cold sometimes that my eyes water and then my wet eyelashes freeze together.

He chuckled. His teeth were small and perfect. For a moment, I imagined walking with him through these streets, laughing and holding hands. I imagined him teaching me Italian. I imagined him kissing me. Then I could add kissed a hot guy to my experiences, right after traveled outside of Winnipeg.

Suddenly I recognized the square planters in front of Sofia’s apartment farther down the street.

Thank God, we’ve found it! I blurted. Then I turned to Paolo. I didn’t mean thank God because I don’t like your company. You’re wonderful company in fact.

I also enjoyed your company.

Thank you so much. I owe you my life for helping me get back to Sofia’s.

One side of his lips curled up. Then repay me, he said.

Okay, I said. I channeled Ryka’s boldness. I could buy you a gelato?

Yes. Let’s meet tomorrow at nine fifteen.

Where? I asked. I could feel my cheeks flushing.

Right here, he said, pointing to the pizzeria to his left.

Done, I said. It was nice meeting you.

Goodnight, Zee.

Goodnight, Paolo.

Chapter 2

Sofia was waiting for me in the foyer. Her arms were crossed over her blue robe, her weight on her left foot so that she could tap her right. Her white hair was pulled back in a thick navy headband, and I could see the angry lines in her forehead.

Sofia, I am so sorry, I said, with one foot in the door. I got totally lost and I didn’t remember the street name. This guy had to help me find my way.

She clucked her tongue. Axelia, we were so worried, she said. It is not safe for a young girl to be walking around at night. I sent Giuseppe out to look for you.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make trouble. It won’t happen again.

Miyuki always carries our address and phone number in her purse.

These are for you and Giuseppe, I said, hanging my head and presenting her with the box of cannoli.

We will talk about this tomorrow, she said.

I retreated to my room, where Miyuki was sprawled on her bed watching a Japanese show on her iPad.

Where were you? Miyuki said in her child-like, halting voice. Sofia was so worried.

I know. I’m sorry, I said. I got lost.

Lost? What happened?

I lost track of time and then when I tried to rush home, I guess I took a wrong turn somewhere. And of course, because I’m a moron, I didn’t bring this, I said, snatching up the paper with Sofia’s address and slapping it back onto the dresser.

I walked into our shared bathroom and bent over the sink.

So, I was wandering around, I said in between splashing my face, and I ended up meeting this gorgeous guy. He walked me home. I told him about that white church down the street and he knew where it was…

I looked up in the mirror and Miyuki was beside me. Guy?

I laughed. He’s Italian. We’re going out again tomorrow night.

I examined her happy face in the mirror. Our dark hair was the same length, down to our chests, except hers was straight and mine was curly. All of her tiny, doll-like features were concentrated in the middle of her milky face. I imaged that she looked like this when she was twelve. When I was twelve, it seemed like my eyes and lips were too big for my small, thin face. A few of the boys started to call me Fish Face; they’d follow me around with wide eyes, sucking on their cheeks. I also had braces because my teeth were crooked and crowded together. By the age of sixteen I was friends with Ryka, who had biting criticism for anyone who tried to tease me. Eventually, my braces came off, my cheeks filled out, and everyone just called me Zee.

Zee? said Miyuki. What time are you going to see that boy?

Nine fifteen.

Uh oh.

I paused in the middle of rubbing my face with a towel. What do you mean, ‘uh oh’?

Sofia says that we have a curfew now.

What? What time is the curfew?

Nine.

Nine? Every day? But it’s the weekend!

I strode back into our room, gesturing wildly.

That is ridiculous, I said, hopping into purple monkey-print pajama pants. We’re seventeen. We’re almost adults.

Miyuki shrugged.

No way. She never said anything about this when we first moved in. She can’t just spring this on us. Did she say this was every day?

What if I couldn’t see Paolo? How would I get him the message? I couldn’t just leave him to wait.

If I stand him up, he’ll forever think that Canadian girls are evil, I told Miyuki. I have to date him to protect Canada’s reputation.

I smirked and Miyuki giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.

Don’t worry, I said. I’ll talk to Sofia about it in the morning.

I went to bed practicing my speech and picturing Paolo’s face. I had never seen anyone with such bright eyes. I had never met a boy who was so confident and cool. But clearly, Italian guys were different. More mature. More gentlemanly.

I liked that he knew nothing about me. He didn’t know that I wasn’t the summer fling type. He didn’t know that my only friends were Ryka and her boyfriend, Raj. I was a blank canvas and I could create a new image in his eyes. I could be fun, exciting, and adventurous. I could have stories to tell. I could become the person that I was meant to be.

At breakfast the following day, Sofia was unbending.

It is not safe for young girls to be out after dark, she said.

I appreciate your concern but I am seventeen and… I started.

You’re here in Rome to study, yes? You should stay at home and work and wake up early for classes like Miyuki.

I looked at Miyuki, who was silently eating her frittata across the table.

I always get my homework done before dinner. I have the same deal with my father and he lets me stay out until midnight on weekends, I said.

Axelia, Sofia said. I can’t have you girls coming in at all hours of the night. Giuseppe and I need to sleep and if you are not home, we will just worry.

I drew a breath to speak but exhaled as if I was letting the argument leave my body. What could I say to that? I had to be considerate of my hosts.

I understand, Sofia, I said. But for the rest of the meal, I tortured myself, fantasizing about the summer romance I could have had. Sofia rested her hands on my slumped shoulders.

Here, she said, putting the box of pastries beside me. Eat some cannoli.

***

Hi Dad.

Good morning, Zee, he said.

Dad, it’s dinnertime here.

Right. Daddy forgot, he said. My father often referred to himself in the third person with me. How are you?

Good. How’s the family?

We found a bird’s nest outside of Tiffy’s window. Yesterday, these birds kept flying back and forth around the yard so I figured they built a nest in the tree. Daddy looked, and sure enough, there was a nest with three baby birds.

Cute.

Whenever we go out, the mother bird dives at you. They fly very low and in front of you to scare you away. Daddy was sitting by our pond, feeding the fish and one came and touched the back of Daddy’s head.

That’s crazy. Mom must be freaking out.

Mommy’s outside right now gardening with a tennis racket.

I pictured my mother outside in her floppy straw hat, twirling around, wielding the tennis racket like a giant fly swatter and I burst into laughter.

I told her not to hit them, my father said. They’re just protecting their babies.

Dad, Sofia instituted a curfew of nine o’clock.

Well, you know, maybe she’s more conservative. She’s just concerned about you. Especially with single, young girls, you don’t want them to stay out late.

I decided then not to tell him about getting lost.

I understand, but nine is really early, I said.

You should respect Sofia’s wishes. She is taking care of you.

I guess, I said. Hey Dad, can I call you tomorrow? Ryka’s online.

Okay, talk to you tomorrow.

Bye Dad. Love you.

Love you too.

I wrote Ryka an instant message: U there?

Just woke up.

Guess what?

What?

I met a boy.

TELL ME.

Calling you on Skype. Turn your camera on.

When Ryka appeared on my screen, I said, Nice hair. Her short hair stood up in two puffs like cat ears.

Shut up. We all don’t have Italian stallions to impress, okay?

Ry, I met the cutest guy and I’m never going to see him again.

What? So dramatic! What happened?

I went for a walk last night and because I’m an idiot, I didn’t have a map and I got lost. So, I’m wandering around Rome, trying to find Sofia’s house and I turn around and there’s this beautiful guy standing there.

"How

Reviews for What Kills Me

[Kumaresh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The descriptions were a bit long-winded at parts. But the story was interesting, and I am looking forward to the next book.

[shannen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved that Lucas was a bit skittish at first toward Axelia in the beginning but falls for her towards the end. Now she's a vampire and an elder he has to protect her against the queen. The next story should be another exciting adventure!!
I will get back to you on the details.???????????

[allizabeth · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Review: I used to be quite obsessed with the young adult vampire genre, devouring several paranormal reads per week, but the popularity of the Twilight series spurned my attention. Suddenly, everyone was writing, (and reading), vampire-based novels; most of which were bloodless in comparison to their predecessors. About 60% of the teen vampire books that I attempted to read after 2008 paralleled Twilight - or tried to - Girl meets sexy vampire. Girl wants to be a vampire too. Brooding vampire tells girl to stay away because he's dangerous. Girl ignores vampire, etc... I could only take so much of this "originality" before I was entirely burnt out on the genre. Until recently, I wouldn't even accept vampire fiction review requests, but a couple of interesting blurbs managed to make it into my inbox, and What Kills Me by Wynne Channing was one of them. First-off, I'll admit I was lured in by the cover art - loved the color palate and the ethereal detail. Usually, I try not to be swayed by the cover's literary agenda, (thus, "Don't judge a book by its cover"), however, It spiked my interest enough for perusal. After the first chapter, I was worried. I loved Wynne Channing's way with words - evocative and well-balanced - but I was not a fan of Axelia (Zee). She seemed like she was going to be another immature, limp-wristed heroine with a penchant for trouble. I was rather annoyed with her, unable to get into her personality, but when push-came-to-shove, she not only transformed from human to vampire, but also from sad-ass to bad-ass! As soon as the action kicked in, I was hooked; the pace just quick enough to propel me from cover to cover in a single night! Zee's will to survive against all odds resonated with me. Sure, she needed protection - cue Lucas - but she was not a weakling by any means; her lite sarcastic streak a notable indication. Speaking of Lucas, I enjoyed his character as well. He was not the typical "handsome hero", he had a realistic and well-crafted back-story, as well as a great set of family/relationship dynamics. I will admit, he too took getting used to, but in reality, how long does it take to really get to know someone? I was surprised how well-developed the characters were for a YA novel, especially since this is the first in a series, (and the first book by this author!). The interactions and dialogue were believable, although Zee tended to talk too much, but the build-up of the action, romance, and overall tension towards the novel's zenith was my favorite part! The entire story-line leading up to the pulse-pounding climax (No Spoilers!) was thought out and executed smoothly. I was glad to see such a refreshingly original take on vampire mythology, only noting the slightest trace of the Twilight-esque. I will definitely be on the lookout for Wynne's next novel, and recommend What Kills Me for teens and adults ready for a new take on the vampire genre!Rating: On the Run (4/5)*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[sadiesforsythe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What Kills Me was a pleasure to read. The very beginning left me wondering if 'Zee' was going to be one of those ultra goody-two shoes that are simply too pure to stomach, but she wasn't. I liked her immensely. She was strong, without being cold; sarcastic, without being irreverent; and vulnerable without being a snivelling weakling in constant need of protection. Don't get me wrong, she needed protecting, but she wasn't one of those useless female leads who just flails about waiting for the hero to do all of the work. The hero, by the way, is also fabulous. Lucas is just as strong as you would expect him to be, but shows a surprising depth of emotion, despite his gruff exterior. Yummy!What I loved most, however, was the witty repartee between the two of them. It was done very well and I think warranted five stars all by itself. It was often used to lighten a tense moment, without making either character appear oblivious to danger or overly flippant. I did think Uther's timely arrival there at the end was a little too convenient, but by that point I was so afraid the whole thing wasn't going to wrap up and be a cliff-hanger that I has too happy to care. After reading the book and Channing's bio I have to admit to feeling a little inadequate. Apparently she is an awesome writer with an awesome job. I would ask how any one person could be so lucky, but it would be naive to think that there is no connection. I am definitely up for reading another of her novels in the future.

[erlessard · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Overview: I think that I would of liked this book better if I hadn’t read so many in the genre. I never got the feeling that this story and the characters were special. The danger felt contrived and the characters safe in a formulated story. I can understand why people love this book, but I don’t think it was unique enough for my liking. It did have some humorous scenes and one-liners that were nothing short of awesome. The excerpt is one of my favorites.Characters: Lucas felt short for me. He was too rough and bitter in the beginning and his transformation by the end was too abrupt to be believable. I liked Axelia for the majority of the story, although her part in the very beginning was nothing short of stupidity. There’s no way that a “good” girl would decide to meet a stranger in the dark, after curfew, when everyone warns her not to…just not believable either. Besides that, I did like her. She acted like a dumb blonde sometimes, but the way Lucas played off of that trait was so darn funny that I liked it.Plot: Girl meets boy. Girl dies and becomes vampire. Girl has lots of people that want to kill her because she’s the chosen one. If this was the first vampire novel I have ever read, I would have loved the plot. I LOVE reading vampire books (and have read way too many) and so I the plot in this book kept reminding me of what I’ve read in other books. It wasn’t predictable, however, and I wasn’t quite sure how Axelia and Lucas would escape the people wanting to kill them until it happened.Ending: The VERY end felt cheesy to me. It wasn’t what I expected, but really disappointed me.(I received a copy of this novel from the author (LibraryThing) in exchange for an honest review.)

[macygma · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A period of study in Rome at 17. What could go wrong? If you’ve ever been or raised a 17 yr-old girl you needn’t ask. Axelia only wants to find a “romance in Rome”. What she finds instead is a new life – one filled with terror, blood and loneliness.When she sneaks out of her sponsors’ home to meet a good-looking guy she has o clue she will never return. He knows because it’s all part of his plan. Gelato, sweet mutterings in her ear and then – well, then she dies. It goes according to plan up to a point but Axelia (“Zee”) isn’t stupid and she runs away from him. In the running, she falls into an old well full of blood. And turns instantly.She has no idea how to cope with her new life ever after but there are those willing to help her. Unfortunately there are also those willing to kill her – one being the Empress, ruling vampire of the whole vamp nation. Zee is much more than she was. She is much more than they all know, in fact. Can she make it out of the mess she is in alone? Can she make it at all. This is an excellent story if you like the vampire genre (and I do!). A bit gory for younger teens but the older ones should do fine.

[llyramoon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book via the Librarything.com member giveaway.I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait for book #2! :) This was one of the best YA vampire books I've read in a long time. Lots of action, a little romance and a mostly unique storyline. Very well written- I will definitely read this series. Fully recommend for anyone who likes urban supernatural fiction- regardless if its YA or not.

[regib_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Zee has always been the good girl and has decided that for once in her life she's gonna live a litte, too bad she died in the process. This is a fast paced story of her fight for survival when the vampire empire is looking for her death. Unlike a lot of the vampire stories out there Zee is not immediately excited at her new undead statis and the power that comes with it and grieves for the loss of her previous life and family. As she comes to accept her new reality we get to see the strength and courage that she's always had as she learns to let go of her fear.I'm really hoping to see more of Zee, literally did not put the book down from start to finish!

[fictionalcandy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book caught me entirely by surprise, and in a terrific way. If you like Hostel (without the gore) or Kill Bill… heck, if you like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, add some vampires and a whole lot more, and you will like this book. There is so much that happens within this story that I am shocked that the author fit it all in there. And furthermore, it doesn’t feel like anything is glossed over. At just over 200 pages, you get a whole story – with room for a sequel, I believe. From the very first page to the very last page I was enthralled and could barely put it down. The beginning has all the makings of a classic girl meets boy and falls in love story, but of course there is a twist. And the twists just keep on coming. This is the life of Axelia, Zee for short. And her life has just gotten flipped and turned upside down, nothing will ever be the same. Ever. And she will probably never eat a fishball again. Ha, I bet you want to see what the heck I am talking about there, don’t ya?? People are dying left and right, and Zee is suddenly on the run, and with someone who seemingly can’t stand her - Lucas. Just great. Of all the blessed luck in the world! When you are a new vampire and you are being hunted down, you don’t exactly get to choose your running mate. There is so much going on underneath the top layer, that you can’t help but sit and watch. First, Zee – she is awesome. If I was a newly turned abomination to the vampire race, I would certainly want to be her. She is witty and intelligent, clumsy and awkward. She is just fabulous. And then her accomplice on the run, Lucas. There is so much more to Lucas than meets the eye, I found myself under his spell right away. I wanted to yell at Zee, “kiss him!!!”. Sigh. The struggles we go through as a reader when we can’t get our favorite characters to listen to us. On top of an action and drama packed storyline you also get some of the most beautiful and descriptive imagery. At times it is dreamy and swoon worthy, while at others it is rough and edgey, and even more, you get serenity, fear, and pleasure. And I’m only talking about the landscape. This book reads fast, there is a steady rhythm to events, and they keep you moving. I am an instant fan of Wynne Channing’s, and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book in this series.

[wolffaerie17 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Axelia or Zee as she's called is in Rome to study abroad and is a native of Canada. She loves to take pictures and often loses track of time when she's exploring. She finds herself lost in the city and doesn't have her host family's address or telephone number with her. When an attractive young man asks if she's lost and she honestly admits that yes she is lost. Paolo is very interested in Zee but not for the reasons anyone would expect. Zee agrees to meet with Paolo for the next night but her plans are thwarted by her host family instituting a curfew. Zee's best friend Ryka tells Zee to take a chance to do something risky. Zee decides to take a risk with meeting Paolo yet her world is shattered by what he reveals. Vampires are not myth like Zee has been led to believe and Paolo happens to be one of them. Zee runs from Paolo and ends up falling into a well filled with blood. When Zee climbs out of the well nothing makes any sense to her. The well's guardian Uther tells Zee that she can never she her family again. Zee cries that this isn't fair and why can't she go because you're now a vampire says Uther. Zee is taken before The Monarchy where she is condemned to death right along with Paolo. She escapes with her life and stumbles upon a family. Noel, Jerome, and Lucas are swordsmiths for the Aramatta. Lucas wants nothing to do with Zee. Noel wants to protect Zee from The Monarchy. Can Zee really escape The Monarchy? What is so different about Zee? Can Noel and family protect Zee? What does The Monarchy really fear? Your answers await you in What Kills Me.This book from the get go hooks you in and doesn't let go. The action in the plot moves the story along nicely as well as making you want more of it. I thought the characters both major and minor were well thought out leaving no gaps in the plot. Each character had it's significance and blended well in the ebb and flow of the story. This is why I rated the book four stars out of five stars.

[srfeike · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What Kills Me is not just another vampire story…I promise. The story is unique, fast paced, action packed, suspenseful in all the right places, and laugh out loud funny.Axelia (Zee) is a 17-year-old girl studying abroad for a few months. She takes a chance on a guy who she figures she'll probably never see again, and it ends badly. Now thrown into the world of the paranormal, Zee must figure out how to survive as a vampire; not an easy task when just about everyone you meet is trying to kill you. I love the characters, especially Zee and Lucas. I really loved their relationship and how it evolved over time. There was no love at first site, no instant attraction. The way the author brought them together slowly made everything seem more realistic, and the back and forth between Zee and Lucas was hilarious. I loved Zee's personality. She was a great character and easily likable. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens!

[deedee10_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow! I love this book. I enjoy reading paranormal books and I love the fact that even though this book is about vampires that the author added in her own twist. I loved all of the characters even the bad guys. Zee and Lucas are so perfect together. I love how they come to feel about each other and how they work together. The writing in this book is so neat and clear that you can't help but to be drawn into the story.At first Zee was just a normal teenager who was all for breaking the rules and doing the opposite of what she should do, but by the end of the book she is on her way to being a bright young woman or vampire in her case. If you like vampires read this book. This book left me wanting more Zee and Lucas and I can always dream and hope for more.So read this book and you won't be disappointed.

[jazburke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very enjoyable read. It took me a bit to get into it but then I couldn't put it down. A nice twist to a well beaten genre. If you like the paranormal and more specifically vampire stories then I thoroughly recommend this one. It is an easy and quick read that would be suitable for teens through to adult. It ticks all the boxes. I look forward to more from this author.

[bella55075 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I won this book through a Librarything's giveaway.I read this book by the pool this weekend and liked it. I think this is a great summer read for anyone that likes vampires. Alexia's character is funny and Lucas' character is stoic. The race to find help and protect themselves from the Monarchy is filled with action. It definitely keeps your attention.

[darkang3l_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What can I say, What Kills Me is an amazing and fun novel! I received this novel in ebook format from a LibraryThing giveaway, and I can't say that I'm disappointed. I simply loved the book and the characters are fantastic! Though the book is kind of short, it was still a really great one. I couldn't stop reading until I had finished. I only wish there had been more to the story and I hope there will be more! What Kills Me is a refreshing take on vampires, giving new blood to the 'legends of vampires'.

[destinyislands_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I won a copy of this through the Member Giveaways at LibraryThing. An action vampire story with a touch of romance. When not filled with mystery and seduction, I prefer my vampires stories to be on the action-y side, so this was perfect for me. When Paolo attacked, I really started to get into it. From then on, I couldn't stop. The early set-up very much reminds me of older vampire stories, with our attractive stranger attempting to lure a human into being fed on. While I like reading those kinds of stories, I'm glad it didn't stop at that. It went in a completely different direction, and I found myself delightfully surprised at how it all ended. Not going to give away any spoilers about that! You'll have to read and find out for yourself.I didn't particularly like Axelia or Lucas at first, but they both grew on me and I loved them both by the end. I was hoping the cleric would make a later appearance after his first one, and was happy to see him show up again. The action is well-paced (and oh is there a lot of it), and there's some discussion on differing attitudes of those with immortality and without that I love to read in vampire stories. At 143 pages, and with it's fast-paced action sequences, it's a quick, satisfying read.