Kevin the Vampire: A Fanged and Fearsome Fiend
Matt Brown, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino
Nosy Crow

As the story opens Kevin receives a notice concerning his Gloaming,. This is an ancient test that eleven year olds have to pass to demonstrate they have the skills required to be a vampire. There are three skills, the first being Transformation when Kevin must turn into a bat. The second is Mind-Speaking which requires speaking in someone else’s mind and third is a Melt. (into the darkness). The first two shouldn’t prove any trouble for Kevin, however the third is something he isn’t able to do. But if he doesn’t pass all three he will be cast out forever. Kevin needs help and support but the one who could provide these cannot attend the event as it’s only for vampires, no matter she is regarded as part of Kevin’s family; to do so would be a violation of vampire rule number ninety three. What about a werewolf vampire though?

Before the tests begin Kevin’s Dad presents him with a special good luck surprise – the Aurelius Hat of Good Fortune and it certainly works for the Transformation though not all participants are quite so successful.

After this part Kevin and his vampire werewolf buddy take a walk and there follows an unexpected encounter first with dragons and then the Creature Keeper who is impressed with Kevin’s skills.

The MInd-Speaking set in the Orchard of Complete Forbiddenness

proves problematic for Kevin and he almost fails but due to unforeseen circumstances, eventually manages to succeed. That only leaves the next day’s Melt: can Kevin complete it in the allocated time? If not then what …

A terrific adventure with a satisfying finale, a cast of characters that includes some pretty nasty beings and Flavia Sorrentino’s weird and wacky illustrations: younger readers will be eager to get their fangs into this one for sure.