Meet Luke Watson, reluctant werewolf and Scream Street’s latest arrival. This is the first book in a new series for all young ghouls and anyone who wants to give themselves a scare and laugh their socks off at the same time. Due to be published in October 2008 this is the first title in a promising series.

 Luke Watson is a very reluctant werewolf, he tries hard not to change but his transformation appears to be beyond his control. He changes whenever he looses his temper and does untold harm to those who get in his way. He doesn’t want to be a werewolf and certainly doesn’t want to move to Scream Street but it seems that he has no choice in either option. One evening when his mum is bringing him yet another vegetarian meal – in the hope that it will help – he discovers a group of faceless men in suits emblazoned with the word G.H.O.U.L, they apparently attack his parents and then knock him out. When they all come round they find themselves in a very strange house where spiders act as hoovers and the neighbours appear to be fully-fledged vampires. The strangeness doesn’t end there and Luke is in for a few surprises as he and his parents adapt to their new home.

‘Fang of the Vampire’ is a fast paced, action-packed story packed with horror and humour. It is not the type of horror that is likely to give young readers nightmares but it is a great introduction to the genre for 7-9 year olds. It is exciting and easy to read. There are some great twists and turns as well as some tense moments. The three central characters, Luke Watson, Resus Negative and Cleo Farr are wonderfully imagined characters and this is sure to be a successful series.

2008-08-03