Team Human by Justine Larbalestier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Won via blog giveaway – get your own copy from The Book Depository
I really didn’t know what to expect from this book. I read a really fun Author Interview at Novels on the Run and thought I should give the book a go… without knowing too much of it. Happily, I won (thanks, guys & Allen & Unwin)!!
Reading the ‘dedication’, it was pretty obvious straight away that this is not going to be your normal vampire fiction. I have to say that I only have heard about 11 of the 24 pro-vampire authors mentioned. I’m going to have to check out the rest of them, when I have some time… Truthfully the dedication intrigued me more than the blurb!
If you are a Twilight fan, unless you can take the piss out of yourself, then you may not like this book at all. Let me clarify my awkward Aussie slang – ‘take the piss’ = take a joke. I’m not a fan of Twilight but I’m not a hater either. I didn’t mind the story (I have read the whole series) but I minded Bella and the writing. Overall, I wasn’t totally impressed but… there are other vampire fictions I loved like Sookie Stackhouse series & All Souls Trilogy. I just loved Eric Northman & Matthew Clairmont!
Within the first few pages of Team Human, I knew I was going to have so much fun!
Of course she thinks vampires – since many of them are older than dirt and thus basically history books with legs and fangs – are totally fascinating.
The dialogues were witty and snappy!
‘That’s a big burden for you to carry,’ I said to Kit. ‘Being a representative of all humanity.’
‘That’s what I said! I also told him that if he was so interested in humanity, he could start watching TV…’
The choice of POV was interesting as the story is told from the perspective of Mel whose best friend falls for the vampire unlike the norm in vampire fic, where we will usually champion the cause of the heroine for her love for the vampire. Mel is a “total ABC” – another interesting choice here – a minority yet stereotypical. I still don’t know whether I like Mel or am irritated by her nosiness. This is all, of course, was part of the plan… all part of the story and where it leads you.
I am slightly disappointed by the ending. However, I do realise that they probably couldn’t take it any further without causing more furore still… in my opinion, that ending was “too good” and “too clean”. Overall, I enjoyed the read and for its entertaining value, I gave it 4 stars.
Tien's Blurb 
Every time I stop by, you’re talking about piss 😀
I’ve always wanted to read Larbalestier–ever since the Zombies vs Unicorns debacle, but never have. I do read her blog, though, and think she’s very insightful.
ROFL – it’s cuz I know you’re coming to visit, Steph!
Errr… I seem to be ignorant – which debacle would you be referring to?
I think Labalestier and Holly Black (?) wrote a book that was Zombies vs Unicorns after a big internet kerfuffle about which was better. It was largely humorous, but went on for quite a while!
hhhmmm… I missed all that… I see the book was published in late 2010 – I’m assuming the debate was probably around 2009? I was pretty much absent-minded that year (baby brain and all – I practically didn’t read *oh the HORROR!*)
Hi Tien, Glad you enjoyed this book. It is just a bit of fun and Mel is an interesting character, I was the same do I get annoyed? lol!!
Great review!!
Michelle
Thanks again, Michelle. It was an interesting premise & fun to read 🙂