The Becoming, by Jeanne C. Stein
Book Review of the First Novel in the Anna Strong, Vampire Series
Sep 1, 2009
Jeanne C. Stein's novel The Becoming is the first book in the Anna Strong, Vampire series, which as of August 2009 has five books (The Becoming, Blood Drive, The Watcher, Legacy, and Retribution). Not just a clone of other vampire series out there, The Becoming features a strong female heroine with an accessible narration style and a new challenge to face: how to survive as a vampire.
Summary of The Becoming
The story begins with Anna Strong, bounty hunter, about to catch a criminal. He turns out to be a vampire and attacks Anna, leaving her for dead but accidentally turning her. Dr. Avery discovers her and takes her under his wing, teaching her how to survive as a vampire. But then Anna's friend and partner is kidnapped and she must risk everything to rescue him.
Writing and Plot Twists
The Becoming is written in first person present tense, which might take a little getting used to for some readers but which lends a sense of immediacy to the story. Because of the introduction, the reader knows that the story has actually taken place in the past, but since using the present tense to describe past events is a colloquial way to tell a story, the narration feels very direct.
There are some disappointing points. The lack of character development of the minor characters makes Anna's relationship with her friend less convincing, and the use of rape as a plot device is made somewhat baffling by Anna's inability to react to it in any way. However, the book also includes some wonderful plot twists which are guaranteed to keep the reader's attention all the way through.
Drawbacks of Vampire Existence
One of The Becoming's biggest strengths is its examination of what it actually means to be a vampire. The explanation of their immunity to sunlight – that they evolved it over the centuries – is far fetched; it would have made more sense to just make use of the older vampire stories such as John Polidori's "The Vampyre" and Bram Stoker's Dracula, in which the vampire is weakened by sunlight but can walk around unharmed. However, Stein makes up for it with other weaknesses and misfortunes.
There is no chance to assuage one's guilt by becoming a "vegetarian," a drinker of animal blood. Nor is it possible to drink human blood taken from blood banks or other stored sources, at least for long periods of time. In order to be sustaining, the blood vampires take must be fresh from an artery in the neck or thigh. There is also little chance for relationships with humans. Anna's human friends become a weakness to be exploited, and the main plot twist hinges on the difficulty immortal creatures face in relationships with humans who grow old and die.
Strong Start for a Paranormal Series
The Becoming is a solid beginning to the Anna Strong, Vampire series, one that introduces the world and characters but leaves enough to delve into for future books. While there is sex, it's not a romance novel, and the loose ends are neatly tied up, leaving room for other relationships. The question of "Casper's" identity hangs in the air for Anna to hopefully discover. Altogether, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book that will leave readers excited for the sequels.
(Ace Books, 2006. 304 pages. ISBN: 0441014569)
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