For readers who want their vampires domesticated, redeemed
by the love of a good woman, or engaging in playful-but-
clean romps under pressed sheets---please turn around and
return to the YA section, for here there be monsters.
Although Xavier, a former fat and blind slob who failed
miserably at trying to cheat his company, is the often
sympathetic narrative protagonist of the work, the
unapologetic monstrous natures of Xavier's captor/lover,
Marcus, and Marcus's sire, Claudius, fascinate by leaving
nothing to the imagination. After he is given the choice to
stay Marcus's sexual plaything or become a vampire,
Xavier's introduction into his new life is just as
tumultuous as when he was ripped from his old one: Xavier
is the genetic Lord Emperor, a Von Drachenfeld.
Even more interesting is what Derekica Snake does with
conventions of vampire literature. She turns the reaction
of vampires to blood on its head and provides an
interesting rationale for the sexuality literary blood-
drinkers often possess. In addition, Marcus embodies the
traditional vampiric repulsion/attraction depicted in
Dracula and "Carmilla" all the way through to many modern
interpretations. Hired to assassinate Xavier, Marcus
chooses to become Xavier's captor. Although Marcus's
backstory does explain his motivations, he is often
vicious, cruel, and violent. However, through the year of
his captivity, Xavier has been trained to respond to
Marcus's violent passions.
At first, this Yaoi-style vampire novel might turn off some
readers, particularly as Xavier remembers his year under
Marcus's control and his fears of Stockholm syndrome; the
work doesn't hide from Xavier's experiences but
demonstrates Xavier's exploration of his identity. However,
much of the work resonates with themes about relationships,
friendships, and responsibilities to oneself, one's family,
and one's lover, particularly in regard to letting others
have the freedom they need to gain their own power.
Despite the sugary title, CAKE isn't for those who prefer
their romances in tea-shops or bakeries or near sweetly
dozing cats (though there is a cat...). CAKE is bright,
descriptive, violent, and intense. Therefore, this work is
for mature audiences who will eagerly await the next
Vampire Nation work: Cinder.
To be loved by a vampire... I've been called many names in
my day. Most of them weren't flattering but they were true.
I was a right unholy bastard. Eighteen months ago, I was a
fat, nasty, legally blind, computer programmer who decided
to try his chubby hand at industrial espionage. I wasn't
good at it. I caught the attention of a Vampire Assassin,
Marcus. He was just supposed to kill me; but he wanted me
instead. I became his toy for a year. During which time he
reshaped my body; fixed my vision and broke me
psychologically into three pieces. On the anniversary of my
kidnapping, he gave me the choice to become an equal or
remain a toy. Little did we know that he would never be my
equal. It turns out that I was the last of the lost Blue
Bloodline of the Royal House. A genetic hybrid hidden
within the human race -- Xavier Von Drachenfeld, Lord
Emperor of the Vampire Nation. Then we start to find out
why there are no Blue bloods left in the Vampire world.
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