Most kids only have to worry about what to wear to their party when they turn sixteen. Not so for Anastasija Ramses Parker. In order to be accepted into the Inner Circle of her coven, Ana must prove herself as a True Witch, which means taking part in an initiation ritual where she has to use her magic. Problem is, Ana is pretty sure she doesn't have any magic to use. To make matters worse, even before she can get to the initiation, a man shows up at her house claiming to be her father, king of the vampires.

If that's not enough to ruin a girl's sweet sixteen, Ana has suddenly found herself the object of affection for two men. One witch, whose destiny it is to kill vampires, and one vampire, who also happens to be her father's captain of the guards. With both her parents fighting over her fate, trying to get her to choose either being a witch or the vampire princess, Ana doesn't know where to turn. She just wants to get through high school, but destiny has great things in mind for her.

ALMOST TO DIE FOR, by Tate Hallaway, is the first book in the Vampire Princess series and it brings with it all the angst and hardship you would expect from a teenager. Ana is the quintessential high-school student; unsure of herself, questioning her looks, confused about boys and everything else in life. She makes for a very believable and likable heroine. Be prepared to choose sides when it comes to the men in her life. You'll find yourself on either Team Witch or Team Vampire. Ms. Hallaway deftly handles the life of a teenager and weaves in paranormal elements to make for an exciting story that'll captivate you. My only question is, why did it take sixteen years for her father to contact her? He obviously knew about her, as he had people secretly guarding her. So why wait? Though not perfect by any means (the ending could have been played out a little more and the story it self could have stood to be longer, as well), ALMOST TO DIE FOR will hook you with its deft handling of teenage angst and supernatural problems, and leave you anticipating the sequel.