1. The stories aren't connected to each other at all, perhaps happening in the same universe, but that' it, so I can just radomly read one on an afternoon in July and pick it back up in october without having to start again. Very convenient. 2. This is a great way to start into a new genre or discover a new author. While reading it I mark the autors, whose writing style I really like, in the table of contents and I explore the genre of horror and urban fantasy along the way. PS: Also really good when you're in a reading slum like I am right now :D

<blockquote><b><i>"Times marches foward, even if you've stopped."</i></b></blockquote> Actual rating: 3.5 stars Overall, I liked the majority of the stories, though 4-5 really gripped me and made me want more. I think what I most enjoyed about this anthology is the subversion of some of the more cliche aspects of vampire lore, as well as the fact that every single one of these is diverse and representative. If you love vampires and all their lore, you'll definitely love this book! As for the stories individually: Seven Nights for Dying - Tessa Gratton: I really enjoyed this first tale, it has that sensual atmosphere of the vampires, but it's also an excellent retelling of Persephone's myth. 4 stars! Senior Year Sucks - Julie Murphy: ok, by far one of my favorite tales in this anthology! I would gladly read a whole book with these characters and I would love to know how Jo and Alma would deal with their attraction while trying to maintain their deal, Jo balancing her hunter's life with high school and cheerleading. The story was funny, since Jo is sarcastic and witty, and it was intriguing. There is a lot of potentials to explore here. Definitely a 5-star! The Boy and The Bell - Heidi Heilig: Heidi's story was interesting, she successfully used the whole funeral tradition, the stories of people being buried alive, and mixed it with vampire lore. I especially enjoyed how she brought class differences and how that affects us even in death - poor people were more susceptible to having their bodies stolen and sold to Mes schools, or even having the safeguard mechanisms wealthy people got in case they were buried alive. I found it interested that our vampire here is a snotty, bratty, and utterly transphobic - being made a vampire apparently only amplifies your personality, and if you're a shitty person in life...well, in death you're no better. The best part was <spoiler> Will chopping off Maxwell's head with a shovel!</spoiler>. 4 stars! A Guidebook for the Newly Sired Desi Vampire - Samira Ahmed: my favorite of them all! It was humorous, full of pop culture references mixed in with lots of elements of Indian culture, and it still manages to be an excellent metaphor and direct critic of colonialism. Just superb. 5 glittering stars! In Kind - Kayla Whaley: I don't know how I feel about this one...I do like the discussion that vampirism is always portrayed as a 'cure', as well as the vision we abled bodies have toward disabled people. But I do also understand the caretaker's stress and helplessness (though obviously not to THAT extreme). It really made me think, and it's one I'll constantly come back to mull over, but not a favorite by any means. 3 stars. Vampires Never Say Die - Zoraida Córdova & Natalie C. Parker: being the short story by the editors of the anthology, I expected more. The truth is, I found Theo irritatingly naive, and though Britanny is a very interesting character and her POV deals with vampire politics and power struggle plots, the story is too short to have the proper development I wanted. There are hints of a Vampire Civil War in the making, but that is simply mentioned and quickly forgotten. I would have loved to see more on that and the role both Britanny and Theo would have in it in the future. Mirrors, Windows & Selfies - Mark Oshiro: This was my least favorite of the stories. I understand the main character's struggle, but I don't know if I like him that much. I don't know if the audiobook narrator had something to do with it, but I just couldn't connect with Cisco. I liked the overall premise, but it's a story that in the future will get lost among the others that are superior and more interesting. 1.5 stars. First Kill - Victoria Schwab: the final story in this anthology couldn't have been by anyone other than Schwab. And I have to say, thank goodness we're having a whole show to explore Jules & Cal's relationship, the idea of the first kill that surrounds them (though with different purposes), their families, and the whole 'Romeo & Juliet but make it sapphic' vibes. 5 stars! The House of Black Sapphires - Dhonielle Clayton: Ok, THIS WAS AMAZING. Dhonielle, please write a whole novel about this! I just want MORE: more of this secret, magical New Orleans, the Eternals, and the Shadow Barons, the mysteries surrounding them and their enmity, and the whole family dynamic of our MC....just, I NEED MORE, YA KNOW? Obviously 5 stars. The Boys From Blood River - Rebecca Roanhorse: this one was just ok for me, it has a more eerie, dark vibe, it is supposed to be a horror story as well, like the original vampire stories are supposed to be. I just...I don't know, couldn't enjoy it much? Maybe if it had a different ending, I would've enjoyed it more. 2 stars. Bestiary - Laura Ruby: this story had a very interesting concept and it left me intrigued enough to want to read a full-on story about this character. I like the criticism of capitalism, and the main characters' powers and personality. 3.5 stars.