Debut novel ‘Red-Headed Stepchild’ from Jaye Wells is going to go down as my 2009 ‘book with the most potential’, or perhaps the book with the best opening line “Digging graves is hell on a manicure, but I was taught good vampires clean up after every meal” – just such a great set up!

Jaye Wells have developed a story with some excellent concepts (the bright red hair all vampires had for one), but she just didn’t quite get there in the plot development.

I found some of the plot information was delivered almost in a bad stage whisper (like the occult salesman, who doesn’t like vampires, doesn’t like Sabina, but shares this big story with her, then tells her not to tell anyone). Much of the story was a bit obvious, and I found most of the ‘erotic’ encounters lacking in subtlety.

Giguhl the demon is the greatest character. He’s probably also the character with the most depth and the most developed personality. He’s witty, funny, and loyal – and I’d just love for him to meet Simi (of Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark Hunter series) – I’m definitely seeing some similar genetics here. But even here I found some of his lines a little obvious.

Sibina has a serious chip on her shoulder. Understandably perhaps, but I still found it a little hard to actually like her too much. She started to come into her own near the end, but we had to wait to get through a lot of self loathing first.

The Red-Headed Stepchild shows that Jay Wells is an author to keep an eye on – there’s great promise from her as an author, and from this series. We just need to see a little more development of her art, once she’s got the hang of just letting the story flow through she’s going to be hitting bestseller lists all over the show.

A book to be read, and a series to be enjoyed –but stay tuned for the next book “Mage In Black”, which promises to share a little more of the potential hunk Adam (due for release in Australia in April 2010)