Book Review: Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pub. Date: January 10, 2012

Source: Around the World Tours

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?"

Jessica is newly married and now living in Romania.  She's preparing to rule one day, but is feeling like she doesn't quite belong as it's a huge adjustment.  All is going well until there is the murder of an elder and Lucius is getting the blame, but Jessica knows it is obviously a set up.  While Lucius is being detained, she finds herself in charge and it's up to her to clear his name; otherwise, she will lose everything.  Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey is a follow-up to Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.  Although I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book, it was still entertaining and it won't disappoint loyal Jessica and Lucius fans.


One of the things that I loved most about Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side was Lucius' comments and observations about American life. I remember I was laughing out loud while reading his thoughts and letters.  Unfortunately, there wasn't as much of that in Jessica Rules the Dark Side as it focuses on Jessica and her metamorphosis.  At first she is very quiet, clumsy, and a straight up weak character.  She finds herself in a crazy situation that requires her to either give up or fights for Lucius' life.  In essence, readers will witness Jessica's growth more in this novel and you only get snippets of Lucius' charm and wit from his emails to his brother, Raniero.  


The chapters alternate between Jessica narrating and there's also some chapters narrated by Mindy, Jessica's best friend.  I really didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping. I wanted more of Lucius.  Mindy and Raniero had a romantic relationship and right now it's pretty complicated between them.  The book also focuses on these two and their trials and tribulations.


I liked the mystery surrounding the murder and how Jessica had to figure it out with the help of Mindy and Raniero.  I kind of knew who "done it" all along, but I liked how it unraveled for Jessica.  


I haven't heard any plans for a third book in this series, but I will definitely be reading it if one comes out. I just hope it focuses a bit more on Lucius again as I am such a huge fan of his character.  If you are a fan of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, you won't be disappointed by Jessica Rules the Dark Side.  Be sure to pre-order it for January; it will be the perfect mystery to read while snowed in!

*Pre-order Jessica Rules the Dark Side

*Read an excerpt

*Buy Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side