Last Kiss IN Venice

 Title:
Last Kiss in Venice

Author:
Martin Chu Shui

Series:
Legend of the White Snake

Book:
1

About the Book: (Goodreads)
Beside a bridge over a canal in Venice, Charlie is spellbound not only by Caitlin’s absolute beauty but also by what seems like a mythical bond between them. The more he knows about her, the more mysterious she becomes. As they finally admit their love to each other in Paris, then move to settle down in Australia together, it looks like the start of Happily Ever After. But neither of them realizes that this is just the start of a heart-wrenching journey.
After a lifetime of searching, Caitlin finally finds her true love, settles down in the beautiful rolling countryside of outback Australia, and starts to raise a family, but her enemy is never far away. She loves Charlie deeply and is certain he is her soul mate, but she knows she can never reveal her secret; he must never know who she really is, and that is her downfall. Information in the hands of her enemy brings her life crashing down around her. To save all she has worked for, she must fight for her love and the right to survive.
“Last Kiss in Venice” is a reinterpretation of one of China’s most famous love stories, ‘Legend of the White Snake’. It is a supernatural love epic that encompasses both eastern and western culture to tell a story of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, revenge and justice. This cocktail of oriental magic, vampires, and sword fights is a legend not easily forgotten.

I'd Recommend to:
6-10th graders

My Rating:
4.3/5

My Thoughts:
One day over a thousand years ago, a white snake is saved by a handsome Chinese lad, and is promised that if in another life they are both human, he would marry her. Well, it seems to be that other life. Caitlin and Charlie are now married. James, a friend of Charlie, thinks that Caitlin has killed his wife and James is now out to get her, endangering her, Charlie, and their unborn baby. There is lots of back and forth between Australia and Europe and lots of battles between vampires, ICSC, and white snake monsters, but it all adds up to a suspenseful and interesting story.
One of my favorite things about books by Martin Chu Shui is that he always incorporates a lot of traditional Chinese culture and information. This book was no exception. Reading these books is a painless way to learn about Chinese myths and cultures. Great job, yet again, to the author.