I *loved* this book when I was a teen and still enjoyed it when I reread it a few years back. Your statement about how Vivian felt almost too self-assured and more like she was maybe 25 is interesting, because, to me, she felt young (in the way she reacted to her mother, to being told what her place in life is, etc.), just not young human. I saw her behavior more as "she's proud of what she is and comfortable in her own skin" (at least until the romance she wanted went sour).
Are you planning on reading Klause's The Silver Kiss?
Well, I see what you're saying - she definitely has a heavy dose of teen rebellion in her, haha. To me, the way that she used her sexuality came off as much more mature than any 16-year-old I've ever encountered. Even those who I've known who are more confident at that age didn't have the same sort of confidence that Vivian does, in my opinion. She really knows how to use her better features to manipulate people - more so than most teenagers would, I think.
I actually had never heard of The Silver Kiss, but it looks interesting! Very dark. I'll have to look into it :)
I prefer Blood and Chocolate, but it seems like most people I've talked to who have read Klause's works prefer The Silver Kiss. I vaguely remember the ending being depressing, so maybe not a happy romance ending?
Yeah, from the quick blurb that I read about it, it definitely gave off a vibe of potentially depressing parts. But depressing doesn't necessarily mean bad! And one of the things that I loved about Blood and Chocolate is that Vivian didn't end up with the person who, according to the paranormal romance pattern, she should have. So I'm okay with not having a happy romance ending - so long as it's still a satisfying one.
Are you planning on reading Klause's The Silver Kiss?
I actually had never heard of The Silver Kiss, but it looks interesting! Very dark. I'll have to look into it :)