In a suburb of the nation’s capital lies Thorndike Academy, the world’s most exclusive high school where only the richest, most powerful and influential can get their children in. Where the vampires, or immortals as they prefer to be called, who secretly run the government have created a game. Any girl who shows up to the Homecoming masquerade ball wearing black enters herself in a contest unlike any other. Coronation is a fundraising campaign where the winning girl joins the immortals while the loser becomes her first meal.

In a contest where only the most well-connected girls from the wealthiest, most powerful families can hope to win it surprises everyone when Thorndike newcomer Nicky Bloom arrives to homecoming wearing black. As the night progresses and rumors begin to spread it becomes clear that Nicky Bloom is far more than she seems.

The initial faceoff at the dance between Kim Renwick and Nicky Bloom sets them apart and the battle lines are drawn as Nicky attempts to win supporters while Kim works to cement her position as the one to back. While Kim plays on everyone’s fear of her and her family, Nicky with the help of Jill try to show them that there they have another option.

The story has an interesting premise, the rebel Network with their plan to take down the immortals. The characters were well written and fit the extremely wealthy and entitled cliché. Unfortunately, I feel like it fell short of its potential. The story seemed unbalanced, at times giving too much attention to backstory and not enough to here-and-now (meaning the dance). ( )

An interesting read but it seemed to keep the reader very disconnected from investing in the story emotionally. I like being able to connect personally and I couldn't really do that. The story was good the plot was unique so I enjoyed that aspect. ( )