Review: Gates of Paradise by Melissa de la Cruz

Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods #7) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Publisher: Hyperion
Number of Pages: 355
Format: Hardback
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Schuyler Van Alen is running out of time. The Dark Prince of Hell is storming the Gates of Paradise, intent on winning the heavenly throne for good. This time he has his greatest angels by his side, Abbadon and Azrael—Jack and Mimi Force, as they are known in the Coven.

Or so he thinks. Even as Lucifer assigns Jack and Mimi the tasks of killing their true loves, the Force twins secretly vow to defeat the Dark Prince once and for all. But how far will Mimi and Jack go to conceal their real loyalties?

Meanwhile, former vampire Bliss Llewellyn has joined forces with Lawson, the greatest wolf of the underworld, to free his people from their imprisonment in Hell. As they struggle against impossible odds, an ancient message, woven into the very fabric of time, reveals just how much depends on the success of their mission.

Lucifer seeks the key to the Gate of Promise, and when Schuyler is taken captive and delivered straight to Hell, she must make an unthinkable choice—the same one the archangel Michael was forced to make during the Crisis in Rome. Will Schuyler find the strength to do what he could not?

The epic, heartbreaking Blue Bloods series comes to a close with this final novel about staggering courage, unbearable sacrifice, and the immortality of true love.

 The final book of Cruz's Blue Bloods series picks up a few months after Lost in Time left off. And while I'm sad that it's the last one, I couldn't help but devour the book in one sitting. Like all of her books, it's a very quick and easy read.

The book is divided into four different parts with each chapter rotating through Sky, Mimi, Bliss, and Allegra. Most of the book, the Allegra chapters are headed with the name Tomasia and tells us what really happened in Florence.  Which I had figured out during my re read. But who two of the characters turned out to be surprised me at first. Even though I had it figured out at the last minute before the big reveal. After that we get to see what actually happened during the Rome crisis. Which completely took me back surprise.

I just wished we got to see more of Allegra and Charles in the present day. We really didn't get to such much of any couple together. Except for Bliss and Lawson. And we did get a bit of Mimi and Kingsley, even though they were trying to kill each other half the time.

There were a few things that bugged me. During the chapters with Bliss they kept referring to the one night that took place in Wolf Pact. It was phrased the same way and was like it kept getting repeated. One mention is enough, we get it. I didn't understand why there was one chapter towards that end instead of having Bliss name, they put her angel name. I just thought it was odd. Then there was the big battle. I felt like it happened way too quickly, and was rushed. In fact I feel like a lot of the end was rushed.

I do have to say my favorite character in this book was Mimi. For once I had almost doubted Jack's intention. It seemed that Jack and Mimi had switched personalities. And we finally learn Sky's parentage. And big surprised, she has a secret sibling. Which I was right about. I knew Ben's ex fiancee was really pregnant referring back to Bloody Valentine. Honestly, I didn't want Sky to have another sister.

And we can't forget the deaths. Which thankfully wasn't any main characters, just a few minor ones. Even though they were minor characters, their deaths still tore at my heart. Everyone gets their happy endings, some of them surprised me, but the end of the book made me cry my eyes out.

This would of been an almost perfect book. I did feel that not every loose end was tied up. Allegra and Charles ending was left opened a little too much. I took it as they ended up together, but thinking about it, anything could of happened. Not to mention it wasn't explained how Sky has two fathers. Overall a perfect ending for everyone.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: Wolf Pact by Melissa de la Cruz

Wolf Pact by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: ATOM
Publication date: September 25th, 2012
Number of pages: 304
Format: Paperback
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Lawson and his brothers escaped from the underworld and now lead desperate, dangerous lives. They’re pursued by the Hounds of Hell from one town to the next, never calling any place home. But when the hounds finally catch up with them and capture the girl Lawson loves, the hunters become the hunted. Lawson will stop at nothing to track down the hounds, even if the chances of saving Tala are slim...

The only hope he has lies in Bliss Llewellyn. Bliss, too, has lost someone to the beasts and will do anything to get them back—even if it means joining forces with the insolent, dangerously good-looking boy with a wolf’s soul.

I would say this spinoff book has been in the works longer than most books are, and longer than it should have.
I understand Melissa's reasons for why this has taken so long to be released, but since it has relevance to Gates of Paradise, so it being released just before the release of the final book in the Blue Bloods series makes sense. In a way, I am glad that it happened like this.  And I am glad I was able to get the paperback, which I was given as a prize for my participation in the Blue Bloods read-a-long, and it was a pleasure in re-reading all these books again as they are one of my favourite series in the YA genre.

Melissa is one of my favourite YA authors, and I look forward to reading what she has planned next. She could re-write the dictionary for all I care, and I would read every word. Because I know she has this unique way she tells her stories that sucks you in every bit of the way.

Anyway... I should talk about the book, right? Yes, well...

Back at the end of..Van Alen Legacy, I believe it was -- Bliss had sacrificed herself to be rid of Lucifer, and she was changed. Human. Her mother, Allegra had told her that she had a mission to send her on. That her role in the battle between the Blue Bloods and the Silver Bloods was just as important. She was told to find the Hellhounds, tame them and convince them to return to help in the battle between good and evil. To give them the home they once had, and still craved.
And so that is what Bliss did. With the help of Aunt Jane, otherwise known as the Watcher, she set off in search for the hellbounds unknown on what she might run into during the course of her journey.

While Bliss was on the lookout for the hellhounds, it is not who she encountered though. Who she discovered would change her forever.
Meet Lawson and his pack. They are wolves, but also part human... that was as long as they didn't have their collars. Back in hell, Lawson and his packmates were biding their time for the chance to escape. To go someplace else so they wouldn't have to be turned into Hell's Hounds. If that ever happened... well, nothing good could ever come out of that. That would be worse than death itself..
Bliss soon finds herself in their company as they try to discover Lucifer's plan, his ultimate goal, and just what it is will surprise you. Praise the Blue Bloods that they succeed in defeating him once and for all.

The relationship between Lawson and Bliss was an interesting one. While in this book, it was not really romantic, but there was moments between them where you can see there was a connection between that that could be life-lasting, and if only they took the chance, it would be good for them both.
They both have been through their own shares of loss. With Dylan for Bliss, who she finally learned to let go, and Lawson lost a girl he loved, or thought he loved. A packmate who was taken too fast, which only made the loss all the more tragic for him.
I also loved his brothers. They may not be his real brothers but they were as close as brothers could be and that was what happened most. They were family and had been for the longest time.
The group of them, including Bliss made a great team as they fought enemies, and became more than friends. More than family. They became a life worth living.

I did love the small crossover from the Witches series, in which Arthur Beauchamp made an appearance, and a worthy one as he helped out the boys when they first came topside, as a promise to Gabrielle. I didn't even realize they knew each other, less alone that they were friends of any sort. Wasn't it said that Vampires and Witches didn't interact with one another, or they didn't get involved in each others affairs? But I guess it wasn't always that way.
While Melissa did mention this book was to be read in preparation for Gates of Paradise.... I don't think that was because it revealed things, well I guess in this case it did reveal Lucifer's plan, but I think it was to introduce Lawson and his relationship with Bliss. We would then understand who he was, as I can imagine he will be featured in Gates of Paradise. It would be easier, as we wouldn't be so confused when that time came.

Overall, this was a great spinoff for Bliss. did completed her mission and got something she never counted on. Family. Acceptance and a home.

I look forward to reading the final installment to the Blue Bloods series. My copy is on the way to me right now. This book for all those loyal fans of this series, and it's a book not to miss.

Verdict: 4.5/5

Review: Wolf Pact by Melissa de la Cruz

Wolf Pact by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Publisher: ATOM
Number of Pages: 271
Format: Paperback
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Lawson and his brothers escaped from the underworld and now lead desperate, dangerous lives. They’re pursued by the Hounds of Hell from one town to the next, never calling any place home. But when the hounds finally catch up with them and capture the girl Lawson loves, the hunters become the hunted. Lawson will stop at nothing to track down the hounds, even if the chances of saving Tala are slim...

The only hope he has lies in Bliss Llewellyn. Bliss, too, has lost someone to the beasts and will do anything to get them back—even if it means joining forces with the insolent, dangerously good-looking boy with a wolf’s soul.

First I would like to Katrina  for hosting the Blue Bloods read a long. I was lucky enough not only to win two of the monthly give a ways, but I won the grand prize in which included the paperback of Wolf Pact. Since pretty much in the US you can only get the e books. Isn't the cover beautiful?

Back to the review. Honestly as excited I was to read the book, I was also a little hesitated since I have seen a lot of negative reviews. That will teach me to base my decisions on reviews. I completely trust Cruz. I don't think I've read anything by her that I've been disappointed in. Even though it's technically not considered part of the Blue Bloods series, I think it should be. Especially since I do believe Cruz even said herself that we should read Wolf Pact before Gates of Paradise. 

The book picks up right after Sky and Jack's bonding. I wasn't sure what to think about in the beginning. It was kind of odd. But I quickly came to love Lawson and all of the pack. And if you are fans of her Witches series, Arthur Beauchamp makes an appearance in this book. Which I found I love when characters from these two series shows up in the other. Arthur has taken up the task in helping the wolves fit in today's world. A favor Gabrielle has asked him. Even once the pack has realized they can fit it, they still have to stay on the move. The hell hounds are hunting them determined to drag them back to hell.

Bliss has been given the task to tame the hell hounds and bring them back in the fold. But instead of finding the hounds, she finds Lawson's pack. At first both aren't sure to trust either one. But when Bliss speaks their ancient language Lawson knows she's not an enemy. Both understanding what it feels like to lose the one you love. I'm glad to see that Bliss has decided to move on with her life and let Dylan go. But Lawson and Tala...I never really thought that Lawson was really in love with Tala. He only thought he was.

One of the reasons why I love Cruz's books is because they take no time to read. Not to mention hard to put the book down. The book didn't really have any clues for the last Blue Bloods book, but it does let you know Lucifer's plan. It also got me thinking. Bliss true name, the one her mother gave her means Wolfbane. And it was noted in this book she has a wolf quality to her. Is there more to Bliss than we thought?

I think this is the only time Bliss is glad that Lucifer is her father. The hounds are scared of her. And because of who she is, she was able to save the wolves. The only disappointing thing about this book is how it ended. I wanted more. And hopefully we will see more of Lawson in Gates of Paradise. Also another thing that bother me was more of a editorial mistake. There was a couple of things in the book that should of been capitalize that wasn't. But really loving the story and plot, they were easy to look over.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: Lost in Time (Blue Bloods #6) by Melissa de la Cruz

Lost in Time (Blue Bloods #6)
Melissa de la Cruz
Publication date:  September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Hyperion
Number of pages: 342
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
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The stakes have never been higher for the young Blue Bloods of Manhattan. After their brief yet beautiful bonding ceremony in Italy, Schuyler Van Alen and Jack Force depart for Egypt, desperate to find the elusive Gate of Promise before Jack must face his twin, Mimi, for a blood trial. A blood trial that only one of them can survive. But everything Schuyler thought she knew about the gate turns out to be a lie, and they soon find themselves ensnared in a deadly battle against the demon-born. Schuyler and Jack take up arms, only to realize that there is a much graver threat simmering in the Kingdom of the Dead.

Meanwhile, determined to save the only vampire she still loves, Mimi has followed Kingsley Martin into Hell. With the help of her new human Conduit, Oliver Hazard-Perry, Mimi makes a bargain with the Queen of the Dead that she may soon regret. When the time comes to choose between love and revenge, both Mimi and Oliver will learn the true meaning of sacrifice.

confronted by danger, betrayal, and loss at every turn, the Blue Bloods must find the will to fight - and love - another day.(

April's thoughts:: 

The sixth book in Cruz's Blue Bloods series picks up seven months after Misguided Angel ended. The book is divided into three different stories story lines. The one thing I did love about the book was instead of dividing the books into different parts featuring the plots, each chapter alternate between them. Also you should make sure you've read Bloody Valentine first. While most short stories that come in between books are optional, the story lines in this book make much more sense with having read the three short stories.

As much as I love Sky and Jack, honestly I was a little bored by them in this book. In their story, while searching for the Gate of Promise they meet up with both sets of the Venator twins, Deming/Dehuna and Sam/Ted. Which not to my surprised both have coupled up. Despite I loved this book I found that very unoriginal. The best part of their story is towards the end of the book when they realized where the Gate of Promise leads to and who is actually the gate keeper.

Meanwhile Mimi and Oliver journeyed to Hell to free Kingsley. This has to be my favorite part in the book. Mimi is the character who has grown the most in the series, and I've grown to love her. Especially her friendship with Oliver. And Kingsley was charming as ever. But of course Mimi has a motive in bringing Oliver with her. To get Kingsley back she must trade a soul for him. But has Mimi changed enough to actually leave Oliver in Hell for all eternity?

And then we have the third story line in the book in which we go back in time. We get to see the events that lead Allegra to break her bond with Charles. I loved reading this part. But...I found myself shipping her with Charles which came as a complete surprise to me. I was expecting an epic love story that is worth breaking your bond for like Jack and Sky. Allegra knows something happened in the past in Florence. That she had made a horrible mistake, and Charles is keeping the truth from her. She doesn't believe she is worthy of his love anymore. This is making her feel distant from not only Charles but the whole vampire community itself. Ben made her forget about her vampire identity, and just feel like a woman. She doesn't want to take her vampire queen responsibility anymore. She's forgotten that she had willingly left heaven to guide them because she loved them so much. Honestly, I don't think the love she felt for Ben/Stephen (I'll refer to him as Ben) is any match for her love for Charles. I'm really hoping that in the last book is a twist, and Sky isn't really half human, that Charles is her father. There are little clues. In Bloody Valentine, when Allegra got the visions of Sky she had mention that she had Charles hair. Plus Sky has the archangel mark. Originally I thought it was because she's Allegra's daughter, but Bliss is also Allegra's daughter and there's no mention of a mark on her.

The ending of the book was amazing. With a twist I didn't see coming. Mimi nor Jack can kill the other. There's only one other way to undo their bond; the one who made them must unmake them. Which turns out to be Lucifer.

I can't wait for the last book to come out, and finally get some final answers. Especially what happened in Florence? Who lives happy ever after? And what is the deal with Sky's dad?

Verdict

Jen's thoughts::

The second to last installment to the Blue Bloods saga comes to an exciting and heart-stopping end as we are set into three separate directions in terms of the characters.

This story picks up seven months after the end of "Misguided Angel," and we are presented with three sets of characters: Schuyler, as she and Jack try to discover the final, and the most important gate, and it's gatekeeper, Mimi, as she and Oliver race around the world to try to rescue Kingsley, and finally, we have the flashbacks of the past featuring Tomi through Florence and what could have went wrong during that period.

Sky and Jack find themselves having to team up with two sets of twins, as they try to discover the location for the most important gate of all. When it gets revealed where it leads, time will be running out before it could be lost to them all forever.
I loved all the Jack and Sky moments. They know their time is limited, both of them know it, but it doesn't stop them from wanting to cherish every moment possible. But by the end of the book, there is a big moment where you discover what Jack does to attempt to break the bond between himself and Mimi. When he realizes that he might not be able to kill Mimi after all.. which I didn't think he would, or could for that matter.
I know some people have found these two to be a bit boring lately, but I like to think of it as they have grown and matured, and so has their relationship. Of course it's not going to be like it was in the first few books. But it doesn't make it bad, just they are on a different course. It's not just about them anymore, there is a bigger force, plot behind their actions now. I like their small moments, as that is what they only have now they are on a journey of discovery.

In the same city, Mimi and Oliver find a way into hell, and after much progression, they soon find themselves in the very place Kingsley had been taken. It's probably not what you expect from Hell, or maybe, it is when you take a closer look. And just what they discover there, and who, Mimi's realisations just might differ from her original plan and ideas of what she thought might happen once they got to their destination.
When Mimi makes the ultimate sacrifice for true love, it's impossible not to see how much this girl has changed since the spoiled rich girl we first got introduced to in, Blue Bloods.

And then we have the Charles/Allegra/Florence flasbacks storyline going on. We are told via flashes of the past that something was wrong in Florence. That it was apparent that Lucifer had somehow made it back into their world and under someone's skin. Using someone's body. The question is who?
Tomi, aka, Gabrielle has always known that Andreas, is her Michael. But he is so far and between during this time that she starts to doubt that he is up to something, and it starts to make her suspicious of him. Does she know him as well as she thinks she does?
And all the while, Allegra finds Charles at a club where she finally gets him to start to tell her what really happened in Florence. The time where things went wrong, but of course it's not something we hear of as it's at the end of the book and we have to wait until the final book in the series, Gates of Paradise, to discover the truth about it all.

I am looking forward to seeing some answers when it comes to Charles/Michael/Allegra/Gabrielle -- Geez, this is like some wacked version of a love square, yet there are two people in this senario, lol
I think, Bloody Valentine, while not compulsory, will give some insight to this story especially when everything is said and done. I do think there might be clues in that novella that might make more sense once the final book is here and we understand all the answers.
After re-reading this book and talking to April about Michael and Gabrielle, somehow, I have gotten even more obsessed than I have been before. It's crazy, I don't know how it happened, but it just goes to show why this is one of my favourite series within the YA genre.

Verdict

Review: Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz

Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods #5) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication date: October 26th, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion
Number of pages: 265
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon & The Book Depository
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Description: After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the five remaining gates that guard the earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silver Bloods.

Back in New York, Mimi has been elected Regent of a crumbling coven. Struggling with her heartache over the loss of Kingsley and with her overwhelming desire to destroy Jack, she must focus all of her energy on a perilous new threat. Vampires are being abducted and their captors are planning to burn them alive online...for all the world to see. Help arrives in the form of Deming Chen, a Venator from Shanghai, who must untangle the web of deceptions before the killers strike again.

As the young vampires struggle for the survival of the coven, they uncover a deadly secret, a truth first discovered by Schuyler’s mother during the Renaissance but kept buried for centuries. And as the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler to a terrible choice that will ultimately map the destiny of her heart.

Jen's review:
Melissa delivers yet another fantastic installment to her BB series, and this one sure does not disappoint. I'm not even sure she knows the meaning of the word. :P
Not only do we get both Schuyler and Mimi's usual POV's in the book, but we also get introduced to a new interesting character, Demming Chan. She is someone she was brought in to help with an investigation in which they can't solve themselves.

We also see glimpses of the past from Florence and see something seriously went wrong back then. I personally would like to hear more of the past. I find it very fascinating of past cycles.
This story brings us  a few new developments, and ones which we might not have expected.
A budding new friendship in the form of Mimi and her unlikely partner in well, not crime, Oliver. This was something I really liked. Mimi herself has been growing on me since the previous book, and I feel these two would have more in common than they would like to even admit to themselves. But when they find themselves working side by side, they soon discover it's a task that is not as horrible as they originally thought it might be.
Mimi also faces some new challenges. In her new work as regis, and also some personal conflicts. Will she choose love, or revenge?

Schuyler and her love, Jack find themselves with a battle all of their own. They are still on the run, but trouble is never too far behind them. I can understand that some people might think things have gotten boring between them, but I don't think that is the case. Sure, things might be different now they are together, but that does not mean they don't have things to face and overcome that is standing in their way.  They have Mimi who is hunting Jack down, and if he goes back to New York, there is a chance his soul could be burned on the blood trial.
They don't have much time for themselves, but what they do have, they make it worth something. Sometimes small moments is all you have, and you have to make it count and that they sure do.

New character, Demming Chan also finds herself in quite the situation when she gets put on a case that turns its head inside out. Just when you think you have the killer, doesn't mean you know the full story.
She gets brought in when a girl is found dead, and she is determined in discovered who did it, and for what reasons. But as she digs deeper inside the case, she starts to learn things about the people closest to the girl in question that make things appear clearer, and more tragic once the truth finally gets revealed. It's a doozy and one she never thought she'd see.
It was interesting to see this new character come into the story, but I quite liked her. She was strong, determined and honest. I look forward to discovering more about her and her sister, who seems to be coming in quite soon given the ending of the book.

Melissa always seems to do a great job at keeping the story fresh, and true to the characters. This world is so fascinating I feel I never want to move out from it.

Verdict --

April's Review:

 The format for the fifth installment of Cruz's Blue Blood series is a little different format than the previous books. The book is divided into three different parts, and each part is focus on a different character. The first part focuses on Schuyler and Jack. In the last book they fled to  European Concave to seek protection under Countess Isabelle. But it wasn't long until they realized that the Countess has imprisoned them, and refuses to let them leave. Barely escaping with their lives they start their search for the Gate of Promise. But the Blue Blood doesn't make anything easy. They discovered that humans were left in charge of the gate, but turns out wasn't the real gate after all. But Mimi has put a bounty on Jack's head. As long as he stays with her, he's putting her life in danger. He makes the only decision that he can make. This part was super cute and sweet. They still remain my favorite couple of the series.

The second part focuses on Mimi and her new role as Regent. But not everyone is very happy with her new title. But it's not long before someone is abducting young vampires and threatening to burn them to show to the world. Mimi turns to the last person you would think, Oliver. And I absolutely loved these two working together. It's nice to see a pair together with no romantic interest on either part what so ever. They both seem to understand each other. As much as I love Sky and Jack, I do think this was my favorite part in the book.

And the third part we are introduced to a new character, Deming Chen. I immediately took a liking to her. Even though Mimi couldn't save the vampire in time, she is determined to find the killer. Deming is a Truth Seeker Venator, is one of the best. Similar to what Kingsley did in the second book, Deming was sent undercover into Duchesne. But it isn't long before a second vampire is taken. Deming has never failed a case before, but the time clock is running out.

Like the rest of the books in the series, this one is a very quick and easy read. I feel like it's more of a filler book. Really no new plots, but seems like they are setting up for the next book. But still is amazing.

Verdict --

Waiting on Wednesday #7....Gates of Paradise.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Watch out for the explosive finale in the Blue Bloods series.
The seventh and final novel in the epic saga.

All your questions answered. . . All the mysteries explained. . . Friends reunited. . . Hearts broken. . . Will Bliss return with the Hellhounds? Will Schuyler save the Blue Bloods? Who will live? Who will die?

I'd say this is one of my favourite YA vampire books. So much that I have lost count on the times I have re-read this series.
I love the mythology, the romance and the mystery. Its such a jam packed, historically-mythology for this genre to boot.
I cannot wait to see how this ends. Jack and Schuyler need their HEA. So does Mimi and Kingsley. Oliver needs to find his true love. Lucifer needs to be defeated and the Blue Bloods need to find their salvation.

Jan can't get here fast enough. So far, I have been waiting a year for this... and its not even going to be out until 2013. 
I am currently re-reading this series and I love everything about it. I love picking up new bits of information, piecing things together and connecting dots that I didn't see before.

Melissa. The world better not end before I get this in my hands, otherwise, there will be hell to pay!