Review: Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz

Frozen (Heart of Dread, #1) by Melissa de la Cruz  & Michael Johnston
Publisher: Putnam
Publication date: September 17th, 2013
Number of pages: 336 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

Frozen is something that's been in the works for quite a while, Melissa and her husband co-authored this and it was fabulous. Melissa's first try at Dystopia and it has worked so well.
It's different from anything else, which is not an easy thing to accomplish when you have so much dystopian things out there and it's not easy to find something that hasn't been done before.

Natasha, otherwise known as Nat lives in New Vegas, which is basically old Vegas but is now covers in ice. She works as a blackjack dealer at one of the casinos, but longs for something more. There is a rumor about a place that is glorious. There is free-flowing water, no ice, food and basically her version of heaven.  The question is, how does one get there, and if it does exist, is it worth risking her life to find this place? She doesn't have much to lose at this point..

Nat discovers there is a group of rebels who know a way to get to the Blue, and the leader of the group is, Ryan. They connect instantly, but she doesn't understand what she is feeling for him, although she can't let it affect her because her main purpose is to find this place, and that's it. She finds herself able to trust Ryan and she can't figure out why, since she hardly even knows him. She'll have to work out what is between them, and if it is worth exploring. The closer they get to her drop off point, Nat grows close to the group to the point they start to feel like her friends, if not, family.

This is told in dual POV. Ryan and Nat. It's interesting to see their journeys toward one another. But this is not about the romance. This story is so much more. The world building is fascinating, although I am not surprised since Melissa de la Cruz is great at building up great stories.  I have loved most of her books in the mythology genres, and so it's only natural this was going to be just as wonderful as the rest.

There is so much potential for this series. I can't wait until book 2, to see where the journey takes both these characters, and this world they are in.

An action packed adventure that people will sure to love. Make sure you get your hands on this book ASAP. It's not to be missed.

4.5 Stars

Review: Winds of Salem by Melissa de la Cruz

Winds of Salem (The Beauchamp Family, #3) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: August 13th, 2013
Number of pages: 320 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Freya Beauchamp has been kidnapped and sucked into the past, forced to relive the horrors of Salem and return to the witch-burning hysteria that gripped the small Massachusetts town. Freya’s family is determined to save her, but the Passages of Time are closed to the Beauchamp family, leaving them stuck in the present, centuries from Freya. Joanna, Freddie, and Ingrid must find another way back to save Freya before it's too late. Because this time, when Freya is hanged, she's not coming back…ever.

The Beauchamps are sure that their nemesis, the trickster god Loki, is behind the brewing hatred in Salem and Freya's kidnapping—but is the witch hunt just a way for the power-seeking Putnam family, whose daughter Ann was one of the first accusers, to settle scores and consolidate their hold on the lands and power in town?

Black magic, time travel, romance, mystery, history, and adventure are served up in a cauldron of bubbly magic in the latest installation of the New York Times bestselling series Witches of East End.

Melissa has continued to impress me book by book, and this one is no exception. In the third installment to Melissa de la Cruz's 'Witches of East End' aka 'The Beauchamp Family' series comes a thrilling and new story has it continues from Serpent's Kiss.

Not only do we discover what indeed happened to Freya after she was sucked back in time, thanks to Loki, but we also discover what really happened to the mystery of the bridge back in Asgard. Not everything or everyone is as it seems, and there was some twists and turns not even I saw coming.
Freya finds herself trapped back in the past which she had already relived; during the time when she was in the Salem Witch Trials and burned at the stake. Not a pleasant time to rehash, no? She has no choice, but with the help of some new friends, Freya will see if she can stop the ultimate outcome. There seems to be someone that wants her erased, for good, but who is it? Is it the trickster, Loki, or is it some other enemy they have yet to see coming?

This book is split between the past where we deal with the Witch Hunts and Freya with her entanglement, and then we have present day and discover just what is happening with Ingrid & Matt, Joanna and Norman and Freddie with his life.
Melissa did a great job with tying up storylines in this book. We get the answers we have waited since the beginning to discover which surprised me a tad. We get the end of some eras, and the beginning of others.
We also find out more about the past between Freya/Killian/Bran. Speaking of the triangle. I am not sure if I like how she concluded it in the end. I suppose in some ways it makes sense, but in other ways, it just makes Freya just another in the middle of two men. Although in my opinion, Killian/Balder has always been her true love. It's definitely a difficult situation to be in that's for sure.; And if Melissa continues on with more books we'll see what happens with the three of them.


Some parts of the book, toward the end made me sad, but I also love the relationship between Joanna and her husband, Norman. You discover more of their past that goes back to the beginning of time and how they started out. I think they may be the true love story of the series. This series is about family. true love. friendships and sisterhood. Magic. Mythology.


A pretty satisfying conclusion to this particular arc. I definitely would love if Melissa did decide to do more books. I think there are more stories to tell for these characters and past to be explored.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Gates of Paradise by Melissa de la Cruz

Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods #7) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: Jan 15th, 2013
Number of pages: 355
Format: Hardcover
Purchase:  Amazon | The Book Depository

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

And...so the final book of this epic, breathtaking and romantic saga with perfect mythology to boot. The end of one of my favourite series to date that combines angels, vampires, heaven and hell. Melissa has always delivered in every single volume as she pushes the romance and the mysteries to the brink where you'd have to know how this will all end for our beloved characters.

This climatic conclusion sees our favourites battle evil, love, loss and everything in between. We also have Bliss's POV back in the novel since her role in the events have come to pass. Every single story that we have come to know gets cleared up in this final novel. From Jack and Sky, Mimi and Kingsley, Bliss , Michael and Gabrielle. Everything ties together in a way that's a perfect way to end a 7-book saga.

Melissa's portrayal of these characters as they started as one thing, but over the course of the series have grown into young adults, full of spirit, love and confidence. All of the girls, and boys, men and women have in their own gone through so much in their lifetimes. They have discovered loss, love, betrayal and kept secrets along the way.

This conclusion answers all lingering questions, though it may leave some things hanging, that Melissa has recently answered in her Gates of Paradise Q & A

In this finale, Jack and Mimi have gone back to their old master, but in reality, they are playing a role so they can work on getting their bond unturned, and the only person that can do that is Lucifer. Knowing Lucifer, nothing comes without a price.
The question is, can they successfully play their parts and get back into the fold without getting caught in the process? When they get asked to do the one thing they will never be able to do, the twins will have to decide what is worth more... love or to stay as who they think they are and crumble to the darkness.

Michael and Gabrielle's story is told throughout flashbacks of the past,  as we travel back to Florence and then Rome to discover the true nature of their separation. What began to tear them apart. These parts, I pretty much knew before hand, but I was happy to have any scenes of them because they are one of my favourite ships of the saga.  I know some people liked Ben and Allegra, but me.. I preferred Michael and Gabrielle.
The truth of what really happened may shock you. It may make you think badly of Michael, but to me... everything he did... was for love, and he can't be faulted for that, even if the consequences of his actions just became worse for their kind.

And while Bliss is back, she is also with someone. Lawson.  If you haven't read her series, Wolf Pact.. you might be confused as to who he is, but since i read it beforehand, I knew everything she went through, what they went through, and it was nice to see her back with her friends again. To see her role play out in the battle against her father, Lucifer.

Schuyler has her own journey to go through. Probably the most important role in defeating the Silver Bloods and Lucifer. She comes across certain things she never expected to find. And with her best friend, Oliver by her side, they will discover more than they ever bargained for. And almost all the surprises they come across, Oliver will discover that his life doesn't always revolve around Sky as it once did. 

This is a story of love. How you can find it, lose it and to sacrifice it for the greater good.
I couldn't have asked for a better end to this series. And  I look forward to the spinoff series, that is in the making. I love this world, the mythology and characters. I personally think there is so much left to explore.

Verdict: 4.5 / 5

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
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

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
Buy: The Book Depository
Add to Goodreads

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
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

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
Add to Goodreads

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 --

Review: The Val Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods #4) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication date: October 6th, 2009
Publisher: Hyperion
Number of pages: 371
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
Description: With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry; love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Schuyler has made her choice. She has forsaken Jack for Oliver, choosing human over vampire. But old loves die hard.... And even coldhearted Mimi seems to suffer from the ties that bind.

April's review: 

The forth installment of Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Blood series picks up a year after Revelations ends. We've learned that the Concave doesn't believe Sky's story of Leviathan's escape from his prison, and believes that Sky was the one to murder her grandfather. Realizing this, her and Oliver decides to go on the run. It seems to the reader at first that she has made her choice between Oliver and Jack. Seems that the out of sight, out of mind works for Sky's feelings for Jack. But when he is thrown back in her life, will her choice still be Oliver? Back in NYC, the stock market is crashing. Blue Bloods have lost millions of dollars in investments. The Visitor has completely taken over Bliss's body and she has lost a year of her life. And Mimi has shock us all and has joined Kingsley team of ventors, and have been traveling the world looking for The Watcher.

This is probably one of my favorite books of the series. And this is the point where I've actually started to like Mimi. I couldn't stand her before. We see more compassion in her. And she cares more about shopping and how she looks. Bliss plays an important part, especially near the end of the book. Cruz never disappoints me in keeping me on my toes and delivering an excellent story.

Rating: 4/5

Jen's review:

I'd say it was this book where a new ARC for this story started to form. With the tragic events that enfolded in the previous novel, Sky and Oliver find themselves on the run as they try to seek refuge and discover more about what her grandfather had told her about.
But after a year, they are both exhausted and time seems to be running out. There is only so much one person, or in this case, two can do until you run out of options.

After her past, which she thought she had put behind her, catches up to her in Paris, Sky suddenly realizes the truth of her own feelings, even if she denies them to herself. The thing about Sky is, when she commits to someone, that is how it will be. She won't or can't hurt someone on purpose, only of course if she feels it is in their best interests to do so, see Jack in 'Revelations'.
Mimi and Jack seem to be on two separate paths right now. While Jack is working with Charles in stopping the enemy, Mimi has joined the Venetators, and is being forced to work with Kingsley as they try to figure out who took and where Jordan, aka Sophia is, who was seemly kidnapped a year prior.

Bliss's Arc in this book is quite important, and it is one you don't see coming. I felt it was an interesting way to mix things up, as she discovers that she is on a bigger course of destiny, but for that to happen she has to make a personal sacrifice and do the one thing none of her past lives counterpart was able to fully accomplish.

This was actually the first book I really liked Mimi. Up until now she was just a jealous, petty and prissy rich girl who to me, stood in the way of Jack and Sky. LOL  I felt having her own mature storyline by herself changed her a bit, and the relationship for forms with Kingsley is what really sets her apart. It makes her more interesting and relatable than what I thought beforehand.

This book takes us on a journey of personal sacrifice from each of the characters, as they explore what they want and need, and what they should do. Discovering that part of you that says.. Hell with this... I can make up my own mind on what I want, rather being told  what to do.

Rating: 5 out  of 5

Review: Serpent's Kiss (The Beauchamp Family #2) by Melissa de la Cruz

Serpent's Kiss (The Beauchamp Family #2) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication date: June 12st, 2012
Publisher: Sphere
Number of pages: tha
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
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Description: Everything ought to be perfect in the magical Long Island town of North Hampton now that Freya Beauchamp's twin brother, Freddie, is back. But their mother, Joanna, has always favoured son Freddie, and his assertion — that Freya's fiancé Killian Gardiner (Baldur) was the one who set up his downfall — threatens to fracture the delicate family dynamics as the Beauchamps are forced to take sides against each other.

Freddie spends his days either on the couch sleeping, or sleeping around. When their father Norman helps him find a job on a fishing vessel, Freddie's uncontrollable magic causes mayhem aboard the ship and lands him in even more hot water.

Level-headed sister Ingrid attempts to maintain the peace between the warring twins, but she has problems of her own: her human boyfriend, detective Matt Noble, becomes entangled in a complicated investigation, and when the magical creatures at the heart of it come to Ingrid for help, she has to choose between helping her kind and staying loyal to her love.

Freya and Killian plan their wedding only to discover an ancient rivalry that could keep them apart for ever. Things come to a head when the culprit behind Freddie's imprisonment is finally revealed, but it may be too late to staunch the poison that's been released in the family and the town

The sequel to Witches of East End is quite as thrilling, if not even more so than the first book. 
We deal with the return of not just one, but two characters from the past. 
Not only do we and Freya discover that whom she thought was her love, Balder, she was mistaken and it turns out to be the guy who she felt an undeniable connection to all along. Now the truth is out in the open, Bran's true colours start to show and there is no doubt who he really is.

With the return of Freya's twin brother, Freddie, he holds a secret that threatens to tear Killian and Freya apart forever if it turns out to be the truth. Everyone has a secret, but the question on whether or not all the facts are in the open remains to be seen.

Killian and Freya's relationship is stronger now the truth about Bran has been revealed, but there is still something keeping them apart, even if they don't know it.
Bran is also on the loose, and nobody is quite sure where he is, or what he is planning. When it comes to the trickster, nothing is ever certain. 

Ingrid and their mother, Joanna also have relationship issues, but that's the least of their worries. Not only do they have to worry about whether or not any punishment will fall on them once the council gets wind they have been using their powers, but also to the fact there is something brewing in town and beyond that could destroy everything.

When all said and done, the question they'll be after is... "What do we do now?"

This book has everything the first had and more. It introduces some new characters. There is surprising reveals, villians and things you don't see coming. There are things you might see coming, but didn't know how they might be played out.

The way this book ends makes you yearn for the next book. I wonder... is this a 3 book series? As it feels like everything is setting up for a conclusion in 'Winds of Salem'. I wouldn't mind, because its a great series and not sure how long this can go on, but then again, I wouldn't say no if she chose to write a few more.

Review: Witches of East End ( The Beauchamp Family #1) by Melissa de la Cruz

Witches of East End ( The Beauchamp Family #1) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication date: June 21st, 2011
Publisher: Little Brown
Number of pages: 288
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
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Description: The three Beauchamp women—Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid—live in North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost stuck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful existences. But they are harboring a mighty secret—they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there's Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache,

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it's time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

From the bestselling author, Melissa de la Cruz comes a brand new series, but instead of vampires, we have a family of witches. 
We're introduced to the Beauchamp Family. Joanna, and her two daughters, Freya and Ingrid. Each woman has their own share of powers, and problems that come with it.
After Freya gets engaged to Bran and then meets his dashing, sexy brother, Killan, she forms a striking connection with him she can't seem to shake.
Her sister, Ingrid seems to have her own share of love problems when it comes to local cop, Matt Noble, his interest in her is obvious to everyone but Ingrid and she just might push him away before she even realize her own feelings for him.

Amongst all the love problems going on with the girls love lives, Joanna discovers there is a dark and evil presence lurking in their town and she is the only one who will be able to stop it.
After being tired of being restricted in not being able to use their powers, the girls get to the point where they don''t care what happens to them, using their abilities is who they are and they will not be stopped in doing something that feels natural.

Mystery, love and magic makes this book a great story that will make you believe anything is possible. 

I really loved Freya, Ingrid and Killian. The villian in the story I didn't expect, but almost felt like a relief in some way. Things from the beginning made sense as you got to the end and the puzzle begun to piece back together.
Joanna is also a good mother to the girls. She has lost her husband and son to unknown situations, so she feels she has to protect the ones she has left.
And of course a cliffhanger to die for and makes you itching for book 2.

Review: Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

Revelations (Blue Bloods #3) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication date: October 31st, 2008
Publisher: Hyperion
Number of pages: 264
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
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Synopsis: Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.

When an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom.

Jen's review:

True love does not come easy, but that's all part of the journey of life... 

In the third installment to the Blue Bloods series, comes another thrilling story that sets Bliss, Schuyler and Mimi on the beginning of separate paths in their lives.
With Schuyler dealing with the fallout of having to live with the Forces, Mimi is planning her bonding, while Bliss on the other hand has had more of a difficult turn of events.

When things take a turn for the worse in Rio, the Elders and Blue Bloods alike, including Schuyler go to help. But things in Rio don't turn out as they expected. Expect death, betrayal, love, passion, jealousy and accusations.
Schuyler's relationship with Jack takes an interesting turn, but she will have to wonder whether or not they truly belong together. Is it possible for Jack to break his bond with Mimi? Will they truly be able to get together and not having to hide their feelings for one another? It's a battle of the hearts, and one is bound to get broken.

Mimi and Bliss each have their own share of problems. With Mimi, its knowing that Jack doesn't love her like he does with Schuyler and trying to make him see that everything with her would never work out, and  how he and Mimi are the ones that belong together.
Bliss, on the other hand is battling a demon inside her, she tries to help Dylan, who has been taken to a place to help him after being abused by the Silver Bloods, and when everything Rio hits the fan, Bliss will have nowhere to run. She might be running out of options, and if she can't stop what is destroying her on the inside, it might be too late for them all..

This book was action packed, especially during the stuff that happened at Rio. Turn of events that nobody will ever be able to forget. You can tell that the story is taking a new direction, not a bad one, but a different one. But that's the thing with stories, they don't always follow the same path that you might think they would. Things surprise you. Shock you. But in the end, its all about the journey that life takes these characters on.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

April's review:


Just when Schuyler's life seems to be looking up, everything comes crashing down on her. Charles has gotten custody of her, and with being in the same household is making it easy for Mimi to torture her. Jack won't even acknowledge her, and she has been forbidden to even talk to her grandfather and Oliver.

The book has some great plot twisters. A couple of familiar faces are back, and keeps you on your toes on who is on what side. Even though Mimi is planning hers and Jack's bonding ceremony, he has been meeting with Sky in a secret apartment. It's not long before their secret is blown. On top of everything there as been some activity in Rio,and Lawrence has flown over to check everything out. When the whole Conclave is called to Rio because Lawrence is in trouble, Sky refuses to stay behind.

If you enjoyed the first two books, you will sure love this one. Who doesn't love a little forbidden romance? We finally learn who is the Silver Blood traitor, and looking back I think the clues were kind of obvious. One of my favorite books of the series.

Rating: 4/5 

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!

Jen & April's review of "Masquerade" by Melissa de la Cruz

Masquerade (Blue Bloods #2) by Melissa de la Cruz

Publication date: May 1st, 2007

Publisher: Hyperion

Number of pages: 307

Format: Hardcover

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Description: Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help - her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman - a true Blue Blood affair.

But it's at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire's destiny.

Rich with glamour, attitude, and vampire lore, this second installment in the Blue Bloods saga will leave readers thirsting for more.

Jen's review: Masquerade is the 2nd book in Melissa's "Blue Bloods" series. I love re-reading this series, because it has so much history, and I love the way Melissa has invented this world they are in. I love the attention to detail she has about the Blue Bloods and the history of them.

 In this installment, Sky and Oliver are in Venice trying to track down her MIA grandfather, Lawrence, who her grandmother said to find as he would know more about what she is seeking than anyone else. 

Things don't go according to plan and they return empty handed, but she soon discovers that everything might not be lost as she might have thought. 

 Between coming into newfound powers, battling her feelings for Jack and trying to figure out the mystery on who the Silver Blood is hiding amongst them, Sky's life suddenly is full of surprises.
Mimi and Bliss on the other hand are battling other things differently. With Mimi, she still sees Sky has a threat toward her relationship with Jack, and will do anything to protect that. And Bliss on the other hand is battling something totally different and much darker than ever anticipated.

After the death/disappearance of her boyfriend, Bliss keeps having blackouts and disturbing nightmares of something or someone after her. A beast of some kind.
A new boy then enters the picture who changes everything. He is someone who claims to know her, but she doesn't remember a thing about him. Is he lying, or has her past memories yet to surface?

I begun to realize that while Jack's might have been attracted to Sky initially in the beginning because of Allegra (I am guessing she must have been black haired at some point, since she is blonde now), but he fell in love with her because of Sky, and who she is. It kind of reminds me a little of The Vampire Diaries a little bit, and the attraction Stefan had for Elena initially might have stemmed from Katherine, but that's totally Offtopic.
I did love the little interactions between them in this book. Its progress that's building up to something big, I can imagine. A story that's only just beginning.
Jack tries to stay away from her and tries to explain away his attraction for her, but the more he finds himself doing little things to be around her.

Jack, buddy. You have it bad.

There isn't much history about in this book from the past. It more deals with the potential the the Silver Bloods are back, and who could be harbouring one.
Sky's family problems, Mimi's jealousy and Bliss's dark and haunted dreams make for one amazing book.
This series just gets better and better.

Rating:: 5 out of 5

April's review:

Masquerade picks up about two months after Blue Bloods left off. Feeling even more alone in the world, Schuyler is overjoyed when her grandfather decides it's time to rejoin the Blue Blood society and returns to New York. Even though Jack Force has stopped talking to her, she can't seem to get him out of his head. Her grandfather sees Jack's attractions towards Sky and just assumes that she doesn't return the feelings, saying if she did it would only result in their dooms.

Cruz has an amazing talent for slipping out only hints of information here and there that keeps you guessing and wanting to read more. Even though I have read this book before, it was like reading it for the first time. I just couldn't put it down. If you loved Sky and Jack in the first book, you will love them even more in this book. We are introduce a new character, Kingsley, whom shares the same curiosity for the dark magic that is forbidden to them. Which of course isn't good news for Sky.

When a Silver Blood is summoned, we learn that Mimi, Sky, and Bliss were the main suspects for harboring one.  And that Kingsley isn't who he says he is. When the final outcome is that Mimi is sentenced for death, having her blood burn, but is she really guilty? Sky is the only one that has the power to determine if Mimi is really guilty or innocent. But will she do it?

The book is very fast paced, and we learn a bit more information. It will leave you craving for more.

Rating: 4/5 

Jen & April' review of "Blue Bloods" by Melissa de la Cruz

Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods #1) by Melissa de la Cruz

Publication date: April 25th, 2006

Publisher: Hyperion

Number of pages: 302

Format: Hardcover

Description: When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society.

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Jen's review --

I have read this series many times, but each time I always find something I didn't know and brings a whole new perspective to the story.

I really loved the whole history of the Mayflower and the settlement, along with the mixture between angels and vampires. Melissa gives a whole new meaning to this genre and it's one of the reasons why this series is one of my favourite in the vampire genre.

We have three different girls from different background. Schuyler, Mimi and Bliss. They find themselves thrown together, and not always in the best way possible.

When Schuyler discovers that she is a blue blood, or at least half of one, she finds herself deep within a tragic and mysterious world she never thought possible.

Finding herself falling for a boy who is meant for someone else sure doesn't help matters either. With a deep lore of mythology, forbidden love and mystery to boot, this is a book you would love if you are into vampires, and even angels. A bit of both worlds and you can't go wrong.

With each chapter a different POV from each girl, we find ourselves into their thoughts and worlds as they discover new things, and dig into relationships and also finding rivals in each other.

I really loved the beginning of Jack and Sky's relationship in this book. It wasn't something that was OUT THERE, but it was subtle bits, but with some substantial things that will make you soon.

Mimi is someone who I love to hate. In this book, a little more hate then love, LOL But I do understand where she is coming from.

Bliss is someone who I adore. A girl moving from one place to another and trying to fit in, it's only natural she would want to impress the girl who could make you or break you in a school that is pretty much run by popularity.

There are boys of course. Romances along the way, and a series long mystery that involves the Silver Bloods, a creation that should not exist and are wrecking havoc amongst the Blue Bloods. 

                                                                           

April's review -

No matter how many times I read this series, it never disappoints me. It takes a very original and refreshing twist on vampires, mixing angels and vampires together.  The vampires or Blue Bloods are essentially the fallen angels cast out of heaven.  And then there’s the whole twist on the Lost Colony of Roanoke and Croatan. I’ve always been interested in it, and really do love the twist Cruz puts on it.

And of course with being YA it has to follow some predictable plot points; Sky and Oliver being outcasts and of course Sky being involved with the popular guy Jack Force. I did love how you can tell Sky and Jack are infatuated with each other, but don’t actually fall in love in this book. Sometimes I really hate how it seems like the next minute the person is in love. Even though I do love Sky and Jack, I think it’s kind of weird that he used to pursue Sky’s mom.  I couldn’t stand Mimi. Wait scratch that. It’s more of a love to hate her kind of thing. Very spoiled and selfish. At first glance it would seem like Bliss would be exactly like her, but pull away from Mimi’s clutches and befriends Oliver and Sky.

Just when you think you figured everything out there’s another small twist. The book keeps you on your toes and very hard to put down.  Instead of Sky being close to solving the mystery behind the Silver Bloods, the story is just only beginning.

Rating: 5 out of 5