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Monday, April 19, 2010

Blue Bloods

Melissa de la Cruz

Published 2006

302 pages

Rating: B+

Synopsis

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. 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 girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think.
Could those vampire legends really be true? Steeped in vampire lore and set against the heady backdrop of the rich, young, and powerful in the heart of New York City, Blue Bloods will be devoured by Melissa de la Cruz's legion fans.

My review

A twist of Gossip Girl and House of Night, this book surprised me with the brilliant story Melissa de la Cruz has created. I'm an avid fan of vampires but to be honest, it does get a bit boring to read the same thing over and over again. That was definitely not the case with this book! It was a whole different take on vampires for me. I loved how they're quite human and civilized, unlike Hollywood's version of a vampire. Blood sucking monsters with no trace of humanity left. The blood suckers in this book are classy, sophisticated, designer wearing socialites. They love attending traditional balls and high class events. Their status is determined by wealth and heritage.

The main character, Schuyler Van Alen is a misfit. Her past is very tangled with secrets and shame. She doesn't wear designer clothes and she hangs out with "losers", her best friend Oliver Hazard-Perry JR. and an outcast Dylan Ward. The three of them form their own group and are scorned by their peers particularly Mimi Force, queen of their school. When Schuyler becomes a Blue Blood she discovers a whole new world. She feels new cravings and is starting to fit in more. Jack Force, Mimi's twin and "soul mate", has even taken a special interest in her and Bliss Llewellyn, Mimi's "best friend" has befriended the trio of misfits. When deaths present themselves in the Blue Blood world, Schuyler joins forces with Oliver, Bliss, Dylan and Jack to figure out who is killing off Blue Blood teens.

I have to admit that I wasn't really sure if I would enjoy Blue Bloods but the book was actually great! It had an amazing plot with characters to relate to and laugh with. The mystery was great and the book kept me guessing till the end. I became fond of Bliss, Dylan and I hate to say this, but I even like Mimi. She's an interesting character and I can't wait to know more about her and Jack's past lives. Speaking of that, I also loved the special powers the vampires had in this book. They were totally different and interesting! I wish Melissa would of included more action and steamy romantic scenes in the story but it was a good book nonetheless.

-Marisa

11 comments:

  1. The story here is so original and entertaining and creepier as the series continues. I just finished book 3 and it was awesome. I think I would have liked to see more romance too but then I think "OK they are supposed to be like 15 or 16 so how much should I expect?" Mimi is really well written even if she is the total baddie. Great review!
    ~ Yesenia, Silly Little Game Called Life

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  2. The story gets better with every book. =]

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  3. I've got this on my shelf and need to get to it. It sounds like a really good read and I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for the review; I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Blue Bloods. :D

    ~Briana

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  4. I am really glad to read your review and see you enjoyed it so. I have it on its way to me and this sounds like a great read. Thank you!

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  5. Great review. I have seen this serie around, maybe I should try them. :)

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  6. Great review! I've been back and forth if I want to start this series, but I think I will soon. It sounds interesting!

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  7. love this series schuyler is a deffo fav of mine great review! :)

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  8. Awesome review! I was iffy about reading this book due to mixed reviews, but I must read it now.

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  9. Oh, dear, I kinda hated it. Somehow I just don't see vampires next to huge billboards. But the premise is good, I'm really sorry she didn't elaborate more on the Roanoke story.

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  10. Hi Marisa! Im new to the blogging world, but I'm starting a book review (+other randomeness) blog, and I just wanted to tell you that your reviews are amazing! I love the detailed description of the characters you portrayed, It was so captivating, and even though vampire stories are bit over-used for me at this point, I might check this book out! Please check my blog out and give me some pointers, that would be incredible!!!

    nithyagarg13.blogspot.com

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