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

Jekel Loves Hyde

Beth Fantaskey

Publishing May 2010

288 pages

Rating: B+

Synopsis
Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship. To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.

My review

The main character, Jill Jekel, is small, timid and quiet. I loved her. At first, she seems to be very vulnerable and weak but by the end of the book I found her to be courageous and strong. She was very interesting and I felt like I could relate to her, differences aside. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book from her perspective. Speaking of that, I also loved the odd times where the story was being told by Tristen.

That leads me to evil Mr. Hyde himself. Tristen was a very complex and mysterious character. I liked him from the beginning but I never really fully understood who he was. His life is filled with secrets and unanswered questions but as you get deeper enthralled in the mystery of his "curse" things become clearer and secrets are revealed. Him and Jill are like opposite people but yet they're also alike in many ways. Which is why I loved the chemistry (aha) between them.

I really liked Jekel Loves Hyde. From the first page, I was intrigued and wanted to figure out how the story would develop. It had a great plot, full of mystery and I loved how Beth retold a great classic story in a new and exciting way. I love the whole idea.

Although I really enjoyed the book, I feel as though there was something missing. The book felt rushed to me. At the end of the book, everything happened at once in a matter of about five pages. And romance! I feel like there was barely any romance. It was mostly fighting and physical tension. But other than those two minor things, the book was great! Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is still my preferred book of Beth's but this one did not disappoint either.

-Marisa