Book Review: The Van Alen Legacy

Title: The Van Alen Legacy
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods #4
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion
Release Date: October 6, 2009
My Source: Library
Other Books In Series:
Blue Bloods
Masquerade
Revelations

Warning: May contain mild spoilers for those who haven't read the books 1-3 of the series.

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Goodreads Summary:

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? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

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My Review:
The fourth book in the addicting Blue Bloods series, The Van Alen Legacy continues in the format of it's predecessors, in telling the story switching between 3 teenage vampire girls- Schuyler, Bliss, and Mimi. It takes place a year after the 3rd book, a time gap which makes the beginning hard to get into. Schuyler and her best friend Oliver have been on the run from the Conclave for over a year. Bliss can't remember much of the past year- she's being possessed and used by a mysterious Visitor who inhabits her mind. And Mimi has been traveling the world with Kingsley to investigate what happened in Rio.

The first half of this book felt like a let down to me- probably because of the year that passed, it was hard to get back into the characters. It was just so slow moving. Bliss, Schuyler, and Mimi were all in completely different parts of the world on different missions. It took me awhile to read through this part.

It picked up once all the characters returned to their home of New York City. It became addicting and interesting. The plot was as crazy good as ever again, and tension of the Silver Bloods, the sinister evil vampires who are trying to pretty much destory the world, was there again. The plot was so intrinsic that it was a little difficult to follow at times. I'm still not sure if I got it all, because I read too quickly sometimes. So much is going on though, and that's a good thing.

My new favorite character is Mimi- her story is easily the most interesting and I love her romantic relationships with a certain person I won't mention, I don't want to give anything away! Schuyler is torn between her best friend Oliver and her forbidden love Jack, and I felt SO bad for Oliver the whole time. I really hope something good happens to him at the end of the series.

This book is getting a slightly lower rating than the previous two because the first half was so much less entertaining than the previous books, but thankfully it picked up and turned out much better by the second half.

Out of all the vampire series I've read, I think plot-wise Blue Bloods is definitely the winner. I'll definitely be reading more of this series, besides the plot, I need to see Mimi end up with the person I really, really, really think she's going to. ;)


3.5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Revelations
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods #3
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: October 28 2008
My Source: Library
Other Books In Series:
Blue Bloods
Masquerade

My Rating: 4/5

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Goodreads Summary:

Have you ever wondered what secrets lurk behind the closed doors of New York City's wealthiest families? They're powerful, they're famous... they're undead.
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 one of the Gates of Hell is breached by Silver Bloods in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods will need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high; the battle is bloody; and through it all, Carnavale rages on. And in the end, one vampire's secret identity will be exposed in a revelation that shocks everyone.

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My Review:

The third book in the Blue Bloods series, Revelations follows the same pattern as the books in the previous series. Very rich New York vampires, trying to make sense of the Silver Blood crisis that's threatening to destroy them all.

In previous reviews I mentioned getting irritated with the flat characters. Even though it still bothers me, I've seen some change in them. Previously, I thought Bliss had no personality because in the first book she was just Mimi's sidekick who had an unhealthy and random obsession with Dylan. But now I think she's acutally becoming her own character, and she's not nearly as boring to read about. So in that sense, this book was getting better.

The POV is the same as previous books- 3rd person, alternating between Schuyler, Bliss, and Mimi- but documents are randomly thrown in there, transcripts of random conversations that took place during other characters during Masquerade that explain the background of the plot twists in the previous book. I really like this, how the resolution of the plot of the previous book is well explained, with some questions still left open.

I've mentioned before this series isn't deep or extremely well written, but it's fun and I couldn't enjoy reading it more. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining vampire plot, who just wants to read something for fun. That's what it is to me and I really enjoy reading it.

I read Revelations immediately following Masquerade, the second book in the series. Now I'm dying to get my hands on the fourth book. It's just plain addicting. This book gets 4/5 stars and I'd recommend it if you liked the previous books and are looking for a fun read without a whole ton of substance (but not without any).

Misguided Angel Giveaway

I have one new hardback copy of Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz to giveaway to a lucky reader! This is the 5th book in the Blue Bloods series. I highly recommend this series and if you want to get the latest book- this is it!

My reviews of previous Blue Bloods novels: Blue Bloods Masquerade

My Blue Bloods Series Fantasy Cast

I won't be posting the summary here for fear of spoiling it for those who haven't read the series.

EDIT:

Sorry guys, I'm an idiot and I forgot to post the rules! I hope this doesn't effect those of you who have already entered.

Giveaway rules:

• You must be at least 13 years old
• Please only fill out the form ONCE.
• You can have a total of 4 entries (all on the one form).
• US only (sorry international followers- go enter my Create-A-Sequel Challenge!)
• Contest deadline: January 15

Enter Here

Book Review: Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Masquerade
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods #2
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: May 1 2007
My Source: Library
My Rating: 4/5

Goodreads Summary:
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.

My Review:
Blue Bloods is a vampire series following 15-year-old Schuyler Van Alen who discovers she's a vampire, but not just any vampire. She learns that the Blue Bloods are a group of elite and super rich New Yorkers, but they're also vampires, she whether she likes it or not, she's one of them.

This book also follows Bliss and Mimi, two of Schuyler's fellow vampires and acquaintances. They all have their own interconnecting storylines going on, and it's told in 3rd person POV switching between the 3 girls.

The best part about this book was the plot and mystery. I won't take the time to explain it here, but the stakes are high and there are plenty of mysteries that come to light as the books progress.

As with the first book, there were plenty of details on exactly what every character was wearing, and sometimes, how much they cost. The character development is really lacking though- the only character I ever felt like I was really in their head was Mimi. Schulyer was ok, but Bliss was a very flat character with virtually no personality.

There were also a few weird unneccesary plot tangents, but they were very short. A subplot that started in the first book was Schulyer and Bliss's modeling careers. It added nothing to the book except a chance to describe a few more outfits. I really felt like this made no sense for Schulyer''s character. I didn't understand her because I never thought she'd be a model... but that's just kind of how this whole series is.

One more thing- this book implies that it will be about the Masquerade ball. In reality, the ball lasts for about 3 pages towards the beginning and is only mentioned a couple of times after that, and has really no significance to the plot. The summary is misleading.

You can tell I have a lot of issues with this series, but I absolutely cannot stop reading. This book was short and I read it in a day. I guess I'm calling this my "guilty pleasure" reading, because even though I have so many problems it's still such an entertaining read.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a series of quick, juicy and entertaining reads. Don't expect a lot out of this series, but you'd be surprised by how quickly you tear through them. This book deserves 4/5 stars.

Cover: 4/5
It goes with the rest of the series just fine, but like I said, none of this book is really about a Masquerade.

Blue Bloods Series Fantasy Cast

If you haven't heard me talk about it yet, Blue Bloods is the latest series I'm obsessed with. While reading, I've had actors in my head for a lot of the main characters, so I've created a fantasy cast for the Blue Bloods Series by Melissa de la Cruz. Check back later this week for a giveaway of one of the books in the series!

I'm only on the 3rd Blue Bloods book, so my cast won't include any characters introduced afterwards (if there even are any). Please don't mention anything spoiler-y about the characters in the comments!

Schulyer Van Alen- the outcast who's suddenly thrust into the spotlight in the vampire world. Pretty, but in a natural, not a flashly way like Mimi. Played by...

Dakota Fanning. I think she would be absolutely perfect if she dyed her hair darker. Plus, she actually looks 15, like Schuyler is. She has the right look of fragileness combined with smarts, and she's a fantastic actress.

Bliss Llewellyn- the beautiful new girl. Curly red hair, tall, and gorgeous. Played by...

Rachel Hurd-Wood. I don't know if she's perfect, but she's the only one that came to my mind. She's pretty, and has the long curly red hair going (It's not curly in this picture, but is in others). As a bonus, she's only 20 years old.









Jack Force- very handsome, but also wise. The vampire twin, or soulmate, of Mimi, though he is starting to fall in love with Schulyer instead. Played by...

Chad Michael Murray. I know he's too old, but this is a fantasy cast, right? I couldn't get him out of my head for Jack throughout the whole book. I just think he's perfect.

Oliver Hazard-Perry -the human best friend of Schuyler. Ordinary looking. Played by...

Jamie Bell. He looks a little too old, but I just love him, and once again, it's a fantasy cast! His hair in this picture reminds me of Oliver for some reason. This pick I'm least solid on though- if you have any other Oliver suggestions let me know! I was having a hard time finding anyone who looked like Oliver in my mind.

Mimi Force- the blonde, beautiful, controlling and manipulative, ultra rich girl who always wears the latest fashions and shuns those that don't. Jack's vampire twin, or soulmate. Same blonde hair as him. Played by...

Alyson Michalka. I think a lot of actresses could play Mimi, but I like Alyson because she looks like that girl that has everything. And I could see her with Chad Michael Murray looking like a stunning couple.

Dylan Ward- the Blue Blood who was mysteriously transformed by the Silver Bloods... also Bliss's crush/love. Played by...

Justin Chatwin. I don't really like Dylan's character, I find him dull, but I find Bliss pretty dull too. But Justin is spot on to how I imagined Dylan.

Kingsley Martin- poses as a high schooler, but is actually a bit older. Very good looking and mysterious. We're unclear whose side he's really on... (at least at the point in the book where I'm at!) Played by...

Zac Efron. From the second Kingsley was introduced I had Zac in my head, and the more I read the more perfect I realized he was. He's got the good looks, he's the perfect age, and I think he'd play the mysterious hot guy really well. :)






What do you think about my picks? Do you have any of your own suggestions to add?

Teaser Tuesday from MASQUERADE

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Like all of the girls assembled, Bliss couldn't take her eyes off him.
As though he could feel her stare, he turned around and looked her directly in the eye.
And winked."

-pg 137, Masquerade (Blue Bloods #2) by Melissa de la Cruz

I'm reading this book as part of First Come, Second Served Month!

Book Review: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Blue Bloods
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods #1
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: May 1 2006
My Source: Bought


My Rating: 3/5


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.


This book is a combination of vampires meets rich new yorkers, which in the premise sounded really intriging to me, and that's why I picked it up. I really wanted to like this book, and it was entertaining, even if it wasn't best book I've ever read. Schuyler Van Alen, along with many other teens her age, found out she was a vampire when she turned fifteen, but not only that, they learned that they had lived many past lives and were reincarnated over and over again. I'm sorry, but every time I read a book with the whole reincarnation thing it usually drags the book down for me (...like Evermore, a book I really didn't enjoy). I'm not sure why, but it's like if they'd had so many past lives I hardly care about this one. Fortunately, without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say that this book had enough differences, twists in the whole reincarnation thing that I was able to deal with it. It was definitely interesting enough, a new take on the vampire thing by having them be immortal angels, you'd have to read it to really understand it.
One thing I did like about this book was that it was told in third person, and not just focused on romance where there's one perfect mysterious guy. Actually, I didn't really like any of the guys in this book, which was a little bit of a let down, but it was okay.
I have to say the writing in this book was pretty horrible. I absolutely do not get the point of having the Schulyer/Bliss photoshoot, it completely didn't relate to the plot and totally got me confused about Schuyler's character. The books started out like this: Mimi is the fashion obsessed, rich girl, Schuyler is the goth girl who don't care about that, and then suddenly she's this vampire and model. What? No character development. I'm so confused! That wasn't exactly the only thing in this book that totally didn't make sense. It was really unrealistic, but I still kept reading because even though it was lame at times, it certainly wasn't boring. You might be dragged down by all the designer labels, clothing descriptions, etc, but I was reading it fast enough that I didn't care, though there was a point where it started to get ridiculous.

I'm going to continue reading the next one, but if it starts getting worse (more ridiculous and unbelievable characters) than I don't know if I'll stick with the series.
*content warning: some completely uneccesary (in my opinion) sexual content!