Book Review: The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz

Title: The Van Alen Legacy
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods (Book #4)
Pages: 369
Publisher: Hyperion
Year Published: 2009

" 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."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book was a lot better than Revelations in my opinion. It held more mystery and the characters where much more developed. I loved that throughout the book it regularly switched from three main characters: Mimi, Bliss and Schuyler. This caused more suspense and a better understanding of what was going on. I also liked that this book had a lot more to do with the history of the Blue Blood society. In the first three books we don't hear much of the history prior to arriving in the New World. I thought that this was the last book in this series but after doing some research I found that there are more and Melissa De La Cruz is still writing. I plan on reading the next book, Misguided Angel, as soon as I can find it.
THANK YOU MELISSA DE LA CRUZ FOR SHOWING YOUNG LOVE IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION!

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz

This book was so much better than I anticipated. After reading Revelations I was so disappointed I figured that the Blue Bloods Series was on it's spiral down, and while this book wasn't perfect it certainly wasn't worse than the last one. I loved that we got to learn more about the Blue Bloods in ancient history, not just in the New World. I liked learning about the events in Rome and how Melissa De La Cruz makes history seem more like a mystery than fact. It makes a person wonder at the truth of history recordings.
Let's talk...

Characters:
Bliss: During this book I found Bliss to be a little dimwitted. I got that she was being taken over by Lucifer, but calling him the Visitor and thinking that he couldn't figure out she was doing was dumb. The fact that when she wasn't being controlled she went and got a manicure was pathetic, I thought that she was better than that but in this book she seemed kind of like Mimi in that sense. I was happy when she used Michael's sword to be rid of the "Visitor" I wonder what she is now though: human or Blue Blood?

Schuyler: I figured that Jack and her would end up together together at some point. They just seem like they're made for each other even though Mimi is Jack's "soul mate" I was mad that Schuyler fell in "love" with Oliver. I really think that he was more of a brother to her than anything else and she played him pretty bad. I was happy that Oliver saw what was happening and decided to give her up. I'm curious about her gatekeeper mission though.

Mimi: I think that if Kingsley had lived she would have ended up with him for sure rather than Jack. They just seem more suited for each other. They both need someone to knock them off their pedestals. I do wish that she would stop fighting for Jack though. She feel in love with another just like him, so why can't she just let it go?

Jack: I think that Jack made the right choice running off with Schuyler. I love them together! I doubt it will last to long though if Mimi has her way.

Oliver: Poor guy has had a rough life, I think he would have been better off remaining in the friend zone. Maybe him and Bliss???

Kingsley: Although Kingsley was at times a jerk I think that he was one of my favorite characters. Who doesn't love a bad boy?


Moments to Remember:
♥Pg. 53
"He drank coffee like some vampires drank blood."

♥Pg. 99
"In a way the chase invigorated her: running so fast, using her vampire muscles and exerting them in ways they had never been used- by god he was fast! But I am faster, she though."

♥Pg. 186
" 'Prove it!' she hissed. 'Prove you are who you say!'
'We don't have time for this! You really want me to prove who I am?' he asked.
'Yes!' she challenged.
In answer, he took her in his arms, lifting her up and against the wall. He pressed his lips against hers, and with each kiss she could see into his mind, into his soul."

♥Pg. 223
"They had both learned to cook while on the run. Oliver's specialty was an Indian banana-and-chicken curry, while Schuyler liked to make interesting concoctions out of pasta and whatever she could find in the fridge. (Sometimes Oliver said they were too interesting.)"


Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

As I mentioned in the book review above this was a good book, but not as good as the others. I found that I was able to guess who the Silver Blood was throughout most of the book. I had my suspects from book 2, but the cover gives it all away. Who has read hair and acts oddly? Bliss! Whoever made the cover just pissed me off. I still love how this book is set in New York, but I found that the setting wasn't as highlighted in this book and that was disappointing. I did enjoy exploring Charles Force's house though.

Characters:
Schuyler: We've seen so many changes in Schuyler since the first book. I found it hard to believe that she was hooking up with Jack, but I was cheering her on. Who doesn't want the boy that they aren't supposed to have? I love the idea of them together. I wasn't impressed when she tells Oliver she loves him. I doubt that highly actually. It wasn't even a big emotional break through, it was more of a hey, I love you. I was baffled.

Bliss: As I mentioned above, I knew that Bliss was the Silver Blood through most of this book and this is due to the cover. I loved the way she narrates the story though. I was mad when she didn't realize herself that she was the one causing everyone harm, not Dylan. Is she really Gabrielle's daughter though? That's the question that I can't get out of my head.

Mimi: The same as ever. Selfish and lustful. Mimi has what she does because of the kind of angel she was. I really think that she'll end up turning to the dark side... especially if she loses Jack. She doesn't deserve him anyways, he just doesn't seem to fit with her.

Jack: I really love this character, although I think that he might be playing Schuyler. If there isn't a way to break the bond why would he lie to her? I don't think that him and Mimi should go through with the bonding but I don't see how he can't without undergoing a trial.

Oliver: I feel sorry for Oliver. He's been used and abused by Schuyler so many times. She had to know that he loved her and that making him her familiar would only make it worse. I was even mores surprised when she confessed her love. If I was Oliver I wouldn't believe a word she said.

Dylan: I knew that Dylan was innocent. He doesn't mean to hurt anybody, and he seems like such a sweetheart. I only hope his memory will recover.

Lawrence: I was so sad when Lawrence died. He was such an interesting character, and now that he won't return to the cycle things are just extremely depressing.

Jordan: I'm confused as to what the watcher is, but I"m assuming she's one who is watching Bliss, making sure that she isn't going to live to fulfill evil deeds. Jordan didn't do such a good job though, and she was captured.

Charles: I could hardly believe that Charles was reduced to basically nothing, especially when the Blue Bloods need an Archangel the most.

Kingsley: Seriously thought he was the guilty one. What the heck!?!?!


Moments to Remember:
♥Pg. 75
"Outside of this place, they could be nothing to each other. He would not even allow himself to look at her. He could not afford it. So she wanted him to enjoy himself, to look at her as much as he liked.
'Get over here,' he growled."

♥Pg. 205
"Brazilians wore skimpy bikinis, no matter their shape or size; it was liberating and somewhat appalling at the same time. The American in Bliss believed grandmothers should not wear thongs."

♥Pg. 264
"Love. It's so close to hate, it's almost indistinguishable.
But this is how t was for the two of them.
Love and hate.
Life and death.
Joy and anguish."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

Title: Masquerade
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods (Book #2)
Pages: 304
Publisher: Hyperion Paperbacks
Year Published: 2007

"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, preparation are feverishly under way 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 with leave readers thirsting for more."

My Rating: 9/10

I was surprised to find this book even better than the last one! I really can't get over the fact that  Melissa De La Cruz has changed my view on vampires forever. I really love the idea of reincarnation in this book, because it just adds another paranormal effect. When my friends ask what the series is about I have started to explain it as Gossip Girl with paranormal activity. This seems to be an effective method. I would definitely suggest these books to anyone whose a curious mind, but it must be open as well. If you close your mind to the myths in this book it is nothing. I loved how the characters in this book started to feel like friends and how I got to explore New York from a far. I can hardly wait to read the third book :)
THANK YOU MELISSA DE LA CRUZ FOR SHOWING A "ROMANCE" AND A PARANORMAL THEME CAN COMBINE!

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

I am loving this series so far. I felt in this second book I was a lot closer to the characters. The way they acted made sense and I could understand things from their point of view. I loved that I got to explore New York, a city I am definitely gonna see one day! I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to see much of Venice, but if the author has never been there it is better that we didn't spend the whole time with Oliver and Schuyler. I loved the way that the Four Hundred Ball was described although I wish we would have heard more about the dancing.  The only reason that this book isn't a 10 is because I could tell who the Silver Blood. That's something that drives me insane, but the ending surprise made up for it!

Characters:
Schuyler: Our main character appears more grown up in this book. Traveling to Venice was something that I didn't think she'd do on her own at the end of the first book, but really it shows how grown up she is. I liked seeing how she got to learn her powers and more of her family history. I hope that her and Jack get together, but that doesn't look like it's gonna happen. Was it obvious to anyone else that Oliver was in love with Schuyler? DUH! I mean even I'm not that blind. Poor Oliver is in the friend zone though. I feel bad about that. I loved how at the end she did the right thing for Mimi even if there was the chance of her becoming a monster.

Oliver: We don't get to witness much from his view, but it's obvious that he's in love with Schuyler he goes above and beyond the call of duty by becoming her familiar. Something I wish he hadn't done though. This means his feelings will grow and chances are Schuyler wont feel the same at all. Poor boy.

Mimi: I know it's bad, but I like a good villain and Mimi definitely fits that bill. She's jealous, spoiled and popular. I could hardly believe when she became friends with Kingsley and began doing dark magic (something i didn't know that vampires did... vampires/witches?) I thought perhaps she had been the one to destroy the library, but I knew she wasn't that powerful. Even she isn't the true criminal in the books.

Jack: So I kinda love this guy :) I know it's wrong because he's playing with Schuyler's emotions but he's the kind of guy I go for. I don't like that he puts up with Mimi's bull. She doesn't deserve someone so loyal and loving. I didn't expect him to even think the L word about Schuyler though, that surprised me. I wonder how they'll all fair in one household.

Kingsley: This guy has Silver Blood written all over him. He is convincing people to do Dark Magic, not looking for suspects. I wonder if Charles Force is actually that stupid or if he is in on it? Suspicious! And what is Kingsley's relation to Bliss, is there one or was it just made up for the "investigation"?

Bliss: I was shocked at the end of this story when she finds out that she's at least Schuyler's  half sister! Wow talk about keeping a reader interested. I love Bliss, although she's kind of going crazy, I can relate to her. She doesn't really like Mimi but she sticks with her so she doesn't get left out. I hope that by finding this out Bliss will start to hang out with Schuyler more. I love the fact that Dylan is alive!


Moments to Remember:
♥Pg. 134
"It was just too weird to always look at Oliver and think he'd taste delicious. He was her best friend, not a snack."

♥Pg. 231
"But that morning, she had found an envelope stuffed into her locker. It was from the Mercer Hotel, and held a plastic door key for their suite. 'Se you there tonight,' Oliver had written. 'Chomp! Chomp!' "

 I can hardly wait to read what happens next, but I want to take a small break from these books so I can review books for those who haven't read this far yet.

Hope you enjoyed,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Title: Blue Bloods

Author: Melissa De La Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods (Book #1)

Pages: 302

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Year Published: 2006

“Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes to the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. The death of a popular schoolmate haunts her in unexpected ways. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.

 Once an outcast, Schuyler is thrust into Manhattan’s most exclusive social circle. It’s members are the powerful, the wealthy, and – as Schuyler soon discovers- the unhuman. They are Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires, and for centuries they’ve been invincible. Now something is preying on this elite group, and Schuyler wants to find out the truth. But is she the most vulnerable of them all?”

My Rating: 9/10

I was starting to avoid vampire books at all cost, because I was tired of the same old story over and over. This book was a surprising change! It’s not quite like anything I’ve read before. I enjoyed the fact the narrative was from a vampire perspective, instead of a human one. The author also did a tremendous job with the point of view; the reader can easily pick many characters minds (in the best way possible).  The only part that I didn’t enjoy was that it took a bit before the story got rolling. That said, when it was rolling I could hardly put it down.

THANK YOU MELISSA DE LA CRUZ FOR A THRILLING MODERN VAMPIRE TALE!

Love,

Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

This book is truly tremendous! Just when I was losing faith in vampire fiction I picked up this book to be pleasantly surprised. I love the idea of the Committee. It just made the mystery far more interesting. The fact that they know which are Blue Bloods and are able to explain what’s happening to them is amazing. I loved this aspect.

 This book isn’t only about vampires though, it also includes the mysterious theory of reincarnation. The collaboration of the two interested me and pulled me through this book. A great page turner.

CHARACTERS:

Schuyler: I suppose she is the real main character and an interesting one at that. Half human, half vampire in a different way. Not like most of the others I’ve read about. I love the fact that she’s not a plastic. She wears what she likes, not what’s popular. I really liked her and Jack together, but I can also see her and Oliver together later on in this series.

Mimi: A popular snot. Can you guess how much I like her? I don’t like the fact that she doesn’t follow any of the Committee’s rules. She doesn’t take care of her familiars. It’s also disgusting that she is interested in her twin brother. It’s just not right! EWW

Bliss: I love that she adds a little bit of country to the big apple. She is a fun character to see in this story. The fact that she’s friends with Mimi ticked me off at the beginning but then she was with Dylan J so I was impressed for a tiny bit.

Jack: I love Jack. He seems like the perfect boy, but really he can’t end up with Mimi because that’s just wrong. They’re freaking twins! He belongs with Schuyler damn it!

Oliver: This guy looks like he’s in the friend zone, but maybe he’ll find someone other than Schuyler. I know for a fact that best friends are really hard to date, so I really don’t think they’ll end up together… at least not well.

Dylan: All I know is that he must be a Silver Blood. I don’t think that he’s actually dead though. He has to be alive, at least I hope he is in the second book.

Cordelia: What an interesting lady? She isn’t truly Schuyler’s grandmother, but I was so sad to see her die. It was like leaving poor Schuyler all alone in the world. I love that she knew so many secrets though, she was almost a messenger. I hope we get to “meet” her husband in the next book.

Allegra (Schuyler’s mom): I was happy to find out what put her in a coma, now if only she’d come out and tell her story!

Charles Force: This man is just plain old suspicious. I don’t like the looks of him and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in with the Silver Bloods. He just seems like a scumbag.

 Moment to Remember:

♥Pg. 151

“Schuyler shook her head. No. She wasn’t going to fall for this. They might all be drinking laced Kool-Aid in there, but she had a good head on her shoulders.”

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo