Justine's Thoughts: Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods #4)
By Melissa de la Cruz

Source: Library
Pages: 369
Rating: 4/5
Book Description:

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

A quote:

The world in your mind is as real as the world outside of it.

Any thoughts:

Van Alen Legacy felt different when I was reading it. Perhaps it was because of the revelations from the previous book. Or perhaps because it takes place a year after the previous book ended. Whatever it is, it had a different air.

Characters were all around the globe. Some are running, some are chasing. The one character I never thought I would ever like started to get to me in a good way. Mimi is badass. The change in her character becomes evident in this novel. I’m actually starting to enjoy her character. And that scene with the gates? I believe I cried.

I am loving the series thus far and I am very much anticipating the next book. Who knew this series could be so addicting?

Justine's Thoughts: Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

Revelations (Blue Bloods #3)
By Melissa de la Cruz

Source: Library
Pages: 256
Rating: 5/5
A quote:

Tonight the world is yours, as am I.

Any thoughts:

Ah, I understand why this book in the series is called “Revelations”. We finally get some answers! Not all of them, but enough to satisfy my curiosity. And with revelations come total shock and surprise, such as Jack and Schyler, Bliss’s nature and Grandfather Lawrence.

It felt like this was the very beginning of the series, where things happen and things start to get real interesting. Take, for example, the battle between the Blue Bloods and Silver Bloods. It has just begun and Revelations ended with its beginning. It’s about to get dirty in the next novel, I’m sure.

Schyler gets irritating often. She doesn’t know what to do (I admit, I wouldn’t know either), which has its certain consequences. She treats her best friend, Oliver, like crap (though I understand why) even though he doesn’t deserve it. All in all, let’s just say she’s in a huge mess right now.

The writing is once again intelligent and magnificent, and the plot unpredictable and fascinating. I want more of it, and certainly will be reading the next book soon.

Justine's Thoughts: Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

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

Source: Library
Pages: 304

Rating:

4/5

Book Description:

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

A quote:

A brain with no heart and no reasoning ... well, nothing is more meaningless.

Any thoughts (No major spoilers):

So incredible, exhilarating, fascinating, and very suspenseful! I can’t get enough of this series. I am absolutely loving it so far. I enjoyed going back to the characters and their history and learning more about them as we delve deeper into the roots of each family. There are many things that I found out in this second book and many things that also spiked up my curiosity, leaving me with suspicions until I read the third book. It’s killing me at the moment.

The writing is lovely, the tone fits with the plot, the descriptions are exquisite. I fell in love with the characters once again. Jack is now more of a mystery to me than before, Mimi is always quite the annoying fella, Bliss is focused and explored upon more, Ollie is *aww*, and Schuyler is a main character I will forever adore.

The ending is just right. It left me with right amounts of everything. And maybe just a little bit of excitement.

Justine's Thoughts: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

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

Source: Library
Pages: 302
Book Description:

Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. Its members are the powerful and the wealthy--and, in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school, her prestigious New York City 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 dilapidated mansion. Schuyler is a loner. . .and happy that way.

But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. She discovers a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Steeped in vampire lore and set against the glittery backdrop of New York City, Blue Bloods will be devoured by fans of Melissa de la Cruz.

A quote:

No matter how overused and abused it was, sorry was still a powerful word.

Any thoughts:

I was never good at history and I never liked it either. That was why I was a little hesitant before I decided to go ahead and give it a try.

Melissa de la Cruz’s take on vampires is unique. I mean, blue blood? That seems pretty cool to me. And hey, they glow at night instead of sparkle in the sun! (I just had to throw that in there.) But what I noticed is that Melissa de la Cruz takes the time to explain the history and explicit details such as the outfits and houses (more like ancient mansions) of characters. She has such a wide imagination, and gives a vivid view of the scene as it is happening. Because of this, the overall pace is awkward and way too slow for my liking. It takes a lot of getting used to, but I eventually did.

The characters were all very interesting; although when I come across one that has an unpronounceable name, it bugs me. Take for example the name Schuyler. I thought it was “School-er” but then her friend Oliver called her “Sky” for short. I should have known. There were other words too such as Duchesne, Croatan, Roanoke, etc…With an omniscient narration, there is a sense of mystery that tugs on you, keeping your brain alert for any clues. I am definitely interested in the characters, as I have much more to learn about them. Especially Jack Force and his twin, Mimi Force. The two of them ignites something in me and just makes me irritated. But the others I’m excited to read more about.

Blue Bloods really is just the introduction. A great one that shows the way to a mystery-filled, anxious series with love, cunningness and evil waiting at one corner.