Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My summary:

Alexandria or Alex is seventeen-years-old and having a harder time than most teens. Her mother just died before her eyes. Her real dad has been gone for a while. Her step-dad – well let’s just say she doesn’t trust him. Chasing her way back to the covenant with daimons hot on her trail, she has very few choices. Her only option is to return to the covenant that her mother forced her to leave without explanation 3 years ago. The covenant won’t be happy about the absence. They may train her to fight daimons or drug her into servitude. Oh and then there is the little issue of Alex being a half-blood. A mix of Hematoi and mortal, she is only good for fighting or serving as far as the covenant is concerned. Add the gorgeous Aiden, who just happens to be a pure blood and completely off limits to any half-blood, and Alex is really having a hard time. Can she follow the rules and control her crush on Aiden long enough to become a sentinel so she can fight the daimons that killed her mom? Or will her reckless character cause her to fail in her duty and face a future far worse?

My thoughts:

5 stars – A must read

The world that Jennifer creates in Half-Blood is unique in the world of angels and demons. The mixture of aether in the blood determines the class in this society. Pure bloods are full of aether (from the Gods) and have power over one of the four elements. They also had the ability to use compulsions to get others to do what they want. Pure bloods are treated almost as royalty where half-bloods are second class. They have very little aether and no power over the elements. They are faster and stronger than regular human and they can see through the magic to identify pure bloods that have been turned into daimons. Thus they are good fighters so if they are lucky they get to be trained as guards or sentinels. Otherwise they are drugged into servitude. I loved this world not only because it is unique but also because it has many compelling aspects to it. The classing of people has never worked in history so I suspect it will come back to bite this society as well. I am excited to see that happen.

The characters in the book are dynamic and real. Alex has a very strong personality. She doesn’t do well with rules yet she lives in a situation that could blow up in her face at any moment if she doesn’t follow those rules. Despite this, Alex remains a strong, reckless, and compelling. Aiden is super hot. His pure blood status keeps him off limits to Alex but that doesn’t mean she isn’t looking. He is strong, mysterious, wounded, and determined to help her. I love his fierce patience with her and his quiet manner. Caleb is the biggest supporting character and he is a great friend to Alex. At first I thought he was a love interest but it became clear quickly that he is just a very supportive friend. Seth comes into the story mid-book and is quite the mystery. There is so much about him that we don’t know yet. He is the Apollyon, a half-blood who controls all four elements and more. An incredible fighter, he is a daimons worst nightmare but he has been called back from fighting. He’s as interested as anyone why that is the case. There certainly is some strange connection between Alex and him and I love how he gets under Alex’s skin. I’m sure there’s a lot more to come from Seth.

While the ending isn’t a cliffhanger (thank heavens – can my heart take any more of those), things are far from settled. I can’t wait for the next book. The problem with reading books before they actually come out is having to wait even longer for the next one.

4 comments:

  1. Excellent review & I couldn't agree more!

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  2. Yay! Well I definitely can't wait to read this now! I was on the fence but you sold me :)

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  3. I am insanely jealous that you got to read Half-Blood already! It sounds so good and after reading Daimon I can't wait to read this one!

    Also, I am not sure if you saw my reply to your comment on the Love Struck post. I checked Amazon and you are right! $30 is a bit much in my opinion too! I saw on her website though that you can order a signed copy for 9.99! Scroll down on the right hadn side of the home page; http://www.chantelsimmons.com/

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  4. I am also insanely jealous that you got to read Half-Blood! I have been dying to read this one. I am very picky about my supernatural, paranormal reads but there is no doubt I will love this one. The concept sounds interesting and I love the forbidden romance in it :)
    -Katelyn

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