Published: 18th October 2011
By: Spencer Hill Press
Source: Won
My rating: 3.5 stars
I went into Half Blood expecting to be blown away. The reviews for this are overwhelmingly good, but it took me some time to warm up to it. While I was already aware that there were similarities to Vampire Academy, and there were a lot, I don't think I was prepared for how like Rose, Alex is. And I don't like Rose. In fact, by the end of the Vampire Academy series, I hated her. So meeting her clone at the outset of this book really didn't help any.
But, eventually, as I continued reading, Alex's character took a turn for the better and seemed to leave Rose's personality behind. Once I lost the urge to punch her, it was much easier to enjoy this book. Though part of me felt like throwing the towel at this in the beginning, I'm glad I didn't because there's a great plot here and a really enjoyable set of secondary characters, that more than made up for the Rose behaviour.
The attraction between Alex and Aiden didn't make much sense to me, especially at the beginning. He seems like such a stickler for the rules that someone like Alex would really annoy him, and as I could see nothing attractive about Alex, besides how she may look, I couldn't see why a pure would take the risk of being with a half blood. But, then it seems most of the risk was actually Alex's.
Caleb is Alex's best friend. He was a really sweet and likeable guy. I also really liked Seth, the Appolyon, and would have liked to see more of him.
Despite my slow start into this book, by the end, this story had ensnared me. I'm intrigued by the Appolyon theory, Seth's plans and training ideas and the part that Lucian and the Council plan to play in Alex's life now. I'm also curious, as otherwise it was odd, as to the reason why Leon spoke up in Alex's defence back in Marcus's office at the start of the book.
At this point, something I would like not to happen, but think it most likely will, I'd prefer for Alex and Aidan not to end up together. Don't ask me why, I don't think I can put my finger on it, I just don't think they're suited and I don't enjoy them together. For the record, I felt the same way about Rose and Dimitri.
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Sorry you didn't love this one as much as I did, but glad you warmed up to it
I had no idea you disliked Rose, Suzanne! No worries, we can still be friends... I guess, lol.
To be honest, I was VERY happy with this one. I gave it a two and wrote a long rant about plagiarism,but for some reason, I continued the series and I was happier with each new book. Now, I must confess I'm a fan, but only because Armentrout abandoned Vampire Academy and decided to write her own stories, which works much better for her. I hope you'll give her another chance.
Great review.
I've actually finished the series Maja and I did end up loving it. I was glad to see her leaving Vampire Academy behind and it becoming much more original. And Alex took on her own personality too and became much more likeable. I can't wait for Sentinel :)
Usually we agree about romantic pairings! This is hard to take in. ;) I'm a huge fan of Rose/Dimitri AND Alex/Aiden. I rated this incredibly high at the time, mostly because the VA comparisons didn't quite bother me, but I did think the series improved as it progressed. Reading your comment though, I'm glad you ended up loving the rest of the series in the end. I can't wait to read Sentinel either. :)
I read Maja's comment and laughed. I am blaming her to this day for not reading this series yet because of her plagiarism rant on the this book. I shelved it and now I am kicking myself. One of these days!
If you don't like Rose, this may not be the series for you, Suzanne. Alex is just as infuriating and reckless as Rose could be, and I wanted to choke her a few times, especially in Pure. She's finally grown up a bit, and I love the story in spite of these things, but it may drive you nuts. Great review. :)
ok, you need to pay close attention to what I say next because it is IMPORTANT. I was also expecting to be blown away by half blood but wasn't.. but then I read PURE, and FELL IN LOVE! and immediately picked up DIETY, THEN PICKED UP APOLLOYON.. and now I'm crying a little bit everyday waiting for Sentinel.. these books get better and better by each book! seriously. I hope you stick with it and hope your opinion of aiden and Alex not ending up together changes.
- Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
oops, guess my comment was unnecessary since you already finished it :P. Though I have to say I haven't read VA so didn't know they were similar until my sister and I discussed Pure and she was like "OMG THIS IS VA!!!"
I was a bit bored with this one but warmed up to it. I thought it was A LOT like Vampire Academy. I was glad that as the series went on it felt different.
*gasp* You hated Rose?! Lol, she's one of my favourite heroines!
As for this: "I'm also curious, as otherwise it was odd, as to the reason why Leon spoke up in Alex's defence back in Marcus's office at the start of the book." Armentrout does address that in a later book :)
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