Sunday, February 3, 2013

Review: Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz (Blue Bloods #2)

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Release Date: May 2007
Publisher: Atom
Purchased online.

THE BLURB:

Preparations are under way for the ball of the century. But as any true Blue Blood knows, it's the after-party that counts. And the cunning Mimi Force is getting ready to make sure her masquerade ball is the place to be for the Young, Fabulous and Fanged

But Schuyler Van Alen has more on her mind than fancy dresses, even if her crush Jack Force, is sure to make an appearance. She's getting closer to finding out what's been preying on the young vamps - and discovering the deadly secrets hiding under the masks. . .

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


MY REVIEW:
I wasn't "in love" with the first 'Blue Bloods' book, but I thought it had some promise and purchased 3 more books from the series after reading it. I'm really glad, that I bought these books, because the second book 'Masquerade' was just sooo good! And, now I'm thinking that I will change all of my reading plans to fit in some more vampire drama.

As I mentioned last time there is some really interesting Mythology to this series. 'Masquerade' delves further into the Mythology and History behind the Blue Bloods and really gets your mind working. On the surface 'Blue Bloods' looks like a series about daft spoiled rich girls and their vampire heritage, but really it's so much more. The girls may be catty, but they are smart. There are so many aspects to the story and the 'Blue Bloods' world that you have to actually use a bit of brain to make sense of it all.

At first, I started to see a fair few similarities between 'Blue Bloods' and 'Vampire Academy'. Silver bloods seemed to have a lot in common with Strigoi, A mark on the neck was a little like the tattoos given to Damphir and Oliver's role reminded me a little of the alchemists. However, there are a fair few differences too. These vampires are reincarnated, they are prissy socialites, they can do black magic and a half blood is unheard of. Really, the tale is very original. The few similarities aside, the 'Blue Bloods' girls aren't just vampires, but they are fallen angels, magical practitioners and wealthy high-society school girls.

While it isn't unusual for girls in fantasy books to have their own emotional dramas I thought that 'Masquerade' took it to a whole other level. The novel (written in third person) shows the reader what three of the characters (a different character per chapter) are getting up to. And, the girls not only have the romantic dramas or the family dramas, but they have more dramas in the school/friend department than usual.  There is a fair bit of jealousy displayed and acted upon.

Really, I think the socialite aspect of the story allows a cross-over for fans of different genres. It's a great way for fantasy readers to be introduced into the world of scheming socialites or for fans of 90210 (or the likes of) to get into vampire fiction. And, the three characters we focus on (Mimi, Schuyler and Bliss) are so different that everyone should be able to identify with a character, or identify with the feeling that the character has in regards to another character.

The reincarnation aspect of the book is probably the most confusing. The past plays a big part in the present with 'Masquerade'. Some people are only too interested in repeating the past, while others want a change. People who usually wouldn't be friends or lovers are, because of who they were in their past life. A good thing about this book though, is that there is a little character map of the main characters in the back, just so you can understand a little better; who is who. It also means that there is a bit of vintage evident in the fashions worn by Mimi, because she holds onto her past life the most.

As far as being a sequel, 'Masquerade' is a big improvement on 'Blue Bloods'. It's a lot more exciting, there is  more character growth, there is more drama, we learn more about the Silver Bloods... And, it was just so good, that I would reread it, and that I have contemplated running out and buying every other novel/novella in the series...

Overall, I really, really liked it. 5/5 stars and a favourite. I am so excited to see what happens next that I have once again abandoned the order in which I stacked my TBR pile. If you weren't sure about the first novel and you weren't planning on reading any more of the series I seriously recommend book two, because it may just change your mind!

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

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