Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: (Blood of Eden #1)
Expected publication: April 24th 2012 by Harlequin Teen
 

I received an eARC from Harlequin Teen via Netgalley. Thank you.

Never doubt Julie Kagawa’s mad writing skills. She writes and she delivers. Even if it’s about vampires. And here I thought there has been vampire overkill in young adult fiction lately. I speak too soon. It’s about vampires alright, but it’s different. It was awesome. And I want more!

I’m absolutely delighted how the author fleshes out different vampire lore and impressively mesh them together. How her new book—this book is amazingly written. I was surprised and completely thrilled with the story. How she came up with another amazing set of characters, completely different from her previous work. This is entirely different from the Iron Fey series. But equally amazing. I did not see even a glimpse of her earlier work here. It’s dark, gripping, entertaining, and amazingly kick-ass.

And speaking of kick-ass, Allison Sekemoto is that. She lived as an Unregistered, living in the outmost part of the city. Then one day while looking for food they were attacked by the rabids and she was dying until she was saved by Kanin. He left her with two options; either she died—meaning completely gone or become a living dead—a vampire. And she chose the latter. I saw her struggling, living as a creature she loathes before. And now she’s one of them. I already find her strong, a survivor when she was still a human. Much more when she became a katana wielding vampire . Even this early, you can see Allison’s character has developed. The transition of her character from human to vampire was superbly done.

There’s a romance in here as well but it was subtle (which I preferred). I think the book focuses more on Allison’s new life—her struggles controlling her thirst and learning how to live as a vampire. But no worries, there are two of them…or at least I think it’s two. I’m pretty sure about Zeke, the sweet blonde, blue eyed human. He’s pretty clear about that. I liked him, Zeke. But I’m all for the mysterious vampire master Kanin. There’s something about him…his past that pique my interest. But I don’t know about him…and Allison, but either way I like him whether he’ll become a love interest or not.

Usually I dislike info-dumping but it worked here. The information Kanin told her was a lot but not overwhelming. It was necessary for world building. Once I know the basics, the story just flowed seamlessly. The author knows what she’s doing; she knows when and how she’ll slip these details. I’m really, really impressed how the information was spread evenly. Ending is not the only place where important things should happen. Or the time when secrets are out. This is a perfect example of that. I loved how solid the ending of this book but still make you crave for more. There’s more to know about Kanin, more about Zeke, and Allison. And the Eden. Actually, a lot more. Is it obvious I wanted more? Next book pleaseeee. *begs*

Closing this with my not-so-famous last word? Kanin!!!!!!! Enough said. 😉