Review: Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

[Info:]

{Title:} BLUE MOON (The Immortals, Book 2)

{By:} Alyson Noel

{Publisher:} St. Martin's Griffin

{Release Date:} July 7, 2009

{Pages:} 304

[Description:]

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever’s powers are increasing, Damen’s are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen’s past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...

[Thoughts:]

I fell in love with Evermore and couldn't wait to immediately dive into the pages of BLUE MOON. But, as I always am with series books -- I was also weary. Sometimes sequels don't live up to my expectations.

However, BLUE MOON not only met but surpassed what I expected of it. My favorite characters stayed true to their natures (well, except for a twist I don't wanna reveal.) Even the not-so-important-but-still-memorable Miles and Haven. And speaking of characters -- after the exit of the Big Bad from the series in Evermore, there of course needed to be a new, even more powerful character to draw our intrigue. Enter Roman, gorgeous bad boy with an accent. There's something about Roman that Ever doesn't trust. But she can't see the tattoo of the Rogue Immortals on him, so she can't figure out exactly what it is about him.

But even then, when Ever's life begins to turn upside down, she knows that somehow Roman is behind it.

Personally, I adore Roman and think he really adds to the series as a character -- good, bad, mediocre. Whatever. He's made an impression. I love the interaction between him and other characters -- especially Ever.

And once Ever learns who Roman REALLY is... things only get more interesting.

I love that Ever must stand mostly on her on in this. A HUGE pet peeve of mine is when a good strong main character abandons the strength they used to have solo only because they're with someone. I also adore even more art history references, making me a happy girl. =]

So, all in all, Blue Moon stands true to the series and makes me love it even more. If you're a fan of Evermore -- fear not, the sequel doesn't disappoint.

~Angel

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Review: EVERMORE by Alyson Noel

[Info:]


{Title:} EVERMORE (The Immortals, Book One)


{By:} Alyson Noel


{Publisher:} St. Martin's Griffin


{Release Date:} February 3rd, 2009


{Pages:} 320


[Description:]

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.
Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

[Thoughts:]

I was a little unsure about the first book in the Immortals series by Alyson Noel entitled EVERMORE. I heard a mixture of things about it -- I heard it was INCREDIBLE, and hard to put down. And then I also caught word it was a "rip off" of Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT. That bit of news particularly bothered me, since I'm definitely NOT a fan of Ms. Meyer or her work, especially after I met her in person some time after New Moon came out and found she was VERY disrespectful to her fans. But ANYWAY, back to EVERMORE. I decided to get it over with, moved it up on my To Be Read pile, and purchased each installment as they came out.

And I am SO glad that I did!

EVERMORE is a unique take on life, weaving fantasy and reality beautifully by integrating aspects of various religions/spirituality/beliefs/customs/etc. with history and the modern day. There isn't some insane suspension of disbelief, which a a bit refreshing for a more supernaturally themed novel. Don't get me wrong, I love my crazy out there books too, but this particular book really entertained me with how easily she made it all flow together.

Alyson Noel gives a great cast of characters to go along with the already intriguing storyline. Each are memorable and unique, from the curious Ever with her psychic abilities, to the dashing and mysterious Damen, and especially Ever's best friends -- two misfits, Miles and Haven. Not to mention, Ever's lovable (and dead) little sister Riley.

Another thing I personally enjoyed in this series in general has been the art history references. I don't recall if they are AS prominent in EVERMORE, but I know it definitely is in BLUE MOON, SHADOWLAND, and DARK FLAME. And, seeing as I'm an Art Major in college, one that really loves her Art History courses, I love reading the references and know exactly the artist or piece being referred to. I feel like earing an A in History of Art I and II is paying off in my everyday life.

EVERMORE is the sort of book I enjoy reading -- the kind that stands out from everything else out there -- no matter what some people may think. EVERMORE is the sort of book that delights me in the fact that once I think I have everything all figured out, I end up being proven completely wrong and left speechless.

So, head out and pick up Alyson Noel's EVERMORE. You won't regret it.
And stay tuned for my reviews of the rest of the books in the IMMORTALS series.


~Angel

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