Tuesday, May 1, 2012

GIVEAWAY! The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
April 24, 2012; HarlequinTEEN

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.(courtesy of Goodreads)

Review

Another winner by Julie Kagawa! I feel fortunate to have followed Julie Kagawa from the very beginning. It's fun to watch an author grow before your eyes. I've liked every one of Julie's books more than the previous one. And The Immortal Rules definitely falls into that camp. I think I will like the series even more than Iron Fey.

I love vampires. They are by far my favorite paranormal creature. This certainly influences my feelings toward The Immortal Rules. Julie's vampires are my favorite kind: dark and violent. Even better, we learn about them from the viewpoint of a newly minted vampire. Allison starts out the story as a human, giving us the a strong impression of the dim lives available to humans under vampire rule. Allison's life is particularly harsh because she is unregistered - a human who gives no blood, but gets no food or shelter in return. When she becomes a vampire, her world becomes even more difficult, because she remains an outsider, definitely to humans but even to other vampires. It's a lonely life.

Allison is a controversial character. Some readers love her, others can't stand her. I adored her. Allie is a survivor. That single word provides the reason for so many of her actions. Allie is not always likable. She says and does things that can be harsh and hard to relate to from the viewpoint of a reader who is well-fed and sitting in a comfortable home. Allie takes chances that seem incredibly risky and stupid. And they are. But it's amazing what near starvation can do to you. Interestingly, not all of Allison's actions are motivated by survival. Some of the dumbest things she does come out of loneliness or affection. She cares about other people so much that she is blind to the fact that they might not reciprocate. I love Allie in spite of, or perhaps because of, her mistakes. She's strong, independent, passionate, smart, brave, and resourceful, but definitely not perfect.

My favorite part of The Immortal Rules was Alli's vampire training with Kanin. Forget the plot. I soaked up the vampire world building. How they fed, their political history, their fight training, their "castes." Kanin was by far my favorite character. A complex man/vampire who holds his emotions close. Since he turned Allie, he took responsibility for showing her the proper vampire way of life. His teaching style was often more stick than carrot. Definitely no sugar coating. But you could tell that he respected and liked Allie. I'd wondered if this would turn into a romance, but it didn't. More of a father/daughter relationship. I hope it will stay that way.

The romance was the weakest part of The Immortal Rules. During the third part of the novel, Allie is traveling with a rogue band of humans who are on a wild goose chase for a vampire free land called Eden. Romance comes calling in the form of a handsome boy named Zeke. I liked Zeke. Like Allie, he was brave, passionate, and smart. A born leader. He was strong, but not quite as strong (mentally and physically) as she was, which was fun to read about. The problem is that I didn't "love" Zeke. I enjoyed reading about Allie's attempts to hide her vampiric status and the various dangers and adventures she encountered with the rogue humans. And I liked seeing her with Zeke. But it didn't make me insides quiver. I'm hoping future installments will deepen my connection to Zeke.

The Immortal Rules is a must read. The romance is somewhat disappointing, but the plot is fabulous. Julie does a great job of creating a detailed, believable dystopian vampire world. Allie is a flawed character, but is described so well that you understand her personality and root for her. I highly recommend this book!

*My only other complaint is that Allison's name is spelled wrong. :-)

Rating: 4.5 / 5 (4 might be more appropriate because of the weak romance but Allie, the vampires, and the awesome plot keep it at 4.5)


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41 comments:

  1. Wolves! Either spelling would do. Though I think Alison would be simpler fit for the setting of the book.

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  2. I like Angels and Faeries! and I like the way Alison looks :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  3. I love Vampires and Angels. I think those fascinate me the most.

    Julia Kagawa is such a awesome author. I have read her other series, but unfortunately I have not gotten around to reading this one. It looks awesome.

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  4. Definitely Vampires. I don't really know why but I can't get enough of them.
    I think Alison is the correct way too :-)

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  5. I adored Allison, too. She was an amazing character who has to survive--and thrive--in a difficult situation. Hopefully, the movie will come to fruition!

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  6. I love all types of paranormal beings! But vamps were my first love!

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  7. I have followed Kagawa fro the beginning too! Im so proud of myself =D huhuhu. I had no idea the romance was a bit disappointed, but Im pretty sure that Julie is just slowly building it (which I love)
    THnx for sharing such awesome review! very consistent my dear! I SO need to read this book asap! aaaaaaah! so many awesome releases sniff!! not enough time to read SNIFF SNIFF!!

    anyways, have a beautiful day!

    XOXO

    Dazzling Reads

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  8. "I'd wondered if this would turn into a romance, but it didn't. More of a father/daughter relationship. I hope it will stay that way."

    YES! I wondered the same thing, and was glad when he seemed to care for her as a daughter figure. I've read a lot of reviews where people are rooting for him as a romantic interest, and as much as I liked Kanin, I could have sworn he referred to her and the other vampire as his "children" which would make a romance awkward for me now. I could be wrong though, maybe Julie will through a crazy twist in there! Glad you loved this one too Alison, brilliant review!

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  9. Can't wait to read this! I am a big fan of angels, though it's hard to find ones I love. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  10. My favorite paranormal creatures are witches. Magic is just so freaking cool. And versatile!

    Totally agree about Kanin and Allie's relationship. I definitely want to see more of him and learn more, but I so what their relationship to remain platonic.

    I know what you mean about the romance being disappointing, but I really liked that it wasn't the central theme, like it is in The Iron Fey books, which are just too much for me.

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  11. I have to agree, I really enjoyed the book, loved Allison's character and wanted more of Kanin but I was pretty indifferent towards Zeke and his camp. I couldn't get myself to care about them or his romance with Allie.

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  12. "I love vampires. They are by far my favorite paranormal creature."

    YES x 100!!!

    Seems like people are having as many conflicting thoughts on Zeke as they are on Allie. I'll admit that he didn't wow me as much as Kanin, but he has potential. I can't wait for Kanin's return.

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  13. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Zombies -- and there are zombies in Immortal Rules too! And Vampires that are scary -- like these. LOVED this book! Great review.

    Don't know about the Allison/Alison thing....

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  14. I like vampires the best! But mermaids are pretty cool too, although I'm not sure if they are fantasy or paranormal! I think the Alison thing depends on the person - I always thought it was Alison but I met a new girl a while ago and she spells it Allison!

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  15. I like faeries the best because when I was little I always wanted to be a faery so I could do spells and have a magic wand and all that...But now, it's just because I'm in love with Ash. ;) I think that Alison would probably work better, but I used to spell Alison Allison until I read Pretty Little Liars and it basically changed my outlook on everything. :)

    Thanks so much for the giveaway! I want the Immortal Rules SOO bad! :)

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  16. If only there was one less L in allison's name, then it would be perfect!
    I really loved your review! I'm excited to meet Kanin, find out if i like or dislike allie and read about Allie pretending to be human!

    Fantastic Review!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    (my favorite paranormal being would be ones who fly, i always wished i could fly, or at least control the element air, like Nick from storm)

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  17. I think one L is the better spelling :)

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  18. I like Alison better. It's how all of my Ali friends spell their full name.

    I love, love, love faeries and goblins and pretty much everyone...

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  19. I really liked this, too. The dark vampires and the scary atmosphere. Just wish there was more Kanin! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  20. I just got my copy yesterday and can't wait to start it! I'm not necessarily a fan of vampires but I LOVE Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series. I'm glad to hear she gave us another great book, with a well-crafted world and story! :)

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  21. If I say that Alison is right, do I get an extra entry?
    Just kidding. I want an extra entry either way. :P
    In all seriousness (ha!) I think both are right.

    I LOVE werewolves, but fairies are starting to grow on me (...like a fungus). And elves. I'm convinced I'm an elven changeling. That's the only way to describe the clear skin and pointy ears. (I've only convinced a few people, though...Maybe it's part of my elven magic, that no one will believe my true identity?)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ~Riv Re
    Riv Reads

    PS: Love the carrot-stick metaphor in your review. =D

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  22. My favorite type pf paranormal character would be Soul screamer. Like in Rachel Vincent books. That idea is unique and not overly done.

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  23. I love all paranormal creatures, but if I had to pick one, maybe werewolves. One L!

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  24. I like mermaids but have yet to see a book with them that knocks my socks off. Also, big fan of gods + goddesses!

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  25. I have a weakness for anything vampires!!!

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  26. Strong, imperfect characters are the best!

    Favorite paranormals: Hmmm...werewolves, I guess, though my last few werewolf books have been kinda flat.

    And...Allison. Two Ls. :-)

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  27. My favorite paranormal creature is probably witches, because come on, they're just too cool for school. Oh, and either spelling of Alison/Allison is fine with me!

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  28. Dark and violent vampires? *swoons* Alison I LOVE this review...you really went in-depth and gave readers an awesome preview of what to expect when we get to read this book!

    Werewolves are ALWAYS going to be my fave paranormal critter. :)

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  29. I like fairies. A lot. :D

    And the name thing, I'm not too particular on. It doesn't bother me either way.
    -Emily D

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  30. I like fairies the best, but angels done right are a really really close second.

    I think either spelling works! Like I prefer Annabelle for my name, but other people spell it Annabel or Anabel. It's no less correct, just different.

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  31. I love shapeshifters and vampires.
    About the name thing it totally depends on the person I guess.

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  32. My favorite... duh... Vampire!

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  33. Vampires, but I also phoenixes. I prefer Alison with one L :-)

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  34. Werewolves! I always spell Allison with two L's! So I guess I prefer that :)

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  35. i love angels, fairies, vampires, and wolves. i like alison

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  36. Truthfully, paranormal is very hit or miss for me; it's never so much the characters that make the book, but the story. That said, can Shadowhunters count? Because those are definitely a favourite haha.

    As for the name (which I love that you added that in haha), I grew up only knowing Allisons, so I thought that was proper -- but for the past 10 years or so, I've only known Alisons! I guess I don't quite have any answer now.

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  37. I like the spelling Alison better. :)

    My favorite creatures (yes, creatureS... it was too hard to pick just one) are angels, vampires and fairies. If I HAD to pick just one, I guess I would go with angels. :)

    Thanks for the great giveaway!!

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