Title: Revelations
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Released: Oct. 28, 2008

First thing this morning, I went to Barnes and Noble and bought myself a copy of Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz. I finished it within a couple of hours and subsequently spent the rest of my day mulling over it. Quite honestly, I am still unsure how I feel about it. At certain points the story felt repetitive and long winded, while at others fast paced and sexy. Mind you, this was just my first read through of the novel and everything I say from here on out is subject to change...

Background on the books: In case you don't know what I'm talking about and have never heard of the Blue Bloods series, you may want to watch this:

Click here to watch!


In short: While my feeling are still mixed, I will give De la Cruz credit. She knows how to keep her audience entertained. In Revelations, the intrigue thickens. Playing her characters like marionettes, De la Cruz unravels a story where no one is safe from suspicion. Up until the very end of the novel, she keeps her audience on edge as to what is truly happening within the coven. In this sense, the plot is cleverly devised.

However, my main issue with the narrative lies in the Schuyler-Oliver-Jack love triangle. While the forbidden love aspect is compelling, it feels a little stagnant in this installment. Although Schuyler and Jack finally consummate their relationship, it seems like they do nothing but engage in steamy rendez-vous. Where in Masquerade, it could be argued that their relationship was something more profound and endearing, in this novel Jack and Schuyler's bond is more lustful than anything else.

The problem can be pin pointed to Jack. Where in the previous two novels we are shown Jack's feelings, in this installment they aren't as evident nor as engaging. In this novel, his affection doesn't seem as genuine. In fact, it appears as if he is only interested in Schuyler when it is convenient and when he is feeling particularly amorous. Leaving poor Schuyler to love and suffer from afar. Also due to the nature of their hidden affair, Revelations is caught in a nasty web of repetitive situations making their storyline somewhat dull in comparison to Masquerade.

One of the most interested facets of this novel, however, were the Venator transcripts set between chapters. They added a much needed boost in between perspectives.

Lastly, perhaps the best and worst part of this book: the ending. When the story finally turns the corner and becomes irresistibly exciting...BAM! "Don't miss the next book in the Blue Bloods series: The Van Alen Legacy." Alas, there were both things I adored and things I disliked about this latest episode in the Blue Bloods series.

...And now for what you've all been waiting for. If you haven't read the book yet (and you don't want to be spoiled), you may want to check out my review for Masquerade. Otherwise...

Things I Love:

- Everyone knows I'm a sucker for Oliver. I just adore him. So my heart gave a little squeeze when Schuyler met him within the close quarters of the school supply closet.

- I love Mimi's description of the things Jack likes:

Jack preferred a city that he had never even experienced. He waxed nostalgic about the legendary days of the Village, when anyone from Jackson Pollock to Dylan Thomas could be found wandering the cobblestoned streets. He liked grit and dirt and a Times Square that was known for its hustlers and three-card-monte dealers and underground juice bars (since strip clubs couldn't serve alcohol). He couldn't stomach a New York that had been taken over by the likes of Jamba Juice, Pinkberry, and Cold Stone.

- Who knew Sky was a vixen? De la Cruz really turned up the sex in this installment...not that I'm complaining.

She wanted to run to him - to skip, giggling into his arms - but she savored the way he was looking at her. She could drown in the intensity of his gaze. And she had learned a little about seduction in the last few weeks they had been together. Had learned that it was sweeter when she made him wait. So she took her time, removed her shoes, brushed her bare feet on the carpet, and let him watch her. Outside of this place, they could be nothing to each other. He would not even allow himself to look at her. He could not afford it. So she wanted him to enjoy himself, to look at her as much as he liked.
"Get over here," he growled.
And then, at last, she ran - leaped into his arms, and together they crashed against the wall in a tight embrace. He lifted her with graceful ease, covering her body with kisses. She tightened her legs around his torso and bent over, brushing his cheek with the tendrils of her hair.

- I am incredibly interested in finding out why exactly Charles Force had Kingsley summon the Silver Blood in Masquerade. I enjoyed reading Kingsley's transcripts in Revelations.

- I really like Bliss' dreams about the blue eyed Satan in a white suit. I found them vivid and somewhat terrifying.

- It's extremely interesting that Allegra started screaming the minute Bliss left her hospital room.

- One of my favorite scenes in this whole book was a short dialog between Oliver and Sky on the way to visit Dylan.

"Bet you can't even name one romantic movie you like," she teased.
She felt smug when a few minutes went by and Oliver was still unable to name one romantic movie he could profess to enjoy.
"The Empire Strikes Back," Oliver finally declared, tapping his horn at a Prius that wandered over the line.
"The Empire Strikes Back? The Star Wars movie? That's not romantic!" Schuyler huffed, fiddling with the air conditioner controls.
"Au contraire, my dear, it's very romantic. The last scene, you know, when they're about to put Han in that freezing cryogenic chamber or whatever? Remember?"
Schuyler mmm-hmmmed.
"And Leia leans over the ledge and says, 'I love you.'"
"That's cheesy, not romatic," Schuyler argued, although she did like that part.
"Let me explain. What's romantic is what Han says back. Remember what he says to her? After she says 'I love you'?"
Schuyler grinned. Maybe Oliver had a point. "Han says, 'I know.'"
"Exactly," Oliver tapped the wheel. "He doesn't have to say anything so trite as 'I love you." Because that's already understood. And that's romantic."

- I like Jack and Schuyler's little trip to Vienna. It was truly the only the time I found myself liking Jack in this novel.

- Also love that Schuyler prefers Egon Schiele over Gustav Klimt. I complete agree with her that the painting is "fraught with angst, as if the two people in the painting knew their embrace was their last." It's beautiful in all it's tragedy. Moreover, she mentions Anne Sexton's poem "The Break," which is completely heart shattering.


- I love the first paragraph of Chapter Thirty Two. I just find it hilarious.

Just prouncing the name of Rio's airport - Galeão- could put one in a Carnaval-ready mood, Schuyler thought. Gahhhlaaaeonnn.

- Love that Bliss' eyes turned blue in front of Jordan. Showing the first hints that her body is not her own.

- LOVE THE END. Though I am majorly confused as to Bliss' heritage. Her father is Lucifer? How did all that come about? Is Schuyler also Lucifer's daughter? I, however, love the new twist in the story! I also don't know how I missed it considering that on the cover is a girl with RED HAIR.


- In the final battle, Mimi is such a bad ass with her sword.

- Allegra giving Schuyler her sword was a nice touch.

- But most of all, I love that Schuyler finally realizes that she loves Oliver! YAY! Also, love that he repeats Han Solo's line to her. What can I say? I adore nerds.


Things I Dislike:

- While I don't like Mimi (even if I do find her to be one of the most dynamic characters in the series), I definitely hate that Jack is playing both fields. Toying with both Schuyler and her emotions discredits him and makes him that much less attractive. Also don't like that he's allowing Mimi to organize a bonding ceremony when he's supposedly going to try to remain with Sky. Moreover, when Schuyler and him take a trip to Vienna and he tells her, "I want to be free. I want to be with you....would you rather see me bonded to a woman I do not love?" Two things immediately bother me:

1.I think Jack is more scared of the prospect of being bonded than he is of losing Schuyler. Like he says, he wants to "be free" and Mimi Force is not someone you can be "free" with.

2. He point blank lied to Schuyler. He does love Mimi. Always has. It is impossible not to love your other half. No matter how much you'd like not to, it's impossible. She is his soul mate.

- Speaking of Jack, as I said before, the main problem I have with this novel is the lack of emotion on his part. Where in Masquerade, we clearly knew he cared about Sky, in this installment it seems like he just wants her body. I think his devotion for Schuyler would have been more believable if he had gotten a bit desperate to see her. If this desperation had led to say... secret meetings in the supply closet at school or perhaps slipping covert love notes to her when they met in the hall. The prospect of getting caught is always something exciting. Plus, what sexier than stolen moments?

- I don't like that Ollie only fell in love with Schuyler after she became a vampire. It would have been so much more romantic if he had always been in love with her, even before she had changed. If he loved her before anyone else really knew the real her. Oh well. Oliver is still amazing!

- Hate that they kill Jordan.

- While I realize the reason for it, I hate that Bliss returns to cry over Dylan's body when she knows she is the reason for his death. It's just such a hypocritical act.

All in All:

While I thought Masquerade had a more involved and compelling love story, I absolutely loved the finale of Revelations. I found the end gripping and exciting. I hope to see more of this new plot in the future. I also really hope that Oliver and Schuyler's relationship is more prominent in the next novel. You know what they say, "love is friendship on fire." And I want an inferno! While I have mixed feelings, I can honestly say that I am still seriously addicted to this series and cannot wait for the next installment!
Rating for Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz: B

Title: Masquerade
Author: Melissa de la Cruz

I first heard about this series on Facebook. Everywhere I went, I kept reading about the Blue Bloods series and "OMG, do you think Schuyler will end up with Jack or Ollie?!"

Intrigued, I decided to pick it up.

I read through book one, Blue Bloods, pretty quickly and while I didn't find it particularly dense...I will say this: THESE BOOKS ARE ADDICTIVE. It's like Gossip Girl on crack, except that the crack is this amazingly convoluted Angel-Vampire story line.

Background on the book: Before I get into it too much, here's what Amazon has to say:

Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help--her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman--a true Blue Blood affair.

But it's at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire's destiny.

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

In short: In many ways, Masquerade is more plot driven than Blue Bloods. Where gaps were left in the first book, they were subsequently filled in this installment. At last, De La Cruz elaborates on the strengths and weaknesses of the so called Blue Blood elite. She also cunningly begins to unravel the mystery behind the Silver Bloods and adds a new level of depth to her characters making them that much more realistic and relatable.

Still, I have some things I love about this book and some things I'm not particularly fond of. From here on out this review is riddled with spoilers, so if you haven't read the book... you know what to do!

Things I Love:

- Love that Schuyler and Ollie went to Italy to find her grandfather, Lawrence. His character adds a boost to the series. I also like that Schuyler will have some sort a parental figure again.

- I really enjoyed reading about Maggie Stanford. I think it's rather clever to have these little bits of the past in between chapters. I reminds me a bit of Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series.

- I think Schuyler's transition from human to Blue Blood is interesting. Her struggle with her emotions and mixed heritage is compelling and adds depth to her character. For example:

The thirst was a low hum, like music in the back of your head that you didn't even notice, but once in a while it would raise its voice, and there was no mistaking it. She found herself drawn to Oliver in a new way, and she blushed when she looked at him.

-While I could definitely do without so many designer names being thrown around, I think that De la Cruz' descriptions are sometimes rather beautiful and romantic. I especially like her description of Mimi's dress for the Four Hundred Ball.

It was made of the thinnest white silk satin, and when she picked it up, it felt like a whisper between her fingers, it was so fragile. Just as she had ordered, it was severe in its simplicity. It looked like nothing on the hanger- like a plain white piece of cloth. It was corded with a heavy silver chain at the hips, and had a sexy, unexpected keyhole cut out at the hip done- the one concession to modern fashion she had allowed... When she stood in front of the light, her form would be shown in complete blackened silhouette; every curve of her body, every line from neck to breast, from waist to hips to her endless legs, she would be at once covered and yet exposed, clothed and unclothed, garbed and yet nude.

- While I sometimes find Mimi tiresome, I love her relationship with Jack. Their connection really shines through, especially in this novel.

His eyes glazed over. She could see what he saw through his eyes, and she knew he was remembering that first night as well. She could see the cloudless Venetian sky, their footsteps light and quick over the bridge. She could see herself through his eyes, and eternity younger - how young they had been then - at the dawn of the world, before the wars, before the dark.
How did you find... is it the same one?
No, sadly that dress is gone to the Tiber river... Silk does not keep a thousand years, my darling. This is a new one, for a new bonding.

- Now, here's the crux. While I definitely 'ship Schuyler and Ollie, I can't help but be deeply attracted to Jack. So, when the incident with the masked kiss happens at the balls after-party, I really couldn't help but get some butterflies in my stomach. (Let it be noted, however, that up until the end of the book I was still unsure as to who she had really kissed. A nod to good writing in that respect.)


- Like I said before, where Blue Bloods left a lot of pending questions, Masquerade was quick to answer them. At last, we are given more information on Blue Blood abilities, as well as tactics to combat a Silver Blood! I enjoyed reading Lawrence's training sessions with Schuyler.

- One of the things I like best about this series is the revamping (pun intended) of vampire lore. I think it's a rather cool twist that these vampires are fallen angels. It steers clear of the traditional vampire stereotype, which not only makes the series rather entertaining, but also leaves us begging for more. Along these lines, I like Mimi's explanation of Jack's lure towards Schulyer/Gabrielle being that of darkness being drawn to the light. You will find it below:

Gabrielle. It was always Gabrielle. Even before the Fall, it has been so. Gabrielle, the Virtuous, the Messenger, an archangel of the White, the one who would bring news of salvation. Mimi and Jack were Angels of the Underworld, their destiny one of darkness and justice, to remind man of their mortality. And yet Jack, Abbadon, had always been drawn to the Light. Had always been drawn to the power of the White.

- I adore Ollie. I absolutely love his sense of humor. I especially found the note he sends to Schuyler, after deciding to become her familiar, funny. "See you there tonight. Chomp! Chomp!"

- Speaking of Ollie... that kiss! I love you, Ollie. I do. Truly.

But Schuyler didn't finish, because Oliver was putting a warm hand on her chin and drawing her toward him, and soon they were kissing. Soft, tentative kisses that turned more vigorous as they opened their mouths to each other.
"Mmm..." she sighed. So this was what it was like. Kissing Oliver. It wasn't anything like she'd imagined. It was better. It was as if they were made for each other. Schuyler pressed herself against him, and Oliver put his hand through her hair. This was new. This was a turning point.

I would love to see Schuyler end up with Oliver. I just love an underdog! I also think that his love is a lot purer than Jack's. Where Jack will constantly have to struggle with his feelings, Ollie's will always ring true. Schuyler would never have to worry whether someone else was destined for him, whereas she would constantly be in Mimi's shadow with Jack. I have hope for this pair since Schuyler is a half blood and thus has no prior lives/twin.

Van Alen/Hazard-Perry Oliver 2008!

Sadly, however, I think Jack may just force Ollie out of the competition. As a side note: Let's not mention how much more normal it would be for her to end up with Ollie seeing as how he's, you know, not her cousin!


- I like the whole explosion/ Mimi-blamed-for-everything twist. I was happy for some new action in the story. It was much needed.

- I think it's pretty great that Schuyler is immensely powerful. If this novel did anything, it was add depth to Schuyler character. Whereas in Blue Bloods she was rather static, in Masquerade she has thankfully developed into a much more dynamic character.

Things I Dislike:

- De la Cruz name drops labels like we're in an episode of America's Next Top Model. Alas, since Bliss and Schuyler are already models... I wonder who will win the cover of Seventeen Magazine?!

-While I find Bliss' blackouts interesting, I can't help but wonder... how the hell does she stay awake during the day? For someone who never gets to sleep, she seems rather active. If I were Bliss, I would be falling off chairs and passing out everywhere. It would be like I had mononucleosis x 1000.

- Why do the kids at Duchesne dress like slobs around exam time? I don't really understand why they would do that. It just seems somewhat strange and out of place in such a high fashion world.

- I still find the love triangle (or is it a square? Perhaps even a pentagon?) kind of bizarre. Mimi and Jack are supposed to be soul mates, the angels of death and destruction, yet they are also brother and sister? And Schuyler is Charles' niece, therefore Jack's cousin, yet she is madly in love with him and he with her? And Jack was in love with Schuyler's mother, Allegra, in a past life? And so was Jack's father, who is also Allegra's brother and Schuyler's uncle? It's all a bit much and (not going to lie) a bit creepy. Nothing says I love you like incest!

- And in today's episode of Day's of Our (Vampire) Lives: Bliss is Allegra's long lost daughter and Schuyler's sister! YES!!

All in all: Masquerade is a fun book. While I have some issues with the whole incest thing, I find the characters compelling and realistic, especially that of Schuyler and Oliver. De la Cruz does a good job of creating tension, thus keeping you interested and on your toes throughout the book. I find her reinvention of the classical vampire myth interesting and clever. Whilst I could do with a little less name dropping, I find her descriptions of certain clothing to be deeply romantic and hope to see more of it in the future.

I would recommend these books if you like gossipy novels and would like to read a book with a bite.


Rating for Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz: B
Also, Revelations (Book III in the series) comes out on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Click here to buy it.

- E.B

P.S. Here's a little play list for you all.

Where in the world is E.B, you wonder? Well, to answer your question, I've been working on a special project for all of you! Some patience will definitely be required, but you shall be rewarded!

Also, I tried to post my review for Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz earlier today, but Google had a little bit of a mishap and deleted my entire post! So now I have to go back and rewrite it! Good times. I will try to do so over the weekend, so check back! Also, if you have yet to buy your copy of Revelations (the last book in the Blue Bloods series), feel free to click here.

In the meantime, enjoy this Blue Bloods trailer I've found online: