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ratelyn's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I know it's my own fault that I was expecting a Percy Jackson spin-off from this book. While this did KIND OF scratch that itch that I've had since I was 11, there honestly wasn't a lot of mythology woven into this story. There's mentions of Greek gods, but they are so far removed from the plot it's almost like it's just a backdrop, rather than a feature. The monsters they're fighting are kind of like a vampire/zombie hybrid, and it's genuinely a cool premise.
There were times in which Alex is so unbearably a teenager in her actions and inner monologue that it was kind of hard to read. I think this book is written fine, I just don't really vibe with Alex in her immature state. Granted, this is probably something that will change in future books as she grows and develops as a character. I do plan to keep reading this series.
My biggest issue with the book:
Aiden?? Trying to sleep with a 17 year old?? Chill, sir. You are twenty years old. I don't know what it is with these kinds of books and fetishizing older men being kind of predatory towards young women much their junior.
There were times in which Alex is so unbearably a teenager in her actions and inner monologue that it was kind of hard to read. I think this book is written fine, I just don't really vibe with Alex in her immature state. Granted, this is probably something that will change in future books as she grows and develops as a character. I do plan to keep reading this series.
My biggest issue with the book:
mkelley102's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
kylie_t's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
vampirebimbo's review against another edition
“it’s on like donkey kong”? never reading from this author again
redviktorija's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
maxroller's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
desertlover's review against another edition
5.0
Since I have become a huge Jennifer A fan due to Lux Series, I decided to check out some of her other books. After reading this first book in the series, the Lux Series may have some competition! I was shocked at how great this book was (not really, since Jen A is the author). The book sucked me right from the beginning and I couldn't out it down! Alex is an awesome heroine; she's take charge, self reliant, sassy, and just enough self doubt to make her endearing! Aiden, is amazing, I was on his "team" from the beginning. Caleb was such a sweetheart, and hopefully there will be more to his story in the next books.
Toward the end, I began to smell the dreaded triangle....ugh! I am starting the second book right away, I can't wait to see what happens next!
Toward the end, I began to smell the dreaded triangle....ugh! I am starting the second book right away, I can't wait to see what happens next!
hdbblog's review against another edition
5.0
I finished Half-Blood about fifteen minutes ago and my heart is still beating like mad. This book, wow this book, is a roller coaster ride in it's own right. Twists, turns, smoldering attraction, it's all there in vivid black and white! When the very beginning of a story automatically takes my breath away, I know I'm in for a treat. Expect rambling beyond this sentence.
First off let me profess my love for Alex, the main character. She is strong, she is fiery, she knows what she wants and she'll be damned if she's going to let you keep her from getting it. Not afraid to break the rules, Alex is a rebel and driven by her need for revenge. Despite everything else in her life, including what she could become, she keeps fighting forward towards her ultimate goal. However she's not all big and bad. There are parts of her that come through that are sensitive and struggling. It is this very real personality that brought her to life and made me one hundred percent behind her the entire time.
Then there's Aiden. I'll admit that he stole my heart. This boy is stubborn and strong, but also sensitive in the best way possible. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes as well. There are moments between Aiden and Alex that just ooze tension, and then others that are so sweet that they will melt your heart. Add in an expressly forbidden romance, and you have a recipe for a fantastic story. What I really really enjoyed about Half-Blood though is that the romance doesn't steal the story line. It's there, it's charged, and there is even another smoldering hot boy who comes into the picture. Still, not once does a heart-wrenching love triangle fully develop. At least not yet. Perhaps it will come in the next installment, but for now I'm very happy with the fact that Alex gets to be her butt-kicking self, without falling into the love triangle trap.
As I mentioned above, the plot itself drives forward like a performance car! (Terrible similie I know.) I'm completely serious though. Interspersed between calm, loving, moments of reflection and growth are intense fight scenes and twists that will make your head spin. There was more than one time while reading that I literally yelled out "What are you DOING?" to the dismay of my napping boyfriend. Half-Blood is a book that drew me so far in, made me feel so much for the characters, that I felt I would be doing them a disservice if I didn't read ravenously to the end.
I'll stop rambling now. This book is fantastic. If you are in the market for a story with a butt-kicking heroine and a strong (gorgeous) male character, this is for you. Half-Blood took my breath away. I wait eagerly for more of Alex's story!
First off let me profess my love for Alex, the main character. She is strong, she is fiery, she knows what she wants and she'll be damned if she's going to let you keep her from getting it. Not afraid to break the rules, Alex is a rebel and driven by her need for revenge. Despite everything else in her life, including what she could become, she keeps fighting forward towards her ultimate goal. However she's not all big and bad. There are parts of her that come through that are sensitive and struggling. It is this very real personality that brought her to life and made me one hundred percent behind her the entire time.
Then there's Aiden. I'll admit that he stole my heart. This boy is stubborn and strong, but also sensitive in the best way possible. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes as well. There are moments between Aiden and Alex that just ooze tension, and then others that are so sweet that they will melt your heart. Add in an expressly forbidden romance, and you have a recipe for a fantastic story. What I really really enjoyed about Half-Blood though is that the romance doesn't steal the story line. It's there, it's charged, and there is even another smoldering hot boy who comes into the picture. Still, not once does a heart-wrenching love triangle fully develop. At least not yet. Perhaps it will come in the next installment, but for now I'm very happy with the fact that Alex gets to be her butt-kicking self, without falling into the love triangle trap.
As I mentioned above, the plot itself drives forward like a performance car! (Terrible similie I know.) I'm completely serious though. Interspersed between calm, loving, moments of reflection and growth are intense fight scenes and twists that will make your head spin. There was more than one time while reading that I literally yelled out "What are you DOING?" to the dismay of my napping boyfriend. Half-Blood is a book that drew me so far in, made me feel so much for the characters, that I felt I would be doing them a disservice if I didn't read ravenously to the end.
I'll stop rambling now. This book is fantastic. If you are in the market for a story with a butt-kicking heroine and a strong (gorgeous) male character, this is for you. Half-Blood took my breath away. I wait eagerly for more of Alex's story!
jellen525's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0