A review by ratelyn
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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.