Tuesday 8 May 2012

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa **Review**


The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Pages: 485
Publisher: Mira Ink
Release date: 4th May 2012
Buy: Book Depository | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Waterstones
Thank you to Mira Ink for my review copy

Goodreads synopsis:
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.
What else can I say, other than I loved this novel?!
Unlike others, I can't compare it to the Iron Fey series, as I've not read any other books by Julie yet, but what I can compare it to is every other fantasy book I've ever read (which is a lot), and it definitely emerges as one of the best. It stands out from the crowd and holds its own - without a doubt!

Usually when I write my reviews, I'll write down a few notes before I sit to write the completed thing, and I usually begin by splitting the page in two and writing down pros and cons for the particular book, so that my likes and dislikes are clear in my finished review.
However, with this book I can't do that - there just isn't anything that I could write in the 'cons' column - it's all amazing stuff!

The plot of the novel, and the premise for the whole thing, is so well thought-out and well-developed that I actually can't pick any holes in it at all (not that I want to try). I loved that the novel was split into four different parts, based on how far along Allie was in her journey. I also really loved how this journey progressed and how the world around her seemed to change and evolve as she learnt more about the truth of the world as a whole, rather than just what she knew from the confines of New Covington, where the story begins.
There are so many plot twists once we get into the final part of the novel, and these were completely unpredictable - at least to me. I found myself on the edge of my seat wondering what on Earth was going to happen next on more than a few occasions, so it was definitely exciting, gripping, nail-bitingly thrilling, and more!

I'm certain that I remember reading or hearing someone say, at some point, that Allie's character wasn't particularly strong, and that all she did was follow other people around for the entire novel. Whereas this is essentially true (she does follow people around, that is...), what they said about her character could not be further from the truth! Allie definitely holds her own. In fact, she's one of the strongest female characters I've ever come across, and I love her for it!
I love that she never once gave up - no matter what was thrown at her, or what she was told, she carried on in her own way, regardless. Kanin (her creator), told her that she would not be able to hold onto her humanity for much longer, and that she would have to choose what kind of monster she would become, but she managed to hold onto her humanity, despite the internal battle with herself and The Hunger - she didn't give in to the monster, and that takes considerable strength.
I also really loved how loyal she became, even though (even as a human) she swore she would never become attached to another human life. But even when she was kicked out, threatened and rejected, later on in the novel, she still protected the people that she had come to care about, and proved, once and for all, that she is strong enough to hold on to her humanity - control the monster inside her, instead of the other way around.
Also, Allie's kind of kick-ass, and who doesn't love an exotically beautiful, Katana-wielding vampire babe?!
Allie is incredible, and don't you forget it!


It should be obvious by now that my praise for this novel is inexhaustible. Julie is definitely a master story-teller, and I look forward to reading more from her, but I'm especially looking forward to the sequel to this one. I seriously hope we don't have too long to wait!



35 comments:

Jenn @ Owl Read It said...

Yes! Allie is completely kick ass and so strong! How else would she manage to hold off feeding for so long while surrounded by humans. I love Julie Kagawa's writing, although I'm still working on the Iron Fey series. I can't wait for the next book either :)
Great review! I couldn't think of any negatives for it either.

Dani Cotton said...

Ah, I'm so glad you agree!
I can't believe I've not read any of the Iron Fey series yet - I'm so ashamed of myself! But I have an exclusive, hardback, special edition (with sparkles on the cover!!) now, from the publishers, so I really have no excuse! Will definitely leap at it soon and devour it (much like Allie... although I may not want to devour it ... it's pretty, and sparkles probably don't taste good...).

Definitely a contender for favourite read of the year!

Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer said...

I loved this novel, the world-building was incredible and the characters ..LOVED THEM! I totally agree with your review and am delighted you enjoyed it as much as I did :)

Kali Skittles said...

I can't fricking wait to read this. I had it on hold at my library and hadn't had a chance to get up there until today and the hold ran out yesterday and it got checked out this morning. FRICK. I was SO pumped to go get it too, I didn't realize my hold ran out yesterday or I would have went sooner!!

Your review just makes me even more want to kick myself for not getting there sooner. I put it back on hold but it'll still be at least a week before I get it. skjflkjdfasj!

Ning said...

I loved this book! She's a fantastic writer and this world is amazing! I thought Allie was the most kick-ass character ever and I'm so sad I don't know when the next book is coming out! I can't wait to read more about Kanin as well. Great review! I saw your notes on this on Facebook and that is intense!

Ning @ Reading by Kindle Fire

Shah Wharton said...

Oh you sold it to me - I am always looking for something new and fabulous to come out and this could be it! Thanks X

Ezinwanyi said...

I absolutely loved this book. What a great writer. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Allie was definitely a heroine i could respect.

But her wimpy friend--he was leech in his own way. I stopped feeling sorry for him as he mooches off of others

Cliona said...

AHHHHH I have to read this soon! Amazing review :)

Sarah (saz101) said...

Oh, I LOVED this book! I just... seriously. No words. The world building is amazing, but ALLIE. Allie is just... so wonderful. I love how she fights to cling to her humanity, and how she seems to become even more human as a 'monster' than as a starving human. WONDERFUL review ♥

Jaime Lester said...

I am so excited! My local library got this and now I am just waiting on it to go through processing and it is MINE! Apart from your great review, I have heard so many incredible things about this book. It is nice to know that there is a spark of uniqueness in the vampire world where every other book is the same dang story with different names. I love that Allie is a tough girl. My favorite kind. I love it when women are not afraid to be tough and stand up for themselves and kick some booty. Every woman should feel like they have the right to be a tough chick. Anyway, thanks for another great review. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book!

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

I'm so glad you liked this one so much!! I actually still enjoyed the Iron Fey books more :)

Anonymous said...

Wow. Amazing review. I haven't read this one, but I'm dying to. If only I didn't have so many other books to read.
I love how you said that Allie is one of the strongest female character you know. Really good to know! I hate it when a character is weak.
Thanks for sharing!

Jolene and Family said...

I loved this review and I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. What sold me even more is that she is such a strong female lead. I love finding that in a book, it's so empowering!!!

Michelle Chew said...

I've just got the book and I can't wait to read it! It seems that you really like The Immortal Rules! I'm a Julie fangirl so I'll grab whatever she writes! <3

Kim said...

Awesome review! I've just ordered myself a copy! :P Yay for a strong female character! <3 It's so awesome to see.

molly.frenzel said...

I haven't read this novel yet, but your review has definitely bumped it up on my TBR list. I love books focused on strong, kick-ass heroines and Immortal Rules seems to have that in spades!

Sarah Elizabeth said...

I'm really looking forward to this book! Found it cheap on kindle so had to download a copy! I haven't read the iron fey series, but thought I might start with this one instead. So pleased to hear that it really is that good!
Sarah

Rose said...

I am so excited to read this book! I have heard nothing but great things from everyone I know who has read it. It makes me even more excited to get a copy! (:

PuttPutt1198Eve said...

It was interesting to see that you definitely disageed with other people about whether or not Allie was a strong character. You felt that she was one of the strongest female characters that you had read. She never gave up and that was extremely important to you!

Veronika said...

WOW, I'm dying to read this book so much!! I've been reading all the reviews about it, and I can't have to recieve my copy! Thank you for the review! I love vampires, so sure it's a must read for me! :)

Jennifer said...

Great review!
I loved this book too! The world development, plot, and characters are amazing!

Farah said...

Eeeppp!!! I was really reluctant to pick this up. I don't know... but the cover was pretty creepy to me. So glad that you love the book. Awesome review! :D

Cass said...

I'm reading this one now. I'm not too far in, Allison has just learnt how to feed.

Glad you loved it! Lovely review.

Lexie said...

Wow! Now I must read The Immortal Rules. I read some reviews that they don't like it that much, but reading your review makes me want to read it, as in right NOW. :D Thank you! :D

lbraley said...

Ok well to be blunt I had zero interest in reading this book. It didn't sound interesting in any way but with all of these reviews that are so completely positive I think I will be picking it up. This is why I read reviews, some of my favorite books are usually ones I would have overlooked. I hope its good :)

erin said...

Thanks for a great review! I also have had zero interest in this book, but I've been reading great reviews and I'm getting... interested. So it's going on my wishlist :)

Filia Oktarina said...

Great review!! I haven't read this novel yet, but your review make me want reading this book. Thanks for sharing:)

brandileigh2003 said...

I agree about Allie being strong and admirable.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

kristiana said...

Great review! i'm dying to read this book! *envy*

J Whitus said...

This book has literally saturated the book blogging world. I always trust your reviews so I will have to read this one. Thanks for you thoughts!
Jeannette
www.walkingonbookshelves.blogspot.com

nurmawati djuhawan said...

currently reading this book...but i think the iron series are better...

nurmawati djuhawan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gaby said...

I've been seeing this book everywhere but never paid much attention to it until now and I've got to say it does sound pretty interesting. I am so going to give this a try :)

Samantha Stewart said...

I've been considering reading this book because I've read the first Iron Fey novel and I absolutely loved it! But I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy this book or not, but after reading your review of it, I'm sure I'll love the book and I'm definitely gonna get it sometime soon! Your reviews always make me add more books to my TBR list!

beccabooklover said...

I read this books a few weeks ago and loved it to my own suprise! I really haven't been too fussed on vampire stories in the past but this book was so captivating and so thrilling that it is possibly my favourite vampire book so far (but I haven't read much haha!)

I totally agree with you that Allie is such a strong character. She has to deal with so much and is trying desperately to hold on to humanity. I found her journey such an emotional rollercoaster in parts and I admired her strength.

I'm currently trying to write my review (so many to write) and had to take a peek to see what you thought of a book that I enjoyed so much :)

Becca @ Lost in Thought

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