The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1)
by Julie Kagawa
Publication: April 24th, 2012 (Hardback)
Pages: 480
Author: Website | Book site | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
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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
Looking back at 2012, I’ll probably remember this as the book that surprised me the most. After reading The Iron Knight, I had high expectations for Julie Kagawa’s next work, and she surpassed my expectations so much that I immediately wanted to reread the book, and then go around telling everyone to read this amazing book.
As with the fey in the Iron Fey series, Kagawa brings her own twists to vampire mythology in the Blood of Eden series. One of my favorite aspects of the novel–besides everything else from the awesome characters to setting to plot–was learning about the vampires: their culture, social hierarchy, weaknesses, and other general characteristics. I also enjoyed meeting vampires themselves, especially Kanin. Allie’s creator is mysterious and alluring from her first meeting with him. I just may have an unhealthy attraction to him.
Allie is an amazing character with great strength. She could live in relative ease if she registered herself and gave blood, but she chooses to risk starvation, never knowing where she’ll find her next meal, rather than take a vampire’s mark. She chooses to be a survivor. And she probably would have lived her days as a human had she not chosen to care about anyone else, but she does. That’s what makes her so perfectly human even after she rises from death as a vampire, hoping for more time to try and make a change in the world. Despite betrayals, Allie never stops trusting in humans. Because of this humanity, Allie’s heart will be broken time after time over the course of this novel, and I can see this happening more often as the series progress.
From start to beginning, Kagawa never ceased to wow me. Just when one matter seems to be resolved, something else comes along. There is always something brewing, and I was never bored. The writing is beautiful and filled with vivid imagery, the various subplots all very interesting in their own ways. The romance doesn’t take away from the plot and is realistically portrayed, as the two must face their individual fears and desires while challenging their beliefs. This books is about a girl facing the monster that she has became–was willing to become in order to live–and what she will do with her life now.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Rachael-Madison ^__^ says
I actually haven't read this book yet, although I definitely plan too! I also haven't read the Iron series yet, to be honest, but I'm excited for both. Would you say there were similarities in terms of the writing between The Immortal Rules and Iron Knight / Daughter / King / Queen?
Crystal says
The Iron Fey series is more romantic. The writing is more dreamy and poetic–what you'd associate with a faery world. It's not all fluffy, but it's definitely more romance-centric. My favorite book in the series is The Iron Knight. Second favorite is The Iron King. Didn't quite like the in-between books, but that's me 🙂
The Immortal Rules, on the other hand, is more intense. There is a lot more action, and the protagonist is more down-to-earth and has a kickass attitude. I love The Immortal Rules a lot more than The Iron Fey series.
Crystal says
@Natalie: It's amazing. You should definitely get a copy. I can't wait for book two!
@Bookwarm1858: I agree. Allie's struggle between her vampire instincts and human morality plays a large role in the book. I'm interested in seeing how Kagawa will expand on this in book two.
Belgie says
The book was definitely a bit darker than Mrs. Kagawa's previous books; a lot darker than I was expecting, in fact. But that just fascinated me even more. The storyline completely drew me in. Saying that I was on the edge of my seat would be an understatement. Mrs. Kagawa created a world and characters that were so well developed; you're going to close the final pages feeling amazed at what you just read.
Bookworm1858 says
I really liked this book, especially as you mention, Allie's struggle with humanity and vampires. That was emphasized in a way that I haven't seen before in vampire books and really added to my enjoyment.
Natalie Aguirre says
Thanks for the great review. I'm so dying to read this.