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Book Review of Masquerade (Blue Bloods, Bk 2)

Masquerade (Blue Bloods, Bk 2)
nantuckerin avatar reviewed on + 158 more book reviews


Masquerade and it's predecessor, Blue Bloods, both are great examples of guilty pleasure reads. They're short. They're addictive. And they have a fair deal of fluff filling out the story.

However, I have to say, I really am enjoying Melissa de la Cruz' series, which explores a unique vampire mythology that is very different from anything else I've ever read. Underneath the superficial fashion, modeling and teen angst side stories, the plot is steeped in history and religious mythology, and full of intriguing and unexpected twists and turns.

In Masquerade, Schuyer van Alen -- a young Blue Blood vampire from old society money -- continues her quest to find out more about the Silver Bloods, the unknown threat hunting and killing her Blue Blood classmates at the tony Duchense School. The plotline jumps around a lot, and de la Cruz doesn't spend long on parts of the story that seem like they should command more attention and well, pages. (The 400 Ball and Schuyler's trip to Italy both come to mind). The book is still an enjoyable read, though.

I found myself very interested in where the series' broad story is going, and I enjoy the historical back story presented through old newspaper clippings, journal entries and other devices. But I have to say, the characters don't do much for me. I don't find any of them particularly likeable, except probably Oliver, Schuyler's human conduit and oldest friend. Schuyler's grandfather, Lawrence van Alen, is also an interesting addition.

I plan to read the next installment, Revelations, and I'm sure I'll tear through that volume just as quickly as the past. This series is like junk food. You know there's not much redeemable about it, but it's delicious just the same.