Thursday, January 28, 2010

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel


Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Immortals Book 2
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 284
Book Source: Borrowed from Alaine Queen of Happy Endings.

Eager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen’s are waning. In an attempt to save him, Ever travels to the magical dimension of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past; a past which he has always kept hidden from her. But in her quest to cure Damen, Ever discovers an ancient text that details the workings of time. Now Ever must choose between turning back the past and saving her family from the accident that claimed their lives—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows sicker every day...

If you haven't read Evermore you might want to skip this as even the synopsis gives away spoilers for the 1st book. I really enjoyed Blue Moon, it didn't have the slow pace of Evermore so I found myself carried along in a state of suspense for the majority of the book. Once again the blend of 'normal' and paranormal elements creates an atmosphere that is at once captivating and unique. As Ever comes into her own in the immortal world, Damen appears to be slipping away and we are left wondering whether true love will last forever.

In Blue Moon we learn more about the fascinating dimension of Summerland, visiting this magical place really opens the door on Damen's past and Ever's past lives and the love and tragedy they've shared over the centuries. I liked the realistic school setting but if you're not into teen cliques and angst then this might not be for you. Personally  I found the immortal world very appealing and the twists and turns kept me turning the pages. The new characters introduced are an integral part of the story and love them or hate them they add to the suspense and intrigue. 

I don't mind cliffhanger endings but I was so dumbfounded by Ever's out-of-character stupidity that some of the enjoyment in the story was stolen. For a character to do a 180 degree turn after trusting her instincts through the entire book, really annoyed me. So all in all, I really enjoyed the ride but the "face-plant" at the end is the thing that has stayed with me after finishing the book. However I can't be too traumatised as I'll definitely be reading Shadowland as soon as Alaine gets it :-)

The 4th book in the Immortal series, Dark Flame is due for release in July 2010.

Radiance, book 1 in the Immortal spin-off series will be out in August 2010. It features Riley Bloom, Ever's sister.



Visit Alyson Noel's website or blog to find out more


To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

29 comments:

  1. Excellent review! I agree about the end but wanted to reserve judgement for the next book. I checked Big W today and I was dreaming Shadowland was not there but don't worry I'll get it LOL.

    PS your signature is not coming up. It's just got a cross there.

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  2. Does that mean I have to buy Radiance as well LOL.

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  3. LMAO, I promise I'll buy it if I see it and then I'll put all 3 of MY Immortal books on MY bookshelf hahaha. The book about Riley and Buttercup should be good

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  4. LOL yeah that be good *snort* and don't forget Dark Flame :-)

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  5. Good review, it sounds interesting. Can it stand alone?

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  6. Great review. I enjoyed this book. The next one is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read.

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  7. Yeah well that would only have worked if I hadn't found Evermore on my bookshelf. I would have remembered eventually. But I suppose you could have just written your name in it like someone else we know LOL.

    You know me, I have to have the whole set once I start.

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  8. Great review, LOL Just wait till you read shadowland if you think she already are thinking this LOL - ugh I am hoping that Dark Flame redemes itself... :) Glad you like Evermore, I did too, as well as blue moon - shadowland left me ugh...but hoping for dark flame! :)

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  9. Great review. I liked this one as much as I liked Evermore, I think. But not Shadowland. I hope you enjoy it more that I did! :)

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  10. Aargh! Haven't read the first one yet; it is sitting upstairs waiting patiently.

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  11. I am going off to the library now to get this book.I have been putting off reading it since so many days now that I think I should go ahead and just read it :)

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  12. Kind of skipped it all ;)
    But I do have this in mind when I browse books.

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  13. I had the same reaction to the ending. It was so stupid what she did. But I'm going to read the 3rd one when I get a chance.

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  14. I somewhat hesitant to read this series because of some chains of no-nice-reviews that I read very recently.

    Though what you write here really make me think back whether I'm making a right choice there or not. Perhaps I wouldn't know whether the book is good or not until I try it all myself, eh?

    Very great review, and certainly one that make me want to read that book!

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  15. I need to get my hands on this one too!! Loved your review!

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  16. I liked this book a lot, but the ending really did bother me.

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  17. Sharon ~ no definitely not a stand alone, you need to read this series in order.

    Elie ~ I'm keen to know what you think of Shadowland, from the comments here, it looks like it might be a little disappointing :-(

    Book Crazy Jenn & Raila ~ Oh no what a bummer about Shadowlands *sigh* I was so hoping LOL

    Vivienne ~ will look out for your review for Evermore, I never got around to reviewing it last year. (oops)

    Shweta ~ did you like Evermore?

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  18. B ~ hope you enjoy them if you manage to get hold of them :-)

    Andrea ~ me too but it looks like Shadowlands has had some mixed reviews.

    Shy ~ yes one to read and decide yourself. I'm really glad I read them and I do want to continue the series in spite of the character's 180 during the ending LOL

    Staci ~ thanks, hope you enjoy them if you manage to pick them up

    Robby ~ I think the ending bothered a lot of people, well not so much the ending but Ever's about face during the ending!

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  19. I will skip reading this! I want to read the 1st one 1st!

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  20. Lovely Review:

    This sounds like an interesting series. I too hate it though when a character makes a 180 degree turn like that and becomes almost TSTL...

    Thank you for another wonderful review and sharing your thoughts!

    ((hugs))
    L

    PS: "The SD thanks you too. LOL

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  21. I need to get SHADOWLAND and will soon. I had no idea about DARK FLAME. Thanks for the heads up on that one!

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  22. Great review Teddy. I am a bit tired of YA at the moment but when I'm ready I give these a try. I hate characters that do 180s in books. What the heck?

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  23. Enjoyed your review! Sorry to hear about the ending, as I can't stand when someone suddenly does something completely out of character. But like you, I'll still read the rest of the series.

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  24. I can't wait to get a peek at Radiance, it sounds excellent!

    Blue Moon was good too, and Shadowland is calling me, I want Ever to redeem herself.

    Dottie :)

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  25. Great review :)
    I have read Evermore which I found a little dragged and boring at some parts.Have heard good things about Blue Moon, but then again, have heard that Shadowland is not that great ! :( gosh, why do the series book have to be like that !!?
    I hope that Shadowland turns out to be good !

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  26. Great Review. I'm not a big fan of The Immortals Series, but I keep reading it just to know what happens.

    Thanks for the information about Radiance. I haven't heard anything about that book...but after reading the synopsis I'm definitely going to read it.

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  27. Great review! A fourth book already? Wow. And thanks for the heads up on Radiance.

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  28. great review.i am so glad you didnt like it too.haha..i just finished reading this book a few days ago and the hatred of the book really haunted me..*LOL*..hope sahdowland will be better.. =)

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