January 27, 2012

REVIEW: Balthazar by Claudia Gray



Balthazar
by Claudia Gray
Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: March 6th 2012
By HarperTeen

Vampire heartthrob Balthazar More, first introduced to readers in the New York Times bestselling Evernight series, fights for true love in this electrifying stand-alone novel.

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

I am a huge fan of Claudia Gray’s Evernight series and when I found out Balthazar was getting his own story I was ecstatic. He was one of my favorite characters in Evernight, and with the way that series ended; I needed to learn about his past. I wasn’t disappointed one bit. Did I really think I would be? No way! Every book I’ve read by Gray I’ve finished in one sitting and wanted more. The same goes with Balthazar. I started reading it and was immediately hooked and in LOVE all over again with him.

Balthazar is just as action packed and unpredictable as Gray’s previous books. It also has a couple of twist and a nice romance that builds up at a great pace. I literally got butterflies in my stomach at a couple of scenes between Balthazar and Skye. Skye was a very brave person and I really liked that even though they played the whole “can’t be together” game, she never gave up on Balthazar. Neither one of them expected to find love, let alone with each other considering their situation. It was awesome!

You don’t have to read Evernight series in order to follow Balthazar’s story. It’s a whole different plot and takes place in a different location. Some of the past characters make an appearance, but not for very long. What needed to be recapped was, and done in such a way that it didn’t take over the story with past events. I have to admit that I was afraid there would be a whole lot recapping of events that took place in Evernight, but it really wasn’t. Everything fell into place perfectly like a puzzle and at the right time.

Balthazar got his ending and a happy one, too. Cannot wait to see what Claudia Gray writes next. Her books are on auto buy for me. I recommend this book and know you will love it!

5 out of 5 Stars!




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12 comments:

  1. Great review, thanks. I need to check out Evernight. Would it be okay if I read this first, or should I start somewhere else?

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    1. I honestly think you can read this without reading the Evernight series. It's a whole new story and takes place in a whole different location.

      Definitely can be a standalone.

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  2. I haven't read Evernight but wanted to read this book because I've heard so many good things about Balthazar. So it's a relief to see that you don't have to read the previous series in order to read this book!

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    1. You have to read EVERNIGHT! Such a good series!!! Action packed and everything is all for love *sigh* lol

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  3. I like Balthazar, really looking forward to reading his happy ending:)

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  4. I haven't read this series so it's good to know I don't have to in order to read this. Nice post!

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  5. Definitely don't have to read Evernight to keep up. Although, you really should read it. It's awesome! LOL

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  6. I have this series but haven't read it yet. But I met Claudia Gray at her Fateful book signing and she was great. I loved Fateful. I look forward to reading Balthazar! I'm so glad you liked it.

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  7. I love this series. Thanks for a great review. I can't wait to get a copy. I'm so happy Balthazar got his own book and can't wait to read what Claudia did for him!!

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  8. This book sounds fantastic. I haven't read any of the Evernight books but now that I read this review I'm going to put them all at the top of my TBR list. Thanks :-)

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  9. WOW! I'm so happy you loved this book because I LOVE Balthazar. He was my favorite of the Evernight characters:)) And it's great he has his own story now - with Skye:))

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  10. I really loved this book too and I'm glad that you didn't have to read the whole Evernight series to read this one. Great review!

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