March 17, 2012

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Hardcover, 512 pages
Expected Publication: April 24, 2012 by Harleqiun Teen
You will kill. The only question is when. 
In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.
Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.
Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

I’m so over vampires. I unofficially swore them off, and haven’t picked up a single book featuring the world’s favorite immortal creatures in quite some time. So my first thought was “Why, Kagawa?! Whyyyy????” because I knew with her writing abilities and superb world-building , there was no way I was going to pass up her next series, despite it being about something I had come to loathe. I really didn’t like the idea of reading about more vampires. But I went with it, having faith that I wouldn’t be let down, although a bit of the apprehension lingered.

My faith in Kagawa did not fail me. While I was reading The Immortal Rules, I completely forgot about how much I had come to dislike vampires. I’m sure this is due in large part to how raw this story is. The vampires? Complete lack of humanity, in most cases. These are the vampires I always loved. The kind characters needed to be afraid of, because they were interested in draining you, not loving you. I’ve missed this variety!

The character development is great. Allie is fierce and is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and occasionally those around her. There are quite a few characters in this book, and I don’t  think there is much I can say about any of them without it being a bit spoilery, but I will say they are all great characters—even the villains.

The Immortal Rules doesn’t have a love triangle, and I’m hoping it doesn’t turn into one. I am to the point that I cannot (and don’t even try) to tolerate them. Love triangles are a deal-breaker for me. I’d love to see The Immortal Rules continue the way it is—all plot and adventure and rawness, with a subtle romance underneath.

Either The Immortal Rules is geared toward a slightly older audience, or Kagawa has really come into her own with her writing. (Not that there was anything wrong with the Iron Fey) This book pushes the limits in nearly every aspect, from the language to the length of the book. We’ve seen cop-outs, right? Where the first book of a series is about 300 pages of nearly nothing, and yet the series becomes a best seller based simply on potential? Not the case with The Immortal Rules. This is what the first of a series should be—packed full of action that leaves us on the edge of our seats. Characters that are tough and determined—because in a world like this one, they need to be.

I could not get enough of this book, and I am definitely anticipating the sequel. I’ve got a long wait ahead of me.

5 out of 5 Stars!

(Damaris also read The Immortal Rules and her review will be posted closer to the publication, so look out for her thoughts as well!)



14 comments:

  1. Awesome review! I'm so jealous you got a chance to read it. I can't wait till this is released. The concept sounds amazing and while I still love vampires, it's refreshing to see them as their original nature (you know, not sparkly).

    Ning @ Reading by Kindle Fire

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  2. Yay, I just got this on NetGalley and am so glad to hear it doesn't have a love triangle. I enjoyed The Iron King, but I quickly got fed up with the series later on when the love triangle was just irritating, ugh! Besides, I preferred Puck to Mr. Surly. Oh well.

    Looking forward to this!

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  3. Looking forward to reading this book the cover reminds me of Vampire Shift by Tim O'Rourke.

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  4. I love vampire romance, this sounds like a awesome book, very challenging and some what dark. I love when vampires are portrayed in their true form I look forward to reading this book.

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  5. I've actually not been interested in this book at all just because I'm also sick of vampires. But, after reading your review I might definitely pick this book up when it comes out. I also love that it's a vampire book without a love triangle. Does that even happen ever? ;)

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  6. I like it when vampires are based on something scientific as opposed to mythical/magical origins.

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  7. It looks/sounds so good!!
    I really can't wait to read it :)

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  8. I am hoping this book is awesome! I can't wait to read it! I am looking forward to a good vampire book. This review makes it sound like it will be good. Thanks for the review.

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  9. Great review! I'm super excited to read this one.

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  10. Oh my gosh, I loved the Iron Fey books! I'm sure this is going to be as good as it sounds. I had no idea she was writing something new, but now that I know I can't wait to read it!

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  11. Julie Kagawa is a brilliant author and even though I'm sick of vampire books this one definitely sounds good!

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  12. Bad Vampires books are eclipsing the GOOD ones. Sad, but true~

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  13. Been wanting to read this. Thanks for the great review. Definitely gonna read it now!

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