A tasty morsel
Like horse-centric YA series and the color pink, I was kind of over the vampire phase before it began. I've read the entire Twilight series - the thing that started the faux-gothic trend in the first place - and while I could understand its popularity, it just wasn't up my alley. (A notable exception.) This would explain why I kept overlooking this book over the last few years, even resenting it a little as it kept popping up. But I've been starved of reading material lately, so I decided it was time to give it a chance.
Even though Schuyler Van Alen comes from a family of perfect pedigree and lives with a wealthy grandmother who lets her do whatever she wants, she has always felt like an outcast among the Upper East Side elite. No one likes to remind her better than Mimi Force, queen bee of Duchesne School and gorgeous twin sister of Jack, its king. Lately, though, Schuyler has been going through odd changes which prelude an invitation to join a mysterious society called the Blue Bloods. Meanwhile, a tragic death of a class member leads to the discovery of a centuries-long battle between beings not of this earth - and puts Schuyler in danger. Fortunately, there are other outsiders coming to her aid: Oliver, her best friend; Bliss, a shy girl who was originally part of Mimi's posse; and Dylan, a rebel who reaches out to Bliss. Even Jack drops a couple clues for Schuyler, as well as puts the moves on her - resulting in a very angry, possessive Mimi.
Sometimes novels take themselves way too seriously, resulting in ponderous plotting and manufactured prose and by-the-number characters. Here, though, the heavy atmosphere adds more to the story than takes away; it's sort of fun, in a way I can't describe. De la Cruz uses events and locations from America's past and present to expand on her personal brand of vampire lore, so I suppose the serious tone fits well. Its fast-pace plotting and twists compel the reader even when the characters may not. Schuyler is likable enough, and she commits to solving the mystery here with the usual passion that main characters in a mystery must have, and I even started to respect her for it. The bond she has with Oliver feels genuine even when it's an explicit plot-point, and the friendship that forms between them and Bliss is rendered nicely. The boys, Jack and Dylan, are pretty paper-thin. Jack makes no impression on the reader; a more compelling character can be found in his father, who is ridiculous in his stern antagonism. Mimi doesn't seem to exist for any reason other than to demonstrate how being able to get away with everything can turn you into a self-centered bitch. Make no mistake: this is Schuyler's story, and Mimi just exists in it - hopefully for no longer.
The portrayal of Upper East Side brats and their kin is more of the same, although the reveal that most of them are vampires seems like a natural twist. What really grates is the constant mention of designer labels and similar instances of scenery porn. Even when Schuyler dresses in one of her thrift store ensembles, her clothes have famous names. It serves to provide Mimi with her only other character trait: obsession with labels.
If you're not tired of the vampire craze, this is a satisfying read. Give de la Cruz some credit for at least writing this book before even Twilight's appearance on the scene. Rating: 3.5 Rolls Royces out of 5.
Sometimes novels take themselves way too seriously, resulting in ponderous plotting and manufactured prose and by-the-number characters. Here, though, the heavy atmosphere adds more to the story than takes away; it's sort of fun, in a way I can't describe. De la Cruz uses events and locations from America's past and present to expand on her personal brand of vampire lore, so I suppose the serious tone fits well. Its fast-pace plotting and twists compel the reader even when the characters may not. Schuyler is likable enough, and she commits to solving the mystery here with the usual passion that main characters in a mystery must have, and I even started to respect her for it. The bond she has with Oliver feels genuine even when it's an explicit plot-point, and the friendship that forms between them and Bliss is rendered nicely. The boys, Jack and Dylan, are pretty paper-thin. Jack makes no impression on the reader; a more compelling character can be found in his father, who is ridiculous in his stern antagonism. Mimi doesn't seem to exist for any reason other than to demonstrate how being able to get away with everything can turn you into a self-centered bitch. Make no mistake: this is Schuyler's story, and Mimi just exists in it - hopefully for no longer.
The portrayal of Upper East Side brats and their kin is more of the same, although the reveal that most of them are vampires seems like a natural twist. What really grates is the constant mention of designer labels and similar instances of scenery porn. Even when Schuyler dresses in one of her thrift store ensembles, her clothes have famous names. It serves to provide Mimi with her only other character trait: obsession with labels.
If you're not tired of the vampire craze, this is a satisfying read. Give de la Cruz some credit for at least writing this book before even Twilight's appearance on the scene. Rating: 3.5 Rolls Royces out of 5.
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