Helpful Score: 3
This is the second book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz. I was pleasantly pleased with this book. After reading both Melissa Marr's "Ink Exchange" and the remainder of the House of Night series I have to say, I think Melissa de la Cruz writes much better than either of those authors.
Schuyler travels to Italy with Oliver in hopes of finding her grandfather; she hopes he can help her figure out how to fight the Silver Bloods. Meanwhile the Blue Blood community is planning the Four Hundred Ball and at Duchesne School Mimi is planning an exclusive after party. Also a mysterious new kid, Kingsley, enters the scene. Will Schuyler find what she seeks? What will happen to Mimi as she walks a darker and darker path?
I like this book better than the first book of this series. There is a lot more plot and things move along at a fast clip. It was nice to see Schuyler doing something productive and really taking the initiative. The tension between Oliver/Schuyler/Jack and Jack/Schuyler/Mimi continues to make things interesting. In this book you feel like things are kind of building to a climax as you find out more and more about the Silver Blood taint within the Blue Blood community.
This book is also a fun read if you like fashion and reading about the elite. There are a couple good fashion shoots that Bliss and Schuyler attend and some discussion about style and fashion in general. I happen to enjoy fashion so I find these parts of the book to be interesting and entertaining.
I thought many of the characters really filled out in this book. I also thought that this book was more linear and didn't jump between characters in a way that was as distracting as the first book. All in all I really enjoyed the book and am eagerly awaiting the next book. Just remember these are books to read for fun and really aren't all that deep. Although I will say that this book had more depth than the first book.
Schuyler travels to Italy with Oliver in hopes of finding her grandfather; she hopes he can help her figure out how to fight the Silver Bloods. Meanwhile the Blue Blood community is planning the Four Hundred Ball and at Duchesne School Mimi is planning an exclusive after party. Also a mysterious new kid, Kingsley, enters the scene. Will Schuyler find what she seeks? What will happen to Mimi as she walks a darker and darker path?
I like this book better than the first book of this series. There is a lot more plot and things move along at a fast clip. It was nice to see Schuyler doing something productive and really taking the initiative. The tension between Oliver/Schuyler/Jack and Jack/Schuyler/Mimi continues to make things interesting. In this book you feel like things are kind of building to a climax as you find out more and more about the Silver Blood taint within the Blue Blood community.
This book is also a fun read if you like fashion and reading about the elite. There are a couple good fashion shoots that Bliss and Schuyler attend and some discussion about style and fashion in general. I happen to enjoy fashion so I find these parts of the book to be interesting and entertaining.
I thought many of the characters really filled out in this book. I also thought that this book was more linear and didn't jump between characters in a way that was as distracting as the first book. All in all I really enjoyed the book and am eagerly awaiting the next book. Just remember these are books to read for fun and really aren't all that deep. Although I will say that this book had more depth than the first book.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is captivating. The first in the series was only the start of a phenomenon known as the Blue Bloods series. It's simple: If you liked the first one, you will DIE for the second one. I was so impressed by the first one I went out looking for the second one at 1 am (I read at night)... I read it in 2 days and can't wait 'til the 3rd one comes out. (FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST) It is Gossip Girl mixed with Twilight, but better. Amazing series.
Helpful Score: 2
I really liked the first book, but this one was even better! Don't give up on this series yet!
Helpful Score: 1
this book is very good. Easy reading. I want to read the next. book. I would highlt recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 1
This is book 2 in the Blue Bloods Series. It looks like there will be a minimum of six books in this series.
I found Masquerade predictable in the story that she chose to wrap up and left more questions than the first novel. I really want to go out and purchase book 3 right now but it wont do me any good, De La Cruzs MO seems to be leave em hanging which is good for book sales but aggravating as all get out for readers.
At the end of this book she has included a Family Tree with some of the other names the vampires have used throughout history. In each book she has various letters written by the vampires and or news clippings. I swapped out my first book and now I want to go back and look at the letters written by the Plymouth Bluff Vampires and see who they are in the present time. I wish she included the family tree in the first book.
I am anxious to read Book 3, Revelations, but I am going to wait since the fourth book, The Van Allen Legacy does not come out until September 2009. Seems to me adult and maybe even a majority of teen readers may want to read these straight through
I found Masquerade predictable in the story that she chose to wrap up and left more questions than the first novel. I really want to go out and purchase book 3 right now but it wont do me any good, De La Cruzs MO seems to be leave em hanging which is good for book sales but aggravating as all get out for readers.
At the end of this book she has included a Family Tree with some of the other names the vampires have used throughout history. In each book she has various letters written by the vampires and or news clippings. I swapped out my first book and now I want to go back and look at the letters written by the Plymouth Bluff Vampires and see who they are in the present time. I wish she included the family tree in the first book.
I am anxious to read Book 3, Revelations, but I am going to wait since the fourth book, The Van Allen Legacy does not come out until September 2009. Seems to me adult and maybe even a majority of teen readers may want to read these straight through
Good follow up to the first book. Much better story full of intrigue and suspense. Loved the direction all the characters are moving towards. And I'm pretty sure I know who the silver blood is. Can't wait for the fallout.
GREAT book, the series is amazing beyond belief, and I CAN'T WAIT until they all come out!!!
Great follow up to Blue Bloods! The story does not lack anything, and in no way does the book have the typical "second book disappointment." If you liked the first book, then consider this a must read!
I enjoy the plot and characters. However there is too much Fashion speak. Like Designer clothes make you better.
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.
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.
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
When we last left off with Schuyler Van Alen, she was just getting used to the news of being a Blue Blood, or what we normally label them as, a vampire. She gets invited into the New York Blood Bank Committee and, before she knows it, Schuyler is swept away into the unknown world of the Blue Bloods. Unfortunately, it seems like Schuyler discovered her true self at the wrong time, since three Blue Blood teens have been murdered.
Still not satisfied, Schuyler wants more information for why young vampires are dying and the only way she can find out more is by visiting her grandfather, who lives in Italy. And so in MASQUERADE, Schuyler is off with her best friend to get to the truth. But while Schuyler is trying to learn more about her new world, the Four Hundred Ball is being held in New York, and it seems like the party, before and after, are more than what she bargained for.
Of course, with all of this mystery and drama, Schuyler's life also has to be filled with a little boy drama. It's not enough having mixed-up, obnoxious feelings toward Jack, but with the new guy in town, things just happen to get messy.
Melissa de la Cruz continues her amazing series, BLUE BLOODS, with full force in MASQUERADE. Some problems are solved while even more are unleashed, and you just can't help but fall deep into this wonderful series. The relationships that Schuyler has with everyone around her are just amazingly sweet. The good part about this series is that there is definitely more to come. The drawback just happens to be waiting for the next one.
When we last left off with Schuyler Van Alen, she was just getting used to the news of being a Blue Blood, or what we normally label them as, a vampire. She gets invited into the New York Blood Bank Committee and, before she knows it, Schuyler is swept away into the unknown world of the Blue Bloods. Unfortunately, it seems like Schuyler discovered her true self at the wrong time, since three Blue Blood teens have been murdered.
Still not satisfied, Schuyler wants more information for why young vampires are dying and the only way she can find out more is by visiting her grandfather, who lives in Italy. And so in MASQUERADE, Schuyler is off with her best friend to get to the truth. But while Schuyler is trying to learn more about her new world, the Four Hundred Ball is being held in New York, and it seems like the party, before and after, are more than what she bargained for.
Of course, with all of this mystery and drama, Schuyler's life also has to be filled with a little boy drama. It's not enough having mixed-up, obnoxious feelings toward Jack, but with the new guy in town, things just happen to get messy.
Melissa de la Cruz continues her amazing series, BLUE BLOODS, with full force in MASQUERADE. Some problems are solved while even more are unleashed, and you just can't help but fall deep into this wonderful series. The relationships that Schuyler has with everyone around her are just amazingly sweet. The good part about this series is that there is definitely more to come. The drawback just happens to be waiting for the next one.
I have read the Blue Bloods and then went out and bought Masquerade. I really am enjoying these books! I'm chomping at the bit to go out and buy the 3rd book in this series to find out how it ends. I'm sure hoping Mimi gets hers in the end b/c she sure is a nasty piece of work. :) Anyway, I didn't feel the first book was age appropriate for teens. This one is less inappropriate but you can't have this one without reading the first book, so make your own judgement.
Masquerade is the second book in the Blue Bloods series, and we once again find Schuyler dealing with the issues that have been thrust upon her by the change. When we come upon her at first she is in Venice looking for her grandfather. The effort seems fruitless until a chance meeting at an art gallery. Or perhaps it is not chance?
When we go back to New York and back to Schuylers usual life we follow the story that was set up for us by the first book. It is a good continuation on the series, and personally my favorite thing about the book was some of the history they went into. They have gone through and shown s more of the legend of vampires as it is seen in this series. It is certainly a different take on the fallen angels, and Lucifer I will say that.
Unfortunately for everyone in the books The Silver Blood is still on the prowl and the person that they thought it was is not it. The book is not a stand alone you need to have read the first one to read it, and the book does not end fully on its own. You are left wide open and hanging for the third book in the series. Normally this is not my favorite way for a book to wrap, but over all the book is good.
When we go back to New York and back to Schuylers usual life we follow the story that was set up for us by the first book. It is a good continuation on the series, and personally my favorite thing about the book was some of the history they went into. They have gone through and shown s more of the legend of vampires as it is seen in this series. It is certainly a different take on the fallen angels, and Lucifer I will say that.
Unfortunately for everyone in the books The Silver Blood is still on the prowl and the person that they thought it was is not it. The book is not a stand alone you need to have read the first one to read it, and the book does not end fully on its own. You are left wide open and hanging for the third book in the series. Normally this is not my favorite way for a book to wrap, but over all the book is good.
Much better than the first in this series-it delves more into the story line about how they became vampires.
second book of the series you dont want to stop reading
good book, really looking forward to book 3...a different take on teen vamp books
This one wasn't as good as the first book in the series, but worth reading if you enjoy the series.
