The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa Series: Blood of Eden #1
Published by Harlequin Teen on April 24, 2012
Genres: Dystopian, Paranormal
Pages: 485
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
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To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.
Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for again.
The Immortal Rules is my new favorite book by Julie Kagawa and that is saying a lot since I adored the Iron Fey series. This new series from Julie Kagawa is so different from her previous series and from anything else that has been done in YA. Don’t let the fact that it’s a vampire story fool you!
The world Julie Kagawa has created in The Immortal Rules is a bleak and dismal one. Humans are blood cattle for vampires and the ones that refuse take their chances with being Taken or starving to death. Life is easy for no one and the world is not a friendly place. The world-building is fluidly interwoven with the story with fabulous attention to detail. Julie Kagawa does not shy away from anything and her descriptions manage to be both brutal and beautiful at times.
The main character, Allison, loathes vampires but when given the choice to die or become one, she Turns. She is terrified of what she might become but she never wants to die. When given the chance she will always choose to live even if it means being undead. Being a vampire doesn’t change a lot about her though. She is still scared, alone, lost, and confused. She still has feelings and a lot of the time those feelings are her downfall. She loves and hates with her whole heart and you don’t want to be on this girl’s bad side. She is brutal! She’s a fabulous heroine and she is matched with the wonderful Zeke. Zeke is the perfect blend of ruthless rabid killer and total sweetheart. He’s impossible not to like although sometimes you will want to hit him. Kanin, Jeb, Ruth, Caleb, Bethany, and the rest of the cast of characters are all brilliantly well-developed. I expected no less from Julie Kagawa.
The story takes time to really take off but that is okay because readers will want to savor the lush descriptions and world-building. These vampires have a very unique history and it’s fascinating to read about even if it’s not fast-paced. Believe me, the second half of the book will make up for that. It’s non-stop action and around every turn is someone threatening Allison’s and the gang’s survival. It seemed like the last 200 pages were fight scene after fight scene that had me on the edge of my seat.
My only warning about The Immortal Rules is that it is rather dark, violent, and at times, kind of scary. There are some rather brutal, gory scenes that not all younger readers will be able to handle. Go into this book warned if you don’t like gory fights and blood.
Overall, The Immortal Rules is a fantastic start to the Blood Of Eden series and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. It’s a dark and gritty world but it is one that readers will be drawn into and I guarantee you won’t be able to stop thinking about it long after the last page has been turned.
the rafflecopter is not showing up for me.
twitter: @ariannecruz07
Your review makes me want the book even more than I already did. Can’t wait to read it!
Froggy
froggarita@gmail.com
This is an awesome review!! Jealous that you already got to read it! Can’t wait to read this book
Glad you enjoyed the book so much! I’m now even more excited–I love dark and gritty!
I’ve heard some awesome things about this book! And the cover is so dark and mysterious! I’m definitely interested 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
Shae @ Understanding Shae’s Story
Thank you so much. I really am excited about this book.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
In all the reviews I’ve seen, people have praised Zeke. Can’t wait to read the slow burning romance between Allison and him and the dark, twisting parts you’ve mentioned.
Sounds great! Love the cover too!
Thanks for the heads up on the need to stick with the story since in starts off slowly. It does sound pretty dark but there are times when that’s exactly what I want to read. I’ll remember the book when the next period like that comes along! Zeke and Allison sound well matched. Thanks for the chance to win this book!
This sounds SOOO good! Great detailed review Katie. Total cover love too!
This sounds like such an amazing book. I would love to have this. Thank you for the chance to win this.
Great review!! I cannot wait to read this book either! I loved the Iron Fey series so I’m highly anticipating this book!!
I do enjoy the Iron Fey series so if you say its better I can’t wait it to read it.
Fantastic review! I usually read anything with the name “Eden” somewhere in the title or as a character name, but I am drawn to this one because of the new vampire spin. I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
I am already planning to read this book since the plot is very appealing for me. Plus, I think the cover’s great.
And now with your fantastic review of the book, I’m really excited to read it. I hope I get to read it soon.
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
This book sounds really good and I love the cover! I haven’t read anything from Julie Kagawa but maybe after this one I will check out the Iron Fey series. Thank you for the heads up on the darkness and violence in this book. Can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Better than Iron Fey? Gotta check this one out for sure!
Glad to hear this is your new favorite Julie Kagawa book. I really liked her Iron Fey series too, so I’m definitely looking forward to this one. I’m actually excited that she’s writing something darker now. I think it will be a nice change. Thanks for the giveaway!
Awesome review! I am dying to read this!!
Oh geez this sounds awesome! I’m gonna be honest and say I’m looking forward to reading about some dark and deadly vampires. Being it on!
I am so excited to read this!! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
It is so wonderful to find an author who is able to continue to write such awesome stories! I always wondered if she would be able to top off the Iron Fey series, and it really sounds like she did!
Thanks for the ‘gore/scary’ warning, I will be sure to keep the nightlight on while reading it 🙂
Great review! I really can’t wait to read this dark worls Julie created. Dystopian + Vampire? I mean c’mon!
I’m convinced that Julie can do no wrong..her stuff is just amazing. I am so bloody excited for this book. Sounds brilliant!
My only warning about The Immortal Rules is that it is rather dark, violent, and at times, kind of scary.
That sounds FANTASTIC. I totally want dark, menacing vampires. Can’t wait to read this book!
The book sounds great can’t wait to read it.
Wooo! So excited for this book! Great review, Katie!!! It sounds awwwwwweeeesome!
I’m not big into gore, so hopefully I’ll be able to hold it together to get through those parts. 🙂
Awesome! I also adored the Iron Fey series and I can’t wait to read this!
I LOVED the Iron Fey series, glad to hear this one is so good! Can’t wait to read it!!!
It’s crazy how much I’m looking forward to starting this series. I love Julie’s Iron Fey series and can’t wait to dig into this new world she created.
Sometimes I kinda like a little dark and scary!!
I can’t wait to read this. Love Julie’s stuff so far.
It took me way too long to get started on The Iron Fey, but this one I’ll be buying as soon as it is out!!:)
This sounds SO awesome! I’m not a vampire fan but I think this book just might change my mind. 🙂
I can’t wait to read this book! I don’t think I’ll mind the slow start if the world-building is really well done because I find a lot of YA dystopian sacrifice world-building for action which sucks. I’m so happy to read about vampires who’re back to being cruel and violent like they should be lol
This book looks soo good! I don’t think I’ll mind all the dark and scariness, sometimes I like that in books.
asian vampires/ count me in
OMG!!! Can’t wait for this book. 🙂
I’m so excited for this one! Julie is one of my favorite authors so naturally I’m dying to read this book. 😀
I am really excited for this one! it sounds amazing, and your review just makes me want to read it even more! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway! Your review is awesome as always!
Great review. Thanks for the warning about it being dark and gory. I’m interested to read it, even if it is all dark and twisty.
Great review. I want to read this book soo bad.
I don’t really like blood and gore, but I *did* like the world and myth building in The Iron Fey so I want to check this one out. And I thought I was OVER vampire novels…
Loved the review I can’t wait to read this.
This sounds so good can’t wait to read it love her other books! Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Thanks for the great review and I’m looking forward to reading this book. I loved her Iron Fey series.
Cool review I definitely wanna read this book now!
isiscantu@yahoo.com
Thanks for the giveaway! Great review – I can’t wait to read this!!
Now I really cant wait to read it! You said its your favorite? Well, I adore Julie so that’s saying something! Thanks! 😀
Woo! Love all these giveaways! Just wish I could win one of these. Thanks for the opportunity!
http://milliedswords.blogspot.com
I’m really excited to read this book! What you said about not being fooled because they’re vampires is true. I’ve read the first chapter of the book and it’s not like Twilight, Vampire Diaries or any modern vampire novels out there. The vampires in The Immortal Rules are cold, heartless and brutal. And the fact that it’s from Julie Kagawa? Who would let it pass up?
I can’t wait to read this book! And what you said about not being fooled just because it’s about vampire. I know it’s true because I’ve read the first chapter of this novel. Unlike the vamps in Twilight, Vampire Diaries and any other modern vampire novels out there, the vamps in The Immortal Rules are cold, heartless and brutal. Needless to say, it’s new. Plus, it’s from Julie Kagawa! Who would pass that up?
I can’t wait to read this book! And what you said about not being fooled just because it’s about vampire. I know it’s true because I’ve read the first chapter of this novel. Unlike the vamps in Twilight, Vampire Diaries and any other modern vampire novels out there, the vamps in The Immortal Rules are cold, heartless and brutal. Needless to say, it’s new. Plus, it’s from Julie Kagawa! Who would pass that up?
I am another human being excited about this book!
Julie is great and this book will be amazing!
Thanks for the giveaway and the review!
Awesome review! I can’t wait to read The Immortal Rules!
Thanks for the chance to win!
To be something you hate…..that has to suck. 😀 But it makes for a good story. Awesome review as usual.
Thanks!
great review…would love to read it!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
iluvmik16@gmail.com
Thanks for the review. It sounds like a great book.
Loved “The Iron Fey”. Not a big vampire fan but I just have to read it because it’s by Julie Kagawa 😉
This book looks so good! A dystopian paranormal!! How cool is that!
I’m excited to see a darker turn with this new book! I really love when vampires are vicious as vampires should be. This sounds like it’s going to be an amzing mix of dystopia and supernatural and I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks for the giveaway!
“…The Immortal Rules is that it is rather dark, violent, and at times, kind of scary.” Really, now?! That makes me even more exxxcited…because I know Julie will pull that off excellently! 🙂
Eep, your review makes me ten times more excited! And thanks so much for the giveaway!
Love that this book doesn’t hold back on the gore. Sounds like quite a departure for Julie Kagawa and I can’t wait to read it!
I enjoyed your honest review. Sounds like an exciting read.
Totally sounds like waaaay different from the Iron Fey. I mean not only because we’re talking about Feys from vampires. 😀
Great review. Looking forward to reading it even more now. 🙂
I just started the Iron Fey series a few days ago and I love Kagawa’s writing style. I am eating Iron King right up 🙂 I am, however, more of a vampire girl, myself. So I have a feeling I would LOVE this series!
Great review. I’am so looking forward to this book. I’am a huge fan of Julie Kagawa’s Iron fan series.
I’m dying to read this book. Great review. Thanks for the giveaway!
I usually try to steer clear of anything vampires, but Lauren read in excerpt in one of her videos and it actually sounded really good. I think I’ll be giving this one a chance.
You had me at dark and scary! Plus, it’s nice to read a book with some historical vampire background. Sounds like a read that is right up my alley!
Cannot wait for this book! I loved her Iron Fey series and will read anything she writes 🙂
So excited about this new series!
I love the Iron Fey series! Can’t wait for this book to come out.
Your glowing recommendation only makes me want it sooner, lol.
I can not wait for this book! Your review was awesome! I want it to come out now please! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Great review! And Im excited about this book. Ash was just sooo wonderful. Cant wait to see what Julie came up with for a vampire book.
Julie Kagawa is so talented 🙂 Can’t wait for this one.
The review that you put up is very… direct and trustworthy. I like it alot!
I’m so excited for this one! I’ve heard so many awesome things about it. “Zeke is the perfect blend of ruthless rabid killer and total sweetheart.” That line made me laugh so hard. Allison sounds like my type of heroine. Glad you liked the book! It sounds like a refreshing[ly scary] vampire story. 🙂 Fabulous review, Katie!
I’m so excited about this book! I love love love Julies books. I’m a big fan of her Iron Fey Series and I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the review!
Great review! So excited for this 😀
I love Julie Kagawa’s books. The Iron Fey series was amazing and I can’t wait to read this one when it comes out!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the warning about the dark, violent and scary parts! I don’t mind them, but I definitely like to know beforehand what I’m getting myself in for! I’m really glad you liked this book because it’s at the top of my TBR list and I can’t WAIT to read it for myself! Thanks so much for the giveaway:)
This one has got to be one of my most anticipated books this year! I think I’m finally ready to give up on my no-vampire rule now because it really sounds SO good!
This book sounds so awesome! I would love to read it.
Great review! I’m stoked for this one!
I have yet to read a book by her but everyone always is raving so I figure I can’t go wrong.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I want to read this badly I like when they are somewhat old school vamp not the new school ones that sparkle lol
I have such high hopes for this book because Julie is so awesome. I can’t wait to be able gush about it like you just did!
Are you serious that this is better than the Iron Fey? I so need to read this book like NOW. Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
Thanks for such an awesome review & giveaway! 🙂
I haven’t read the Iron Fey series, although it has been on my to-read for a loooooooong time!
I’M glad you liked it. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the book!
Thanks for the giveaway!
-Cathee
This sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to read it! I loved Kagawa’s Iron Fey series so I’m interested to see her take on vampires.
Hi Katie! *waves*
Thanks for a great, enthusiastic and detailed review 🙂 Just the fact that you loved The Immortal Rules better than Julies Iron Fey series says a lot about this book to me. I am a huge fan of Julie’s work and when I heard about this new book she’s publishing I practically jumped around the house in happiness and excitement 🙂 Can’t wait to read it! Thank you for hosting this fabulous contest! I definitely like how this book sounds – bleak world and evil vamps = yes please! No to sparkle!!! 😀
<3 Evie Bookish
I’ve heard so much about this book. The cover is beautiful. Thanks for the amazing giveaway1
Thanks for making the review so lively. I love a non bland review. You rock!
This one sounds awesome!
You said “These vampires have a very unique history and it’s fascinating to read about even if it’s not fast-paced.” which makes me think Julie Kagawa’s vampire lore is wholly unique!
Thanks for the great review!
I’m so happy you liked this one! I love the Iron Fey series and I am really looking forward to more Julie Kagawa!
I’m reading this one off NG right now but I’m barely into Part 2. I can’t wait to meet Zeke and the others! The vampire world is definitely a lot different from Julie’s fae one but I’m loving it already. Great review! 🙂
Sonia
wow thats shocking!! To say its better than the Iron fey! I cant wait to read it! especially since i LOVE dark and scary books! Thanks alot for the great review!!
Farah
I am SO excited to read this book. Loved your review and thanks for the giveaway
GFC Michele Luker
jmluker at winco dot net
I also loved the Iron Fey Series. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Puck. I would love to get my hands on this new book. 😉
sounds awesome!
I seriously thought i was “done with vampire” books… boy was i wrong! your review makes me want to reach in and steal THE IMMORTAL RULES from you NOW!
great flippin’ review 😀
Diana
I am really really excited for this book. I seriously haven’t even read that many vampire books (read: besides Anne Rice, none unless they were side characters) and I’m *sick* of them. But, everything I’ve heard about this I just keep thinking that this is going to be AMAZING. I’ve only read the first of the Iron Fey (I’ll be reading the rest soon!! I just purchased them) but I really enjoyed her writing so I feel like this one will have to be even better. It just *has* to. She can only get better, right? 🙂
Thanks for the review and giveaway.
Great review! I can’t wait to read this book, especially knowing that the vampires have such an interesting history.
Sounds amazing
sapphireruby@rocketmail.com
There are so many vampire books out there, but Julie Kagawa can still make them sound so interesting. I’m about to read her Iron Fey series, but now I’m thinking of reading this first. That was a great review! I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Great review!! I’m just dying to get my hands on this book so I really hope I win!! Thanks for hosting such an awesome giveaway!
-Riya
http://www.teenbookguru.com
I too loved this one! The vampires were scary but I love how they could battle their inner badness.
She was such an awesome main character! Loved Kanin!
Lovely review 🙂