Saturday 21 August 2010

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Review: Blue Moon by Alyson Noёl

Blue Moon by Alyson NoёlBlue Moon by Alyson Noёl - WARNING! I cannot review Blue Moon without spoiling the first in the series, Evermore. Don't read any further if you plan on reading Evermore, and don't want to be spoiled.

Things have changed for Ever since she met her beloved Damen – not least because she’s got a whole new set of powers, courtesy of her new Immortal status. Just as she's getting stronger, though, Damen seems to be weakening. Panicked at the thought of losing him, Ever finds a path to the in-between world known as Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past. But in searching for a cure for him, Ever accidentally discovers a way to twist time so she can save her family from the accident that killed them. It’s all she’s ever wanted – but so is Damen. And Ever must choose between them... From Amazon UK

Ever since finishing Evermore last year, I've been eager to read Blue Moon, really wanting to find out what happened next - would Riley return? Would I get more of an idea who Damen is? What would Ever do with her new powers? So when I finished reading all the books I brought with me when I went on a break, I decided to buy Blue Moon and see where the story went - ad it was a good job I did! Such a great read!

Blue Moon is very much a middle book. It's not as fast paced as Evermore and not a lot happens in the great scheme of things, but it's not slow and it's definately not boring. With the arrival of a new student, the ever cheerful Roman, and the sudden strange behaviour of everyone at school, including Damen, Ever's world is turned upside down. Along with Ever, we get to explore further the beautiful Summerland as she tries looking for answers, and finding out a lot more than she bargained for.

Ever is just brilliant in Blue Moon, she grows so much. There are several occasions where she has to use her own initiative and work things out by herself, she shows how brave and smart she can be. We find out more about Damen's past in this novel, which gives more of an idea of who he is, and I actually really quite like him now! Haven grew on me a little this time round; after accepting that's just the way she is, she can be quite amusing at times. Still loving Miles, he's still his chirpy, dramatic, camp self. Roman drove me round the bend with his excessive cheerfulness. I just wanted to slap him.

As I said, not a huge amount happens for most of the book, but what does happen is just so intriguing! I can't really go into it too much, but Damen's world is a lot bigger than Ever realises, and his past catches up with them. The action in Blue Moon takes a different form than we've previously seen; Ever has to race against time to save lives, and you're never sure if she's going to make it, or exactly what's going on and why. The pace picks up as the story goes on, and you're never sure how it's going to end. I never saw the actual ending coming. I mean, wow! Such a cliffhanger!

Having not yet read Shadowland, the third in the series, I can't say for sure, but it seems to me that Blue Moon is a bridge book to get the story and the characters from the end of Evermore to the beginning of Shadowland. It's not as great as Evermore was, but it's still pretty awesome; so engaging, I couldn't put it down! Well worth a read! I'm so excited to seeing how things turn out and where Damen and Ever's relationship goes in Shadowland, which is out now.

Published: 5th March 2010
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Buy on Amazon UK
Buy on Amazon US
Alyson Noёl's Website

My review of Evermore

8 comments:

  1. I've yet to start this series, but I've heard great things about it. Thanks for the honest review! :)

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  2. No problem! I really like this series! I hope you do too if and when you start it! :)

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  3. I haven't read the books yet, but they do look great!

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  4. i have a copy of shadowland on my shelf waiting to be read, and it keeps getting pushed further down the list as i remember that i liked this series so far but didn't love it to pieces - your review reminded me that it is a middle book and has motivated me to pick it up again and continue with the series - cheers!

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  5. Alexander - They're really good! You should give them a go!

    Mummazappa - You're welcome! I do hope you enjoy Shadowland! I'm looking forward to reading it myself! :)

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  6. I was so eager to begin Shadowland once I'd finished this, but I haven't yet... :) Glad you enjoyed it.

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  7. Thanks! I'm going to get it soon. Maybe. I have so many others though! We'll see :)

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  8. Disappointed to hear that this wasn't as good as Evermore, but then again sequels rarely are as good as the first books... Excited to read it anyhow :)

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