Rachel Caine Bookplate Contest!

Okay, so on Rachel Caine's live journal page she announced that she is having a bookplate contest. Here is a copy of what it says.


BOOKPLATE CONTEST!
Hoorah, I'm having a contest! And here's what it is:

THE DESIGN MY BOOKPLATES CONTEST!

Yeah, I could design my own, but I thought it'd be fun to see what kind of amazing creativity you guys can come up with, since I know many of you are art-inclined, and I love hearing from my readers and making them part of all the crazy.

If your design wins, you'll get a copyright credit at the bottom of the bookplate AND a free signed copy of a Rachel Caine book of your choice, a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, plus 100 of the printed bookplates as your very own. (I don't sell these bookplates, I give them away.)

So, what's a "bookplate"? Basically, it's a label you put inside a book to identify it as your own. Only these will also feature space for me to sign them for people who don't have the opportunity to see me and get their books signed in person.



THE DETAILS:
Artwork size: Create your design for this pre-sized template in Photoshop or Illustrator (links will download the templates from Vistaprint)

Or, use these specs:
Full Bleed Size
3.54" x 2.05"
90mm x 52mm
1062 x 615 pixels

Document Trim Size
3.43" x 1.93"
87mm x 49mm
1029 x 579 pixels

File type: 300 dpi jpg.

ELEMENTS OF YOUR BOOKPLATE:
* The words "Ex Libris" with a space for the owner's name
* A space for my signature
* www.rachelcaine.com

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use any elements of the existing cover art in the design, as these designs are all copyrighted by the publisher or the artists! Use of existing cover art elements will disqualify your entry.

Here is a link to flickr images you can use - these are all licensed to me for promotional use. HOWEVER, please do not reuse them elsewhere for other purposes.

I'm looking for designs in any of the following categories:

- Morganville Vampires
- Weather Warden/Outcast Season
- The Revivalist (I know you don't know much about this yet, but check out the new Revivalist website for a design idea ...)
- General Rachel Caine

Submission deadline: January 31, 2011

Submit designs via email to rachel (at) rachelcaine (dot) com with the subject line of BOOKPLATE ENTRY, and be sure to specify which category you're entering.



So what do you think? Interested? You'll also be featured on my blog and in the newsletter, too!

Designs will be posted and I'll let voting commence on February 1, so don't be late with your submission or you'll miss out!

-- Rachel

So I was thinking of entering, but I don't know if I should. 

I was planning on entering a bookplate for the Morganville Vampires categorie.

Now I think I will show you guys what I was planning to submit and see what you guys think about it. Here it is:

Please note this isn't the actual size. 

So what do you guys think about it? I would love to hear your thoughts, it may determine if I enter this contest thing or not.

Thanks,

 --Em

Happy New Year

And 


I would like to thank all of you who have visited my blog this year!! I hope all of you have a great New Year. I see each New Year as a new start, so make the best of it and maybe try something new.

Wicked Lovely

Melissa Marr, author of Wicked Lovely and various other books.

Title: Wicked Lovely

Author: Melissa Marr

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication Date: June 2007

Hardcover: 328

Summary:

All teenagers have problems, but few of them can match those of Aislinn, who has the power to see faeries. Quite understandably, she wishes that she could share her friends' obliviousness and tries hard to avoid these invisible intruders. But one faery in particular refuses to leave her alone. Keenan the Summer King is convinced beyond all reasoning that Aislinn is the queen he has been seeking for nine centuries. What's a 21st-century girl to do when she's stalked by a suitor nobody else can see? A debut fantasy romance for the ages; superlative summer read.

Book Review:

Okay so I know this book has been out for awhile, but I'm out of new stuff to review for the next couple of days. I read this awhile ago so, yeah. When I first saw the book I wanted to read it mainly because it had a pretty cover. I know, don't least one book because of it's cover. Good thing it turned out good. I liked this book a lot. The whole story line was unique and well written. Melissa Marr is amazing writer and knows how to craft and weave a really good story. Aislnn was an okay character though. Even though she was the main character I tended to like the supporting characters more. Like Set. Seth is one of my all time favorite male characters. He is hard to describe and I praise Melissa Marr for being able to create such wonderful characters. Whats sad is after I read this book I read the rest of the series up to Fragile Eternity. I kinda liked Ink Exchange, but I didn't really like Fragile Eternity. Yeah some people say that they're good books and all, but I guess I don't like the way the story line went. The writing was just as good though. Just personally I not sure if I'm going to read the rest of the books.

Notable Quotes:

"She stood in his kitchen, watching him toy with the ring in his lip. It wasn't quite that he was biting it, but sucking it into his mouth. He did that when he was concentrating. It isn't sexy. He's not sexy. But he was, and she was staring at him like a fool. "wow" she whispered (.....)"Wow, huh?" His voice was low, husky. His chair creaked as he stood. His footsteps seemed strangely loud as he closed the couple yards between them. Then he was beside her. "I can work with wow" 

"And he smiled at her, truely smiled- wicked and lovely..."

"His blue-black hair fell over his face when he moved, like tiny arrows pointing to pronounced cheeckbones. "Starting to think you were going to bail on me." "Didn't know you were expecting me," she said in what she hoped was a casual voice. He gets sexier every day. "Not Expecting, but hoping. Always hoping" 

"Seth gave her that: a private space to believe in the illusion of normalcy." 

Unearthly

Cynthia Hand, author of Unearthly and other books that are yet to be published.

Title: Unearthly

Author: Cynthia Hand

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication Date: January 2011

Hardcover: 435 pages

Summary: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and 

following your heart.

Book Review:

I am a sucker for YA, fantasy, and paranormal books. I don't know what it is about them, but I just love reading them. The only downside is that often times they share a common story line. After awhile this gets kinda annoying. This just makes the books that aren't like the rest that much better. Unearthly was both different and the same. It still follows the same core as the rest of YA, fantasy, and paranormal books. Except there is something more to it. I liked the book a lot, and I thought that Clara was a nice character. It was interesting to see the idea of angels spun in a different way. I loved how Clara took control of her own destiny, and the surprise twist at the end. I think the author wanted the reader to hate Clara's mother, but I don't know. I didn't like how Clara only knew who her mother was in the last 16 years. She knows nothing of her mother before that. I also don't like how Clara's mother keeps everything from her. Wen and Angela were great supporting characters. Wen was so sweet and just lovable. Angela helps out with whatever she can, and Clara can relate to her. Overall I liked this book. Sadly it is not one of my favorites, but it's up there. 

Rating: A

The Mediator: Shadowland

Meg Cabot, author of The Mediator series, and
various other books.

Title: Shadowland

Author: Meg Cabot

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: January 2005

Paperback: 284

Summary: Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind ... and Suze happens to be in the way.

Book Review:

I have to say that I devoured this book. Shadowland was another solid book. I often enjoy Meg Cabot's books, and this one was no disappointment. It wasn't one of those deep books though. It's one of those books that you read for fun. Meg Cabot did a decent job at creating the plot and the characters. There wasn't really anything that stood out. I only just got around to reading this book, and it wasn't memorable. I enjoyed it and it was a quick read which was nice. When I was reading it I did get into the story, but once it ended I kinda forgot about it. It's one of those books that are pretty good, and that you like, but doesn't really stick with you. Overall pretty good.

Rating: B

Notable Quotes:

"I'm sorry, Heather, but everything was not just fine before I got here. You know how I know that? Because you're dead. Okay? You are dead. Dead people don't have lockers, or best friends, or boyfriends. You know why? Because they're dead.-Suze Simon" 

"They just kept grinning at me from over the stupid sign, Dopey because
he's too dumb to know any better, Doc because – well, I guess because he might have been glad to see
me. Doc's weird that way. Sleepy, the oldest, just stood there, looking … well, sleepy." 

Fire Study

Maria V. Snyder, author of the Study series, and various other books.

Title: Fire Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Publisher: Mira

Publication Date: March 2008

Paperback: 441

Summary:

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before....

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

Book Review:

Okay so I loved the first book in the series, Poison Study. Magic Study was not great, but not terrible. Fire Study was just plain horrible. Maria V. Snyder proved that she was a capable, talented, writer in the first book. As the series progressed though the books got worse. The characters that I loved in the first book either got replaced or they changed into annoying people. At first I liked Yelena, she was strong and knew what she wanted. Then she became annoying, she would rush into situations without thinking, and she pushed everyone away. Valek had to be one of my favorite characters in the beginning of the series. Though over the course of the series he changed. Valek no longer had his strong personality, it was like his world revolved around Yelena. Actually if I think about it, Fire Study isn't that bad. If you don't compare it to Poison Study you might consider it okay. The only reason I finished this book though was to get a ending for the series. Overall it depends, I thought it was bad, but another might have thought that it was semi good.

Rating: C-

Notable Quotes:

"There's always another storm. It's the way the world works. Snowstorms, rainstorms, windstorms, sandstorms, and firestorms. Some are fierce and others are small. You have to deal with each one separately, but you need to keep an eye on whats brewing for tomorrow." 

"The others had taken Valek's return in stride, although Janco made a comment about Valek's lack of hair. "You ever notice how couples start to look alike?" he asked. In a deadpan, Valek replied, "Yes. In fact I was just thinking how much you and Topaz resemble each other. It's uncanny."         

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Time!

The time of joy, family, and celebrating. The time when kids get presents and adults have parties. Families come together, putting up lights, and decorate the tree. Personally it's the time when I love to curl up with a blanket and read. Maybe get a cup of hot chocolate too. I am going to take a couple day break to spend time with my family and friends. Hopefully I will have even more books to share with you guys when I get back. 

Merry Christmas!

House of Night: Tempted

Sorry about the pics they aren't mounting up no matter what I try. Or at least some of them.

P.C Cast, co-author of the House of Night series, and author of various
other books. Kristin Cast, co-author of the House of Night series.

Title: Tempted

Authors: Kristin + P.C Cast

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Publisher: ATOM

Publication Date: October 2009

Paperback: 336

Summary: Zoey needs a break after some serious excitement. Sadly, the House of Night school for vampyres doesn't feature breaks on its curriculum - even for a High Priestess in training and her gang. Plus juggling three guys is no stress reliever, especially when one is a sexy Warrior so into protecting Zoey that he's sensing her emotions. Wider stresses lurk too, and the dark force in Tulsa's tunnels is spreading. Could Stevie Rae be responsible for more than a group of misfit fledglings? And Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from the immortal Kalona and his dark allure - but they also show that only Zoey can stop him. She's not exactly keen to meet up, but if Zoey doesn't go to Kalona he'll exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. She just has to find the courage to do what's necessary, or everything that's important to her will be 

destroyed.

Book Review:

Although it was annoying at times I liked this book a lot. This is one of those books where it just comes down to the person. It makes reviewing it hard because you don't want to tell someone to go and read it, and have them hate it. Actually the last three books are either my least favorite, or favorite books in the series. I don't know why, but I can't seem to decide. It is interesting to read the different character's point of views. I especially like Stevie Rae's when she made her imprint. I was upset when Heath got killed. I was really rooting for him. He is sweet, and he was there for Zoe from the beginning. Although I like Stark too. I am beginning to not really like Zoe that much anymore. She instead of growing, and maturing seems to be becoming more annoying by each book. Yeah she has a lot of problems, but lately she's kinda been acing like a slut. Besides all that I liked how Stark is so devoted to Zoe, and the new setting of this book. Overall I enjoyed this book, but I can't promise anything.

Rating: A-

Notable Quotes:

"Hey, which one of them is supposed to be your boyfriend?” Stark 

asked me. Even in the terrible shape he was in, he caught my glance 

with his. His voice was scratchy, and he sounded scarily weak, but 

his eyes sparkled with humor. 

I am!” Heath and Erik said together." 

"How will it ever be bearable, Priestess?” His voice was rough. He sounded completely broken. 

“You’ll see her again. She’s with Nyx now. She’ll either wait for you in the Goddess’s meadow, or she’ll be reborn and her soul will find you again during this lifetime. You can bear it because you know that spirit never really ends-we never really end. "

"We are all affected by our pasts, but it is within our power not to let what we have done to dictate what we will do." 

"There is a deep power in words that speak the truth

"I've loved you for as long as I can remember, and I'm going to love you for the rest of my life." 

"When you make mistakes, whether they are from this life or another, learn from them- then they become opportunities" 

"A double-edged sword 

One side destroys
One releases
I am your Gordian knot
Will you release or destroy me?
Follow truth and you shall:
Find me on water
Purify me through fire
Trapped by earth nevermore
Air will whisper to you
What spirit already knows:
That even shattered
anything is possible
If you believe
Then we shall both be free." 

  

Firelight

Sophie Jordan, author of Firelight, and various other books.

Title: Firelight
Author: Sophie Jordan
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 2010
Hardcover: 323

Summary: A hidden truth. 

Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Book Review:

I really liked this book. When I read Nightshade afterwards I found a strong similarity between them. Jacinda and Calla both are destined to be married off to the alpha. Both fall in love with a human, ect. The only difference I found was that Firelight was better. Sorry Nightshade fans, but I just found that Firelight was the overall better book. In Nightshade Shay wasn't my favorite character. I found him kinda annoying, but in Firelight I actually liked the human that Jacinda fell in love with. The love triangle was done really well. Jacinda actually had some relationship with her arranged husband. She has at least some sort of connection with her husband to be. When I read this book I didn't really know if I would like it. It was a surprise to me that I actually liked it. The depth was kinda lacking, but isn't it always in Young Adult novels. I loved the relationship that Jacinda and Will had. They are perfect for each other. I can't wait for the next book! Wow. 


Rating: A


Notable Quotes:
"I stare into his eyes, I shake my head, sorry for the chance we lost. The chance we maybe never had. But not for saving him. I would do that again, no matter the cost." 


"After running for my life from hunters, a girl with too much lip gloss doesn't register on my fear radar." 


"What good is safety if you're dead inside?" 


"I respond, thoughts dropping away, like pebbles plopping one by one in water, sinking down, down into dark oblivion." 


"I wont let him have you."  




What did you guys think of this book?

Witch & Wizard

James Patterson, author of Witch & Wizard, and various other books.

Title: Witch & Wizard
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little Brown
Publication Date: December 2009
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Hardcover: 314

Summary: 
The world is changing: the government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now, kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside down when they are torn from their parents one night and slammed into a secret prison for no reason they can comprehend. The New Order, as it is known, is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager. But while trapped in this totalitarian nightmare, Wisty and Whit discover they have incredible powers they'd never dreamed of. Can this newly minted witch and wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?


Book Review:
UHH! Kill me now. When I was younger I liked the Maximum Ride series which was also by James Patterson. I had higher hopes for Witch & Wizard. I can't say that it was boring, because there was a lot happening. I just hated it. It was one thing after another, no individuality. For some reason this book didn't speak to me. I was bored by it. The commercials said this was "the next Harry Potter", total lie. I read this because I needed something to read. It was still a waste of my time. I guess I'm being hard on book, but I had higher expectations, and it was a total let down. All I have to say is don't read this book no matter what. Well maybe you should read it if you like stupid, childish, endless books. It seemed like no one edited this thing. The story line was put together in an awkward way. It was choppy, and transitions were bad. The character were so out there, and I couldn't help but laugh my head off at them. Sadly I didn't get this book at a library, but I should have, and then it would still be a waste. Overall huge disappointment. 


Rating: D


Notable Quotes:
NONE CUZ THIS BOOK SUCKED!

Magic Study

Maria V. Snyder, author of the Study series, and various other books.

Title: Magic Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance (kinda)

Publisher: Luna

Publication Date: October 2006

Hardcover: 392

Summary: You know your life is bad when you miss your days as a poison taster... 

With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways—and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better.... 

Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training—especially as she's been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince—and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians. 

If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena 

has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies....

Book Review:

In Magic Study the sequel to Poison Study, Yelena travels back to Sitia where she reunites with the family that she never really knew or remembered. I liked this book a lot. Unlike Poison Study though there wasn't the unique sense of danger and the poison aspect, which were part of the reason I liked the first book so much. Though I still really liked this book. Magic Study and Poison Study do have running themes throughout them. It's the same old Yelena, getting into impossible situations one after another. Magic Study also stands it's own, and I like how even though they are part of the same series, they both are individual books that are amazing in their own ways. I was kinda annoyed the Valek didn't make a appearance until the second half of the book, but this just made it better in the end. Oh by the way the only problems I had with this book is the events got kinda repetitive, and Yelena got kinda annoying. There are just so many events with people getting kidnapped and tortured all the time got kinda annoying. Yelena who used to be one of the most independent and strongest female character that I have read about, is reduced to being an idiot. She rushes into trouble without thinking and acts like she is always right. This is so annoying. By the way Valek is one of my favorite male characters of all time. Or at least he used to be. I loved how Valek and Yelena's relationship worked in Poison Study. They respected each other, and neither one of them changed. They both stayed their own regular, wonderful selves. Then in Magic Study I was looking forward to  seeing how their relationship would grow, but instead Valek was reduced to just sitting around waiting for Yelena to call for him. He used to be a cunning assassin and now, uhh. Anyway I can't wait to read the next book, Fire Study. Hopefully it will be more like Poison Study and not like Magic Study. Overall Magic Study wasn't that bad. 

Rating: B-

Notable Quotes:

"Living is a risk," I snapped at him. "Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety." 

"Her amber eyes burned into mine with all the hate and loathing she could muster. Underneath, though, she was terrified. Hate and loathing didn't bother me, but fear was a powerful emotion. Fear causes the dog to bite and Roze was one b****." 

"Another relative?" Valek asked. 
A broad smile stretched Moon Man's lips. "Yes. I am her mother's uncle's wife's 
third cousin." 
--Valek and Moon Man 

"Your mother sounds like a formidable woman," Valek said into the silence.
"You have no idea," Leif replied with a sigh.
"Well, if she's anything like Yelena, my deepest sympathies," Valek teased.
"Hey!"
Leif laughed and the tense moment dissipated. 

"Bad dreams are ghosts of our fears and worries, haunting us while we sleep."

"Don't feel ashamed for having those feelings and those memories. What happened in the past can't be changed, but they can be a guide for what happens in the future." - Yelena

Blue Bloods

Melissa de la Cruz, author of the Blue Bloods series, and various other books

Series Title: Blue Bloods
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Publisher:

Blue Bloods Summary: 
When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society. 
The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger? 

 Masquerade Summary:

Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help—her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman—a true Blue Blood affair.

But it's at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire's destiny.

Revelations Summary:

Have you ever wondered what secrets lurk behind the closed doors of New York City's wealthiest families? They're powerful, they're famous... they're undead.

Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question--is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.

When one of the Gates of Hell is breached by Silver Bloods in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods will need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high; the battle is bloody; and through it all, Carnavale rages on. And in the end, one vampire's secret identity will be exposed in a revelation that shocks everyone.

The Van Alen Legacy Summary:

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Series Review: 
I read these books a couple of months or so ago. I might not remember everything about them, so I apologize.
Anyway I really liked these books. It's like historical fiction meets vampires, and something else, I can't remember the word. They were fun to read, fast-paced, and are set in New York and Venice.  Though I have never been to either New York or Venice it was fun anyway to read some books set there. Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in with the upperclass and is surprised that she is invited to be a part of the Committee a exclusive social group. What she doesn't know is that the Committee is made up of vampires only. Schuyler gets dragged into the world of vampires when she discovers that she herself is one, and that vampires have been among the upperclass for    
a very long time. Schuyler learns about her family secrets and the mystery of the Blue Bloods. Masquerade reveals the mystery to the deaths of the young Blue Bloods. Though it leaves even more questions about Silver Bloods and the relationship between the families and Schuyler's mother. 

In Revelations there is a tone of Gossip Girl to it. In Revelations       Schuyler and the others travel in Venice where there is a gate that is in danger of being breached. Schuyler and Jack's relationship which was flourishing comes into question. I didn't really like Revelations, towards the end I got kinda lost, but it was okay. The Van Alen Legacy was okay, but I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I had such high expectations, but sadly it didn't live up to them. Overall a pretty good series.


Rating: B+


Notable Quotes:
"Black is the color of night. White is the true color of death"


"I don't need anything to get high. I'm high on life."


"He's too much for Schuyler. They're wrong for each other. Anyone can see that. 
And when he leaves her, I'll be there.
However long it takes, I'll still be there for her. Waiting."  


"White for light. White for love. White for forever." 


"Never trust a shiny surface. They hide a multitude of flaws." 


"A brain with no heart and no reasoning ... well, nothing is more meaningless." 


"Schuyler pulled Oliver close and hugged him tightly. "Thank you," she whispered. Thank you for loving me enough to let me go."