Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Immortal Rules Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

THE IMMORTAL RULES
(Blood of Eden #1)
Julie Kagawa
Paranormal Young Adult
485 pages
Harlequin Teen
Available April 24th
Received from Media Masters Publicity for review

THE STORY
You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to the fringe, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

MY THOUGHTS
Those of us who read huge quantities of paranormal young adult literature might read the synopsis for The Immortal Rules and, despite a preexisting love for Julie Kagawa and the Iron Fey series, have a somewhat lukewarm reaction to the idea of yet another vampire tale. Any hesitancy should be immediately discarded however, as Ms. Kagawa thrusts the stunning darkness of her vampires into the paranormal young adult fiction mix, allowing them to carve a violent and gritty swath through their contemporaries and leaving our hearts scattered at our feet in jagged ribbons after we turn the last page. While we had some humor in the Iron Fey books in the form of Puck and Grimalkin, this first installment in the Blood Eden series provides us no such comfort, pairing us with an amazingly resilient heroine who faces a world that's slowly devolving into darker and darker shades of gray until barely any light remains, yanking us along beside her as she adamantly refuses to let us fall behind.

Allie is positively extraordinary; a young woman who is undeniably cold and hard as a result of a life where weakness proves unerringly to be a precursor to death, and where only those of strong will and mind have any chance of surviving. Despite her no-nonsense attitude and her at times seemingly unsympathetic responses to those around her, she never feels closed off or unreachable, instead we see a woman with drive and determination who accepts the constant upheaval of her life with grace and a renewed dedication to survive with as much of her humanity intact as possible. Vampires in this world are synonymous with monsters, and it’s both painful and awe-inspiring to watch as Allie plays with the words that make up the definition of monster–moving them around and molding them to fit her new self as she journeys with her band of humans to end up on the last page with a drastically different definition from where she started.

Though the romance between Zeke and Allie takes a back seat to the epic search for Eden, it’s so beautifully done that a review cannot possibly be complete with out mentioning it. Gloriously absent are feelings of love wedged into geometric shapes, the triangles and squares replaced with a relationship that feels unbelievably intimate despite the subtle nature of it. Neither character is forced to close the distance between them at a rapid pace to keep the plot moving, instead the physical and emotional space that exists keeps us glued to the pages more than sizzling instant attraction ever could as we revel in the infinite possibilities lingering in that slowly closing gap. Where some relationships feel loud and the love seems to scream from the black and white ink as though every letter possesses a tiny mouth that opens up to overwhelm us with a cacophony of romantic sounds, Ms. Kagawa takes a different approach, replacing the noise with quiet murmurings that haunt us with promises whispered across highly sensitive skin.

Despite the fact that Allie is a vampire herself, vampires actually play a fairly small role in this first installment, Allie’s struggle focused more on her clinging to her humanity with every ounce of strength she has than on her actual vampiric cravings and needs, thus making it a story that will most certainly appeal to even those who pronounce themselves tired of bloodsucking stories. The lack of vampire presence in no way means Ms. Kagawa’s mythology feels incomplete or unbelievable, she in fact grants us just enough knowledge to make us feel as though we understand the parameters of the world while keeping everything else behind a dark curtain we can’t wait to pull back in by inch as the story progresses. A truly gripping and mesmerizing start to the series, The Immortal Rules is not to be missed.

Rating: 5/5


MEET ALLISON



Today as part of the promotional tour for The Immortal Rules, I have some very exciting behind-the-scenes information for you on Allison, the brilliant heroine of this new series. The finished cover for The Immortal Rules features a vampire version of our protagonist, and I have the pleasure of sharing with you an exclusive, never-before-seen image of Allison before her vampire makeover! What do we think of human Allison?

Additionally, Allison has a list of rules to live by (or die by as it were) to share with all of us today:

ALLISON'S RULES

Look out for yourself and your immediate family -- no one else

If you are eaten by vampires because you were dumb enough to venture out at night and get caught, it’s your own fault.

Nothing good comes from a bloodsucker.

If you steal my stuff, I will break your nose.

Knowledge is power.

Like my favorite book of all time, I wish, in my most secret moments, that I could find a hidden door that would take us all out of this place.

My books are my most prized possession.

When you're starving, you can't be picky. That means eating anything--bugs, rats, moldy bread--to stay alive.

This tour promises to be an amazing one, so you don't want to miss any of the tour stops and giveaway opportunities. Please visit Mundie Moms for the next stop, and you can find the full list of participating blogs HERE!

In addition to the blog tour, Julie will also be doing signings at three bookstores near her hometown. Below is the information on those events, I hope some of you can make it!

Tuesday, April 24th at 4pm - Barnes & Noble The Summit in Louisville, KY
Saturday, April 28th at 2pm - The Bookstore in Radcliff, KY
Monday, May 7th at 5:30pm - Lincoln's Loft in Hodgenville, KY

Buy The Immortal Rules here:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Indiebound

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the fantastic people at Media Masters Publicity and Harlequin Teen I have one signed hardcover copy of The Immortal Rules to give away on the blog today! To enter, please fill out the form below. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and will run through midnight EST on Friday, April 27th after which time a winner will be chosen and announced on the blog.

In addition to individual giveaways at each tour stop, there is also a grand prize giveaway for the tour itself of a KINDLE TOUCH. Be sure and visit Paranormal Romance for entry details!






46 comments:

  1. Yay yay yay!!! I'm so glad you liked this. I adored it. It is the best vampire series I've read in a long time. It reminds me of Greyfriar in many ways (which I just re-read the other day and is still probably my fav vamp story).

    Glad you got your post up. It's funny that I've come to depend on seeing your review up at 9 PM my time every evening.

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    1. The worst part about reading an ARC...it's going to KILL me to wait a year for the next one.

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  2. This was simply phenomenal and epic!!!! I especially love how Julie managed to create a world and a cast of characters that is so very different from her Iron Fey series. I loved that, but it also shows the incredible talent!

    While the Iron Fey strongly worked with the Romance it is not dominating the plot here. I didn't miss it though, because Allie was kick-ass awesome! She will be one of my favo heroines!

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  3. This book sound so good, I have been reading lots of good things about it ... I really have to read it soon ... AWESOME review :D

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  4. I've heard such great things about The Immortal Rules! I'm so excited to read it... Wonderful review :)
    - Jenni

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  5. Confession...I only skimmed through your review...but that's because I'm in the middle of the book right now and didn't want anything given away! I already read the summary too much and so am trying to avoid too much information and just to enjoy the book, which by the way, I am SO excited you liked so much!

    Great review....that i'll come back to once I'm done ; )

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  6. "Gloriously absent are feelings of love wedged into geometric shapes, the triangles and squares replaced with a relationship that feels unbelievably intimate despite the subtle nature of it." <-- LOL best. Line. EVER! x) I loved that Julie made this book void of a love triangle too -- although I have to admit that I thought Kanin was going to be a contender for a while there haha! I loved him like crazy, but Allie NEEDS to be with Zeke. I see no reason for them to pretend otherwise, right? ;)

    Beautiful & wonderful review as always, Jenny! <3 And I love that guest post -- Allie is so much more survival savvy than I am! I would never be able to eat a bug if you paid me LOL! x)

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  7. Every review I've read of Immortal Rules makes me wish I had snagged it off NetGalley when I had the chance.

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  8. I am so excited to read this one all the reviews are freaking amazing and this will also be my first venture into Julie's writing. I haven't read the Iron Fey series *gasp*. Great review I'm really looking forward to it!

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  9. Im not suprised this is awesome...Im hearing ga-ga raves over it.....I was on the fence about there being another good vampire book for this year {cause I already read one} but Im taking that 5 of yours and for sure reading this.

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  10. Alison - I couldn't have loved this one anymore if I tried, it was amazing:) It definitely had a Greyfriar vibe to it. So good:)

    Danny - I agree. Epic is a good word:) I loved the romance too - it didn't take over the story but it definitely had presence!

    Lilly - I can't recommend it enough!

    Jenni - I think it deserves all the positive things being said about it, it was brilliant in my opinion:)

    Scarlett - Yay! Can't wait to see what you think when you're done:)

    Mimi - It's true. No triangles to be found anywhere:) I thought Kanin was going to be a contender as well, but then it became clear he thought of her more as a daughter, so I'm not too worried there will be a love triangle in future books. And no bugs for me either. Blech.

    Amanda - It comes out pretty soon, I'm definitely going to be buying a hard cover copy:)

    Giselle - Ooooo this is a great one to start with to see the amazingness that is Julie Kagawa! I loved the Iron Fey series, but I think I might love this series more:)

    Tina - I'm a vampire girl through and through, but honestly this didn't feel hugely of a vampire book. Yes she is a vampire, but she keeps her humanity and it's just a great story:) I hope you try it!

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  11. Everyone is just gushing about this book :) So glad you enjoyed it and I entered your giveaway!
    ♥Isalys / Book Soulmates

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  12. Wow, a 5 from you is a must read! Luckily, I got this one from Netgalley when I had the chance. Really looking forward to a good vamp series. I haven't read those in a while.

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  13. I haven't read many vampire books but this one definitely sounds amazing and I can't wait to check it out! :)

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  14. I love Allison's Rules. Thanks for being on the tour first time visiting your site.

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  15. My books are my most prized possession.

    Yes! I live by this rule too! ;)

    I'm so glad to hear you loved this Jenny - I really enjoyed it too! Wonderful review! Thanks for hosting Allison on your blog today. Wow, it's bizarre seeing seeing that picture without her vampire makeup.

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  16. This book will definitely be part of my next order on TBD, it sounds amazing :) !! I love Allison rules .. I heard that it was going to be made into a movie, how awesome that is !! Great review Jenny :)

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  17. This is such a brilliant review Jenny, I admit that I was hesitant too in picking this up, with loads of books jumping on the vampire bandwagon. I guess after you're glowing review I should pick it up too! :)

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  18. I'm in love with this review. It's so GORGEOUSLY written, Jenny! HOW DO YOU DO THAT.

    Especially the second to last paragraph. THIS: "Where some relationships feel loud and the love seems to scream from the black and white ink as though every letter possesses a tiny mouth that opens up to overwhelm us with a cacophony of romantic sounds, Ms. Kagawa takes a different approach, replacing the noise with quiet murmurings that haunt us with promises whispered across highly sensitive skin."

    *collapses* beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

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  19. Isalys - Yay! I think it deserves all the gushing, I just loved it:)

    Rummanah - I know, 5's for me are few and far between, but I loved everything about this one:) Hope you enjoy it!

    Sarabara - I hope you pick it up! She just writes great characters and creates amazing worlds:)

    Kelly - Glad you enjoyed them, thanks for visiting!

    Sam - I liked that particular rule too:) I covet my books! I like non-vampire Allison - she looks tough, like she could handle herself fighting a vampire:)

    Elodie - SO EXCITED FOR IT TO BE A MOVIE! Yay:)

    Jasprit - Thank you! I was a little hesitant as well, but I knew I loved Julie Kagawa's writing style so I figured it wouldn't disappoint. And it didn't:)

    Sandy - *blushes* Thank you so much, your comment just completely made my day! <3

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  20. "...leaving our hearts scattered at our feet in jagged ribbons after we turn the last page..." *sigh*

    JKagawa does it everytime, doesn't she???

    I have JUST started this via NetGalley. Like, JUST. Were it a hardback, the cover would be creaking still. Chapter one. Chapter Uno. You get me? I CANNOT WAIT to break into this one. If Julie Kagawa wrote this in sidewalk chalk in nothing but runes, I'd go try my best to try and read it. <--- Asheley iz fangirl. haha

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  21. Loved the review and thanks so much for the giveaway. I adored this book and it just got picked up for a movie! WOOHOO!

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  22. So glad you loved this Jenny. I am a big fan of Ms. Kagawa. I always love her world building. I am anxious to see how she envisions vamps. I love the guidlines posted by Allie. They were great. Julie is an amazing author and I can't wait to delve into this new world!

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  23. Evil vamps and all that jazz. I like the sound of this world, and I wonder how her vamp days turn out

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  24. Wow- this sounds incredible. I am so mad that I turned this book down for review. I thought I was over vamps, but after reading your review, I am kicking myself for not reading this. I'll have to enter your giveaway. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!

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  25. I haven't read the Iron Fey Series yet...I have the 1st book waiting on my shelf...but I have to say that this series sounds even more promising!

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  26. "Those of us who read huge quantities of paranormal young adult literature might read the synopsis for The Immortal Rules and, despite a preexisting love for Julie Kagawa and the Iron Fey series, have a somewhat lukewarm reaction to the idea of yet another vampire tale."

    This described me almost exactly, Jenny! I read the description originally and was interested...but also a little worried. Still, I know if you liked it it's worth picking up, so I'm willing to give it a shot!

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  27. You're right in that Allie is really no-nonsense and seems, at times, unsympathetic but she's still so accessible. I can totally understand how she got that way.

    And I felt the same way when I saw vamps but, oh that Julie. So awesome.

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  28. First, I have to say I so agree... I loved Immortal Rules. It just rocks so hard! Oh and now it's been optioned for a film. Hope it gets made.

    I do have to say that I'm disappointed in the visual representation of Allie. Doesn't look like her at all... Oh well... it's something that keeps happening in YA covers.

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  29. Yes! I admit that I was in the camp who was a little skeptical about this one due to the overexposure I've had to vampires, so I was so surprised to find that I actually really enjoyed it! Dare I say that I may be ready to move on to another vampire story (like maybe Vampire Academy) for the first time in I-don't-know how many years?

    Also, LOVED this quote (how do you come up with this stuff, Jenny? Brilliant!):
    "Where some relationships feel loud and the love seems to scream from the black and white ink as though every letter possesses a tiny mouth that opens up to overwhelm us with a cacophony of romantic sounds, Ms. Kagawa takes a different approach, replacing the noise with quiet murmurings that haunt us with promises whispered across highly sensitive skin."

    I am still a little annoyed that they couldn't be bothered to hire an actual Asian model to play the role of Allison for the cover and trailer though. Really, it can't have been that hard...

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  30. Asheley - She definitely does. She's mastered the art of ripping my heart out and stomping on it:) It's probably sick that I love her for it though!

    Savy - So excited about the movie news! Woo hoo!

    Heidi - She's amazing at world building, I like how different this one is from the Iron Fey. Really dark and and dirty and fascinating:)

    Linda - I love me some evil vampires:)

    Christina - I really think you'll like it, it's vampires but also so much more. Loved it:)

    Melissa - I might go out on a limb and say I like this series more just based on this first book. I gravitate toward the darker stories:)

    Natalie - I was definitely a little worried too, but it just blew me away. Allison was a fabulous heroine:)

    Mary - Exactly! Normally someone as tough as her would be hard for me to connect to but she wasn't:)

    Melissa - YEAH! Loved this one so much. I don't know why the girl doesn't quite look like Allie, but oh well:)

    Aylee - Yay for vampires! I love the VA series, Richelle is another one who writes really fabulous characters:) And I don't know where that sentence came from, sometimes things just pop in my head and I just better hope I'm near something I can use to write it down otherwise it's gone again, never to be remembered.

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  31. So I never actually read her Fae series, even after much prodding from you. Mostly because I couldn't get past my judgmental nature. I think it's because I've never read a Julie Kagawa book that makes me do things like that. See, I've read Maggie Stiefvater's Fae series even though I'm a Fae judgmental jerk. I blame my love of Stiefvater's work. So, I think IMMORTAL RULES is going to be my Julie Kagawa breakthrough book. Meaning it'll break me into her writing and show me the amazing-ness that she is. Then I can finally read her Fae series with all the gusto of crazy that is in me. Besides that, it's fairly rare you give a book such praise and in times like this, I must have it. Especially with a relationship as you described. I'm practically drooling to get my hands on it. What an amazing review, Jenny!

    ps. Miss your face!

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  32. Great to see a 5 star review from you! I'm glad this one gripped you in a dark and surprising way.

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  33. I've already heard so many good things about The Immortal Rules so of course I can't wait to read it. Plus I watched trailer for the first time today and that was super awesome too.

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  34. I'm so glad you loved it! I have it on my shelf and hope to read it really soon!

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  35. Jenny, I'm not overtly fond of vampires but this is one story that I now plan on reading thanks to you! I love the way you've described the romance and that it's a dark story where the vampires aren't nice like the Cullens.

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  36. Oh my goodnes! thnx for this awesome giveaway my dear! =D I cant wait to get to The Immortal Rules!! there hasnt been a single bad review about it plus now it was optioned for a movie!!! aaah!!!

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  37. I am actually going to give this one a whirl! I love J.K. writing and she doesn't have annoying characters. I think this might be a YA series I can like :)

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  38. I am very excited about this book and so want to meet Allison :) Thank you for the wonderful review and giveaway opportunity.

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  39. Seriously! This books ROCKED my freaking face OFF! I'm having a hard time even writing my review because that's how awesome I thought this book was dude! I can't WAIT to see where Ally's adventure is headed!

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  40. She was very pretty as a human wasn't she! She's still pretty as a vampire, just not with the blood tears. That's a little unappealing. Off to read your review!


    Heather

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    1. Silly me, I thought the picture of Allie and the review were two different posts. Anyway, as always, you hit the nail on the head. Especially with the romance. It was very quiet, but there. So much happened yet it wasn't overwhelming at all. I absolutely loved it. Your review is beautiful! As always, I wish I'd said that!

      Heather

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  41. Allie was SUCH an amazing heroine! She's definitely topped my favorite kick-ass heroine list. Love her! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this book. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

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  42. That first part of the review was totally me until I started reading reviews. I was like "well, I should like this I guess because it's Julie, but... vampires? *pulls face*" But yes, I definitely have this on my TBR list now thanks to all the great reviews. I was pondering it before but the reviews have totally convinced me.

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  43. This is such a great review! The vampire lore and the world and all the characters sounds awesome!

    Thanks so much:)

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  44. "Gloriously absent are feelings of love wedged into geometric shapes, the triangles and squares replaced with a relationship that feels unbelievably intimate despite the subtle nature of it."

    YES!

    Jenny! How do you do that? Seriously, reading your reviews almost makes reading the actual book moot because they are so beautiful. I love the way you describe feelings. You capture them so perfectly.

    Thinking back, I may have been a little too hard on Allison. She certainly had a right to make her mistakes, but I just had a hard time supporting her tough girl attitude, at first. Maybe I picked up the wrong impression because I read the book so quickly. I'll have to go back and give it another go.

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