The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Author: Julie Kagawa
Edition: Mira Ink Paperback
Published: April 24th 2012
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Pages: 485
Rating: See below review.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire 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 is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.
But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

I really don't know how long I'd wanted to read a Julie Kagawa novel but now that I have, I've definitely got high expectations for all the rest! The Immortal Rules was great - a real stand out! Who would have thought of having a dystopian city controlled by vampires?!

I've not read many vampire books but I could still appreciate Kagawa's twist on them. If it had just been the usual type, I would have probably found it a little bit of a let down... but I'm glad to report that I really liked how she made them her own. Overall, I really liked the plot but even now, I'm not sure whether or not it was too much for the one book. The weird thing is, at the same time of finding it almost too much, it was quite a good set-up for a first book... I'm hoping that makes sense!

The characters, you ask? Well, let me give you a little heads-up. The main character, Allison Sekemoto, is one hell of a kick-ass heroine! I'm serious. She's one of the strongest characters you will ever meet! I couldn't help but admire her! Especially since we, as the readers, get to see the emotional battle between the monster inside and the part of her clinging to humanity. I'm still in awe of how Kagawa managed to produce such a great and well-developed character! Another character I really liked was Zeke. In some ways, he was almost the opposite of Allie, but at the same time you could still see similar traits. It was really refreshing having such a vast range of characters.

The ending is also worth a mention! Ohmygoodness, I need to know what happens now that... oooooops, almost slipped a spoiler there! Let's leave it at, I need book two as soon as humanly possible!

Overall, I really enjoyed The Immortal Rules with it's well developed characters, unusual plot and kick-butt heroine! The only thing I have that is close enough to criticism is the few storylines - I have mixed feelings but it doesn't really affect the rating too much. Anywho. I can't wait to read more from this great author - she has certainly given a good first impression!


Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo