Masquerade

August 1, 2007
Gr 9 Up-Fantasy, suspense, romance, fashion, and an interesting twist on vampire lore add up to a read that's difficult to put down. In this second book in the series, readers continue to follow Schuyler Van Alen on her quest for the truth about the deaths of other innocent young vampires and her own family heritage as she struggles to find her place among her peers. The mood flits back and forth between dark and light, weaving together the narcissistic, blithe life of a socialite with the angst of the outcast teen just beginning to make a space for herself. Readers are given the chance to explore the characters a little more deeply in this book. While some mysteries are solved, the suspenseful ending leaves more questions unanswered, and readers will be anxiously awaiting the next installment. This is a great recommendation for fans of Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" (2005) and "New Moon" (2006, both Little Brown). Although simpler in style and slightly less gothic than those novels, De la Cruz's work fulfills a similar desire for girlie vampire adventure and romance."Sharon Senser, Oakland Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2007
The second book in the Blue Bloods seriesmoves itshigh-society teen vampiresforward in their mission to root out Silver Blood demons. Details of vampire life come clearer here, including the erotic (but never graphic) Sacred Kiss performed between vampires and their human familiars. Increasingly prominent dark-fantasy strands mayalienate some membersof de la Cruzs fan base, even as they recognize chick-lit staples like fashion references and alcohol-steeped party culture. Even so, the authors more omniverous readers, andmany newcomers, willfind this an entertaining installment that whets appetites for more.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)