Mundie Moms

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Book Review: Balthazar by Claudia Gray


Published by: Harper Teen
Released on: March 6th, 2012
Source: ARC from publisher to review
4 stars: I Really Enjoyed It!
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

I've not read the entire Evernight series yet, but the couple of books I have read from this series I really enjoyed and Balthazar's story was no different. Claudia Gray has written a book that fans of both her Evernight series and Balthazar will love. She's written his story in such a way that it ties nicely into the series and also works perfectly as a stand alone. This book is full of action, romance, and plenty of back history that will have fans swoony over this fabulous character.

This story starts off with an action packed scene and a fabulous encounter with Skye and Balthazar. I really enjoyed these two and the way in which they both compliment each other as characters. They got each other, they helped each other and of course their falling for each other was my favorite part of this story. These two characters were written in way that made them realistic, they were flawed and I liked being able to understand them. Claudia allowed me to understand what drove them, and what made them make the decisions they did, and in Balthazar's cause what was holding him back.

I loved the historical parts of this story that came in the form of Balthazar's flashbacks. They worked well for the story and it gave me a glimpses into the person he used to be and what made him the character he is now. Not to mention it also provided the history of Balthazar, his sister and the other characters that are in this story who are after Skye. Skye's unique power also played a huge role into the flashbacks. Through everything that happens in this story between Skye and Balthazar, I loved the way they learn to trust each other, help each other and the way they fall in love with another. I felt like everything was well paced and flowed perfectly for this book.

The romance was awesome! It was snarky, hot, and sometimes hilarious. Skye can definitely hold her own and dish it to the often times stubborn Balthazar. He also dishes it back in a different way and I seriously loved the interaction between the two of them. Their relationship was at times sweet, hot, and other times completely enjoyable to watch how it grew. No matter what they said or how they acted it was obvious to there was more than just flittering going on between the two. Their choices and their actions spoke volumes in what they were both willing to give up for the other. Their love for each other was well written and really just a sweet romance.

Fans of Evernight will definitely enjoy spending time with their favorite vampire hottie, Balthazar! This is not only a book I'd recommend picking up for fans of this series, but for anyone looking for a good paranormal book to read. If you've not read the Evernight series and want to read this book I say read it! Claudia wrote this book in a way that fans of both the series and those who haven't read it will totally enjoy it. If you enjoy an action packed story with romance, historical references and well written characters I recommend picking up Balthazar.


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Don't miss Claudia on TOUR!! You can check out her tour dates here.

2 comments:

  1. Great review! While I wasn't a HUGE fan of Evernight, but my favourite character was always Balthazar . . . so I'll definitely pick up this book.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Erin! I've not read the entire EN series yet, but I have loved Balthazar. This book is one I think you'll love, if you love his character.

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