Book Review - The Immortal Rules

Title: The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden (book 1)
Publisher: Mira Ink
Release Date: 24 April 2012
Publisher: Mira Ink (24 April 2012)

Synopsis
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.
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.

My Review
I haven't read anything by Kagawa before, I have Iron King on my shelves but have never got round to it. (will probably try to do a run through the whole series now), but I heard so many good things about this one I really wanted to read it. 
My best friend requested it at the library where I work and it came in for her on Thursday. I saw it and was tempted. Then on Friday I reasoned that she was away for the weekend and wouldn't be at the library again until Monday, so why not? that's right I squirreled it away, brought it home and started to read. I didn't get far on Friday as i was working on my NaNoWriMo writing and then I was at work again on Saturday, but when i got home just after 4, I sat and read and read and read. I managed to get to page 400 before having to put it down and do something else, but I was hooked. I was late getting on my laptop and ended up getting nothing productive done. I then finished the book this morning and I really enjoyed it. Only problem is I really want more!
This book fits perfectly into the current market, a mix of dystopian, vampire, romance and adventure. I could see similarities with some other books, whether deliberate I don't know - the monthly blood letting happens in Morganville by Rachel Caine, the 'sectors'/areas surrounded by the Vampire city in the middle was a bit like the Districts in Hunger Games, and there were some others, but although I noticed it, this book does hold it's own and is also unique and stands up for itself. 
The book is told in four parts, 'Human', 'Vampire', 'Monster', 'Wanderer' and shows the progression of 'Allison' our protagonist. It starts in the poor areas where Allie and her friends are known as 'Unregistered' in the Fringe,  they don't have to give blood to the vampires, but because of this they are street rats, starving, abandoned and struggling to survive, also easy prey for vampires and other gangs. Allie is street smart and confident she has learnt how to survive, she stays with 3 others - Stitch who is shy and spineless, Rat who is moody and untrustworthy and Lucas, a strong leader. 
When attacked and inches from death Alison is given a choice by a rogue vampire, die there and then or be turned and become the very thing she hates. Not ready to leave the world Allie agrees to be turned. This offers a lot of questions - what will people do to remain in this world, would you become the very thing you hate?
This book almost feels like two different stories, Alison has to adapt very quickly but she can't deny her life as a street rat is over and new rules apply. Now she must learn the rules of living as a Vampire and quickly. 
I really likes Alison, she is smart, sassy and fierce, but still really wants to hang on to her beliefs and morals. She may be a vampire, but she doesn't want to be a monster. Throughout the book she faces many struggles and temptations and she must decide just what she is willing to do. She clings onto her humanity and it makes her very likeable. 
I like her Vampire master Kanin - he's a bit of an enigma, not sure what he's really fighting for, but I like his calm demeanor and presence, I hope we see more of him in future books. 
When Alison is forced to run she comes across a band of humans looking for a safe haven, she decides to stay and remain hidden in their midst. Jeb who is the leader of the group is a bit of an ass really and I don't like him at all. for someone who is supposed to care so much, he's quite heartless. Zeke - his second in command is my favourite, he has a great heart and a sense of justice and fairness, he is willing to stand up for what he believes in and you see him grow a lot in the book. He is definitely the sort of guy you would like to meet!
The book takes you on a journey, full of excitement and mystery you will literally be gripped to the pages. I wasn't sure when I started the book but it didn't take me long to be totally engrossed. Perfect for fans of vampire/paranormal and dystopian fiction. 
I think I've waffled a bit in this review, but I was really impressed with it and it's stayed with me all day, even since I've started a new book.
The only down side with this book is that it doesn't come to a final conclusion, yes it comes to a natural break and finishes with a lot of the characters but it's very clearly set for the start of the next book and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Please Julie - write faster for me! thanks x

My Rating