Masquerade (Blue Bloods #2)

This was my second or third time rereading Masquerade so the shocking parts of the plot weren't all that shocking anymore. As a first time reader of this series I remember being so hooked by the end of each book I could not wait for the next one to come out! This book sees way more action than the first one and it introduces a very important and of course extremely handsome new vampire Kingsley Martin. Get ready to swoon girls, we all love a good bad boy.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I had not read the first Blue Bloods novel so I was a bit lost at first, but the author did a pretty good job of explaining things to readers like me who jumped into the series in the middle! Good characterizations (dont' we all hate Mimi?)and I loved the whole past life memories concept. I always getting a little creeped out by the whole blood sucking thing, but that is half the fun!

Reader reviewed by Cheezyfeet

Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help - her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly under way for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman - a true Blue Blood affair.
But it's at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire's destiny. -  From the back of the book.

Masquerade is the second book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz. The first book, Blue Bloods, introduces the characters and the mythology. Because it does this, you have to read the first book first, otherwise you'll be lost. I was, when I had read the first one, and then had a break of Blue Bloods before reading the second one.  Masquerade takes the characters further, and fleshes them out. It builds on what happened in Blue Bloods, and some seemingly unimportant characters in the first book become more significant. For example, Mimi, Schuyler's arch-enemy, while being mean and selfish, is in fact an angel who is supposed to be seeking redemption. She's more important in Masquerade, and you can see the desperation and insecurity that she has.
Masquerade is full of exotic locations, lavish parties, and fabulously expensive designer clothes. This makes brilliant 'get lost in another world for a few hours' reading. There is so much drama in this book, even before you add the vampires. The young vampires are all starting to regain some memories of past lives, and past romances, and this, as well as being a teenager in Manhattan in the 21st century, adds up to a lot of drama.
The second book is a bit more serious than the first. It gets down to business with the Silver Bloods, and there aren't as many parties and clothes etc. There is the main plot, and then there are many sub plots woven through, as well as an older mystery, just like Blue Bloods.
This book will please all readers, whether they are teenagers or adults, though, having said this, a teenage audience would probably enjoy it more. It's the perfect holiday or rainy day book, and it will have you reading for hours. There is so much happening, you'll never get bored, and you won't be able to put it down!

Reader reviewed by Lea

The second book in a thrilling series, Schuyler heads off to Italy with Oliver to find her grandfather, in hopes he can help her solve the mystery of the Silver bloods. Mimi, meanwhile, plans a masquerade ball for after the Four Hundred ball, where some things change...

Schuyler and Jack still frustrate me to no end, as they try to be together, try to stay apart. They want to be with each other, but desist. And Bliss's blackouts leave some wonderings for the reader...