Half-Blood (Covenant #1)

Can I just say I am so very glad I finally read this freakin' book??!! Again thanks to the ladies over YA-Sisterhood blog and the Heroine Tourney I simply HAD to read Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout. The teasers ALONE had me drooling all over myself like a third rate invalid on crack. It was ridiculous! I was voting for Alex just to read POV snippets from a book I never read, it was that awesome!!

Miss Jennifer caresses us with an intriguing world of Greek mythology, but not the kind that induces snores from the back of History class. This is much hotter!

Our girl Alex was torn from her training three years ago by her mother for mysterious reasons. Alex never felt right to ask so they lived in the mortal world until the badies come for her and her mom. She finds herself quickly fighting to stay alive, and thanking the gods she still retained some of her Sentinel training. When all seems to be lost the Sentinels find her, and with them the hotter than hot Pure Blood, Aiden.

Once back on campus at the Covenant (to-do school for the children of the gods; Hematoi (Pures) and their lesser halves, half bloods) Alex is faced with her past. She needs to prove herself to her uncle, who is now running the show, so she can stay in school/training in order to become a Sentinel. This is problematic as Alex not only has a bit of a problem with authority but her mouth does not like to stay shut when it really should. Luckily she has the lovely Aiden, a Pure who has embraced the life of a Sentinel, who steps up to the plate and offers to get her into shape before school starts.

Not really sure what to think of this set up as Pures and Halfbloods did not stick up for each other…like ever..Alex is left with a million questions, but she trains anyway. Life gets complicated, however, as Alex learns soul crushing news about her mom, finds herself impossibly attracted to the ever patient Aiden, discovers more impossible news about the world she thought she knew, her own secrets her mother thought she could hide her from, and what her ‘family’ actually wants her around for.

The nearly incestuous world of the Pures and Halfbloods I found amusing, but this was a great read. I was totally sucked into Alex’s world. It was incredibly fast paced and by the time I was halfway through I could not put it down.

Alex is my hero. Her snarky attitude had me cracking up. She comes off as this super bad ass sort of chick with nothing to hide, but she is actually got this super soft middle she fights hard as nails to hide. She is very ‘dude-like’ in this way. Very much like male characters in other YA reads. She is spunky and fearless in a way you want to smack her silly, but I adore her.

The chemistry between her and Aiden is totally smokin’ and I cannot wait for more. He is way too patient for his own good, but it is so very attractive. He honestly believes in Alex and that is another great trait. Aiden would literally walk through fire for Alex, even if it were not his element and would actually cause him harm.

The politics of the Pure world were well thought out and I liked that Halfbloods either trained to become Sentinels or they led a zombie-like life of servitude. The Pures are top of the food chain and everything else is secondary fish guts. The Greek gods are not in the picture, but I have a feeling they will be making a long overdue appearance in the future. You cannot leave your spoiled children (Pures) to make messes of the world and not expect to have to intervene at some point… Sooooo very looking forward to Pure this spring!!!

“Okay. I’m ready to move onto something else, like practicing with knives or defense against the dark arts. Cool things.”
“Did you just quote Harry Potter?”
? Jennifer L. Armentrout, Half-Blood

Half-Blood does not disappoint. Alex is a strong, independent heroine. She feels everything so strongly, especially her feelings for her Pure-Blooded trainer Aiden. If ever there were star-crossed lovers, Alex and Aidan take first prize. Forbidden to love by the gods themselves, they must fight their feelings for one another. When Alex learns that she is fated for Seth, she denies the connection, but in the end she could not. Torn between the two, Alex is lost at a crossroads without a map. With the help of her friends, Alex tries to adjust to the life that she has chosen—be Sentinel or a slave to the Pures—really there was no other choice for her life. Now Seth say’s there is. She can have her freedom, but at what cost?

Jennifer L. Armentrout is a master storyteller that captivates readers with her characters and their worlds. The Covenant series is no exception. Each character, good and bad, appeals to the reader on many levels. You will find yourself laughing, crying, yelling, sighing, and scheming with Alex Aiden, Caleb, and Seth. Half-Blood is just the beginning of this fast paced new series. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the Hematoi world.

Alex is very headstrong and snarky half-blood. I love how she is a strong young woman. Though I will say I've read quite a few Jennifer L Armentrout and I've yet to see a weak female (which I love!). Her mother took her away from the Covenant a few years back and she has been living - trying to live- as a human. Then something goes wrong and they get attacked by a Daimon. Believing her mother died in the attack, she tries to get to the Tennessee Covenant but something goes wrong...

Aiden is the love interest and a pure blood. He is the one who saves Alex and takes her back to the Covenant. He also agrees to train her and get her up to speed with her peers. He also develops feelings for her. Which is forbidden as pure bloods are not to dilute their blood.

Seth... oh Seth. He is hilarious and also the Apollyon. He comes into the story maybe midway through and helps Alex discover very important things about herself. He is also very sarcastic and full of himself. Who wouldn't be with his kind of power though?!

The story is actually pretty predictable. It turns out her mother isn't dead and that she has been turned into a daimon and is going to come after Alex. Also it's pretty damn obvious how she will be the second Apollyon with how she is reading about them in the textbook some chapters before. Even though I saw everything coming, it's still amazing! I enjoyed every single page and found myself never wanting to put it down.

There has been a lot of comparisons between Vampire Academy and Half-Blood. I loved both books. I can see huge similarities between them. They both have a strong 'half' female lead, forbidden love from a guy who trains her, a reason for leaving the school before the start of the book, and an almost sex scene. Yes, I'm sure there are even more but honestly, what does it matter? I honestly prefer this book to Vampire Academy. It's so great. If you haven't read this series yet, grab a copy and get ready to be sucked into an amazing world.

From the very beginning you're thrown into a very unique world. Although there is not enough time for a good intro to the world, you are pulled into the story regardless. As it goes on, the world building is PHENOMENAL! I may be biased because I am such a sucker for mythology, but seriously you guys, Armentrout is very creative.
As for the characters, Alex is definitely kick ass. I LOVE a heroine that is a fighter and can kick butt by herself. But I also felt sorry for her. Throughout the story, she is forced to be so strong through so many trials and tribulations. For these things, this makes her an exceptional main character. Then comes Aiden. I must admit, I finally see what all the fuss was about. He is strong, a fighter, he overcame some troubling issues, and last but not least, in my mind he is freaking GORGEOUS! All I keep thinking of is those gray eyes

I just love it when a book builds a world that I'd do anything to experience! Half-Blood merges Greek mythology with our modern world, resulting in nothing less than electricity!

I absolutely loved the characters--even the girls (which usually get one my nerves b/c they're either too whiney or too perfect). Alex is the perfect heroine--she's snarky, rude, arrogant, yet vulnerable. I loved her attitude toward the world she lives in--it's definitely a love/hate relationship, which provides for great action and romance!

Then there's Aiden--the want-to-get-my-hands-all-over-you pure blood that has my blood boiling!!! The training sessions (and a few other oh la la scenes) were a great backdrop for Armentrout to develop her characters. I found myself wishing for more an more!!!

And the 2nd guy? (Because there's always a second guy, right??) Seth. I don't know what to think about Seth, yet. I am firmly Team Aiden, but something tells me that we are going to learn more (and start swooning over) Seth pretty soon.

There was just enough action riddled with growing relationships and heart-stopping kisses for me to want to turn right back to the beginning and read it all over again!

I can't wait for the second installment to come out! Alex must choose between "a love that is fated and a love that is forbidden." OH! I love it!!!!!

This twist on Greek mythology was amazing. Jennifer L. Armentrout created a world that really shows the flaws of society in an exaggerated way. Half bloods and pures can't be together and half bloods are sometimes put into slavery,despite them both being so similar. It's kind of like racism in the way that interracial relationships weren't allowed for such a long time which is absolutely fickle considering we are all humans. The main character Alex is witty and funny, always speaking what is on her mind, which lands her in trouble a lot of the time. I really liked the idea of Alex and Aiden being together because Aiden keeps Alex in check and Alex gives him life. I'm a little disappointed that Aiden believes in not having a relationship because it is what is best for Alex, but I understand where he is coming from and I can sort of respect his decision. The dynamics between her best friend Caleb as well as those with Seth are highly entertaining. I didn't think I would enjoy Seth, but now he is one of my favorite characters. He really doesn't have a filter and that makes him all the more better to me.While the ending was predictable, it still makes me wonder what is going to happen with the whole new sort of daimon stuff, especially with there being five books.

FAVORITE QUOTES:
"I don't care if you can shoot lightning from your hand. I will kick you in the face." -Alex
"What are friends for if they can't share a few hours with psychotic daimons? We can look at it as a bonding experience." -Caleb

Overall, this book lived up to my expectations from a Jennifer L. Armentrout book and I am excited to continue this series.

Originally posted at my book blog Concise Book Reviews By Michelle
http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi—pure-bloods—have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals—well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:

Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck. (summary from book)

I was very pleased with this book, it is well written and very exciting with many quirky funny, parts. I love Alexandria (Alex for short), she is a very strong young girl. Aiden is swoon worthy, and after reading chapter one and two from his point of view on the author’s website, I like him even more.

I read the Prequel Daimon first, and was glad I did, as it just made this story flow well, and I already knew why she was where she was in the beginning. (she had already been on the run from the Daimons that killed her mom, we never read that whole scene, it’s not in this book, only in the prequel)

Alex is a half-blood (half descend of the Gods) and the Pures are Hematoi (Her mother was a pure) father a mortal human. Basically before the original demigods had died along with Hercules and Perseus, they’d all shacked up with each other in the way only the Greeks could. Those unions had produced the pure-bloods, the Hematoi, a very, very powerful race. They could wield control over the four elements: air, water, fire and earth, and manipulate that raw power into spells and compulsions.

Half-blood’s are gifted with the same strength and speed of the pures, but had an extra special gift that set them apart. They can see through the elemental magic the daimons used. The pures couldn’t. There are lots of half’s and they are used to protect the pures from daimons, since they can see them for what they are (they look all gross, and no eyes, thick ugly veins show, ugly, then the magic will kick in, then they look like a pure again)

Aiden, the one who comes to Alex’s rescue is a pure, a Sentinel. (daimon hunter) and he ends up training Alex to help her catch up so she can join the Covenant again to train to also be a Sentinel. She wants it more than anything, and she even was able to kill 2 daimon’s while fighting them off before Aiden showed up, well, one she killed after he got there. He was very impressed that she was able to do this, as she has been out of training for 3 years. He sees something special in her. And boy, is there something extra special in her all right. But I will leave that little mystery for you to find out on your own.

I love the connection Alex and Aiden have, even though it’s forbidden for a half and pure to be together, or anything of the sort, they have trouble fighting their attraction. But Aiden is a good guy, and thinks of what it will do to her future if he allows them to become close. He is a real gentleman, much to Alex’s dismay!
Here is a nice little quote, kindle location 3345 (note, this same scene, well whole chapter is at authors website from Aiden’s POV, chapter 16)

‘He moved, ever so slightly, and his lips brushed across mine once, and then twice. It was such a soft, beautiful kiss, but when the kiss deepened, it wasn’t a shy one. This was one of dangerously pent-up need, a desire that’d been denied far too long. The kiss felt fierce, demanding, and soul burning.’

We also meet Seth in this book, his interactions with Alex are quite funny at times, I won’t say who he is, or what he is there for, so not to spoil anything. But its big, and cool. Not really a love triangle or anything, it’s far more complicated than that. That will be all I say of that.

I found this story very refreshing, and the idea quite new, Jennifer is an amazing writer, up there with some of my favorites now. I look forward to reading the rest in this series, and will also go read her other Lux series too.

I highly recommend this book, it’s not a copy cat, or anything of the sort. I read tons of books, and will tell you now, this is a very well written series, and you would be missing out if you passed on it.
I have a link at my blog to get the Daimon prequel free, go get that, get yourself a taste of the story, with no expense, you will see, it’s a story worth reading.

This book is like so amazing. I couldn't stop reading this brilliant novel. This book is sorta like an older version of Percy Jackson, as both have greek gods in them. The differences are that there are creatures called daimons in half-blood, and that the half-bloods aren't half god and mortal but half mortal and pure blood. Pure bloods are descendants of the original demigods that haven't mixed with mortals. Half-bloods are offspring of pure bloods and mortals mixing. The pures are snobs that think that half-bloods can be slaves, that they have no right and that if anything happens between a pure and a half-blood, it is always the half-blood's fault. I thought that was pretty harsh.

The plot and the characters were superb. I fell in love with Aiden and Alex. I also knew that they were perfect for each other. I loved it how the story was told in Alex's perspective, you got to fell a lot more of what Alex was feeling than if it was told not like that. Alex had a tough nature with a lot of humour. She always had a rude comment and was hardly ever speechless. Aiden was a great character as well. He was caring and tough and awesome. I wish I knew him.

I really can't wait till I read the book, which I just bought. It is such an amazing book, everyone should read it.

This was super awesome and I love the rest of the series too!

First Impressions: When I read the book synopsis, I knew I just HAD to get this book into my hands. Not only is the cover art gorgeous, but the book itself sounded amazing. I love anything to do with mythology and have always found that sort of stuff so interesting. The synopsis also reminded me of The Vampire Academy series, which was a huge plus!

First 50 Pages: Wow! Just wow! I’m not even sure where to start with this one! It was just THAT good. It was above and beyond my expectations!

Characters & Plot: I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put this book back down. And I didn’t. I gobbled the whole book up in less than a few hours. Right from the beginning, the action was there and it hooked me right into the story.

I don’t want to give too much of the plot away since the book synopsis already gives so much. What Jennifer was able to create with this story is one that you won't be able to forget. My favorite character was definitely Alex, who is an incredibly strong and kick-ass heroine. I LOVE those kinds of characters in YA books, and unfortunately not many authors are creating them. Aiden was also a pretty cool character and I really enjoyed the interactions between those two characters. Oh, and he sounds like a total babe! Caleb is another totally sweet character and I thought he was a nice addition to the story. This book was incredibly well written in every way, shape and form. There is plenty of suspense and drama, action, and a bit of romance. Basically, this book has a little something for everyone. Even if you’re not a fan of mythology like I am, the way that the author weaves it in, you won’t even be bothered by it. She made mythology as exciting as it can be.

Final Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book and I have no idea how I’m going to survive waiting a few months until the next book in this series comes out. I really do not have one negative thing to say about this book. It was definitely worth the time it took me to read it. This book surprised the heck out of me with how good it is. One thing I do want to note though: For fans of the Vampire Academy series, you are going to notice some striking similarities. Half-Blood is extremely similar. I have no idea if this was intentional or not. I know that the similarities are high and some people have complained about this. It isn’t up to me to say if it was intentional or not. Regardless, I don’t care. I loved this book!