The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa - Book Review

Title: The Immortal Rules

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: HarlequinTEEN

Publication Date: 24 April 2012

Pages: 504

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: YA / Paranormal / Dystopia

Source: ARC from NetGalley

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. (Goodreads Synopsis)


Now, I may be the only person in the world to say this, but I didn't like The Iron King much. I heard so much hype about it and when I came to read it I was disappointed as it seemed unoriginal and bland.

So, when I heard about this book coming out, I had mixed feelings. But I decided to give it a try and I am glad I did. Unlike The Iron King, the book has some wonderful, original ideas and the whole piece comes together very well.

Allie is a great character and I felt a real connection to her and her predicament right from the start. The other characters are also interesting and diverse - a little clichéd at times, but still likeable.

I think the pacing of the story is just right, with plenty of action and tension to keep the reader turning the pages. I also think the world-building is good, with information offered throughout the story, avoiding the dreaded 'info dump'.

This is a book that will definitely appeal to YA vampire fans and also YA dystopia fans. It has memorable characters, an interesting storyline and plenty of action and adventure. I will certainly be happy to read the next book in this series.