#78 Book Review: Balthazar

Balthazar
Release Date: March 6th 2012
Author: Claudia Gray
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon & The Book Depository
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

My review:

Cover:
I love how the cover still looks similar to the Evernight series but the face in the cover is Balthazar instead of Bianca! I also really adore the title's font! SO GORGEOUS. Love the brown colour background too!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for the cover!

Story:


It's a story fully dedicated to our dearest Balthazar...

Balthazar is back. He's back with a gorgeous story readers will love. This time, he is trying to protect Skye Tierney, a girl who once attended Evernight Academy from the evil vampires. These evil vampires are not just any vampires. They are the vampires from Balthazar's past. His CRUEL past. Balthazar realizes that protecting Skye would mean he needs to spend a lot of time with her. He finds himself falling for her...but Balthazar promises himself that his life should not be involved with mortal. But, can Balthazar fight off his own feelings while protecting the girl he's falling for?

Oh Balty, I am so happy that you have one single book dedicated to you! How I missed you so much. This book reminds me again of how I love reading the Evernight series and reminds me of how Evernight was one of the earliest YA series I read that made me love YA so much. When I first started reading this book, I can't remember who Skye is. I'm assuming she should be in the Evernight series as a side character but I can't remember how she has met Balthazar and Lucas before. Still, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It's written from Balthazar and Skye's POV. The plot is exciting and I love meeting the vampires from Balthazar's past. Ending is simply beautiful. It's a happy ending, I guess? ;)

Characters:
Balty! You know I love you. But you sometimes torture me with the rule of 'no mortals'. If you love Skye, why not be with her. She changes your life and makes you feel better! Nevertheless, I love how you are self-less, YOU DISGUISE AS A TEACHER, you wear glasses *sigh* and well, you're awesome. So happy that you finally found your own girl. I remember how you loved Bianca and my heart breaks because as much as I love Bianca and Lucas together, I think she's not the one for you, Balty! You deserve someone who loves you and understands you. And BAM! There's Skye, just for you!

Skye, you rock girl! Love how brave you are and how you love Balthazar. I really admire your bravery because I can't imagine seeing wraiths everyday and still be able to live my life normally. Really enjoyed reading about you!

There's also Redgrave, Constantia and Charity. They're evil but awesome. Love the fights between them and Balty! I also love Charity in this book. She's a bit complicated but she said this one quote and it was all it take for me to love her in this book!

"I love Justin Bieber."

I laughed so hard after seeing this quote because Charity tries to be like a normal teenager by saying that and makes me wonder how she actually finds out about JB! Anyway...

Overall:
Love Balty in Evernight? Want a book just about him? Then go read Balthazar now! It's fully dedicated to our dearest Balty and he's even more amazing than what I remembered. If you love Evernight, I guarantee you will love this one too!

5 Forget-me-not flowers for Balthazar!

Thank you Harper Collins Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!