Covenant Series (Book 2)

Pure

 Rating

 4+ stars

Date Read

30/11/15-13/12/15

Age Group

14+

General Thoughts

Even better than the first book, Jen really knows how to twist and and turn the plot, mix steamy romance, heart achingly forbidden love and action packed pages, make a kickass yet relatable, humane heroine out of a half blood Apollyon and create a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until you turn the last page, and still stay with you long after that.

Storyline

"There is need. And then there is Fate. Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's other half is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her. When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon--and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude--or killing her. When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone."

(can also be found on Goodreads)

Aiden's necklace...

Seth

Seth is trouble. That much we knew right from the first book, when he showed how rude, vain and arrogant he is. He's drank on power, the one he does have, physical, political and elemental, and the one he's going to gain when Alex Awakens. He will be the ultimate weapon; a God Killer.So it's easy to see why he would stalk Alex: she completes him - she was created that way - and he holds no respect for the fact that his presence irritates her to no end. But, as the story progresses, the lines become blurred and it's difficult to know how much of their attraction can be alluded to Fate. Could he possibly actually begin to care for another? Could he be falling in love?

My favourite thing was the character development. I know I say that a lot, but in Pure you can actually feel the pulse of the characters and it's impossible not to swoon over, not one, but two completely different and painfully gorgeous love interests, hooked on an amazing storyline... Alex's character has become clear, her actions justified and her mind rational, not like other YA heroines acting for the sake of acting. She might be reckless and impudent but, without realising it, she's set the bar high and won't move down from her beliefs and ideals.

Perfection.

I usually have a problem with love triangles. That's not accurate, I usually have a problem with the way they are executed, all stiff and forced and irritating. That's no issue here, mainly because:

a) Alex is very determined and knows exactly how she feels, even if she is forced to hide it so as not to endanger Aiden and

b) because the two boys are completely different, and not in the clished way; dark and brooding versus easy smile pretty eyes. Aiden, a trained Sentinel, thoughtful and sensitive and brooding with a laugh that makes her breathe a little easier, is the man she loves, but that love is forbidden and can cost both their lives. Seth, the first Apollyon, witty, rude and reckless, is the man that she needs, the one who completes her simply because they were created that way by the gods. With Aiden pushing her away to protect her (the last part she's clueless about, easily assuming he simply doesn't care) and so many difficulties and dangers in her life, Seth is there for her, and she falls right into his arms (no judging, going through what she is, I'd need a hug too...).

My Seth

As grandma Pipery said, love and need are two different things.

But with the Council and other unseen forces working to throw her into servitude, there simply isn't time for Alex to realise that. She will though, that's for sure, probably in the very next installment, which I can't wait to get my hands on....

XOXO

Aggie Pearson