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Aeicha @ Word Spelunking

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Pure Blog Tour: Review- Pure by Jennifer Armentrout


I'm super excited to a part of the Pure Blog Tour and to be able to share my review with you all today! Learn more about the tour, including two giveaways, below my review

TITLE: Pure                                    SERIES: Covenant #2
AUTHOR:Jennifer Armentrout   
PUB DATE: 4/3/12
PUB: Spencer Hill Press                 FORMAT: ARC, 329 pgs
SOURCE: from publisher for review


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. 

THREE WORDS: Holy Hotness Batman…three more words: all mah cries ;_;

MY REVIEW: I really enjoyed Half-Blood (First Covenant Novel), but I really really really (yes, three really’s!) enjoyed Pure. Jennifer Armentrout has once again offered readers a book made of win with awesome-sauce on top!

Pure picks up shortly after Half-Blood with Alex back in school at the Covenant, as well as continuing her training with Aiden and Seth. Alex tries to move past her grief for her mother, while at the same time dealing with her very strong feelings for Aiden and very conflicted feelings for Seth. Throw in some half-blood daimons killing pures, wary classmates, furies, asshat Council members and a helluva lot of heartache and you get one real fun time for Alex.

Breathless. Aching. Captivated. Desperate for more…this is how Pure left me long after closing the book. Jennifer Armentrout continues to expand and brilliantly craft Alex’s world of Greek mythology, action and romance, and makes it look effortless (which it clearly is not!). In Pure, we delve deeper into the world of pures and half-bloods, and deeper still into the mind and heart of Alex.

Like the first Covenant novel, Pure is told from Alex’s point of view and I’m glad it is. I really like seeing this world and its people through Alex’s eyes; it’s almost like I’m experiencing these things with her and not just reading about them. Pure moves a little slower than Half-Blood but is still action packed. Overall, the story paces nicely and definitely held my attention.

Armentrout’s world-building and character development continue to impress me. I love how very well the mythological elements and action blends with the more emotional elements, including the romance; it never feels as if only one of these aspects takes center stage, creating a very balanced story. There’s plenty of action to thrill and chill readers, with a bumload of twists and mystery to keep you on your toes. While some plotlines are a bit predictable, overall, the story had me guessing until the end. And I’m still musing over certain characters and subplots…I have lots and lots of theories and I cannot wait to see if any of them are right!

Once again, Arementrout’s superbly developed and layered characters simply shine. It took a bit of time for Alex and I to connect in Half-Blood but now she and I are total BFF’s and kindred spirits. As kick-butt and sassy as ever Alex is continues to be a relatable and realistic heroine. I love just how complex and dimensional she is. I feel like I really know her and her strength, passion and humor, yet she still surprises me, which is awesome. Armentrout’s exploration of Alex’s grief, conflicted romantic feelings and her confusing emotions (both fear and excitement) over her burgeoning Apollyon powers is really well written and achingly so.

I’m still complete giggly, gaga eyed goo for Aiden, but like I predicted, Seth has worked his way under my skin. Although there’s clearly a love triangle between Alex, Aiden and Seth, Armentrout has done a wonderful job of actually creating two believable and different relationships between Alex/Aiden and Alex/Seth. And there’s some electric, enticing, hot (way hot) chemistry between Alex and both boys *fans self*. I really love the fact that even though I’m Team Aiden right now, I totally get the whole Alex/Seth thing and I’m completely intrigued by their relationship.

Pure took me on an emotional rollercoaster and had me laughing one minute, then crying or biting my lip in anticipation the next minute. The last couple of chapters are gasp-worthy, explosive and had me Oh. My. Godsing.

Oh, and I'm totally loving that most of the series so far has taken place in NC (my homestate!). It was fun getting to read about Alex and Aiden at the Asheboro Zoo, a place I've been to many, many times (I'll be going there next month!). 

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: At this point, I would read a pamphlet on proper Oral Hygiene if Jennifer Armentrout wrote it (and I’m sure it would feature a kick-ass toothbrush hero who fought the evil Cavity Creatures and went up against the Gum Disease Overlord…and wore a cape), cause she’s really that talented and entertaining. And this book is proof of that! Pure is a fantastic second novel in what is turning out to be a phenomenal series. I will be counting down the days until I get to read the third book.

MY RATING
5/5 Cupcakes
Find the author: Website Goodreads Twitter / Facebook 
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Book Dep.
Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you've heard about her state aren't true. When she's not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories....which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is the author of the COVENANT Series, the LUX Series, and the upcoming YA contemporary mystery/thrillers DON'T LOOK BACK (Disney/Hyperion Fall 2013) and yet untitled book (Disney/Hyperion tentative Fall 2014).  

Be sure to visit all the Pure Blog Tour stops! You can see where the tour is stopping by looking at the tour schedule

You can join in on the tour fun on Twitter with the hashtag #PureTourJLA

GIVEAWAY:  To gain an entry in either/both of the tour giveaways for Pure, leave a comment here and tell me if you have a favorite God, Goddess or being/creature in Greek Mythology...mine is the Greek Goddess Artemis... and then go to StuckInBooks and/or A Cupcake and a Latte with this link to complete your entry. 



24 comments:

Sharmaine Chan said...

My favorite goddess is also Artemis. I like her because of Artemis from Artemis Fowl. I think, he has contributed a lot of things as to why I like the goddess. Lol.

Amy said...

Excellent review! I'm so glad you enjoyed it as much as I did - all I know is that the wait for Deity is going to be brutal.

I feel the same way about Armentrout's writing, at this point I'd read anything by her - she rocks! :)

miki said...

i'm feeling more about hestia ^^ maternal and all

great post

Kelly said...

Thanks. I am glad there are lots of action, twists and mystery. It does keep you on your toes. I hope some of the plotlines are too predictable!!? Overall, I can't wait!

Karen said...

I totally love Artemis...although I have a soft spot for Aphrodite and Poseidon as well!

Vivien said...

My favorite is Persephone!!

Kelly said...

Oops forgot to answer the question. But nope don't have any favorite. They never really impressed me growing up.Don't know why they have all the powers!!

alicia marie said...

i think i have to say my favorite goddess would be artemis as well : )

molly.frenzel said...

Aphrodite!

Anonymous said...

My favorite Greek Goddess is also Artemis. Being the goddess of the hunt, I love when girls do something that is thought of as a guy thing. She also has the power to heal mortals, which definitely comes in handy.

Emily White said...

Great review! I love Athena. War and wisdom? Yeah, baby! I'll go for the weaving, too, I guess. :)

Kaira said...

My favorite god is poseidon
i love going to the beach

Anonymous said...

My favorite Greek god/goddess is Poseidon. Power over the seas, winds, storms, earthquakes? wow. that's power.
thanks!
alyssa s.

Tara said...

i have been in love with greek mythology since i could blink!!!!i have always loved it and can never get enough!! i would have to say my fave Goddess is Demeter, i dont know why i have just always loved her. i did a report in school once on god and she just stuck with me!

Tara

Shelby Young said...

Okay well my favorite Greek God is Poseidon but only Cuz he rules the sea :) and my favorite goddess is Aphrodite cuz she is the goddess of love. :)

Molli @ Once Upon a Prologue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Molli @ Once Upon a Prologue said...

Aechia, your review says it all. I'm thinking of doing a vlog review of Pure just to get out ALL my feelings, because this book left me so overwhelmed...crying, happy, sad, emotionally drained. It was wonderful and I am SO SO glad to see that you agree. JLA just keeps getting better - and I'm so with you on the love triangle. I'm Team Aiden, too. :D


Molli | Once Upon a Prologue

marian said...

hades was my favorite

MistressMoon said...

I would have to say Ares. War and violence!
So much fun! xD

And thanks for the awesome giveaway!

mangafaninu@yahoo.com

Tanja - Tanychy said...

This is really interesting question! My fave would be Aphrodite :)

I really enjoyed in your review and I can't wait to read the book! :)

Val said...

Great interview! Thanks for being part of the tour.

Valerie
StuckInBooks.com

Nikki (Serial Bookworm) said...

I've always loved Hades (I blame Disney & the Percy Jackson movie) but Greek mythology has always fascinated me!

I totally get what you mean about the love triangle: I'm Team Aiden all the way, but I can understand the Seth/Alex relationship, and I'm not against him like I have been with other love triangle interlopers :)

Oh! Paper Pages said...

I love Athena, the goddess of wisdom. I also like Hermes, the god of travel. Great review!

Sam said...

I like Aphrodite? I think she's the Goddess of beauty or something...

Awesome review! I really need to start this series!