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The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods #4)

by Melissa de la Cruz

3.99 · rating details · 17,615 ratings · 973 reviews

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's ...more

Hardcover, 1st Edition, 384 pages

Published October 6th 2009 by Disney/Hyperion

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Oct 04, 2010

Nicole Goodwin rated it

WARNING: I AM VERY OPINIONATED, READ AT OUR OWN RISK! I wish there were 2.5 stars. This was, in my opinion, better than the first 3 books, but probably not something I would mark as 3 whole stars. Now, having said that, I can't lie, I have enjoyed reading this series. Why would I rate something as a 2 if I enjoyed reading it? Well, because its not great writing and the story isn't wonderful, and I don't like some of the events...but, she has hooked me with the mystery. So, I have to give h...more

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Apr 27, 2009

Pepper rated it

I want to know what's gonna happen between Schuyler and Jack!!!!!!

like 16 likes

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Feb 27, 2010

Cheri rated it

Shelves: 2010-booklist, reviewed-books

POSSIBLE SPOILERS. DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED THE BOOK!!!!!!11

I was torn between rating The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz one and five stars. Certain scenes (anything with Ollie/Schuyler romance for example) were incredibly cringe-worthy whilst others, such as the self-sacrificing Kinglsey, deserved a standing ovation.

Probably the worst part (and the main reason for a potential one star rating) was the constant skipping around of point-of-views; I love ...more

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Nov 17, 2009

Heather rated it

Shelves: ya, 2009, paranormal-romance

Melissa de la Cruz has been holding out on us! The Van Alen Legacy is by far the best in series. As a reader, I got everything I wanted, plus many amazing things I never would have thought to ask for. This series is basically a vampire soap opera, but man, what a well done soap opera it is.

It has been over a year since Rio and Schuyler and Oliver have been on the run nearly as long. It would seem as though she has made her choice, but just as she makes a daring move to secure her ...moreMelissa de la Cruz has been holding out on us! The Van Alen Legacy is by far the best in series. As a reader, I got everything I wanted, plus many amazing things I never would have thought to ask for. This series is basically a vampire soap opera, but man, what a well done soap opera it is.

It has been over a year since Rio and Schuyler and Oliver have been on the run nearly as long. It would seem as though she has made her choice, but just as she makes a daring move to secure her and Oliver's safety, she is thrown into the very thing she fears the most and into the arms of the one she can hardly bare to live without. Being her mother's unncorrupted daughter has made Schuyler the Blue Bloods last hope, but despite the fact that she has embraced her task, she has managed to run from the biggest similarity that she and her mother share, until now. Is her mother right? Are there some loves worth dying for?

Bliss has been in a lost state, struggling just to remember her name. She can't account for over a year of her life, and there is a Visitor living inside her, taking over whenever he pleases. As Bliss fights to regain control of her mind, body and future, she uncovers the truth of who she is and in the process uncovers a scheme that could undo everyone and everything she has left, but how do you fight something that lives in you? Will she be strong enough to stop the Visitor, before its too late?

Mimi has trapsed acrossed the globe, searching for the watcher with her venator team, lead by the very one who nearly caused her death, Kingsley Martin. But everytime they think they've finally caught up, they are left wanting. Is it the year of adventure and near death experiences that has caused Mimi to reevaluate her life, or has she only just found someone that allows her to be as she truly is? Is it just meaningless nothing, an impulse of this life, of this time, or has Kingsley been there, every cycle, pushing her and possibly loving her and worse, her loving him back?

I'm not going to reveal anymore, it would spoil the fun. Once again I was swept away in this complex world, with it's vibrant characters, spot on dialog, and nerve wracking plot. I can't wait to for the next installment as I am sure Cruz will manage to shock me yet again, many times. Loved it!

P.S. Allegra is a tart! ;)(less)

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Dec 21, 2011

Daron rated it

This is where the series lost me. I loved the first one...but by number four I just can't stand switching through everyone's pov the way this series does. Plus, the story is random and doesn't make sense. .The plot holes are just something my logical brain can't ignore anymore. maybe I'll skim the rest just to see what's going on with jack.

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May 08, 2011

Debora rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: ♠ceduti-venduti♠, ◈ebook◈

Prima di tutto devo ammettere che questo volume di Melissa de la Cruz non mi ha entusiasmata troppo. Avevo sempre (erroniamente?) saputo che sarebbero stati 3/5 libri ed invece salta fuori che sono tipo 10... Ed io già che non ne posso più con queste saghe assurde. Fatemi libri da 600 pagine invece che spezzattarmelo in 10 che alla fine non mi ricordo più che diavolo c'era scritto nel primo!

A parte questo particolare devo dire che più va vanti più la Saga di Melissa de la Cruz diventa... confusi...more

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Oct 02, 2011

Michelle rated it

I borrowed The Van Alen legacy off my friend, its taken a while to read as I only read it to and from work. There were some parts that I was confused about who was who or what had happened but since its been a while since I last read Revelations then its understandable.

I really enjoyed revisiting Schuyler, Bliss, Mimi, Jack and Oliver again.
I enjoyed following Mimi and the other Venators to find Jordan, while also following Schuyler and Oliver as they try to stay hidden.

...more

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Sep 22, 2011

Bianca rated it

This is the 4th book in the Blue Bloods series and I am thoroughly disappointed that de la Cruz didn't just wrap up the story and make this the final book. I was never particularly passionate about the previous books but they had an interesting enough plot so I have read them all, but I was really hoping this would be the last.

This book was bad! To the point of almost having a patronizing feel. By page 19, I was sick of the cliffhanger chapter endings. Each chapter rotated between the...more

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Aug 04, 2011

Amanda rated it

ith the cascade of vampire and paranormal romance novels flooding the teen market, it becomes difficult for any novel to stand out. I started to give up on these teen novels because they started to run together for me - everything was about a forbidden romance between a vampire (or other supernatural creature, usually male) and a human. I quickly became bored of them, began lumping teen vampire novels into this category, and made sure to give them a miss when I went to the bookstore.

A ...moreith the cascade of vampire and paranormal romance novels flooding the teen market, it becomes difficult for any novel to stand out. I started to give up on these teen novels because they started to run together for me - everything was about a forbidden romance between a vampire (or other supernatural creature, usually male) and a human. I quickly became bored of them, began lumping teen vampire novels into this category, and made sure to give them a miss when I went to the bookstore.

A friend suggested that I try Melissa De La Cruz's Blue Bloods series - she described it as a kind of Gossip Girl-style society with vampires, and even though there is romance, it's different from the flood of vampire romance novels out there since the romance is not the central element of the novel. I finally had the opportunity to pick up The Van Alen Legacy, and was pleasantly surprised.

But reader beware: if you have not read all three previous novels in the Blue Bloods series, then you will be completely lost. Even if you've read the other novels and don't quite remember all of the details, you may be a little lost - the plot of The Van Alen Legacy is fairly dense, tightly knit and assumes that readers are up to speed on all happenings in the Blue Bloods universe. The Van Alen Legacy reads like it's a continuation of the series rather than much of a stand-alone book, which adds substantially to the overall plot arc and gives the series a strong sense of cohesion.

In The Van Alen Legacy, the reader is immediately thrown into the plot with very little backtracking. Schuyler Van Alen and her conduit Oliver Hazard-Perry are on the run from the New York Coven, after being blamed for the death of Schuyler's grandfather, Lawrence Van Alen. They end up hiding in Paris to seek protection from the European Coven while trying to discover more about the Van Alen Legacy. Meanwhile, Mimi is back in Rio, trying to find Bliss' younger sister Jordan while Bliss deals with becoming a Silver Blood and fighting the powerful evil inside herself.

Told through multiple character perspectives, it feels like the Blue Bloods world is beginning to unravel around the characters. Secrets, revelations, unexpected happenings and amazing character development fall into place throughout the novel, leading to a quick-paced read that gets readers involved in the lives of the characters. As the reader continues, it becomes evident that what's happening in the story is even bigger than he or she could possibly imagine. It's not just about vampires and romance anymore - it's about the constant, cut-throat battle between good and evil.

De La Cruz has a magnificent and breezy style that moves quickly and draws readers in. Of all the young adult/teen novels that I have read recently, De La Cruz had the easiest style to get into, so much that it felt like slipping into a comfy bathtub - warm, relaxing, calming yet exciting enough to the keep the reader interested and of course, enjoyable.

This series is perfect for fans of teen paranormal fiction, vampire novels such as Twilight and even fans of Gossip Girl-type novels (following the adventures of beautiful, wealthy teens that live extravagant lives) who wouldn't mind a supernatural twist. (less)

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Aug 01, 2011

StorySeekers rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Gabrielle - (Note: This book has one of the best trailers ever!!)

Where to start?

Schuyler and Oliver are on the run. She is accused by the Conclave of her killing her grandfather. Wait, what? Is that correct? Yes. They don’t believe her story of what happened to Lawrence, or that her mother, who is a coma, gave her a sword. So, instead of facing the consequences, she runs. They hardly sleep or eat, because they have to be two steps ahead of the Venators. But there is someone ...moreGabrielle - (Note: This book has one of the best trailers ever!!)

Where to start?

Schuyler and Oliver are on the run. She is accused by the Conclave of her killing her grandfather. Wait, what? Is that correct? Yes. They don’t believe her story of what happened to Lawrence, or that her mother, who is a coma, gave her a sword. So, instead of facing the consequences, she runs. They hardly sleep or eat, because they have to be two steps ahead of the Venators. But there is someone else who is chasing her. Silver Bloods, and their new member, Leviathan, who was awaken after Dylan was slayed on Rio, and killed Lawrence. But who is there to save her? The guy, who she told that she didn’t love anymore, Jack, and Charles Force. They rescue her, but someone gets left behind. She has no choice but to go back to New York, but not with Jack, with Oliver.

Mimi Force, is doing something she probably would never dream of doing. Stepping in things icky and gross, with pony-haired boots. She has joined the Venators on their search for the Watcher, who was kidnapped by the Silver Bloods. Along with the Venators, is Kingsley, who seems to catch Mimi’s eye and sometimes make her heart race. Can she love someone besides her twin, Jack? Unfortunately, they don’t find the Watcher but know that the Silver Bloods don’t have her either. They go back to New York, where once again Mimi is planning her bonding ceremony with Jack. But someone is pulling her back.

Bliss, on the other hand, is having trouble remembering things. Like who she is, what day is, and where she is. Things like that. This is because Bliss has become somewhat like a shadow to the new person who has taken over her body. In Revelations, Bliss is discovered to be more than just a southern Texan, who blackouts on some occasions. Now she has one powerful being in her, and she is trying to fight back with the help of Dylan.

There are so many sacrifices in this book, it was heart-breaking. Someone also is awaken from her sleep, and is ready to talk to her daughters. There are a lot more deviant suspects and no one can trust anyone. The Conclave is falling, and is desperate for a leader. It looks like the Silver Bloods are winning in this book. The ending was so beautiful and sad, but there are just so many questions still.
(less)

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Jul 27, 2011

Tina Tang rated it

Bless whoever came up with the idea of checking out ebooks from the library online or else I'd never have been able to keep up with this series. I really do love the Blue Bloods series. Though (as seen in my Sunshine review) I love me a bad-ass butt-ugly scary-as-can-be vampire, the vampires in this book have all the freshness of teens without the sparkly emo-ness. I like the way Melissa de la Cruz intertwines religious mythology with vampire conspiracies sprinkled with bits of ancient history...more

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Jul 01, 2011

Dawnandwini rated it

Schuyler and Oliver are on the run…after that huge catastrophe in Rio, Mimi has joined Kingsley and the Venators on the hunt for the watcher, and Bliss is fighting her inner demon. Bliss’ true identity revealed, and a greater quest in store for her.
Schuyler- thought to have made her pick- is once again confronted by Jack, her feelings now tangled and her heart so much more confused.
Jack and Mimi have announced their bonding date, but Mimi mysteriously finds herself drawn to Kingsley- w...more

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Jun 07, 2011

Charlynn rated it

At the start of this novel, the fourth in the Blue Bloods Series by Melissa de la Cruz, Schuyler is on the run with her best friend/conduit/familiar/somewhat boyfriend, Mimi is working with a venator team which includes Kingsley Martin, the vampire which had a large part in causing her to nearly lose her life, and Bliss is alone nearly all the time with her 'visitor' - her father, Lucifer, trying to break free of his control and regain her life. In fact, during the first portion of this book, th...moreAt the start of this novel, the fourth in the Blue Bloods Series by Melissa de la Cruz, Schuyler is on the run with her best friend/conduit/familiar/somewhat boyfriend, Mimi is working with a venator team which includes Kingsley Martin, the vampire which had a large part in causing her to nearly lose her life, and Bliss is alone nearly all the time with her 'visitor' - her father, Lucifer, trying to break free of his control and regain her life. In fact, during the first portion of this book, there were basically three distinct, separate storylines taking place. While I was interested in all three of them to varying degrees, the clear-cut, strict division made the beginning of this book somewhat disjointed. You would just reach a really exciting moment in one of the girls' storyline, but then the chapter would end, and you'd have to switch gears and characters and remember what was happening the last time you saw the girl you were now reading about. With that said, though, my favorite part of this novel took place during this separation of the plot. That scene between a broken up Schuyler and Jack in the tunnels beneath Paris... whoa! I liked it. A lot. So what if I'm a sucker for grand, sweeping reunions that in the end solve nothing but, while they occur, sure are unbelievably titillating?

Eventually, though - back to the plot, all the girls go home to New York - Schuyler, at that point, from Sydney, Mimi from Rio, and Bliss from the Hamptons. However, Schuyler's life, unlike with her other female counterparts, doesn't return to normal. She's still a fugitive, so she hides in plain sight in the city, while Oliver returns to the conclave's folds and pretends that the two of them have gone their separate ways. Meanwhile, Bliss is still fighting against her visitor, trying to wrestle control away from him and keep everyone she loves safe, and Mimi has gone back to her pampered princess self, re-planning her bonding ceremony with Jack who thinks that Schuyler has ended things between them once and for all. Plus, Bliss is also seeing visions of Dylan (because his essence is trapped in her mind), Mimi's sleeping with Kingsley, and Michael's missing.

Oh, and then Allegra finally wakes up, too.

Needless to say, there's a lot going on in book four, and it comes to a head at Mimi and Jack's bonding ceremony. All hell breaks lose when the silver bloods attack. By the time the battle is over, someone's dead, someone's heart broken, someone drinks another vampire's blood in order to survive, and someone else sacrifices their own life only to be reincarnated in a different form. It's chaos, and it's wonderful, and it's devastating all at the same time. In essence, The Van Alen Legacy completely alters the series' game plan, shifting it into a new and what I would say to be a better direction.

By the way, yes, I still hate Mimi. Whether she's changing or not, whether she's given up on her bond with Jack or not, that character just rubs me the wrong way. Oh, she's definitely essential the storyline, and she can be interesting, but she's still completely unsympathetic in my opinion. Just when I start to commiserate with her, she says or does something so insanely selfish, egotistical, or heartless, and I'm back to hating her all over again. But that's me.

Read more: http://miss-sbooks.livejournal.com/(less)

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May 15, 2011

Elizabeth rated it

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz (pp. 369)

Another installment of the Blue Bloods series. Cruz really brings it in this installment. The almost 100 extra pages from her previous three books is in correlation with the amount of open questions and mysteries she established in pervious book being not just addressed but explained.

There’s so much going on and so much background being offered that I found myself wishing there was a cast of characters listing in th...more

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Mar 24, 2011

Alexa rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-2011-advisory

While in Paris, Schuyler has to think multiple steps ahead to escape from the Silver Bloods, and the Conclave. Because the Silver Bloods want her killed, and the Conclave wants to arrest her because they think that she murdered her grandfather, Lawrence. After about a year, Schuyler and Oliver go back home to New York City where everything has become different to the both of them. There are lots of twists between Schuyler and Jack, and you still have no idea if they are going to be together or n...more

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Feb 11, 2011

Mailis Viiand rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: angels, romance, vampires, ya

Well it was more full on teen book more than it was Young Adult one. What occasionally annoyed me was the inconsistency between the silly shallow side and the doomsday serious end of the world side of the story. Usually i love black humor in strange places, but when its forced it loses its purpose and becomes tiresome after a while. Romance was non-existent for me, i read the fluffy words but it just didn't move me at all. I was surprised that if leaving all that stupid shoes and clothes stuff o...more

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Dec 30, 2010

Karissa Eckert rated it

The fourth book in the Blue Bloods series was an excellent book. Book 5 is supposed to be titled "Misguided Angel" and will be out in the Fall of 2010. This book was an excellent addition to the series. I am liking this series more and more with every book I read in it.

The third book in the series really left us hanging. At the beginning of this book Schuyler and Oliver have been on the run for over a year, Mimi has joined the hunt for Jordan, and Bliss has been taken over by...moreThe fourth book in the Blue Bloods series was an excellent book. Book 5 is supposed to be titled "Misguided Angel" and will be out in the Fall of 2010. This book was an excellent addition to the series. I am liking this series more and more with every book I read in it.

The third book in the series really left us hanging. At the beginning of this book Schuyler and Oliver have been on the run for over a year, Mimi has joined the hunt for Jordan, and Bliss has been taken over by the Visitor and left to hide in a dark corner of her own body. Schuyler risks everything trying to contact the European Blue Bloods for support; her and Oliver can't stay on the run forever. Mimi concludes her hunt for Jordan and is struggling with whether or not she should bond with Jack. Bliss is trying to fight for the right to possess her own body as the Visitor (Morningstar) pushes her out. A number of the Blue Bloods assume their eternal angels persona's as the battle for Blue Blood survival escalates. Jack and Mimi's bonding is back on, but Mimi is finding herself curiously drawn to a traitor Silver Blood. Will they go through with the bonding? Are Schuyler and Jack really through; or will Jack change millennia of past by not bonding with Mimi? What about Oliver, is he destined to be a third wheel? The fight for survival is taken to yet a higher level as the Blue Bloods try to destroy all the Silver Bloods in their midst.

This was a great book. Action packed and fast-paced; the plot moved at a nice clip with some great twists thrown into the plot. You really love and empathize with all of the characters. I love that the plot is getting so much broader and that the whole of human civilization now rests on the Blue Bloods ability to fight both Morningstar and the Silver Bloods. This series is growing to epic proportions and I am loving all the detail and intricacy.

I have also been enjoying the past memories that come back to the characters and how their personalities change as they take on the persona of the immortal angel's soul that they represent. All in all I really don't have any complaints about this addition to the series and I am eagerly awaiting the next book! This is kind of surprising to me since I thought the first book in this series was just barely okay; the first book was all about fashion and high-living in Manhattan. Somehow though De La Cruz has taken this series to the point of actually being an epic story that matters; it is surprising to me and very satisfying. I have always liked Cruz's writing style, it is very readable but not at all dumbed down, she balances action and description well too.

So do you still get some of the high life in this book? Well, of course! Bliss attends some fashion shows and Mimi has to prepare for her bonding; so there is some high fashion and high living. I am just thrilled that Cruz was able to mix those things with some actual solid storytelling and a wonderful far-reaching plot; so creative and so entertaining. Now I have to wait a year for the next one! (less)

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Dec 26, 2010

Jasmyn9 rated it

Shelves: fiction, urban-fantasy, vampires, series

Schuyler has been on the run since the from her own people, the Blue Bloods of New York, ever since the fateful day the Silver Bloods were fully revealed (end of book 3). She seeks refuge with a group of Blue Bloods from Paris, only to witness their almost destruction as the Silver Bloods and the demon that was accidently released wreak havoc on their annual ball.

She returns to New York to live in secrecy from her friends and try to find the secret her family has hidden for years. Wi...more

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Jun 16, 2010

Jennifer rated it

Schuyler and Oliver are on the run because the conclave believes that she is responsible for her grandfather's death. Mimi is on a mission with Kingsley to find Sophia (the watcher), Jack and Charles Force are missing, and Bliss is falling in and out of consciousness as "the visitor" takes over her body to do his planning. All of the characters are worried about what the silverbloods, led by Leviathan have planned. Schuyler and Oliver sneak their way into the European coven's party ...moreSchuyler and Oliver are on the run because the conclave believes that she is responsible for her grandfather's death. Mimi is on a mission with Kingsley to find Sophia (the watcher), Jack and Charles Force are missing, and Bliss is falling in and out of consciousness as "the visitor" takes over her body to do his planning. All of the characters are worried about what the silverbloods, led by Leviathan have planned. Schuyler and Oliver sneak their way into the European coven's party only to run into Jack and Charles. They attempt to escape, but something happens and Charles is lost. This leads the group back to New York. Mimi finds the body that Sophia had inhabited in human form, but they have come too late and the body is dead. Kingsley finds that Sophia left the body and the group also returns back to New York. In New York, things attempt to go back to normal. Jack and Mimi schedule their bonding ceremony. Bliss tries to fight the visitor for her body and go back to school. Schuyler's mother wakes up and she finds out about her legacy, and Oliver realizes he might lose Schuyler to Jack once again. Will Jack and Mimi get bonded? What is the visitor planning?
I always enjoy Melissa De La Cruz. I find her writing extremely easy and catchy. It is not a grand literary exemplar, but they are always fun with understandable vocabulary. I always hand these books off to my students that are reluctant readers because they are full of adventure with multiple eye-catching characters. I particularly like switching narrators and finding out what each one is thinking. I didn't find this book as exciting as her previous novels, but this one seemed to be a much faster read. The one thing that I can always say is the Blue bloods series has made me research the angels a bit more deeply than I previously had. The biblical back stories are great to know as you travel through this fictional series. I really like what De La Cruz has accomplished with these characters. I honestly can't wait for the next one.
4/5 stars(less)

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May 26, 2010

Sam rated it

Shelves: ya

Okay, so I admit that after my scathing review of Revelations it's a surprise that I'm even reading this book. But I did mention that the fourth book could be interesting and thankfully I was not disappointed this time!

Unlike Revelations, this book is quite action filled straight from the beginning. The chapters alternate narrative between Schuyler, Mimi, and Bliss. Schuyler is still on the run after the incidents that wrapped up Revelations. Mimi is already working as a Venator huntin...more

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Apr 02, 2010

CorLostForWords rated it

· review of another edition

Finally, a book well worth the wait. The storyline is engaging and flows fluidly through each chapter. This book starts off a year after the ending of the last book, and it gives the characters time to get over the fresh shock of all that had happened in the previous novel. It was fast-paced and the narrator changed every chapter so you would be switching perspectives quickly. I found that there was major growth in Mimi's character, and she's not the shallow little rich girl anymore. Sure there ...more

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Apr 01, 2010

Sami rated it

Blue Bloods was a series I came into contact with fairly recently. Around the time the third book, Revelations, came out I was browsing for Christmas presents for my friends. For one I was looking for a vampire book since Twilight was such a huge hit for her. I saw the covers of Blue Bloods and thought, hum, why not? Eventually I became a fan of the book and she, I believe, never really got into the stories. I have all four books now with The Van Alen Legacy being my most recent addition. (Copie...moreBlue Bloods was a series I came into contact with fairly recently. Around the time the third book, Revelations, came out I was browsing for Christmas presents for my friends. For one I was looking for a vampire book since Twilight was such a huge hit for her. I saw the covers of Blue Bloods and thought, hum, why not? Eventually I became a fan of the book and she, I believe, never really got into the stories. I have all four books now with The Van Alen Legacy being my most recent addition. (Copied from an earlier entry of mine. To continue reading it and learn more about the Blue Bloods series click here.) The rest of this review will spoil earlier volumes so tread carefully.

The Van Alen Legacy picks up directly where the third book, Revelations, left off. Lawrence Van Alen, Schuyler's grandfather, is dead, and the Conclave believes that Schuyler played a part in his death. They do not believe her when she says that Lawrence was killed by Leviathan. So Schuyler and her best friend Oliver do the only thing they can think of; they run. Legacy starts one year after Lawrence's death, and continues to cover, at best, a few months of time and is narrated by the three girls; Schulyer, Bliss and Mimi.

Some good things about this book:

A lot was answered. Schuyler's true feelings towards Oliver and Jack, Mimi's feelings about Jack and Schuyler, what has taken over Bliss, and what the Visitor is planning to do. The fact that it starts off almost a year after the last books gives the characters a chance to get past the utter shock that they may be feeling. I even believe that narrating with three different characters allowed De La Cruz to successfully tell the reader about events happening that still moves the story forward at a quick pace.

The way that De La Cruz (seemingly) gave the love triangle between Oliver, Jack and Schuyler a very realistic (supposed) ending. I say 'seemingly' and 'supposed' because this series is still on-going and has plenty of time for this love triangle ending to change. I know that many people are tired of love triangles, and there is only so far you can go with one before fans become bored of it. Thankfully De La Cruz has (apparently) realized this and ended it. I won't tell you which way either. You have to read it for yourself.

Somethings I didn't like: Quite simply De La Cruz's story is becoming very big. She did very will with the Van Alen Legacy and managed to continue to make the reader enjoy and become sucked into the story. I was disappointed at the explanation of what the Van Alen Legacy was. It was done so quickly and some what forced that I had to re-read the page it was explained on to get it. My first reaction was "what?" and then after re-reading the page "oh that's it?". This is one of the reasons why I didn't enjoy the fourth books as much as I did the first three. So much was tied up and so much was started that this book felt more like a filler then a real addition to a great series.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next two books slated to come out in 2010 and 2011, but I can tell you I'm pretty sure werewolves will make a debut into the Blue Bloods world by the next book. I hope De La Cruz treads carefully. If she tried to over-extend herself too much with Angels, Vampires, and now the entire Rome story by adding in werewolves she might just end up jumping the shark! I really hope she doesn't!(less)

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Feb 13, 2010

Aaron rated it

The mysteries surrounding Schuyler Van Alen and the rest of the Blue Bloods of Manhattan are starting to be be revealed afte her grandfather Lawrence was killed in Rio at the conclusion of the previous novel in the series. It is clear that Schuyler and her family are all that stands to prevent the Silver Bloods and Lucifer from overrunning the world.

As Schuyler is coming to terms with her love for Jack Chance, her friend Bliss Llewellyn is coming to terms with the fact that since the...moreThe mysteries surrounding Schuyler Van Alen and the rest of the Blue Bloods of Manhattan are starting to be be revealed afte her grandfather Lawrence was killed in Rio at the conclusion of the previous novel in the series. It is clear that Schuyler and her family are all that stands to prevent the Silver Bloods and Lucifer from overrunning the world.

As Schuyler is coming to terms with her love for Jack Chance, her friend Bliss Llewellyn is coming to terms with the fact that since the events in Rio, she seems to be sharing her body with a dark interloper who seems to be working for the other side. She can't help but wonder if she is the traitor who has been helping the Silver Bloods in recent years as many of the other Blue Bloods have been attacked.

Jack is torn between his feelings for Schuyler while also knowing that he is promised to his twin sister Mimi. Throughout the ages, they have always been bonded together, and fate would seem to indicate that is what must happen now. With that said, Schuyler's mother pushed back against fate when she married Schuyler's Red Blood father for love rather than finding herself with her usual bond mate.

The characters find themselves romping through the jungles of Brazil, the streets of New York, and the underground world of Paris as they try to find both happiness and a chance to overcome the Silver Blood threat.

This series has always felt like someone took the Gossip Girl series and wove in the fact that characters are vampires. Of course, de la Cruz has mixed in an interesting twist on the vampires since they really are the former angels and fallen angels of Christian lore. While I find the stories really interesting, the number of characters and the complex interweaving of plots and subplots can be confusing if you are not reading the books close together or just forget who is who.

I have been able to keep them straight and actually like the complexity as it makes for a stronger overall tale. This book does a nice job of moving the overall story arch along while also concluding a number of things in its own contents. I am really interested to see where the series is going to go next.(less)

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Jan 15, 2010

Runa rated it

So, I'd firstly like to address the fact that this is not the last book of the series. I don't know why I was led to believe that it was, but let me tell you, it is a huge disappointment to read a book and discover that the saga is still not over when you've finished. I kind of just want to see this series end. I stand by what I said last time, I'm in it for the plot. I do have to commend de la Cruz, as I thought her writing had definitely improved significantly in this book. But it's still a lo...more

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Dec 04, 2009

Tahleen rated it

Shelves: teen-fantasy, vampires

A year has passed since the ending of the previous book as The Van Alen Legacy opens. Schuyler and Oliver have been on the run from the Conclave, Mimi has been searching for the Watcher with Kingsley Martin and a small team of Venators, and Bliss has been in and out of control of her own body. The Blue Bloods' world is on the brink of collapse. Will these three heroines be able to save their kind from extinction, also saving the world in the process? Or will their own insecurities and uncertaint...more

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Dec 03, 2009

Jerry Dazzlepants rated it

Shelves: fantasy, vampires, young-adult, urban-fantasy, angels

Holy fuuuuuuuuuck. This book was DEFINITELY worth the wait, and I'd venture to say it's probably the best in the series. Lucifer finally takes the stage, and there's so much more action and excitement than in the previous books. The Van Alen Legacy finally gives us the information we need and kickstarts what we've been waiting for over the past 3 books.

Everything is sort of turned on its head in the Van Alen Legacy - relationships are twisted and broken, angels are going against the...more

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Nov 23, 2009

Rachael rated it

Lawrence is dead and the Conclave thinks Schuyler Van Alen is his killer. That’s why she and her conduit Oliver are on the run, never staying in one place for more than a few days to evade capture by the Venators they fear are pursuing them. They know the trust of what happened in Rio, but few are willing to believe that the demon Leviathan is free. Despite Schuyler and Oliver’s evasive maneuvers, they end up crossing paths in Paris with Jack and Charles Force, who have been tracking Leviathan. ...moreLawrence is dead and the Conclave thinks Schuyler Van Alen is his killer. That’s why she and her conduit Oliver are on the run, never staying in one place for more than a few days to evade capture by the Venators they fear are pursuing them. They know the trust of what happened in Rio, but few are willing to believe that the demon Leviathan is free. Despite Schuyler and Oliver’s evasive maneuvers, they end up crossing paths in Paris with Jack and Charles Force, who have been tracking Leviathan. After a confrontation with the demon and the ensuing panic, the young Blue Bloods return to the relative safety of New York City. All is not well there either. Bliss’s attempts to fight who she is are futile, Schuyler is once again confused between her love for both Jack and Oliver, and even Mimi is having second thoughts about her upcoming bonding with her vampire twin Jack. But there is little time for these young Blue Bloods to dwell on their complicated love lives amidst the Silver Blood threat. There is no longer a doubt that the Silver Bloods have infiltrated the highest Blue Blood ranks. The only hope now lies in an ancient prophecy and blind faith in the strength of the young vampires.

Chilling, suspenseful, and undoubtedly thrilling, this fourth installment in the Blue Bloods series is just as juicy as its prequels. De la Cruz has again succeeded in weaving a fast paced supernatural tale with awesome storytelling. Although with the deteriorating conditions and financial troubles of the Blue Bloods, some of the high end glitz and partying has been toned down or disappeared, the increased danger from the Silver Blood threat and all kinds of intrigue more than make up for it. there is nary a moment without even a hint of danger, and I just love how de la Cruz keeps the reader guessing, even if it’s a little frustrating at times. In addition to an enthralling plot, character development is spectacular. New developments in the young Blue Bloods’ romantic relationships forces them to reconsider their choices to see if the one they’re with is really the one they want. Mimi’s character in particular showed a lot of growth, and I was glad to see that under her tough exterior, she does have a heart. Like always, de la Cruz ends this novel in suspense, leaving readers, me included, hungry for more.

The Van Alen Legacy will be devoured by fans of the earlier book in the Blue Bloods series as well as readers who enjoyed The Mortal Instruments trilogy by Cassandra Clare and Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

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Oct 31, 2009

Nyasa rated it

Shelves: grade-8-ir-books-betts

The Van Alen Legacy is about Schuyler going against time to figure out who murdered her great grandfather while being accused guilty. While she battles with finding her grandfathers killer and her true love Mimi who is suppose to be bonded with her twin Jack who loves Shuyler she is having little affairs with Kingsley. Bliss on the other hand is trying to fight the man inside her head while it may sound creepy it's true she's trying to fight her father who's inside her head and is also a Silve...more

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Oct 21, 2009

Nan rated it

Recommends it for: blue bloods fans

Shelves: borrowed, young-adult, never-again, urban-fantasy, vampires

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Every time I finish a book in the Blue Bloods series, I can't decide if I like it or not. Typically, I borrow it and read it in hardcover, and if I liked the new one well enough, I'll buy last year's in paperback. (Odd, I know, but my feelings about this series are so ambivalent, that I can't even decide to buy a single book without more input . . .)

I think this will be my last Blue Bloods book. My reasons are below:

As you can see from my rating, I did like it. Some f...moreEvery time I finish a book in the Blue Bloods series, I can't decide if I like it or not. Typically, I borrow it and read it in hardcover, and if I liked the new one well enough, I'll buy last year's in paperback. (Odd, I know, but my feelings about this series are so ambivalent, that I can't even decide to buy a single book without more input . . .)

I think this will be my last Blue Bloods book. My reasons are below:

As you can see from my rating, I did like it. Some fantastic things happened in this story. Mimi actually became more than a cardboard villain. Bliss learned to stand on her own feet. And that's it. Everything else to me felt like so many pages of non action. While I didn't mind the narrative switching (each chapter has its own narrator, but they follow in order: Schuyler, Mimi, and Bliss), I was annoyed that there was not more difference in the narration. The chapters are written in third person voice, and the narrative voice is roughly the same for each one. Occasionally, de la Cruz will delve into free indirect discourse (where the third person narrator actually speaks in the voice of the character while maintaining a third person voice), but even these sounded the same. Except for the events going on in each girl's life, they're practically the same girl.

I'm irritated that the series is not over. These long-running series make me ache for the age of Dracula, where the monster dies and there are no sequels, where the narrative ends with just one book. (No matter how many people have tried to write a sequel, they just don't work.)

The worst part, for me, was the end. Oliver gives Schuyler to Jack and tells her: "I know you would never leave me. I know that. I know you would never be able to make a decision, so I decided for you. You have to go with him . . . You cannot choose between us. So I chose for you."

OK. Where to start? In the context of the story, Schuyler still loves Jack but pledged herself to Oliver. When he "gives" her to Jack, Oliver is acknowledging Schuyler's feelings. However, she'd already made her choice--preventing Oliver's pain was more important than her own happiness, so she had decided to stay with Oliver. He knows that Jack can protect her in ways that he cannot, so Oliver "gives" her away. Keeping her safe is more important to him than his own happiness. (Gah! All this self-sacrificing angst gags me!) I hate that Oliver can't respect Schuyler's right to decide her own fate, and I hate even more that when he relinquishes his claim on her heart, Schuyler is happy. Having been given to Jack, she feels like Oliver has given her a gift . . . once again, gag me.

I'm too much of a feminist to enjoy either the tortured gender roles or angst in this series. I'm done.(less)

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Oct 19, 2009

Angelia Fransisca Rusli rated it

Shelves: fantasy, ya, melissa-de-la-cruz

On this fourth installment of the blue bloods series, Melissa de la Cruz once again brought us to the world where betrayal, romance, action, mystery, friendship, politics, family and even vampires lie.

The story starts with a conversation between Lawrence Van Alen and charles Force. This story was brought to us by 3 different person POV: Schuyler, Bliss & Mimi. Through their POV, we knew that they were no longer a child. What truly amazes me is Mimi. On the previous books, i always t...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Jack, Schyler, Mimi	451	587	Jan 24, 2012 03:30pm
Mimi and Kingsley.	34	73	Jan 05, 2012 10:27pm
who do u want Schuyler to be with oliver or jack? why?	13	41	Dec 24, 2011 07:37pm
confused about jack/schuyler	5	40	Aug 25, 2011 01:54pm
vampire fans!!: The Van Alen Legacy	1	1	Aug 07, 2011 01:29am
have you seen the cover??!!!`	26	76	Jun 23, 2011 10:24am
I don't want Bliss to die.	39	121	May 07, 2011 07:12pm

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About Melissa de la Cruz

Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.

Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like B...more

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“Schuyler pulled Oliver close and hugged him tightly. "Thank you," she whispered. Thank you for loving me enough to let me go.” — 115 people liked it

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