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Strange Angels #2
Betrayals
She’s no angel...
Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?)
Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England Schola for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem—she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide...
Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart?
Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?)
Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England Schola for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem—she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide...
Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart?
296 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2009
186 people are currently reading
15262 people want to read
About the author
Lili St. Crow
14 books2,139 followersLili St. Crow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as an Air Force brat, and fell in love with writing when she was ten years old. She lives in Vancouver, Washington, in a house full of stray cats and children.
Lili St. Crow also writes as Lilith Saintcrow.
Lili St. Crow also writes as Lilith Saintcrow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 880 reviews
June 18, 2010
I liked this book a lot better than its predecessor.
There was far less stupid questions and actions by the characters that made me want to tear out my hair.
Dru is resourceful and clever in this book. The action (what there is of it) is far better described and played out. There's a few interesting twists to keep you guessing.
I enjoy the characters of Graves and Christoph and the bevy of other characters introduced.
There isn't much to say other than the fact that the lack of any real story progress or further progression really annoyed me. Really.
One more thing I wanted to add that is a culmination of a lot of other series that I've read. Why are other women always evil bitches? I mean, really. Why can't our female heroines stand up to a little competition?
Dru is the only woman in a male world. Oh, except for one who is so egotistical, she wants to kill Dru for stealing her spotlight. Right.
Georgina Kincaid series kind of does this as well. Of course nobody else can be quiet as awesome as Georgina. Pretty much every other woman is laughably inferior in every way.
Anita Blake is the absolute worst at this! She's all about feminism and crap but pretty much every other woman in that series is a psycho, a slut or a bitch. Not one really nice woman.
In Hush Hush Nora had a best friend but Vee's curves which Nora commented on so often and she's made out to be such a stupid cow that of course, you hate her.
In Bitten and Stolen by Kelley Armstrong, Elena is the only female werewolf. In the second book, Stolen, another woman injects herself to get attention like Elena has. She's a complete psycho. And the witchbitch that argues with Elena and is the focus for the next few books - no of course she can't be helpful and nice. She has to be a glory-hungry bitch who makes Elena's life more difficult!
*Bashes head*
Why is this? Why are other women our enemies? Why are we taught to despise them and look down on them in our media?
I just don't get it... talk about bringing down the sisterhood, damnit!
There was far less stupid questions and actions by the characters that made me want to tear out my hair.
Dru is resourceful and clever in this book. The action (what there is of it) is far better described and played out. There's a few interesting twists to keep you guessing.
I enjoy the characters of Graves and Christoph and the bevy of other characters introduced.
There isn't much to say other than the fact that the lack of any real story progress or further progression really annoyed me. Really.
One more thing I wanted to add that is a culmination of a lot of other series that I've read. Why are other women always evil bitches? I mean, really. Why can't our female heroines stand up to a little competition?
Dru is the only woman in a male world. Oh, except for one who is so egotistical, she wants to kill Dru for stealing her spotlight. Right.
Georgina Kincaid series kind of does this as well. Of course nobody else can be quiet as awesome as Georgina. Pretty much every other woman is laughably inferior in every way.
Anita Blake is the absolute worst at this! She's all about feminism and crap but pretty much every other woman in that series is a psycho, a slut or a bitch. Not one really nice woman.
In Hush Hush Nora had a best friend but Vee's curves which Nora commented on so often and she's made out to be such a stupid cow that of course, you hate her.
In Bitten and Stolen by Kelley Armstrong, Elena is the only female werewolf. In the second book, Stolen, another woman injects herself to get attention like Elena has. She's a complete psycho. And the witchbitch that argues with Elena and is the focus for the next few books - no of course she can't be helpful and nice. She has to be a glory-hungry bitch who makes Elena's life more difficult!
*Bashes head*
Why is this? Why are other women our enemies? Why are we taught to despise them and look down on them in our media?
I just don't get it... talk about bringing down the sisterhood, damnit!
January 18, 2010
So, Betrayals is the sequel to Strange Angels, and I have to say I was just as disappointed with this one as the first. Both books could have been a hell of alot shorter without the constant and excessive need for repetition, it drove me insane!! Do we really need to be told constantly about inane objects (Dad's billfold, mom's locket, mom's swords, etc, etc)? There is constant repetition running through every theme in the book, even down to repeating whole chunks from the first book. I also found it very annoying the way the author over-describes everything; how many times do we need to be told what Graves looks like? I get it, he has dyed black hair, has a beaky nose and is a goth!! And what's the deal with telling us that Christophe smells like baked goods ALL THE TIME!! and not explaining why??? Also, we still don't know what Dru is short for, but at this point I don't actually care. Actually, I don't care about Dru at all. She's a horrible little madam, who is not grateful to anyone for saving her life at every turn, least of all Christophe who has saved her butt more times than I care to write about.
So by now, I guess you are asking, why is she bothering to read these books at all, if she hates them so much? Well, the only way I can describe it is, you know how some people drive past a car crash, and they really don't want to look at it, but they can't keep from staring? This is what is feels like for me. Underneath all the crap writing, over descriptive repetition, there may actually be a story, (I may be wrong), but now I've started I kind of want to see if we do get answers the questions.
Lili St Crow - if you read your reviews - please, please stop with the over-description, and add in some more dialogue, I can't bear to spend anymore time in Dru's head obsessing over the same crap!
So by now, I guess you are asking, why is she bothering to read these books at all, if she hates them so much? Well, the only way I can describe it is, you know how some people drive past a car crash, and they really don't want to look at it, but they can't keep from staring? This is what is feels like for me. Underneath all the crap writing, over descriptive repetition, there may actually be a story, (I may be wrong), but now I've started I kind of want to see if we do get answers the questions.
Lili St Crow - if you read your reviews - please, please stop with the over-description, and add in some more dialogue, I can't bear to spend anymore time in Dru's head obsessing over the same crap!
March 17, 2021
Betrayals starts off with Dru and Graves ending up at the Schola and Graves becomes the alpha there. Dru realises that her life is in danger and someone at the Schola is trying to kill her. She cannot trust anyone there except may be Graves.
Dru's character becomes a bit more mature in this one and I liked her a lot more than the first book. Graves becomes even more amazing. Christophe, I liked him even less than the first book. There are some other characters introduced but only one female who was a complete bitch.
This book reveals some secrets and it had a very eerie feel to it. Plot-wise we don't get much farther than the first book but all the dark twists and turns kept me hooked.
3.5 stars
Dru's character becomes a bit more mature in this one and I liked her a lot more than the first book. Graves becomes even more amazing. Christophe, I liked him even less than the first book. There are some other characters introduced but only one female who was a complete bitch.
This book reveals some secrets and it had a very eerie feel to it. Plot-wise we don't get much farther than the first book but all the dark twists and turns kept me hooked.
3.5 stars
April 26, 2017
Betrayals did what its title suggests. Honestly, I expected much more and it just left me disappointed.
It felt like all the character had a pretty hard case of OOC plague and I can't say I liked any of them here. Dru entirely lost her badassery and the tough girl from the first book disappeared and became a total weakling. It felt like she had an identity crisis actually, which very well may have been true. (The only thing I thought was interestingly written at the beginning was the portrayal of depression/PTSD of her character). Graves wasn't the shy sweet guy from Strange Angels anymore and I felt like his change was way too fast and way too much. And as for Christoph, I lean toward hatred of his character more now.
There is also only one other main female character aside for the heroine and let me tell you, she's not portrayed in the best light. The first book lacked any other female character whatsoever and now it's not much better either.
The writing style was as annoying as in the first book, Dru had still too much of her internal monologues and for someone who thought herself clever, she actually suffered TSTL syndrome most of the time. The plot was way slower and less messy than in the first book, but again the world building wasn't explained. (And I gave up all hope that the author made the world clearer and more pronounced in the sequels).
I guess I will be continuing this series to see what I'll think of it overall, but by now I don't really recommend this book, except for big PNR fans. There's just nothing that makes this series distinctive from so many other books from this genre.
It felt like all the character had a pretty hard case of OOC plague and I can't say I liked any of them here. Dru entirely lost her badassery and the tough girl from the first book disappeared and became a total weakling. It felt like she had an identity crisis actually, which very well may have been true. (The only thing I thought was interestingly written at the beginning was the portrayal of depression/PTSD of her character). Graves wasn't the shy sweet guy from Strange Angels anymore and I felt like his change was way too fast and way too much. And as for Christoph, I lean toward hatred of his character more now.
There is also only one other main female character aside for the heroine and let me tell you, she's not portrayed in the best light. The first book lacked any other female character whatsoever and now it's not much better either.
The writing style was as annoying as in the first book, Dru had still too much of her internal monologues and for someone who thought herself clever, she actually suffered TSTL syndrome most of the time. The plot was way slower and less messy than in the first book, but again the world building wasn't explained. (And I gave up all hope that the author made the world clearer and more pronounced in the sequels).
I guess I will be continuing this series to see what I'll think of it overall, but by now I don't really recommend this book, except for big PNR fans. There's just nothing that makes this series distinctive from so many other books from this genre.
July 1, 2010
Like the first book, it is more like 3.5 stars, with a little bit of benefit of doubt thrown in.
This book was just as fun, interesting, and as twisted as the first. I enjoyed the plot, the universe, the crazy politics between the djampir and the wulfen. I am suspicious of everyone, the situation is tense, and I don't even know who Dru should trust.
In this book Dru was much less bitchy, much more accepting of support, and asked many more questions, though she still needed to ask more. I am still annoyed with both guys as Christophe can't seem to answer a question with a straight answer (or anyone else in the Real World for that matter) and his secrets are insanely suspicious. Graves went from this frightened little rabbit in the first book this super brave warrior who is treated like a prince among weres. Suddenly he is the one taking all the action while Dru is seen as this helpless child who can't even walk the halls of her school alone. I don't mind him progressing as a character but did it have to be at the cost of Dru's? I still want her with Christophe though as ever since the first book Graves has just completely irritated me.
All this character development was awesome, but sadly it was at the cost of action. There were whole huge portions of the book with no dialog. You got Dru's internal musings, thanks to the first person POV, but otherwise no interaction with other beings. And Dru didn't even grow with her own thoughts - meaning her thoughts solved problems, lead to revelations - instead she mere hashed and rehashed the same thoughts of hopelessness, failure, and death over and over. I found myself skimming these huge sections just trying to get back to the action.
And what little action there was didn't progress the story much. Dru was removed from one dangerous section but walks into another one on the final pages. So not only is there absolutely no closure for any of the current questions/story lines there isn't an ending either.
Despite all this, I can't wait for the release of Jealousy later on this summer! No idea if this series is only to be a trilogy or keep going, but damn I am just hoping for a tiny amount of closure here!
This book was just as fun, interesting, and as twisted as the first. I enjoyed the plot, the universe, the crazy politics between the djampir and the wulfen. I am suspicious of everyone, the situation is tense, and I don't even know who Dru should trust.
In this book Dru was much less bitchy, much more accepting of support, and asked many more questions, though she still needed to ask more. I am still annoyed with both guys as Christophe can't seem to answer a question with a straight answer (or anyone else in the Real World for that matter) and his secrets are insanely suspicious. Graves went from this frightened little rabbit in the first book this super brave warrior who is treated like a prince among weres. Suddenly he is the one taking all the action while Dru is seen as this helpless child who can't even walk the halls of her school alone. I don't mind him progressing as a character but did it have to be at the cost of Dru's? I still want her with Christophe though as ever since the first book Graves has just completely irritated me.
All this character development was awesome, but sadly it was at the cost of action. There were whole huge portions of the book with no dialog. You got Dru's internal musings, thanks to the first person POV, but otherwise no interaction with other beings. And Dru didn't even grow with her own thoughts - meaning her thoughts solved problems, lead to revelations - instead she mere hashed and rehashed the same thoughts of hopelessness, failure, and death over and over. I found myself skimming these huge sections just trying to get back to the action.
And what little action there was didn't progress the story much. Dru was removed from one dangerous section but walks into another one on the final pages. So not only is there absolutely no closure for any of the current questions/story lines there isn't an ending either.
Despite all this, I can't wait for the release of Jealousy later on this summer! No idea if this series is only to be a trilogy or keep going, but damn I am just hoping for a tiny amount of closure here!
February 8, 2010
I am enjoying this series despite the large amount of profanity. Some of my questions were answered but mostly I gathered tons more. I enjoy the characters. I like Dru and I am excited for her to Bloom and see what she is fully capable of. I can't wait for the next book.
Now of have been thinking some about Christophe and it has spun a lot of questions in my mind. At this point there might be some spoilers in the rest of my venting. So I think it is obvious that Christophe had/has some deep feelings for Dru's mom. I have even contemplated the idea that maybe Christophe is Dru's father. In Strange Angels I just thought he had feelings for the mom but in Betrayals I am starting to think there is a possibility it might be more. Yes there are questions to this idea like the scene in the boat house. Yes it might have been an intense hug and the author might have suggested something about Christophe's during that scene but it was hard to know exactly. Yes there is also the little 4 second kiss. But that could have been because he needed to give back to Dru what he had borrowed, part of herself. After that she felt much more like herself.
No I would prefer Christophe not to be her father if my suspicion is correct. But even if he is not. Could you really go for a guy who was majorily into your mom? That just seems weird! What is the deal with the Locket? Why does she get sensations through it? Did Christophe give it to her mother? When are we going to find out what Dru's real name is? Why do people want to know this? Is there some sort of prophecy about her or something? I think Dibs is up to something. I don't think he is fully as loyal as we want to think. What is going to happen with Ash?
Those are some of my questions and some of my hunches. I would love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have an answers to these questions. I am excited for this summer so hopefully some of these questions will be answered.
Now of have been thinking some about Christophe and it has spun a lot of questions in my mind. At this point there might be some spoilers in the rest of my venting. So I think it is obvious that Christophe had/has some deep feelings for Dru's mom. I have even contemplated the idea that maybe Christophe is Dru's father. In Strange Angels I just thought he had feelings for the mom but in Betrayals I am starting to think there is a possibility it might be more. Yes there are questions to this idea like the scene in the boat house. Yes it might have been an intense hug and the author might have suggested something about Christophe's during that scene but it was hard to know exactly. Yes there is also the little 4 second kiss. But that could have been because he needed to give back to Dru what he had borrowed, part of herself. After that she felt much more like herself.
No I would prefer Christophe not to be her father if my suspicion is correct. But even if he is not. Could you really go for a guy who was majorily into your mom? That just seems weird! What is the deal with the Locket? Why does she get sensations through it? Did Christophe give it to her mother? When are we going to find out what Dru's real name is? Why do people want to know this? Is there some sort of prophecy about her or something? I think Dibs is up to something. I don't think he is fully as loyal as we want to think. What is going to happen with Ash?
Those are some of my questions and some of my hunches. I would love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have an answers to these questions. I am excited for this summer so hopefully some of these questions will be answered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2013
Dru is now at a Schola (kind of a school for vampires and werwulfs) learning the official curriculum on the species and trying to relax, which is kind of hard when a possible traitor is visiting you on the sly, and someone you previously thought was your enemy is trying to save your life. Oh, and you're the only girl in a school full of really hot guys. First world problems, man.
More details about Dru's past is revealed in this book, not much at all, Lili St. Crow is really stretching our patience on that matter. Tiny glimpses of Dru's past is revealed in bits and pieces through flashbacks, and trust me when I say they are tiny. More insights into her past than anything useful. Oh, and can I say how much I hate that witch (ok, vampire) Anna?
The plot isn't too complicated, Dru is just trying to keep her head low and survive; there is a subplot of who's-the-traitor, but the main plotline is just of Dru's daily life and trying to come to terms with the new world she's discovered. Even if she's been aware of the existence of the supernatural, all this is a little new to her and a lot to take in. My main complaint is with the last 1/4 of the book. There's too much going on, too much action, plot lines coming together. I was just confused for most of the book's ending.
More details about Dru's past is revealed in this book, not much at all, Lili St. Crow is really stretching our patience on that matter. Tiny glimpses of Dru's past is revealed in bits and pieces through flashbacks, and trust me when I say they are tiny. More insights into her past than anything useful. Oh, and can I say how much I hate that witch (ok, vampire) Anna?
The plot isn't too complicated, Dru is just trying to keep her head low and survive; there is a subplot of who's-the-traitor, but the main plotline is just of Dru's daily life and trying to come to terms with the new world she's discovered. Even if she's been aware of the existence of the supernatural, all this is a little new to her and a lot to take in. My main complaint is with the last 1/4 of the book. There's too much going on, too much action, plot lines coming together. I was just confused for most of the book's ending.
April 12, 2016
It's as good as its prequel and is an easy read. It makes you want to hunt for the third book at bookstores.
July 22, 2011
I'm not that good in english, so sorry... I'll try here.
Han... I don't, know but I didn't like this book that much.
I don't really think Dru is that badass girl. Actually I think she's boring. She's always complaining about her miserable life. She is not the girl I thought she would be when I started to read this series. The author criated a character that are so fucked in life that her weakness should make her stronger. I think she should push herself more, go after answers no matter what... be that girl who doesn't need to be saved because she can do it herself(at least try, she's not prepared yet but...). And please! Stop crying all the time! That "Adults should be dealing with all this" sucks. It frustrated me. Because she has so much potential to be that badass and tough girl but apparently that it's not gonna happen untill she bloom. that I thought she would be.
And the love triangle?! well I' don't know what to say...I mean that is another thing that frustrated me, because besides all the things Chistophe have been doing for her, she still don't trust him, he still scares her... And looks like for her it doesn't matter he had risk his life a bunch of times to save hers... and she never even said "thanks" to him. She doesn't even ask if he's alright... Looks like she doesn't even care at all. She's so ungrateful. He must really like her to still keep doing all of it for her. I mean, I wouldn't for sure.
Dru and Graves? I still don't buy it. They are the kind of best friends that know each other so well and their friendship developed so much that they don't have another way to go and end up dating because they don't know where else to go. Because she fells safe with him. That's all. There isn't sparks and chemistry. There's a little atraction but that is it. So no way... I still prefer her with Christophe.
Han... I don't, know but I didn't like this book that much.
I don't really think Dru is that badass girl. Actually I think she's boring. She's always complaining about her miserable life. She is not the girl I thought she would be when I started to read this series. The author criated a character that are so fucked in life that her weakness should make her stronger. I think she should push herself more, go after answers no matter what... be that girl who doesn't need to be saved because she can do it herself(at least try, she's not prepared yet but...). And please! Stop crying all the time! That "Adults should be dealing with all this" sucks. It frustrated me. Because she has so much potential to be that badass and tough girl but apparently that it's not gonna happen untill she bloom. that I thought she would be.
And the love triangle?! well I' don't know what to say...I mean that is another thing that frustrated me, because besides all the things Chistophe have been doing for her, she still don't trust him, he still scares her... And looks like for her it doesn't matter he had risk his life a bunch of times to save hers... and she never even said "thanks" to him. She doesn't even ask if he's alright... Looks like she doesn't even care at all. She's so ungrateful. He must really like her to still keep doing all of it for her. I mean, I wouldn't for sure.
Dru and Graves? I still don't buy it. They are the kind of best friends that know each other so well and their friendship developed so much that they don't have another way to go and end up dating because they don't know where else to go. Because she fells safe with him. That's all. There isn't sparks and chemistry. There's a little atraction but that is it. So no way... I still prefer her with Christophe.
November 9, 2009
I really, really enjoyed this. Unlike Strange Angels it started with good momentum and kept it up throughout, incorporating some standout action scenes. Dru was slightly down beat but I felt this was to be expected considering everything that’s happened recently and gave it a sense of realism. Christophe was still intriguing but I want to see more of him in the next book otherwise I think it’s just going to become annoying – there are so many questions that need answering. I absolutely loved how Graves progressed in this – he was adorable in the first book but after this one he’s fast becoming my favourite character and I love his relationship with Dru. There are also some other characters that are introduced – Dibb’s was my favourite of these (very sweet!).
I find the mythology created here is fantastic – but it can get a bit confusing at times to keep track of all the different things – so a glossary would really help keep it all straight! The ending was good and although it's not strictly a cliff hanger ending the book does feel like it's Part 2 of a longer story.
Overall I really enjoyed it and this is becoming one of my favourite series. I’ve been surprised by people's disappointment with the first book (Strange Angels) and am wondering if this is going to be one of those series you either love or hate? I love it and can’t wait until July when Jealousy is released.
4.5 stars
I find the mythology created here is fantastic – but it can get a bit confusing at times to keep track of all the different things – so a glossary would really help keep it all straight! The ending was good and although it's not strictly a cliff hanger ending the book does feel like it's Part 2 of a longer story.
Overall I really enjoyed it and this is becoming one of my favourite series. I’ve been surprised by people's disappointment with the first book (Strange Angels) and am wondering if this is going to be one of those series you either love or hate? I love it and can’t wait until July when Jealousy is released.
4.5 stars
September 19, 2010
It took me a week to finish this book. School was a definite factor, but the plot also contributed to my slow completion. It meandered in this one: a lot of internal thoughts but no real action. When the real action occurred, it was always sporadic, like a blur.
Also, the writing style is beginning to irk me. There is a lot of unnecessary cussing - I know, teens cuss. But I do not see the point in submerging what could be good writing in immature language. Repetition was also pretty prevalent in this book, such as how Dru misses her family or how she feels towards Graves and Christophe, etc.
The series in general holds my interest, but if the third book does not get better I might cease to read them. On a side note, I am quite curious to see what Dru stands for.
Also, the writing style is beginning to irk me. There is a lot of unnecessary cussing - I know, teens cuss. But I do not see the point in submerging what could be good writing in immature language. Repetition was also pretty prevalent in this book, such as how Dru misses her family or how she feels towards Graves and Christophe, etc.
The series in general holds my interest, but if the third book does not get better I might cease to read them. On a side note, I am quite curious to see what Dru stands for.
January 13, 2010
Betrayals is the second book in the Strange Angels series and picks up right where the series titled first book left off. Dru and Graves have just arrived at the Schola Christophe sent them to, and it doesn't take long for Dru to get herself in to trouble. Wulfen and djamphirs don't get along, add in super strength and fast healing with testosterone fueled teenage boys, and fights are a common occurrence. Dru isn't one to back away from a fight, but she doesn't yet have the strength or healing powers all the boys do, making it dangerous territory for her. Something she's used to.
But Dru's real problem is figuring out who to trust. Someone in the Schola clearly wants her dead, or in the hands of the most powerful vampire, Sergej. No one is willing to teach Dru, or explain things like what she is, her mothers ties to Sergej and the Order, to her. The only person Dru knows she can trust, is Graves. But he seems to busy getting in with the other wulfen teens to give her the support and help she needs. As attacks on the Schola get bigger and more dangerous for Dru, she realises she can't just stay there, waiting for the inevitable. But who can she trust to get her out alive?
I loved Strange Angels, and this book wasn't a let down in anyway! The plot is tight with plenty of twists and turns you don't see coming. Like Dru, just when you think you've got something figured out, or someone she can trust, the whole thing is twisted upside down and Dru's chances get slimmer and slimmer. I really felt for Dru as she attempted to find out about her past, what she is, the connections between the Order and her mom, as well as trying to figure out who to trust. She isn't a very open person in the first place and she's not used to relying on anyone but her dad, and he's gone now, so it's all the harder for her. I really liked her character in SA, but I really love her now. I find her very realistic with her flaws and actions.
The tension and despair builds really well through the book and left me hungry for more come the end. This series is one I think will be a favourite for a long time to come! And book three, Jealousy, can't come quick enough for me!
But Dru's real problem is figuring out who to trust. Someone in the Schola clearly wants her dead, or in the hands of the most powerful vampire, Sergej. No one is willing to teach Dru, or explain things like what she is, her mothers ties to Sergej and the Order, to her. The only person Dru knows she can trust, is Graves. But he seems to busy getting in with the other wulfen teens to give her the support and help she needs. As attacks on the Schola get bigger and more dangerous for Dru, she realises she can't just stay there, waiting for the inevitable. But who can she trust to get her out alive?
I loved Strange Angels, and this book wasn't a let down in anyway! The plot is tight with plenty of twists and turns you don't see coming. Like Dru, just when you think you've got something figured out, or someone she can trust, the whole thing is twisted upside down and Dru's chances get slimmer and slimmer. I really felt for Dru as she attempted to find out about her past, what she is, the connections between the Order and her mom, as well as trying to figure out who to trust. She isn't a very open person in the first place and she's not used to relying on anyone but her dad, and he's gone now, so it's all the harder for her. I really liked her character in SA, but I really love her now. I find her very realistic with her flaws and actions.
The tension and despair builds really well through the book and left me hungry for more come the end. This series is one I think will be a favourite for a long time to come! And book three, Jealousy, can't come quick enough for me!
June 13, 2010
At the very end of the first book, Dru and Graves were picked up by a helicopter that would take them to a school (Schola) that was run by The Order.
Well, they made it.
To those who read the first book would also know that Dru is also a rare female djampir called the svetocha. Unlike the werwulfen, djampir usually only have boy offsprings but that’s not the only reason why female djampir are so precious to The Order. When they ‘bloomed’, the svetocha would be stronger, faster and more dangerous to a nosferat than the normal djampir. Their blood is toxic, they can even kill a nosferat by being in the same room with one.
Cool, huh?
But, here’s the thing. BEFORE they bloomed, the svetocha blood is able to give a jolt of power to any nosferat that bites her…so, nosferat of all ages hunts svetocha down, trying to kill and drain them before they bloom.
Which is why Dru is stuck in the schola with a whole pack of boys.
Say what?
Yes, Dru is stuck in a schola filled with teenage boys. As mentioned, female djampir are rare, in fact Dru is the only svetocha found safe in 30 years and since werwulfen females are house-trained, and considering even the teachers looks like teenage boys, it’s kind of overwhelming.
The first book also established that there seemed to be a traitor in The Order since somebody leaked the information of a safe house that Dru was suppose to go to, resulting in Dru meeting face to face with her parent’s murderers, The King of Nosferat, Sergej.
But due to the help of Christophe and a pack of werwulfen, Graves and Dru made it out safely to the schola while Christophe went away to …whatever.
But on this second book, Dru was noticing little bits and pieces at the schola that didn’t make sense…(then of course, there’s the traitor that they have to watch out for although they have NO clue who it is)
First, it is apparent that werwulfen don’t only have a problem with nosferat, they seem to also have a problem with djampirs. The way fight breaks out every two minutes, Dru concludes it must be a natural enemy instinct that goes so deep, it’s practically in their genes. They really don’t tolerate each other very well. And from the way the nosferat condescend over the werwulfen, Dru can’t blame the wulfen.
Second, for a school teaching their students how to kill nosferat, she isn’t getting any knowledge or fighting skills. For God’s sake, every time the Restriction Bell rings—which means nosferat are trying to breach the security—a teacher comes to take her to her room where she should stay until someone gets her out. When she drags herself to class, the contents of the curriculum are dumb down.
Third, she’s not even allowed to spar with anybody but the teachers. She doesn’t even get to train with the superboys. The teachers tell her, it’s for her own good. She is svetocha, she is special, precious. She hasn’t bloomed yet and she could get hurt, especially if a djampir loses himself because she bleeds.
Fourth, the boys keep LOOKING at her, like she’s a damn freak. (Granted, being the only girl in a school of teenage boys...)
Fifth, Graves makes new friends and is too busy learning and fighting and being a loup-garou to hang out with her.
Sixth, she doesn’t hear anything from Christophe and she’s picking up rumors about him that doesn’t do a lot for her wary trust in him.
Seventh, since her dad was made into a zombie which then she had to kill by her lonesome, she had no family left. Talk about years of therapy…
Burden by all of that, what is a girl to do in a schola filled with boys but... pick a fight?
So, here she is beating down on a djampir--whose name is Irving--who makes a bet that he can knock her down on her ass in two minute. Restless and snarly, Dru takes the bet.
I came up from the floor with a punch, getting my feet under me, and Irving grabbed my wrist. He used my momentum to whip me past him, but I’d expected that, hooked my other fingers, and got a handful of his face.
That’s what Dad would have called “dirty fightin’,” something he approved of in a girl.
Hey, there are no rules in a fight. Thinking there are “rules” can get you killed. Dad drilled it into my head over and over again, you fight to win, to survive. Not to look good or give the other guy a chance. Betrayals chapter 1
It’s a good way of dealing with pent up aggression and Dru--considering the run of bad luck she is having--as a lot to spare.
But in a middle of all the fun—granted, she is lying on the floor by now—Graves comes in and pins Irving’s ass to the floor by way of his hand on the djampir’s throat.
*insert fangirl squealing here*
Graves had Irving down, his long, tanned-looking fingers closed on the djamphir’s throat. His eyes were chips of green flame, and the growl was so thick it blurred the air around him, the sound of a very pissed-off skinchanger. He probably couldn’t talk, either, his jaw was subtly modified, accommodating fiercer, longer teeth. Betrayals-chapter 1
Go on with your bad self, Graves.
Even all of main characters become more develops. No one changes more than Graves.
From Goth Loner to assertive pack Alpha, Graves makes it look easy.
Anyway, in short. There’s more action here folks. More secrets. Way awesome action. More emotional bombs and strong sexual chemistry.
Dru tries to hold on to herself, Graves steps up to the plate while Christophe does his guardian angel bit, popping in when there’s danger and disappearing when all is well.
The traitor is still trying to dig up trouble and it is clear that some section of the Order is putting Dru up as bait and to turn her against Christophe who Dru doesn’t really know whether she trusts or not.
Answers to what the hell is going on with Christophe and why people don’t like him much is in this second book.
More answers about what happened to her mom is also in this book.
Dru gets even closer to blooming and experience her first bloodhunger and gets all the traumatic experience that comes with it.
Graves and Dru's relationship gets even stronger.
Graves puts his foot down when Dru tries to leave him.
The Schola keeps getting ransack and Dru keeps getting hurt.
Excellent parkour scene with Dru, Graves and his pack.
Finally, Christophe decides it’s better for Dru to leave the Schola.
All in this second book folks!!!
PICK UP THE BOOK!!!
Well, they made it.
To those who read the first book would also know that Dru is also a rare female djampir called the svetocha. Unlike the werwulfen, djampir usually only have boy offsprings but that’s not the only reason why female djampir are so precious to The Order. When they ‘bloomed’, the svetocha would be stronger, faster and more dangerous to a nosferat than the normal djampir. Their blood is toxic, they can even kill a nosferat by being in the same room with one.
Cool, huh?
But, here’s the thing. BEFORE they bloomed, the svetocha blood is able to give a jolt of power to any nosferat that bites her…so, nosferat of all ages hunts svetocha down, trying to kill and drain them before they bloom.
Which is why Dru is stuck in the schola with a whole pack of boys.
Say what?
Yes, Dru is stuck in a schola filled with teenage boys. As mentioned, female djampir are rare, in fact Dru is the only svetocha found safe in 30 years and since werwulfen females are house-trained, and considering even the teachers looks like teenage boys, it’s kind of overwhelming.
The first book also established that there seemed to be a traitor in The Order since somebody leaked the information of a safe house that Dru was suppose to go to, resulting in Dru meeting face to face with her parent’s murderers, The King of Nosferat, Sergej.
But due to the help of Christophe and a pack of werwulfen, Graves and Dru made it out safely to the schola while Christophe went away to …whatever.
But on this second book, Dru was noticing little bits and pieces at the schola that didn’t make sense…(then of course, there’s the traitor that they have to watch out for although they have NO clue who it is)
First, it is apparent that werwulfen don’t only have a problem with nosferat, they seem to also have a problem with djampirs. The way fight breaks out every two minutes, Dru concludes it must be a natural enemy instinct that goes so deep, it’s practically in their genes. They really don’t tolerate each other very well. And from the way the nosferat condescend over the werwulfen, Dru can’t blame the wulfen.
Second, for a school teaching their students how to kill nosferat, she isn’t getting any knowledge or fighting skills. For God’s sake, every time the Restriction Bell rings—which means nosferat are trying to breach the security—a teacher comes to take her to her room where she should stay until someone gets her out. When she drags herself to class, the contents of the curriculum are dumb down.
Third, she’s not even allowed to spar with anybody but the teachers. She doesn’t even get to train with the superboys. The teachers tell her, it’s for her own good. She is svetocha, she is special, precious. She hasn’t bloomed yet and she could get hurt, especially if a djampir loses himself because she bleeds.
Fourth, the boys keep LOOKING at her, like she’s a damn freak. (Granted, being the only girl in a school of teenage boys...)
Fifth, Graves makes new friends and is too busy learning and fighting and being a loup-garou to hang out with her.
Sixth, she doesn’t hear anything from Christophe and she’s picking up rumors about him that doesn’t do a lot for her wary trust in him.
Seventh, since her dad was made into a zombie which then she had to kill by her lonesome, she had no family left. Talk about years of therapy…
Burden by all of that, what is a girl to do in a schola filled with boys but... pick a fight?
So, here she is beating down on a djampir--whose name is Irving--who makes a bet that he can knock her down on her ass in two minute. Restless and snarly, Dru takes the bet.
I came up from the floor with a punch, getting my feet under me, and Irving grabbed my wrist. He used my momentum to whip me past him, but I’d expected that, hooked my other fingers, and got a handful of his face.
That’s what Dad would have called “dirty fightin’,” something he approved of in a girl.
Hey, there are no rules in a fight. Thinking there are “rules” can get you killed. Dad drilled it into my head over and over again, you fight to win, to survive. Not to look good or give the other guy a chance. Betrayals chapter 1
It’s a good way of dealing with pent up aggression and Dru--considering the run of bad luck she is having--as a lot to spare.
But in a middle of all the fun—granted, she is lying on the floor by now—Graves comes in and pins Irving’s ass to the floor by way of his hand on the djampir’s throat.
*insert fangirl squealing here*
Graves had Irving down, his long, tanned-looking fingers closed on the djamphir’s throat. His eyes were chips of green flame, and the growl was so thick it blurred the air around him, the sound of a very pissed-off skinchanger. He probably couldn’t talk, either, his jaw was subtly modified, accommodating fiercer, longer teeth. Betrayals-chapter 1
Go on with your bad self, Graves.
Even all of main characters become more develops. No one changes more than Graves.
From Goth Loner to assertive pack Alpha, Graves makes it look easy.
Anyway, in short. There’s more action here folks. More secrets. Way awesome action. More emotional bombs and strong sexual chemistry.
Dru tries to hold on to herself, Graves steps up to the plate while Christophe does his guardian angel bit, popping in when there’s danger and disappearing when all is well.
The traitor is still trying to dig up trouble and it is clear that some section of the Order is putting Dru up as bait and to turn her against Christophe who Dru doesn’t really know whether she trusts or not.
Answers to what the hell is going on with Christophe and why people don’t like him much is in this second book.
More answers about what happened to her mom is also in this book.
Dru gets even closer to blooming and experience her first bloodhunger and gets all the traumatic experience that comes with it.
Graves and Dru's relationship gets even stronger.
Graves puts his foot down when Dru tries to leave him.
The Schola keeps getting ransack and Dru keeps getting hurt.
Excellent parkour scene with Dru, Graves and his pack.
Finally, Christophe decides it’s better for Dru to leave the Schola.
All in this second book folks!!!
PICK UP THE BOOK!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2009
Betrayals is the second installation of Lilith Saintcrow's Strange Angels books.
I brought it home the day it came out. Because well...I'm cool like that (and Barnes and Nobel is practically right next to my work).
I liked seeing Graves transform into something more substantial than the awkward geeky best friend that tags along because they're stubborn. Quiet frankly, I'm getting tired of those kinds of characters. But that's another topic for another discussion. Graves becoming the dom at the Schola kind of surprised me and it kind of didn't. He's being fiercely protective over Dru and being dom would aide in him doing so.
Christophe is so confusing. He's there but he's not. And after Dru has to figure things out on her own he comes swooping in like some demented angel. He needs to take a stand and stay or leave. I know he's trying the flush out the traitor but I think that he's putting Dru in too much danger. And now Dru is his reason to fight the hunger and not basically turn to the dark side? What brought that about? I need explanations! What exactly did he borrow from Dru? Did he borrow her svetosha strength or something? I know he drank from her, I understand that. But what was the whole thing of borrowing vs. taking? A wee bit more clarification would have been great on that.
I really appreciated the description when Dru felt her first battle with her hunger. I was like "oh shit this isn't good". and when Christophe drank from her; yet another impressive description from my point of view.
My heart ached for Dru when she finally admitted that her father was really, truly gone.
Overall, I liked Betrayals. It didn't merit a four from me though. I think the length has something to do with that. I want more details that I'm denied constantly. It drives me insane but I keep on reading praying I'll be rewarded. Sometimes I am, but I want more.
I thought about it for while...What really happened in this book? Graves is coming into his own: great. Another maybe villain is added; okay cool. The world is finding out that Dru exists; again cool. The school was attacked; kind of knew that would happen. Christophe is falling for Dru; I think? Ash looks to be protecting Dru but torn because he is Broken; poor guy. So...what happened? Was the climax that she changed schools? I'm left a little wanting here. Betrayals now feels like one of those in between books. Not really a space filler though. Yes, Dru is starting to show she's a svetosha; again very cool. Was that the point to the whole book?
Do not get me wrong here; I liked the book. I'm sure a lot of my questions will be answered as the series progresses. But I can't help but being selfish in wanting them all right now :)
Jealousy (Strange Angels: book 3) is already on my "to-read" shelf. can't wait until June!
Happy reading!
I brought it home the day it came out. Because well...I'm cool like that (and Barnes and Nobel is practically right next to my work).
I liked seeing Graves transform into something more substantial than the awkward geeky best friend that tags along because they're stubborn. Quiet frankly, I'm getting tired of those kinds of characters. But that's another topic for another discussion. Graves becoming the dom at the Schola kind of surprised me and it kind of didn't. He's being fiercely protective over Dru and being dom would aide in him doing so.
Christophe is so confusing. He's there but he's not. And after Dru has to figure things out on her own he comes swooping in like some demented angel. He needs to take a stand and stay or leave. I know he's trying the flush out the traitor but I think that he's putting Dru in too much danger. And now Dru is his reason to fight the hunger and not basically turn to the dark side? What brought that about? I need explanations! What exactly did he borrow from Dru? Did he borrow her svetosha strength or something? I know he drank from her, I understand that. But what was the whole thing of borrowing vs. taking? A wee bit more clarification would have been great on that.
I really appreciated the description when Dru felt her first battle with her hunger. I was like "oh shit this isn't good". and when Christophe drank from her; yet another impressive description from my point of view.
My heart ached for Dru when she finally admitted that her father was really, truly gone.
Overall, I liked Betrayals. It didn't merit a four from me though. I think the length has something to do with that. I want more details that I'm denied constantly. It drives me insane but I keep on reading praying I'll be rewarded. Sometimes I am, but I want more.
I thought about it for while...What really happened in this book? Graves is coming into his own: great. Another maybe villain is added; okay cool. The world is finding out that Dru exists; again cool. The school was attacked; kind of knew that would happen. Christophe is falling for Dru; I think? Ash looks to be protecting Dru but torn because he is Broken; poor guy. So...what happened? Was the climax that she changed schools? I'm left a little wanting here. Betrayals now feels like one of those in between books. Not really a space filler though. Yes, Dru is starting to show she's a svetosha; again very cool. Was that the point to the whole book?
Do not get me wrong here; I liked the book. I'm sure a lot of my questions will be answered as the series progresses. But I can't help but being selfish in wanting them all right now :)
Jealousy (Strange Angels: book 3) is already on my "to-read" shelf. can't wait until June!
Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2021
Betrayals (Strange Angels #2) by Lili St. Crow was good, but I didn't like this sequel as much as I remember liking the first book. Then again, that was quite awhile back. Dru seems different this time around and I could have done with out the love triangle. I also could have done without a good chunk of all the angst - and the repetition as well. I'm not sure if I'll be back for book three, Jealousy, any time soon.
July 18, 2010
Betrayalscontinues the story of Dru Anderson with her escape from the Dakotas. Dru and her "loup garou" friend, Graves are taken to an isolated scola, where Dru is the only female amongst djamphirs and wulfen. There, Dru is to be protected from the vampires and werwulfen that want her dead. Oh, and there is a traitor somewhere.....
The book started off a little slow for me, although it should not have. Basically the prologue is the last chapter of the previous book which was exciting. I found it a little repetitive. But, no problem.
I found this book difficult to rate. As a young adult novel, it is one of the better ones out there. There is lots of action, incredible chase scenes, and some entertaining dialogue. It is well written and the author has some wonderful descriptions.
My difficulty with this book lies with the main character. In the first book, Strange Angels, Dru is independent, resourceful, and a well trained fighter. In this installment, she seemed to me to be a "damsel in distress," hidden away in her room in the schola. Granted, she was injured in her escape and had to heal, but she just felt so cloistered in this new environment. I felt that her character was a little stymied.
Graves has come into his own. Because of his loup garou status, (and I think it is extremely funny that the author chose this phrase because it does mean werewolf in French) he becomes a dominant "wolfman" in the scola. This serves to protect Dru from the djamphirs and other wolves.
Christope -- I really like this character. You are never really sure which side he is on. I like the mystery. I love his smell. I wish I could have a boyfriend that smells that good. I actually liked reading about his interactions with Dru. There seems to be a little love triangle forming.
This book reminded me a little bit of the Vampire Academy series. I think that people who liked that series will enjoy this series as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
The book started off a little slow for me, although it should not have. Basically the prologue is the last chapter of the previous book which was exciting. I found it a little repetitive. But, no problem.
I found this book difficult to rate. As a young adult novel, it is one of the better ones out there. There is lots of action, incredible chase scenes, and some entertaining dialogue. It is well written and the author has some wonderful descriptions.
My difficulty with this book lies with the main character. In the first book, Strange Angels, Dru is independent, resourceful, and a well trained fighter. In this installment, she seemed to me to be a "damsel in distress," hidden away in her room in the schola. Granted, she was injured in her escape and had to heal, but she just felt so cloistered in this new environment. I felt that her character was a little stymied.
Graves has come into his own. Because of his loup garou status, (and I think it is extremely funny that the author chose this phrase because it does mean werewolf in French) he becomes a dominant "wolfman" in the scola. This serves to protect Dru from the djamphirs and other wolves.
Christope -- I really like this character. You are never really sure which side he is on. I like the mystery. I love his smell. I wish I could have a boyfriend that smells that good. I actually liked reading about his interactions with Dru. There seems to be a little love triangle forming.
This book reminded me a little bit of the Vampire Academy series. I think that people who liked that series will enjoy this series as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
January 5, 2010
I've had this book out from the library for awhile, and I kept delaying reading it because I wasn't that big of a fan of the first book. I actually ended up finishing this one in a day. It was a lot better than the first one, but there were still some things that I didn't entirely like about it. If I could give half stars, I would have given it a 3.5.
Dru is being whisked off to safety at the start of this book. She is what is known as a svetocha. It's very rare, and because of that, everyone either wants her on their side, or they want to kill her. Her best friend Graves is a loup-garrou which kind of makes him a prince among the weres. Both are being helped by Christophe who may or may not be their friend and he's taking them to schola. A school for those who are not exactly human.
Christophe knows there's a traitor at the school and wants Dru's help to find out how it is. That's how she ends up in a school filled with djampir's and weres (who are all boys). She also knows that someone is trying to kill her, and she isn't sure who can be trusted and who can't be trusted.
There was a lot of action in this book, but what I really liked was being able to learn more about the different non human species. The reader is seeing through Dru's eyes, and as she learns more we learn more. Then of course there was the chemistry flying between Dru and some boys. There were some interesting scenes involving pack dynamic and doms and subs.
The reason I didn't rate is higher was because Dru annoys me slightly. She's a little whiny, and she gets hurt.. alot. Sort of one of those too stupid to live characters. Always trying to save others no matter what it costs to herself. That gets a little tiresome. Also, this book had some very reminiscent qualities from other books I've read recently. Referring to the evil Sergei as "you know who", a school for those who aren't human... a little close to other books.
But still, I'll probably read the next in the series whenever it comes out.
Dru is being whisked off to safety at the start of this book. She is what is known as a svetocha. It's very rare, and because of that, everyone either wants her on their side, or they want to kill her. Her best friend Graves is a loup-garrou which kind of makes him a prince among the weres. Both are being helped by Christophe who may or may not be their friend and he's taking them to schola. A school for those who are not exactly human.
Christophe knows there's a traitor at the school and wants Dru's help to find out how it is. That's how she ends up in a school filled with djampir's and weres (who are all boys). She also knows that someone is trying to kill her, and she isn't sure who can be trusted and who can't be trusted.
There was a lot of action in this book, but what I really liked was being able to learn more about the different non human species. The reader is seeing through Dru's eyes, and as she learns more we learn more. Then of course there was the chemistry flying between Dru and some boys. There were some interesting scenes involving pack dynamic and doms and subs.
The reason I didn't rate is higher was because Dru annoys me slightly. She's a little whiny, and she gets hurt.. alot. Sort of one of those too stupid to live characters. Always trying to save others no matter what it costs to herself. That gets a little tiresome. Also, this book had some very reminiscent qualities from other books I've read recently. Referring to the evil Sergei as "you know who", a school for those who aren't human... a little close to other books.
But still, I'll probably read the next in the series whenever it comes out.
December 31, 2010
Betrayals is the second novel in the Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow A.k.a Lilith Saintcrow. Lilith is one of my favorite authors, and I was shocked that I haven't read any of her YA novels yet. I guess I just wasn't in a YA reading mood, but after reading the synopsis for this series, I had to pick it up!
I read Strange Angels(book 1) and Betrayals(book 2) within a day and a half. I was hooked. Strange Angels was a good read, but betrayals was amazing! I heard Jealousy is even better. I'll find out tonight!
First off, I want to say that, although the covers look nice on the computer, in person they are beautiful.
Dru Anderson is a 16 year-old girl who's life has been turned up side down in little to no time at all. She's lost her father and mother, and is now in life threatening danger. Thanks to her father, she's been trained to fight and kill, and with what she's been through, it's thankful she's been. As a character, I like her. I have found when she's asked a question or she is about to say something, she something thinks it out in more than a few sentences. half a page later and she only says one thing out aloud, but honestly it didn't bother me much, because it was such an interesting novel.
Both Christophe and Graves grow as characters, and I find it hard to choose who I like more. Both are interesting, with a mysterious past, good looking and are good to Dru. They can be both charming and quirky, and are excellent characters for this series.
Sometimes I found this series had the Vampire Academy series feel to it, but I read that some have thought that it reminded them of Twilight. - Human girl, Vampire-ish and Werewolf-ish guys. I honestly didn't see it. It never occurred to me that it was like twilight. all in all, it was an original take on a paranormal YA series, and I LOVED it!
This series is on my top favorite YA list now. I'm about to read Jealousy and I know i'll be begging for Defiance right after I finish it!
I read Strange Angels(book 1) and Betrayals(book 2) within a day and a half. I was hooked. Strange Angels was a good read, but betrayals was amazing! I heard Jealousy is even better. I'll find out tonight!
First off, I want to say that, although the covers look nice on the computer, in person they are beautiful.
Dru Anderson is a 16 year-old girl who's life has been turned up side down in little to no time at all. She's lost her father and mother, and is now in life threatening danger. Thanks to her father, she's been trained to fight and kill, and with what she's been through, it's thankful she's been. As a character, I like her. I have found when she's asked a question or she is about to say something, she something thinks it out in more than a few sentences. half a page later and she only says one thing out aloud, but honestly it didn't bother me much, because it was such an interesting novel.
Both Christophe and Graves grow as characters, and I find it hard to choose who I like more. Both are interesting, with a mysterious past, good looking and are good to Dru. They can be both charming and quirky, and are excellent characters for this series.
Sometimes I found this series had the Vampire Academy series feel to it, but I read that some have thought that it reminded them of Twilight. - Human girl, Vampire-ish and Werewolf-ish guys. I honestly didn't see it. It never occurred to me that it was like twilight. all in all, it was an original take on a paranormal YA series, and I LOVED it!
This series is on my top favorite YA list now. I'm about to read Jealousy and I know i'll be begging for Defiance right after I finish it!
November 29, 2009
Betrayals is the second in this series about a teenage girl whose ex-marine father taught her to fight the "others", all the magical beings such as zombies, werewolves, and vampires that inhabit the shadows of our world
Dru's life got turned upside down in the first book when she had to kill her father (turned into a zombie by a bad vampire) and was on the run with a boy from her high school who got bitten by a werewolf. She gets saved from the bad vampire by christophe, a half-human, half vampire who is part of the Order, a group of Others trying to fight against the bad guys
At the beginning of this book Dru gets dumped by Christophe at the Schola, a training school for teenage half-vampires and werewolves. Her werewolf-bitten high school friend is with her, and she begins to realize somebody is still out to kill her as strange things happen at school.
What makes Betrayals so fun to read isn't the "girl with special powers in a school for magical beings" scenario, we've all seen that, right? And it isn't the "caught between my friend the werewolf and the mysterious, cute, could be out to betray me half-vampire guy" either.
It's that Dru herself reads like a mass of insecure, angry, frustrated, wanting to do the right thing, lonely, love-seeking person that really all of us are inside. The plot itself goes somewhat slow as we realize long before Dru does how wonky things are at the school, but it doesn't matter. Her power/relationship interactions with the other kids, her deepening friendship and growing realization of the social attractiveness of her werewolf friend, and the attracted/terrified feelings for christophe keep you reading and involved in the story.
Also, the creepy bloodfog was cool.
Can't wait for the third installment in the series.
This Book's Food Designation: Caramel Machiatto, for the grittiness of Dru's action scenes, and the creamy sweetness of her relationships with the boys.
Dru's life got turned upside down in the first book when she had to kill her father (turned into a zombie by a bad vampire) and was on the run with a boy from her high school who got bitten by a werewolf. She gets saved from the bad vampire by christophe, a half-human, half vampire who is part of the Order, a group of Others trying to fight against the bad guys
At the beginning of this book Dru gets dumped by Christophe at the Schola, a training school for teenage half-vampires and werewolves. Her werewolf-bitten high school friend is with her, and she begins to realize somebody is still out to kill her as strange things happen at school.
What makes Betrayals so fun to read isn't the "girl with special powers in a school for magical beings" scenario, we've all seen that, right? And it isn't the "caught between my friend the werewolf and the mysterious, cute, could be out to betray me half-vampire guy" either.
It's that Dru herself reads like a mass of insecure, angry, frustrated, wanting to do the right thing, lonely, love-seeking person that really all of us are inside. The plot itself goes somewhat slow as we realize long before Dru does how wonky things are at the school, but it doesn't matter. Her power/relationship interactions with the other kids, her deepening friendship and growing realization of the social attractiveness of her werewolf friend, and the attracted/terrified feelings for christophe keep you reading and involved in the story.
Also, the creepy bloodfog was cool.
Can't wait for the third installment in the series.
This Book's Food Designation: Caramel Machiatto, for the grittiness of Dru's action scenes, and the creamy sweetness of her relationships with the boys.
December 6, 2009
Even though it was definitely not one of the best books I've ever read, I enjoyed Betrayals, more than Strange Angels anyways.
But there were a few things that got on my nerves. I'm kind of confused with the whole Graves-Christophe thing - I want to like Christophe, but his characterisation is seriously skewed. One minute he's this dangerously attractive rebel who seems to really care about Dru, and the next he morphs into a complete jackass. At the end of the book he was acting weirdly nasty & creepy. Also, if he did have a bit of a thing with Dru's mum, that would be potentially disturbing. :L I do feel sorry for him though - he did try to be nice to Dru multiple times only to be blown off for Graves.
Ah, Graves, the lovable werewolf. I think he's beginning to grow some balls, which is great since the whole puppy dog thing with Dru was becoming extremely annoying. Yet time will tell if him & Dru get together. One minute she's all over him, the next she's like - 'Oh no, Graves would never think of me in anything other than a friendly capacity, even though I'm in a tub with him in my soaking wet underwear.' Yes dear, he's completely oblivious. Idiot. :L
Dru was much less irritating than she was in Strange Angels, but she still has her moments. The ending of Betrayals felt just like the end of the previous book, and I didn't really feel like we learnt all that much in between. But there was a big improvement, so I'm hoping Jealousy will bring better literary tidings for me... (:
But there were a few things that got on my nerves. I'm kind of confused with the whole Graves-Christophe thing - I want to like Christophe, but his characterisation is seriously skewed. One minute he's this dangerously attractive rebel who seems to really care about Dru, and the next he morphs into a complete jackass. At the end of the book he was acting weirdly nasty & creepy. Also, if he did have a bit of a thing with Dru's mum, that would be potentially disturbing. :L I do feel sorry for him though - he did try to be nice to Dru multiple times only to be blown off for Graves.
Ah, Graves, the lovable werewolf. I think he's beginning to grow some balls, which is great since the whole puppy dog thing with Dru was becoming extremely annoying. Yet time will tell if him & Dru get together. One minute she's all over him, the next she's like - 'Oh no, Graves would never think of me in anything other than a friendly capacity, even though I'm in a tub with him in my soaking wet underwear.' Yes dear, he's completely oblivious. Idiot. :L
Dru was much less irritating than she was in Strange Angels, but she still has her moments. The ending of Betrayals felt just like the end of the previous book, and I didn't really feel like we learnt all that much in between. But there was a big improvement, so I'm hoping Jealousy will bring better literary tidings for me... (:
March 13, 2011
2.5 no more! ugh, why do I always seem to find books with so much teenage angst? Are all supernatural books involving females so whinny? Whats wrong with having a young female character who can and does stand up for herself without having to have young boys fight over her while she plays helpless?
The two books that I have read of Lili St Crow have both fallen flat. The writer repeats herself constantly. I found myself flipping ahead just to skip over the main characters constant retelling of her lost childhood memories or wait are they dreams, no.. give it a couple more pages and the writer will tell you it is probably a memory. *Yawn*
It was almost comical how many times the words " Drew, We are going to play a game." is repeated/remembered. Even more comical is the 'lack' of vital information which our young character seeks (and is denied)... "You don't know?... Someone should have told you!" …. Only to have that very vital information skipped over and some rambling nonsense thrown out while our main character sheepishly accepts that she will not be told yet again! *rolls eyes* I think the writer was trying to bring up the intensity of the book, but it came across as lame. I found myself chuckling.
The writer hints but fails to lead the story to any where relevant.
The characters continuously spout off foul language which takes away from the 'dialog'.
I suggest skipping this book, skipping the whole series in fact. It's sad really because it had so much potential.
The two books that I have read of Lili St Crow have both fallen flat. The writer repeats herself constantly. I found myself flipping ahead just to skip over the main characters constant retelling of her lost childhood memories or wait are they dreams, no.. give it a couple more pages and the writer will tell you it is probably a memory. *Yawn*
It was almost comical how many times the words " Drew, We are going to play a game." is repeated/remembered. Even more comical is the 'lack' of vital information which our young character seeks (and is denied)... "You don't know?... Someone should have told you!" …. Only to have that very vital information skipped over and some rambling nonsense thrown out while our main character sheepishly accepts that she will not be told yet again! *rolls eyes* I think the writer was trying to bring up the intensity of the book, but it came across as lame. I found myself chuckling.
The writer hints but fails to lead the story to any where relevant.
The characters continuously spout off foul language which takes away from the 'dialog'.
I suggest skipping this book, skipping the whole series in fact. It's sad really because it had so much potential.
January 27, 2021
Betrayals is the second installment in the Strange Angels series. I liked this book but I didn’t love it. The first part of the book was a bit of story building about the Schola and the second half was more action filled.
This one picks up where Strange Angels left off. Dru and Graves have arrived at the Schola but it’s not the one that Christophe thought they would be going to. This one is really out in the country and it’s all boys both wulfen and djamphir. While there are a few that like her most of them do not. The teachers are only allowing her to take basic classes, not really teaching her anything and not teaching her to fight. Dru also has another problem, someone at the Schola wants her dead.
While she spends her days sometimes attending class and trying to figure out the truth of what is going on and trying to figure out who wants her dead, she is also wondering where Christophe is. He does show up throughout the story but not as much as I would have liked. Graves is doing a lot better than he was in the first book. Here he is among boys that are somewhat like him. His character starts to develop more throughout the book and he is more of a leader and take charge type of guy now. No matter what happens he is always there for Dru. Graves and Dru seemed to become even closer by the end.
The last part of the book was more exciting for me with a lot of action. There is a lot of unanswered questions both from the first one and now with this one. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens.
This one picks up where Strange Angels left off. Dru and Graves have arrived at the Schola but it’s not the one that Christophe thought they would be going to. This one is really out in the country and it’s all boys both wulfen and djamphir. While there are a few that like her most of them do not. The teachers are only allowing her to take basic classes, not really teaching her anything and not teaching her to fight. Dru also has another problem, someone at the Schola wants her dead.
While she spends her days sometimes attending class and trying to figure out the truth of what is going on and trying to figure out who wants her dead, she is also wondering where Christophe is. He does show up throughout the story but not as much as I would have liked. Graves is doing a lot better than he was in the first book. Here he is among boys that are somewhat like him. His character starts to develop more throughout the book and he is more of a leader and take charge type of guy now. No matter what happens he is always there for Dru. Graves and Dru seemed to become even closer by the end.
The last part of the book was more exciting for me with a lot of action. There is a lot of unanswered questions both from the first one and now with this one. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens.
September 8, 2020
2.5 stars.
January 26, 2011
My biggest complaint with this book (and the last, come to think of it), may be more edit-based than anything else.
When you're writing, bits and pieces of ideas can sneak in here and there. You go "oh, this would be a great time to mention this little tidbit of knowledge..." and in it goes. The problem is, sometimes, 20 pages later, you may go "oh, this would be a great time to mention this little tidbit of knowledge" all over again. In the author's head, it's new - it hasn't come up yet. The author has been sitting on this little nugget, waiting forever to use it, and sometimes... well, sometimes you forget that you already *did* use it.
This is something that ought to get caught in the editing process, either when the author goes back through, or when the editor reads it. Unfortunately, it's something I saw repeatedly in both book 1 and 2 of this series (a particularly glaring one in my mind? Dru was told on at LEAST 3 occasions, by 3 different people, that the schola she was in was (a) a smaller schola (something she also figured out for herself at one point... then apparently forgot), and (b) a schola for the troublemakers, etc. But she keeps forgetting this, and each time it's mentioned, it's a surprise to her. It's all brand new and unexpected, and it drove me crazy. The same thing happened with objects - Dru's mom's locket, her dad's wallet, the swords, the lock of hair... while I'm sure some of these will become relevant in the next book, they were *constantly* referenced here, and I felt that at least SOME of the payoff to those references needed to come now, not later.
I was also once again frustrated by Dru's "we must hit the books and do research!" attitude... that almost never resulted in research. Usually, it resulted in her skipping class and bemoaning her fate. It kind of drove me crazy.
On the other hand, I feel like Dru did learn a little something from the last book, wherein she sat around going "where are the grown ups and why aren't they fixing this?" (an understandable reaction from a suddenly alone-in-the-world teenager)... in this book, she had a greater propensity for saying "I'm going to have to do this myself and stop depending on others to save me." I was a big fan of this change.
I wish a few of Dru's observations had come to something in the book - she's a very observant young woman, but a lot of what she sees seems to disappear into the aether not long after it's mentioned. These little plot ghosts could have been used to great effect... For instance, Dru notes fairly early on that the schola seems to be silently encouraging divisiveness and instability between the wulfen and the part-sucker kids. She notices this, files it away... and then forgets it.
Finally, there are moments of description that just didn't click for me (someone was cheese-pale? What does that even mean?).
And yet it was a light, fun, easy read. Go figure, I still enjoyed it. I just wish there was a bit more polish here.
When you're writing, bits and pieces of ideas can sneak in here and there. You go "oh, this would be a great time to mention this little tidbit of knowledge..." and in it goes. The problem is, sometimes, 20 pages later, you may go "oh, this would be a great time to mention this little tidbit of knowledge" all over again. In the author's head, it's new - it hasn't come up yet. The author has been sitting on this little nugget, waiting forever to use it, and sometimes... well, sometimes you forget that you already *did* use it.
This is something that ought to get caught in the editing process, either when the author goes back through, or when the editor reads it. Unfortunately, it's something I saw repeatedly in both book 1 and 2 of this series (a particularly glaring one in my mind? Dru was told on at LEAST 3 occasions, by 3 different people, that the schola she was in was (a) a smaller schola (something she also figured out for herself at one point... then apparently forgot), and (b) a schola for the troublemakers, etc. But she keeps forgetting this, and each time it's mentioned, it's a surprise to her. It's all brand new and unexpected, and it drove me crazy. The same thing happened with objects - Dru's mom's locket, her dad's wallet, the swords, the lock of hair... while I'm sure some of these will become relevant in the next book, they were *constantly* referenced here, and I felt that at least SOME of the payoff to those references needed to come now, not later.
I was also once again frustrated by Dru's "we must hit the books and do research!" attitude... that almost never resulted in research. Usually, it resulted in her skipping class and bemoaning her fate. It kind of drove me crazy.
On the other hand, I feel like Dru did learn a little something from the last book, wherein she sat around going "where are the grown ups and why aren't they fixing this?" (an understandable reaction from a suddenly alone-in-the-world teenager)... in this book, she had a greater propensity for saying "I'm going to have to do this myself and stop depending on others to save me." I was a big fan of this change.
I wish a few of Dru's observations had come to something in the book - she's a very observant young woman, but a lot of what she sees seems to disappear into the aether not long after it's mentioned. These little plot ghosts could have been used to great effect... For instance, Dru notes fairly early on that the schola seems to be silently encouraging divisiveness and instability between the wulfen and the part-sucker kids. She notices this, files it away... and then forgets it.
Finally, there are moments of description that just didn't click for me (someone was cheese-pale? What does that even mean?).
And yet it was a light, fun, easy read. Go figure, I still enjoyed it. I just wish there was a bit more polish here.
March 29, 2015
I really have mixed emotions about this book. Although i did enjoy it, there were times i felt that i wasn't really getting anywhere. While it eventually picked up pace towards the end, and then i couldn't put it down, i felt like Dru didn't really do a lot during the book. She either spent her time in her room, alone, or with Graves.
I found i enjoyed the bits where Christophe was there the most. He gave the book a freshness that sometimes wasn't there. He made certain parts fun. I hope to see him having a larger part in any future books.
To be perfectly honest, after the first book, going into this one i didn't really consider Christophe a real love interest for Dru.....but now? I'm not so sure. It's pretty obvious that Dru feels some sort of attraction towards him, although at times he scares her, and i really like how he acts towards her sometimes. He's very protective. However, then there's Graves.... and this is the part where i get really confused.
He's not what you'd usually expect of a male lead in a book. He's not exactly the most attractive guy (I know, i know. That sounded shallow to me-even as i wrote it, but it's true) and he's not always what you'd call 'cool', but he has his moments. Sometimes he'll say something really witty and funny, or do something really sweet and kind for Dru and i can totally imagine then as a couple. Then i think of Christophe. Each time Dru's with one of them, i am completely on their side, however then i switch teams when she's with the other.
Despite Dru being fairly sure it's Graves she wants to be with, i foresee a real love triangle popping up in future books.
Now.... onto other things lol. I really liked some of the new characters introduced. Dib's is a total sweetie and i'm interested to see just what exactly is in store for Ash. Why did he help Dru? Can he really be helped? Or is he a lost cause like Christophe thinks he is?
And Christophe? I was shocked to discover that he was Sergej's son. I did not expect that one, at all! I can't wait to discover just what he knows and what he's keeping to himself.
**Now i just have to share this thought:
After Christophe had drank from Dru, Dibs mentioned that he hadn't drank enough for Dru to be at risk of bonding before Peter had shushed him- ending anything he'd been planning on saying. Then later on when Dru was accusing Christophe of betraying her mother he told her 'it isn't possible'.
What exactly is bonding? Is it something that just happens between djamhir's or can it happen to anyone? And is it possible that Christophe was bonded to Dru's mother?**
Question, questions, questions and i for one can't wait to have them answered.
Bring on the next book....and soon!
I found i enjoyed the bits where Christophe was there the most. He gave the book a freshness that sometimes wasn't there. He made certain parts fun. I hope to see him having a larger part in any future books.
To be perfectly honest, after the first book, going into this one i didn't really consider Christophe a real love interest for Dru.....but now? I'm not so sure. It's pretty obvious that Dru feels some sort of attraction towards him, although at times he scares her, and i really like how he acts towards her sometimes. He's very protective. However, then there's Graves.... and this is the part where i get really confused.
He's not what you'd usually expect of a male lead in a book. He's not exactly the most attractive guy (I know, i know. That sounded shallow to me-even as i wrote it, but it's true) and he's not always what you'd call 'cool', but he has his moments. Sometimes he'll say something really witty and funny, or do something really sweet and kind for Dru and i can totally imagine then as a couple. Then i think of Christophe. Each time Dru's with one of them, i am completely on their side, however then i switch teams when she's with the other.
Despite Dru being fairly sure it's Graves she wants to be with, i foresee a real love triangle popping up in future books.
Now.... onto other things lol. I really liked some of the new characters introduced. Dib's is a total sweetie and i'm interested to see just what exactly is in store for Ash. Why did he help Dru? Can he really be helped? Or is he a lost cause like Christophe thinks he is?
And Christophe? I was shocked to discover that he was Sergej's son. I did not expect that one, at all! I can't wait to discover just what he knows and what he's keeping to himself.
**Now i just have to share this thought:
After Christophe had drank from Dru, Dibs mentioned that he hadn't drank enough for Dru to be at risk of bonding before Peter had shushed him- ending anything he'd been planning on saying. Then later on when Dru was accusing Christophe of betraying her mother he told her 'it isn't possible'.
What exactly is bonding? Is it something that just happens between djamhir's or can it happen to anyone? And is it possible that Christophe was bonded to Dru's mother?**
Question, questions, questions and i for one can't wait to have them answered.
Bring on the next book....and soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2010
Betrayals is yet another kick-butt book from the awesome Lili St. Crow. Yes, it is true; I am becoming quite a fan of this series.
The prologue of Betrayals reminds us how Strange Angels ended. This is definitely a series to read in the correct order. You’ll miss out on so much action-packed fun if you skip ahead. And indeed, if you read this review you will give yourself gigantic spoilers for the first book. You have been warned.
For those of you still with me, we meet Dru again as she takes up enforced residence at the Schola. She still has the feisty, crude and determined edge that defines her voice and character. So needless to say, she is far from happy when she gets put in the baby classes at the Schola, is prevented from training and is left out of all the supernatural action. Dru is miserable and the novel is structured around her being placed in a situation which is beyond her control. She spends hours in her room alone and brooding on her predicament and waiting for the impending doom to come.
Graves is perhaps even more adorable in this book. He doesn’t always keep Dru in the loop. Hey, do you like the pun? He is loup-garou...get it?! Anyway, he is such a dopey wolf-boy, almost like an obedient puppy except for the killer instinct (obviously) and he commands his supernatural abilities in this book. I also loved meeting other wulfen, their individuality really stood out and the affectionate relationship between them endeared them to me.
Christophe on the other hand is not my favourite character but he certainly adds an ever present sense of mystery and tension to the story.
I notice I have told you nothing of the plot. I think you can probably guess that Dru isn’t safe in the Schola though, right? So what more do you need to know? There is butt-kicking. It is exceedingly refreshing and fun.
I was reading Betrayals expecting not to like it as much as Strange Angels. You had all left me comments saying it wasn’t quite on a par. But you know, I have no idea what you lovely people were on about. I really enjoyed this book in equal measure to my love of the first. I can only assume that you didn’t like the fact that Dru wasn’t calling the shots in this book but please correct me if I’m wrong. I am certainly intrigued because I thought it was gripping, adrenalin-fuelled, angsty and high on melodrama. The only thing I would say is that all the different groupings are starting to confuse me a little bit: djamphir, Nosferatu, wampyr, wolfen, broken. I could do with a baby class on the breeding habits of the supernatural. That little niggle aside, I thought this was fabulous. I am so excited to start Jealously. A definite series addiction is developing here!
The prologue of Betrayals reminds us how Strange Angels ended. This is definitely a series to read in the correct order. You’ll miss out on so much action-packed fun if you skip ahead. And indeed, if you read this review you will give yourself gigantic spoilers for the first book. You have been warned.
For those of you still with me, we meet Dru again as she takes up enforced residence at the Schola. She still has the feisty, crude and determined edge that defines her voice and character. So needless to say, she is far from happy when she gets put in the baby classes at the Schola, is prevented from training and is left out of all the supernatural action. Dru is miserable and the novel is structured around her being placed in a situation which is beyond her control. She spends hours in her room alone and brooding on her predicament and waiting for the impending doom to come.
Graves is perhaps even more adorable in this book. He doesn’t always keep Dru in the loop. Hey, do you like the pun? He is loup-garou...get it?! Anyway, he is such a dopey wolf-boy, almost like an obedient puppy except for the killer instinct (obviously) and he commands his supernatural abilities in this book. I also loved meeting other wulfen, their individuality really stood out and the affectionate relationship between them endeared them to me.
Christophe on the other hand is not my favourite character but he certainly adds an ever present sense of mystery and tension to the story.
I notice I have told you nothing of the plot. I think you can probably guess that Dru isn’t safe in the Schola though, right? So what more do you need to know? There is butt-kicking. It is exceedingly refreshing and fun.
I was reading Betrayals expecting not to like it as much as Strange Angels. You had all left me comments saying it wasn’t quite on a par. But you know, I have no idea what you lovely people were on about. I really enjoyed this book in equal measure to my love of the first. I can only assume that you didn’t like the fact that Dru wasn’t calling the shots in this book but please correct me if I’m wrong. I am certainly intrigued because I thought it was gripping, adrenalin-fuelled, angsty and high on melodrama. The only thing I would say is that all the different groupings are starting to confuse me a little bit: djamphir, Nosferatu, wampyr, wolfen, broken. I could do with a baby class on the breeding habits of the supernatural. That little niggle aside, I thought this was fabulous. I am so excited to start Jealously. A definite series addiction is developing here!
February 20, 2010
Man! I LOVED Betrayals! I thought Strange Angels was pretty good/descent...but Betrayals was incredible. I did not want to put this book down. My heart was racing right along with Dru's. St Crow does an absolute fabulous job of allowing the reader to relate to and empathize with Dru. She mixes the right amount of toughness and vulnerability to make these characters seem real, instead of the typical fearless, superhero type. I like how she shows the inward struggle Dru constantly faces over recent events (including her father's death) and her new surroundings. She lets us see Dru deal with the grief, the overwhelming change of everything, and the constant need to have someone she can trust and the loneliness of her situation. Dru is one of the most realistic characters that I have come across in this genre. I'm usually all for the hard-core heroines who show no weakness but I find that Dru's "weaknesses" are endearing and that much more relate-able...in the way she "leaks"...how she doesn't always have the answer...how she does need friends (she's not self-sufficient). I love that she's brave but still wants to feel the safeness of someone's (whether that someone is Graves or Christophe *wink, wink*) arms. I like what St Crow did with Graves in this one too. In Strange Angels, it was quite obvious he was going to be a contender for the love interest role and I hated it. He just didn't seem strong enough be with Dru and in her world. I find the whole dominant thing sexy, along with his loyalty and protective-vibe he has for Dru.
And what about Christophe? PLEASE DON'T LET HIM END UP BEING HER REAL FATHER!!! It's just so painfully obvious that there was something going on between him and her mother. Can someone tell me, was that a kiss for sure that "something soft and warm" that pressed against her mouth? Could this be explained any other way besides a kiss? Apart from this his behavior could be that of a protective father. Please someone prove me wrong!!! I will be devestated if I end up being right. I'm really cheering for Dru and Christophe being together. I guess I will just have to keep reading. July 29th can't come quick enough.
St Crox's ingenius writing is a perfect combination of keeping mysteries and unknowns with perfectly timed revelations and insights. With one answered question comes several unanswered ones and even though at times it was maddening it made this book irrestible.
If you liked Strange Angels then you will love Betrayals. If you're someone like me who wasn't absolutely blown away by Strange Angels give Betrayals a try...I can't imagine anyone being disappointed!!!
And what about Christophe? PLEASE DON'T LET HIM END UP BEING HER REAL FATHER!!! It's just so painfully obvious that there was something going on between him and her mother. Can someone tell me, was that a kiss for sure that "something soft and warm" that pressed against her mouth? Could this be explained any other way besides a kiss? Apart from this his behavior could be that of a protective father. Please someone prove me wrong!!! I will be devestated if I end up being right. I'm really cheering for Dru and Christophe being together. I guess I will just have to keep reading. July 29th can't come quick enough.
St Crox's ingenius writing is a perfect combination of keeping mysteries and unknowns with perfectly timed revelations and insights. With one answered question comes several unanswered ones and even though at times it was maddening it made this book irrestible.
If you liked Strange Angels then you will love Betrayals. If you're someone like me who wasn't absolutely blown away by Strange Angels give Betrayals a try...I can't imagine anyone being disappointed!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2021
I'm going to have to reread this one. This reading of it was ill timed, or I wasn't into it, I'm not sure. However, I did have alot of stress this week and that prevented me from really getting into the book. Plus, I think I may need to reread the first one because it's been a while. Again, I'm not sure.
The story is ok. Dru has made it to the Schola where she is to be trained in what being a svetocha means... except that she never really recieves any training. She spends most of the book moping around the school in the dark pining for her lost father, Christophe, and watching Graves be accepted into a wolf pack. And she becomes very jealous of the fact that he is getting along while she remains isolated. Of course, being the only girl at an all boys school helps in the isolation, but still.
Overall, my impressions of Dru in the second book have become a bit "Bella", as we say in the book business. And that's a major disappointment, because I did not want this character to become Bella, as so many heroines in YA novels are these days. She's too vunerable, she spends too much time feeling sorry for herself and as such the scenes where she is proactive and doing something seem forced. I wanted her to be just as much of a badass as she was in the first book. The pages and pages of build up and feeling sorry for herself didn't do much to resurrect the character that I remember from the first book. This is the series that whenever I handsell it to anyone I do it under the notion that "I liked it because the character is female and a badass, and not a cheesepuff." In reading some of this I feel like I have to eat my words, even though plot structurally I understand why she is feeling sorry for herself. It's the first time Dru has had down time since the beginning of the series, and it allows for time to reflect and expand her character... if this is expansion, I want the old Dru back.
That said, I'm ambivalent, because it may just be a bad book for me to be reading this week. To much in life outside of books going on. Still, I'm going to give it another go and reread this one at another time, to see if my impressions ring true...but I think I will wait until all of the "Strange angels" series is out and then just marathon it. I don't want to be disappointed in this series, the first one was excellent. I don't want Dru to become Bella. Of all characters, not her.
The story is ok. Dru has made it to the Schola where she is to be trained in what being a svetocha means... except that she never really recieves any training. She spends most of the book moping around the school in the dark pining for her lost father, Christophe, and watching Graves be accepted into a wolf pack. And she becomes very jealous of the fact that he is getting along while she remains isolated. Of course, being the only girl at an all boys school helps in the isolation, but still.
Overall, my impressions of Dru in the second book have become a bit "Bella", as we say in the book business. And that's a major disappointment, because I did not want this character to become Bella, as so many heroines in YA novels are these days. She's too vunerable, she spends too much time feeling sorry for herself and as such the scenes where she is proactive and doing something seem forced. I wanted her to be just as much of a badass as she was in the first book. The pages and pages of build up and feeling sorry for herself didn't do much to resurrect the character that I remember from the first book. This is the series that whenever I handsell it to anyone I do it under the notion that "I liked it because the character is female and a badass, and not a cheesepuff." In reading some of this I feel like I have to eat my words, even though plot structurally I understand why she is feeling sorry for herself. It's the first time Dru has had down time since the beginning of the series, and it allows for time to reflect and expand her character... if this is expansion, I want the old Dru back.
That said, I'm ambivalent, because it may just be a bad book for me to be reading this week. To much in life outside of books going on. Still, I'm going to give it another go and reread this one at another time, to see if my impressions ring true...but I think I will wait until all of the "Strange angels" series is out and then just marathon it. I don't want to be disappointed in this series, the first one was excellent. I don't want Dru to become Bella. Of all characters, not her.
October 9, 2009
Dru Anderson's mother was killed, and now Dru's being hunted. The Schola is supposed to keep her safe, but in a place full of djamphir and werwulfen, "safe" is a relative term - especially considering there's an unknown traitor in the midst. Meanwhile, Dru's own powers are getting closer to "blooming", and she's been betrayed so many times she can no longer trust anyone - especially not herself.
The featured creatures in Betrayals are intriguingly disturbing, and bloody well creative, particularly the Broken. The lashings of Romanian words and phrases are deliciously exotic, and definitely welcome. I don't understand some things Christophe Reynard says, though, likely because Dru doesn't know, either. And the book would be easier to follow if it came with a glossary. There are some terms, and differences between them, that I don't quite understand, and a handy guide would be appreciated. eg. svetocha; differences between djamphir, nosferatu and Kouroi; differences between werwulfen and loup-garou; etc. I'm still not sure to what the Strange Angels series title is referring, and I'd guess the Ravelle, only they barely get a look-in here.
Beware the cliff-hanger ending - Book 3, Jealousy, won't be published until 24th June 2010.
P.S. Two thoughts Dru has in relation to Graves make me feel uncomfortable: A flush crept up into his sallow cheeks. Under the Asian coloring he could really change it up. Also, Knelt down carefully, and I could see how pale he was under his ethnic coloring. I may be overly PC, but these comments don't quite sit well with me. Then again, I'm white trash so my knowledge of race relations is probably lacking.
FTC Advisory: The Australian publisher provided me with an early copy of Betrayals in exchange for an unbiased review. No sponsorships or bribes were involved. If you click and order via the Buy links, I receive a tiny affiliate fee, and rarely generate enough to actually use the fee to spend on Amazon products. And not just because of the frightful cost of international postage.
The featured creatures in Betrayals are intriguingly disturbing, and bloody well creative, particularly the Broken. The lashings of Romanian words and phrases are deliciously exotic, and definitely welcome. I don't understand some things Christophe Reynard says, though, likely because Dru doesn't know, either. And the book would be easier to follow if it came with a glossary. There are some terms, and differences between them, that I don't quite understand, and a handy guide would be appreciated. eg. svetocha; differences between djamphir, nosferatu and Kouroi; differences between werwulfen and loup-garou; etc. I'm still not sure to what the Strange Angels series title is referring, and I'd guess the Ravelle, only they barely get a look-in here.
Beware the cliff-hanger ending - Book 3, Jealousy, won't be published until 24th June 2010.
P.S. Two thoughts Dru has in relation to Graves make me feel uncomfortable: A flush crept up into his sallow cheeks. Under the Asian coloring he could really change it up. Also, Knelt down carefully, and I could see how pale he was under his ethnic coloring. I may be overly PC, but these comments don't quite sit well with me. Then again, I'm white trash so my knowledge of race relations is probably lacking.
FTC Advisory: The Australian publisher provided me with an early copy of Betrayals in exchange for an unbiased review. No sponsorships or bribes were involved. If you click and order via the Buy links, I receive a tiny affiliate fee, and rarely generate enough to actually use the fee to spend on Amazon products. And not just because of the frightful cost of international postage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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