Title: Half Blood
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Series: Covenant
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Published: October 18, 2011
Pages: 281From the Publisher: The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem–staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.
Celeste’s review: 4.5 stars! Mind blown. I’m addicted to all things JLA these days, then throw in some mythology and I’m totally sold. This book jumps right into action with Alexandria “Alex” fighting off daimons straight away. Then a few pages later we meet smexy Aidan. I just love how Ms. Armentrout doesn’t mess around so we get to the good part starting with page 1.
The Setting: I loved the Covenant setting, it is essentially a college with dorms and training facilities. It’s the usual YA setting with no parental supervision…I laugh but at the same time I really love it.
The Story: Once I got the gist of what was going on I devoured the story. I found myself going back to read passages because I was so obsessed with the romance that I read too quickly. This is a bad habit of mine, but the writing is so good I couldn’t help it and found myself flying through the pages. However, the story is layered and built up just the right amount. The “good team” was descended from the gods and was made up of: Pures, Half Bloods (second class citizens), and the Apollyon. But while they all had different goals and powers they lived within the same rules. It was a society that definitely had a class system. I loved it! Or should I say loved to hate it. 
One goal they did have in common was to destroy daimons on the “bad team”.
This novel told the story of the many smaller power struggles as everyone wanted to be in control (or just treated equally), but at the same time everyone had the daimons as the common enemy. In order to defeat the daimons you needed to be trained. Half-Blood is about Alexandria, the Half Blood in training, and her teacher, Aiden, the Pure.
The Heroine: I really liked Alex, but I have to admit that she definitely annoyed me in the beginning. I just wanted to say zip it! I loved her spunk even though she had a lot of growing up to do. However, that wasn’t a bad thing because I got to witness her changing as I read. Alex learned not to be so reactive and reckless, and towards the end she began to mature into someone that didn’t always act so impulsively.
The Hero: Aiden is one sexy mofo. He is noble and controlled. We got glimpses into his softer side every now and again…barely. He is very serious, totally driven by events from his own life. As a Pure he doesn’t have to be a Sentinel, but he believes that is what he has to do. Let’s also not forget he is nearly 21 and gorgeous and in perfect shape. RAWR.
The Romance: Holy mother of unf. What a build up. I started out knowing there was a physical attraction between Alex and Aiden, and then ommmmmgaaaaaaaaah. why, oh why, Aiden must you have such great morals?! hmph. Well, it does make for sexual tension that is off the charts by the end. If you like that kind of thing (I do, I do!) this romance has all that and a great story right along side of it. Win!
Other Characters:
- Her mother: I knew it! I could see why Alex was so conflicted, but in the end (finally) she could see through her emotions.
- Seth: Oooh, interesting. I can’t wait to see more of him in the next book. I have to admit, his name amused me. For someome who is so powerful his name was that of just a regular guy.
- Caleb: A great best friend. JLA knows how to write them. He is loyal and deep and not annoying.
- Lea: Quite bitchy, but I bet they become friends eventually. I liked her.
- Jackson: I liked him and loved lol’ing at him and his manwhore partying ways.
- Marcus (Alex’s uncle): I might even end up trusting him…..hmmm.
- Lucian (Alex’s stepfather): I think he is evil! I think he has many secret agendas.
Rec it?: Yes, yes, yes!
About Celeste
I was hoping you liked this one. I downloaded it, when I purchased Shadows. Right now, I’m reading Onyx, and I’m trying to pace myself. It’s so fantastic!!
Have you started it? It’s totally different but a great story. I’m about a third done with Pure (book 2). Gah, I haven’t read Onyx yet!!! I can’t wait!
I’ve not started Half Blood, but I had to buy it after reading Obsidian. Not sure when I’ll start it. This author totally owns me now.
Yes, she owns me too. Not to be totally creeperific but I’d love it if you added me on Goodreads…. I love your taste in books! http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4097117-celeste
We’re already friends. I go by my real name there. Katherine http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8197542-katherine
I’m the creepy one, because I asked you first. *giggle*
aha! I know exactly who you are and I love it. I didn’t realize you guys were the same person! lololol.
I also do guest posts on Bookish Temptations on Fridays. That’s their Fanfic post, that I am helping out with Annie and Gina, until Debb comes back. I might be doing some book reviews soon. Fall is a busy time for book releases. I have a book I need to read and review, but HAD to read Onyx first.
that’s great about the reviews you’re doing! I will have to check them out. What’s your twitter handle? I’m itsmeceleste
I loved the Covenant series! You have to read Pure and Deity – they’re even better than Half-Blood! Also, I agree with you about Alex being annoying.
Better than Half-Blood?? oooh, oooh ooooh. I’m about a third of the way through Pure and loving it!! And there seems to be so many extras. I think JLA spoils us. I was too late to this train and missed the Deity arcs *cries*. I can’t wait to get it, I will definitely be pre-ordering it!
I was just on your site and saw you reviewed Cursed too. You are a huge JLA fan and I love it!
I’m about 70% done with Onyx and I’m reading slowly because I’m afraid of being left without Daemon….but it sounds like Aiden might be able to help me deal with the loneliness!
Great review Celeste!!
Thanks, Ana! See, I’m getting upset about no more Aiden, but I know I have Daemon waiting for me. We are soulmates lol
JSYK because I totally didn’t and maybe cried a little bit thinking I had to wait a year or more for Opal, it’s being released in December. I mean, yes, 4 months is way too long, but at least it isn’t a year. I love JLA!!!
It hooked me! Glad you loved it too. Cant wait till Deity in November. I need it now please. For some reason I started this series thinking it was complete. Now I suffer. But at least I’m not alone now.
there’s like 3 more books, Z! That makes me so happy. at least JLA cranks them out for us. You going to check out Cursed at the end of the month?
Definitely. Looking forward to it!
Hey, C, great review! This looks like one of those series that I’m going to try to squeeze in when I have some time freed up. I do love me some mythological hot guys!
thanks! I know you will like it!!