Title: The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
First published April 24, 2012
485 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780373210510 (ISBN10: 0373210515)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
In a world where darkness reigns supreme, one girl must embrace it to survive… Meet Raven Black, a fierce survivor who has learned to thrive in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Her days are spent scavenging for food and her nights are filled with the constant threat of attack. But Raven’s biggest fear is the vampires who rule over the remaining humans as blood slaves.
One fateful night, Raven is turned into one of the monsters she loathes. Now, she must flee her former life and join a group of travelers on a dangerous mission to find a cure for the disease that has ravaged humanity.
As Raven navigates this treacherous new world, she must grapple with her own identity and what it means to be human. With danger lurking around every corner, Raven must decide who she can trust and what she is willing to sacrifice to keep herself and her new companions alive.
Enter Julie Kagawa’s hauntingly beautiful world and follow Raven’s epic journey of survival, self-discovery, and sacrifice.
Editoral Review
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa is a gripping novel that explores the sacrifices one must make to survive in a world overrun by vampires. Published on April 24, 2012, the novel is part of the young adult dystopian fiction genre.
Kagawa, an American author, is known for her bestselling series, The Iron Fey. The Immortal Rules, however, builds a post-apocalyptic world from scratch, in which a young girl must make difficult choices to stay alive.
The novel demonstrates Kagawa’s wide-ranging imagination and her ability to craft a story that tackles profound questions of morality and self-preservation. The story is set in a world where vampires have taken over, and humans are relegated to a subservient existence.
Allison, the protagonist, is a human who has managed to survive by scavenging for food and avoiding vampire patrols. When she is attacked and on the brink of death, she is given a choice die or become a vampire.
She chooses the latter and must navigate the twisted vampire society to stay alive. Kagawa’s prose flows easily, drawing the reader into a world of darkness and danger.
Her descriptions of the setting and characters are vivid, making it easy to imagine the bleakness of this dystopian world. Allison and her companion, Zeke, are fully developed, complex characters who have strengths and flaws that make them relatable to the reader.
The novel raises difficult questions about the line between self-preservation and morality. Kagawa deftly explores the sacrifices one must make to survive in a brutal world where the rules have changed.
The theme of sacrifice runs throughout the novel, and it is a reflection of the harsh realities of life in a society where death is a constant threat. One of the strengths of The Immortal Rules is its ability to tackle a difficult subject while remaining accessible to young adult readers.
The book is not afraid to explore dark themes, but it balances this with suspense and action to keep the reader engaged. The pacing is excellent, and there are plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing.
If there is a weakness to the novel, it is perhaps the predictability of some of the story beats. Many readers may see the major plot twists coming from a mile away, but this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
In conclusion, The Immortal Rules is a thought-provoking and thrilling read that is sure to capture the attention of young adult readers. Kagawa’s world-building and character development are impressive, and her writing style makes for an easy and enjoyable read.
It is highly recommended for those interested in dystopian fiction, ethical dilemmas, and stories of survival. The Immortal Rules earns a solid four out of five stars.
