Review: Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

We wrote this review a while ago, but Deity, the third book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant series is right around the corner. So, we've decided to post this review for the second book, Pure, now instead. Can't wait for November 6th!!!

Also, here is the link for the first book of the Covenant series, Half-Blood.
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Pure: The Second Covenant Novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout Reviewed by Steph with Dani’s commentary in blue.
Rating: Steph: 5 Stars, Dani: 5 Stars Average: 5 Stars
 
Goodreads Synopsis:

There is need. And then there is Fate

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

Steph says: *SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ HALF BLOOD*

The first thought I had after finishing this book: WOW *shocked*.

    Mrs. Armentrout  really jumps into this book quickly. Something goes BAM in your face right from the get-go. No introductory-first-half-of-the-book for her, and I must say that this is one of the best sequels I’ve ever read, although this is not one of those series where you can start on book 2 and be okay. While many people may feel that it’s a little rushed, I really enjoyed the fast pace and constant twists. Oh yes, this book is full of those things, which can make you want to rip your hair out and cry while smacking a kiss on the book at the same time. 

    The main focus of this book is Alex, a half-blood, going to the New York Covenant, which is where the Council is located. She needs to testify to the events that occurred in Half-Blood, and what she saw and heard when she was kept by her daimon mother and associates. But of course, Mrs. Armentrout just has to stir things up a bit. Before leaving Deity Island, something terrible happens at the North Carolina Covenant and Alex has to deal with pain again so soon after killing her mother (I’m sooooooo sorry Olivia and Alex. I was crying with you guys). Alex leaves NC on a rather unhappy note, without knowing that things are about to get worse. 

    At NY, the adult pures and council members all expect Alex to go wild and be some destructive and crazed Apollyon. Some think she’s been turned into a daimon, and is just fooling everyone close to her. Not exactly a warm welcome. It’s not surprising that Marcus pretty much everyone else gave her a lecture on behavior. Yeah. You know Alex. Like she listened. Well, actually, she tried...but got caught up in some pretty major shit anyways, being that trouble magnet she is. Lets just say that her NY visit was not what she expected at all, especially at the end. Jennifer Armentrout manages to pack a whole slew of events into a matter of days. I was so excited the entire time while reading this book and I can assure you there are no parts that’ll make you want to throw the book. Actually, this book would probably make you give up an extra hour or three of sleep for some late-night reading :). You are going to fall in love with characters and there are some you just really want to kill even though they’re fictional. I CANNOT wait to get my hands on the third book, Deity, which comes out in November 2012.

Okay, so a small rundown of characters:

Alex--Badass and going strong as always. Pain and suffering aren’t going to wear her down!!! Her recklessness hasn’t changed. Not one bit.

Seth--OMG I loved him so much in this book! He was always there for Alex and he really stood up and acted like a real friend to her when no one else would, while still being his arrogant and funny self. Oh! and that scene during the ball and the scene with the drink and that scene in the labyrinth......*sigh*

Aiden--Hmm. I really didn’t hate Aiden in Half-Blood. Okay, I’ll admit I actually liked him a little. In Half-Blood, he was a little swoony and seemed to really care about Alex. In this book, the points he earned kind of got flushed down a toilet. He was pretty douchey in Pure.

Lucian/Marcus--Their usual domineering selves. Marcus has even more of a temper now. Oh, and Lucian. I still don’t trust him and his smug looks. 

Minister Telly--I HATE HIM. nuff said.

Minister Diana--minor character, but thank the Gods she was there! 

Laadan--You see more of her in Pure than in Half-Blood. Thanks for making Alex pretty!!! And yes, red is definitely Alex’s color!

Commentary from Dani: Steph is obviously Team Seth, if you couldn’t tell from her gushing. If you’re Team Aiden, you should STILL READ THIS BOOK. He isn’t THAT much of a total douchebag as Steph thinks he is. She’s just biased against him :). There are some swoon worthy scenes with Aiden!

Overall, I would recommend this book to EVERYONE. I don’t care if you usually don’t like the YA or paranormal or mythology genres. It will leave you shocked and breathless and obsessing. This is one book and series you have to read!!!

P.S. Dani and I are BOTH Team Seth. <3