Misguided Angel: Number 5 in series (Blue Bloods)

Taken from my blog [...]

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first four books in the series, stop now. Go read them. =]

Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods series continues to amaze me. I was skeptical that anything could be as good as the last book but Misguided Angel held up under my scrutiny. It's torture that the next book in the series doesn't come out until October of next year.

Misguided Angel starts off a month after the ending of The Van Alen Legacy. The writing style was a bit different than the previous books but I was not disappointed with it. It was definitely the best way to show everything that needed to be shown.

The action in Misguided Angel started on the first page and continued non-stop. I was on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole book and I could not guess what was coming next. There was also a ton of tension in this book. It was hard to tell who was good and who was bad.

Overall, I loved Misguided Angel. I don't want to give anything away so if you want to know more about what happens, go read it!

I sadly found myself slightly indifferent to this book. I was expecting something more fast paced considering the events of the last book.
I was surprised at the lack of Schuyler and Jack, which was probably a good thing, because I was bored with what was there. For being on the run, they seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing. And when did they get all lovey-dovey? They seemed out of character.

I was surprised that the coven choose Mimi to lead them. But, maybe she's just what they need. When her part of the story finally picked up, I was surprised I actually enjoyed it. She's got a side of her that comes out at the oddest times and make me feel like she's not the villain here. She really cares about keeping the coven together. I also enjoyed the new friendship she seems to be developing with Oliver. It's not an aspect of the story I saw coming. I also really enjoyed the addition of Deming. Her story was interesting. I did miss Bliss though.

So, while it wasn't the best addition to the Blue Bloods series, we learn some new things. I will read the next one of course.

"Misguided Angel" is the fifth instalment of Melissa de la Cruz's on-going "Blue Bloods" teen vampire soap opera series of books. Coming after "The Van Alen Legacy" this book is a severe disappointment, with a ragged plot-line, a complete detachment from the real world (oh yeah, I mean, as if!) and some very sloppy writing indeed.

No one ever expects anything particularly sophisticated or intellectual in this series, of course, but the first half of this book takes Melissa de la Cruz's output to new all-time low, with her appallingly flagrant ignorance of things outside of the USA making most of the story unfathomable as well as stupid. The first section of the book in particular gives every impression of being heavily influenced by 1970s' James Bond movies, more than anything else, relying on jet-ski chases to provide excitement in lieu of plot twists or real action. She also clearly has no understanding whatsoever of the phases of the moon and seems to think that the new crescent moon rises at sundown in exactly the same way as a full moon would. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

The second half of the book does start to salvage things a little, with the introduction of new (and, for once, interesting and complex) character, but sadly this turns out to be rather too little, too late and the book skitters to something of a sudden and anti-climactic conclusion just as it is really starting to get going. A tagged-on significant preview of the first spin-off book from this series does not bode well for anything other than a very long running series of money-spinning exercises.

"Blood Bloods" die-hards will buy this book whatever I write; just don't say I didn't warn you.

I love the Blue Bloods series. The author has created a great group of characters and has invented a totally original and entertaining vampire mythology - not an easy thing to do these days. She writes great action scenes and always manages to infuse just the right amount of romance into her stories. Romance that is not over wrought or manufactured. All of these things still apply to this installment. The author's characters and writing are as masterful as always, but I found myself rather disappointed in the plot and it's structure.

This book is very short. At only 265 pages it often has a "bare bones" type feeling that was not present in the earlier books. Schuyler and Jack are in the story for the first 80 pages, then everything flips to Mimi back in New York. We only get back to Schuyler and Jack for a very short time at the end. This gave the story a very unbalanced feel and left me looking for the rest of it. I know the whole point of a series is that you have to wait for the next book, but the author seems to have cheated a bit here and given us just half of a story.

There's not any big news to be had, although a new character has been introduced that I hope gets to hang around. She was very instrumental in the ending which I felt was very anti-climactic. Just not a lot going on here. Unless you're a rabid fan, you can probably pass this one by and pick up again on the next one without losing much. That's a sad thing to say about any series, but unfortunately true about this one. Not a recommend unless you're a hyper fan and just can't stand it.

Okay, here's the spoiler: Nothing happens. Nothing at all.
After two incredible installments to the series, Misguided Angel is nothing but a filler. Revelations and The Van Allen Legacy made this series one of my favorite. The action was non-stop, the plot twists done magnificently and the characters development was done nicely. Misguided Angel offers some of that but in limited quantities. In fact, this novel kind of makes all the sacrifices and painful choices that took place in The Van Allen Legacy look like some kind of joke, particularly for Schuyler and Jack and even Oliver.
I usually don't like the constant shifting of points of views on novels, but I kind of wished the author would've stick to that instead of dividing it in parts and telling the entire story of one character in a rush. Dividing the book like that took away some of the urgency to devour the pages to see what happened only to be left with yet another cliffhanger that usually made me finish and really enjoy this book in a little amount of time. And that's another thing, Misguided Angel was extremely short, compared to the expanding volumes that preceded it, which do no favor to a series when you realize this is the fifth book in it.
I never thought Bliss's absence would leave such a gaping hole on the story. I understand the author is now in the works with a whole new series portraying Bliss alone, but Deming's entry to the series seemed kind of forced, as if the author was desperately attempting to fill Bliss's space as the third protagonist. The new Asian girl is a strong character, but falls kind of flat and De La Cruz's attempt at giving her humanity by falling in love (in two seconds flat), once again, seemed forced and oddly out of place. Mimi, however, despite given perhaps a tiny role when the results are considered, really came through for me. She kind of looked like a phoenix to me, rising from the ashes and stretching her wings to fly amidst the remains of her anger and thirst for revenge. Furthermore, her final choice in Misguided Angel, really bumped her up to one of my new favorite characters in the series.
Schuyler, on the other hand, really makes me want to smack her. I understand that you can't have all three protagonists fierce and strong and determined (and with a freaking backbone at that) because it would just look unreal. But Schuyler's constant insecurities and her eternal dependence on Jack some times really make me overlook the potential lying dormant.
The flashbacks to the past are nicely done and carry the intrigue of the story to a certain point and also open the possibility for yet another problem to unravel in the present day of our protagonists. However, I think the author should concentrate on giving an end to the current mountain of precarious situations the protagonists are before introducing another threat that could just endanger the rhythm of the series.
I suppose it was a good read. Some intrigue, some action, some mystery, some heartbreak and a possibility to retrieve what was once lost. The book ends with promise, but, to be honest, it gives nothing tangible to the story, except for Jack and Mimi's paths.
Fans of the series should read it just to not miss the only two details in the book that might affect the current of the story, but do not seek for any big event, because this is simply a filler.

All the books in this series have potential, there are just too many contradictions. It almost feels like the writer is trying to piece together all these vague thoughts but can't quite piece them together. Also there are a lot of errors in these books, misspellings, grammar, in one book a character is using a crystal ashtray and on the next page it is silver, small things like this take away from the book.

A lot of this book focuses on Gabrielle's backstory which I founs very interesting. I definitely had questions about her character since the earlier books and it was nice to have them finally answered. Also, knowing about her relationship with her bondmate makes a lot of other things make sense.

MISGUIDED ANGEL, the fifth installment in Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods series, picks up where THE VAN ALEN LEGACY left off, with Schuyler's human conduit relinquishing his amorous claims to his closest friend. With Schuyler's life endangered and Oliver failing to protect her, he chose to ignore his anguished heart and insisted that she follow her own. Leaving Oliver behind, Schuyler boarded a plane for Florence with Jack. Overwhelmed by emotion but grateful to be free of an impossible choice, Schuyler and Jack are elated over finally being free to enjoy each other alone. They intend to stay in the romantic city of Florence indefinitely, or at least as long as the situation lasts.

Part I of MISGUIDED ANGEL centers on the long-awaited love story, a twisted romance that thus far has formed the core of the series. After drawing out opposing courtships for eons, the pair is finally permitted to show their love. On arrival in Florence, Schuyler and Jack are disappointed to find themselves under the constant guard of Venators from the European conclave; apparently, Isabella of Orleans has offered asylum but with the added intention of preventing interference in events outside her control. Schuyler and Jack express their love tenderly and find contentment in their shared, intimate thoughts. But after many dreamy days, they wish for more privacy and realize that this offer of asylum is more like imprisonment. They hatch a dangerous escape plan and move forward with Schuyler's quest to find the Gates of Hell. Subsequently, they find themselves endangered and on the run once again --- from a greater number of enemies.

Most of the rest of the book focuses on Mimi's new role in New York after the failed bonding. Though a little confused by her bottled-up feelings for Kingsley and Jack, Mimi is now sure about what her choice would have been if she could go back. Feeling cheated and consumed by anger and humiliation, Mimi knows that Kingsley is gone forever, and so is Jack. She feels a loss of respect in the eyes of the conclave because of her humiliation and is determined to exercise her divine right to end Jack's life --- in spite of the fact that she still has feelings (or at least some kinship?) for him. To this end, she has hired deadly bounty hunters, dangerous Blue Blood killers with the power to end immortal life.

As always, Mimi's thoughts are selfish and harsh, but she has become surprisingly capable of showing compassion when it suits her --- even toward "inferior" Red Bloods. She is proving strong and incorruptible too, and in spite of the fact that she isn't always likable, is devoted to her angelic duties. Since the absence of Charles, Mimi's dedication is more important to the coven than ever; with no head of the conclave, the Blue Bloods have asked her to become the Regent, and she has accepted. Mimi finds some much-needed distraction in these responsibilities and has become greatly concerned by a mystery involving the capture and murder of young Blue Bloods, a situation that calls for her to bring in reinforcements --- in the form of both a Red Blood and a Venator from the Chinese conclave.

While several main characters from previous installments are noticeably absent (including Charles, Allegra, Bliss and Kingsley), there are some interesting new ones introduced here, such as Blue Bloods in school with Mimi as well as humans and a very beautiful and capable Chinese vampire. This fifth book is consistent with other volumes in that it is outrageous and unpredictable, and demonstrates a high level of drama throughout. Fans will be elated to see their wishes fulfilled in the central love story, yet without spelling out the future too clearly or ruling out possible outcomes. There are also hints about the different ways in which the larger heaven-and-earth drama might play out, and it's always appealing to read about the blessed angels who are also damned (by heroic choice). One of the best things about these books is that all the characters are unpredictable, and you might find yourself surprised about who you consider to be your favorite characters in the end.

--- Reviewed by Melanie Smith

The sections on Mimi were good, although it wasn't too difficult to figure out who the bad guy was. I could have done without the sections on Jack and Schuyler. I am probably giving up on the series after this.

Misguided Angel, the fifth in the Blue Bloods series does exactly what it was meant to do. Be a filler. Although many of us were expecting a whirlwind saga that revolved around the tumultuous relationship between Jack Schuyler, Melissa de la Cruz instead presents her readers with a well thought out look at the other aspects of the series that she hasn't focused on.
But what I find interesting is that this "filler" book is anything but. The introduction of Deming Chen gives the reader a deeper look at the Blue Blood society away from New York. I also enjoyed the vampire murder mystery aspect of the whole story. Although the relationship between Paul and Deming was very forced. It is the only problem I have with any of de la Cruz's book. she focuses so much on the action and the plots that she never develops her characters or relationships enough.
On the other hand, when looking at Mimi, the author has truly created a sensational character. Evolving from a spoiled brat, Mimi has become the quintessential anti-heroine. Her pain for losing Jack combined with her pain for losing Kingsely, and her new found Regency create a new role for Mimi; being uncomfortable. The aspect I found most interesting about her part in the book was her relationship with Oliver. The friendship is exactly the evolution that makes Mimi so likeable. The mention about the blood houses was also a very fascinating look at how destructive the blue bloods are.
De la Cruz does mention Jack and Schuyler, but very briefly. However, their part does play a crucial part in advancing the plot, however confusing it is.
Overall, Misguided Angel was not he book any of us expected it to be. But as a filler book, it does a pretty good job of cramming us with information, even if most of it is subtle nuances. I would highly recommend reading the book and I am eagerly anticipating the next book in hopes that all the confusion is cleared up with a lengthy novel.

I was skeptical about reading another vampire series but this truly is unlike any other. Every book gets better. My only complaint is that they could be longer but still a good read. Only vampire series I've read that can truly explain the origin of the breed and does not leave the reader in the dark. Also, a major plus is that it's not in the pov of an annoying teenager. It's in the pov of teenagers but not one who doesn't know how to speak or a weak character. Too much of that is happening in youth novels lately.

Compared to the series, this book is waste of time. Cruz creates an entirely new character in this book? Completely out of line for a series. It does nothing for the story. I guessed the killer as soon as he was introduced (and why did the book turn into a murder mystery novel?). I am reminded of The House of Night Series, which has definitely dragged on too long. The previous story was almost completely dropped. There was nothing about Bliss, Allegra, Jordan, or Michael or any other characters. If you read a summary of this book you have read the book. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! It was almost like Cruz made the book so boring and slow-paced so that she could drag the series out to make as much money as possible. The amount I paid for this book could have gone somewhere else and I could have skipped this useless book. I will not buy the next one until I see good reviews.

This book was very interesting and held my attention the entire way through. The only reason I docked off one star because with so much jumping around between perspectives of the characters, at times it was a little hard to follow but overall a great read.

Melissa De La Cruz does not disappoint with her latest book in the Blue Bloods series. There was suspense, romance, action, and new characters to fall in love with. There seems to be a new set of villains to worry about besides just Silver Bloods. Oliver and Mimi have some interesting interaction and there's a hope for the return of Kingsley. The book seemed short like all of them do which is going to make the wait for Bloody Valentine even harder.

Suspenseful, heartwarming and heart-wrenching, I could not put this book down. Melissa de la Cruz continues to paint a wonderful story, where the plot lines don’t cease to be amazing. Jack and Shuyler are match made in heaven and Earth and the way Melissa writes their pain and love make my heart ache. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series to come out and wrap me in it’s pages once again.