Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Sysnopsis:
Stargazer (March 2009) returns to Bianca's story a few months later. Both she and Lucas will stop at nothing to see each other again—even if it means living a life of secrets and lies. But even as Bianca finds herself torn between two worlds, she soon discovers they aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Will powerful forces within Evernight Academy keep her from deciding her own fate, or claim her forever?

My Review:
Another great read! I enjoyed this one as well though not as much as the first mostly because Bianca and Lucas did not get to spend as much time together. It also somewhat bothered me that Bianca would share an intimate moment with her pretend boyfriend even though she still loves Lucas. But I know that had to happen in order for both Bianca and Balthazar to realize they are still tied to the ones they love regardless of how right they might be for each other. I always love Vic who puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh every scene he turns up in.

The danger and action increase in this one which kept me on the edge of my seat not knowing who was going to live to see another book. I think Bianca grew on me a bit more in this one because she started to consider how her actions affect others and really starts questioning who she is and where she came from. This shows maturity on her part by not taking everything at face value. I am SO ready to read book three!

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Synopsis:
Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

My Review:
This book was just plain fantastic! I got so caught up in the Evernight world that I totally lost track of time and found myself finishing well past my bed time. It only took me one day to read and I did not even stop to eat which is hard to do by the way. I love the relationship between Bianca and Lucas so much so that I was giddy when they were together and really sad when they were apart. While it could be said that Bianca fell for Lucas way too fast I would say what person has not been infatuated with someone they just met-we have all been there once. There are some great characters and funny moments in this book that made me laugh out loud. The pacing was great and the plot kept me guessing the whole time. I think what I loved most about this book was the feeling I got when reading it. It was like I had completely escaped to another world and I felt like one of the characters walking the halls of Evernight Academy or looking out the windows at the gargoyles and the snow-covered grounds below.

Who knew you could be so entertained this day and age with a great book considering all the other distractions and sources of entertainment?! Thank goodness I went ahead and bought the second book when I got the first book on a hunch that I would enjoy this series.