With a new mission on her hands, Schuyler and her best friend Oliver travel to Venice in search of the grandfather that hasn’t been seen in years, and who Schuyler believes will hold the answers to her questions about her Blue Bloods heritage. Back in New York City, plans are underway for the annual Four Hundred Ball – a gala both celebrating all things Blue Bloods. Mimi’s bond with her twin brother Jack runs deeper than just mere siblings and she becomes increasingly envious at Schuyler’s crush on him. When some actions borne out of jealousy send the vampire world into disarray, the centuries-formed alliances are put to the test and the Blue Bloods must decide who they can trust.
While I do love books set in Manhattan, this was a nice twist with adding Venice to the mix. The level of detail and insider knowledge to the local fare was worked really well into the story. My only gripe would be that there wasn’t enough of the book set there. I adored the descriptive extravagance of the masquerade ball, with all the mysterious possibilities of flirtations that entails.
This book also begins to set up the bigger story arc, where the focus shifts from Upper East Side glamour to jetsetting vampires hunting down a larger evil. Even so, de la Cruz’s fashion background still comes out in her books with the fabulous way she works in the details to outfits – even when it’s not for a fashion show or gala scene. Great second installment with an action-packed second half of the book.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ (4/5 stars)
Available: May 1, 2007
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