[Lisa’s Review:] Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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.

It’s been years since I read this series, but like the first time, once you start, there’s no stopping. I finished Half-Blood, closed the book, and then grabbed this one. Jen has an unmatched ability to capture me with her writing, time, and time again. I’ve never tried to put my feelings about this series into words before, and let me tell you, it’s hard to do this mind-blowing, action-packed, emotional rollercoaster justice, but I’m giving it my best shot. 

In this one, very much like with Half-Blood, you hit the ground running and are immediately pulled right back into the world of Half-Bloods, Pures, Apollyons, and Greek gods. After having her entire world turned upside down when she found out she was the second coming of the Apollyon, Alex now slowly comes to terms with the fact that there’s no changing her DNA and is instead focused on her training and graduating with her friends in the spring. The freaky, supernatural bond she now shares with “her other half,” the First, is a whole other story. Continuous attacks on the Covenants, the new developments with the Daimon Half-Bloods, and the discovery that there’s a second Apollycon throws the entire council into turmoil. The appearance of entombed furies on campus aggravates the already precarious situation. Add Alex’s super forbidden feelings for our pure-blooded Sentinel Aiden, and the fact some people will go to any length to put a leash on Seth, even if that means getting rid of his mystical power-outlet, and you have no dull moment ever. 

In this one, we get to see a bit more vulnerable side to Alex, and farther beyond her attitude and the smart-mouth that we all love. While she knows that there’s no changing the fact that she’s an Apollyon, she’s understandably scared of what it all means. Or could mean for her future. But fear not, there are plenty of action-packed moments of badassery, humor, and heart-wrenching moments too. Particularly regarding our boy Aiden. And since we’re already on the topic: I seriously need to get myself my own Aiden. The tension between them, despite Aiden’s harsh words in Half-Blood, is electric and hotter than ever. You figure out that he might not have been so honest about his feelings for Alex pretty quickly. What do people like to say -actions speak louder than words.

Then there’s Alex freakier half, Seth. Honestly, the first time I read this series, I could not get past the fact that he was sort-of threatening my true-love power couple. This time around, I felt a lot more at ease with his character, which, I’m sure, is partly due to the fact that I have read his series, but I also understood him better. I understood their connection better, and even though it’s different from what Alex has with Aiden, it’s something. Grandma Pipieri was right again. Kowing how this series continues, I kind of want to hug him. He’s a fantastic character. He never fails to bring the humor along, even to the more serious situations. 

Long story short: the series continues as strong as it started, and it won’t disappoint on any front. Action, love, angst, humor, and political intrigues – this one’s an all-inclusive trip to the young adult fantasy hall of fame.

Lisa

Hi! I’m Lisa. I’m twenty-three, a college student and a book lover. I spend every free minute, and most of my lectures, reading all kinds of books, which is how I ended up here. While I particularly enjoy books of the young and new adult variety, I also love historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, all things romance, and one or the other classic as well. If I’m not reading, I’m either working, sleeping, binge-watching my newest obsession on Netflix, or on my way to Starbucks, to satisfy my slight caffeine addiction.