Schuyler Van Alen is starting to get more comfortable with her newfound vampire powers, but she still has many unanswered questions. A trip to Italy in search of her grandfather only serves to make things more confusing. What secrets are the leaders of The Committee hiding? Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the famous Four Hundred Ball. In true Blue Blood fashion, the ball is totally fab, complete with masks???and hidden behind this masquerade is a revelation that will change the course of a young vampire??'s destiny. The thrilling sequel in Melissa de la Cruz??'s vampire mythology has all the glamour, attitude, and vampire lore that made the first book a hit. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 9 Up-Fantasy, suspense, romance, fashion, and an interesting twist on vampire lore add up to a read that's difficult to put down. In this second book in the series, readers continue to follow Schuyler Van Alen on her quest for the truth about the deaths of other innocent young vampires and her own family heritage as she struggles to find her place among her peers. The mood flits back and forth between dark and light, weaving together the narcissistic, blithe life of a socialite with the angst of the outcast teen just beginning to make a space for herself. Readers are given the chance to explore the characters a little more deeply in this book. While some mysteries are solved, the suspenseful ending leaves more questions unanswered, and readers will be anxiously awaiting the next installment. This is a great recommendation for fans of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight (2005) and New Moon (2006, both Little Brown). Although simpler in style and slightly less gothic than those novels, De la Cruz's work fulfills a similar desire for girlie vampire adventure and romance.-Sharon Senser, Oakland Public Library, CA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

The second book in the Blue Bloods series moves its high-society teen vampires forward in their mission to root out Silver Blood demons. Details of vampire life come clearer here, including the erotic (but never graphic) Sacred Kiss performed between vampires and their human familiars. Increasingly prominent dark-fantasy strands may alienate some members of de la Cruz's fan base, even as they recognize chick-lit staples like fashion references and alcohol-steeped party culture. Even so, the author's more omniverous readers, and many newcomers, will find this an entertaining installment that whets appetites for more.--Mattson, Jennifer Copyright 2007 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.