Review: Balthazar by Claudia Gray

Title: Balthazar
Author: Claudia Gray
Source: Purchased Book Depository
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date Released: 6 March 2012
Purchase:  Amazon | Book Depository |
Sapphired Dragon Rating: ****

Synopsis ( via Goodreads):
Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.
Review:

Balthazar is a great addition to the Evernight series and easy enjoyable read.  It is a continuation in that takes it takes place after the events of the previous book (Afterlife) but rather than centering on previous main characters Bianca and Lucas, this story focuses on previously periferal characters vampire Balthazar More and human Skye Tierney.

After allowing Bianca to possess her briefly while at Evernight, Skye's psychic powers have increased and after the fall of Evernight, she comes to the attention of Redgrave, Balthazar's maker.  It is up to Balthazar to protect her as he alone knows how evil Redgrave is.

Gray weaves an fast paced enjoyable tale that will have you hooked from the first page and moving through the pages easily and quickly. In this tale we get to see more of Balthazar and find out more of his origins and his back story while enjoying a whole new story in the present.  Skye is a strong character who is both believable and resilient making the reader care about what is happening to her.

If you are just looking for a continuation of Bianca and Lucas' tale, then apart from a cameo from them, this is probably not the tale for you but if you enjoyed the Evernight series and especially if you enjoyed the characters Balthazar and Sky then I thoroughly recommend this book.

Definitely a 4 star read!

Sapphired Dragon xx