See this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks 
 I have been a Julie Kagawa fan girl ever since I read The Iron King. To this day, that is my favorite fey series and have been hooked on her writing. I remember being SO EXCITED for The Immortal Rules around publication but for some reason, never got around to it. 
 And I am kicking myself for it, because I loved this book! 
 For some reason, it took me a long time to finish The Immortal Rules. It's not that it wasn't gripping, because it was. It's not that I didn't like Allison, because I did. But I can't say WHY it took me about 2 weeks to finish, having a mini marathon for the last 250 pages and finishing within hours. But alas, it did. 
 The Immortal Rules is a dark dystopian where vampires rule and rapids roam free. Told in four parts, we see Allison go from Human scavenger to Vampire to Wanderer. It's a bleak world; one that I thank my lucky stars not to live in. Julie's writing has always been on my favorites list, but she blew me away with this one. Set aside the darkness, the setting and amazing world she built. It really makes you think about what MAKES a monster. 
 Vampires are often referred to as monsters in this book, even by themselves. But the acts of some of the humans begs to question; is it WHAT YOU ARE that makes you a monster? Or WHAT YOU DO? 
 I adored Allison. Being a human on the Fridge, she used her street smarts to survive. She is a lone wolf, even though she was part of a "gang" in the beginning. Her thoughts and fears about the Vampires are justified, due to her past and living situation. Even though her code was to always put yourself first, she proved that was something she didn't wholly live by and that one rule is what ultimately changed her life. Even after Death. 
 Her struggles felt real and the emotions that Julie can invoke whilst reading always amaze me. Allison is battling with her inner Hunger, and the "monster" within; in fear of hurting those around her and how she can survive. She is put to the test on many, many occasions and I loved how she grew throughout the novel. She also challenges Zeke, and other Humans, about their belief when it comes to survival and Vampires. I guess being around them puts things into a different perspective, hmm? 
 Of all the characters - and there are many - Kanin is my next favorite. He is Allison's sire, and teaches her about Vampire society and how to survive. He's brutal, harsh and exactly what Allison needs in a mentor. Zeke too, is a favorite but it took towards the end of the book to FULLY warm up to him. He's a good guy, always putting others first. What I loved most about him was his ability to see past what he was taught, and embrace change and what was right in front of him. It's hard to change what you were raised to believe about the world - and he was more open than many. 
 A lot of things happen in this book - but most of all it's a journey. A journey of survival. But also a journey of oneself. And how to adapt, change and live with the hand you are dealt. If you are looking for a dark gripping novel I highly recommend The Immortal Rules.