My review of Half-Blood (Covenant, #1) 
 So far this is my favorite book in the series. I liked the change in scenery. I liked that this book seemed to be more about Seth than Aiden. I also enjoyed the bonus scene from Seth's POV at the end of the book. In this book we do get to see some Alex badassery, which so far had been lacking. The ending was also pretty unexpected. I would say that this book didn't follow the usual YA blueprint. Which made it easier to enjoy. I talk about this book and others on my YouTube channel, here: http://bit.ly/RN2j5n 
 *There are a few typos in this book. 
 My Spoilery Thoughts: (view spoiler)[Alex has no sense of dignity. I've had my heart broken. I've stayed in bed and wept for days. I never made my heartache known to the one who broke it. As soon as the lines were drawn, I protected myself. I walked away with class. I didn't beg. I didn't wail. I didn't gawk any time I saw them and I didn't constantly bring up our past when we were together. No Alex didn't do all of those things, but she did plenty of cringe worthy things. A few times I just wanted to shake her and say, "Damn girl! Woman Up, where's your effing pride?" 
 It drives me crazy that on one page, Alex has this realization that she and Seth really could change the world for Half-Bloods. All she had to do was survive and stay out of servitude for a few more months. Three times during her trip someone had tried to ruin all of that and she realizes that one slip up could stop any chance the Halfs have at a better life. THEN on the next page she states that if Aiden would say that he loved her, she'd basically give up any and everything to be with him. She'd sacrifice it all. Really? How can you go from noble and good to completely self serving that quick? 
 I'm glad that Alex did some fighting in the end. I really didn't think she would. I figured they'd just hide her away and we'd miss all of the fun. I was completely shocked that she fought and killed the furies in such an awesome way. Considering the writing prior, I would never have expected that. Then she killed a pure. That was something. I'm not really sure what to do with that. The fact that she went for the kill right off that bat was a bit odd. Like she didn't have control over herself, which isn't what the author was going for. I don't think, anyway. It was just kind of an odd development. 
 I liked the way the book ended. That sort of open cliffhanger was good. I know a lot of people don't like that, but I think it helped the book stand out in my mind. 
 After this book I think I'm more Team Seth than I had been. I still don't think that Alex will end up with him, but I'm pulling for him anyway. He didn't treat her as badly as he had in the past and I thought he just played the "boyfriend" role a bit better. 
 I loved the pool scene. I was all giggles and smiles then. Hands down, the most real and memorable moment so far in the series. Only on thing threw me a bit during that scene. When Alex says that she'll give him a chance, he gives her this odd look. I can't recall the wording exactly, but it was the sort of wording that normally implied and ulterior motive. Then when I read this same scene from Seth's perspective, it didn't really clear things up. If Seth was the Big Bad, then something should have been revealed in his thoughts then. But it was almost like the author was being very careful there. So I'm still a bit undecided about him I guess. I'm rooting for him, but the odds are not in his favor. (hide spoiler)] 
 Recommended 
 Yes/No Checklist 
 Sex: No *Some foreplay of sorts 
 Gore: Yes 
 Rape: No 
 Magic: Yes 
 Drugs: Alcohol *Specifically a fictional drink made by the Gods 
 Star Categories 
 Romance: 4 Stars 
 Action: 5 *Much better than book one 
 Pacing: 4 Stars 
 Writing: 3.5 Stars 
 Plot: 4 Stars 
 Overall: 4 Stars 
 Protagonist Meter 
 Damsel--------*--Badass 
 Wow, Alex can kick some ass. Finally!