Book Review: Half Blood Rising by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

Moonlight Academy Book 1

Academy romance, chance of a lifetime, and former rouge on the run–what could go wrong?

Jaymin Clarance is a rogue half vampire—she’s hunting supernatural convicts and trying to stay anonymous, which doesn’t always go according to plan. When a mysterious Fae approaches her in Lviv and offers her a spot at the highly sought-after Moonlight Academy, it’s her only chance to finally turn her miserable life around. However, the Academy isn’t just an ordinary school for supernaturals—it’s also the place where students are prepped for admission to the most exclusive academy in Bucharest—The Elite.

Soon enough, Jaymin and her new group are sent out on a mission in Moscow. Their job is to rescue the daughter of a warlock who’s been kidnapped by an ancient clan of vampires, however, an experienced member of the school, a handsome Scottish vampire named Lachlan, doesn’t trust a half breed like Jaymin.

One mistake during her probationary period could jeopardize Jaymin’s chance to prove that she’s worthy of being considered for a trial in the Elite Academy, and pretty boy, Lachlan, would love nothing more than to see her expelled.

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My Review:

This is a fascinating new world. Dark and faintly sinister if you’re a member of one of the non-human races. I loved that we got to experience it through Jaymin’s eyes. She’s an outsider in this insular world and she’s learned the hard way that trust isn’t something to be given lightly. Having her entire life history outside of the last several years being shrouded in mystery made for some highly compelling reading. I found that there were some continuity issues in the text that left me scratching my head, but regardless of that, I was sucked into the story and now I desperately want to know more. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.