Review - Bloodrose

You know a book is really something when you practically have to sign a confidentiality agreement to be able to read it this early. This may be an exaggeration, but it's not far off either. I was handed a really early Advanced Copy of Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer two weeks ago. About a week later I got a call from my rep at Penguin, the publishers, urging me to not write up any spoilers about the book online. Intrigued, I reread the series, including the second book (which I had abandoned in January) to see what the big deal was about. Since then I have even been urged by Cremer herself to not spread spoilers about the content of this book...

...so it's kind of a big deal that I am privileged enough to have read this early. This is an honour I do not take lightly.. though I usually do try to avoid spreading spoilers anyways (since I do not appreciate reading them early myself). I don't even read synopsis on the back of books anymore... that's how much I despise them.


Still, how to talk about the book that everyone wants to read without dropping spoilers? Hmmmm... clearly, I guess I can't talk about it then. Boo for all of you who want details.

This would be where I describe what happens in the book. Since I have been advised (twice) to not give up any spoilers, and I feel that Big Brother is watching me, I'm going to be less inventive in my boiling down the plot moment and just use Penguin's promotional synopsis word for word... to avoid spoilers.

(and I quote)

...oh bother... there isn't one yet... I guess you don't get to know what it's about at this time. Bugger.

Let's just say this - Cremer's writing style is, as usual, phenomenal. And what she has concocted with this series at large, that is driven home beautifully with this book, is a damn near perfect trilogy. That's right. I said it. Now you get to squirm for several months to find out why exactly I said it.

Since I have spent this much time talking about how I can't talk about this book I guess I have to pad this "review" somehow... want to hear how I dyed my fellow's hair hot hot pink this week? I can give you a step by step how to? No, well how about this.. a drink recipe called a "Bloodrose" that I asked a friend of mine to pull out of her backside for this review (since I'm not allowed to talk about the book). Deal?


*Bloodrose Recipe (courtesy of Ms. Lia Lilley)

Muddle strawberries (this is to taste), with sugar (about 1 oz.)
Add 1.5 oz. of rosewater
1.5 oz. of limoncello (or citrus vodka if you want something less sweet)
Top with sparkling wine of choice and garnish with angst and rose petals.
Sip broodingly.
 
 
I do find this mildly perfect considering that the group drinks limoncello at one point in the book. Oranges would have been perfect considering...
 
Oh Drat! I added a spoiler in after all that... Bollocks! Bollocks! Bollocks! Fail.
 
...5 out of 5 stars....
 
- BP
 
* Remember kids, alcohol is illegal to anyone under the age of 21. Also, drink responsibly.

- Bloodrose releases February 21, 2012. Please do not ask to borrow my ARC.

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