*Review* : Hourglass - Claudia Gray

Review of Hourglass by Claudia Gray

Released : 9th March 2010

Finished : 27th February 2011
Series: #3 Source :  Library
Plot : 5/5
Cover : 3/5
Page Turner : 5/5
Characters : 5/5
Ending : 4.5/5

Overall Rating :

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 The review AND blurb will contain spoilers for the first two in the series

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, the elite group of vampire hunters led by Lucas’s stepfather. When Bianca’s close friend—the vampire Balthazar—is captured by Black Cross, Bianca knows she has to do whatever it takes to save him. But at what cost?
Hourglass, the third book in this gripping vampire series by the author of the New York Times bestseller Stargazer, has all the romance, suspense, and page-turning drama that have made Claudia Gray’s books runaway successes.

How this series manages to get better with every book l do not know but it does!

This book carries on nicely from the second one and although l'm sure you could skip to the 3rd one, as it explains what has happened previously, l have really loved getting to know these characters and really loved the previous two. 
The book actually jumps into action really quick and l weren't that far in when you found yourself totally engrossed in the book and many scenes where your heart is racing while trying to read faster, it really is one of those sort of books! I did find Evernight (#1) kind of slow paced and if that has put you off this series then think twice because Stargazer and Hourglass are anything BUT slow paced! Something is constantly happening and when a certain situation seems to be resolved in one way or another something else is quickly brought up. I find it hard to see how any person could get bored reading this book.
Bianca and Lucas relationship is explored more in this book, in Stargazer they are apart so much in the book it's hard to get to know them as a couple more. l found this book really made up for that.

The ending l'm not sure about, it took a HUGE twist which l did not expect and l am still kind of deciding on my opinion on this. It changes everything in this book which the readers have known about the characters and sort of creates a whole new storyline. I think it was kind of a risk, for some people l can see it maybe ruining the series but with others it will make for a VERY interesting 4th book. I will definitely be reading it to find out what happens. 
Overall this book will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through and then wanting more when you have finished it! Gray has lots of surprises in store for readers in this book and brings lots of fresh new ideas into Hourglass!