A review by bribreez
Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

4.25⭐️

The next book in the Covenant series, we’re back with Alex’s story and still very much dealing with the threat of Daimons. As if that wasn’t enough, since last learning that Alex was fated to be the Apollyons other half, things were complicated with all that Alex had to deal with. Jennifer L Armentrout brought more of Alex’s stubborn attitude with action, sass, and more of the Greek mythology inspired that I’ve really enjoyed since the first book. 

With the first book, Alex was faced with a lot of discoveries. From learning she was fated to become the next Apollyon, her mother who turned Daimon, but Alex eliminated her, to the ever growing changes at the academy that hinted at bigger things that weren’t necessarily good. Alex was once again thrusted into the world of half-bloods, pures, and Daimons all while trying to have some semblance of life as a teenager. 

From everything that Alex was still dealing with, this story also explored a bit more into Seth and Alex’s shall we say…interesting dynamic. With Seth being the Apollyon, and Alex fated to be the other half of the Apollyon, there was more training Alex needed to take on in order to prepare herself for it. In addition, that met plenty of one on one time with Seth which, Alex wasn’t necessarily he’s biggest fan. Seth was kind of arrogant, cocky, literally the least humble person of all, and enjoyed having his own fun even when it meant pushing Alex’s buttons. The thing I wasn’t expecting was  seeing just how much the Apollyon connection became more prevalent once Alex and Seth spent time together. Alex and Seth weren’t friends, but they also weren’t enemies, they were more back and forth challenging each other, and in some rare occasions Seth showed some semblance that he cared for Alex..in his own way. Seth wasn’t the most likable person at first, but even when he was snarky or being rude, little by little I did actually find him to be fascinating especially in the times that Alex managed to uncover parts of him. 

Now, ever since the last book, I was all for Alex and Aiden, and thankfully there was plenty more of them in this book! Aiden was a pure blood, a Sentinel, and by all accounts FORBIDDEN to Half-Bloods such as, ahem, Alex. Alex and Aiden couldn’t exactly explore a romantic relationship due to it literally being against the law for a Pure Blood and a Half-Blood to be together. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop Aiden and Alex from sharing longing, intense looks with each other, or the tension that exuded in their training sessions or in this book that moment when Aiden surprised Alex with an outing to her favorite place. I think the forbidden romance trope in this book was great because, I could feel that Alex and Aiden wanted to be together, but with Aiden wanting to remain loyal to his duty, and not wanting Alex to get in trouble, he had to constantly fight the urge to give into his desires of being with her. Even Alex imagined at times being with Aiden, crossing that forbidden line, and damning the consequences, but…unfortunately the consequences would affect Aiden and Alex. 

Umm ok, but like, why was I getting love triangle vibes from this book?!?! I was always team Aiden, but then in a shocking turn of events, I started to like Seth of all people?! Seth was still that cocky, flirtatious, and at times unhinged Apollyon that we all knew, but gradually over the course of this book, I saw how Seth became protective over Alex, and even going as far as basically caring about her well being. Granted, whatever Alex did also ended up reflecting on Seth, but I could still see the subtleties in how Seth acted around Alex. With the bond started to form, Alex and Seth became more connected, and therefore when they were together they felt a sense of peace which I found interesting. Seth became a friend in way to Alex, especially with the loss of Caleb, and still having to deal with everything else, I actually liked Seth compared to the beginning of this book and the first book, (gasp). So, I’m guessing this book is the start of the love triangle trope, and I’m mentally preparing myself for the complications that Alex will inevitably find herself in. 

Well this book ended on quite a note, the kind that showed Alex once again battling against Daimons, but also the gruesome reality that she still had to face. This book showed a bit more of the Pure Bloods and how the New York Covenant was more traditional compared to the one where Alex was from. In addition, it seemed like literally everyone was out to get Alex especially with her on her way to become the second Apollyon, there were people working in the shadows plotting ways to take down Alex, even if it meant death. There was also the introduction of the love triangle trope! The first book kind of hinted at it, but this book introduced a new player as a romantic interest, definitely someone who I initially wasn’t a fan of, but gradually over the course of the story I grew to like him. Seth and Alex’s connection grew stronger, but even at times Alex couldn’t get over her love for Aiden despite the consequences that could land her in servitude! Omg! Alex was caught in the middle, but based on the events that transpired in this book, I’m assuming she’ll be with Seth. Anyways, this book continued to introduce both new elements and characters to the series, and with the way the book ended, I genuinely don’t know what will happen next in Alex’s story. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book to see what happens next!!!!