Review: Because it is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

Because it is My Blood (Birthright #2)
Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Release Date: September 18, 2012

“Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in.”- Michael Corleone, The Godfather
Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship.But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve--and her heart--will be tested as never before.

I was a really big fan of All These Things I've Done; I thought it was a really mature and unique dystopian, something that I hadn't seen in a while. I was expecting great things out of Because it is My Blood. Although I didn't love nearly as much as All These Things, it was still a solid sequel in a great series. 

Anya has been through a lot in the past several months. She is always caring, protecting, and looking out for others. We didn't get to see as much of this in this book, which I really missed. Anya did, however, have to grow and make big decisions in this book. 

One thing I loved to see in this book (and series) is the politics. In this little world that Zevin has created and built, politics play an important role. It's something that we don't get to see a lot of in young adult. 

I didn't feel that this book was as addicting as All These Things. It just didn't hold my interest as well. And while there were some twists, I did see some of them coming. And the ending. In All These Things, the ending killed me. I couldn't wait for the next book. With the way Because it is my Blood ended, I'm still intrigued enough to read the next book, but I'm not hopelessly awaiting it. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but was a little disappointed. I was hoping for more from Zevin, whose books never fail to take my breathe away. But I am still anticipating the next book, where I can return to these characters and this world. 

3.5 stars