Covers To Covet

The Indigo Spell

by Richelle Mead

(Bloodlines # 3)

Coming February 12, 2013

Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily

by Richelle Mead

(Bloodlines # 2)

How is it possible that even though I love this author, this book was beautifully written, the story was amazing and interesting, and Adrian Ivashkov is in the story, I'm only giving this a 4 star instead of 5?  Well, see I keep expecting Sydney to turn into Rose and stop acting and thinking the way she does.  But then I realize that this is no longer Vampire Academy, and we are now in Sydney's head, and Sydney is human and an alchemist.  She was raised with a sense of duty and a fear and repulsion to all things vampire and magic.

For her to now be working with and protecting them is a big step.  To be dealing with magic, whether it be human magic or moroi magic, it's a big step.  And to somehow develop a close relationship and maybe even feelings for one of them, well... that might just be too far out of her comfort zone.

In this story, Sydney and the whole gang will have to deal with a group of humans that have taken it upon themselves to kill strigois and they seem to have targeted Sonya, as they believe she's still strigoi.

Sydney did a lot of growing up and opening her eyes in this book, I'll give her that.  There's still a lot more for her to go through, but this was a good beginning.  Dimitri was in this book as well, quite a bit... *fangirl squeeeeeeee and cue drooling all over the keyboard* ok sorry, got myself in check there.  Eddie is awesome as always, while still in love with Jill and loving her from afar, he's the rock of the group, the back up, the protector.  Jill got on my nerves a bit, she was just there creating drama with her love life, seemed like to me.  I think she still has more growing up to do, and I was actually happy with the ending of her little drama.

OK so now I have to talk about Adrian.  He is the reason why this series works for me.  Yes, yes the author is great, but if I was left with the rest of the group without Adrian I don't think I would keep reading.  Adrian is so complex, he's good and he's bad.  He drinks and he smokes, he's loud and obnoxious at times, he always speaks his mind even when it's not appropriate, and somehow I wouldn't change anything about him.  When he starts spending time with Sydney in this book (in a friendly and platonic way) while at the same time she's dating a human boy, there's just no comparison.  He would've swept me off my feet in no time.  I could keep going on about how much I love Adrian, but I won't bore you with the unnecessary commentary.  He is the best!  That's all you need to know.  Which is why I wanted to sucker punch Sydney in the face and kick her while she was down by the end of this book.  Nuff said.  Now to wait for the next one.

Favorite Quotes:

“I tried to be a better person for her– but it was to impress her, to get her to want me. But when I’m around you, I want to be better because… well, because it feels right. Because I want to. You make me want to become something greater than myself. I want to excel. You inspire me in every act, every word, every glance. I look at you, and you’re like… like light made into flesh. […] You have no clue how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine.”  

“He shouldn't have said that," repeated Adrian, eerily serious. He leaned his face toward mine. "I don't care if he's not the emotional type or the complimentary type or what. No one can look at you in this dress, in all that fire and gold, and start talking about anachronisms. If I were him, I would have said, 'You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth.” 

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

 

 

Bloodlines

by Richelle Mead

Young Adult

Sydney Sage makes her debut with the new Richelle Mead series, Bloodlines. Ever since Blood Promise, I was intrigued by the Alchemists and Sydney but it wasn’t until Last Sacrifice that I really wondered what was behind Sydney Sage.

Bloodlines is still set in the Vampire Academy world, but now we’re following the Alchemist, Sydney. Our girl has a lot of work cut out for her. Her task is to protect Jill, the princess and sister of the queen, Vasilisa Dragomir with the help of the Moroi and dhampirs. To keep Jill safe, Sydney, Jill and Eddie enroll in a human boarding school in Palm Springs and play the part of siblings. Along with some high school politics, there are more serious problems that Sydney encounters.

While this book still has the core elements of the Vampire Academy world, such as the Moroi, Strigoi, and dhampirs races, what really set this book apart from other series is the fact that Mead plays up the chemistry aspect of the Alchemists. I loved the tattoo storyline. It was right up Sydney’s alley. It was perfect for her.

In this book, we do find out what went on behind the scenes when Sydney made a deal with Abe, making her in his debt that resulted in her helping Rose out in the Vampire Academy books. And let me just say, it wasn’t what I was expecting....

This is always the case whenever I read a Richelle Mead book! I always have my own expectations about certain plot lines and characters, but Mead always seems to be able to surprise me in the best of ways.

With Sydney as the new narrator of the series, I found that I liked her controlled nature. She’s a far cry from the impulsive girl that was Rose Hathaway, but I thought the change was refreshing. From the get-go, Mead goes straight into Sage’s backstory, showing how the young Alchemist was brought up. Under the scrutiny of her father and Alchemist’s eye, Sydney must also put her best foot forward as she tries to live up to their expectations of her. At first, I saw Sydney as someone who allowed others to walk all over her, but I was wrong.

There are countless times when she stands up for herself in this book and I was surprised to see this, but also glad. One thing I didn’t realize about her was the fact that Sydney has more control than anyone else in this series. While Rose would have yelled and punch someone if they insulted her, Sydney would rather bite her tongue. It takes a whole lot of control to do something like that and I respect her a lot. I’m definitely looking forward in following the series through her eyes.

One of the characters I was most excited to read about was Adrian. As I said before, I’M IN LOVE. He is funny, just adorable. We also see a different side of him in this book. After what happened in Last Sacrifice, I was hoping that Adrian would get his HEA. And while he hasn’t found that yet, I’m sure that Mead has it in the works. There’s already sparks flying and I can’t wait to see more of it. Not to mention that Adrian also has some of the best lines in book!

Then there’s Eddie Castile whom I just adore. I wished there was more of him! I know, I’m selfish. But Eddie’s the man and he just needs his own chance to shine. I love the romantic story Mead has made for him. He’s such an honourable guy! He deserves the best!

Jill has been having a bit of a rollercoaster ride. So many things happen to her that I wonder how the poor girl can deal with it all. One big shocker is revealed about her and another important character in this series so I am so excited to see how that works out! But could she have acted a little more childish? She was my least favourite of this book. She came across like a brat sometimes but then sometimes she was a bad ass.

There are new characters such as Keith, who is basically SCUM!!!!!! I didn’t expect his actions of the past.
And of course there are familiar faces! Rose is there and also ABE! OMG I LOVE ABE!!! Yes Rose’s father makes a cameo appearance and as before I just think he’s great! He brings entertainment, spark and just a touch of danger. And if you were still scratching your head trying to figure out what he has on Sydney that she would do anything he wanted, then you're in for a surprise at the end if this book. Watch out, that Sydney is craaaaazy!!!! LOL

While I thought the beginning of the book was a little slow, the book does increase in pace, especially towards the end. Mead loves hitting you with all she’s got at the end of her books, revealing secrets that will blow your mind. But it’s the very last sentence of this book that made me groan out loud and say, “OH COME ON, MEAD!” Needless to say, I’m ready for The Golden Lily. 

 

 

Purchase links: Amazon