Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Release Date: 23rd August, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 432pgs

The Story

Blood Doesn't Lie . . .

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with her other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions and forbidden romance lurkk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

The Review

A big thanks to Penguin for sending me a review copy of this book!

Vampire Academy is the only young adult book series that has made me completely obsessed and nothing can ever compare to its epicness. Honestly . . . truly. With Last Sacrifice being the end of Rose Hathaway's journey - a real sad moment for me and for many readers around the globe, I was extremely happy when it was announced that Richelle Mead was going to be writing a spin-off series and that Sydney Sage - a beloved supporting character of mine - was to become the next leading lady. And it would have Adrian in it. Adrian was another ultimate favourite character of mine and every girl will be pleased that we haven't seen the last of this broody, sexy, and perhaps 'damanged' boy. Though we love him for being damaged, that's part of his whole appeal isn't it?

After helping rogue dhampir, Rose Hathaway, evade justice being served, Sydney Sage is now in serious trouble with her fellow Alchemists. With her career tainted, to a point where everyone doubts her abilities and where it may result with her being brainwashed to hate all vampires again, Sydney has a lot to do before anyone can really trust her. The unexpected thing to happen to Sydney was to be woken up in the middle of the night to the news of posing as Jill Mastrano's (illegitimate sister of Queen Vasilissa) sister at a boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last place people would expect a Moroi vampire princess to be hiding at - you know, with sunlight and all. But when Jill's life is on the line, Sydney will have to do everything within her power to protect her, while keeping herself on track in proving herself to the Alchemists.

Unlike our beloved Rose and Dimitri main chracters, in BLOODLINES Sydney, Adrian, Jill, and Eddie are our leading stars of this next adventure. To be honest here: I loved BLOODLINES more than the first Vampire Academy book. I don't know why exactly but I think it's because I connected with the characters more, more so with Sydney herself. When it comes down to it, I'm more like Sydney - in terms of her personality and the way she see things in the world. Her maturity. Her knowledge. Her quirks. While Rose Hathaway was a kickass chick and I have her every wit to the bone, but Sydney seemed more like my kind of gal. And I love her for it. So, so much! Some people may think Sydney will never be Rose, but don't doubt this girl when she's in a fight or winning her way in an argument. She's a smart-mouth and totally kickass when she wants to be and I can't wait to see what she brings to the next sequel.

Now let's talk about Adrian. I know you're all dying here. The last time we saw Adrian we saw a guy's heart being broken into little pieces. But not to worry . . . he's coping. In his own way. In Last Sacrifice I was disappointed how he reacted with Rose but I'm finally glad to see my Adrian is back for the better. I love him more in this book compared to the Vampire Academy books and trust me when I say this . . . he's better off without Rose. He's a ray of sunshine throughout the book and whenever he's around Sydney - bantering like crazy or sharing little secrets between the two of them - he's just a whole bucket of FUN. Sure he's still mending a broken heart, but he never fails in making us laugh! So if you're worried about his character, rest assured he remains the same charming, witty, funny, sexy Adrian that we know and love. Despite his party boy ways, he cares a lot about the people around them, and it'll be interesting how his relationship with Sydney will develop. Same goes for Jill (who was a little annoying at times for her own good reasons) and Eddie. Oh Eddie I love you too! *hugs* And don't worry, you get to see some small appearances of other VA characters. Abe included, who is still a lot of fun to read about.

Now let's talk about the storyline itself. It was fast-paced, made you laugh, made you hang on the edge of your seat, and most importantly, it was so very entertaining! It didn't matter that BLOODLINES lacked in sexytimes - that being any romantic scenes - because who needs them when you have awesome characters like Sydney and Adrian?! The thing I love about Richelle Mead's writing is that she rarely disappoints us readers - if not at all - and with the forging of interesting myths, some sexy bantering, and an epic adventure thrown into the mix, there is always going to be a strong bond with anything related to Richelle Mead. Inside and out. The thing I want to know is: How does she do it? How does she write so fast and how does she make every book of hers a success? It's magic I tell you. And don't get me started on the one-liner cliffhanger - just when she got to the good part . . . it ends. Now that's just plain old torture!

BLOODLINES on a whole was so awesome and it's truly a great start for this new spin-off series. I hate to admit that I'm liking this better than Vampire Academy. Sure Rose Hathaway and Dimitri Belikov (one of my fictional husbands mind you) is going to be missed, but move over and leave room for Sydney Sage and our dear funny-dreamy guy Adrian. With some shocking secrets revealed and loose ends tied up, if you're an obsessed Vampire Academy fan like myself or are new to this series (which I doubt because it would be crazy if you haven't read the series yet), then be sure to pick yourself up a copy or at least try and stake a person like a Strigoi if they grab the last book off the shelf from you. Kidding of course! Or am I? *winks* NO SERIOUSLY! PICK. UP. A. COPY. NOW. Epic fun awaits to be read by you!

The Rating

5/5 stars