By: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #2
Other Books in the Series: Bloodlines #1; Vampire Academy #1-6
Published: June 12th 2012 by Razorbill
Edition: hardcover, 418 pages
Acquired: Library
Categories: Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, 2nd Book in Series, Magic, Witches, Vampire Hunters
Rating: 5 Stars
*Review may contain spoilers.*
What the Back of the Book Says
The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series.
Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.
My Thoughts
Sydney Sage has quickly become one of my favorite characters of all time; and The Golden Lily throws us right back into the action right where Bloodlines left off. The great thing about this series so far, is that it remains fresh without any room to become stagnant or even cliche. Sydney is finally in the good graces of the Alchemists, receiving regular praise from them. Of course this couldn't come at a worse time - considering her first boyfriend ever, Brayden, does nothing for her; yet a simple touch from Adrian sends sparks flying through her! And the whole time I was reading this book I keep thinking to myself how badly I want Sydney and Adrian to get together, even though it goes against everything she believes in.
What truly amazes me about Mead's writing, is that she can pack so much action, and so many events into one book. There are so many subplots to each installment to the series; this one following that formula successfully.
We find Sydney being set up with a male version of herself by Trey. Trey thinks Sydney and his fellow co-worker, Brayden, are perfect for each other. And while Sydney enjoys the time with Brayden, she just doesn't have any feelings for him. When Brayden breaks up with her for being irresponsible, she can't help but laugh in his face, considering no one has ever told her that she was irresponsible before.
While Sydney and Brayden are dating, attacks on vampires are occurring. Sonya Karp is attacked, and eventually the actions lead back to a group called The Warriors of Light, which Trey and his family just happen to belong to.
We also see Jill assessing her relationship with a human, Micah, and her ever-growing feelings for Eddie. But Eddie is finally seeing Angeline for more than just a pain in the butt. Love Triangle anyone?
My favorite aspect of the entire book is the constant conflicts within Sydney herself. We watch her deal with her starting to believe that vampires really aren't the monsters that she was raised to believe that they are. In fact, she might, maybe, could be falling for one? And she has become close to Jill, Angeline, Eddie, Dimitri, and Sonya as well. She also spends a lot of time dealing with insecurities regarding her appearance, often comparing herself to Jill ... that is until Dimitri puts an end to it in his not so subtle ways.
Another awesome thing, is that Sydney can't hide from her magical powers anymore; in fact she had no choice but to embrace them and go to Ms. Terwilliger in order to help Sonya. I absolutely cannot WAIT to see how this story line develops!!! I think it's absolutely awesome!!!
For the second book in a series, I think Mead did an above average job keeping the reader engaged, interested, and craving more and more of her amazing vampire goodness with a ferocity all its own.
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Awesome review! I totally agree- I was practically squirming while reading because I just wanted something to happen between Adrian and Sydney! I almost thought Brayden was going to somehow be part of the plot because he just seemed to "perfect"....I felt like something was off with him....
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