Release Date: February 12th, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 401
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood. (Add on Goodreads)
The third book of the Bloodlines series starts off a couple of weeks after The Golden Lily, with Sydney trying to remain in a friendship status with Adrian (why?!) . While also locating the mysterious rogue alchemist: Marcus and fighting the danger of Ms. Terwilliger's powerful witch sister.
I loved this book! I'm pretty sure that I read the whole thing with a huge smile on my face like an idiot, especially any parts with Adrian and Sydney together. If you've read the first two books in the series (which I recommend) than of course your going to love this book like I did.
I feel like the characters are really what makes this book for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Sydney grow since The Vampire Academy books, shes just one of those easy to love characters. She's smart without being annoying, and doesn't make dumb decisions or fawn nonsensically over a boy but shes still imperfect in a way that makes her relatable. Ah.. Adrian I wanted to just tell him to forget about Sydney and come be with me, HA! But no, you have to be blind to not see that they're meant for each other. The fun banter between them brings both comic relief but also adds to their likability. I even love the minor characters; Jill and Eddie always make me smile, I really hope that they end up together by the end of the book. The only person I didn't like was Marcus, I know that he had a actual purpose in the story but I couldn't help but feel that he was dull and a little out of place in the book.
I won't say anything to spoil the ending but I will say it was a huge shocker that left me wanting to jump write into the book.
The Bloodlines world, although obviously fantasy, is written in a way that makes it seem very real. When I'm reading a book I usually see it as movie in my head, and Mead's writing style makes that easier with vivid plot and character descriptions. I also really like that Richelle Mead isn't bothering with a love triangle at this point because it gets so overplayed in teen literature. My only real plot negative is that at some points the story gets a bit slow but it's not in a way that obvious or bothersome.
My Final Thoughts:
To anyone who loves magic, vampires or just a really good book, I totally recommend The Indigo Spell. But read Bloodlines and The Golden Lily first! Adrian and Sydney's believable and sweet relationship will please romance fans but the incorporation of magic brings in some action as well. I can't wait for the next book: The Fiery Heart
Happy Reading,
Chloe
What series do you like better The Vampire Academy or Bloodlines? Let me know in the comments section.