Review: Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

June 12th 2012, Razorbill
418 pages, Hardback
Borrowed from the Library
Second in Bloodlines series
Young Adult Fiction
Amazon

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.

Favorite Quote:

“You need me? You yell. You want to leave? We go. I'll get you out of here, no matter what.”- Adrian

Cover Review:

The covers somewhat confuse me. Is the other girl Jill? If so she has such a small role in this book as to be non-existant. If it’s like showing two sides of Sydney than it’s an amazing cover because this book is all about duality.

Opinion:

I was so ultra excited to get my hands on this book! I could not wait to see more of Adrian and Sydney.  I have extremely mixed feelings about this book. There were definitely things that annoyed me, and there were things I adored. Like so much.

The plot was incredible and the morale of what has been indoctrinated into you from birth versus what you believe and see around you was so poignantly done.  The constant foreshadowing to the point that I was utterly annoyed with Sydney for not getting it and completely knew what was going to happen made it not only predictable, but boring. Foreshadowing should be done in a way that there are hints here and there, but it’s not screaming at you “Look over there!”

The duality of it was something that I found incredibly intriguing as a writer. Not only the duality of belief systems, but of plot points. From beginning to end it seemed like there was a mirror there reflecting life into Sydney’s view so that she could not get it wrong.

Characterization although weaker than other books by Mead was still impeccable. Sydney is always so well defined. Those around her seemed to endorse and enable her eating disorder, which made me a bit insane. I love that Mead includes real issues in her books from cutting to eating disorders, but there was so little to tell Sydney that what she is doing to herself is unhealthy. If food dictates your life it has become a disorder.

Overall, I left with an impression of adoration with a slight mixture of disappointment. I can’t wait to see more of Sydney’s world, which is still one of my favorites.

Rating:

Rie

I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

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Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

August 23rd 2011, Penguin Aus
421 pages, E-book
Borrowed from the Library
First in Bloodlines series
Young Adult Fiction

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines 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.

Cover Review:

Love Sydney’s part of the cover. I’m assuming the other male in image is supposed to be Adrian? Maybe? But he isn’t so much attractive as creepy. I like the cover overall.

Opinion:

I really dragged my feet in reading this one. I wasn’t sure I would like it and didn’t want my love of Vampire Academy to be harmed by a flailing off-shoot. Joey anyone? So I resisted and then going through Overdrive’s library I saw it and I was like gotta read it. I ended up loving it more than I did any of the Vampire Academy series. Mainly because their wasn’t a character that annoyed me as much as Lissa does and I connected with all of them a lot quicker since I had previously loved Sydney and Adrian.

Sydney starts this mission being scared of confrontation, standing up for herself, and is basically a good follower that has tarnished her reputation by helping Rose in the last book of Vampire Academy. As this book goes she starts to feel more comfortable being on her own (instead of simply following orders) and I felt there was tremendous character growth of her character. I like her as she is, but once she becomes completely independent of others opinions I think she’ll be one of the best characters I’ve read in YA.

There was little to no romance in this one. Before going in I really expected more from her and Adrian. I figured that since he got short changed in the last series this one would be his. I was a little disappointed, but hopefully we’ll be seeing more of this relationship as Sydney’s ingrained prejudices fall away.

The plot was quick moving and I loved the storyline, but one major issue for me was the fact we were in Sydney’s POV and we could see things going on, but have absolutely no clue what they meant. She was so kept in the dark about everything and that meant we were too.

Loved this book and cannot wait to read the next!

Rating:

Rie

I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

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Vampire Academy Series Review

In one word: Amazing.

Good, but not as amazing as the first one.

Touchingly sad, but shows how devoted Rose is.

The action and plot were superb as always. This storyline certainly pulled on my heart strings.

This isn't my favorite in the series, but it is still great.

I freaking love the last book in this series!

If you haven’t read this series, seriously go get it now.

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Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

***Spoilers about the series***

December 2010, Penguin Group

594 pgs., E-book

Library Copy

Sixth in the Vampire Academy Series

YA paranormal Romance

From Goodreads:

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.
She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?

Opinion:

I’m trying my best to write this without spoilers, but be warned deciphering may be easy.

I freaking love the last book in this series, but there were some issues. The first issue is info dumps. Places were instead of working it into the story Rose just simply states that it has happened before. I expect more out of the writing of this great author. This is a small issue that doesn’t really take away from the overall book.

The journey to the end was hilarious, intense, and emotional. The characters were easy to fall in love with, so readers, at least this reader, was emotionally engaged.

I love the hillbillies!!!

I was content with the way the book ended, especially for Rose’s love life. I wanted to see more after this though. Such as the hunting trip and a trip to his parents.

Lissa is where she should be as long as she stays modest. I wouldn’t like for her to actually permit her fears to come true in regard to Christian. She’s changed a lot since the beginning, but I simply don’t trust a character that can so easily allow someone else to control them. Even if that is for protection sake.

I know Bloodlines will follow Sydney, but a better wrapping up of that storyline would have been appreciated. Btw, I think Sydney is a better friend than Lissa ever will be.

I hope in this new series we at least see Rose, although I don’t doubt we shall.

If you haven’t read this series, seriously go get it now. Also, I can’t wait to start in on Sydney’s story.

Rating: 4.5/5

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Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Happy Valentine's Day! Tomorrow is me and my husband's 2nd year dating anniversary. So he has to pull something amazing off with both being combined into one.

May 2010, Razorbill

489 pgs., E-book

Library Copy

Fifth in Vampire Academy Series

YA Paranormal Romance

From Goodreads:

The words stunned Adrian for a moment, but he kept going. "You're lying. What you're describing is impossible. There's no way to save a Strigoi. When they're gone, they're gone. They're dead. Undead. Forever."

Robert's next words weren't directed at Adrian. They were spoken to me. "That which is dead doesn't always stay dead...."

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Fall in love with Rose and Dimitri all over again in Spirit Bound, the eagerly awaited fifth novel in Richelle Mead's enthralling Vampire Academy series.

Opinion:

As with this entire series, I love this book! It's engaging, action-filled, and emotionally charged.

Rose has grown so much with the journey to Siberia, graduation, and a new found love interest.

Lissa has finally come into her own. Actually helping Rose instead of simply being one that needs protecting. She is powerful with her use of spirit.

Dimitri is still creepy, kinda stalker-ish.

The trio of Rose, Lissa, and Eddie go about a mission that is foolhardy and irresponsible, but find that it might actually be for the best.

Abe is awesome.She needs that protectiveness after basically a lifetime of neglect from her parents.

It is primarily set at court and it's full of political mystery, some may know that politics is a passion of mine. So this aspect intrigued me especially.

This isn't my favorite in the series, but it is still great.

Rating: 4/5

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Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

August 2009, Razorbill

503 pgs., E-book

Library Copy

Fourth  in Vampire Academy  Series
Young Adult Fiction

From Goodreads:

After the massacre at Vampire Academy, Rose Hathaway faces the most task of her life and she knows that she must do it alone. With Mason departed for the other world, Rose must hunt down and kill Dimitri Belikov, the man she most loves. The fourth nail-biting episode of Richelle Mead's popular vampire series dramatically shows the fatal power of a promise.

Opinion:

While I understand Rose’s need to fulfill what she believes to be Dimitri’s wishes her reckless decisions annoy me, though I believe they help her grow as a character a little bit more.

Sydney was entertaining to me. She so did not want to like Rose, and yet she did.

We barely saw Lissa until the end and while Rose was away we only saw her through the connection which at times seemed forced. Such as when in all likelihood Rose would be asleep instead of communing with Lissa.

Stigori version of Dimitri unsettled me, which means Richelle Mead did her job well. He played into Rose’s feelings for him to get what he wanted in a manipulative way. Honestly, I’ve always been for Adrian and not at all for Dimitri. He could be an awesome mentor, but bad-boy Adrian seems to fit with Rose better.

The action and plot were superb as always. This storyline certainly pulled on my heart strings. This entire series is a don’t miss.

I’m itching to read the rest of the series and luckily I have the remaining two on loan from the library. This is a series I will be buying for my personal library.

Rating: 4.5/5

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Frostbite by Richelle Mead

April 2008, Razorbill

336 pgs., Paperback

Library Copy

Second in Vampire Academy Series

From Back Cover:

Rose Hathaway's got serious guy trouble.  Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, and she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian.  (So not cool).


Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladimir's on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians--including the legendary Janine Hathaway...Rose's formidable, long-absent mother.  The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks.  This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.


But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety.  When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them.  Only this time, Rose--and her heart--are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...
 

Opinion

Good, but not as amazing as the first one. The action isn’t as intense, but connections grow stronger. Lissa isn’t as present in this book due to her relationship with Christian, but the tension between Rose and her mother is priceless. Including injuries and crying. Dimitri isn’t really present until the end. But there are new characters that have the potential to make the storyline even more interesting and minor characters have more of a part.

Mason has qualities that are in Rose, but these are the same qualities that Dimitri has taught her to control. Mia endures great pain and shows true courage.

I would recommend this book. I can’t wait until I have the next one. I‘ve been reading these pretty quickly as I enjoy them so much. 

Rating: 4.5/5

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Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

August 2007, Razorbill

336 pgs., Paperbook

Library Copy

First in Vampire Academy series

From Back Cover:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

Opinion

Spoilers Caution: As I’m late to the party I’m going to assume you’ve already read this book. If you don’t want vague details don’t read ahead.

In one word: Amazing.

Another YA that deals with real issues as well as being a purely good read. It deals with an issue close to my heart. You can tell the author truly understands cutting. As a former self-mutilator I could easily see that she understands the issue well.

But besides from that it was a truly good book. Rose and Demitri simply have got to get together. Lissa and Christian make a great couple and the fact that Rose has a bond with Lissa that lets us see her from that viewpoint helps to round her out as a fully developed character.

I hope they start to help Mia instead of having a cyclical vicious relationship throughout. Mason would be a good match for her as he seems the night in shining armor type and they could have little dhampirs.

If the next in the series as as good as the first this may easily become my new favorite series.

PSA:

If you are dealing with any type of self-harm I urge you to get help. There are many places you can get help within your own community. Religious leaders (such as pastor), guidance counselors, or simply talking with a friend. But if  you don't feel comfortable talking to any of these there are helplines where you can remain anonymous.

SAFE (Self Abuse Finally Ends) Hotline: 1-800-DONT-CUT

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