The first novel of the companion novel to Richelle Mead's bestselling Vampire Academy series, Bloodlines is a must read for anyone who loves VA, vampires or just a great novel.
I wasn't free of my past, not yet.
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 human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the 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 lurk both outside—and within—the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.
Just a side note to say that I have read Vampire Academy prior to starting Bloodlines, so I would recommend that you read VA before as it would bring more enjoyment and a greater understanding of the novel.
I loved Bloodlines - it was awesome - I couldn't stop reading. In true Richelle Mead style, Bloodlines is addictive, funnily enough you have cravings to read it, not to dissimilar to the vampires she writes about... hmmm.
I liked that it was a companion novel with new problems that stemmed off the old problems from Vampire Academy. It made the connection well, yet allowed the plot to focus on the story of the minor characters from the other novels.
In my opinion, one of the best aspects about this novel was that Adrian was frequently part of the action. Now, I am very biased as I adore Adrian (yes, more than Dmitri - don't kill me!) and think he is absolutely hilarious. I could go on to argue that Rose was horrible to him - but that's a whole other story! I just think that he added an element to the book that it needed -comic relief.
I enjoyed being able to explore the alchemist's world more, the relationship that Sydney has with the vampires and how it comes to change during the story.
A little side note/ fangirl rant on this topic: I was delighted to see that Abe made a cameo so that we could learn about his past with Sydney. I think that Abe is really entertaining.
Don't fret Rose fans - she makes a cameo too... and some one else... mwa ha aha ha ha!
The mystery was great and the fact that it was left open for The Golden Lily only lets me wonder where it is going to be taken next... CAN'T WAIT!!!
I also think that the progression of the plot went at a nice pace, giving you enough time to connect the dots, enjoy the moments in between and the book was not too long or dragged out. But I also have to be a bit of a 'Negative Nancy': Maybe it was just me, but some of the plot elements were too predictable?!
Tell me what you think in the comments section below!
Don't let my weird psychic-ness put you off - Bloodlines is an awesome read that is great for fans of vampire novels, VA, Richelle Mead, teenage girls 13+ or someone who is looking for a great read.
Once again - I suggest that you read VA prior to Bloodlines for a better understanding and enjoyment of the novel...
Looking forward to The Golden Lily, look out for the review - I know I am looking forward to it!
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