Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (BLOG TOUR)

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead 

Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin Canada)

Published: August 23, 2011

Pages: 421

Recevied: part of blog tour, from publisher for honest review

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The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

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.

Considering that I haven't read any of the Vampire Academy Series yet, I absolutely LOVED Bloodlines. I cannot wait to go back and read the entire VA Series and also the upcoming release of The Golden Lily (May 2012). For someone like me who hadn't previously read the VA Series, Richelle Mead gives enough background story to comfortably fill you in on certain characters, past relationships and events. 

I absoutley fell in love with her storytelling and the characters - human, dhampir, Moroi and Strigoi. I found it interesting that there were two types of vampire, a human/vampire hybrid and humans that all have major roles in the plot. I've known of dhampirs before and alchemists, but never two versions of vampires, so I found this part fascinating. 

I think Sydney needs to give herself a lot more credit for the things she does and who she is. She fights hard for the things that matter, like not wanting her sister to go on an Alchemist mission yet because she was too young. Even though she upset her sister, she did the right thing in keeping her from this life of craziness. She also has the ability to accept a lot more than others - considering the Alchemists aversion to magic and vampires in general and Sydney has been exposed to both and deals with it creatively. Sometimes I think Sydney is too smart for her own good and very naive at times.

And now we come to Adrian! He is the kind of guy that you crush over big time, yet can find annoying at the same time. He's smoking hot (I'm sure being Moroi is part of it) and he has that laid back kind of attitude that you wish you could have too, but know that it frustrates you because it's like he can't take anything serious. It's a love/hate kinda thing with Adrian. 

All of the characters work so well together and I don't think they story would be nearly as good if any one of them were missing: Jill trying to find some semblance of normal while being holed up away from friends and family, Sydney trying to prove she can handle the job while trying solve some crazy mysteries, Eddie who has this fierce need to prove he can protect Jill with his life no matter what it takes, and Adrian who seems to be the comedic relief most of the time and the dark broding hunk the rest of the time.  

I loved the fact that there more going on than intially thought - yes they were on a mission to protect Moroi Princess Jill, but so many twists and turns happen that you get pulled right into the craziness. It a thrilling ride and one you don't want to miss out on. Did I mention it all takes place in a boarding school? Not only do they have issues with rogue Moroi wanting to kill Jill, but we also have all the trials and tribulations of attending high school. So much drama in such a short amount of time. I wonder what kind of scenarios the group will find themselves involved with in The Golden Lily?

If you loved the Vampire Academy or you are just looking for a great new read involving vampires and magic, then I strongly suggest you pick this book up. I know I will be going back to read the pervious series soon, because I need to know more of the backstory and more about the other characters mentioned like Rose and Lissa. 

Tomorrows Blog Tour Stop: Visit Sara @ Just Another Story   

COMING MAY 2012!

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.