Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 421
Source: KPL
Stars: 5/5
The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.MY THOUGHTS:
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.
(summary taken from Goodreads)
I may get jumped by hardcore Vampire Academy fans for saying this, but I actually think I liked Bloodlines better than the first book of VA! (Note the word FIRST for now!)
Richelle Mead has just shown the world how a spin-off series should be done! There was still lots of vampire drama and action (and lots of characters we adored return even better than ever), but we also got to learn so much more about the Alchemists and new characters too.
The pacing was perfect — there wasn't a single moment when I was bored while reading. The author did an amazing job combing an intense mystery, a twisting plot, and a complicated world together. And her writing has also improved a lot since her first book which I was so happy to find!
I liked Sydney enough in VA, but I absolutely loved her in Bloodlines! There couldn't have been a better narrator! She was just so real and easy to connect with, being smart and witty and doing things that were incredibly easy to fathom.
And I've always been Team Adrian (♥) so you can bet I was ecstatic with his huge role in this book! The romance wasn't the main focus, but I found that it made it so much more realistic this way. I foresee tons of romance in future installments though!
Fast-paced, mysterious, and tons of fun, Bloodlines was a breathtaking start to a new series that's worthy of every bit of praise it gets. Even though it's highly recommended that you read the Vampire Academy series first, it's not mandatory. This book is awesome on its own! :)
BUY or BORROW?: I borrowed this one because I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, but now I'm going out to buy my own copy! This is definitely a book you want to have on your shelf!
-Mimi
Posts
I don't know how I'll go with bloodlines because I've always disliked Adrian :( Everyone is just raving about this book though and I am a complete VA nut so I guess I'm going to have to read this book despite my hesitations. Glad to hear that Sydney is less bland than I thought!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I've heard so any bashing reviews that it's nice to read the good side of things. I haven't read Bloodlines yet but I really enjoyed her VA series. Awesome review!!
ReplyDeleteGiselle
Xpresso Reads
awesome review!! I was never Team Adrian (cough! cough! See my last name?? XD) though he's hot as hell but this book made me become one!! poor dude! I just love him so much now...but... OMG THE FINAL SENTENCE killed me!! I'll have him back! FREAKING HELL!! I also think the pace was perfect! I never got bored =9. RIchelle Mead is an expert planning plots! So far, I have read all of her books and let me tell you my dear that she is that good in everything! go read the Dark Swan series if you havent =D awesome faerie stuff!! OHLY COW!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Dazzling Reads
Ahhhh I still need to read this! I can't believe I haven't yet, VA is one of my all time favorite series! Too many good books out there, I don't have time for them all:) While I was solidly Team Dimitri, I did love Adrian, so I can't wait for more of him in this book! Awesome review:)
ReplyDeleteYou're not the first one to say that you liked Bloodlines better than VA. And actually, I think that's the best thing about series and spin off series, when they get progressively better! That's what they are supposed to do!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I haven't read any of VA books yet! I know... I'm wearing my shameface now. And I call myself a vampire fanatic! *slaps self*
BUT my sister as read them and LOVES them, but she hasn't read Bloodlines yet, simply because I haven't bought it for her yet. LOL
Good to know this one works great on its own, but I think I still want to read VA first. Fun review, Mimi. Thanks!
I'm so excited to read this one!!! I loved the VA series, so I'm glad Mead is continuing it in a way :) I'll definitely miss Rose and Dimitri *sigh* but I'm excited to hear more about Adrien :)) Great review Mimi!!!
ReplyDeleteAnna @ Literary Exploration
I still need to finish the last book in the Vampire Academy series, but I've been planning on reading Bloodlines. I'm excited to hear that you liked it more than the first VA book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books. I feel like the last person, but I really want to read them. I have the first 4 books and haven't started them. I need to get to them soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it. I really need to read the second novel of the series. I'm sooo late.
ReplyDeleteSee, I was wicked worried that since I hadn't read the Vamp Academy series that'd I'd totally be missing out on something!!! Thanks chick! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI loved Bloodlines! It was different from VA but still just as good. Adrian was hilarious. I love him! =D
ReplyDeleteI'm halfway through the last VA, and I can definitely tell I'm not going to want it to end! So I'm super excited to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI agree completely! Different than VA, but just as good, if not better. While Rose was the kind of heroine I admire, Sydney was both admirable and relatable; I really enjoyed her smarts and kindness.
ReplyDeleteUgh, I really want to read this, but I haven't read all the Vampire Academy books, yet! Umm, actually, I've only read one :S
ReplyDeleteSad I have to wait!