"The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here...
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world."
"Sydney Sage is an
Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to
bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire
secrets—and human lives.
In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked
everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her
feelings hidden from the Alchemists.
Now in the aftermath of an
event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick
up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they
have to survive.
For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by
adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity
and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in
the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle
proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of
him. . . .
Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and
Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment
in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are
off."
Warning: there will be a lot of spoilers in this review of Silver Shadows, book five in the Bloodlines series. I might spill a few things here and there.
Wah! 2015! The Ruby Circle is too far away! Damn it! Why did I bother reading this series this year? If I had just waited six months, maybe this thing would be a bit more bearable. However, I actually shed a tear to think of those people who didn't wait years like me. Imagine waiting for Bloodlines (the first book) many years ago and realizing there are five books after that.
I guess I'm luckier than most.
She said yes! Whoops. Spoilers again. Sorry, guys. I just can't stop any bad words (or spoilers) from coming out of my mouth. I wish I can tell you what happened, but that is going to ruin Silver Shadows for you. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I'll just say that Adrian asked Sydney a question and she said yes! Are you going to guess his question or do you already know it?
In Silver Shadows, Mead explores Reeducation and the other creepy things about the Alchemists. We start off with Sydney's POV and then jump back to depressed Adrian's POV, which is just depressing and upsetting to me. (Adrian seems a bit too down. He seemed hopeless and already giving up on Sydney. What? Just read the chapter samplers!) Anyway, Silver Shadows is shorter than other books in the series, but it is really good. I look forward to The Ruby Circle's publication date. Like I said before, 2015 is too far away. Even for me.
Sydney is one character I really like. She has a lot of guts and bravery. She retains her cool head despite all those torture and tactics the Alchemists use against her. She is the better person of the two (Adrian and Sydney). She is the stronger of the two, and she is really amazing. Her character is really tested in the book, and she still manages to be amazing. Best of all, she managed to use her magical powers, her wit, and her strength to overcome the terrors of Reeducation.
Honestly, I'm disappointed in Adrian.
Silver Shadows is an awesome sequel to The Fiery Heart. I totally approve of it, and I like it even more than The Indigo Spell. It is a fun ride from cover to cover and I'm totally left wanting more. The Ruby Circle? Here I come. Chomp, chomp.
Rating: Four out of Five
"Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.
In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .
But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.
Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe."
I love! I love! I love! Oh my goodness. The Fiery Heart is the best. I hate how Mead ended on a cliffhanger. This is why you wait until the last book comes out to read the entire series. At least that worked pretty well with Vampire Academy. Bloodlines? Not so much. It's 2014 and the next book, Silver Shadows, is months away. Like four months away. So annoying! I totally hate waiting for the next book.
Told from two POVs, The Fiery Heart is a big on surprises. It's told from Adrian and Sydney, in case you were wondering. Which POV is better? Well, I admit that I favor Sydney's POV. Adrian is too depressing. I think he's even more depressing than Poe. And that's saying something, because few are more depressing than Poe. (Edgar Allen Poe, if you can't figure it out. If you can't figure out, then you have a problem).
The ending is something I have to talk about. Right now. I can't believe it! She left us on a freaking cliffhanger. Whatever happens, I hope Sydney and Adrian will be okay. Apparently, the next book will be more romantic than sexual. That's according to the wiki page on Silver Shadows. Don't look so embarrassed. It's the truth. If wiki is right.
What I totally like about Bloodlines series is the lack of the infamous love triangle. You may argue that smart boy may had been a candidate, but you're only kidding yourself. It was always and always will be Adrian at the end. Remember Vampire Academy? For Rose, there were Dimitri, Mason, and Adrian. For Dimitri, there was a few other woman I won't name and Rose. Then I could also talk about some other weird things that happened in Vampire Academy. Let's face it. Vampire Academy is much stranger than the Bloodlines series.
The plot is so exciting. There is so many problems and situations. Magic takes a back seat for the most part of the book. The Alchemists and their organization is back in the limelight. They take front and center along with a few other people. Even though there's tons of problems, I'm going to say that you aren't going to be confused. Mead takes you into the book very well.
I will tell you that there are a few what-the-heck-is-wrong-with-this-author moments. For one example... Actually, I shouldn't talk about spoilers. Hmm...maybe I shouldn't. Close your eyes unless you want to see. Okay, apparently Sydney's witch mentor is dating Sydney's self-defense teacher. Isn't that wonderful? Totally gross moment. Open your eyes now. Heh. I should had used the words, spoiler alert, but that would be boring. I like a little bit of change. Change is good for us.
Sydney is growing up as a character. She's discovering more of the Alchemist's deception and secrets. She struggles with her heart and the Alchemist. It totally reminds me of Grave Mercy, when Ismae had to chose between Duval (the guy/love interest) or her convent (the organization she's obeying).
Adrian grows much more than Sydney. Since we are reading from his POV, we see more from his perspective. He's not exactly a drunk by choice. It's just that spirit is too depressing for him. That's why he has been kind of a jerk lately. In addition, we get to see how much Sydney's love changed him. Yes, it might be totally cheesy, but it's sort of cute and romantic. Sorry to all the men out there.
Rating: Five out of Five
"Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets--and human lives."
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."
Go for Adrian! The best parts in this book are the parts with Adrian in it. I have to be serious. I'm serious. The best parts are the Adrian parts. He's awesome, as usual. Too bad there isn't any Dimitri and Adrian actions. I was hoping for a little more action and humor between these former main characters and current main characters. I'm talking about Rose and Dimitri as the former main characters. Adrian and Sydney, the current main characters.
Yay for those two for finally showing up together. Mead is just teasing us! Anyway, they show up during a WEDDING, which is plain torture. It's not their wedding. It's Sonya's wedding. But still! It's very close. Any chance for wedding bells to ring for Dimitri and Rose? We can all wish and hope, right? Let's hope it happens in Silver Shadows or the sixth book. It would be legendary! I need more of them!
Sydney is still suspicious towards the vampires, but I think she's becoming more friendly with them, especially Adrian and Jill. It's nice to see her develop some more trust towards these guys. Her character development is working pretty well. I want to see more of Sydney and Adrian. They seem to be something interesting, but they aren't as good as the first power couple. I mean, Dimitri and Rose, of course. Dimitri and Rose have something more...strong. I guess they have a more profound bond than Adrian and Sydney. Let's hope it gets a bit more interesting. So far, the most Sydney and Adrian argue about is his drinking problem. Spirit, Adrian's power, is driving him to the point of no return.
There's something sinister going on with the Alchemists. Sydney is trying to find out their secrets, but first she must render the tattoo useless. The tattoo basically forces the Alchemists to keep their secrets and not reveal it to anyone. So when Sydney goes digging, she only finds more questions than answers. What exactly is going on with the Alchemists?
Witchcraft is taking a strong step forward into the light. In The Indigo Spell, there's a rogue witch taking people's life force and magic. It turns about to be Sydney's witch mentor's sister. Isn't that wonderful? But that's obvious. The real trick is to capture that rogue witch. It's not really a spoiler to readers.
Overall, I think The Indigo Spell is really heating up the entire series. We have Adrian and Sydney's relationship. Then we also have witchcraft, drunkenness, and tons of secrets. Yeah, Mead is just doing fine.
Rating: Four out of Five
"Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.
But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.
When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.
Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?"
Okay. Okay.
Sydney Sage certainly is keeping a bunch of secrets. She's dating the boy version of herself, Brayden. Unfortunately, it seems to have no chemistry. Well, to me, it was just plain torture. They weren't great with each other. Brayden remains awkward and strange. That just proves it! Especially at the end of The Golden Lily. Adrian is the one!
Anyway, I thought The Golden Lily was golden. It hit right on. I totally love it. It's the perfect amount of drama and insanity. Well, not insanity. That's not the perfect word for it. No, it's actually a perfect amount of charm. Perhaps I should use the word twist. Twisty plot, twisty Golden Lily. Yes, I believe that's perfect. Twisty and dramatic. I totally love it. Gosh, I'm repeating myself like a madwoman.
The conflict is amazing. Sydney is charged with watching Jill, but she's frequently distracted by Adrian. Adrian, of course, is still drinking like crazy. He doesn't seem to be doing very well with spirit. It appears he could probably take a few good advice from Lissa, who seems to be doing a bit better with spirit than him. And then there's something else. Sydney has to practice witchcraft, because her teacher wants her to. It turns out Sydney is very special indeed. A human witch, who can use magic. It's like the special Moroi vampires who can play with the elements. And then there's some special type of people out there. (Not going to say). Let me just say this: The Golden Lily will always be entertaining and never disappointing. Mead has yet to fail.
I noticed something common among Mead's writing. Yes, I did reread the previous books (series, Vampire Academy) because I wanted to catch up. Go ahead. Start screaming 'nerd' at me. I will be okay. I got called stranger things also. Anyway, Mead frequently uses the word "legitimate" or any variations of it. It's not a big concern, but I just wanted to point that out. It's annoying me to a certain extent. Okay, it's somewhat a big concern. Not too big. It's just legitimately annoying me like crazy.
Adrian is still drinking. That's what I want to point out. Also, he's still an annoying jerk as usual. He will need to work a bit harder if he really wants Sydney.
On the brighter side, there's Dimitri. Yes, Mr. Hottie is handsome. Guardian Handsome. Agent Handsome. Hmm...I'll just call him Dimitri. Guardian Handsome doesn't have the same ring to his real name. Anyway, I do enjoy the little banter/fight between Adrian and Dimitri. Wouldn't it be funny if I shipped them? Actually, I'm not shipping Dimitri and Adrian, but still. It's kind of funny. Oh, shoot. I better check to see if they exist before I start insulting anyone.
No Rose.
Rating: Five out of Five
"Blood doesn't lie...
Sydney is 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. 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 last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning..."
Excuse me while I go bang my head on something hard.
Thank you for waiting. Bloodlines is the start of the spinoff series from Vampire Academy. Now I know (actually, heard) about how terrible the movie was, so I'm not going to go into that. But if you are really upset by how the movie was adapted, I would suggest you go read Bloodlines. On second thought, don't read Bloodlines. Wait until 2015 to read Bloodlines, so you can get this series over with without being upset at yourself. Or read it now and be like me: freaking upset at my stupidity to read this book and sequels already.
Okay, dokey. Bloodlines is awesome. I really enjoyed it. I have to admit that when Rose and Dimitri, I had a little fangirl moment. Too bad, they didn't show up at the exact same moment. Rose was somewhere in the beginning. Dimitri was at the last page of the freaking book. So it wasn't much, but it was still awesome. Anyway, any characters from Vampire Academy like Eddie, Rose, and Dimitri and show up in Bloodlines are awesome. Oh, I should mention Adrian, too. He's still drinking.
Sydney and Adrian. I'm just waiting for them to happen. They have good chemistry, but it's not too strong. Hopefully, they will be a couple by the end of the series. I'm shipping those two lovebirds. Let's hope they will be together.
The plot and conflicts are entertaining. Sydney is sort of nervous around vampires, but she isn't as nervous as before. She handles them all very nicely. I really enjoyed reading from her POV. Anyway, there's a bunch of things going on. First of all, kids at her school are getting tattoos with similar properties as alchemist tattoos, so she suspects something bad is going on. There's a few other things going on like witchcraft so it does indeed get interesting.
The ending of Bloodlines leave off with the appearance of Dimitri. There isn't much, but I have to admit that I'm so excited to see him. Of course, Adrian doesn't seem to happy and won't be when he finds out. After all, Dimitri was always the one for Rose and Adrian sort of hates him because of it. Poor Adrian. His heart is always on the line. You can't but feel so terrible for him. Richelle Mead plays with his heart.
Anything worth mentioning: More Adrian and Sydney scenes. They are awesome. BTW, I would love if Sydney would talk more about her work. She doesn't seem very open about the alchemists. Very secretive.
Rating: Five out of Five
