REVIEW : Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Author : Richelle Mead
Publisher : Razorbill
Source : Bought
Pages : 421 (Hardback)
Summary from Goodreads :
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...
Book Trailer :
Cover Glimpse :
Usually I'm not really into the style (you know, frontal face look like VA's), but I dunno why I really like the cover. It's red (oh yeah), the models are fab (I love Adrian's impersonate! And I also love the Golden Lily tattoo on Sydney's cheek, fantabulous!) and of course, 'Richelle Mead' term. Oh yeah!
2cents
This book has been on my shelf for a long time before I could finish Vampire Academy series because of the local publishing matter and I even didn't dare to take a peek on it. LOL. But at last I finally could devour it and ooooh, thank you Richelle Mead for constantly being so AWESOME! You're definitely the genius story-teller! Again I was dazzled with Mead's skill how to make any development processes on either the story or character so subtle, so real and understandable and how she always surprises me and turns everything to the unexpected moment. It was so thrilling to meet both old and new people on this series with a totally different vibe and rhythm from Vampire Academy, the more-drama-like and 'calmer' one, and take a note : almost has no love scenes at all which I found absolutely fine for me. I really enjoyed the subtle development of relation between Sydney and her new friends, Moroi and Dhampir who she used to hate.
I met Sydney Sage very first time at Blood Promise and because I've already known she'd be the main character at Bloodlines, I wanted to know her more and put more attention on her. Although Sydney is not as 'striking' as Rose, tends to be more discreet, rigid and genuine thinker, her character has been continually developing since half of VA series until this one, where we get a chance to see the world from her eyes and thoughts.
Basically, Sydney is a contrary of Rose, both her character and life. She's pure smart scientist, well-organized and professional, somehow kind of boring because she's so rigid and too obedient even letting some people trash her ability and misjudge her. But yet, surprisingly she's quite open-minded and there's a little rebel part of her (usually Alchemist dislike the dark creatures named Moroi and Dhampir and avoids to have any kind relationship with them) that regards her new 'friends'; a pack of fugitive Moroi and Dhampir consists Jill, Eddie and Adrian; and responsible to take care of them more like a big sister, or even like a mother. I found a lot of her thoughts and acts are charming and related to my own self, and it's so hard not to liking her.
“Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try."
- Adrian
from Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Adrian as one of main character is the important thing of this series, at least for me. I really want to know what Mead would do on 'healing' Adrian. As for my main-male-character standard, Adrian possesses some characteristics I despise a lot (smoking, drinking, womanizer, spoiled-rich-boy, victim-minded, etc). But so strange, apparently Mead's magic works on me, I like him so much. If Adrian was solidified, I would run and bump onto him, hug him and said "SO NICE TO SEE YOU, SO CALLED JET STEELE!!!" xD. Although it was kinda sad looking on him, all messed, broken and sad, he's still 'him' after all with his cigarettes (which I dislike), liquors (which I dislike too), witty-sarcastic-hilarious comments and lines (which I absolutely LOVE!). I don't deny that some moments I felt like wanna strangle him for keep destroying himself and being such a$*hole (I know there are reasons but still, UGH!) but as pages flipped by he starts to healed and change, to be a bit more appreciate himself. Thanks for Sydney too though =D. Adrian is really really charming here. I laughed a lot over his funny and ridiculous dialogues I almost overdosed. Seriously can't get enough of him!
I also was happy I could know more about Jill and Eddie as we barely see them at VA. I feel so sorry to Jill for everything had happened to her. Jill's being all emo here is so understandable since I think I would do as the same as her too if I was in her state. Eddie really looks like a young Dimitri to me, being all tough and serious, well actually I already considered this since Spirit Bound and kind of miss his fun part.
Like I said, this book almost has no romance. Well, maybe a little bit sparks here and there but not too pronounced. As for me, somehow I enjoyed that wondering feeling, what would happen between these characters, especially between Sydney and Adrian. I already have been shipping them heavily because I really love watching their quarrels and banters. They look so cute together and Sydney seems the only person who can handle Adrian Ivashkov very well =D. This book also barely has real action since we only have only one fighter among the main characters, but still could make my heart pounding fast and literally biting my nails. So unexpected and horrifying!
Overall, although it's okay to start this right away, I may highly suggest you to read Vampire Academy series first before you get a hand on this book, it will help you to know more about the background of some characters and some things that had happened before. And yes, this is an amazing start of an amazing-to-be series, as expected from Richelle Mead. Some of VA fans maybe would feel something is missing here (because Rose's voice is so powerful and unforgettable). There are suddenly appearing new secrets that makes me more curious and thrilled to get a grip on the next book, Golden Lily.
VA fans, or specifically Adrian fans, you have to start this book very soon!
Happy reading! =D
I actually loved that there was no romance, it left so much space for character development. I wasn't too thrilled with the book overall, but that part I truly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAnd all the Adrian quotes are just awesome, but the one you singled out made me laugh so hard.. :)
Lovely review!