Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Published: August 2011

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 421

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

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. 

Review:

If you are a regular follower of our blog, you will know that I'm kind of ridiculous about two series - The Mortal Instruments and Vampire Academy.  It is not often that I spend much money on books (sorry, practically live at either the library or bookstore and/or work there).  But when I had heard that Richelle Mead was coming out with a new series involving the Vampire Academy world, I just had to buy it.  Unfortunately, life intervened and it sat in my TBR pile until recently.

LOVED. LOVED. LOVED Bloodlines.  There are a few things that I love about Richelle Mead's writing.  She organizes her plotlines brilliantly and everything seems to wrap up so nicely.  There are no instances where I'm thinking to myself - what just happened?  It's more like OMG!!!  DID THAT REALLY HAPPEN?  Plus, she does delve into background information a bit to remind you of important events that have happened in previous books or series.  She is an excellent storyteller and Bloodlines is a great start to this new series.  

I wasn't sure how much I would like Sydney (since she seemed like she had a bit of stick up her butt in the Vampire Academy) but this series gives you more insight and background information into her upbringing and the Alchemist teachings. 

*spoiler*

For those of you who didn't like the ending to the Vampire Academy series, you'll love the fact that Adrian is one of the main characters in Bloodlines.  AND he's not hungover for the majority of the book!

*end spoiler*

Since I sped through the book, I only had a chance to get a couple quotes from Bloodlines

“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)”

 "As I drove away, I decided the Alchemists needed an entire department devoted to handling Adrian Ivashkov." (Sydney)

For those of you who are Richelle Mead fans, you will probably be waiting in line for Book #2 of Bloodlines called The Golden Lily out in June.  Maybe I'll see you in line.  For those of you who haven't hopped on the Richelle Mead wagon, shame on you!  You don't know what you're missing!

Don't forget to check out our GIVEAWAY for a copy of all 6 volumes in the Galahad Legacy series

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Published: December 2010

Publisher: Penguin Group

Pages: 594

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Review:

If you are a loyal follower of this blog then you must know how much I LOVE this series.  I think it ranks right up there with Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument series for me.  Last Sacrifice is the final installment of the Vampire Academy series.  Ms. Mead takes this (nearly) 600 page book and makes it feel like a walk in the park.  As the final book in the series, it is jam packed full of adventure, action, murder, romance and Richelle wraps everything up neatly when she's finished.  I couldn't have asked for a better ending.  Normally it would take me a long time to finish up a book of this length. I don't have many opportunities to read, just here and there when I get a chance but I flew through this title in a matter of days.  I can't emphasize how much I enjoyed the Vampire Academy series.  If you haven't tried it, you really should give it a shot.  You need to start at the very beginning as the story has many characters who develop and grow with each book.  Ms. Mead is an excellent storyteller and has layered her characters, world and plot extremely well.  Bravo Ms. Mead.  I will be seeking out Bloodlines shortly...gotta keep an eye on Sydney!

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Published: May 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 489

Copy Provided by: purchased e-book from KOBO

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.


She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Review:

OK, so if I haven't mentioned this before, I'm really enjoying this series. One of the best things about this series is it is complete. I don't have to wait months and months for the next installation. Seriously, have you started reading it yet? I think you should start...

We finally see Rose graduate in this book. It was a long time coming and to be honest, with her loose tongue and quick to jump reactions, I wasn't sure that she was going to make it. Things are starting to get cozy with her and Adrian but I still don't feel the PASSION that she had with Dimitri. I do feel a bit bad for the poor guy though (Adrian). I mean how would you feel if the one you love has run off trying to resurrect his/her ex-love. Duh....kinda like a piece of trash thrown to the road, yes? I have heard that all will be decided in Last Sacrifice in this love triangle. I'm team Dimitri. Sorry Adrian but I think you were meant to be with someone who can give themselves fully...any single ladies out there looking for a handsome, rich, royal Moroi?

It doesn't take long for things to heat up in this book. Action, action and more action. Queen Tatiana is a royal pain in the butt and I am surprised at how strongly Rose stands up to her. I would have liked to see other guardians come to her aid in a more (ahem) proactive way. At least she does receive some support (albeit indirectly). I won't go further into her role in Spirit Bound. Let's just say she won't be as nasty to Rose in the next book....

The end of the book takes a drastic change (I won't spoil it) and I'm wondering how Rose will possibly get out of her situation. I'm trying hard not to rush out and purchase Last Sacrifice by catching up on my TBR pile. I can't wait to read it but knowing it is the last book, I've been putting it off. Silly, isn't it? Now, have I convinced anyone to start reading this series or am I going to have to start with bribery soon?

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Published: August 2009

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 503

Copy Obtained by: Purchased E-book

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

After the massacre at Vampire Academy, Rose Hathaway faces the most difficult task of her life and she knows that she must do it alone. With Mason departed for the other world, Rose must hunt down and kill Dimitri Belikov, the man she most loves. The fourth nail-biting episode of Richelle Mead's popular vampire series dramatically shows the fatal power of a promise.

Review:
Blood Promise is Book #4 of The Vampire Academy series.  So far this has been the best of all the titles I've read.  Sorry but this review is going to contain spoilers, especially if you haven't been reading this series.  Not a good time to jump in...Go back to the initial Vampire Academy and start there.  No seriously, stop reading....

**spoilers**
Rose travels to Russia in search of Dimitri who has now turned Strigoi.  I love how this gave us some insight into Dimitri's background and family.  I liked to see how Rose made her own decisions without the influence of her friends, establishing much independence and having to once again grow and fend for herself.  Meeting Abe was quite the twist and I didn't figure out his significance until later in the book.  I pictured him to be quite old (and grandfatherly) which was incorrect.  Would love to hear how others pictured him in their minds.

Rose and Dimitri end up having some pretty steamy scenes in the book.  She finally gets out of her man clothes and into something more feminine.  Dimitri becomes her addiction after awhile.  Like a love drug...both literally and figuratively.  I have to wonder if he was being sincere about them being together if she turned or if he was just trying to use her.

Ahhhh....so many twists and turns.  I would like to see more with Dimitri's family in the future but I have heard that the other books don't include them.  Pity.  Anyhow, like I mentioned before, this was the best book of the series so far for me.  Ms Mead is brilliant, can it get any better?

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Published: November 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 443
Copy Provided by: e-book on Overdrive
Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

For Rose Hathaway, everything seems out of kilter. Ever since she made her first Strigoi kills, a dark shadow has been creeping over her. Looming in the background, too, is another realization: If she follows her forbidden love for guardian Dimitri Belikov, she might lose her best friend forever. And these sleep-shaking worries couldn't have come at a worse time. The immortal unloving are prowling everywhere, famished for vengeance against her. An adrenaline-laced episode of the teen pop favorite Vampire Academy.

Review:

I tried Shadow Kiss as an e-book. Normally I prefer to read regular books but I thought I'd try something different and 'borrowed' it from our local library. What was nice is that I didn't have to worry about late fees because it is automatically 'returned' after a set number of days. Love it. I always have library fines. You'd think that working at a library would have certain perks like waiving fees....think again! My only beef about the e-book format using my netbook was that I had to click or touch the mousepad and it would often skip 2 pages instead of turn one. That is my computer though, not the novel itself.

So let's be honest here. I think I'm seriously becoming obsessed with this series. In fact, I'm wondering if I should start up the first chapter of Vampire Academy Addicts Anonymous. Raise your hand if you'd like to join and earn your "chip". I wasn't able to get Book #4 at my library (it was signed out) so I tried to get it via e-book and it wasn't available so instead of hauling butt to the local bookstore, I decided to purchase the e-book on Kobo. Luckily, Kobo gives you a discount for your first purchase so I saved right away and I was able to start reading right away. I'm liking these e-books!

So back to the review....Ms Mead really packs in a punch with this book as we delve deeper into understanding Lissa and Rose's bond. The Shadow Kissed are not always peachy keen participants. There are some serious side effects that occur when Lissa uses her magic. We also get to know Adrian a bit better which I like...oh and Dimitri. Mmmm....Dimitri. I wish I could meet him in person. Adrian seems so much younger than Dimitri in life experience and maturity. In Shadow Kiss we also see Dimitri and Rose's relationship take a few drastic changes. The ending was shocking and believable leaving me to wonder how Richelle Mead churns these novels out so that you're dying for more. To be honest, I'm glad the series has ended because I'm not certain I could have waited for each book to come out...can't get enough of Vampire Academy....

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Published: April 2008

Published by: Razorbill

Pages: 327

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…

It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

Review:

Ahhh.....another totally satisfying segment of the Vampire Academy saga. I'm starting to feel like this series is a bit like a drug. I love the plotline, most of the characters (even though a few of them infuriate me) and how everything plays out. There are so many things going on at once and always enough that continues to drag you back for more. Like a good soap opera...only with vampires....

So in this book we see Rose starting to take a bit of responsiblity for her bad girl behavior. Sure, she still runs off at the mouth and lets her emotions dictate her outrageous behaviour but our little Rose is slowly growing up. We also see where some of her resentment comes from as her mother enters the picture and the reader learns how female Guardians choose between family and duty.

Again, like the first book, I don't want to get too much into the core story because I don't want to reveal any spoilers. Just know that this book is action-packed, full of surprises, love triangles and hilarious situations (aka, awkward moments via Rose and Lissa's connection). Frostbite is sure to keep you entertained and itching for Book #3 - Shadow Kiss.