Head Versus Heart

Head Versus Heart

• Apr 8, 2013

Bloodlines / The Golden Lily / The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Release Date: August 2011 / June 2012 / February 2013
Publisher: Penguin | Razorbill
Pages: 421 pages / 418 pages / 401 pages
Series: Bloodlines #1-3
Source & Format: Bought; Hardcover
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary of Bloodlines (from Goodreads)

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 Dragomire - 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...

Thoughts on the Bloodlines Series (Don't worry - no spoilers!)

5 Reasons You Might Think Bloodlines Isn't As Awesome Vampire Academy

1. "Sydney can't be as awesome as Rose."

2. "No relationship will ever compare to Rose and Dimitri's!"

3. What drama can ever come close to what happened in the Vampire Academy books?"

4. "There is no way the secondary characters in these books will be as interesting."

5. "Vampires outside of the Academy AND interacting with Alchemists. Hmm..."

5 Reasons You Would Be SO Wrong

1. Sydney isn't Rose - but she's totally awesome in her own way!

Yes, Sydney and Rose are two very different ladies. However, to be honest, Sydney is really more my cup of tea. She loves learning, studying and being smart. She's cautious and bound by the rules in her life. She is, above all, a rule follower. And while that may not be as fun to read about, it's something with which I can identify. She also really starts to come into her own, take charge and loosen up a little. I absolutely loved seeing her grow because it felt very authentic to me - it seemed like a believable progression for her character. Also, Rose could be really moody and rash. There is none of that business with Miss Syd! I'm only docking her an awesome point for her obsession with her weight. Seriously, Syd, stop mentioning your teeny-tiny size and how it's still not small enough. Otherwise, I love you, lady.

2. The romantic tension in these books is at an ALL-TIME HIGH.

Look I can't say anything at all about the relationship that develops in these books, but you need to trust me when I say that you'll still have all the feelings for this couple. Seriously the train is pulling into SWOON CENTRAL STATION by the end of The Indigo Spell, and I seriously cannot wait to see where this series goes next! There is tension, banter, feelings, misunderstandings, complications, kissing... Do I need to say anything other than kissing?

3. Trust me, once these books get going... there's no end to the things Sydney has to face!

I'll be honest, the first book get off to a slow start. Vampire Academy really sucks you in immediately - I found myself racing through the pages and quickly moving on to the next book. Bloodlines was a little different in that sense. In the first book, most of the action takes place toward the end so the pacing is a little off in that book. However, the pacing is spot-on and the drama is interesting and awesome in the next two books. I think we all know what that means - it's just going to get better from here!

4. It's Richelle Mead. You really think you aren't going to love ALL her characters?

It's ridiculous to even write an argument for this point. Richelle Mead does an awesome job of writing secondary characters that are interesting and keep your attention. You don't spend every minute wishing the leading lady would appear, and I love when I find books where I really love the whole cast of characters. Jill, Adrian, Eddie, Angeline - I really love the people we get to meet in this series (both new and returning characters). Also, seriously, you should read this book for the character growth and general amazingness of Adrian alone. Just trust me.

5. Vampire + Alchemists + Human World = AWESOME

I wasn't sure how the Alchemist and vampire world would translate to the human world. I've got to say, that's become one of my favorite things about these books. I love that we're seeing things from Sydney's human perspective and getting to learn more about how both Alchemists and vampires interact with the world around them. Plus, you're still getting high school drama - now it's just a human school instead of a vampire academy!

So Quotable (Just in case you're still not convinced...)

"The greatest changes in history have come because people were able to shake off what others told them to do." - Bloodlines

"You make me want to become something greater than myself. I want to excel. You inspire me in every act, every word, every glance. I look at you, and you're like... like light made into flesh." - The Golden Lily

"One day she's throwing a book at me. The next, we're making out behind the library." - The Indigo Spell