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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
Tohle bylo ještě lepší než první díl. Syney je skvělá hlavní hrdinka, Adrian je prostě Adrian a já ho miluju. Richelle Mead je zkrátka sázka na jistotu. A teď bych si poprosila další díl.
2022: the tension?!!
2022: the tension?!!
Enjoyable we shall see how the rest of the series goes.
This is a reread but I want to write a review with fresh eyes. Besides it's been years since. Everything written below is a spoiler. I'd like to keep these notes to remember every time I miss Adrian and Sydney.
I had so much fun reading about the budding romance of Sydney and Adrian. It's burninggg!! I really enjoyed their banter -- especially that Adrian is giving not so subtle hints about him liking her... umm comments about Brandon, Bryan, Aiden oh right it's Brayden, encouraging her to gain a healthy amount of weight, have a stock of pomegranate gelato in his fridge for her, buying that Mustang because he knows she likes it (!!! gosh), not wanting to go sparring with her because he's afraid them touching each other does not mean anything to her, etc!! hahahaha ughhh loved this convo between Adrian and Wolfe:
HAHAHAHA THE ADRIAN IVASHKOV IS ONCE AGAIN LOVE STRUCK. I really like how he is in this book -- trying his best to become better, even avoiding smoking because he and Sydney had a deal. I like how he cares so sooo much about her and her health. I like how concerned he is on what she thinks about him. I like how he defends and protects her from that things she does not want. Honestly, Sydney does not need saving. She just needs someone to push her, guide her, and support her.. so far, that is what Adrian had been. Adrian too, he just needs someone to trust and believe in him and that is what Sydney's doing. Defending him from his dad??? damn!! Sydney sure did deserve that Mustang hahaha. Sydney did a lot of things for Adrian too, always concerned how he is and his mental health.
Sydney's kind of growing into me too as a character, she might turn into one oy my fave FMC (not fully committing yet since we still have 4 more books LOL). But I really like how she is here. She's slowly realizing that her beliefs and the teachings instilled into her might not be as gallant and good as it seems. Now that she is starting to feel like this their whole Melrose-gang is a family, including Angeline!
I love her relationship with Trey too. I like Trey period!!! I actually forgot what Trey's plot is in the next books so as of now I like him!! hahaha I like his relationship with Sydney. Just like her, he is torn with his organization's beliefs too. It's hard to change old habits, it must be harder to change beliefs especially if that ties you with your family.
I'd also like to take note that Dimitri once again had overshadowed the plot LOLLLL. He really is smart but I still don't like the age gap between him and Rose!!
We finally had people believing in Clarence. Vampire hunters exist!! At first I thought they were werewolves lol too much twilight hahaha. But they're a different faction of the Alchemist. They were one before but due to different beliefs about the vampires they split up.
What else?? I just love how Adrian does everything to see Sydney happy. He remembers everything she says. He enjoys listening to her even if she things it's nonsense. He worships her!! Those random moments with Jill and Sydney where she compliments her out of nowhere? Well, I have a strong feeling that's Adrian daydreaming about Sydney. TYPICAL ADRIAN UGHHH <33333
Eddie and Angeline I was not expecting but it makes sense lol. I mean, maybe it does for the story but for me I think it's unnecessary drama. We have a lot already haha. And Lia? yeah her? I don't like her. Can't take a no as an answer. UGH!!
Overall, just really swooning about Adrian and Sydney's scenes. They're not on full romance mode yet but the yearning between them is soooo deep. How can you not feel anything during dates, holding hands, and kisses with your boyfriend but just a touch of Adrian's fingertips and it already sends tingles to your spine??? How's that Sydney hahaha.
Anyway, we ended in a heart break :((((
I had so many highlights it could pass up as a novella.
I had so much fun reading about the budding romance of Sydney and Adrian. It's burninggg!! I really enjoyed their banter -- especially that Adrian is giving not so subtle hints about him liking her... umm comments about Brandon, Bryan, Aiden oh right it's Brayden, encouraging her to gain a healthy amount of weight, have a stock of pomegranate gelato in his fridge for her, buying that Mustang because he knows she likes it (!!! gosh), not wanting to go sparring with her because he's afraid them touching each other does not mean anything to her, etc!! hahahaha ughhh loved this convo between Adrian and Wolfe:
"You were totally unprepared for her."
"That's for damned sure."
HAHAHAHA THE ADRIAN IVASHKOV IS ONCE AGAIN LOVE STRUCK. I really like how he is in this book -- trying his best to become better, even avoiding smoking because he and Sydney had a deal. I like how he cares so sooo much about her and her health. I like how concerned he is on what she thinks about him. I like how he defends and protects her from that things she does not want. Honestly, Sydney does not need saving. She just needs someone to push her, guide her, and support her.. so far, that is what Adrian had been. Adrian too, he just needs someone to trust and believe in him and that is what Sydney's doing. Defending him from his dad??? damn!! Sydney sure did deserve that Mustang hahaha. Sydney did a lot of things for Adrian too, always concerned how he is and his mental health.
Sydney's kind of growing into me too as a character, she might turn into one oy my fave FMC (not fully committing yet since we still have 4 more books LOL). But I really like how she is here. She's slowly realizing that her beliefs and the teachings instilled into her might not be as gallant and good as it seems. Now that she is starting to feel like this their whole Melrose-gang is a family, including Angeline!
I love her relationship with Trey too. I like Trey period!!! I actually forgot what Trey's plot is in the next books so as of now I like him!! hahaha I like his relationship with Sydney. Just like her, he is torn with his organization's beliefs too. It's hard to change old habits, it must be harder to change beliefs especially if that ties you with your family.
I'd also like to take note that Dimitri once again had overshadowed the plot LOLLLL. He really is smart but I still don't like the age gap between him and Rose!!
We finally had people believing in Clarence. Vampire hunters exist!! At first I thought they were werewolves lol too much twilight hahaha. But they're a different faction of the Alchemist. They were one before but due to different beliefs about the vampires they split up.
What else?? I just love how Adrian does everything to see Sydney happy. He remembers everything she says. He enjoys listening to her even if she things it's nonsense. He worships her!! Those random moments with Jill and Sydney where she compliments her out of nowhere? Well, I have a strong feeling that's Adrian daydreaming about Sydney. TYPICAL ADRIAN UGHHH <33333
Eddie and Angeline I was not expecting but it makes sense lol. I mean, maybe it does for the story but for me I think it's unnecessary drama. We have a lot already haha. And Lia? yeah her? I don't like her. Can't take a no as an answer. UGH!!
Overall, just really swooning about Adrian and Sydney's scenes. They're not on full romance mode yet but the yearning between them is soooo deep. How can you not feel anything during dates, holding hands, and kisses with your boyfriend but just a touch of Adrian's fingertips and it already sends tingles to your spine??? How's that Sydney hahaha.
Anyway, we ended in a heart break :((((
Adrian stood there leaning against the doorframe, watching me with his heart in his eyes. In my check, my own heart was breaking. On my cheek, the lily reminded me who I was.
I had so many highlights it could pass up as a novella.
First read predates 2014
Second read: Honestly it takes them two full books for them to kiss.
Third read: Aw yeah Adrien romance.
Second read: Honestly it takes them two full books for them to kiss.
Third read: Aw yeah Adrien romance.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Update 9/22/24 2 stars
This book is a classic case of an idiot plot. In other words, the plot only works because all the characters are idiots. Angeline being in the story, Sonya getting kidnapped, Sydney's whole magic struggle, none of it works if the characters used one brain cell. A part of me wants to delete these books from my Kindle, but I'm such a sucker for friends-to-lovers.
I'll start with Angeline. You want Jill protected, fine. There are surely plenty of other female guardians you can send who will attract less notice. Also, why wasn't this the first option? The Alchemists are idiots, and the Moroi are idiots for not trying to provide another guardian. From what I remember of Vampire Academy, dhampir would jump at the chance to protect ANY Moroi. A new character is introduced later, so clearly there's no issue with making somebody up. Angeline should not be here; her presence is made worse by how she says and does things in a very stupid or reckless way.
Now for Sydney's magic problems. I said this in my first review, but it must be repeated: if Sydney is so against learning magic, why doesn't she just drop the class? Exactly what consequences will she face by doing this? It's not like the teacher can force her, and if she is failed for it, she can complain to the school that she was being forced to do something that was against her religion/principles. We're never given any stakes that could prevent Sydney from NOT doing the work. She needs to learn magic for plot reasons and the author couldn't think of how to do this without making Sydney into an idiot.
I saved Sonya for last because this one was the most easily preventable. She's accosted by some guy recognizing her from Kentucky. Neither she nor Sydney mention this, for some reason. You don't think it's important for others to know that she was recognized in Palm Springs by some random human? Then it gets worse when they're attacked and they don't do anything about it. No report filed, no immediately getting Sonya out of Palm Springs, nothing! Also, Dimitri was nowhere to be found until after they were attacked. He's a guardian; it's literally his job to protect Moroi, and he failed at it because he was taking a personal phone call. But then on top of all that, knowing that she's in danger, she goes off on her own. Dimitri doesn't go with her, doesn't check in with her for HOURS. This guy utterly sucks at his job. It's just frustrating, because previous narrative built these people as supposedly intelligent, reliable, and Dimitri is supposed to be one of the best guardians out there. But they were all given stupid/incompetent pills to make the plot work.
On a completely unrelated note, Brayden deserved better. I understand the intention (show that Adrian is her HEA), but did Brayden have to be treated so badly by Sydney and her gang? Trey was the only one who was nice to the poor guy.
Original review March 12, 2014 3 stars
All right, let me first say that I liked this book a little better than Bloodlines. There are things that I feel are lacking in this, but there was a lot more going on and I enjoyed all of the struggles Sydney endured. I'm sure a lot of fans were frustrated with Sydney's more intellectual and noncombatant approach, but I found that refreshing and very believable considering her background.
Again, the main thing that bothered me about this book is what tends to bother me in teen fiction as a whole: the romance. Which isn't to say that I didn't like Adrian and Sydney growing closer over the course of the book. What I didn't like was the constant need for there to be a love triangle of some sort going on. I may be as out of touch in the romance department as Sydney, but I find it difficult to really accept that aspect of the romances.
I won't touch upon Sydney's brief romance much, but I will say that despite how much I like her I was frustrated with her in many portions of the book. She claims to struggle against learning magic yet doesn't actually try to get out of it. I believe she could drop this independent study if she really tried hard enough, and she has shown herself willing to stand up against people. She knows that her becoming friendly with the vampires and dhampirs goes against the Alchemists' teachings, and her own personal distractions are taking her away from her duty, but I didn't see her agonize over that enough for my satisfaction. I just feel like there is a lot of lost potential with her as a character.
I really want to see more of her and for more to be done with her than has happened so far. As the main character and narrator, it's incredible to me that more isn't being developed. Then again, Sydney does focus on others more than herself so I can at least logically understand how this happened. Here's hoping that more will happen in the next installment.
This book is a classic case of an idiot plot. In other words, the plot only works because all the characters are idiots. Angeline being in the story, Sonya getting kidnapped, Sydney's whole magic struggle, none of it works if the characters used one brain cell. A part of me wants to delete these books from my Kindle, but I'm such a sucker for friends-to-lovers.
I'll start with Angeline. You want Jill protected, fine. There are surely plenty of other female guardians you can send who will attract less notice. Also, why wasn't this the first option? The Alchemists are idiots, and the Moroi are idiots for not trying to provide another guardian. From what I remember of Vampire Academy, dhampir would jump at the chance to protect ANY Moroi. A new character is introduced later, so clearly there's no issue with making somebody up. Angeline should not be here; her presence is made worse by how she says and does things in a very stupid or reckless way.
Now for Sydney's magic problems. I said this in my first review, but it must be repeated: if Sydney is so against learning magic, why doesn't she just drop the class? Exactly what consequences will she face by doing this? It's not like the teacher can force her, and if she is failed for it, she can complain to the school that she was being forced to do something that was against her religion/principles. We're never given any stakes that could prevent Sydney from NOT doing the work. She needs to learn magic for plot reasons and the author couldn't think of how to do this without making Sydney into an idiot.
I saved Sonya for last because this one was the most easily preventable. She's accosted by some guy recognizing her from Kentucky. Neither she nor Sydney mention this, for some reason. You don't think it's important for others to know that she was recognized in Palm Springs by some random human? Then it gets worse when they're attacked and they don't do anything about it. No report filed, no immediately getting Sonya out of Palm Springs, nothing! Also, Dimitri was nowhere to be found until after they were attacked. He's a guardian; it's literally his job to protect Moroi, and he failed at it because he was taking a personal phone call. But then on top of all that, knowing that she's in danger, she goes off on her own. Dimitri doesn't go with her, doesn't check in with her for HOURS. This guy utterly sucks at his job. It's just frustrating, because previous narrative built these people as supposedly intelligent, reliable, and Dimitri is supposed to be one of the best guardians out there. But they were all given stupid/incompetent pills to make the plot work.
On a completely unrelated note, Brayden deserved better. I understand the intention (show that Adrian is her HEA), but did Brayden have to be treated so badly by Sydney and her gang? Trey was the only one who was nice to the poor guy.
Original review March 12, 2014 3 stars
All right, let me first say that I liked this book a little better than Bloodlines. There are things that I feel are lacking in this, but there was a lot more going on and I enjoyed all of the struggles Sydney endured. I'm sure a lot of fans were frustrated with Sydney's more intellectual and noncombatant approach, but I found that refreshing and very believable considering her background.
Again, the main thing that bothered me about this book is what tends to bother me in teen fiction as a whole: the romance. Which isn't to say that I didn't like Adrian and Sydney growing closer over the course of the book. What I didn't like was the constant need for there to be a love triangle of some sort going on. I may be as out of touch in the romance department as Sydney, but I find it difficult to really accept that aspect of the romances.
I won't touch upon Sydney's brief romance much, but I will say that despite how much I like her I was frustrated with her in many portions of the book. She claims to struggle against learning magic yet doesn't actually try to get out of it. I believe she could drop this independent study if she really tried hard enough, and she has shown herself willing to stand up against people. She knows that her becoming friendly with the vampires and dhampirs goes against the Alchemists' teachings, and her own personal distractions are taking her away from her duty, but I didn't see her agonize over that enough for my satisfaction. I just feel like there is a lot of lost potential with her as a character.
I really want to see more of her and for more to be done with her than has happened so far. As the main character and narrator, it's incredible to me that more isn't being developed. Then again, Sydney does focus on others more than herself so I can at least logically understand how this happened. Here's hoping that more will happen in the next installment.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3,5 stars
I had such a blast reading this book!
The best part of Golden Lily are the characters. Sydney is a unique and badass main character. She is analytical and by the book, but her narration and her character isn't robotic or distant, but rather, relatable. I love seeing the character growth and how her world and the people she interacts with are slowly altering her rigid views.
Another reason I like this book is because of the potential Adrian and Sydney pairing. I love their banter, their chemistry and their teamwork. They seem like an unlikely pairing, but they totally make sense and get along so well. The possibility of their relationship is seen as taboo and I'm curious about how Sydney and Adrian will deal with that. It's also hilarious to see how Jill is influenced by Adrian when she's with Sydney.
The plot is the weakest part, but I don't mind because I like the characters, their relationships and their character progression. The plot is predictable and most of the action happens in the last quarter. While the Vampire Academy series was more about the vampire world, the Bloodlines series is about how the outside world interacts with the vampire world and new and interesting paranormal elements are introduced.
These books are so fun! I love the characters, the world and the main romance and I'm so excited to read more.
“Nothing's ever as harmless as it seems.”
I had such a blast reading this book!
The best part of Golden Lily are the characters. Sydney is a unique and badass main character. She is analytical and by the book, but her narration and her character isn't robotic or distant, but rather, relatable. I love seeing the character growth and how her world and the people she interacts with are slowly altering her rigid views.
Another reason I like this book is because of the potential Adrian and Sydney pairing. I love their banter, their chemistry and their teamwork. They seem like an unlikely pairing, but they totally make sense and get along so well. The possibility of their relationship is seen as taboo and I'm curious about how Sydney and Adrian will deal with that. It's also hilarious to see how Jill is influenced by Adrian when she's with Sydney.
The plot is the weakest part, but I don't mind because I like the characters, their relationships and their character progression. The plot is predictable and most of the action happens in the last quarter. While the Vampire Academy series was more about the vampire world, the Bloodlines series is about how the outside world interacts with the vampire world and new and interesting paranormal elements are introduced.
These books are so fun! I love the characters, the world and the main romance and I'm so excited to read more.
“You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth. And you don't even know it. You have no clue how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine.”