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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
I liked this new installment. I think it's amazing how these characters grow and fight their inner demons, specially Adrian and Sydney. I do understand her and how her beliefs clash with what she's experiencing but that makes her a great character to follow.
Also, I'm enjoying this world. It's amazing how the author expands her world and mythology with each new book, keeping things interesting and fresh. You don't seem to read the same story over again.
Also, I'm enjoying this world. It's amazing how the author expands her world and mythology with each new book, keeping things interesting and fresh. You don't seem to read the same story over again.
I'm totally hooked on this books. Adrian simply makes my life brighter.
Richelle Mead knows how to deliver. In Bloodlines, she created a fascinating backdrop where vampires masquerade among humans at a boarding school. A prominent Moroi royal is in danger and is being hidden here in Palm Springs. Sydney the Alchemist is tasked with concealing the identities Jill and the other moroi and dhampirs. It makes for some great plot lines, but who am I kidding? Why am I really reading this series? Two words: Sydney. Adrian.
Bloodlines left off with just the hint of romance between Sydney and Adrian. It showed that some of the most heart-melting scenes can take place without any physical touch. The Golden Lily continues to build on Sydney and Adrian's relationship. It's the opposite of insta-love. The two continue to get to know each other better. I love how Sydney pushes Adrian to be better but also assures him that he has her respect. Similarly, Adrian tries to lift up Sydney's distorted self-image. Both characters have strong instincts to protect the other. Their personalities mesh together so well and they have so much chemistry that just their conversations are loads more satisfying than many make out scenes I've read in other series. But don't worry, it's not all talking. :-)
My favorite quote:
[Adrian]: 'After what he said about me, I can't stand the thought that you might think less of me.'
I was so surprised that I couldn't muster a response right away. When I did, I just blurted out the first thing that came to mind. 'Of course I don't.' He still wouldn't look at me, apparently not believing my words. 'Adrian.' I laid my hand over his and felt a warm spark of connection. He jerked his head toward me in astonishment. 'Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I've had my mind made up about you for a long time...and it's all good.'" (page. 158)
Like Bloodlines, The Golden Lily is not centered around action. Sure, there are fights sprinkled throughout the book and a big blow-out at the end, but it's really framed around developing Sydney and Adrian's relationship. This is done partly by highlighting how S/A's chemistry contrasts with Sydney's new boyfriend Brayden. Brayden should be Sydney's soul-mate. Brainy in the unrealistic extreme, he and Sydney immediately hit it off. Brayden may share Sydney's nerdy intelligence but he lacks her capacity for self-sacrifice and empathy. They have a great time together, but even Sydney can sense that it's just not clicking. Definitely not like she and Adrian connect (although clueless Sydney never thinks about that).
I continue to love Sydney. I relate to her much more than I ever did Rose. It's wonderful that she's not ashamed to be intelligent, but unlike Brayden, doesn't come off as arrogant. A lot of people complain about her obsession with her weight, but I think it's a great addition to her character. Sydney expects perfection of herself in everything. When she's hanging around moroi all day who are so much thinner than she is, it's natural to feel like you're failing - even if she knows that moroi's willowy body type is unrealistic.
Another great addition to this series is the exploration of witchcraft - human use of natural elements to craft spells. It is yet another opportunity for Sydney to challenge the Alchemist rules with which she has been indoctrinated. And comes in very handy. I'm looking forward to seeing Sydney fully embrace spells in future books.
One thing I did find odd about this book was the timing. The entire first book took place in a month. This book is an additional month. It feels unrealistic that so much could get crammed into a single month. Both with all the varied plots and the build-up of relationships. Another potential criticism of the series is that it feels very predictable. I think I can guess how the rest of the series will play out. Maybe I'll be proven wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if I largely know what's going to happen. Not that I care. I want to see just how my fantasy Sydney/Adrian story will occur.
The Bloodlines series is candy. It is somewhat formulaic and does not have a huge amount of substance, but you just can't get sweeter than Sydney and Adrian's romance. Candy or not, I tore through the pages of this book and will happily re-read it to relive the magic. I cannot wait for Indigo Spell to come out in February.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Bloodlines left off with just the hint of romance between Sydney and Adrian. It showed that some of the most heart-melting scenes can take place without any physical touch. The Golden Lily continues to build on Sydney and Adrian's relationship. It's the opposite of insta-love. The two continue to get to know each other better. I love how Sydney pushes Adrian to be better but also assures him that he has her respect. Similarly, Adrian tries to lift up Sydney's distorted self-image. Both characters have strong instincts to protect the other. Their personalities mesh together so well and they have so much chemistry that just their conversations are loads more satisfying than many make out scenes I've read in other series. But don't worry, it's not all talking. :-)
My favorite quote:
[Adrian]: 'After what he said about me, I can't stand the thought that you might think less of me.'
I was so surprised that I couldn't muster a response right away. When I did, I just blurted out the first thing that came to mind. 'Of course I don't.' He still wouldn't look at me, apparently not believing my words. 'Adrian.' I laid my hand over his and felt a warm spark of connection. He jerked his head toward me in astonishment. 'Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I've had my mind made up about you for a long time...and it's all good.'" (page. 158)
Like Bloodlines, The Golden Lily is not centered around action. Sure, there are fights sprinkled throughout the book and a big blow-out at the end, but it's really framed around developing Sydney and Adrian's relationship. This is done partly by highlighting how S/A's chemistry contrasts with Sydney's new boyfriend Brayden. Brayden should be Sydney's soul-mate. Brainy in the unrealistic extreme, he and Sydney immediately hit it off. Brayden may share Sydney's nerdy intelligence but he lacks her capacity for self-sacrifice and empathy. They have a great time together, but even Sydney can sense that it's just not clicking. Definitely not like she and Adrian connect (although clueless Sydney never thinks about that).
I continue to love Sydney. I relate to her much more than I ever did Rose. It's wonderful that she's not ashamed to be intelligent, but unlike Brayden, doesn't come off as arrogant. A lot of people complain about her obsession with her weight, but I think it's a great addition to her character. Sydney expects perfection of herself in everything. When she's hanging around moroi all day who are so much thinner than she is, it's natural to feel like you're failing - even if she knows that moroi's willowy body type is unrealistic.
Another great addition to this series is the exploration of witchcraft - human use of natural elements to craft spells. It is yet another opportunity for Sydney to challenge the Alchemist rules with which she has been indoctrinated. And comes in very handy. I'm looking forward to seeing Sydney fully embrace spells in future books.
One thing I did find odd about this book was the timing. The entire first book took place in a month. This book is an additional month. It feels unrealistic that so much could get crammed into a single month. Both with all the varied plots and the build-up of relationships. Another potential criticism of the series is that it feels very predictable. I think I can guess how the rest of the series will play out. Maybe I'll be proven wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if I largely know what's going to happen. Not that I care. I want to see just how my fantasy Sydney/Adrian story will occur.
The Bloodlines series is candy. It is somewhat formulaic and does not have a huge amount of substance, but you just can't get sweeter than Sydney and Adrian's romance. Candy or not, I tore through the pages of this book and will happily re-read it to relive the magic. I cannot wait for Indigo Spell to come out in February.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
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:
Yes
I have no idea why it takes me so long to read these bloodlines books but it really does. It's like I can only read a couple of chapters before I have the urge to read another book - but I've finally finished this book and I'm really happy that I did.
1. it really wasn't a love triangle to me because Sydney and Adrian were the ideal couple (at least in my eyes since the first book)
2. Braydon sucks ass in my eyes - he was a complete bore.
3. READ THE ENDING PEOPLE.
I also love the little glimpses from the VA people!! I can't believe I forgot about Adrian's asshole of a dad. But then he kindly reminded me that I hate his stinking guts.
Other than that, the book was pretty good and kept me interested. I just wish it wasn't so boring in the beginning because then it wouldn't have taken me so long (nine days to be exact) to read this book. I'm hesitant to read the next book but I'm pretty much committed to reading this series.
Spoiler
So The Golden Lily started off slow in the beginning for me, just like Bloodlines did. Then it slowly started to pick up (and that is when I couldn't put it down because I was just so close to finishing it). Now let me talk about this so called "love triangle":1. it really wasn't a love triangle to me because Sydney and Adrian were the ideal couple (at least in my eyes since the first book)
2. Braydon sucks ass in my eyes - he was a complete bore.
3. READ THE ENDING PEOPLE.
I also love the little glimpses from the VA people!! I can't believe I forgot about Adrian's asshole of a dad. But then he kindly reminded me that I hate his stinking guts.
Other than that, the book was pretty good and kept me interested. I just wish it wasn't so boring in the beginning because then it wouldn't have taken me so long (nine days to be exact) to read this book. I'm hesitant to read the next book but I'm pretty much committed to reading this series.
OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK. Its sooo good. So funny and addictive but not like filled with passion this book is a light read that tugs you gently that allows you to stop whenever you want( basically sayings its not tooo suspenseful which is a good thing) but you don’t really want to. A dream book some may dislike but I am head over heels with this book. The main character’s character may be frustrating and may not connect with the readers sometimes but that’s what great with it, it makes you enjoy the sidelines, love, love, love how the character is, accepting their faults and strengths and just waiting for them to strengthens their faults too. I think? Lol not quite sure this is a whole new level of experince similar to others but definitely the bar that sets it. This book is better than the hunger games series, its better than twilight(not that i read the book before XDD but i recall a little from the movie). Its has drama, its about vampires that are modern not shocking omg its scary, its reasonable, and chilling sometimes. Its an masterpiece that is found 1 in a hundred billion. There is hilarious parts, action, love of course, and friendship. This maybe my favorite book overall shock* did I just say that!?!). This book absolutely shined and it shined/showed my face.
P.S. My opinion
P.S. My opinion