Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines 
(Bloodlines #1)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group
Source: Personal copy
Review by: Nahomi

I wasn't free of my past, not yet.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiences in question, her future is on the line.

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 unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

3.5 stars out of 5 stars

        I was excited to start Bloodlines because I really loved the Vampire Academy series and I was dying to jump back into that world again. I was itching to read about Sydney and Adrian, and hopefully catch a glimpse of some of some of my favorite characters from the VA series. In that respect Bloodlines was on point, however it was really hard for me to get into the story.

       The pacing is so much slower than what I was used to in the VA series and it took me some time to get used to it. I know Sydney is a different character and analyzes everything, so I should have surmised that the stories pacing would be different too but I wasn't expecting it. At times the story was a little predictable but towards the end there was a plot twist that took me by surprise. The pacing also sped up which was great.

       I loved getting to read about Jill, Eddie, Adrian, Sydney and the rest of the gang. My love for these characters is what got me through the first part of the story. Sydney is a little ridged at the beginning but as the story progresses she undergoes tremendous character growth. It was a slow process getting to know her, but by the end I really liked Sydney and was rooting for her. Adrian is well, um Adrian charming, and out there like always. Although it was great to see him from Sydney’s perspective.

      By the end of the story I was hooked on the series and the characters and was definitely curious as to what would happen next. I can’t wait to see what Golden Lily has in store for me.