Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah 
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 This book had me torn a few times. I got bored in the beginning, but about 1/3 of the way in it picked up for me, and I enjoyed the rest...minus a couple peeves. Let me try to break it down. 
 (view spoiler)[Complaints: 
 1.) Lack of romance! What the heck, Richelle Mead? That is a huge reason I love the Vampire Academy series sooo much. Oodles of heartbreaking, drama-filled romance! Even in book 1. 
 2.) Sydney was way too naive. I get that she was supposed to be like that, but the extent of it was way too much. At one point in the book a boy was asking her out for a date and she was literally, completely oblivious to it. That isn't naive, that's just airhead stupid. O.O And this girl is supposed to be a genius. What? And let's talk about DOORMAT! This girl not only lets people walk all over her, but she lets them wipe their dog-crap ridden shoes on her too. Lord, have mercy! 
 Some things I liked: 
 1.) So many different mysteries. This can become bad very quickly - but it was paced out nicely in Bloodlines and it was just enough to satisfy me perfectly; all of the different things happening in just the right sequence. At a few points I was convinced I knew what was going on and Mead would slap a big ol' surprise on me. I like that. 
 2.) The characters. While Sydney was indeed a naive airhead, despite her genius status, I did love her character aside from that. She was a sweetheart. She stood up for the vampires when she thought they were being wronged (even after being taught her whole life that they are evil and unnatural), and she risked her life to save them. She may also be a doormat at times, but she stands up when it counts most. 
 Adrian is always love. I am so glad he's in this series. He cracks me up. Every part of this book where I LOL'd was because of him. He's so snarky and such a smart-ass. I LOVE IT. :) I can't wait to see more of him, as well as hopefully - some blooming love between him and Sydney. 
 Jill was likable. She didn't stand out as my favorite character, what with her whining and all, but I did like her for the most part. 
 Eddie. I want this boy to have everything he wants, and finally get what he deserves. He had it hard in VA, and now he has to sit back and watch from afar as the girl he loves obliviously dates other guys. He is so sweet and fierce. 
 3.) It was really nifty to learn more about the alchemists and the goings on behind that curtain. Sydney's father is a jerk to the 9th degree. I hope in the future we get to see her tell him off. If her backbone grows in, that is. I don't think we have seen the last of Keith, either. I am interested to find out even more as the series goes on. I have a feeling there are more skeletons in the closet as far as the alchemists go. 
 And of course, last but not least.. Dimitri popping up at the end?! To work with Adrian on learning more about spirit? Can we say EVIL CLIFFHANGER?! I hope he sticks around through the rest of the series, or at least a couple books. :) 
 Overall, this definitely took care of my Vampire Academy withdrawals. I was definitely satisfied with it and I am excited for The Golden Lily. 
 Favorite quote: "I want her to be happy. It's worth sacrificing myself." - Eddie talking to Sydney about Jill. *sigh* So SWEET. (hide spoiler)]