1 word...WOW! Full review to come :) 
 Update 3/1/13...Finally getting around to writing this review haha. 
 This book was one word...AMAZING! I didn't think this series could get any better, but Richelle Mead has blown me away. And trust me...you will be impressed as well. This novel allows us to see a new side of Sydney that began to emerge in the last book, The Golden Lily, and boy do I enjoy this Sydney. She is now a no holds barred, kick-butt girl that will go to great lengths to find out the truth. I loved that Sydney went outside of her comfort zone, and embraced a new side of herself. She is growing as a character, and finally breaking free of the ties that bind her to the Alchemists. 
 Adrian...for the love of all that's holy! This boy is hilarious, dreamy, sexy...the list goes on and on. Adrian has definitely secured a place in my top 10 fictional boys. He always made me laugh in the other books in this series as well as the Vampire Academy series, but this took it to a whole new level. He had me laughing so hard, especially when he and Sydney visited the bed and breakfast. Ms. Mead's writing is at its finest in this book. Not only does Adrian have many fabulous lines, but we see a much softer, sensitive side to him. He was unbelievably supportive and patient with Sydney, and his love for her shines through. 
 Marcus was definitely not what I was expecting. And that's a good and bad thing. I thought his character was a great addition to the series, and added a lot of conflict and tension. However, I kept getting mad at Sydney for following him and listening to him. Even though he is the main reason for Sydney's changes and eventual independence, it was still frustrating to read at times. 
 The one thing I wish there was more of was Eddie, Angeline, and Jill. They weren't in this novel as much as the previous two, and I missed them. Hopefully, The Fiery Heart will incorporate them more again. 
 The ending of this book was absolutely brilliant! First, let me just say, FINALLY! I'm not going to give any spoilers, but if your a fan of this series, you probably know exactly what I'm referring to. But, the entire ending had me on the edge of my seat as to what exactly Sydney was going to do. There are definitely some interesting and new twists that I didn't see coming, and I'm very intrigued as to how they'll play out in future books. 
 Ms. Mead has written yet another amazing, captivating, and well-written novel that will leave readers wanting the next book as soon as possible. As I said before, Ms. Mead's writing is at its finest in this novel, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for our beloved characters next. 
 5+++++++ stars