I really enjoy Richelle Mead's writing and both of her series (VAMPIRE ACADEMY & BLOODLINES). All of the characters are very entertaining and have enough depth to keep us interested but not bogged down in the details. It was definitely hard to get into this series at first because I was so used to VA and Rose's voice. Sydney was not my favorite character and she has still been slow to love. But she gets much better in this book. And much like Rose in VA you really start to see her transformation emotionally and mentally (yes I am separating those because those of you that know the series recognize Sydney's worldview definitely needed changing). 
 But like so many other fans, the love of these books comes from Adrian. I think he is fantastic and one of the best YA characters around. This book brings Adrian and Sydney closer than ever, and the story line is centered around something completely un-related to the vampires (at least so far). The only detriment this book had was I didn't get to see much of Jill or Eddie. I didn't mind because Jill gets on my nerves, but I almost feel a lot of background characters were dropped off in this book. I know why it was done and it makes sense, but it felt odd. The next book will have to be centered around a larger group and I don't want to say much more to spoil it. 
 If you are on the fence about starting the BLOODLINES series, just go ahead and jump in. It is well worth it and you just have to get over Sydney's annoying thoughts in the first two books. They are still there in INDIGO SPELL, but she is slowly changing and for the better. I look forward to FIERY HEART.