I've been wanting to read this book for a while now - but decided to wait until I'd finished reading the Vampire Academy series before I started. And I'm glad that I did. Whilst it's not necessary to read Vampire Academy before Bloodlines, this book does contain many spoilers of the previous series and there are many shared characters. 
 Sydney Sage is an alchemist in trouble. After assisting Rose Hathaway on orders from the slightly sinister and shady Abe Mazar, Sydney is very close being sent away and reprogrammed as an alchemist after being found sympathizing with the enemy - Vampires. But there's an opportunity for her to redeem herself. Jill Dragomir needs protection from those who disapprove of her sister becoming Moroi Queen. Sydney is called in to help Jill, her guardian Eddie Castile and slightly bizarre friend, Adrian Ivashkov, fit in whilst they're hiding in a ritzy Palm Springs boarding school. 
 With vampires, a rival alchemist and Mean Girls to deal with, Sydney never knew just how hard high school was. 
 Having read and loved the Vampire Academy series, I was already familiar with most of the characters in Bloodlines. Sydney Sage, the slightly uptight, by-the-book alchemist is a much stronger character than I gave her credit for previously. She's smart, brave and more open-minded than I think her alchemist father would like. She takes on so much responsibility and acts way beyond her eighteen years. I loved seeing her grow as a person and how her relationships with the vampires developed over the novel. 
 Adrian, Jill and Eddie were just as interesting. They are all fighting their own battles but still manage to see the big picture. I love the interactions between all of them - the sister relationship between Sydney and Jill, the friendship with Eddie and the bizarre connection that Adrian and Sydney are experiencing. There is a different side of all these characters not previously seen. Adrian is rather dark - battling his inner demons as well as a broken heart. But despite his snide and sarcastic manner, he still manages to come across as some what endearing. 
 Plot wise - there's a lot going on. And it managed to all happen simultaneously without confusion. And surprisingly - practically no romance to speak of. 
 I loved this book. Richelle Mead's style is one that's humorous and easy to read. The characters are engaging (especially those of Adrian and Jill) and the plot will keep you guessing and hooked right up until the last page.