This volume set me as a solid fan of this series. While I am still smitten with it's predecessor (the Vampire Academy Series) and will likely always think of it as my favorite Mead series that I have read so far, the Bloodlines series has done an impressive job stepping up to the plate. For more on what I though of the first book or a comparison of the two series click here. 
 This picks up shortly after where Bloodlines left off. Sydney has gone from fallen to exemplary in the eyes of the alchemists but little do they know that she is closer to being 'comfortable' with vampires than they would approve of. I would even go so far as to say that she starts to consider some of them friends. Her growth as a person is impressive. Especially with the constant curve balls being thrown her way. And this book contains one major twist. In addition to the Moroi, Strigoi, dhampires, and alchemists we now get yet ANOTHER group! One who dislikes all the above groups! And those around Sydney may not be all they seem to be.... 
 Adrian is once again the best character for this series! I don't think he will lose that position. We get a bit more in depth with him here. While I liked him before, some moments when he bares his soul really tug on the emotions. He really needs someone to have his back and the odd thing is Sydney is the best he seems to have and she should despise him for what he is. 
 Forbidden relationships seems to be s strong theme for this book. All characters are struggling here is some way or another it seems. Plus a couple potentially awkward relationships. 
 The writing is engaging and easy to follow. It left me feeling like I could be a part of everything going on. There were moments of concern, perplexity, sorrow, empathy, etc that I felt for the characters or situations. Richelle Mead has a way of making the characters are real to the reader. I have no doubt that 10, 20 years from now I will still remember them fondly, even long after their stories are done. Luckily they aren't over yet!