Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah 
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 *This review contains spoilers for Bloodlines!* 
 The Golden Lily picks up shortly after the events of Bloodlines. Sydney is still attending Amberwood Academy so she can keep an eye on Jill (along with Eddie and Angeline) - an important Moroi princess. Dimitri and Sonya are also in the area doing research on why Moroi and dhampirs who've been restored from Strigoi can never be re-turned. And, of course, Adrian is an ever-present figure with his sarcasm and charm. 
 Our group is in for a surprise when Sonya and Sydney are attacked in a dark alley by a group of humans determined to end Sonya's life. The bigger surprise comes when Sydney finds out these vampire hunters may be a more archaic version of the Alchemists. Her loyalties are put to the test; will she choose her friends or the Alchemists? 
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 *Some spoilers ahead!* 
 I completely enjoyed this book! It's a 4-star for me due to the fact that it took off extremely slow! There was a lot of nonsense going on in the first half of the novel. It didn't really take off for me until halfway through. 
 I really enjoyed the growth of Sydney's character in this book! She annoyed me at times with her logical, yet naive ways. She seemed a little too oblivious for someone with so much knowledge. BUT, we see a gradual change in her within this book. She sees that the Alchemists may not always be right and that not all vampires are evil. She learns to consider the group she's working with as more than just her charges, but her friends. She comes to realizations that made me fall in love with her character even more. She is quirky and funny, beautiful and strong. I adore her! 
 As for the rest of the characters - they were all fantastic. I like all of the little parallel story lines going on. Jill and Micah, Eddie and Angeline, Sonya, Dimitri, etc. I guess that brings me to the plot... which was really interesting. I like the vampire hunter idea and I am intrigued to learn more about how it all began and progressed over the years. I was definitely hooked from the start! I also enjoyed the magical component and the fact that we're learning there may be a whole lot more to Sydney than meets the eye. I am very excited to learn more about the power she holds. 
 Romance. Sydney meets a new guy in this book. They date. Things don't seem right to her though, 'cause there are no sparks, so to speak. This kid is as dull as they get, if you ask me. lol But anyway, then we have Adrian. Ohhhhh, Adrian! How much do I love thee? A LOT. He is so adorable and cute and sweet and confusing in this book. He and Sydney have some squee-worthy moments and the ending - oh my gosh, that ending! I about DIED. I was in tears, people! I won't spoil it, but you definitely don't want to miss out. The whole thing progressed at the perfect rate. It was intense and the outcome was unexpected and definitely left me wanting more... like now. 
 Overall, this book was a wonderful follow-up to Bloodlines. Loyalties are put to the test in The Golden Lily. It's all about learning to recognize who and what really matters and why. It's a beautiful, funny, and action-packed book. Slow to start, but with an explosive middle and end. There are surprises and revelations galore. There is a lot of character growth and a lot of budding romance. It's all very dramatic and wonderful. ;) I definitely recommend it if you're a fan of VA or read Bloodlines and enjoyed it. 
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 Book source: Personal collection 
 Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin Group USA