Bloodlines

(Bloodlines #1)

Written by: Richelle Mead
Pages: 421
The first book in Richelle Mead’s brand-new teen fiction series – set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive – this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Richelle Mead wrapped up her Vampire Academy series and as I finished it was glad for the wrap up but sad to say good-bye to the world she created. When she published “Bloodline”, I cheered. More Moroi and Strigoi stories!<

Vampire Academy introduces the reader to the world of the two vampire types – Moroi and Strigoi. Strigoi are the classic creepy vampires, ruthless killers with no soul. Moroi are mortal and very human-like. Along with the adventures, you learn of Alchemists.

This story takes you into the world of the Alchemists.

After meeting Sydney in Russia, I must admit a curiosity into her world. Alchemists are not just your classic thought when hearing the world. It’s almost a religion in this world. Strong Christian values, a disgust for both societies of vampires, and the tie to the human world – that’s these Alchemists.

So what happens when an alchemist needs to play roommate and sister to a Moroi princess? Good thing it is Sydney.

Sydney struggles with the life she was raised in after working with the main characters of the Vampire Academy books. You can see her as she grows and changes, in herself and in her world view. Things happen in this book that make her really take stock of who she is and she needs to gain a strength in herself.

She also needs to confront demons in her past, and it is interesting to see her progression as she works through that.

I’m glad for the different look into the Mead’s vampire world. I’m glad that some of my favorite players crossed from Vampire Academy to the Bloodlines series. I look forward to future installments and what Mead has in store for the various characters.

–Lady O