#185 Book Review: The Indigo Spell

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3)
Release Date: 12 February 2013
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she struggles to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she finally tracks down the elusive, enigmatic Marcus Finch – a former Alchemist who the organisation denies exists, and who lives in shadows, on the run. With Marcus's help, Sydney realises that the group she's been loyal to her whole life has been hiding the truth from her. Is it possible that her golden lily tattoo might have more power over her than she thinks?

As she struggles to come to terms with what that might mean, Sydney is compelled to use her growing magical powers to track down an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. Using magic goes against everything she always thought she believed, but she realises that her only hope is to embrace her special blood – or else she might be next.

Forging her own way is harder than Sydney ever dreamed. Maybe by turning off her brain – and following her heart – she'll be able to finally figure out where she belongs.

The hotly anticipated third installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series.

Cover:
Look at Sydney, Marcus and Adrian! All three in one cover. That looks amazing. I also love Marcus' tattoo. Really helps me picture that indigo pattern when his tattoo is discussed in the book!

Story:

To follow the rules...or to follow your heart...

If you remember reading my review of The Golden Lily, then you'll know how much I worshipped that book because of a certain amazing character called *cough* Adrian Ishvakov! While I did not quite worshipped this book as much as The Golden Lily, The Indigo Spell is still a brilliant installment in the Bloodlines series!

The story revolves around Sydney learning different types of magic spells because of a particular 'problem' and finding Marcus Finch, who reveals a lot about his story. Oh and of course, Richelle Mead picks up the romance from the point of frustration from The Golden Lily to STEAMY AND EPIC! While I really enjoyed the story, I find the introduction of Marcus Finch in the story quite bland. Sure, he is good looking and a rebellious Alchemist at that, but he lacks the appeal that Adrian has 100x (or even more!). As usual, Mead's writing is completely kick-ass, fun and awesome at the same time! The ending is not quite a cliffhanger but it sets up the plot for the next book! 

Characters:
Sydney, Sydney, Sydney...hate to admit this but I am really frustrated with you in the beginning. The thing about you trying to draw the line between Alchemist and Moroi, even ignoring your heart is really sad! You've been at it since book 2 but thank goodness, all is well in the end. I like how you finally embrace the feelings in your heart!

ADRIAN! I have nothing to say besides your perseverance and love for Sydney are truly admirable. Adrian here, resolves to keep fighting for his love for Sydney which is touching! And I love how he can be witty, sweet and charming at the same time!

The other characters from book 2 are back here as well, with the addition of Marcus Finch and his 'friends'. Personally, I don't like Marcus Finch. He doesn't hold that appeal that Adrian strongly has in this book. Glad to hear that Sydney is also not attracted to him since her heart belongs to...*cough* a certain loveable Moroi!

Overall:
Did the ending of The Golden Lily left you breathless? Well, The Indigo Spell is surely going to remedy that and leave you wanting for more instead of breathless! The brilliant third installment in the Bloodlines series, with a perfect combination of romance, action and (can't help but say this) Adrian's wittiness and charm will not disappoint fans of the series!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for The Indigo Spell!

Thank you Penguin Australia for the review copy!

Here's my favourite quote from the book!

"Just something kicking around in my head. Reminds me of you. Fiery and sweet, all at the same time. A flame in the dark, lighting my way." - Adrian ♥

#123 Book Review: The Golden Lily

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2)
Release Date: June 12th 2012
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Cover:
SO PRETTY! I love how the girls in the cover represents Sydney and Jill! Their blond hairs are so gorgeous and I love the 'golden' theme of the cover. Really reflects the title of the book!

Story:

Life is never easy, not when you're an Alchemist...

The Golden Lily can be summarized into one word for me and that is ADRIAN-TASTIC. So, do I love it? I LOVE IT EVEN MORE than Bloodlines. You see, I loved Bloodlines but I loved The Golden Lily even more. I WORSHIP THIS BOOK. I finished this book in just about 3 hours and my hands are literally glued to the book. I just had to keep on reading until I reach the final page of the book. 

I can't really say I've been waiting ages for The Golden Lily because in fact, I haven't. I've only read Bloodlines recently, in May and only had to wait a month before the sequel came out. But that one month felt like YEARS. DECADES. CENTURY. Why am I so desperate for this book? One answer = ADRIAN.

My head is a mess now because all I can think of is the word ADRIAN but the story plot was AMAZING! It was unpredictable and I love how the 'new' characters in the book made a significant role to the story. This book had it all. Romance, actions, heart-melting scenes, you name it. Richelle Mead's writing is truly AMAZING. She has done with it the Vampire Academy series, and she has done it again with Bloodlines series. 


Characters:
ADRIAN. That one word is enough to make us all swoon right? In Bloodlines, he's AMAZING but in The Golden Lily, he is BRILLIANT and SUPER DUPER SWOON-WORTHY. I can even claim myself as Team Adrian because despite Dimitri's appearance in the book, all I can think of is ADRIAN. I love how we understand more about Adrian in this book and see a different side to him and his life. I love his growing relationship with Sydney until it reaches a point where my heart stopped beating for a second before it melts (well, that's too exaggerated, but anyhow...) My heart breaks quite a few times for Adrian. Let me just say, I hate Nathan Ishvakov. Yep, I just hate Adrian's father. Why? I don't want to spoil you but he is not a good father.

Sydney also developed as a character in this book. She is still the intelligent, neat and very dedicated Alchemist but she's getting used to work with vampires and even dating with someone other than Adrian! So, she dated Brayden. My first impression of him = COOL. You guys clicked! But as the story goes, I really really disliked Brayden. Yeah, you're smart, you're brainy, you're sort of cute but you're nothing like Adrian. Sorry Brayden. No offence. 

Well I think I do need to dedicate a few sentences for Dimitri. You're still awesome of course and I love how there are hints here and there about your sweet relationship with Roza. Your Zen-Master-Wisdom is never too old! Sonya is a great character too but I don't exactly like her. Oh and there are some characters who completely surprised me!


Overall:
The Golden Lily is ADRIAN-TASTIC. Romance, actions, heart-melting scenes, you name it, it's there. This EPIC sequel to Bloodlines is oozing with the awesome-ness of one character we all love: Adrian. I loved Bloodlines but I worship The Golden Lily. Richelle Mead has done it again with the sequel to her Bloodlines series. I think I'm going to have to go all strigoi waiting for The Indigo Spell, coming in February 2013!

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for The Golden Lily!

 Thank you Penguin Australia for the review copy!

#48 Book Review: Last Sacrifice

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6)
Pages: 594
Release Date: December 7th 2010
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Owned
Format: Paperback

Summary from Goodreads:

The astonishing final novel in Richelle Mead's epic series!

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

I’m doing a different review this time. Not with the story and characters analysing. I’m writing a letter, a letter to you guys who are reading this review and the characters in the book! 

Dear everyone,

Do you know how it feels when you turned the last page of the book and you are still trying to search for more pages as if you’ve missed some? The moment I closed this book, I really wanted to cry. Last Sacrifice has brought an end to the Vampire Academy series. I still could not believe I have finished this series.  Rose has been through a lot since the beginning of the book and until the end. Her journey throughout the book has given her strength, love, bonds and friendship. We, as readers, are also a part of this journey, as we encounter new characters, problems and accompany Rose with her journey.  I was unprepared to say goodbye to this series. Even though I’m still feeling overwhelmed after finishing the series, I really loved the way Richelle Mead chooses to end this book. All the problems, conflicts, relationships of each character were solved and I’m really glad that the characters are having a happy life (well, except poor Adrian). It is always hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful series but for the 1 week I’ve spent to read this series, it has given me lots of precious memories and valuable lessons I will never forget.  Thank you so much to every one of you who have recommended me to read this series. Now I can share with you guys how much I love this series. 

Yours Sincerely,

Celine                                                                                                                                    

Letters to the characters:

Dear Rose and Dimitri,

You guys, I love you so much!! You are made for each other and this shows how much you guys are meant to be together. I truly want you both to be happy. Rose, never stop being yourself. I’m sure you are going to be a great guardian for Lissa and you’ll live a happy life with Dimitri. Dimka!!! Please be with Roza the whole time. I’m so happy you’ve forgiven yourself. Now go be with Rose and be the best kickass couple out there! 

Love,

Celine

Dear Lissa and Christian,

Lissa, you will be one of the greatest Queen in the Moroi history. Your answer to Ekaterina was one of the greatest answers I’ve known for such a difficult question I could not even answer.  This shows that you are worthy of the title and to rule your people. Christian, you are perfect for Lissa. You understand her more than anyone (well, besides Rose) but anyway, please be with her forever! 

Love,

Celine

Dear Adrian,

My heart feels your pain. My heart is breaking for you, Adrian!! I don’t know what else to say. You deserve your own happiness, but just not with…Rose. You truly are a wonderful person. You’ve done everything you can for Rose, helping her at times when she needed help most and you always stand by her side, ready to help. Please forgive her. I know it’s hard. I also understand if you feel like she’s using you. Thank you so much for being awesome. Looking forward to see you again in Bloodlines!

Love,

Celine

Dear Abe,

Zmey! Zmey! Zmey! You rock! I'll hire you as a laywer when I get in trouble!

Dear Janine,

Zmey? 

Dear every character in the book,

I love you all! Thank you so much for being in the book and accompanying me as I take the journey to the final page of the series. My dearest goodbye to each and everyone of you!

Love,

Celine

Letter to Richelle Mead:

Dear Richelle,

Thank you so much for writing this wonderful, brilliant and no other word can describe how awesome this series were. I am so grateful to have read this book and shed tears for it! 

Love from one of your biggest fan,

Celine

And finally....

Dear everyone,

Last Sacrifice brings an epic finale to the Vampire Academy series. It’s a thrilling ride you’ll never forget. It has become one of my alltime favourite series! Thank you so much for reading this. Goodbye, dear Vampire Academy, Frosbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound and Last Sacrifice! 

Love,

Celine

5 Forget-me-not flowers to Last Sacrifice + The WHOLE SERIES! Truly Unforgettable!

#47 Book Review: Spirit Bound

 

 

 

 

 

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5)

Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 489

Release date: May 18th 2010
Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Owned

Format: Paperback

 

Summary from Goodreads:

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

My review:

Cover:

I like the pose of the models in the cover. They look nice together! And again, I do love the VA gate still being featured in each book in the series.

3 Forget-me-not flowers for the cover!

Story:

[Warning: Please do not read this review if you haven’t read Blood Promise]

The minute I started reading this book, I had to know 2 things immediately. First, what comes of Dimitri and second, what is going to happen with Rose and Adrian. My second thought was answered in the beginning, almost directly because Rose and Adrian ends up dating. Dimitri? Well he’s also in the beginning of the book already but he wrote this letter that is so creepy and feels stalker-ish.  The story really hooked me from the beginning until the end. I had so much questions about what is going to happen with the characters and how their lives will be from now on. This book introduces with Rose taking her final exam to graduate as a guardian.  The story develops as she tries to help Viktor Dashkov escape from prison so she can meet his half-brother, Robert, and get access to the information she desperately needed a confirmation of. The information was regarding whether or not a Strigoi can be healed and returned back to their original state. The plot was quite predictable because I certainly expected that this would mean Dimitri will heal back and become a Dhampir again! I really loved this book because although it still had actions and conflicts, it focuses a bit more on the development of the characters and their life ahead in the future. One thing for sure, this book really had me in the ending!

Characters:

Dimitri, you are my number one priority to discuss here. How can you act like that after all the troubles Rose have been through to save you?! I understand that you don’t want to hurt her and you feel guilty but please, why won’t you see her when you desperately wanted to see her too ? This is the frustration I had when I read about Dimitri after he was not a Strigoi anymore. I wanted them to have a romantic get together thing but I can’t believe Dimitri pushed Rose away. I felt like shaking his shoulders to wake him up and to get a grip of himself. Although, my heart really breaks when Dimitri cried in Lissa’s lap after being healed and turned back to a Dhampir once more. I can actually feel his pain, sadness and I got teary! But I forgive you, Dimitri! Because during the end, you did the right thing!

Rose, well, you made lots of ruckus in the book but you never disappoint as a heroine. You are truly a kick-ass and I ‘worship’ you , lol. I loved reading about her, Lissa, Christian and all other characters. I also really loved Adrian. He was so understanding and never forced Rose to do things she didn’t want. While

Rose has hurt him several times (asking him to help her so Dimitri can turn back to a Dhampir, still harbouring feelings for him), he never hurt her and merely asked for some space.

Wow, I don’t think I ever liked a book so much that I never hate any of the characters. Even the villains. I think Strigois are cool, especially if they are like the Strigoi Dimitri. LOL. This is to say that I loved how the characters developed in this book, particularly in how their future is going to be and how they have become stronger. 

Overall:

Spirit Bound brings us one step closer. One step closer to the final of the Vampire Academy series. This book explores the development of the characters, how they’ve grown and become stronger since the first time we meet them in the series and to be prepared to part with this unforgettable series.  

5 Forget-me-not flowers for Spirit Bound!