I've Been Richelle Mead-ified: Bloodlines Series

by - 5:33 AM


I have a problem. Richelle Mead invaded my reading life for two weeks. How to function after Silver Shadows? How? I started from Shadow Kiss (VA #3) and just this afternoon finished with Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5). Seriously, where did my life go? A total of  9 books in two weeks. Duuuude. 9 Richelle Mead books and I am just. . . . *flips table* Now, now, Abby, don't fret, it was worth your while. Yes. Because I did discover a gem: SYDRIAN.

I admit that I have a love-hate relationship with Vampire Academy. The first half of that series really piqued my excitement over the series, but the other half made me want to punch someone. I could only shook my head while reading those. But ALAS! It was time to move on to the spin-off: Bloodlines series.
What's with the models? Ugh. This is a fantastic series with not-so-glorious covers. I love the color schemes, ornaments, font, flowers, but but but the models' expressions are. . . off. I don't know. It's just me, I think.

BLOODLINES
This series favors the fans of Adrian Ivashkov. Oh, Adrian. Forever the fans' favorite. Also my favorite so my excitement was beyond words. Bloodlines introduced the Alchemist's world. As usual, it contained ample of introductions, explanations and scheme through Sydney's POV. For Sydney's character, I was a little iffy because she's very different from Rose. She's also polar opposite with Adrian and that was totally refreshing. She's not physically strong or trained, but her intelligence, wit and compassion made her a very lovable character. I enjoyed it regardless of  the dull moments because the book did escalate with surprising scenes. And did I mention how glorious and amusing banters. You can never go wrong with the banters among the characters.
Rating: 4 stars

I also suddenly realized that, as unlikely as it seemed, Adrian and I had a lot in common. Both of us were constantly boxed in by others' expectations. It didn't matter that people expected everything of me and nothing of him. We were still the same, both of us constantly trying to break out of the lines that others had defined for us and be our own person. Adrian Ivashkov — flippant, vampire party boy — was more like me than anyone else knew.

GOLDEN LILY
On a scale of I-WANT-TO-VOMIT-RAINBOWS to DAMN-THIS-IS-AWESOME, how likely am I to react to this book? This is my favorite. Ultimate favorite. So many things happened here that piqued up the tension and excitement. Sydney reminds me so much of June Iparis from Legend. Sydney is the logical one-- the voice of reasons. She always has a way in and out. The other side characters like Jill, Eddie, Angeline, Trey, Ms. T played big roles. I liked that little gang they created and their amazing teamwork. And not to mention that this book is filled with squee-inducing and cuteness overload scenes hence the vomit rainbows.This is what I look for in an otp. This is what I live for.
Rating: 5 stars
feels animated GIF

INDIGO SPELL
I have a few words to describe this: SEXUAL TENSION AND ANGST? THROW EM' TO MEI thought that having two plots at the same time will rumple the whole book but I was wrong. Yes, there are two different plots, but the execution and writing was a sheer delight. It was like two worlds colliding to make the most of the story. The whole series has less action scenes aside from the sporadic attacks here and there. Vampire Academy was about physical fights, but Mead foray into MAGIC and SPIRIT territory which I thought gave the series an eccentric and thrilling atmosphere.
Rating: 5 stars

“Adrian's face was the picture of perfect politeness and restraint, meaning something disastrous was about to happen.”

THE FIERY HEART
Now this is the ultimate treat to the SYDRIAN fandom. I don't want to elaborate but picture this: SEXY TIMES. Ha! Aside from that, the bigger and more perplexed problems started to arose in this book. What amazed me with Mead is that the little details that seems trivial at first makes the big difference on the plot. In short: I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING! We also got the pleasure to meet the Vampire Academy characters again *sobs* I missed their presence. 

PS: Dual POV. But don't fret because Adrian's POV is distinct and striking. His POV is really endearing and emotional. The pain, fear, inhibitions and insecurities that he usually conceals with the lazy and flamboyant demeanor were bared naked to the readers. I liked the alternating POVs, it made such contrast on the overall tone of the book.
Rating: 4 stars


“Who was I to do this? I was Adrian Ivashkov. And I was about to kick some ass.”

SILVER SHADOWS
First half of the book: BURN HER, BURN HIM, BURN THEM. Other half: THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR WAKING UP IN VEGAS. I'll be honest and admit that this book was overwhelming. Not in the most pleasing way but in the "this-is-too-much" way. The romance was over the top and though I enjoyed this book overall, I still thought that Mead could expand more the plot. I was utterly amazed with the escape adventure, but she could have also focused on the other characters and break the head canon. Do not just confer to the fans' especially if it overpowers stories that has so much potential like: Marcus and the ex-alchemists, Eddie and the other characters in Palm Spring. She kept on brushing them aside and let them appear once in a blue moon. Again, I still love this book-- the action, magic, spirits and escape adventures but there's so much more that could fill the 400 pages of the book.
Rating: 3.5 stars

Quiet, Sage, he said. I’ll make the hilarious one-liners during this daring rescue.

Let's talk about SYDRIAN (just a quick one!):
  • No insta-love
  • No love triangle (and it's futile if you consider that one incident)
  • Started from wary acquaintances to friendship.
  • CHEMISTRY THAT BURNS RIGHT THROUGH THE SOUL
  • ENDLESS CUTE MOMENTS
  • Contrasting each other's personality yet they have this deep connection.
  • Driving Lessons! Never forget!
  • Sydney calling Adrian cute during Spirit Bound (See??? Already sailing since VA #5)
  • Love Phone!
  • Red Dress(!!)
  • Escape plans (!!!)
  • Most important of all: STAR-CROSSED LOVERS
                                                                  reaction animated GIF

Overall: I love love love this series and I am so excited for The Ruby Circle (LAST BOOK SCREAMS). I love all the characters here (er- except the villains, they're really cruel). Adrian Ivashkov always has a one-liner that makes me cackle or laugh and it makes everything better.  Richelle Mead created an addicting and feels-inducing series that climbed its way to my favorites. Some books drag and a little predictable but I'm telling ya'll: Prepare for the feels. Prepare for Ivashkov. Prepare for SYDRIAN. GO READ THIS. 

You May Also Like

15 comments

  1. OMG I'm dying! It's so great to see someone else loving this series as much as I do! I honestly can't wait to finally read the last book. So many things are still unsolved and I NEED to finally see these lovely characters getting their happy endings. I can't even imagine anything else haha.
    Awesome review! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It saddens me that it is the last book! But I am so pumped and thrilled to read it! MY GOSH SYDRIAAAN <3 I want closure to everyone especially Eddie! That guy deserves an award! Going to miss the VA world *sobs*

      Delete
  2. YAAAAYYY! I'm so glad that you've found the magic of Sydrian! I adore this series so much but I still haven't gotten to Silver Shadows. I'll have to brace myself for it though because it sounds rather intense!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was intense especially on Sydney's side. SILVER SHADOWS IS EVERY SHIPPER'S DREAM BOOK.

      Delete
  3. Hahahaha I LOVE these reviews! Especially all the fab pointers you've got there for Adrian and Sydney. I loved VA but I haven't gotten to the Bloodlines series yet and your review makes me want to do it right now :D Thanks for your great review!

    Janhvi @ The Readdicts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG You should! I mean soon. I don't want to be pushy :p BUT YOU REALLY SHOULD READ THIS SERIES :D :D I love making lists like that. I think it will be a standard thing n this blog when I talk about my otp :D Thank you!

      Delete
  4. I really need to read this series, it has been on my list forever.
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great reviews! I read Richelle Mead's VA series and LOVED IT! But I haven't started this series yet. I've been a little reluctant too! But I think I may finally start them this year! :)'

    Thanks for stopping by my STS @ Addicted Readers! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ADRIAN IS <333 You should check this out bc it's awesome and . . . .Adrian! HAHAHA

      Delete
  6. lol, I love your thoughts on Sydrian. The Bloodlines series is one of my all time favorites, but I didn't love Silver Shadows as much as I thought I would either. I'm hoping The Ruby Circle will be incredible, though. Sydney and Adrian are one of my favorite fictional couples ever :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maaan, same! It was overwhelming for my taste. GOING DOWN WITH THAT SHIP! So excited for The Ruby Circle. It's so neaaar omg I'm scared

      Delete
  7. I tried to read these a while back after having bought them all and unfortunately I just couldn't get into it. I think I need to read the rest of the VA series first. Completely agree with the cover models, they look so mopey and bitter. They need an overhaul don't they. Hopefully I enjoy this as much as you have Abz <3

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great reviews! Bloodlines series is defintely my favorite between the two series. I love Adrian and Sydney together! Pretty soon the Ruby Circle will be out. :)
    New GFC follower
    Jess @ Jess Time To Read

    ReplyDelete
  9. OMGG I love loveeee the Bloodlines Series <3 I wish more male leads were like Adrian .. I cannot wait for Ruby Circle :)

    Benish | Feminist Reflections

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment! ♡ Happy reading to everyone!