5 Stars: Keeper
Series: Bloodlines #1
Hardback: 421 Pages
Publication: August 23, 2011 by Razorbill
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.
I love Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series, and I was excited when I found out that she would be writing a spinoff series off it. It was an unbelievable feeling to finally hold this book in my hands and spend the day reading it.
Sydney’s collected voice is a sharp contrast to Rose’s passionate nature. Whereas Rose plunges straight to the point, Sydney bides her time and observes the situation before acting, the scientist in her coming out. Learning more about the Alchemists has been a blast. I was curious about them when Rose first ran into Sydney, and with Sydney taking the stage in Bloodlines, I got to see more of her world–its structure and the limitations that are placed on her through her duties.
I’m happy that we get to see more of Adrian. He’s a bundle of fun, sexy fun, and it’s amusing to watch his interactions with Sydney. Everyone has already written him off as no good, but Sydney brings out the best in him, including his witticisms, because they’re a central part of him. They banter, they argue, and Sydney just can’t leave him alone despite the trouble that he continuously puts her through. Between attending a normal high school for the first time and spending time with Adrian, I’m thinking that Sydney will learn more about friendship and romance in the near future.
While Sydney initially goes to Palm Springs to protect Jill, a couple other plots emerge from Jill’s unusual relationship with Adrian to a secret among the students at the school to the impending sense that the turmoil back at court isn’t the only danger that the group faces. Sydney’s skills as an Alchemist are put to the test as she fights to prove that she is fully capable of carrying out her duties and that it is time for the higher ups to trust her once more.
Bloodlines is a brilliant continuation to the world that Richelle started in her Vampire Academy series. Old characters grace the pages, including Abe, Adrian, Jill, and Eddie, and it looks like we’ll see more of some familiar faces in book two. I cannot wait to read The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) and see where she takes it. I am especially curious about Trey and Mrs. Terwilliger, in addition to a unique trait of Sydney’s that comes out near the end.
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Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
e. says
I love Sydney — so excited for the third book! Sydney and Adrian!!!
Crystal says
Same here. I can't wait for more! <3 Sydney and Adrian! 🙂
Olivia Tan says
i like this series, thanks for the nice review. cant wait to read the second book ^^
Fall Into Books says
I love this book. I like Sydney A LOT better than Rose. I really couldn't stand reading from Rose's POV, so Sydney was a nice change. I also am glad we got to see more of Adrian. 😀
Netherland says
I love Rose as a narrator. I love her boldness, her aggressiveness, her passion, her loyalty. But those qualities make her difficult to relate to. Sydney is a lot more like me. Cautious, thoughtful, ambitious, responsible, subdued, self-conscious. The little we learned of Sydney in Vampire Academy makes much more sense now. She is the product of an overbearing father and can never measure up to his unrealistic expectations. But she still wants to live up to them. I wanted to shake her low self-esteem out of her at times, but her inferiority complex fit perfectly with her upbringing. I loved how Sydney was cautiously open-minded. She's been taught her whole life that dhampirs and moroi are an abomination. Knowing these people in real life, she's willing to change her views but it's a gradual process. She's also proud, stubborn, and holds grudges (when justified). She places other's needs above her own. That's an alchemist's job, but it's also Sydney's personality.
Jennifer says
I loved this book so much! It's just amazing how Richelle Mead can create such different and unique heroines in her series. I loved Sydney and Adrian is my fave character from VA. Great review!
Jennifer Messerschmidt says
I was so happy to get more Adrian! When I heard he was in this I was so excited. I love him. I worship him. I would murder for him! lol I can't wait for The Golden Lily!
Nicole@The More the Merrier says
Oh great I can't remember what unique trait you are referring to, looks like I need to do some re-reading.
I too loved that Sydney takes center stage in this novel. She has a different perspective on the world of vampires and I can't wait to see what happens next, especially with Adrian.