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 think I was one of about a handful of people who read Bloodlines having never read The Vampire Academy series. And I was a little apprehensive about reading Bloodlines, and being part of the Bloodlines blog tour. But I heard that it wasn't necessary to have read The VA series to read Bloodlines. I kind of liked the idea of reviewing this novel, because I had no preconceived notions about how it should be, and how the characters should be. Many VA fans were excited for this one, but they were also a little leery. VA was an epic sensation among YA readers, Richelle Mead created a world unlike any other with that series, and there were those who feared that she wouldn't be able to do it again. As a first time reader of hers, all I was concerned with, was her ability to draw my attention and keep me entertained throughout the whole of the book. And I feel like she did that.
Because I wasn't a VA reader, I was new to the world of the Maroi, Strigoi, Dhampir, and the Alchemists. I wasn't sure if I would be able to enjoy Bloodlines because of this. However, Mead does a good job of reintroducing readers to the world of vampire. Part of the fun in reading this book was piecing things together. I knew enough about The VA series to figure out what was going on in Bloodlines.
What I enjoyed the most about this novel was the humour. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. I found Ms. Terwilliger hilarious! She was probably one of the funniest characters. I also really liked Adrian. I know a lot of people do. But I probably liked him for different reasons (maybe). He was funny, he was also kind of sweet. If her were a real person I would have hated and loved him- He would have gotten on my nerves, and I would have loved every minute of it. I also kind of liked Sydney. I thought her thought processes were a little pathetic at times, and I found her far to legalistic when it came to her job and how she was supposed to feel about the vampires. But, I did like reading about how she changed her views on them, her attitude softened towards her Maroi and Dhampir friends. Seeing this transition was nice.
What I hated (which is also a testimony of Mead's skill at writing great characters) was Keith. I really disliked him. He was a pompous ass. He was rude, and thought so highly of himself. It was annoying. Every time he would open his mouth I would want to scream. I would often wish that Sydney would stand up for herself. As I mentioned earlier I did not really understand her reasoning for doing things. However, Keith was truly terrible, and I can't imagine a worst villain.
The cliffhanger at the end wasn't much a cliffhanger for me. I did not have a "What. Just. Happened?" moment. I think that in order for that to happen you have to have been a VA reader. Which I thought was to bad. It was interesting though. I am curious about what's going to happen. However if this series turns into another six book saga. I will be terribly disappointed.
I must say that after reading Bloodlines I am in no rush to read The Vampire Academy series. Although I did enjoy Mead's story telling, I wasn't super crazy about the vampire politics, or the different class of vampire (Strigoi, Maroi, Dhampir). It was all a little confusing. It was hard for me to remember who was what. Plus reading six books with the same characters doesn't appeal to me at all.
Overall, Bloodlines was fun to read, and I look forward to reading about what comes next.
~Happy Reading Everyone!
**ARC received from Penguin Group Canada- Release Date for Bloodlines was Aug 23rd 2011.**
It sounds interesting, though I'm not a VA reader either, so I thought i wouldn't care for Bloodlines.
ReplyDeleteBut now you're making me doubt, :) maybe I should give it a shot!
I have not read the VA books either, but I heard they were good. Anyway, I got this at BEA, so maybe I can follow along.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your take on the book (even though I am a huge fan of VA)... I hate to say this, but from my understanding Bloodlines is going to be a six book series (The Golden Lily's, the next book in the series, cover was actually released on Goodreads a few weeks before Bloodlines was released).
ReplyDeleteSydney was reprimanded for helping out Rose in the Vampire Academy series. The Alchemists made sure that the world of vampires and humans stayed separate. They also thought that vampires were unnatural and should be avoided at all times.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Sydney actually feared the vampires until I read this book. There were moments where she really would cower, especially when magic was involved. It's like the Alchemists instilled a phobia in her when it came to anything magical or supernatural.
And then there was Adrian. *Swoon* He was just adorable and I couldn't help loving him. He was a trouble maker most of the time but deep down, he just wanted for someone to believe in him and trust that he could amount to something. Sydney was that person. I also loved how Adrian could be witty and serious at the same time. When he used a different voice with Jill when she wouldn't stop playing with the water at the mini golf course, I just about melted. His concern for Sage was just amazing. I really think they need to break the barriers and just get together already.