Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines (Bloodlines 1)
Author: Richelle Mead
Format: Hardback (purchased Amazon)
Pages: 421
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Genre: YA/Paranormal, Romance, Adventure
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥


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. {Goodreads}

Like many of you, I was worried that the Richelle Mead’s spin off series, Bloodlines wasn’t going to be able to capture my heart and soul like her mesmerizing series, Vampire Academy.  If for some unfortunate reason you are unfamiliar with her Vampire Academy series or have not yet read it, SHAME ON YOU. J And you must not get out much because this author is everywhere.

First off I have to say how much I enjoyed reading this story from the POV of Sydney. She is a fire cracker but instead of rushing into things without fully thinking it through (like another strong female we know), Sydney plots and bides her time until all her ducks are in a row and the she kicks some major ass.

We start off with a mission, a very top secret and undercover job that is offered to Sydney against the wishes of her father (jack ass) and her superior on the case. Sydney has been assigned the hush, hush case of rooming and protecting the Dragomir Princess, Jill aka Jailbait. The setting is the most unlikely location for a vampire… Palm Springs, CA. Here the girls and Eddie enroll in a normal prep. School… or is it? Soon everyone find themselves caught up some big bad and it’s up to Sydney to sort it all out and save her friends.

Bloodlines, is a fast paced (but not rushed) story of unlikely friendships and of ourse some major butt kicking. When I finished it I thought, “ok, that was good”, next morning I found myself still pondering the book and decided that it was truly awesome. Richelle Mead whips up such a tale of romance, adventure and friendship. I give this book 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA and adventure romance.