Bloodlines (Bloodlines, #1) in Vampire Academy: VA all the way

Oct 06, 2010 Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: i-own, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. There has been so much talk about this book in recent months. Those lucky enough to get their hands on ARC’s have seemed to think that Bloodlines isn’t as good as VA and while I do see what they mean, I don’t exactly agree. Going into this book I was sooo excited about it. VA remains one of my all time fave series and I had high expectations for Bloodlines and, for me, it didn’t disappoint. I can see the differences in this and VA, but I loved it none-the-less.
The world within this book is very There has been so much talk about this book in recent months. Those lucky enough to get their hands on ARC’s have seemed to think that Bloodlines isn’t as good as VA and while I do see what they mean, I don’t exactly agree. Going into this book I was sooo excited about it. VA remains one of my all time fave series and I had high expectations for Bloodlines and, for me, it didn’t disappoint. I can see the differences in this and VA, but I loved it none-the-less.
The world within this book is very different from that in VA. The minor characters in VA now have a larger role and they have the chance to shine. The world within the Amberwood boarding school was quite normal, and the book lacked the Moroi magic found in VA, but I discovered that I actually didn’t mind that. The pace of this book was slower as Richelle Mead set up the characters and storyline, but I enjoyed the pace and everything that happened.

It was nice seeing the new characters in this book. After the way the Vampire Academy series ended, there were a lot of questions left unanswered and a lot of loose ends left untied. In Bloodlines those characters whose stories weren’t completed are front and centre and we get the beginning of their own tales. Sydney, Jill and Eddie are all back and their lives are now our focus.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Sydney. I liked her in Blood Promise and I knew she had promise, but I wasn’t expecting to love her as much as I did. And I did actually love her....a lot. She has her issues and fears in regards to Moroi and vampires, but she’s strong too. One of the things that was a stand out about her for me was her morals. I liked that she still has issues with vampires and still considered them and their world to be evil and unnatural at times, and yet unlike the other alchemists, she treated them with respect and decency; interacting with them in a way that was kind and not unnecessarily cruel. Throughout this book Sydney continued to grow and her ideas change and I think she has the potential to be an incredible heroine as the series continues. Personally I can’t wait to witness her becoming the kind of lead I know she can be.

I can’t say enough how much I love Adrian. While Dimitri always had my heart in the previous series and I always wanted him to be with Rose, I’ve always thought highly of Adrian—ever since he appeared in the VA books. He’s such a great character. He’s funny and charming and underneath he’s got such a great heart. There’s so much about him that’s a front and not completely the truth that I adored the moments when his kindness and his true feelings shone through. It’s clear from this book just how much Rose’s betrayal hurt him at the end of Last Sacrifice, but at the same time I could see that he’s ready to move on and that he can be okay again. There’s nothing I want more than him to reach his potential. The relationship he has with Jill is so adorable. He’s always cared about her, but in this book it’s finally clear how strong that affection is. He treats her like a little sister and I don’t doubt that he’d do anything to keep her safe and happy.

I can’t deny that Bloodlines lacked the romance that VA did and yet I wasn’t disappointed by this—not in the least. The chemistry is there between Adrian and Sydney and Mead has set up a great stage for what I can foresee being a terrific romance. The seeds have been sown and I’m excited about the prospect of seeing their relationship develop over time. It’s obvious from the way they interact with each other that something really deep could develop between them in future books. While they’re very different in a lot of ways, they’re also very similar and I think they could find strength in themselves from each other. Adrian certainly is charming enough to help change Sydney’s thoughts on Moroi and sweep her off her feet and I can’t defiantly see her helping to heal his broken heart. I cannot wait to see how this relationship changes in the next few books—it’s so exciting.

I liked the side story of Jill and Lee, although I saw Eddie and everything he feels coming. I’m eager to see where this leads and what it means. There were enough twists and turns in this book to keep you on your toes and the entire time I was reading I didn’t want to stop. I think there a tonnes of possibilities for the characters in this book and the ending was one that left me wanting more....stat!
Bloodlines proves that Mead can indeed keep her VA world alive and has captivated me once again. I think this the start of what looks to be a brilliant series and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on The Golden Lily, although the wait is going to kill me!

...more

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Oct 07, 2010 Alyssa rated it liked it

Shelves: really-excited-for, must-get-asap, 2011-read, own, ya-romance, highly-anticipated, great-books, ya-loved, mystery-suspense, thriller

You know, it’s been a while since I’ve loved a YA paranormal romance; nowadays, ones of quality are damn difficult to find. To me, Bloodlines, despite all those negative reviews, was in between the ILOVEDITOMG and EWHOWWASTHISPUBLISHED states. I truthfully did find myself wholly captivated and unable to put the book down – this may have been because I was covered and paralyzed beneath snotty tissues and Vicks, so whatever – but I also had my problems with the novel, as you’ll see. Of course know ...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Tierney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, read-as-a-teen, favorites

Caution : spoilers!

Honestly, I don't think I'm ever gonna be able to get enough of Richelle Mead's writing and the vampire academy world! Please Richelle never stop writing about it! I love love love this book! I don't know what I was expecting when I first read it, but it was certainly better than I'd imagined, but I do wish I'd heard more from Lissa and Christian, and maybe Dimitri and Rose. Also, I can't wait for the next one, I need to see if Eddie and Jill get together and also if Adrian an ...more

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Apr 27, 2011 DemonKitty003 rated it it was amazing

I simply got the chills when started reading the new series. My heart raced with excitment I just couldn't put it down. Amazing thrill ride I was on the edge of my seat (were I always like to be on a good book).

The funny parts with Adrian and some with Sydney were perfect. Near the end I was blown away by the feel of a little romantic feels towards the two. Something forbidden and that should never be in the world, THIS is what I love to feel. I actually believe Adrian and Sydney should be toge ...more

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Aug 24, 2011 Jessica (Jess Hearts Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: the-best-book-boys, favorites

Bloodlines is the first book in a new spin off series to Vampire Academy. Bloodlines follows on one month after the events in Last Sacrifice and mixes the old with the new making it readable whether you’ve read Vampire Academy or not. This book follows Sydney an alchemist whose job it is to protect humans from the secret vampire world. Sydney is still in trouble with her people after her part in helping Rose Hathaway and is sent on a new mission to redeem herself by keeping vampire Princess Jill Bloodlines is the first book in a new spin off series to Vampire Academy. Bloodlines follows on one month after the events in Last Sacrifice and mixes the old with the new making it readable whether you’ve read Vampire Academy or not. This book follows Sydney an alchemist whose job it is to protect humans from the secret vampire world. Sydney is still in trouble with her people after her part in helping Rose Hathaway and is sent on a new mission to redeem herself by keeping vampire Princess Jill hidden in the human world. Sydney, Jill and two familiar faces to Vampire Academy fans Adrian and Eddie must protect Jill at all costs but with humans sporting magical tattoos similar to those of the alchemists and Moroi (the good vampires) murdered in unusual circumstances the stakes are higher than ever.

I’m a HUGE fan of the Vampire Academy series and couldn’t wait for this spin off. I was a little worried that this book wouldn’t live up to my love for VA but I’m happy to say that it did! Richelle Mead’s writing is as fast paced and snappy as ever and Bloodlines has a good mix of the old to keep fans satisfied and the new to make it fresh and exciting so that it’s not just a copycat of its predecessor. Events from Last Sacrifice follow on in a natural, smooth way but Sydney and Co also unearth a lot of new problems and a whole new exciting plot Richelle Mead evolving this amazing world even further, delving more into the alchemist side of things but still keeping the plot intermingled with the Moroi (good vampires), Strigoi (bad vampires) and Dhampirs (half human, half vampire).

Fans of Vampire Academy are probably eager to know if there will be any appearances or talk of our old favourite characters, Rose, Dimitri, and Lissa and I’m happy to report that there is plenty of mention of them and even a special appearance from Rose early on in the book. It was really interesting to see Rose from Sydney’s point of view as Rose was our protagonist in Vampire Academy and I have to say that the last sentence of Bloodlines had me wiggling in my seat with excitement for book two- I won’t say anymore than that but if you’ve read the book you’ll know what I mean ;-)

That being said however nice that it was to catch up with old friends Bloodlines is very much about Sydney, Jill, Adrian and Eddie and I found myself not missing the old cast as much as I thought I would because I was so wrapped up in their story. Richelle Mead has also hinted at some potentially very interesting and exciting future love interests and I’m very excited to see where she goes with that.

Overall Bloodlines was a fantastic first novel to a brand new series that will enthral Vampire Academy fans and entice new readers. Richelle has set up an absorbing new plot that runs smoothly alongside past events, and characters old and new who are as strong and hugely likeable as the first cast. Bloodlines is a must read for anyone and I can’t wait to see where Richelle Mead takes us next. ...more

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Oct 07, 2010 Bianca rated it really liked it

Shelves: best-characters, put-life-on-hold-to-read, books-i-loved, books-i-own, front-covers-i-love, goodreads-reading-challenge-2011

**Spoilers**

I knew this book wouldn't be as good as Vampire Academy. How could it be? Rose, Dimitri, Lissa. All the characters I loved are barely in this new series. Which is no surprise but still I was a little dissapointed with their lack of appearances.

I really liked this book, although at times it was a little boring. It wasn't action packed like what we have previously seen in VA. I really enjoyed reading about Sydney though, to have a new view on the world I fell in love with was refreshin **Spoilers**

I knew this book wouldn't be as good as Vampire Academy. How could it be? Rose, Dimitri, Lissa. All the characters I loved are barely in this new series. Which is no surprise but still I was a little dissapointed with their lack of appearances.

I really liked this book, although at times it was a little boring. It wasn't action packed like what we have previously seen in VA. I really enjoyed reading about Sydney though, to have a new view on the world I fell in love with was refreshing and new. I felt really sorry for her, she doesn't have the greatest relationships with her family, mother and sometimes sister aside. Its mainly her father that she doesn't really 'get along' with.

I have missed Adrian although he seemed to be drowning his sorrows a hell of a lot more than usual in this book. That reminds me of a quote from Pittacus Lores The Power of Six. "If you ever know a man who tries to drown his sorrows, kindly inform him his sorrows know how to swim." Poor Adrian he was really having a hard time. Rose has really hurt him and we see how he struggles to deal with his emotions. He is bonded to Jill?? That was a surprise I did not see coming. I like it but in a way I feel it's repeating what happened in VA. Now Adrian will be in danger like Rose was, what will happen with the bad effects of Spirit?

The "normal" school they go to seems anything but normal. I had no idea humans could see Sydneys tattoo?? I must have forgotten or missed that somewhere. Eddie also seemed different. He has changed. Become less of the Eddie we all loved. I liked seeing him react to Micah though, hearing about Mason was something I was glad this book had, We never really knew how that death affected Eddie.

Keith was an ass. I hated him right from the start, what a loser. Especially after what he did to Sydney's sister Carly. I'm glad Sydney got Abe to wreak a little revenge on him. He deserves it.

This series looks promising, I hope it gets a bit more interesting though. Looking forward to the next one. :D ...more

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Dec 14, 2010 Scarlet rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, series, favorites, vampires, paranormal-romance, books-that-need-to-become-movies, read-more-than-once, should-be-a-tv-show

Reread on 2/16/13

I had previously rated this three stars but after re-reading Bloodlines I'm amending my rating to four stars.

Bloodlines is a nice bridge from Last Sacrifice (Rose and Dimitri's story) to the Bloodlines series (Sydney and Adrian's story). If you look at it that you'll enjoy the first book in the Bloodlines series. If you read Bloodlines expecting a continuation of the past Vampire Academy books with the same jam-packed action, then the first installment in the VA spin-off is goi ...more

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Dec 21, 2010 Courtney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: series, all-time-favorites, vampires, magic, supernatural, survival, young-adult, fiction, 5-stars

I'm definitely not surprised that I liked this book because I loved the vampire academy series! It's great to hear more from the VA characters, but through another person's point of view. I really did enjoy reading this book. There were many points that I was shocked by and this book kept me guessing the whole time. This book wasn't as good as the VA series, or at least the first book, but Richelle Mead still created a really good book and hopefully series. I can't wait to continue reading! ...more

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Sep 01, 2010 ஐAndreaஐ rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book, and like Sydney more that I originally anticipated. I love, love, love Adrian and was really happy with his growth in the story. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!!! The last line of the book was very exciting :) ...more

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Jun 08, 2011 Brittnie Sanders rated it it was amazing

Love the spin off! Lots of twists and stuff, which I seen a lot of them coming but hey, i'm not against a spoiler anyways. Can't wait to grab the Golden Lily and get a little dose of Russian :) ...more

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