May 8 2013

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Book Review: Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Title: Indigo Spell

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #3

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch–a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood–or else she might be next.

The Review:

Okay, okay, I promise this is the last Richelle Mead book I’ll review for a few months – but only because I have finally read everything she’s written. It’s a shame I’m all caught up, too, because these books make my job as a reviewer a whole lot easier. Indigo Spell was so absorbing and well written that I didn’t have time to worry about anything other than just enjoying it. I never once stopped to see how many pages I had left (as I often do with books) and in fact could have continued reading long after the book ended – it was fantastic.

This is a highly character driven novel, and honestly, not much happens with regard to action. Events in this book are more like vehicles to get our characters from one emotional point to the other. Well, that’s not strictly true. Stuff happens, but that stuff is just nowhere near as important as the effect it has on the characters. And what awesome characters they are! Mead always finds a way of developing well-rounded, yet flawed characters that you can’t help but love despite their imperfections. Take the main heroine, Sidney, for example: she’s uptight, controlling, and downright ornery on occasion but she is one of my favorites in any series because she feels real. And she’s found her perfect match in Adrian – his affection and interest towards her is a great writing tool to make them both more appealing.

Speaking of Adrian, the romantic tension in this book is by far my favorite element. It’s been a love story that has been developing over the course of the last three books and I feel like its momentum is getting ready to snowball (in a good way). The love story is not the only thing that is gaining momentum, there were a few discoveries in this book that point towards one heck of a finale. Mead’s ability to carry excitement from one end of the series to the other is why she is my all-time favorite author. She simply doesn’t let you down and I devour her books much faster than I want to (note to self for the next one: read slower – savor it).

Overall, this is an excellent book that has me impatient to pick up the next one.

Recommendations: I would recommend this to those looking for great character development and a sweet love story. For fans of Vampire Academy, this is an absolute must as it’s so much more than a simple spinoff. I would also hand this to someone who enjoys paranormal but doesn’t want to be hit over the head with the supernatural.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

: Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

: Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Dec 13 2012

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Book Review: Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

Title: Iron Crowned

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Dark Swan #3

Rating: (4.5/5 stars)

The Overview:

The Review:

I’m sure at this point you’re all tired of hearing me gush about Richelle Mead, but I just can’t help it. Everything she does winds up on my favorites list, and the “Dark Swan” series is no exception. Although book #3 was a tad slow to start, it soon launched into an event-filled story with plenty of action, love, and humor. The momentum it gained near the end had me cancelling plans simply so I could sit down and finish it (sad, but true).

As mentioned before in my review of “Bloodlines” (book 1 in a different series), Mead’s writing style is always incredibly character-driven. What I love about this series is that it also has a great deal of action and world-building to go along with the first-person style. I would actually say the world-building is my favorite element. We get to spend a lot of time exploring the lands, customs, and people of the Otherworld (the land of the gentry, or fey) while simultaneously learning more about the paranormal qualities of our own world.

Overall, this is a series I consider well-worth reading, especially if you’re already a fan of the urban fantasy genre. Fair warning: proceed with caution if you are adverse to language and sexuality.

Other books you might like:

“Dead Witch Walking” by Kim Harrison
“Stray” by Rachel Vincent
“Moon Called” by Patricia Briggs
“Dead Until Dark” by Charlaine Harris
“Magic to the Bone” by Devon Monk
“Ill Wind” by Rachel Caine

by Niki Hawkes

Dec 6 2012

Book Review: Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Title: Golden Lily

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #2

Genre: Teen Paranormal Fantasy

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Overview: Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

The Review:

I’ve mentioned before in my review of book #1, “Bloodlines“, that Richelle Mead is one of my all-time favorite authors. I love everything she does, and I have yet to finish a series where I didn’t immediately want to go back and read it again.

All of her works are incredibly character driven, and this one in particular is probably the most introspective yet. While characterization is one of my most important elements when evaluating a book, I often get bored if the book focuses too much on that element. There has to be a balance of character, world-building, ideas, events, and plot to excel with me. Mead is one of the few authors that manages to address all these things while still delving deep into the thoughts of the main character.

Another thing I love about the author is her uncanny ability to make relationships feel natural and progressive. Not only does that help get readers more connected, but it also gives them more incentive to find out what happens next. I feel a stronger connection to her male leads than any other author’s, and I’m certain that has to do with her pacing and the way she develops the love story.

Overall, this series is a 4.5/5 star read, but I have to say it is my least favorite of all of Mead’s works. Thus far, anyway, as she’s got the tendency of making the final few books in a saga unforgettable. If you’ve never read anything by her, I would recommend starting with the “Vampire Academy” series, as this is a spinoff.

Other books you might like:

“Succubus Blues” by Richelle Mead (MA)
“Touch of Frost” by Jennifer Estep
“Firelight” by Sophie Jordan
“Marked” by P.C and Kristin Cast
“The Glass House” by Rachel Caine

by Niki Hawkes

Nov 17 2012

Coming Soon: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Title: The Indigo Spell

Series: Bloodlines #3

Author: Richelle Mead

Release Date: February 12, 2013

One of my all-time favorite authors has a new book in a few months, and I can hardly wait! As mentioned in the review for book #1, “Bloodlines“, I love everything Mead has written, and I’m sure this book will be no exception! Although appropriate as a stand-alone series, if you are new to this author, I recommend beginning with the “Vampire Academy” novels.

Sep 9 2012

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Book Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Title: Bloodlines

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #1

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Overview: Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets – and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she’s still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir – the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir – is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill’s guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty – a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning..

The Review:

First I want to preface this review by stating that Richelle Mead is definitely in my top 10 favorite authors of all time. I’ve read everything she’s ever published, and have yet to be disappointed in her works. Her characters are always rich and vibrant, her story lines are interesting and compelling, and her writing style is engaging and fun. Bloodlines is no exception.

Creating memorable characters is one of Mead’s greatest strengths, and she never fails to produce a leading lady that manages to be both kick-ass and totally relatable. This book is the first in a series and focuses a lot on developing the main characters. Although it is not as action-packed as some of her other works, have no fear! She has a way of building an incredible momentum that make for some of the most breath-catching scenes I’ve ever read. Bloodlines is a strong first installment in what promises to be an excellent series!

Recommendations: I highly recommend you read the “Vampire Academy” series before this one, as this story follows chronologically as a spinoff. You wont be disappointed!

Other books you might like: