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: