I expected it to happen, but maybe not quite as much as it did in the end. The Golden Lily blew me away. When I put it down after reading the last page, I was left speechless. I was left wondering if somehow Richelle Mead had controlled my mind. Am I under her influence? Maybe. I bow to her. I know, I sound like a complete dork, but you do not even understand the complete and total love I have for The Vampire Academy series, and now the new spin-off series with Bloodlines. The Golden Lily possibly was better than the first book…and this spin-off series possibly may well be better than VA. Which is saying quite a lot from my end. Well, I love them both for different reasons. And I still have to read the Bloodlines series in its entirety to make the final call. Every once in a while though, there’s a series that strikes you. It makes such an impact that you know it will live with you long after it finishes. I know VA and Bloodlines will always hold a special place in my heart as being in that particular group.
When I first started writing, I didn’t really have any authors to look up to at first. I mean, I really admired Stephen King and Anne Rice. I don’t think I can thank them enough for all they’ve unknowingly done in helping to inspire me along my path in my interests. But in the way of my YA writing, I didn’t really have anyone at first. I also loved J.K. Rowling sure, but she doesn’t necessarily write in the subgenres I do. Not until I read VA a few years back and became a fan of Richelle Mead. I was inspired by her world-building and crafting of characters, and I knew in those moments that she was an author I could admire…an author that I could look up to and be inspired by when it comes to my own writing. She’s also one of the first authors that I started reading when I got back into reading YA and because of the VA series, have found and read many great other YA books since. I actually read much more in the genre now than I did when I was a teen (because I read mostly adult and classics back then), which is awesome. I’ve gotten a bit off-topic, but I really just had to get out that she inspires me. A big thanks for that. It is my dream to give her a big hug one day.
I don’t want to say too much about The Golden Lily in fear of spoilers for those who’ve not only read this book, but haven’t read Bloodlines yet either. But I want to say that what I liked best is that there’s more development of Sydney’s character for this one. She loosens up. I see more of a free-spirit and I really enjoyed that. Adrian, as always, never ceases to amaze me. Yes, he’s often aloof and sarcastic and witty--he will give you plenty of laugh out loud moments--but he has his soft side, too. I particularly like seeing it on occasion. The side of him where you remember he’s not always playing around and that he’s serious about what he means and does. When he cares, he really cares. He’s such a complex and deep character that I have to remind myself that he’s (unfortunately) not real. It’s amazing when a character steals your heart, and he stole mine a few years ago when he was first introduced in the VA series (book two, Frostbite). Another thing: The Golden Lily will leave you yelling at the end because it ends on a wild cliffhanger. Oh, Richelle, you know how to torture your fans. I still love you anyway.
(Some) Favorite Adrian moments:
“The greatest changes in history have come when people were able to shake off what others told them to do.” (Bloodlines)
Adrian ordered a martini, earning disapproving looks from his father and me.
"It's barely noon," said Nathan.
"I know," said Adrian. "I'm surprised I held out that long too.” (The Golden Lily)
And it’s here! The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) cover and blurb:
To be released: February 12, 2013
After an event that changed Sydney and Adrian’s lives forever, Sydney struggles to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring Marcus Finch, a former Alchemist who pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her. And when Sydney comes face to face with an evil magic user, she finally begins to embrace the mysterious magic she knows she holds within . . .
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series 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.
“Adrian's face was the picture of perfect politeness and restraint, meaning something disastrous was about to happen.” (The Indigo Spell, teaser quote tweeted by Richelle Mead)
What do you think?
The Golden lily looks good, haven`t read it. But have read the first book:)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this book. Adrian is amazing and this time I liked Sydney too. They should be together!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!