Review: The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead

Goodreads

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. Alchemists 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. Formorly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and her sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi - the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that - special, magical, powerful - that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Braydon, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else - someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists - or her heart? 

Review:  

5 of 5 stars

The fact that I am writing this review right now is a miracle.  Why you ask? Simple, I would rather be reading the next book in the series, The Indigo Spell!  However, I have forced myself to review this one before I read the next one or it just won't happen.  

We return to Palm Springs and Amberwood in the second installment of Bloodlines.  And the more I read in the series, the more I love it.  I was so convinced that I would never enjoy Bloodlines like I enjoyed Vampire Academy, but I was so wrong!  

Sydney Sage is again the main character and POV we read in TGL.  I really love Sydney and enjoy her comments and thoughts.  However, to be so clever and smart, she can really be dumb too.  She has all the book knowledge in the world but the simplest things can throw her for a loop.  I suppose that is why she is so endearing.  It is obvious that Sydney is struggling with morals in this book.  As an alchemist she is supposed to despise Dhapmirs and Moroi, however, at times she notices they are more ethical and moral than some humans.  The dilemma only becomes worse the more time she spends with Eddie, Jill, Dimitri, Sonya, Angeline and Adrian.  

Speaking of Adrian, I am so proud of the strides he is making in this series.  Despite the fact that he has a history of being rebellious and insensitive, he wants to grow and become a better person.  We saw him "attempt" this in VA to try and win Rose, but Rose was always meant to be with Dimitri.  This time is different as he has a hard time even explaining it to himself.  

The other issues in the book surround Sydney and her issues with magic.  If you recall, her teacher is a witch and believes that Sydney could become a powerful one as well, if she would only embrace it.  After Sonya and Sydney are attacked the struggle to resist magic and claim it is evil is much more difficult.  Events in this book also lead Sydney to think about the ethics of an offshoot of the Alchemists and if they are hiding things from her as well.  Clearly, her struggle with right and wrong will continue in book 3.  

In conclusion, be prepared for a heck of an ending that we have all been waiting for a long time.  It was totally worth the wait!  And since the remainder of the series is already released, I don't have to wait any longer to dig into The Indigo Spell!

Review: Bloodlines, by Richelle Mead

Goodreads

Synopsis

I wasn't free of my past, not yet.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's 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. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiences in question, her future is on the line.

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 unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Review
4.75 of 5 Stars

It is no secret that we love paranormal books around the blog.  A couple of years ago we read Vampire Academy and fell in love with the series.  I was so upset when they ended, but my husband was probably happy.  I literally had done nothing but read for a week straight.  I was ridiculous and didn’t cook, clean or do anything.  I was obsessed with those books!  I knew that Bloodlines was a spin off series but I have been so busy with life and other book commitments that I could not take the time to read them.  Until now! 

This year, we have decided to be very selective about the books we read and review.  We wish that we could read all the time, but the fact of the matter is that we both work 40+ hours a week and have kids.  We have worked so hard on our blog and want to keep doing it, but we don’t want the deadlines that come with so many blog tours.  So, this has opened the time for me to be able to read the Bloodlines series-FINALLY!

You will remember many characters in Bloodlines from VA; Sydney Sage the Alchemist, Adrian Ishkavov and Jill the Moroi, and Eddie Castille the Dhampir.  Of course we see glimpses of Rose, Dimitri and others as well, which is nice.

Bloodlines begins with Sydney going on assignment in Palm Springs to help protect Jill from a group of people trying to kill her to keep Lissa from the throne.  Eddie, Jill and Sydney are going undercover as siblings and students at a boarding school.  Adrian is staying nearby with another Moroi, Clarence and his son Lee is back and forth to LA for classes.  This is also where Jill has her feedings. 

The other Alchemist, Keith Darnell, is posted in Palm Springs.  To say he and Sydney don’t like each other is an understatement.  He does not want Syd around and will do whatever it takes to keep reminding superiors of her actions in VA when she helped Rose. 

I love the way Richelle Mead can weave a complex storyline.  Things start happening at school and around Palm Springs that cause Sydney to become suspicious.  Will she risk being sent for re-training by the Alchemists by working with vampires and dhampirs again?  Be sure and one click Bloodlines today and fall in love with the paranormal world she creates all over again!

Review: Untouchable Darkness, by Rachel Van Dyken

Amazon

Synopsis

To love a Dark One is to invite death...

It is wrong to love her.
It is worse to want her.
It is sin to consume her.
I desire all three.

I've been given thirty days to prove my love to another immortal--as a human. Cursed to use nothing but the side of myself I've always despised to win her affection. I am Cassius, the King of the immortals, A Dark One.
And today I tasted fear for the first time.
How can I win her when my human emotions over take every ounce of logic I possess?
A darkness is brewing.
One I cannot stop as a human.
One that Stephanie, my loves visions, have shown, will be my end.
Thirty days ago I was King of the immortals.
Today I know fear.
Today I know how I will die.
By her hand.
The woman I love. 

Review

4.5 out of 5 stars

I am finding this paranormal series from Rachel Van Dyken to be incredibly unique and interesting.  She always does such a wonderful job creating fascinating stories with equal amounts of romance, humor and intrigue.  What I particularly like about this series is that she’s managed to mix in a wide variety of paranormal...vampires, angels, warewolves, siren and even demons into one captivating plotline. 

Untouchable Darkness further explores when two Dark Ones, beings not permitted to mate, find love in one another.  It was interesting, it was romantic and at time suspenseful.  I especially enjoyed the chapters told from Cassius’ perspective.  His past, his birth, his deepest desires reveals a man deeply in love plagued with major responsibility often exhausted especially having to live it alone for so many years.  Seeing things through his eyes allows us to delve deeper into the relationships of this unconventional family, and what you find at the base is love. 

This installment spends a lot of time exploring the fine line between good and evil, the balance of light and darkness and when the underlying plot development is revealed I have to admit it definitely made me want to start book 3 ASAP.  Yes, this one ends on a happy for now moment, but I cannot wait to see what Rachel has in story for Alex and Mason not to mention the war on evil.  These paranormal escapes are quickly becoming a favorite addiction of mine. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Paranormal Lover-Harry Potter Edition

Harry Potter is a phenomenon that is difficult to describe.  I was skeptical before I read these books.  In fact, I didn't read them until they were all released and I bought the first three paperbacks at my local library book sale.  They were fifty cent each.  From the first chapter of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone I have been hooked.  I read the complete series in 10 days.  Needless to say, I accomplished nothing else during that time and have been a "Potterhead" since.  I love to read all the theories and the new clues that tie things together even more.  J.K. Rowling created a world everyone should read.  If you or a friend/family member are as obsessed with Harry Potter as I am, you will love these unique gifts that all fans would love!

1-"Always" Doe Patronus Painting- This gorgeous watercolor painting would look great in any house.  It just so happens that deer paintings, wall hangings, etc. are all the rage right now, and you get to pay homage to HP at the same time.  "After all this time? Always." That quote still gets me.

2-Muggle Hoodie- This hoodie says it all. Books have the power to help us escape reality and use our imagination.  I would totally wear this hoodie proudly.  Every Potterhead I know would love it also.

3-House Elves Sign- Every Harry Potter fan that is a mother needs this sign in their house. I love how it brings the love of books and sarcasm together.

4-Harry Potter Bracelet- This bracelet is understated and fashionable.  But, it proudly displays so many HP symbols that I love: the Golden Snitch, the Deathly Hallows, and Hedwig.

5-Platform 9 3/4 Decal-This decal would look perfect on a door in a classroom or any door that needs some magic.  I love the look and it would fit perfect in any HP themed room.
       
6-Marauders Map Mug- "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." Coffee is what gets me through most days. And I love a fun coffee mug.  For some reason, it makes the coffee taste better.  This Marauders Map mug is awesome.  It is black until you add hot liquids and the map appears.

7-Key Rack- Could there be a better place to store your keys than on a key rack that displays Alohomora the "Unlocking Charm"?  I think not.  All your muggle friends will be confused as to the meaning, but that is sort of the point.

Holiday Gift Guide: Paranormal Lover-Twilight Edition

Twilight will always hold a special place in my heart.  It's one of those spur of the moment purchases I made one day at a Sam's Club.  I saw the book's cover, was intrigued and thought why not.  Looking back I am not ashamed to admit I felt ridiculous buying a book about vampires.  Little did I know how much I would love the story, and yes I read it and was a fan long before the movies were ever even thought about.  It's an awesome saga, one that will take you by surprise and captivate your attention to the end. 

1 - Twilight Tenth Anniversary/Life and Death Dual Edition - This anniversary edition just recently released, back in early October.  It pairs the classic love story with Stephenie Meyer's bold and surprising reimagining of the complete novel with the characters' genders reversed. In Life and Death, readers will be thrilled to experience this iconic tale told through the eyes of a human teenage boy in love with a female vampire.  Here at Romance Rewind we do not know how we feel about reversing the roles of Bella and Edward but we are HUGE fans and are dying for a copy of this hardback for our own bookshelves!

2 - MacBook Twilight Decal - This is a die-cut decal, and not a full rectangle cover, which I personally think makes it all the more attractive.  It's just a subtle touch of Twilight and I really LOVE the way it looks against the silver background!

3 - Twilight Forever:  The Complete Saga Box Set - Ok, so I own all the individual movie DVD's of the Twilight Saga, but I secretly, desperately want this complete box set!  Not only do you get all the movies in one cool case, but you also get 2 hours of never before seen content, red carpet footage, music featurettes (and these movies have seriously good soundtracks) and interviews with the cast as well as Stephanie Meyer.

4 - Twilight-Bella's Jewelry Collection - What girl doesn't love jewelry?  Can you imagine if the girl you were buying for also had a serious love for all things Twilight?  Looks to me if that's the case then this is the perfect gift for you!

5 -  The Twilight Saga White Collection - This gift set includes paperback editions of Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, and The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner with exclusive white covers,making it the perfect gift for fans of the bestselling series.  Don't get me wrong I love the original covers, but there is just something so beautiful about seeing them done in all white!

Review: The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis:

To touch a Dark One is death. 

To talk to an immortal is suicide. 

Yet, I've been marked by both. 

A Vampire. 

And the King of the immortals. 

My life is no longer my own. 

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin with. 

It was theirs. 

It's always been theirs.

Review:  4.75 of 5 stars

Words can't express how much we love a good paranormal book!  We love most of the typical vampire, werewolf books, but they are not easy to write.  A lot of authors tend to use a lot of the same elements and not do original things.  Rachel Van Dyken is not a typical author and she does't do anything generic!

The Dark Ones is the story of Genesis.  She is a human that has trained her entire life to serve immortals.  When she is summoned by The Dark One, Cassius, her world is about to change!  I really love Genesis, even though she is the human surrounded by an entire cast of immortals, she is perhaps the strongest of them all.  I love her character and can't wait to see her more in the other books in the series.

Ethan is the vampire in the cast of immortals.  He is an elder and reminds me a lot of Ian Somerholder's character, Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries.  He tends to run his mouth, piss a lot of people off and act without thinking at times.  But he does all these things as a defense mechanism because of his past, and he is scared.  He is one of my all-time fave vampire characters.

The remaining characters are a mix of immortal characters.  Mason is a vegetarian werewolf and I am hoping the next book focuses on him.  I foresee his story is one that will be heartbreaking but full of redemption.  Alex is a siren that seems to be after one thing-sex.  I suspect there is a big heart hiding beneath his beautiful exterior.  His sister, Stephanie also will have quite an amazing story with her issues. I love that Rachel can take serious issues but always provide some great comic relief with her characters!  They are so much fun and I did not want the story to end.

This book kept my attention from the first page.  I could not put it down!  Rachel expertly weaves a paranormal story and doesn't make it feel cheesy at all!  And did I mention, she can write the best twists to story lines around?!

Rachel is a rare author.  She can take a historical book and transform it into something I love.  She can turn a fairy tale into something I can't put down.  Comtemporary Romance?  She can always rock it!  And don't get me started on her Mafia series-perfection.  Everytime I think to myself, "Can she pull that off?", Rachel always does it flawless!