THE GOLDEN LILY by Richelle Mead-a new release review
THE GOLDEN LILY by Richelle Mead.
The Golden Lily is Book 2 of the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. It picks up right after Bloodlines ends and all I can say is WOW!!! This is one of those books that you start reading and can’t put down, even though you are sleepy and have to work in the morning and you know you will be cranky!! It is just that enjoyable!
Bloodlines told the story of a group of Moroi (good vampires), dhampirs (half breeds) and an Alchemist’s (human) exploits at a private High School in Palm Springs California! Someone has tried to assassinate the sister of the Moroi Queen and this motley group is hiding in a place no one will suspect! Vampires can’t take the heat or sun and what more perfect place to hide than at one of the hottest places on earth!! The vampires, dhampirs and Alchemist Sydney have become a self made family! We learn a bit more about the Human Alchemists, human magic and there is even a group of vampire hunters in the Golden Lily.
I believe this book really is about Sydney and learning more about her thought processes and her evolving relationship with “her family”. She is the anchor of this group, the logical one who prefers her beige wardrobe and who doesn’t seek attention. She is such a great character full of wisdom, but she has some lessons to learn too! She has few social skills and manuvering around normal teen concerns in high school is hard for her, but it is so funny for the reader! Richelle Mead develops wonderful characters that have flaws, but that can also laugh at themselves. This is the book where Sydney and Adrian can shine!! Adrian is the previously dumped boyfriend of Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy. He is in Palm Springs to heal, have some fun and because of his bond with Princess Jill.
Sydney and Adrian are both such wonderful characters! They are similar in many ways, they both make me laugh out loud, but for different reasons. Sydney doesn’t know she is being funny many times and Adrian describes himself as “the wacky vampire”! They are both smart, even though Adrian hides his brilliance behind his mischevous ways. Who else would buy a classic 1967 Mustang when he can’t drive a stick shift or can he? Sydney steps in to help, because the Mustang is her dream car! Coincidence? I don’t think so!! When they are in scenes together, watch out and grab a swooning pillow!! They have such perfect chemistry and balance each other so well. I don’t know what Richelle Mead has in mind for them, the whole human and vampire issue, but I am sure that it will be great!! They are so protective of each other and like Adrian tells her, “you make me want to be a better person”. We see Adrian’s vulnerable side too when he meets his disapproving father for lunch. Sydney is there to remind him of his true character. His partying ways don’t fool her and she can see the real Adrian.
Like I said, Sydney is growing as a person. We are seeing a different side of our uptight girlfriend! She even has a boyfriend in this installment! A boy named Brayden who is like an exact replica of her! They have the same tastes, like the same boring activities, but are there any sparks?? Especially when her “family” interferes and they can’t even remember his first name! Sydney is still a loyal Alchemist, but she has nagging doubts about their beliefs. The whole belief that all vampires are inferior and to stay emotionally uninvolved with them. She knows that her new friends are good people and she is willing to follow her heart AND her logical mind. I think that this topic of loyalty to her beliefs will play a big part in her evolution as a person. Sydney is also learning about her magical side. She resents her school advisor, Ms Terwilliger who makes her translate spellbooks during her independent study. Ms Terwilliger knows that she is picking up the spells “through osmosis” and becoming receptive to the whole magic business. This training helps save the day against vampire hunters and we wonder, what exactly is Sydney? The bad vampires found her blood repulsive, she has magic in her blood, what else will she be able to do? I have a feeling that it is going to be incredible!
I am just loving this series! It is a continuation of the Vampire Academy, but can be read alone. There are new characters and some of our old favorites visit. Hello Dimitri!! A man who scores pretty high on the attractiveness charts, has a Russian accent and can look cool wearing a long leather duster in Palm Springs California! I have read the ending of The Golden Lily multiply times and my jaw continues to drop……….Oh, what is Richelle Mead planning?
Sorry Carmen, but I am officially TEAM ADRIAN now!!! I hope that everyone enjoys this series, it is written for both teens and adults!
Reviewed by Jules
