Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines Book #3

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 401

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis courtesy of 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. They protect vampire secrets--and human lives."

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.

Review

Apparently, I never reviewed this one when I first read it. So, now that I'm re-reading the series I will.

I believe this was my favorite in the series. So far in this re-read, I would say it is still my favorite. 

And Ms. Mead puts so much into this book. Looking back, it's hard to believe there was so much. There's movement with the larger plot and an individual plot. Plus, the romance gets some real love. I love Sydrian so much and they aren't disappointing on a re-read.

The character development is also good. Of course there is Sydney and Adrian who are growing perfectly-I love reading Sydney's evolution. But the other characters as well. I don't remember being as intrigued by Jill as I am. She isn't in the story a lot, but she does have an interesting story. She's also growing and developing a maturity. I remember very little about her so I'm interested in seeing what happens to her.

Oh, and I totally forgot about Hopper. Seeing Sydney and Adrian as "parents" is so adorable. I'm team Hopper-more Hopper-all Hopper all the time.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines (Book #6)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 348

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I can’t believe this is over. And if I’m being honest-I hope it isn’t. I have theories/thoughts on what she could do if she wanted to continue writing in this world. And to be clear-I’d buy those books in a second.

I actually had to force myself to read this because I knew I would put it off. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t read the last book in a series it isn’t actually over. And I wasn’t disappointed. The book is shorter than the others, but she still neatly tied up the plot.

Adrian and Sydney were their normal awesome selves. Seeing them deal even with normal couple things was great. For me, those things help me really get invested in a couple. I’ve seen some people complain about Adrian’s behavior, but he didn’t bother me. He did walk the line of creating drama by not talking to Sydney, but it was fine. The shorter book probably helped with this.

The plot and twists were also spectacular. Talking about anything would be a spoiler, but I liked what Ms. Mead did with the characters and the situations she put them in. If you’ve read the book: I loved Declan and what he brought to the story.

This wasn’t my favorite-The Indigo Spell, if you want to know. But I was satisfied with the conclusion. And I’ll be honest, if I’m satisfied with the last book in a series I LOVE I’ll usually give it five stars even if there are a few minor problems. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series I think you would like this book.

I do with Abe had shown up. I love him and would’ve liked a last look at him.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines (Book 4)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 420

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                I read the first three books in the Bloodlines series earlier this year, but had to take a break. I was enjoying the books, but could sense emotional turmoil coming and the final book didn’t have a publication date at the time. Honestly, I wish I could’ve held out even longer, but Adrian was calling to me.

                For some reason I LOVE the Bloodlines books. I did really like Vampire Academy but these books connect to me in a more intense way. And I loved that we get both Sydney and Adrian’s POV in this book. Of course, I loved Adrian before, but being in his head made it a million times better. How have we never been blessed with his perspective before?

                I think some people might think this book was a little slow because there wasn’t a lot of action. But I think there was a bunch of development when it comes to the inter-personal relationships. And I loved seeing Adrian and Sydney’s relationship continue to grow and evolve. Although, every time they would be happy I would get anxious and worry that something terrible would happen. Really this book was putting down a bunch of groundwork for the next two books. Or, at least, that’s how it felt to me. And Ms. Mead’s writing is so good I’m definitely okay with that.

                I want to talk about Adrian some more, but it’s going to be spoilery.

                Being in his head was fantastic. It helped me understand him and the effects of spirit even more.  When Tatiana was “talking” to him was so emotional. I also really liked seeing his struggle with going on medication. It’s a decision people struggle with every day and being a vampire is such a small part of it for him. Ms. Mead does an excellent job of including mental illness (for lack of a better phrase) in her books.

                I knew the ending was coming. I think that’s why I didn’t cry. And I don’t mean knew like I was spoiled, but there was a crap-ton of foreshadowing. And it was a spectacularly written ending. Adrian was so emotionally raw and then Sydney at the end-amazing. The thing that got me the most was when they kept talking about “the center will hold.” I don’t know why but that hit a cord with me for some reason. And Hopper-always Hopper. I love that little dragon guy.  

~Thanks for reading!

Holly