Book Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily
Bloodlines Book #2

Author: Richelle Mead
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 417 pages
Publisher: Razorbill (June 12, 2012)

Ratings: ★  

My thoughts:

The Golden Lily is the book two to the Bloodlines novel, spinoff series of the Vampire Academy series.

Sydney. Oh boring Sydney *looong sigh* When I finished reading the book 1: Bloodlines, I was sad. So sad that I didn't get to like the book, and now after  reading the Golden Lily the experience was depressing. That feeling you wanted to love the book but you just can't! It took me months to purchase this book and when I finally decided to read the book, there was so much hope that Dimitri's appearance would somehow make the story interesting. Nope. No excitement in reading the story. Totally. I blame Sydney for all this. I see Sydney as the most boring character in all of Richelle Mead's books. Oh, add Jill to that. 

Dear Adrian. What happened to you? I don't remember getting excited seeing you this time.  I loved you! What is wrong with you??!? I know you're still heartbroken but you don't have to be "lifeless" after Rose! And where did you learn those boring lines? Oh I know. Sydney! 

Jill. I just can't understand why some people think you can be a lead character when I still see you as "jailbait", a KID. You're not like your sister Lissa. I know it's wrong to compare but I can't "feel" you! Your story is too superficial. 

Another thing I noticed which made it harder for me to like the whole "Alchemist" thing was that half the story is about dealing with human thus labeling this as "paranormal" book is not at all right. Sydney made it clear that she doesn't want to see blood and magic. She also doesn't want to be with people who are considered as unnatural and evil (Moroi and Dhampirs)... I get it. So why is Sydney still the narrator of this series??  

I couldn't connect with all the characters. Considering almost all of them are from the VA series, it felt like I don't know them.  Honestly I wished I didn't read these books at all! :=(

Amazon positive reviews, click HERE.

About the book:

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 himans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worls of humans and vampire. 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 allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney 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 orse. 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 hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

About the author:

Richelle Mead is an international bestselling author of fantasy books for both adults and teens. Her Georgina Kincaid series follows a reluctant succubus, while her Dark Swan series features a shamanic mercenary caught up in fairy affairs. Over on the young adult side, Richelle writes the much-acclaimed Vampire Academy series and its spin-off, Bloodlines, about a secret society keeping the vampire world hidden from humans.

Richelle's books have been on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and received honors from the American Library Association. Her books have been translated into over two dozen languages, as well as transformed into graphic novels. A lifelong reader, Richelle loves mythology and wacky humor. When not writing, she can be found spending time with her family, buying dresses, and watching bad reality TV. More at: www.richellemead.com