Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

     I admit I was wary about reading a spin-off of one of my favourite series. I was still pumped to read it, but I was scared of being disappointed. During the Vampire Academy books I never really warmed to Sydney, and so I wasn't sure if I would like leaving Rose's POV. After reading Bloodlines I can now safely say that there is nothing to fear. I have no doubt that this series is just as good as Vamp Academy, and that Sydney is worthy of the same love we had for Rose.

     If you want to know about our past favourite characters reappearing in Bloodlines, I can tell you that our protagonist is Sydney, and our main supporting characters are Jill, Adrian & Eddie. There are also a few brief parts of the book where we see Rose, Dimitri, Abe Mazur, and Lissa & Mason are mentioned. There are also a few new characters who you'll of course love as much as our main guys.

     The story begins in Sydney's family home. Sydney's younger and barely trained sister has been chosen to go on a mission. In an attempt to shield her from the life of an Alchemist, Sydney tries to convince the superior Alchemists that she should take her  place. She succeeds, but only then does she discover what the mission is.  Sydney must pose as Jill, Eddie, Adrian, and fellow Alchemist, Keith's sibling in an effort to keep Jill safe until the law is passed that the king or queen of the Moroi does not need a surviving family member to be on the throne. The four teenagers live in Palm Springs, and as they spend more time there, the more Sydney learns, and soon she realises that something fishy is going on. Someone is supplying vampire blood to a tattooist, Jill and Adrian's strange relationship is unveiled, and eventually Sydney must look past her upbringing and become the strong person that she could never see.

     Bloodlines is quick paced and gripping, satisfying lovers of Vampire Academy and giving off its own charm that sets a new standard for young adult fiction. Next up, The Golden Lily.