Review- THE RUBY CIRCLE by Richelle Mead

THE RUBY CIRCLE (Bloodlines Book #6)

Richelle Mead

Release Date: February 10, 2015

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: Razorbill

ISBN:  978-1595143228

Source: Purchased by a friend

Rating: Obsessed!!!!!!!!!!!

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here...

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.

After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world.

I have been a fan of Sydney and Adrian since Richelle's Vampire Academy books and when I found out they were getting their own series I was thrilled! What I didn't expect was that I'd end up falling in love with the Bloodlines series as much as I did! I love it more than Vampire Academy. And Richelle has written such a perfect finale to Syd and Adrian's story I am completely satisfied and happy. 

 If you're looking for spoilers sorry you won't find them here just me gushing about how much I loved this book!

Richelle brought back the dual POV's just like she had in THE FIERY HEART and SILVER SHADOWS and they were amazing again! I really loved seeing Syd and Adrian becoming such a strong pair and they have truly come full circle. There's also a HUGE twist in this one that doesn't really involve our main characters but a couple secondary characters. I can't telly you what because if I did it would spoil a lot and also in reading Richelle's acknowledgements I think it may be part of a new series and yes I just said new series. This is coming from Richelle in the acknowledgements here's her quote "Thanks for sticking with me, and even though we're pausing for now--don't worry. I don't think we've seen the last of these guys."

I was going to share a snippet with you but I think it's better you read the book in it's entirety and feel all the feels at once!

I can't wait for more of this world! Unlike some other series that I feel have gone long past what they should have... I don't think this one is among that group and I will be awaiting more wonderful stories from Richelle and the characters we've all grown to love.

Dying to Read (71)- THE RUBY CIRCLE by Richelle Mead

Hey y’all thanks for stopping by to see my Dying to Read post and of course as always I have to give credit to the lovely Jill over at Breaking the Spine for the Waiting on Wednesday Meme!

Oh it has a cover and a synopsis and I need this book so bad after how SILVER SHADOWS ended!

THE RUBY CIRCLE
Richelle Mead

Release Date: February 10, 2015

Hardcover: no page count

Publisher: Razorbill

ISBN: 978-1595143228

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here...

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.

After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world.

So what do you think? Will you be adding this to your pile? What are you dying to read this week?

Review- SILVER SHADOWS by Richelle Mead

SILVER SHADOWS (Bloodlines Book #5)

Richelle Mead

Release Date: June 29, 2014

Hardcover: 380 pages

Publisher: Razorbill

ISBN:  978-1595143211

Source: Hardcover from the publisher

Rating: Obsessed!!!!!!!!!!!

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/TheBook Depository

From 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 Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive. 

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

I know I said this in my last review for THE FIERY HEART by seriously....Y’all!!!!! Richelle Mead is definitely going to be the death of me! I thought the wait for THE FIERY HEART was bad! But hell I just finished SILVER SHADOWS and I need THE RUBY CIRCLE like right now!!!!!!! If you're looking for spoilers sorry you won't find them here just me gushing about how much I loved this book!

Richelle brought back the dual POV's just like she had inTHE FIERY HEART and they were amazing and heartbreaking. I really loved seeing Syd and Adrian apart and to see them dealing with their own trials and demons. In THE FIERY HEART they learned to love and trust each other but in SILVER SHADOWS they learn what it really means to be in love and to fight for it no matter the costs, and let me tell you it's not without difficulties. There's temptations and torture, attempted brainwashing and depression. 

This book isn't all swoony scenes and happy feelings. Richelle punches you in the gut and when you think you can come up for air... she punches you again! AND I LOVED EVERY PAGE! 

A lot of the characters we have met in the book are back but some have smaller parts in this one. We really get to focus on Syd and Adrian in this one both as individuals and as a couple. That being said it looks like we'll get most of the gang back together for the finale THE RUBY CIRCLE just trust me when you get to the end of the book you'll see what I mean! Oh and usual we also get to see some of our favorites from The Vampire Academy series there quite a bit going on in the Moroi court right now :) :)

I can now say with absolute certainty that the Bloodlines series is my favorite! Yep over The Vampire Academy! Don’t get me wrong I still love TVA but Adrian and Sydney’s story just resonates with me more! I've always been Team Adrian and if you read these books you'll know why!

I’m going to share a small scene with you from Adrian's POV because I adore him. This is during a dream he's having with Sydney when they're still apart.

"Adrian?"

Her voice was small, nearly lost in the dripping of the water from the fountain. But the power it carried--and the effect it had on me--was monumental. I'd heard the expression "weak-kneed" before but had never lived it until now. My muscles didn't feel as thought they could sustain me, and there was a great swelling in my chest, the result of a tangle of emotions I couldn't even begin to describe. Love. Joy. Relief. Disbelief. And mixed in with all of them were the emotions that I'd endured these last few months as well: despair, fear, sorrow. It spread out from my heart, and I felt tears form in my eyes. It wasn't possible that one person could make you experience so many emotions at once, that one person could trigger a universe of feelings, simply with the sound if your name.

I also knew they were wrong--all of them. My mom. My dad. Nina. Anyone who thought love could simply be built on shared goals alone had never, ever experienced anything like what I had with Sydney. I couldn't believe I almost lost this through my own ignorance. Until I looked into her eyes now, I didn't truly realize what a hollow life I'd been living.

"Sydney..."

Want to know what happens next? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Review- THE FIERY HEART by Richelle Mead

THE FIERY HEART (Bloodlines Book #4)

Richelle Mead

Release Date: November 19, 2013

Hardcover: 438 pages

Publisher: Razorbill

ISBN:  978-1595143204

Source: Hardcover from the publisher

Rating: Obsessed!!!!!!!!!!!

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository

From Goodreads.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

Y’all! Richelle Mead may just be the death of me! I thought the wait for THE FIERY HEART after reading THE INDIGO SPELL was going to kill me well let me just tell you the wait for SILVER SHADOWS is going to be way worse!!!!!!!!

One thing I loved the most about THE FIERY HEART were the dual POV’s. I really love Sydney but finally getting to get a glimpse into Adrian’s mind was awesome! You actually get to see how Spirit affects him, I mean we could already see it through Sydney’s POV but with Adrian’s I actually felt like I could feel Spirit’s side effects as well his highs and lows, when he was hurting I hurt along with him. The love story between Sydney and Adrian was really sweet in this one. What I loved about this book was them learning to trust each other and what the other needed. Trust me peeps you won’t be bored there are some seriously smexy scenes in the book!

All of the characters in this series have really grown and I find myself really getting wrapped up in each of their stories. I feel so bad for the lovesick Jill and Eddie as well as Angeline and Trey. Ooh and we also get to meet a new Guardian who even though he’s quiet I grew to like! I also loved that Sydney was exploring her magic more and trying to find a way to break away from the Alchemists. I hated the addition of Zoe (Sydney’s sister) I know why she had to be brought into the story but she drove me nuts I actually hate that chick! Ooh and we also get to see some of our favorites from The Vampire Academy series I won’t say who but fans of the VA series will be very happy.

I honestly think the Bloodlines series is my favorite! Yep over The Vampire Academy! Don’t get me wrong I still love TVA but Adrian and Sydney’s story just resonates with me more!

I’m going to share a scene with you now from Adrian’s POV because I love him and it’s s swoon-worthy scene.

“I made you cry,” I said. That memory would always be a wound in my heart.

“I cried because I loved you, and I didn’t know how to fix you.” She reached up and brushed my lips with her fingertips. The world swayed around me. “And that was my mistake. You fixed yourself. You didn’t need me.”

“No, Sydney.” My voice was ragged. “I do need you. You have no idea how much I need you.”

I brought my lips down to hers, and it was like everything that had ever happened to me had simply been a warm-up for this moment, that this was where my life truly began. I pulled her to me, and if she’d ever had any doubts about whether I wanted to taste her blood, I knew they vanished then and there. It was the taste of her mouth, the taste of her skin…those were what I craved, the things that drove me wild. Her hands caught the edge of my shirt, and we broke the kiss briefly so that she could pull it over my head. She splayed he fingers on my chest, and this time she was the one who shook. I looked into her eyes, and although they burned with passion and longing and that primal need that had fueled both our races since the beginning of time, I could see the nervousness in them too.

Want to know what happens next? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Review- The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell

Richelle Mead

Release Date: February 12, 2013

Hardcover: 432 pages

Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)

ISBN:  159514319X

Source: ARC from the publisher

Rating: Obsessed!!!!!!!!!!!

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository

From Goodreads.

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.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

OMG y’all this book was amazeballs, awesomesauce, fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve been having a hard time writing my review for this so I decided to wait to let my emotions calm down a bit otherwise this would have been a complete ramble-fest.

It seems to me like Richelle has a thing with her third books being completely awesome and heart breaking as well as leaving us with a moment at the end where we want to strangle her. Because let’s face it if she doesn’t leave us hanging either in giddy happiness or total misery it’s like she hasn’t done her job in torturing us. Well Mrs. Mead job well done you have me hanging by a thread waiting for The Fiery Heart!

Ok so onto the book I know it’s out and most of you have read it by now but I’m not going to be spoilery just in case there are some of you that haven’t. All I’m going to say is that I love Adrian even more than I thought possible he is simply amazing in this one! And there’s a t-shirt painting scene that keeps sticking in my head lol. Also for you Sydney haters I hope you’re finally seeing her for the kick ass heroine she really is! Like I’ve seen her since the VA books! And thank goodness I think we may be steering away from the strigoi for good there’s new villains and I love that. And for you people who were worried about Marcus Finch? Don’t. I mean he’s hot and funny but he can’t hold a candle to Adrian; that being said though he did add to the story, I liked him!

Aw crud see my review turned into a ramble anyways lol so I will leave you with a passage a part of the t-shirt scene ;)

“Not the pirate,” I warned. He found a small purple shirt and began painting on it in silver. “Purple?”

“It’s your color,” he insisted. A thrill ran through me at his words. Adrian could see auras, the light that surrounded all people and was tied into their personalities. He’d told me that mine was yellow, a color most intellectuals had. But he’d also said I had flares of purple, which indicated a passionate and spiritual nature. Those weren’t qualities I usually thought I possessed…but sometimes, I wished I did.

I watched, enthralled, as he painted a large silver heart with flames edging one side. The whole design was Celtic in style. It was beautiful.

“Where did you get that from?” I asked in awe. I’d seen a lot of his work but never anything like this.

His eyes were on his heart, completely caught up in his work. “Just something kicking around in my head. Reminds me of you. Fiery and sweet, all at the same time. A flame in the dark, lighting my way.” His voice…his words…I recognized one of his spirit-driven moments. It should’ve unnerved me, but there was something sensual about the way he spoke, something the made my breath catch. A flame in the dark.

Jaime's Review of The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily

Richelle Mead

Hardcover: 418 pages

Release date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)

ISBN: 1595143181

Source: ARC received at the Romantic Times Book Convention.

Rating: Loved

From Goodreads.

From Goodreads. The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

I was so happy to see they had copies of this at RT! I didn’t myself get a copy but when I saw that one of my blogging buddies did I asked her if she would trade. I would have offered her my first born child for The Golden Lily! Thankfully she said yes (and all she wanted was a book lol) so the minute I got home I put off my other reading and dove in. Well without rambling or sounding incoherent nah not gonna work.  OMFG this book was sooooooo freaking unbelieveable, it was amazeballs, awesometastic, brilliant, wonderful, and marvelous!!!!! It was better than Bloodlines!

Ok so now trying to review without spoilers ummm I can’t, but what I will say is my love for Adrian grew exponentially and my admiration for Sydney grew as well. Never fear Dimka fans he’s still in it as well even though honestly I didn’t see the need (except to appease the Dimitri fans lol),  and there’s the same crew from Bloodlines as well as a few new additions one of those being a new boy whom I ended up kinda swooning over but he definitely didn’t take Adrian’s place in my heart. Oh and the story is so much better!  We get to meet new bad guys which was cool because after 7 books I was getting kind of sick of the strigoi. And there’s more magic use and not just the vampire kind!! Ok enough rambling I’ll share a quick passage with you now!

“Adrian?”

All reasonable thought vanished from my head. Adrian was lying on my car.

I ran over to Latte as fast as the dress would allow me. “What are you doing?” I demanded. “Get off of there!” I automatically checked for dents and scratches.

Adding insult to injury, Adrian was actually smoking as he lay on the hood and stared up at the sky. Clouds were moving in, but a half-moon could occasionally be seen. “Relax, Sage. I won’t leave a scratch. Really, this is surprisingly comfortable for a family car. I would’ve expected—“

He turned his head toward me and froze. I had never seen him so still—so quiet. His shock was so thorough and intense that he actually dropped his cigarette.

“Ahh,” I cried, springing forward, lest the burning cigarette damage the car. It landed harmlessly on the asphalt, and I quickly stamped it out. “For the last time, will you get off of there?”

Adrian slowly sat up, eyes wide. He slid off the hood and didn’t seem to leave any marks. 

Obviously, I’d have to check it later, “Sage,” he said “What are you wearing?”

I sighed and stared down at the dress. “I know. It’s red. Don’t start. I’m tired of hearing about it.”

“Funny,” he said. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of looking at it.”

Hope that was enough to get you by until June lol ;)

Add The Golden Lily to you Goodreads shelves.

Pre-order your copy today!!!!

Jaime's Review of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

From Goodreads.

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy. 

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. 

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

Jaime’s review….

When I first found out Richelle was doing a spin off series from the Vampire Academy books and they were going to be about Sydney I was thrilled! She was some of my favorites of the minor characters from the VA series and I wanted to get to know more about her and the alchemists. Then I found out that my beloved Adrian Ivashkov was also going to be a big part of the series and I got even more excited! (Yes people I am Team Adrian for me at least. Rose can have Dimitri)

The first couple chapters were pretty slow but they were setting us up for this amazing story where Sydney has to enroll in a boarding school to protect Lissa Dragomir’s half-sister Jill from forces that want her dead. Sydney being an alchemist is wary of vampires and their unnatural magic so it’s funny to see her sent to live and deal with  two vampires and a dhampir especially after her escapades with Rose and Dimitri.

I really loved the connection between her and Adrian they way they argue and banter is absolutely hilarious and adorable! I really also enjoyed seeing Abe back he’s another favorite of mine. The new people Richelle introduced in this book had me very intrigued especially Trey and Mrs. Terwilliger. The story itself was completely still immersed in the world that we grew to love in the VA series but with some slight differences added too.  I guarantee that if you’re a fan of The Vampire Academy series you’re going to want to add this new series to your collection Richelle has hit another home run with this one and now I’m eagerly waiting for book 2 The Golden Lilly!

You can get Bloodlines at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore or library. Make sure to check out Richelle’s website HERE. One more thing make sure to check out Bloodlines 0.5 Adrian’s Lost Chapter HERE it’s the first chapter written from Adrian’s POV instead. J