Author: Richelle Mead
Series: (Bloodlines #2)
Published: June 12th 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Categories: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
 

I’m at loss for words. Where were they when I needed them? I just…can’t…uh, it’s… it’s just so awesome. AWESOME I tell you. When I finished the book, the first word that escaped from my mouth was wow. I mean, really it was WOW.

To say I have a huge expectation for the follow up is an understatement. I expect nothing less than awesome and with any luck, surpass the first book. And oh boy, did this book deliver it. It blew my mind. I couldn’t stop turning page, I selfishly wanted everything and at the same time I’m agitated that soon it will end and have to wait another year (is it? I have no idea when will the next book comes out) to see what will happen, especially with that ending. I love and hate the ending at the same time. But after some pondering, I think I liked the ending and wouldn’t want to change anything.

Unlike my sister, I don’t have strong ill feelings towards Dimitri. It’s not exactly his fault, he just fell in love. And I’m not mad at Rose anymore. Yes, if this girl didn’t get Adrian hopes up, he probably wouldn’t be in that situation. But everything changed. Sydney changed my opinion of their love debacle.

“Because there’s no one else out there who understands you like I do.” – Adrian

“Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I’ve had my mind made up about you for a long time…and it’s all good.” – Sydney

Sydney Katherine Sage has my blessing (like she ever needed it to begin with). She’s good for Adrian. Good for his ego. Good for his health. Good for his education. Good for his soul. Do I dare say it? Yes, yes, yes. She’s good for his heart. I love how the relationship has developed. We can see how vastly different it was from his time with Rose. It’s so much better. Much better. I like this kind of development—they know each other. Really know each other. What ticks them, what they like, what make the other uncomfortable, etc. This is a rare commodity in YA books nowadays. They have actually a connection that exceeded the physical.  While I find the **spoiler** kiss**spoiler** really unexpected (I thought it’s too early) but I just can’t help but felt giddy about it (I still am). But yes, Sydney’s decision at the end tore my heart because I wouldn’t want to see Adrian in that state anymore. He’s so different now. He’s changing for the better. But then again, where’s the fun in that? And it’s really out of her character if she accepted it. This girl is driven by logic and facts and obviously she won’t jump on him because it’s different from what she experienced before. Even though it felt great. It’s a very Sydney (rational) reaction.

Their moments together were priceless. I love that both of them stood for each other. Sydney challenged him that if he take the research seriously and went 24 hours without cigarettes, she will drink a whole can of pop (so you know, she doesn’t like liquid sugar. She’s into ‘healthy stuff’). Or when they took a self-defense class. And when Sydney teaches Adrian how to drive a manual (it turns out he had some pretty hidden motive). Or during the Halloween Party. I think that was the time when Adrian finally realized. But my absolute favorite parts are: (1) when Adrian defended Sydney from Sonya and Dimitri when they want to take some blood sample from her (see? He knows her fears. He knows her very well). And (2) when Sydney stand up for Adrian in front of his father. And even asked some help to convince that he’s a changed man. That he’s better from what they thought of him.

And the entire last chapter. I love it (and hate it, but love it, ugh, so confuse).

Even the Jill moments, when she looked at her moony-eyed.  We know it’s not really Jill. Man, suppressed feeling is not good for him. It slips.

Aside from the Adrian + Sydney development. Mead didn’t forget what we all love about her novels. Action. In VA, the plot centered more in strigoi and moroi. But this time, humans are heavily involved (not only just feeders). It’s not really unexpected, Sydney is human. I learned that alchemist group was split into two.  There’s the existing alchemist group and then vampire hunters. And I’m also quite intrigue with Sydney’s ability and her blood. The book hinted about it and we all know that there’s a bigger picture to show. And I’m excited to find out.

Ok sorry for rambling, I will wrap this up now: if you like Bloodlines, you would definitely like this one. <3