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Bloodlines
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Mead, Richelle- Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1); Informal Buddy Read: Starts November 19, 2014 - revisit 2016
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Four days, gosh I had better get my read on to finish other books before this one starts. I am so excited!!
Id like to hopefully read this too but have a lot of commitments this week will try and get a move on.
I loove bloodlines. Favorite series. If it wasn't for the timing I'd say I would go for it
You're very welcome to join us!
I can't wait to start. I feel like I tried reading it to soon after I finished the first series and it bummed me out cause no more rose. So maybe now after a year I can enjoy it as its own thing :)
That's what I'm hoping by spacing out some time between booksThough seriously, the idea of reading a book with Adrian and Jailbait in the forefront thrills me!
I'm mostly excited about adrian ;)
I'm mostly excited about 2 days' time!!
I would, but I can't seem to make it fit. I've read all the Bloodlines books that are released and I've loved them all, but I'd like to join you in the discussion.
So I just started reading this and, let me say, from the first pages I was fully hooked. In the first chapter, they give so many ties into why we should be invested in Sydney's character instead of Rose's. Rose's story is finished now, you know? And this Sydney character has a lot of stuff going on in her life that I'm really looking forward to being fleshed out.
I only had time to read the first ten pages but hopefully I will get more time tonight after work. I think I may actually end up finishing it now that I've had a lot of time between the series
Of course, if it proves tough for you, I can egg you on!
I'd like to join :D It's been so long since I read the Vampire Academy series that I hope I can pick up this world again quickly.
Definitely do, we are just in the first pages ourselves, Snow!
It is a little tough cause Sydney was never one of my favorite characters. I find her role on the other hand interesting but I hope this book lets me know a side of her that i can somehow appreciate. :)
I hope so too!! See, I came it from a point of view of liking Sydney all the way from book 4 of the previous series!
oh so we are approaching the series with different feelings towards her. I just remember reading the series and never really caring for her, but I am about a hundred pages into this book and I think I'll learn to like her as I continue.
She's so sassy and kick ass. Oops, you're ahead of me! I see I need to catch up.
hahah its cause I keep pushing myself to read more of it because I dont want to get behind you! lol
Grin. Well I'm about to get to my weekend so I'll probably read heaps then. Good thinking!
I remember being very apprehensive about this book, too when I read it because I didn't care much for Sydney in Vampire Academy, but she really surprised me and my god I LOVE ADRIAN!He really develops a LOT in this series.
I was just going to come here and update similarly. I'm up to 180. Have you noticed how this book is made up a lot of character interaction and set up rather than any real plot? And we're almost half way through already :SAnita, the Adrian scenes are the ones I'm currently living for. I LOVE seeing him without Rose for some reason.
Like yeah I feel like this book feeds off conversational plot devices more then anything else. Like theres nothing to find or someone to track?? or anything like that, which does leave me wanting more. Like I want to have something somewhat developed as the antagonist. I dont feel like we have really met one yet just friendly faces.
I agree. I also think that this novel would have been stronger so far if they weren't trying to establish the last 6 books, and just treated it as a new series that people could get more out of if they'd read the previous one, but not necessary overall.
I finally started last night, and I swear I was almost jumping up and down with Adrian's first scene (yes, it was short, but still :D)I did like Sydney from the original series, I think it was because she was still willing to help (even knowing what it would mean for her), so I've believed she'll do what's right.
I will definitely finish this book soon within the next few days. I am interested in where its going
I only just finished it now. Almost couldn't put it down over the last couple of days, but I've just been so busy that I decided not to come on here until I had finished it. So many surprises in the last bit! Can't wait to see what everyone else thinks :D
Welcome, Snowtulip!
I liked Sydney going into the book, then started wavering, but I'm back to liking her again (view spoiler)I'm completely curious about that ending and can't wait to see what book 2 brings with that (view spoiler).
(view spoiler)
Nicole wrote: "I was just going to come here and update similarly. I'm up to 180. Have you noticed how this book is made up a lot of character interaction and set up rather than any real plot? And we're almost ha..."It's funny when I read VA Dimitri and Adrian were a tie for me (although I always felt Rose should be with Dimitri), but after starting Bloodlines I'm totally team Adrian.
I liked adrian and rose honestly. like I loved Dimitri but it always seemed like Adrian and her were both struggling with this emotional battle that connected them
I am a chapter in. I have no back story on Sdyney or Rose as I haven't read the other series. My thoughts on Rose... a timid little mouse
Sdyney... a bit more adventurous than her sister
looking forward to reading more
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This topic is open for discussion of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.
Book Synopsis:
Blood doesn't lie...
Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is 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 worse. 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 last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...
Oh! Sydney is my favorite character in any of the connected series. As much as Rose is great, and I really like some of the other, loved Sydney way more.Wish I had time to re-read with you.
Enjoy!
BUDDY READ REVISIT!Starting January 23rd 2016
This topic is open for discussion of
by Richelle Mead.Book Synopsis:
Blood doesn't lie...
Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is 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 worse. 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 last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...
Really excited to get into this!
Up to Chapter 4 (13%)So, I kind of remember Sydney being in the Vampire Academy, but some of the things mentioned so far in this novel are not ringing any bells since it's been so long since I read it. For instance, I don't remember Abe Mazur at all, and based on the emphasis Sydney is putting on his importance, I feel like I should. But I'm hoping it isn't going to be too important to the overall plot, since I don't have time to go back and reread the entire Vampire Academy series lol.
What do you think Keith's big secret is? I feel a bit as if Sydney might be playing it up a little bit, since we only though through her POV, but it was definitely suspicious how much stink he put up at even the idea of her going on the assignment.
I thought Sydney's family dynamic was kind of weird/felt a little forced in the writing. The (view spoiler), but at the same time I can see where both of them are coming from. And her relationships with both her parents is a little weird.
What do you think so far? I'm liking it at the start.
I'll be starting shortly and will post as soon as I can!!
Up to page 251 (mid-Chapter 17)I feel like this is so obvious it's probably not the case, but doesn't it make sense that (view spoiler).
Also, any guess as to who the guy on the cover is? I thought at first it might be Keith, but I swear I read he's blond. And then I thought it might be Adrian, but he has green eyes, not brown.
Elise wrote: "Up to Chapter 4 (13%)So, I kind of remember Sydney being in the Vampire Academy, but some of the things mentioned so far in this novel are not ringing any bells since it's been so long since I re..."
I'm almost to Chapter 4, so not quite as far as I've wanted to be. I remember liking Sydney in VA but it's been quite awhile since I've read the series. I, too, don't remember Abe Mazur that well, very vaguely recall someone being called a serpent for a nickname which was also mentioned in this novel. I think she's summarizing the important bits from VA as she goes so it's not so vital to have to reread the whole series. I felt bad for Sydney and that she's so misunderstood.
The only thing I can speculate about Keith's secret (which you might already know by know) is that he hurt someone either physically or something. Sydney repeats someone speaking to her asking her not to say anything. I don't think it's Zoe, but he's a big enough threat that she doesn't want her little sister around him. On the other hand, she's not so afraid of him that she won't be around him herself, she's not worried that he'll try to do to her whatever he did to the other person.
I thought Zoe would be sweet and appreciate Sydney, but as I was reading, when Sydney kind of puts down her sister's abilities I realized that as a bystander her sister would probably be upset by it. Even thought Sydney really has the best intentions. All of the pressure placed on them by their father it doesn't surprise me that Zoe was upset, she didn't meet her father's approval when she showed up and then Sydney kind of bashed her abilities. However, the fight was petty. Hopefully, Zoe will come around and realize what Sydney was trying to do.
I think it's interesting that they're trying to protect these vampires that they apparently hate. They have no problem trying to help them. But they get mad at Sydney when she helped Rose. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out. I'll check back in again when I reach where you next updated.
Sarah wrote: "I'm almost to Chapter 4, so not quite as far as I've wanted to be. I remember liking Sydney in VA but it's been quite awhile since I've read the series. I, too, don't remember Abe Mazur that well, very vaguely recall someone being called a serpent for a nickname which was also mentioned in this novel. I think she's summarizing the important bits from VA as she goes so it's not so vital to have to reread the whole series. I felt bad for Sydney and that she's so misunderstood. "I'd totally forgotten about Adrian even until I got a little further in the story. I do like how Mead doesn't overhaul you with details from VA series, but does give enough information to help trigger more of the important aspects to remember (I spent a little time on a Wikia page though lol).
I definitely feel bad for Sydney as well. She is basically being shunned for doing exactly what she's been told to do on her current mission. Similar to what you said about them completely despising the vampires, and yet they have no problem trying to help them. I still don't quite understand that thought process. It seems like they are willing to help them, but only to a certain extent, which Sydney seems to be constantly battling against in this novel. I wonder what their thought process is for drawing the line in what is their duty versus "being nice" to the vamps they hate. An interesting dynamic, to be sure.
Feel free to post at any progress; I kind of powered through it this weekend since I had a lazy one (for once!) with my work computer in the shop for repair, but would love to discuss any thoughts you have along the way =)
So I didn't read what you wrote for your page 251 update because I'm not quite there yet.I'm on page 177, the beginning of Chapter 12. So far I'm just a little confused and I hope things get a little more cleared up and focused. I think the tattoos are really interesting and I wish they went into more about what the Alchemists actually do besides keeping humans protected from vampires. I feel like maybe Mrs. Terwilliger might be looking for more than just doing research. The fact that she wants all of the spells and ingredients seems suspicious to me.
Something weird is going on between Jill and Adrian too. I think there might be some kind of connection there that goes beyond friendly, but I don't mean romantically either. Since all vampires can control an element: air, water, earth and fire, with the rarer fifth one of spirit which Adrian happens to be adept in, I think maybe Adrian's spirit ability is some how linked to Jill. Maybe she's getting some of Adrian's feelings or spirit (I don't know how it works). She feels/looks hungover and Adrian is notorious for drinking. Jill gives Adrian permission to drink because it's the weekend and won't be a big deal. Adrian clearly has emotional issues, and Jill wakes up screaming or crying in the middle of the night. She can somehow know a lot of things about Adrian or his needs/wants with no real explanation, but Sydney thinks she's talking to him on the phone a lot. It's all very suspicious and interesting.
Micah is an interesting character too. I want to know why Eddie freaked about meeting him, but he's suddenly okay with him now. At first I thought there might be some kind of attraction on Eddie's part, but now I think it might be something else. I could be creating links and assumptions but maybe Micah has to do with the vampire hunters that killed Clarence's niece Tamara.
Keith, too, is a weird character. I don't like him and I think it's for most of the same reasons Sydney doesn't. He gives a lot of crap to Sydney for helping Jill and fraternizing with the vampires, but then he wants to act all helpful and sincere.
I'll post again once I've read some more. I noticed you rated it 3 stars and I was wondering if you still wanted to continue with the series after this one? I'm still interested no matter what I end up rating this one because I own all the books and I don't want them to go to waste. LOL.
Sarah wrote: "I wish they went into more about what the Alchemists actually do besides keeping humans protected from vampires"Yeah, that I don't entirely understand yet either, especially since the only part we do know about they jobs so far is to protect the vampires, try to deter humans from becoming vampires, and hiding the existence of vampires from public knowledge. But I'm failing to see how the tattoos and alchemy studies really play into that all that much.
Sarah wrote: "I feel like maybe Mrs. Terwilliger might be looking for more than just doing research. The fact that she wants all of the spells and ingredients seems suspicious to me."
I thought that was really suspicious too. Especially since Sydney already had the spells described in her notes, but Mrs. Terwilliger specifically wanted Sydney to go back and redo it to include every single detail. Definitely odd. I thought it was kind of weird too, how Sydney seems to be focusing more on her own schoolwork than on Jill. Jill, after all, is the entire reason she's there and the number one priority, but Sydney hardly ever seems to see her.
Sarah wrote: "Keith, too, is a weird character. I don't like him and I think it's for most of the same reasons Sydney doesn't. He gives a lot of crap to Sydney for helping Jill and fraternizing with the vampires, but then he wants to act all helpful and sincere. "
There is definitely something off about Keith. As first, I didn't like him simply because Sydney didn't like him, but then I definitely got a gut feeling that something was not quite right with him.
Sarah wrote: "I noticed you rated it 3 stars and I was wondering if you still wanted to continue with the series after this one? I'm still interested no matter what I end up rating this one because I own all the books and I don't want them to go to waste. LOL. "
Oh yeah, I definitely want to keep reading the series (I own the first three myself). I'm probably a harsher rater than most; most books I read end up between a 2.5 - 3.5 generally, so this one was on the high end of that group =D There are a few plot gaps I kind of saw with this book, but I still liked it overall.
Ok so I'm finally finished.I saw where things were going with the tattoos laced with vampire blood, the saliva was an interesting factor I didn't consider. I figured Keith was involved after the guy at the tattoo shop thought Sydney was in on it also.
I think there's still something going on with vampire hunters and I think Trey might be in on it.
Lee definitely came out of no where. I knew there was something a little off with him, but I really didn't think he'd be insane. I didn't think he'd end up being the bad guy.
The ending definitely makes me want to read the next one. I loved Dimitri in VA so I'm really excited that he's going to be a part of the next one.
When did you want to start the next one?
The unraveling of events towards the end definitely surprised me some. I could tell that something was a little off with Lee, but I never would have suspected the outcome. I feel so bad for Jill, she had the worst luck in this novel.I'm not sure about the vampire hunters and Trey. I got the impression that (view spoiler). I think the idea that a Stergoi that has been returned by spirit magic can't turn back into a Stergoi is going to play some importance down the line in the series. I also think the concept of some magic with Sydney is going to play into the plots down the road.
Though I knew something was weird with Mrs.Terwillinger and the spells, did not expect the result!
I liked Dimitri too, but I also remember liking Adrian, so I'm glad of glad they are developing his character in this series more. So snarky! =D
Would Saturday work for you (30th)? That'll hopefully give the mods time to do a thread (if so, I can request it right away).
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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Bloodlines (other topics)
Book Synopsis:
Blood doesn't lie...
Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is 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 worse. 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 last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...