The Ruby Circle discussion

I like to start off by saying I am glad the book ended on happy terms, but I feel like there is something missing to it. Also when it comes to Declan it is sad that his biological father would not be the one to raise him, but I kind of feel like Declan belongs to Sydney & Adrian in a strange sort of way. Declan will be raised in loving home with two loving parents. Poor Neil he did the right thing which isn't always easy and I still hope he gets to be there for the baby. Olive death is tragic, but it was her own fault. For reals who goes running in the woods when your in labor? Like for reals? Adrian it isn't your fault. She made the decision to run even knowing the dangers that lurked in the shadows. I feel bad for Olive and her sister of course. Yet they make their own decisions in life so don't shoulder the blame. Nina decided to use spirit a lot and Olive decided to make a run for it. No one fault, but their own so I hate seeing Adrian shoulder the blame. I also love the way Sydney took charge of the Alchemists. She should be in charge the queen bee up in there. All I can say is I want more books please... >.<"

I agree! I really liked the book, but I wanted more, more of a resolution. I wanted to feel content.

Kirsty wrote: "I agree! I really liked the book, but I wanted more, more of a resolution. I wanted to feel content."

That is what the ending was missing thank you Kristy. I did feel like there was something missing to it. Who knows maybe she will write more about Vampire Academy with different characters or not. Will see... x)

On the Olive/Nina front I think that Olive's death is similar Mason's death. It happened for character development. Mason died because of the Moroi/dhampir believe system that Moroi shouldn't use their power offensively, had Christian or Mia used their element magic from the beginning when humans captured them, all that would have been prevented.

(Coincidentally in the Fiery Heart when they tested Neil's tattoo by actively hunting Strigoi, what gave them the edge was Sydney's, a human, fire power.)

Going back to Adrian, he over used Spirit on unnecessary tasks like cuts and bruises when he should have reserved more of his power. I am by no means saying that Olive's death is his fault, because no, that is totally on her, BUT he overused it and it certainly made him aware of the dangers of this. I mean for crying out loud, he knew what had happened to Nina for overusing Spirit, he knew they were on the run from Moroi, and he knew there was still a Strigoi on the loose. Had he not wasted his healing on the non-life-threatening injuries he would have been able to save her. So basically Olive's death drove home that his powers has limits and it's not just him he endangers by not rationing his magic.

As for the conclusion overall, I also found it lacking. I mean I was left with more questions than answers.

1.) Did they change the age law for Dhampir Guardians back to 18?

2.) What happened to the Moroi that wanted to over throw Lissa by assassinating Jill? You know, the whole reason why she went hiding.

3.) Why was Tasha at the Alchemist place in The Last Promise? Has she been executed yet?

4.) What happened to the Strigoi that were going after the Royal Moroi in Frostbite? Are they connected to the Strigoi Mafia that Strigoi Dimitri was part of?

5.) Where is Abe? After the last conversation he had with Sydney I expected him to play a bigger role because, well, Sydney and Adrian changed the rules of the game by getting married. I mean he knew Sydney was up to something and I just don't see him not following up on it. Up until the end,I was waiting for him to show up and say something like, "You two didn't honestly think you pulled all this off by your selves, did you?"

6.) Since Neil's tattoo has the lingering effects of bringing a Strigoi back, does that mean that he can have kids with any Dhampir?

7.) The witch salt tattoo that Sydney came up with, can it block compulsion all together or just the Alchemist tattoo? Does this mean human magic is more powerful than Moroi? Remember some Moroi wanted to use compulsion to get more Dhampirs to become guardians against their will.

7b.) The stronger compulsion tattoos, are they legal? The compulsion there is pretty strong, is this a conscious Moroi consent or is it an under the table thing since compulsion is looked down on. If so, is Abe the supplier? Is that how the Alchemist know him? Is that why he was interested in Clarence giving blood to Keith?

8.) What happened to Robert (Victor's brother)? I know that the guy was half crazy, but he seemed like the most powerful spirit user (at the very least the one with the most knowlodge and practice) so I thought he might some how make an appearance, like the Alchemist/WoL had captured him or something.

9.) Who turned Lee back? This happened before Rose even knew Strigoi could be restored so I consider it a loose end.


10.) Am I the only one that thinks that:
a.) Sonya will be a problem in the long run? Or Nina if she ever wakes up?

b.) a revolution is coming for the moroi/ dhampir?

There is just so much unanswered that I wish she would do one more spin off

JJ: totally agree with your questions.....
I'd like to add:

1)what's going to happen next with Eddie and Jill?
2)will Rose and Dimitri have a baby?
3)Will Declan grow up knowing his heritage?
4)will he be a spirit user too?
5)what's going to happen with Sydney's sister?
6)will she leave the alchemists?
7)will the moroi continue learning to defend themselves?

So many unanswered questions....

@Nancy

Yeah, I see what you mean with those questions and believe me after reading the Ruby Circle I have so many more about how things are going to change, but more than anything I think there were still loose end dating back to VA series that weren't tied.

About Jill and Eddie, was I the only one that felt there was no chemistry between these two characters? I don't see that relationship going anywhere.

@JJ - Agreed re: Jill/Eddie... It almost seems like it was forced because through the year of schooling, she wanted to date and have a "normal" life....

I also agree that there are a lot of loose ends. Its a great series, don't get me wrong, however I wish that maybe there was a "Questions to the Author" while they were writing the series and compile the most frequent ones so that there could be answers provided to us, the readers...Just a thought :)

See about Jill, the whole reason why she broke up with Micah was because she compared her relationship to him to how Adrian felt about Sydney. I have a feeling that that would be the same reason why she will eventually end things with Eddie.

The sad part is that I tried getting into this pairing but they just don't fit. I get that Mead was going for the damsel in distress and the knight in shinning armor but that idea doesn't fit in her books because, well, you have a lot of strong female characters and when I think of Eddie I want someone to be his equal and sees him as an equal and not of a lesser kind or someone that is expected to protect the girl. I don't see Jill as that for him.

In VA Jill was actually one of the most endearing characters and I wish that would have transcended to Bloodlines but instead she ended up being the Lissa of this series, and I don't mean that as a compliment.

Honestly when Bloodlines was announced I was hoping Mia would be in it and she would end up with Eddie. I think I'll just pretend that's what happens in the long run for my peace of mind.

Well I've started another really good series...what are you reading now Jj/

@Nancy

Nothing new. Just rereading scenes from VA and Bloodlines.

Huh.
As a lot of fans I want another spinoff series,and yes I felt there was potential for more. But I dont felt there was as many questions as you guys. They are legitimate questions though. Hopefully they will be answered in the future.
I have read a lot of books since finishing Ruby Circle, the one I just finished is Alice in zombieland. Loved that one.

Oda wrote: "Huh.
As a lot of fans I want another spinoff series,and yes I felt there was potential for more. But I dont felt there was as many questions as you guys. They are legitimate questions though. Hopef..."
Same here. Currently reading "Kissed by a dark angel" by Felicity Heaton. Amazing series!

Oda wrote: "Huh.
As a lot of fans I want another spinoff series,and yes I felt there was potential for more. But I dont felt there was as many questions as you guys. They are legitimate questions though. Hopef..."
Yeah. A good novella would be from Olive's point of view maybe and what she saw at the dhampir commune and how she forced herself out of spirit dreams.
And I read Alice in Zombieland a while back. I have to say it's still the best book ever!!

I felt like a lot of parts were left hanging. I can only assume that there will be another spin-off starring Declan and his leading lady a lot after this time period because they'll need time to make advancements. If this is the case, I can't wait!!!

About Eddie and Jill, it's not true that they didn't have a chemistry.. She loved Eddie but he started dating Angeline instead. In fact, there was no chemistry between Micah and her.
About the book, yeah it was a bit disappointing to me too. So many unanswered questions from my side too. I really really hope she writes about series soon.