Book Review: Bloodlines

The paranormal world of Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series is back with a all-new series called Bloodlines. This first book is told from the point of view of a human called Sydney Sage, whose job as an Alchemist involves studying magic to guard vampire secrets and protect human lives. After the incident with the half human-half vampire dhampir called Rose Hathaway, Sage’s loyalty to the Alchemists has been questioned. However, when dhampir Jill Dragomir-sister of Moroi vampire queen Lissa Dragomir- is in danger, she goes into hiding at a human boarding school. Unexpectedly, Sage is chosen to be her guardian and protector.

One of the best things about this first book in the Bloodlines series is the fresh narrator. In the previous series Vampire Academy, its narrator Rose Hathaway is beautiful, witty, and tough-as-nails on the surface. While she wasn’t a bad character, she was a little of something already seen in female-fronted action movies. Sage, on the other hand, is an intelligent girl whose insecurities are shown upfront. This alongside the storyline sets up a more authentic series. Another notable thing about the book is its theme of self-identification that Sage and one other character exhibits.

The only downside to this series is that is doesn’t work well by itself. If you haven’t read the Vampire Academy series first, then you may be confused when you start Bloodlines. While the author does explain the series’ world, she does it in a way that makes the reader want to read more and yet wonder if there is more. All in all, this is a good start to the series.