If you haven’t read the Vampire Academy books or even Bloodlines, then stop what you are doing and rectify the situation. I love the Vampire Academy series, and although I wasn’t on board with a spin-off at first, Bloodlines won me over, and I was totally clamoring for its sequel, The Golden Lily.
The Golden Lily picks up a little while after Bloodlines ends. The Alchemists are very impressed with Sydney Sage’s dedication as she works with the Moroi and dhampirs in Palm Springs. Her current mission is to help protect Jill, the Queen’s sister, from assassination. Since Jill is a teenager, Sydney and the most of the team protecting her must attend high school. After being on the job for the past couple months, Sydney has become very comfortable with her vampire company, which is a big no-no for an alchemist. Her relationship with Adrian is evolving and deepening. She also begins to explore more social situations that she hadn’t been able to do before. All the while, a lingering threat hangs in the air. No matter how much fun they’re having or how normal things may be, danger is always out to get one of them.
As a fan of almost all of Richelle Mead’s work, I was very happy with The Golden Lily. The thing about her books is that Mead really makes you love her characters. In terms of plot development or movement, I can’t say that a ton happens. In many cases, that would annoy the hell out of me. But because I love Sydney, Adrian and the rest of the characters so much, I didn’t care. I can read about them watching paint dry and still be satisfied. (Okay, maybe not, but still… I do very much enjoy them.) However, there’s quite a bit of intrigue in the plot, and nothing about it is too predictable.
What I loved the most about this book is seeing all the changes in Sydney. Even though Bloodlines is also in her perspective, in The Golden Lily, I feel I got to know Sydney much better than before. She felt much more open and just seeing how much she has changed since first meeting Rose a few books ago is great. It can be frustrating (and funny) at times how oblivious Sydney can be about herself and particularly her feelings toward… certain people. She’s a different kind of character than Rose was, and that’s what really makes this spin-off refreshing, rather than over-long or unnecessary.
In addition, we get to see more of Adrian in this book… and I’m not complaining. I always liked Adrian, and there was a point that I thought I would not like anyone more than Dimitri. However, after this book, I just want to hold Adrian tight and never let go. (I know. That sounds kind of creepy.) As well, other small storylines involving other characters do take place. Some even take you by surprise.
The Golden Lily is a great addition to the Bloodlines story. It ties up some conflicts but definitely leaves even more intriguing ones open. I’m curious to see how some things will turn out and what things will happen next. Now, I’m hammering for the next book, The Indigo Spell, which doesn’t release until February 12, 2013. You can read the first paragraph of The Indigo Spell here if you like to torture yourself.
Rating: 8.5/10 ★★★★★★★★☆
The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead is available to purchase in our TYF Store, powered by Amazon. Bloodlines and the entire Vampire Academy series are also available as well!
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Book Info:
- Publisher: Razorbill (June 12, 2012)
- Length: 418 pages, Hardcover
- Series: Bloodlines – Book 2 of 6
- Source: Hardcover, 1st ed.
- Genre: Young Adult, Vampires, Romance, Social Issues
- Completed: June 2012
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