Monday, May 28, 2012

Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily 
(Bloodlines #2)
by Richelle Mead

Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 418
Genre: YA Vampires
Source: Gifted from Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Haunt Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist. But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her. When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she’s supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she’s been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her. Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Thank you again to Jen Ryland/YA Romantics for sending me Adrian for my birthday. She has listened to me ramble on about how much I love Adrian and how I would lick the ground he walks on and how I would throw myself at his feet, naked covered with alcohol and cigarettes and beg him to have his way with me. lol So she sent my husband to his rightful place :-D


Adrian, my poor, sweet, sexy Adrian, he goes through a lot in this book. Working with Dimitri continues to bring up how inferior he feels. Dimitri was rather rude to him a few times but then again I am very protective of my Adrian. Also a visit with his dad reminds us how much Adrian has been put down all his life. They will sure be sorry when Adrian cures all the Stroigoi, saves Moroi kind, and becomes a big hero and they build statues of him. Adrian is very smart, caring, loyal and talented and just needs someone to believe in him. And Sydney does. She continues to support him and I felt them grow so much closer but we still have a very long journey ahead.

I am not a big fan of Sydney but she did grow on me a tiny bit in this one. Trey sets her up with Brayden, her twin basically. Sydney tries to have fun with him since he is on her level intellectually but she finds herself worrying about someone else... I felt Sydney finally letting down her guard with the vampires and she really worried and cared about my Adrian, so big bonus points! As much as I am growing to like her, I was still disappointed with some of her actions. She does have a lot of lifelong prejudices to overcome. The alchemists are scary, bad people, and we see in this book what happens when someone is too friendly with the vampires. Sydney will need a lot of strength to break away from them like I hope she will eventually.

It didn't help that Jill was discussing her own troubled love life with her. Jill was a bit annoying to me in Bloodlines and while she is still naive, I found that she was maturing. She wants to date and thinks that maybe she can have something casual with Micah. She quickly realizes how difficult keeping secrets can be and that being with a human could never be a permanent thing. Jill begins to take her position as sister to the queen seriously and a human/moroi relationship is simply not allowed. I do feel really bad for Jill and the position she is in.

Eddie is still her loyal protector. I love Eddie and also felt a lot of growth with his character. I was very happy with all the character developments. In Bloodlines I really didn't enjoy anyone but Adrian and of course he is still the absolute best part, star of the show, wouldn't be anything without him, but I enjoyed everyone during this book. Eddie is so kind even when trying to keep the new frisky Angeline off his back. She likes to rub up on him during training and well who wouldn't. Angeline was so funny. She was completely out there and did whatever she wanted, causing a lot of trouble for Sydney.

I just want to go on and on, especially about Adrian, but I must stop myself. I've probably said too much already! I'm very happy it was the next level of action, romance, character development and Adrian awesomeness that I was hoping for. Adrian continues to swoon an amaze me. I shall head back to my Adrian altar and continuing worshiping until the next book. Feel free to join me. Can't wait to see what happens next.




Now enjoy some Adrian quotes! No major spoilers but feel free to skip them. I went a little crazy. My book has a million sticky notes lol




Day 24. Situation is growing worse. My captors continue to find new and horrific ways to torture me. When not working, Agent Scarlet spends her days examining fabric swatches for bridesmaid dresses and going on about how in love she is. This usually causes Agent Boring Borscht to regale us with stories of Russian weddings that are even more boring than his usual ones. My attempts at escape have been thwarted thus far. Also, I am out of cigarettes. Any assistance or tobacco products you can send will be greatly appreciated.
-Prisoner 24601

"Really, Sage? A date?"
I sighed. "Yes, Adrian. A date."
"A real date. Not, like, doing homework together," he added. "I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that's not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring."
"A real date."

I'd mentioned this odd wardrobe choice to Adrian a couple of weeks ago:
"Isn't Dimitri hot?"
Adrian's response hadn't been entirely unexpected:
"Well, yeah, according to most women, at least."

"I'm not really qualified to install a security system," said Dimitri.
"Really? There's something that you can't do?" Adrian's voice was so soft that I could barely hear him, and he was sitting right next to me.

""You'd give up drinking to go see your dad?"
"Well, not permanently," he said. "That'd be ridiculous. But maybe I could switch to something slightly cheaper for a while. Like...slushes. Do you know how much I love those? Cherry, especially."

"I don't know," said Adrian thoughtfully. "I find prostitutes vastly important."

Adrian ordered a martini, earning disapproving looks from his father and me.
"It's barely noon," said Nathan.
"I know," said Adrian. "I'm surprised I held out that long too."

 "Never thought I'd see the day when you'd throw your arms around a vam - someone like me."

"Doesn't matter. I've decided I don't like him."
"Because he's too smart?" I said. I remember Jill and Eddie's early comments. "And unmemorable?"
"Nah. I just think you can do better."

"He shouldn't have said that," repeated Adrian, eerily serious. He leaned his face toward mine. "I don't care if he's not the emotional type or the complimentary type or what. No one can look at you in this dress, in all that fire and gold, and start talking about anachronisms. If I were him, I would have said, 'You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth.'"

"You're in an awfully good mood," he observed. "Was there a sale at Khakis-R-Us?"

"Why would you do that? Why would you act like you didn't know how to drive?"
"Isn't it obvious, Sage? No, of course it isn't. I did it so I'd have a reason to be around you-one I knew you couldn't refuse."

Rating: 5/5 Stars! 



Don't forget to share some Adrian love in the comments! 

48 comments:

  1. Great review! I have Bloodlines in my TBR mountain somewhere now after reading your review for book 2 I'm going to have to find it and read it...I want book 2 RIGHT NOW!

    Since I'm not familiar with this cast of characters YET I'll have to take your word for it that Adrian is this hot sexy stud you mentioned ;)

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    1. haha Yes I LUUUVRE Adrian which I'm sure you could till by the review. You definitely need to read Bloodlines and The entire Vampire Academy series! You are missing out if you haven't had the pleasure of Adrian Ivashkov's company yet. Plus it is a really unique take on vampires.

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  2. Wow! What a great birthday present!! I can't wait to read this one either! I saw ARCs of it at RT, but I was not lucky enough to get one! I did get plenty of others though, including a September release that I still have to read after I finish my July ARCs!

    Lovely review! I cannot wait to read this one! Richelle's books always make me happy--well unless she puts a killer cliffhanger at the end, then I'm not too happy since I have to wait a year for the next one! :P

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    1. Not a killer cliffhanger...but definitely something that had me like what no! I love Richelle Mead's books too! But especially these because Adrian is the greatest character ever. Too bad you couldn't get an ARC. It is a good thing I wasn't there or I probably would have become a wild animal knocking people over, grabbing a copy, and running out of there! LOL

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  3. Eeeppp!!! Love those quotes! Gah! Can't wait to finally get my hands on this. Awesome review! :D

    Fara @ Tumbling In Books

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    1. Adrian always has the BEST quotes! I swear every word out of his mouth is gold. There were even more I wanted to share but they were too spoilery. I can't wait till everyone reads them so I can finally fully discuss everything. Hope you enjoy it! :-D

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  4. Although I believe Rose and Dimitri belong together, i still love Adrian! Can't wait to read this!

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    1. Yeah Rose and Dimitri are okay together but I would have chosen Adrian! LOL I'm soooo glad his story was continued in this series. He is so entertaining and is definitely what makes the book so enjoyable. Now we just need Sydney to realize this.

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    1. I feel you, I need the third and fourth book now! LOL Hope you enjoy it!

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  6. I want to read this so bad! Great review :)

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    1. Thanks! Hope you get your hands on it June 12th! :-D

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  7. Oh my gosh! You are a lucky girl to nab this early! I am dying to read this. I enjoyed Bloodlines and yes Adrian is wonderful that whole scene in Bloodlines where he goes off about the Flaming Ninja Pirate Skull tatoo was epic. I do love Dimitri, don't hate me....So glad this was a good one. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. haha yes I hate you! I liked Dimitri alright but he was always lukewarm for me where Adrian is burning HOT! And Adrian's tattoo was the most hilarious thing! I just love everything he says. He is so brilliant and witty.

      “Yeah? Can you draw a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a parrot on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or maybe a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But it'd be cool if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire.”

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  8. Awesome Bday present....I cant wait to read this either!Lucky you;) Check out our fantastic giveaway here for a chance to win an Amazon GC and more.....

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    1. Perfect present! I hope you get your hands on it June 12th!

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  9. Bloodlines was amazing. Cant wait to read this.

    Books Live Forever

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    1. This was even better for me. I grew a lot more into the characters especially since I never really like Sydney or Jill. Adrian of course will always make any book enjoyable!

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  10. That was an awesome gift from Jen! Really looking forward to this one! I have to admit, I was a big fan of Dimitri, but I do love me some Adrian too :-) Great review!

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    1. Dimitri was cool until Adrian came along and made me forget all about him! Jen is beyond awesome ;-) I was so excited when Adrian showed up!

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  11. Ok, I haven't read your review or quotes in case of spoilers but I am glad you enjoyed this so much. I can't wait to read it :)

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    1. Hope you get to read it soon! June 12th is close.

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  12. I have to admit, I wasn't in love with Bloodlines. Adrian was too mopey. He did seem to come out of it some towards the end. I, unlike you, am super happy to see Dimitri again. Yay! Not a big fan of Sydney. I know I'll never love this like I did VA, but I do like it.
    Fun review!

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    1. I wasn't in love with Bloodlines either. I looked back at my review and it was a bit ranty. I thought Sydney, Jill, and Eddie were all annoying and pointless during the whole book. Adrian of course saved the day and made the book enjoyable. I didn't find him too mopey. I was glad Richelle Mead did show all the hurt and anger he had after what happened to him. The characters are a lot less annoying in this one and Adrian is less mopey. He mopes over Dimitri some and I don't blame him. Dimitri got his HEA so I didn't want him coming up into Adrian's house eating his food, being rude to him lol

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  13. Of course you just had to review this right? :D I can't wait for this book!

    my favorite quotes that u posted are obviously the one with Dimitri
    I'd mentioned this odd wardrobe choice to Adrian a couple of weeks ago:
    "Isn't Dimitri hot?"
    Adrian's response hadn't been entirely unexpected:
    "Well, yeah, according to most women, at least."

    "I'm not really qualified to install a security system," said Dimitri.
    "Really? There's something that you can't do?" Adrian's voice was so soft that I could barely hear him, and he was sitting right next to me.

    I also love the part about ordering a martini and holding out for that long. Adrian seriously is awesome!!!!

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    1. haha yeah Adrian has a lot of both funny and sad thoughts about Dimitri. My poor baby :-( There is a few more I liked but didn't share cause they pushed into spoiler territory. I love all Adrian's drinking quotes. He is hilarious and there is another good explanation about why Adrian drinks and how it affects his spirit. People that continue to say he is so bad because he drinks should know it's because of spirit.

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    2. ok, another comment here since I actually finished the book:

      "and how I would throw myself at his feet, naked covered with alcohol and cigarettes and beg him to have his way with me." << a little x-rated dontcha think? lol

      Dimitri wasn't rude. Sydney even said so ;) I mention this in my review *wink wink*

      I hated his dad SO MUCH. If I had a stake and I was a dhampir, I'd do it. Screw the consequences.

      I agree - Adrian is very loyal - and protective too!

      I liked Jill better in this book, too. I'm proud of her for stepping it up and being mature and responsible.

      I loved Eddie! He's so cool, like a mini Dimitri :D I still don't like Angeline.

      Oh gosh, I love Adrian's quotes! Genius, Richelle Mead!

      tweet me a link when u reply :D

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    3. Dimitri was rude!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sydney says IF SHE OR EDDIE said something like that he would take it as a joke. BUT DIMITRI IS NOT HIS FRIEND!!! After sleeping with HIS GF Dimitri can't just act like their buddies! He has no right to pick on Adrian's work ethic. And honestly Sydney and Eddie shouldn't even make those jokes. Yeah Adrian might joke back but it probably does hurt his feelings. I love Eddie. It was so cute the way he was trying to avoid Angeline. I kind of do like her. She is funny and reminds me a little of Rose. I liked when they were joking about her being like her. I felt bad for Jill. She should just tell Eddie how she feels.

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    4. Lol hating on Dimitri much?! Dimitri has nothing against him. As sad as it is, Dimitri acted the same way as everyone else - they underestimated Adrian - it's not just him, lol... Adrian took anything he said in the wrong way because he was bitter about Rose - that doesn't mean Dimitri was mean to him.

      As for Dimitri sleeping with Rose - they were meant for each other, Adrian, unfortunately, was a casualty. But he has Sydney now - damn her for rejecting him - but still. Adrian will eventually find someone to love him back - it's not Dimitri's fault :(

      As for Angeline - I don't like her and I don't like that they compare her to Rose. She is nothing like Rose in my eyes. ;)

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    5. Exactly, Dimitri underestimates Adrian! Bad on him! And whether or not Dimitri and Rose were meant for each other, Dimitri shouldn't have slept with Rose and got with her until Rose broke up with Adrian. I feel kind of bad for Angeline. I like her and I kind of like her with Eddie. I dunno if I'm a big Jill/Eddie fan. I think they will probably end up together though.

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    6. All I'm saying is that everyone underestimates Adrian, not just Dimitri. He's not perfect lol

      I guess I like Eddie and Jill more because Eddie showed interest in Jill first. Angeline is only his second choice. Ouch.

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    7. All I'm saying is that everyone underestimates Adrian, not just Dimitri. He's not perfect lol

      I guess I like Eddie and Jill more because Eddie showed interest in Jill first. Angeline is only his second choice. Ouch.

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  14. OH MY GOSH, JEN!!! I loved when you added quotes in your reviews before, but now I seriously want to bear-hug you a million times over for sharing all of those swoon-tastic teasers with the biggest Adrian fangirl you will ever meet! <3 I kind of love how Sydney went out with another guy so we can see how Adrian reacts to it LOL, and it sort of pushes them together a little bit more, right? Looooooooove it so much!

    This was such an AMAZING review, Jen! I just read it over a second time because it's the next best thing to having the actual book in my hands, and darn it, I really REALLY want this book in my hands! You awesome teaser, youuuu x) <3

    P.S. Sorry for my incoherent rambling LOL! It's almost one AM here and I just finished my homework and I'm on an Adrian high of your making! ;)

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    1. I'm always on an Adrian high! I did love seeing Sydney go out with another guy and all of Adrian's thoughts. I loved how Adrian and everyone else kept calling him by the wrong name, Brady, Aiden, Brody, it was hilarious! You shall be very happy with this book. Lots of great Adrian swoontastic quotes. I had to leave the best ones out because they were spoilery but Adrian says a few more really sweet things. He is incredibly sweet, caring, and worried, and brave in this book!

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  15. I was never a big fan of Sydney which is part of why I never even started this series. I'm very curious though and I did love Adrian a lot so I'll get to it eventually.

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    1. Me either. I only started the series for Adrian. I was hoping the series would be from his POV and not Sydney's. She is a freak but she is slowly growing on me. I just don't like her as Adrian's love interest because she has all these vampire prejudices that hurt him. He deserves to be worshiped after what he has been through.

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  16. Wonderful review, JEnnifer! It's so good to know that this is even better than Bloodlines. I certainly undertand all the girls lusting after Adrian, but I was always a Dimitri girl myself, so you'll get no competition from me, hah.
    It's good to know that Jill is growing as a character and as the queen's sister too. I preordered this months ago and I can't wait to get it.

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    1. Excellent less competition ;-) I was an Adrian girl since Frostbite as soon as I heard "Hey little dhampir" lol Adrian is just so sweet and funny and wonderful. Jill was way less annoying in this book. I like that she is maturing and thinking things through but feel bad that she isn't able to have a fun high school experience. She has to worry about hiding out and not growing close to humans. Sucks that she can't be at St. Vladamir's.

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  17. Your review made me laugh so hard!!
    I also loved how all Syd's friends kept calling Brayden the wrong name. And his dates with Sydney were so .... nerd squared. I loved that. They made each other more boring. I do think there's a wild girl in Syd waiting to get out....

    And this part of your review:
    "I would throw myself at his feet, naked covered with alcohol and cigarettes and beg him to have his way with me. lol So she sent my husband to his rightful place :-D"

    Almost gave me a lemonade noser.

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    1. I know their dates were so weird! They were more like super nerd debates than romance. I guess that was kind of the point, to show Sydney she needs more than someone on her level, she needs passion too. I laughed everytime Adrian would be like oh is Brody calling, oh do you have a date with Aiden, oh is Brady texting you lol Lemonade noser! Yeah I knew my Adrian review would come out super stalker creepy. If he were real he would probably file a restraining order against me!

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  18. Forgot to say that my favorite Adrian quote of all time is that ninja skeleton pirate tattoo quote. I laugh every single time I read it...

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    1. Me too! I wish I could draw so I could make an awesome drawing of his description.

      "Yeah? Can you draw a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a parrot on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or maybe a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But it'd be cool if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire."

      "That's the most ridiculous think I've ever heard."

      "Wait!" exclaimed Adrian. "I need to know something else about the tattoo. Can the parrot also be wearing a pirate's hat? Like a miniature one?"

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  19. Oh my. Those last couple of quotes have me swooning and squealing right now! I seriously cannot wait for this book to come out!

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    1. Adrian is even more swoon worthy in this book than the last. I had to leave some out for spoilers but he is so caring and sweet. I was swooning all over myself. lol

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  20. I didn't read the entire review. I'm too afraid of spoilers, but I am super excited for you! I wish I had this book sooooo bad! Thx for sharing. :)

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    1. June 12th will be here soon! I hope you enjoy it!

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