THE GOLDEN LILY by Richelle Mead
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover Publisher: Razorbill (June 12, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1595143181
Source: Publisher (Thank you! Thank you!)
Summary: Good Reads
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

My Thoughts:

Upon receiving THE GOLDEN LILY by Richelle Mead I did happy dance that was to embarrassing to be visually seen in public, but let's just say I was a happy, happy girl. I am a long standing fan of Richelle Mead's work and this novel was no exception. This newest endeavor is a welcome read that places me back into a world that I am most welcome to return to. 

Richelle Mead has an uncanny knack of making you get totally become absorbed into her world. One page and Bam! you are there, along for the ride and not wanting to leave. I have long been a fan of her Vampire Academy series and I will admit to having a difficult time adjusting to this new BLOODLINES novel spinoff, but with THE GOLDEN LILY everything has changed and now I am a life long fan.

THE GOLDEN LILY returns to Palm Springs with Sydney trying to cope with her feelings of having Moroi's as her close friends. Although she was raised to believe differently she cannot seem to follow protocol and maintain her distance. This especially proves true when an attack on her pseudo family presents a new threat and she may be the only one that can help. All this while she is trying keep watch over Jill Dragomir, attend school, keep everyone in check and maintain a new social life. A challenge Sydney loves to conquer as long as she has a cup of coffee.

What made me adore this novel was it's interesting cast of characters. Sydney Sage took a bit to warm up to, but now I adore her. With this new novel her character has expanded and exuded a warmth that I did not witness before. She seems now more like someone I understand with bits of vulnerability that are quite endearing. It was also wonderful to have some Vampire Academy alumni return and become reaquainted with them. Truth be told I could never get enough of them, especially Adrian Ivashkov. He will always have a special place in my heart and in this novel he especially makes me sigh and swoon. (just wait till you read this novel and you will understand me)

Even though I saw it coming, the last few pages emotionally killed me.  I will admit that I was pleased with the obvious admission, but I don't think I can wait to see how this all works out in the future. Uggggg!! The torture! Yet, no matter how many times I may complain I will eagerly await anything Richelle Mead has write because it always makes me smile. I am sure that fans of this series will be pleased with this newest endeavor and be left clamoring for more.