The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

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.

I had previously said that I was nervous about the Bloodlines series, was really happy with the first installment, and was equally happy with the Golden Lily. Why was I happy you ask? Um, Dimitri.

I really. Really. REALLY. missed him. I know he just went up against Adrian, who I also adore, but Dimitri, I mean are there words for him? None that would do my little Russian justice. While the story did not center around him at all, it was great to see his mannerisms and his seriousness and his bad ass abilities.

I'll move on now.

Sydney is such a great character, I mean, she's not your bad ass protagonist, but she's smart, and try as she might, she's extremely loyal (to a bunch of vampires,) including the sexy Adrian, who deserves to be happy. And if it isn't not with me, it should be with Sydney. Who cares about rules. I don't. The entire book you can see that the relationship between the two was building, subtly. My favorite part is when Sydney stands up to Adrian's father and then buys him a slushie afterward to make Adrian feel better. I dunno, it's one of those real life moments. My boyfriend who do something like that for me. It's thoughtful. SPOILER **** I was so freakin' excited when Adrian and Sydney kissed and so freakin' upset when she walked away. That should be rectified in the next book.

The major conflict of the book was interesting and I think adds a really strong element that the good vampires shouldn't just be concerned with Strigori. I thought Syd was so brave. Again, not a bad ass, but the quiet brave. I feel that she's the type of person, when in a moment of crisis, when she speaks, everyone stops and listens to her, because they respect her.

Richelle Mead - how I love you and your awesome writing ability.

Can I get a fricken' movie out of this material, please?