Sunday, 17 February 2013

REVIEW - The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead



Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, a human scientist of sorts who has committed her life to protecting the world from the “evil” of vampires.  The thing is, Sydney doesn’t exactly think vampires are so evil any more. Sure, the Strigoi are vicious, but the Moroi and Dhampirs that she has come to know as part of her assignment of protecting the princess-in-hiding  do not fit with the image she has been indoctrinated with her whole life.  The Indigo Spell continues Sydney’s journey  in uncovering the corruption in the Alchemist ranks, coming to terms with her growing magical ability, and accepting that she just might be falling in in love with the vampire Adrian Ivashkov.  How far will Sydney go in straying from her lifetime of teachings in order to do what she thinks is right?

Those of you familiar with Richelle Mead might recognize The Indigo Spell as book three of the YA Bloodlines Series, a spin-off of her highly successful Vampire Academy Series.  Bloodlines quickly became my favourite of the two, and The Indigo Spell did not disappoint! It has everything I like in a book - great characters, some good romance (more so in this book than in the others in the series) and a mystery to solve.  The ex-Alchemist Marcus Finch had me totally curious, and a renegade witch on the loose added to the urgency. I really enjoyed this book, but I will admit I especially enjoyed Adrian and Sydney. They are really built upon in this book, and I loved being a part of it as the reader.

Sydney is such a real character to me. She is amazingly smart when it comes to learning, science, and knowledge – but is completely clueless when it comes to people, societal norms, and her own image. This is highlighted and expanded on in the book as a result of her sheltered upbringing, but truly, Sydney feels no differently than any other girl her age.  Her thoughts, fears, and insecurities are made very clear through Richelle Mead’s writing, as are her strengths and incredible will, bringing the heroine to life in a very true way – and ensuring that the reader loves and roots for her.

And then there is Adrian. Oh my Adrian. Probably one of my fave book boyfriends of all time. This guy is sweet and tortured and sarcastic and sexy and smart and true and full of heart and…yeah. Like I said. Pretty much the ideal book boyfriend, lol.  Adrian is what they call a “spirit user” meaning that he has the ability to tap into or influence the minds/feelings of others.  With being a spirit user comes the risk of insanity – and sometimes Adrian falls into these wonderful times where he is so influenced by spirit that his heart is laid bare through his words and actions. It’s an amazing way for the author to let us really know him, and wow, does it work.

I watched, enthralled, as he painted a large silver heart with flames edging one side. The whole design was Celtic in style. It was beautiful.

“Where did you get that from?” I asked in awe. I’d seen a lot of his work but never anything like this.

His eyes were on his heart, completely caught up in his work. “Just something kicking around in my head.  Reminds me of you. Fiery and sweet, all at the same time. A flame in the dark, lighting my way.” His voice…his words…I recognized it as one of his spirit-driven moments. It should have unnerved me, but there was something sensual about the way he spoke, something that made my breath catch. A flame in the dark.


If you can read that and NOT swoon a little for Adrian…well. Maybe we just can’t be friends.  

The Indigo Spell and the rest of the Bloodlines Series are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers.






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