Review #7: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Title: The Golden Lily(Bloodlines #2)

Author: Richelle Mead

Published: June 2012 by Razorbill

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

*Spoilers Included*

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spin off 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'm sorry but I have to open with: Oh my goodness, that dedication was so sweet and the story is simply divine!

I devoured this book within a few days with my busy work schedule. I seriously carried it everywhere I could so I always had the chance to get a page or two completed. From the opening chapter to the very last word I felt as if I was constantly on the edge of my seat.

I enjoyed all the new characters that were introduced. Well, everyone except for the boyfriend... What was his name again? Bradley? Brian? Brendon? Brent? Brayden? No seriously, I can't remember. And the fact that no one else could remember his name either paid homage to just how unimportant he was.

There were plenty of fun moments. Some of my favorites would be Sydney trying to teach Adrian how to drive a stick shift, Sydney using more magic, and Jill's dreamy mood swings-

"Sydney, khaki raelly suits you".

Richelle Mead left all kinds of hints for readers throughout the entire novel that this ending had me throwing the book across the room, jumping up and down, screaming and raving. Sydney Sage drives me completely mad! How can anyone deny what's staring them in the face?

The teaser chapter from Bloodlines #3 that was published with this release has me even more excited for our next installment.

Review #2: Will by Maria Boyd

Title: Will
Author:Maria Boyd
Published: 2006 by Knopf
My Rating: 5/5 star



GoodRead's Summary:

THE CRIME
It all started when Will mooned the girls' school bus. It wasn't his finest moment. And it's the last time William Armstrong will sully the St. Andrew's community, says Principal Waddlehead-er, Waverton.

THE PUNISHMENT
That's when a teacher worried about Will's home situation comes up with an idea. Why not let Will, a talented guitarist, give back to the school in a progressive manner? Why not have him play in . . . THE SCHOOL MUSICAL?

THE MUSICAL
Now Will is stuck in the school production of The Boy Friend. He's a laughingstock, and he has to give up his weekends for a show set at a girls' finishing school.

THE PLAYERS
There's the trombone-playing seventh grader who proclaims himself Will's best friend and refuses to leave his side. Then there's the undeniably attractive leading lady. Although she might be in love with her costar, the new football hero (and dazzling singer!).
Sharp-witted, funny, and poignant all at once, this is the story of a boy going through a difficult time who, in a most unlikely way, discovers the person he truly wants to be.

****************************

I rate books by how well I related to the characters, writing style, and the emotional investments I have such as anger, humor, and the infamous 'cry factor'...

And I must say that WILL exceeded all my expectations and I'm in love! And it should have seeing as it has a blurb written by Aussie author Melina Marchetta;

"Will's voice is so authentic and strong that you feel as if you either knew him, want to know him, or hope that one day you'll come across him."

who, forgive me A. J., I have yet to read a single novel from.

It took me forever to wrap my head around the story and the characters that I fell in love with, to put my feelings into words...

Maria Boyd touched on a few real life subjects that effect teens and young adults regularly. I don't want to give the story away, but if you haven't read WILL then you need to acquire a copy and get to it.

Review #1: Four Seasons by Jane Breskin Zalben

Title: Four Seasons

Author: Jane Breskin Zalben

My Rating: 4/5 stars

*Spoiler Alert?
GoodRead's Summary:

Allegra Katz has been playing piano since she was four. But these aren't just any piano lessons. She studies at the Julliard School in New York, where careers are being formed—or not.

Between strict practice schedules, music classes, and regular school, Ally doesn't have time for much else. Sometimes she wishes she could break free, but she's never known any other way. Her parents—a professional violinist and a singer—would kill her if they knew she was thinking about quitting piano, especially her mother.

So she keeps on going, but as the months go by, she begins to ask herself, does she even love the piano? Why does she play? And how much longer can she stand the pressure before she breaks?


************************

I really don't have much to say. I loved Ally and her confusion about life. She reminded me of myself at that age. I like the fact that the romance wasn't rushed into and it remained young and fresh. I cried a few times in the end, because I completely understood her emotions and indecision.

4 stars because the settings could have used more description and other minor things, but I loved the story(maybe because I was a flutist and was pushed like Ally) and the characters for the most part.