{Audiobook} Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Title: The Indigo Spell
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines, book #3
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Source: received from publisher via Audio Jukebox
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

I've listened to the audio for all six of the Vampire Academy books and all but one of the Bloodlines books, with the first book in this series being an exception because I received an ARC prior to release.  The books and story are great -- obviously, or I wouldn't continue on with the series -- but I have to admit, I actually prefer listening to these books, especially now that there's a set narrator for them.  The first book was narrated by Stephanie Wolf, whom I can't remember at all (sorry!), and books two and three were narrated by Khristine Hvam, whom I adore -- she also narrates the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series by Laini Taylor.  Book four, Blood Promise, introduced the talented Emily Shaffer to the intoxicating world of all things vampire, and I haven't looked back since.  This narrator hits it out of the ballpark every single time.  And the slight English accent she gives to my favorite Moroi endeared her narration to me even further.  I loved Adrian before, but giving him an accent just adds to his charms.  (I dearly missed it as I was reading Bloodlines myself.)  However did Rose repudiate his love?

So, we've established I loved the audio.  Maybe that's an understatement, but it's true nonetheless.  But did I like the story itself?  Do I like where it's headed?  Yes, and yes.  The book was a tad predictable, but maybe I just have the gift of foresight when it comes to this series after having read so many Richelle Mead novels. Or, rather, having listened to so many.  (I even listened to the Dark Swan series on audio.  I might be addicted to the audiobooks for her novels.  Maybe...just a little.)

I do have to say that maybe all of that promotion as to who Marcus Finch was in relation to the story might have been a tad bit overdone.  Sure, he was an integral part of the story, but I wouldn't worry about him sticking around to cause trouble or any possible love triangles yet...at least not involving the ex-Alchemist.  His purpose in this story is to show Sydney the light, so-to-speak.  Sydney has developed a kinship with her faux family while they remain hidden away at their posh boarding school, but she still believes herself loyal to the Alchemists.  With Marcus' introduction to the story, that all changes.

And I love the changes that I've seen in Sydney, not just in this novel alone but across all of the VA and Bloodlines books.  She's gone from no-nonsense Alchemist with an aversion to all things vampire-related to almost near acceptance of them.  I'd go so far as to say she even considers some of them her close friends now.  Eddie even reflects at one point that she really does seem like a sister to him.  (Awww!)  And so it wasn't really that big of a surprise when she started to reconsider her affiliation with the Alchemists upon learning their plans.  Though it was shocking to see just how quickly she made her choices and even more so when she decided to embrace her magical side.  But I'm not complaining.  Sydney will never be as bad-a$$ as Rose, but she's awesome in her own way.

You know what else I'm not complaining about?  The Sydrian action in The Indigo Spell.  Holy heart failure, Batman!  There were swoony spirit dreams, hawt make-out sessions, and of course, a ton of backlash as Sydney tried to come to terms with her feelings for Adrian.  But he was there for her through it all, including just being a comforting friend when needed.  I love this romance with all my heart.  They're completely open and honest with each other.  I hate all of the miscommunication, secrets and lies that befall most relationships in books, but for the most part, that is absent in this one.

The Indigo Spell was everything I was hoping for and more than I was expecting.  I know this is only the third book in a planned six-book series, but I'm not ready for it to end yet!  (Once I get to the middle of a series, I start panicking.)  But I know Mead still has plenty of over-the-top crazy in store for us, so I'll tamp down on my own brand of crazy until we really are nearing the end.  :D  Suffice it to say, the story is great, and the audiobook is just the ice cream on the pie.  (Wendy was right...there IS a lot of pie in this book, much to my delight. =D)

Rating:  

Favorite Quotes:

“Because I can't help doing it," he said with a shrug. "And hey, if I keep loving you, maybe you'll eventually crack and love me too. Hell, I'm pretty sure you're already half in love with me.”

“Adrian's face was the picture of perfect politeness and restraint, meaning something disastrous was about to happen.”

“Well, you can think what you want, so long as you remember - no matter how ordinary things seem between us - I'm still here, still in love with you, and care about you more than any other guy, evil or otherwise, ever will.”

“But each time you use spirit, you’re more likely to go crazy.”
“Already crazy about you, Sage.”


And look, the fourth book has a cover now AND it's got Adrian's POV!!!!!  SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!

Check out all these teaser trailers for The Indigo Spell!!!  Swoon City up in here!  =)

 

 

 

Labels: audiobooks, bloodlines, cover art, favorites, penguin, reviews, richelle mead, vampires