The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #6) by Richelle Mead – Review and Giveaway Winner Announcement!

Synopsis: In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn’t over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there’s still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

Review: I didn’t start reading these novels until this year, but I’m certainly as enthusiastic as any long time fan when it comes to this series.  The Fiery Heart will evoke pretty much every emotion you can think of. This book is probably my new favorite, though book 3 nips at its heels.  Fans who have been waiting to finally see Sydrian (that’s an amalgamation of Sydney and Adrian’s names for those of you who don’t understand shipper speak) in its full glory should not be disappointed but you have to remember that you’re reading a Richelle Mead novel and it’s the middle of the series, so expect some angst and some growing pains and a cliffhanger that reaches Holy-Smokes-Batman levels.  It at least makes it somewhat realistic.

I loved this novel to bits but I would have liked a little more development in the magic department. That’s not to say it was lacking; her abilities are extremely relevant to this storyline, but it didn’t feel quite as involved as with the previous books.  I can understand that because this time the novel alternates between Adrian and Sydney’s POVs. The read was still surprisingly cohesive. Sometimes that becomes a challenge for an author but I think Mead still captured both of their personalities very well.

I didn’t really sense as much page time being given to the supporting characters either.  There are some significant developments with them and their stories, but don’t expect much. This is clearly a Sydrian novel, made for Sydrian by Sydrian.  Have I made it pretty clear that this novel is about Sydrian?

And since this is a Sydrian novel, let’s get back to that topic, shall we?  This book makes you realize how good they really are for one another, though quite often their situation feels so hopeless. It’s a case of star-crossed lovers if I’ve ever read one.  Though she tries to keep up her alchemist front, internally Sydney becomes more of a free spirit; this leads to behavior more reckless than you’d come to expect from her and it’s very refreshing.  Adrian also really steps up to the plate to be responsible when it comes to his own vices.  They balance each other extremely well, their chemistry is through the roof, and I loved every minute of it.

This book really made me realize I will have to revise my Goodreads shelves.  For a “Young Adult” it was racier than some adult novels I’ve read.  But I was also recently told that series like this where the characters are 18 and over are considered “New Adult.”  Of course the Goodreads Awards don’t make that distinction… and honestly when I see “new adult” I think of a new novel in the adult category, like new Hollows, Kate Daniels, Mercy Thompson, etc. I’m also considering calling this “Mature YA” but I’m still deciding.  I’m open to suggestions.

There are two novels left so I could understand why Mead didn’t want to prolong the honeymoon period.  She is an author that really makes her characters earn their HEAs and clearly this won’t be an exception. I’m just hoping she can provide a satisfying ending to this series. It’s no secret that her endings of series tend to polarize her readers so it does concern me a little bit.  This is the first series where she has me by the balls and I’m totally at her mercy. But on the plus side, it’s only 8 months until we get book 5! I’m ready for whatever, Ms. Mead! In the meantime, I’m gonna go re-read some of my fave passages from this one as they are MORE than enough to hold me over until next time!

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Giveaway Winner Selected

While I wish I could pimp out as many of these books as possible for everyone, for now I can only choose one.  If you posted in the comment section of the announcement thread and followed the other rafflecopter directions, you were entered for a chance (or multiple chances for those following the blog multiple ways) to win. And the winner is:

@angel_reads

I’ll be sending an email your way soon! Hope you enjoy!  Thank you everyone for the continued support. I loved reading your comments and I look forward to the next giveaway! When you guys read the novel feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you felt about it.  You certainly know where to find me.  I really hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!

This article has 11 Comments

  1. I like your classification of Mature YA as I would still consider this series and others like it typical YA. I think “New Adult” is a silly category name – but strangely noone consulted me :). Either you are an adult or you aren’t.

    1. Thanks, Sandra. And I feel you, either you’re an adult or you aren’t. But as far as Bloodlines is concerned Adrian and Sydney ARE adults now, though she’s always been at least 18. Did you get to read the book yet? Did you enjoy it?

    1. I have Anne. Thanks for sharing it. I’m not that crazy about it to be honest. I really liked the first 3, but the covers for 4 and 5 haven’t been my favorites. They just look a little unpolished. Hopefully the 6th and final one will be awesome.

    1. I actually don’t mind the Adrian so much. I imagine someone else as Eddie but I can’t quite place who. I wonder he he and Jill get a spin-off next. She really can just keep this gravy train going, lol.

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