The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) Review

The Indigo Spell (Bloodline #3)

Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin

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.

What I loved about the Vampire Academy series was the action and the way Richelle Mead would pull the rug out from under you at least once a book. What I love about the Bloodlines series are the characters and relationships. Syndey has changed and grown so much since we first met her in Broken Promises. She was brought up to protect humans from vampires and other nasties by the Alchemists and to think all supernatural creatures are evil and unnatural. However, through her time helping to protect Moroi Princess Jill, she has become to think that not all them are evil, particularly a certain former playboy, called Adrian...

Sydney is great character – smart, brave and ready to do anything for her family and friends. I like her loads and her indecision over Adrian is completely understandable given her upbringing and Alchemist background. The dancing around each other throughout this book is a little frustrating at time but worth it in the end. They really do bring out the best in each other. The relationships are what kept me reading – not just Sydney and Adrian but Sydney’s friendship with Jill and Eddie and even the fractured relationship with her Dad and sister. That’s not to say there’s no action.  

At time it feels like a lot is happening here – with a renegade witch draining youth and magic from those with abilities, the deepening of the Alchemist conspiracy plus keeping Jill safe. The layers of stories build on each other but are separate with only Adrian and Sydney connect all the stories. There is some really cool magical action with Sydney finally embracing her natural aptitude. It is very different from the Moroi elemental magic but just as interesting.

Richelle’s writing is so readable and the world so detailed that it feels like coming home. This is one of my favourite YA series and I am so intrigued to find out what happens with the Alchemists and if Jill truly is safe. It will be a long wait for the next book!

Recommended for fans of Jennifer Estep and Kelley Armstrong. 8.5 out of 10