Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that you are eagerly anticipating.

Soundless by Richelle Mead
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Page Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: November 10, 2015

Via Goodreads: From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore. 

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever…

~

This book just sounds epic…  I've recently started reading some of Richelle Mead's other books (I'm currently reading The Golden Lily) and absolutely love her writing.  Also (like I've said a million times in a million different ways before), I am a huge fan of books based on different cultures, folklore and myths.  I think the premise of Soundless sounds intriguing, exciting, and just the book for me.  I can't wait to pick this one up!

Bloodlines (Review)

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #1

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal

Page Length: 422 pages

Format: Paperback (purchased)

I completely devoured Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.  Although I've been wary of vampire books, it staked out its role as a captivating read that deserves the praises it has received.  Once I sunk my teeth in, I couldn't stop reading.  There were a few minor things that drove me batty, but otherwise I have no biting remarks for the book.  (Sorry, I'll stop with these vampire puns.)

THE CHARACTERS

At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think of Sydney Sage.  My initial opinion of her at the beginning was that she would either be a complete brat or that she'd be a total badass.  Although I wouldn't truly consider her either of those things, she is a very strong character that I appreciate and loved learning more about.  I felt a connection to Sydney, unfortunately not because of her badassery (which I wish I possessed) but rather her awkwardness in social situations.  *Ahem.*  Anyway, Sydney Sage is not always an honest person, but she always has people's best interests at heart.  She was much more than the character I thought she would be, and I'm excited to continue with her through her journey.

Now on to the one and only Adrian Ivashkov *sighs dreamily*.  I loved everything about Mr. Ivashkov.  His snarkiness and caring personality were refreshing, although I did want to slap him into reality a few times as well.

FINAL THOUGHTS
I really enjoyed Bloodlines.  Although it was over 400 pages, it was a quick read that I read in less than a day.  The characters were intriguing and the plot was just fast enough that it was never boring to read.  There were quite a few plot twists, and although they were more obvious looking back, I somehow managed to be surprised by them.  I highly recommend Bloodlines, even to people who are wary of paranormal books—especially vampire books.

My Rating: ✪✪✪✪

About Bloodlines (via Goodreads):

Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires.
But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector.
The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one...