Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X, Book One), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Thoughts: This is the same author who wrote the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series....but for me, this series is not as good as either of those two. It started slowly, which I am used to with her books--but it never reached a point where it finally grabbed my attention and hooked me. I don't plan to read the rest of this series.

The Fiery Heart, by Richelle Mead

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.

Thoughts: The first great thing about this book is that it is told in alternating points of view--one chapter is told by Sydney, and the next by Adrian. It's fascinating to finally be able to see a bit more of what goes on in Adrian's head.  The only other things I have to say about this book are
  1) Zoe is a horrible, horrible person!!!
 2) I can't wait for July, to read the next installment, Silver Shadows.

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

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. 

Thoughts: Another great read...makes me sad the series is half over, but has me anxious to see how it all turns out. I am amazed how invested I am in the relationship between Sydney and Adrian--I want them to have a happy ending!!

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series, Bloodlines

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 Timesbestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Thoughts:  All I can say is, I'm glad we already have books 3 and 4, so I don't have to wait to see what happens next.....and I have a feeling I'm going to be VERY antsy waiting for book 5 to come out this summer!!!  Love this author and her characters.

Bloodlines (Bloodlines series, book 1), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines 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.

Thoughts: This series is a spin off from the Vampire Academy series, and focuses more on the human point of view than the vampires. It's full of surprises and shocks, just like the Vampire Academy books...and that includes unexpected deaths.  There are three other books already out in this series, and the fifth is due out this summer, with the final story due out next year.  Can't wait to see how all this turns out!

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, Book 6), Richelle Mead

Synopsis: The astonishing conclusion to the #1 international bestselling series...

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice.

The Queen is dead and the Moroi world will never be the same. Now, with Rose awaiting wrongful execution and Lissa in a deadly struggle for the royal throne, the girls find themselves forced to rely upon enemies and to question those they thought they could trust. . . .

But what if true freedom means sacrificing the most important thing of all?

Each other.

Thoughts: Great ending for this series....left a few loose ends, which I hope get tied up in her follow up series, Bloodlines.  Already started Book 1, and enjoying it!!!

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, Book 5), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's - and to her best friend, Lissa. It is at long last graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him . . .forever.

Thoughts:  I take back what I said about the previous book in this series...THIS is the best one so far. Rose's adventures in this book are above and beyond anything in the other four. And the end of the book?  Cliffhanger extraordinaire!! I'm #2 on the list to get the last one in the series from the library, and I can hardly wait for it.

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book 4), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them . . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

Thoughts: Best book of the series so far! It starts off a little slow, but once it takes off, it's hard to put down. You're wondering how in the world Rose is going to get out of the situation she is in....and then amazed at how it happens.  Then, when you think she is safe,she gets a letter........and the book ends!  

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, Book 3), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: Rose knows her love for Dimitri Belikov is forbidden. Her best friend, Lissa -- the last Dragomir princess -- must always come first. But a strange darkness begins to grow in Rose's mind. The immortal undead are closing in, and they want vengeance for the lives Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most...but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

Thoughts: I think I said it after reading the second book, but it was reinforced in this one. Getting attached to ANY character in this series is a very bad idea. I had a feeling something bad was going to happen to someone, but it turned out to be neither of the two male characters I expected....I'm still reeling a bit over what happened.  Three more books left in the series, and I can't wait to read them!!!!

Frostbite (Vampire Academy, Book Two), by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…

It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks.... This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

Thoughts: Yet another series where I have to learn not to become attached to any one character...darn it!  I enjoyed the interaction between Rose and her mother, especially the scene of them in combat practice against one another. The bond between Lissa and Rose is changing, and I'm looking forward to seeing where that goes. I think I'm starting to understand what "shadow kissed" means, and hope to find out more about that in Book Three, since the title is Shadow Kiss.   

Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead

Synopsis: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Thoughts: This is one of my "read the book before watching the movie" reads for this year. I've read my share of vampire series in the past ten years or so, thanks to having had two teen girls during that time....and this one is, hands down, my favorite one to date. I already have the second book from the library, and plan to read all six--and I just hope the movie does it justice! 

My rating: Five stars