A Quibble w/ "Bloodlines" by Richelle Mead

Published by: Penguin Group USA

Razor Bill

Pages: 421

Gifted by:  Jennifer Moore of:

 http://thehopefullibrarian.com/

The Dame's Eye View:

I won't give another summary of this book, since nearly everyone knows it, by now, and if you don't, please see my earlier posts.

Having been raised at the feet of Bela luGossi movies from the age of 5, and then becoming a raving Anne Rice fan in the 1970's throughout her vampire writing career, I'm no stranger to vampires, dhampirs and the like.

Isn't he wonderful!?

Reading Richelle Mead's latest in this genre was pure pleasure. She now has me hook, line and sinker!

It was delightful to meet the Alchemists and their strange (perhaps twisted) ways. I'm anxious to know and hear more about Donna Stanton, the powerful Alchemist higher-up who seems sympathetic toward Sydney. Transversely, it was amazing to meet the whole vampire group!

Sydney, the "Bloodlines's" protagonist is new to me, of course, but probably well known to Ms Mead's readers of her "Vampire Academy" series. She's feisty, formidable, and wildly intellectual, all of which I applaud and adore. It's hard not to love her fierce devotion to her family and the Alchemist agenda. And, it's easy to see Sydney's conflict of caring, as well, to her vampirish friends.  A great balance of friends and foes in this novel that makes it rich in characters, and highly entertaining to read.

I have only this one quibble. I'm very sensitive to women's issues, particularly to those that have a profound affect on teen-aged and young adult women. Richelle Mead has a huge audience of young women and, so, her power to move and suggest things to them in her writing is enormous. That's why I bring up this subject:

In "Bloodlines" Sydney often worries about her weight and discusses it with anxiety. She talks about her body image negatively several times; confronts the school uniform lady about her size being 2 instead of 4; is embarrassed about the clothes in her closet because of the size; compares herself frequently to the Moroi's "perfect" figure; shows and discusses "eating very little;" pg. 285, specifically tells that her dad criticized her figure; and on pg. 390, Adrian says he is glad she no longer seems to have a "diet fixation." But, she doesn't confirm his comment.

This content in "Bloodlines" concerns me greatly in a country that is painfully aware of the dangers of anorexia and teen aged "starving" syndrome. We recognize this age group and younger is overly concerned with body image. It behooves our most popular writers to help them understand the importance of self-acceptance--not critical thinking with regard to who they are and how they look physically. Eating disorders are life-threatening, dangerous and seriously destructive.

On the flip-side of this; it was so refreshing to read a book of this genre without having to plough through x-rated language and gratuitous sex. I thought the attraction of the boys towards Jillian was nicely balanced with Sydney's interactions with Trey and Adrian, without having any overt sexual complications. And, there was none of the explicit horrors of rape and sexual battering that could have accompanied the story. High regard for Richelle in that area!

I loved this book. I'm a huge fan, and will be reading all of the books in the series. I'm on my way today to pick up the "Vampire Academy" series so I can get more background on Adrian, Eddie, Sydney, Jillian and the others.

Here's a trailer, and you'll find more on YouTube, as well as visiting Richelle Mead's website:

4 l/2 stars for a good read with more to come! 

Deborah/TheBookishDame

*What are your thoughts about eating disorders in YA fiction?

Read More

"Bloodlines" by Richelle Mead ~ Top of Indie Charts of YA Fiction

Published by:  Penguin Young Readers Group



Noted in GalleyCat as being at the Top of Indie Charts of YA Fiction and one of the books people will be talking about for the next month, "Bloodlines" is breaking onto bookstore displays for the eager hands of hundreds looking for the latest Richelle Mead series starter.  Mead, the author of "The Vampire Academy" series, is the darling of all things vampire to YAs.

I mentioned this book to you last week as a review coming up for me, and I'm reading it today!  Here are a couple of trailers for your entertainment, meanwhile:

So, going out to get your copy?  Or, have you already read it and want to tell us about your take on it?

Deborah/TheBookishDame

PS:   More information if you'd like below:

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.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. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

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.

Scorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time. Before becoming a writer, she considered a few different career paths. She received a liberal arts degree from the University of Michigan, an MA in Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University, and a Master in Teaching (Middle & High School English) degree from the University of Washington. In the end, she decided writing was the way for her but believes all of her education prepared her for it. A life-long reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses that she then hardly ever wears. She is a self-professed coffee addict, runs on a nocturnal schedule, and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.

Read More

Lucky Me! Thanks to Jen: http://www.thehopefullibrarian.blogspot.com

I want to thank Jennifer Moore of http://www.thehopefullibrarian.blogspot.com/ for her very generous gifts to me after having won her giveaway a couple of weeks ago. Jen allowed me to choose books in exchange for my gift certificate, and I couldn't have been more delighted.

Thank you so much, Jenn. I hope this prompts everyone to visit your very special blog.

Here are the books you sent me:

Published by: Quirk Books

Author: Ransom Riggs

*Blogger's Note: My maiden name is Riggs~I wonder if there's any relation. The weirdness of this book gives me pause to think, "Yes!"

The Dame's Eye View:

This is a very strange book which may be in part why it's so famous right now. The title is ominous enough, but to paste the picture of a creepy old child who's levitating in a flapper outfit on the cover, just closes the deal on a "have to figure this one out" book.

When I was in my early 20's, my fresh-faced attorney husband and I lived in Flushing, NY (not the most glamorous place but good enough for "baby and me" and Neil Diamond songs). What I mean to say is, I know how it is riding those trains in and out of the City, day in and day out...you like to stand out a little bit once in a while. Not just bow to the rat in the rat race. This is THE book to carry around so you can stick out like a sore thumb.

People will think you're strange, or intellectual, or a literati, or maybe a psychologist/psychiatrist, or maybe they'll recognize the book and want to mug you for it.

Whatever the case may be, this is a rare and wondrous treasure of a book.

In my hands it feels and looks like a Barnum & Bailey-like tome. It's weighty and peculiar. The cover, end piece, inside cover papers and plethora of oddly familiar pictures of people and scenes make this book one for my library shelves...forever.

I can't wait to read and review it! It feels like I should know these people pictured here... Strange

Published by: Penguin Young Readers Group

Pages: 432

Series Book #1

The Dame's Take:

May I simply say that this book publisher has left no stone unturned to bring us a gorgeous and collectible book.

The cover! Of course, the cover; we fall for it every time, but we need the beautiful ones because they do set the tone and bring us into the magic of the book. This cover is extraordinary. Scrolls of beautiful lettering seems burnished and twined with thorny roses...telling us part of the mystery. The face of a young girl is tattooed with a golden lily.

From front cover, to side/edge, to back this is a beautiful book.The book itself, without the cover, is made of black paper cover and has gilded letters and scrolling on the side/edge.

The only thing that's disappointing is the lesser quality of paper and book fabric they've used for "Bloodlines." I wonder if this has been because of an assumption that only teens or young adults will collect the books?

Not so, and not an acceptable reason, anyway...perhaps something to reconsider in future books.

Richelle Mead has made a good name for herself, and has a great following with her "Vampire Academy" series. She deserves the best! And so do her esteemed readers/collectors, I should think.

I'm not complainin', though. Listen to me, I'm happy as can be with my two new books.

Thanks again, Jennifer!

Deborah/TheBookishDame

Read More