Review: The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines

Pages: 401

Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal

Publisher/ Source: Penguin Books Australia

Amazon: The Indigo Spell

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

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.


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

Review: 4 ½ out of 5 stars

The Indigo Spell is the third book in the Bloodlines series by the wonderfully talented Richelle Mead and was kindly provided to me by Penguin Books Australia.

I was eager to dive back into the world of the Alchemists and Vampires and it was certainly a roller-coaster of emotions with Sydney and the gang. Sydney for me has progressed so much as a character, she is intelligent, has a sense of humour without really realising it and despite over-analysing a few things she thinks before she acts which I really like. Her dedication to the alchemists is beginning to sway and she is understanding that the alchemy world around her isn’t quite what it seems and she is having to make some crucial choices.

The plot is fast-paced and entertaining and the variety of story arcs we are given kept me really intrigued. In this installment we see Sydney continue to protect Jill at Amberwood Prep as well as hone her magical abilities with Ms Terwilliger to help search for an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. There was a lot going on and in some ways it felt like too much had been pushed on Sydney but I also felt it helped her to move forward as a character.

We are also given answers about the infamous Marcus Finch, renegade alchemist and although I found him quite appealing, he is a character I don’t quite trust - yet.

Adrian for me has really changed, he isn’t as carefree and is facing his responsibilities in a more mature manner; I still adore his charm, smart little quips and snide remarks but he doesn’t come across as laid back as what he has in past books; I quite like these changes. I loved his interactions with Sydney, there is no holding back with the declarations now he has admitted how he feels which I really liked and seeing her deal with her forbidden feelings and inner turmoil was difficult for her – there were a few hot moments between them which really showed their chemistry but her beliefs made her question everything.

I have absolutely loved the story progression, from the very first book, Bloodlines to now there has been amazing character growth, especially with Sydney and a romance that has bloomed from a friendship to so much more, I enjoyed Sydney’s adventures in The Indigo Spell, it was a real page turner; it is also nice to see Rose and Dimitri make an appearance.

Richelle Mead is an auto-buy author for me, her writing is mesmerising and I find myself flying through the pages, her characters are true to life and believable and the story she has weaved is filled with action, mystery and romance.

We are left with a cliff-hanger so I am really excited to read The Fiery Heart which has an anticipated 19^th November 2013 release date.

After my hesitation to begin this series, I am really thankful I did because it is certainly turning into a fave!

Thank-you to Penguin Books Australia for the opportunity to read and review The Indigo Spell.