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Cinema Fiction

The Fiery Heart

The Fiery Heart - Richelle Mead Oh goodness. What do I have to say about the Fiery Heart, other than the fact that I absolutely adore this series? I will admit that when I first learned that Richelle Mead was doing a spin off of Vampire Academy, I was majorly apprehensive. There were a few people who convinced me to read Bloodlines, and I'm glad I did. Sydney Sage is pretty much a bad ass alchemist who falls in love with a hot, sexy brooding vampire. The thing is, I love that Adrian is in this series because I loved him in Vampire Academy. I remember being a shipper for him and Rose way back in the day. But I'm glad that never happened, because he definitely belongs with Sydney.


I have to say there is a lot more going on with the Fiery Heart than the last two books. Between Sydney's sister, Adrian's struggles, and the two subplots of the alchemists' compulsion tattoos and the Strogoi transformation, you are definitely never bored while reading. Part of this is also because the Fiery Heart is split into two POV, Sydney's and Adrian's, so you get both sides of the story. Truthfully I think I liked getting into Adrian's head more than I did Sydney's. But that's just me.

I'm going to stop for a moment and talk about the relationship between Adrian and Sydney, because I think there's something important I need to address. A lot of YA books nowadays, especially the fantasy books, portray the guy as hot and sexy and controlling. Secret relationships are definitely a huge part of YA plots at the moment. I have to say that Twilight started this craze of the overprotective - to - the - point - of - stalkerish - guy that the heroine falls in love with. That is not okay with me anymore.
And this is why I love the Bloodlines series and The Vampire Academy. It is the rare exception to when the relationship is dangerous, but it's the "we can't see each other because our races won't allow it" kind. Adrian's relationship with Sydney is, in essence, healthy and true. Sure, it's a secret, but Adrian isn't controlling. He doesn't control Sydney, and he allows her to be independent. Just because they can't be together out in the open doesn't mean he sets rules for her to follow. I like that. And I'm glad Mead sees that two characters can have this sort of relationship without glorifying abusive behavior.

Ahem. Anyway. The Fiery Heart is definitely worth it if you've read the first two books. Let's just say that the way Mead ended it - you'll want to throw the book across the room. Seriously. But in a good, loving way.