The Indigo Spell

by Richelle Mead
Read: February 18 - 19, 2013
Published: February 12, 2013 by Razorbill
Source: Lent from Heather @ Flyleaf Review
Category: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, YA
Series: Bloodlines, book 3 

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. (From Goodreads)

____________________________________________________________________________________

Sydney Sage's life is not easy.  For one, she is caught directly between two groups of people that don't like each other. She is a member of the Alchemists, a secret organization that has sworn to protect the Moroi vampires from humans, even though the Alchemists really believe that the "good" vampires are unnatural, dangerous creatures. The Alchemists have given Sydney the job of protecting these vampires so now she has to spend all of her time with them. Only, the more time she spends with the Moroi, the more she believe that they're not so terrible after all. Even worse, Sydney might even be falling in love with one of them!! To complicate matters further, Sydney has recently been told that she has her own magical powers, which she had always thought was an unique ability that only the unnatural Moroi possessed. No wonder she's conflicted.  

Second, everyone Sydney knows relies on her to solve their problems.  She's currently in the middle of at least four different plot lines, which are all demanding her attention. In The Indigo Spell, Sydney searches for the rogue Alchemist named Marcus, and what she finds out when she meets him will change everything she knows about the organization that has raised her. She is also investigating a series of frightening events that are connected to her witch mentor/teacher Mrs. Terwillinger's sister. Time is ticking down while the danger to Sydney is rising.  Sydney continues to mediate the relationship drama going on between the other members of her "family," Jill, Angeline and Eddie. And in the background of her mind is a constant worry about another attack by the Warrior's of Light or Strigoi showing up. All the while, Adrian continues to be his charming, helpful and infuriating self. Despite Sydney's determination, she can't seem to stay away from him (or his spirit dreams). Thank goodness for that, at least. 

The best part of The Indigo Spell is Sydney's character development. After watching her follow the rules and berate herself about every step out of line, she finally takes a stand about her beliefs, including how she feels about Adrian. Although it has been agonizing to watch Sydney question and worry about all of her decisions, I think her slow progression out of the mind control of the Alchemists has been realistic. Even so, by the time I got to this book, I was seriously ready for her to take a stand, and I'm so proud of her progress. 

Of course Adrian plays a big role in this story, and I've really begun to see how great Adrian and Sydney are for each other. At first glance they are an odd pair, he is a tortured artist, with a touch of bad-boy, while she is a straight laced rule follower (on top of the fact that their species aren't suppose to mix). But despite their differences, I'm beginning to see a balance in Sydney and Adrian's relationship, as well as deepening connection between them. I love the ways that they support and really understand the other. I'm team Sydrian all the way.  

I did feel like the middle of this book was a little choppy. Sydney the queen of responsibility, and with so many different plots going on, she has a lot to do. No sooner would she return from doing one thing, than she would get pulled into another. I started to feel worn out for her, and that made me anxious. But thankfully, the flow of the book eventually evened itself out. I continually admire Sydney's stamina and dedication. But thankfully, she is also realizing that she is doing everything for everyone around her, and has started encouraging other people solve their own problems. 

The ending of this installment made me both excited and nervous for what is to come. Nothing is going to slow down for Sydney soon. In fact, the stakes are getting even higher. I cannot wait to get Adrian's perspective in the next book, and I imagine being inside his head is going to be a lot of fun. After The Indigo Spell, I feel like this series has finally caught its stride, and I am eager to get my hands on The Fiery Heart. 

Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Medium