The Golden Lily

A Bloodlines Novel

By: Richelle Mead

Narrated by: Emily Shaffer

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series.

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 number-one New York Times best-selling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

©2012 Richelle Mead (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Richelle Never Fails Me

Where does The Golden Lily rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Within it's own genre, of teen vampire stories. I would give it 8 out 10.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Golden Lily?

I love the way Sydney interaction with how Adrian responses. :)

Have you listened to any of Emily Shaffer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've only listened her do the Vampire Academy Series and this series, Bloodlines.

Loved the book, loved the narrator, LOVE RM!!!!!

I race through Richelle Mead's books - they are too good! Wish she would write faster! Feb 2013? No way I can wait that long!
HURRY INDIGO SPELL!!!!!!

Romance Heats Up Like A Bunsen Burner

Step aside Rose, there's a new kickass heroine emerging proving brawn doesn't always trump brains.

Sydney cannot have imagined that the cushy posh post of Palm Springs could have entailed so much work. After an epic battle with the forces of evil she finds her duties downgraded to the mother henning of a misfit crew of vampire court exiles including one beautifully damaged playboy Moroi, one disgraced guardian, one princess in hiding, and a clueless country dhampi. Add on a research team of restored Strigoi, a stalker-like pushy fashion designer threatening her princess protection program, and it's a wonder that Syd has time for homework.

All of her extraordinary extracurricular activities aside Sage has no social life whatsoever. But that's about to change. Good thing Sage is a multi-tasker, because all hell breaks loose while hearts are broken as romance heats up like a bunsen burner and Sydney Sage proves even the most mundane aspects of life, like dating can be bazaar.

Unfortunately the little bit of normalcy and safety Sage and her friends gained after uncovering Keith's side business and Lee's betrayal is about to end as a new threat arises and the ramblings of a senile old vampire seem to hold more truth than paranoid fiction.

Sydney will be tested to her limits as she finds herself on the edge of a dangerous balance between her beliefs and the truths and understanding she's beginning to gain. But when it comes down to a choice of dedication versus desire, will it be her resolve or heart that gets shattered.

There are not enough stars in the night sky to rate this book, it was that good. Richelle Mead just keeps getting better. Mead's planning and forethought really come together in this installment solidly connecting all the threads like dots from Bloodlines to the VA series. The perfect puzzle pieces adds so much depth to an already enthralling story line that you don't want it to end. Mead also keeps her world fresh by introducing new and interesting groups like a sect of human vampire hunters.

Romance is front and center in The Golden Lily as Sydney gets a boyfriend and the attention of Adrian. It's a classic star-crossed lovers theme that will make many readers swoon even more for Mr. Ivashkov. Love triangles pop up left and right for The Golden Lily cast making it even harder to wait for the next installment.

After hearing Bloodlines I had to have the audiobook for TGL as well. Emily Shaffer does another outstanding job with her pitch perfect portrayal of Mead's wide range of personalities. Shaffer delivers a great mix of controlled type-A personality with enough quirk and naivety to make Sydney lovable. All her voices really stay true to how I read them in the books and Shaffer puts a lot into her narrations which makes me fell like she's as excited about reading them as I am.

I have nothing bad to say about The Golden Lily it was everything I was hoping for and more. Whatever your criteria is for a great book Mead is sure to have met and exceeded it with great story lines, wonderful characters, new and interesting aspects to the already established VA world, nice pacing, action, growth, and intrigue. The Golden Lily is a book that leaves you satisfied and longing for The Indigo Spell. Don't miss out on the Bloodlines series and The Golden Lily, its' a definite summer must have.

M2redman

I find these Mead series a place to park all of the adolescence anxt that I lestened to for almost 20 years as a therapist. They are always current as well. This series reminds me of the TV series "Lost girl." I am waiting for book #3 to come out on 2/15. I also enjoy the characters from the past that show up. I know that we have not seen the last of Rose. Somehow I see Demetri as a Mr. Spock fiqure - don't know why ... enjoy!

Can't listen due to performance

Would you be willing to try another one of Emily Shaffer’s performances?

No I would not she slows the story down and sounds like a child I am unable to listen to this book to be honest.

A must read

Great read!! Loved how I was on my toes the entire book. Wonderful performance by Emily Shaffer!!!

Overall Appeal

I come to enjoy this series as I did the one before it. I can't wait for the next book in this book in this series.

Good spinoff!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! Adventure suspense keeps you wanting more!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Golden Lily?

The narrator makes the book come to life! So glad Emily Shaffer continues with this series.

Have you listened to any of Emily Shaffer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes! Another excellent performance by Mrs. Shaffer!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Neglected family until book was done

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book was wonderful and my husband was a bit jealous of Adrian.

What did you like best about this story?

It has mystery, drama and lots of swooning moments.

What does Emily Shaffer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I hadn't been this pleased with a narrator ever since the Harry Potter series.

Loved it!

In less than a month I have gone through the entire Vampire Academy Series and Bloodlines. I love the storyline and now that I am on the last book....I am not looking forward to it ending, I really hope more books are added to the series!

I also loved the narration and was unable to stop listening.