Kat McNamara as Clary Fray.
Dominic Sherwood as Jace Wayland.
Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle Lightwood.
Alberto Rosende as Simon Lewis.
Matthew Daddario as Alec Lightwood.
Isaiah Mustafa as Luke Garroway.
Do NOT read ahead of the Keep Reading link if you haven't yet read the book.
SPOILERS WILL BE AHEAD! You're warned in advance, so no shouting!
After all the waiting and speculating over this book, I am happy to say I was not disappointed. From beginning to end it had romance, action, adventure, suspense, angst, heartbreak and so much more. It ran smoothly from Silver Shadows and fitted in just nicely.
Obviously the biggest shocker in this book was the effect Spirit had taken on those who had been restored from being former Strigoi. The revelation of those restored-if Dhampir-could bear children with another Dhampir, which as we knew should have been impossible. Until Olive Sinclair, of course.
Olive hiding away in a Dhampir commune to hide her pregnancy since she knew the outcome of the Court, Alchemists, Warrors-practically anyone-finding out about her child would be dangerous, and wanted a better life for her son, Declan.
Neil being the father was definitely not a surprise, I kind of saw that as soon as I read pregnancy. Although his reaction was not something I expected, though I understand his reasons for staying away from his son. Since he didn't want his son being used an experiment, just as Olive didn't want-and the situation would be too complicated to keep underwraps. Though I am glad that Adrian and the others-well Eddie-is keeping him posted with how he is growing. I think if circumstances were different, Neil would of made a wonderful dad.
Nina I think would of made a wonderful aunt too. It's horrible to think she's that far trapped inside herself, and will never be the same again, that she will never know her-even if through a lie-own nephew. Even though to her, he'd be known as someone elses son. (Though I think if she were in the right mind frame, Adrian and Sydney would of told her, maybe?)
Olive had asked Adrian to; "Promise me, you'll keep Declan safe." and safe he and Sydney have definitely kept him. The letter that Neil sent them to at Clarence's well and truly broke my heart, while giving me a boat load of feels. My favourite part from the whole letter was;
"And that's why I'm proposing that no one finds out he's my son or Olive's. From now on, let him be yours."
and
"I know it won't be easy, and walking away from this is one of the hardest things I've had to do. If a day comes when I can feel convinced that it's safe, beyond a doubt, for me to be in his life, then I will. You can use one of those magical methods of yours to find me, and I swear I'll be there at his side in an instant. But until then, so long as the shadow of others' fear and scrutiny hangs over him, I beg you to take him and give him the beautiful life I know you can give him. Best, Neil." SOB YOUR HEART OUT!
This was the part of the letter that got me the most, because despite them all being young adults, they all-not just Neil-know what will happen if they cross paths. I don't think he could bear to let that happen to his son, or let down Olive. He knew that Adrian and Sydney would look after him, and give him the life and protection he need. I just don't think Neil realised that there would be a whole gang watching out for his little guy.
Another shocker I honestly did not see coming was Dimitri and Adrian being related. It caused so much inner turmoil for me because I don't like Dimitri one bit, but I love Adrian. It was strange to think that Adrian's uncle was Dimitri's father. All that kept coming to mind was when Dimitri-in VA-kept taking about how he knocked his dad around. I am all but not suprised that he didn't pummel him into the floor.
Then I kept thinking about what happened with the whole Rose-Dimitri-Adrian thing that happened in VA too. The first thing I said, when I found out they were related, was; "Way to go, Rose. Keeping it in the family." I found it hilarious to think that neither of them knew, yet somewhere Rand was drunk having such a laugh off knowing he was Adrian's uncle and Dimitri's father. (Even if he didn't know that they knew one another)
Despite not actually liking Dimitri for what he did in VA to Adrian, I think their relationship with one another has come in leaps and bounds. I bet neither of them would of ever thought they would of become that good of friends. The snobby Moroi and The godlike Dhampir.
It was nice to see Adrian think of Rose and Dimitri when it came to what found out with Olive, Neil and Declan, and their whole situation. Knowing that maybe one day they possibly could want children, and he gave them the knowledge to know it was possible when they were ready. Though honestly, I was happy they were engaged, really.
JARED SAGE! I had literally no words for this man, I knew we hadn't seen the last of him, but he is such a pompus asshole. How Sydney didn't punch him, I will never know. He criticized everything Sydney-or any Alchemist did-and he was an absolute hypocrite for it. HE WAS A TRAITOR HIMSELF TO HIS OWN KIND.
I understand why Sydney gave him leverage in terms of helping Zoe, because she is a loyal and goodhearted character. But honestly, I still would of gave Jared's name over to Stanton in a heartbeat, especially after everything he'd done to her, her family and friends.
All of the characters brought their own 'UMPH' to the last instalment in their own ways. Even if some, you seriously wanted to hug or drown in a river and burn the body.
Adrian, I think was probably the main character to do the most development and change in this last book. He had so much on his mind, so much to think about and take responsibility for, so I was thankful for Sydney in times of need. The Spirit wielding was becoming a nuisance and I was proud of him when he overcame it in Utah with the demon, but it proves as much because of Sydney. She told him she loved him, and it was those three words coming from her that grounded him and brought him back. They may fight and disagree, but they know it's worth fighting for in the end.
"I told you before, we're the center, and the center will hold."
Another thing that really got me emotional was when Adrian saw Jill again after getting her out of the compound, and after feeding. The first word out of his mouth broke me completely, it sums them up in one thing from the very beginning, and just like Sydney said;
"But the love he and Jill shared, this sibling-like affection born from spirit, was powerful too."
So it made it hard and all the feels rush back at once, since the first thing Adrian said was;
"Jailbait?"
Lastly all I want to say is a big thank you to Richelle Mead for giving such a beautiful ending to an amazing series. The characters we have followed-Sydney, Adrian, Eddie, Jill and many more-from the Vampire Academy series, and on into Bloodlines have grown so much and, I think I speak for the entire fandom when I say we are proud of them. So thank you for both VA and Bloodlines.
