Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an Alchemist - one of a group of human who dabble in magic and serve the worlds of humans and vampires.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an Alchemist - one of a group of human who dabble in magic and serve the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney has with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other Alchemists. An d now with her allegiance in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she learns that Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires, And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe but threats, distractions and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding the drama is only just beginning.

Blood doesn't lie . . .