Rewind & Review: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead
Published: December 7, 2010 by Razorbill
Received: given by my sister :)

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice.

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules. She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose—for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back... and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you? {goodreads.com}

I did it. I finally finished the Vampire Academy series & wow what a finish that was!  I began my journey with Rose at St. Vladimir's back in December of 2010.  I lost myself in the adventures she always seemed to find herself in.  I became wrapped up in the mysteries of this vampire realm that Richelle Mead so beautifully crafted.  But it was the passion between Rose and Dimitri that scorched my heart and kept me turning the pages in each new installment.

It's rare I'll follow a series with this many books in it.  Usually after the third, either the story needs to wrap up or you've lost my interest.  Richelle Mead is the master of 3+ books in a series!  This woman knows how to write a story with so many twists and turns that you're cheating yourself if you don't pick up that next book.  I have no idea how I waited so long to finish this one.  I think part of me wasn't quite ready to say goodbye.  I knew Richelle Mead had been working on a spin-off from this series (Bloodlines).  I also knew that Rose and Dimitri would not be in that series, and I think it was having to say goodbye to these two characters which I wasn't quite ready for.

Last Sacrifice has all the ingredients for how a mega series as this one should end.  The final installment begins with high tension, left over from the ending of the previous book (which is so Richelle Mead fashion).  Immediately you are sucked back in and holding on for dear life.  There is a certain scene, in a hotel bedroom, that sealed the deal for me.  The passion was literally smoking from the pages!  I knew I was in for it.  The adventure and mystique never let up, either.  Just when you think you're getting answers, Richelle Mead throws a curve ball and even more questions are developed.  The ending to this epic story wrapped up very nicely.  Knowing that a few characters would continue on in Bloodlines, I did not feel as though I was left hanging.  Towards the very end I found myself marking quite a few pages and re-reading lines because the words were so beautiful.  They captured the essence of Rose and Dimitri's love so perfectly.

If you're looking for a paranormal series with high tension, passion, and a killer ending - then I highly recommend starting the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.  Even though I took my time finishing this one, Last Sacrifice did not disappoint; if anything it's made me want to start all over from the beginning and lose myself in this epic tale again.

Rewind & Review is a monthly feature hosted by Lisa is Busy Nerding & myself, that showcases older books from our collection to read & review.

...To Be Continued in 2012!

photo by Elements of Persuasion

While browsing my "must-reads" for 2012, I realized there are quite a few books that happen to be follow ups to a new series that I started reading this year.  Below are a few of those, second in the series, must-reads that will be published in 2012.

This past year introduced me to a lot of new authors & genres in YA lit.  I found myself immersed in some of these stories and can not freaking wait to read what happens next for these characters.  Share your thoughts in the comments if you've read any of the books prior to these. Or, if you have not read any of them yet, then perhaps this post will entice you to do so.  2012 can not get here fast enough!!!!

*WARNING: some of these book descriptions may contain spoilers if you have not read the previous book.

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

January 24, 2012

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning. {taken from goodreads.com}

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver

March 6, 2012

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free.

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again. {taken from goodreads.com}

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

May 28, 2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. {taken from goodreads.com}

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead

June 19, 2012

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. {taken from goodreads.com}

More sequels to be continued in 2012:

A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful #2) by Suzanne Young - July 2012
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer #2 by Michelle Hodkin - 2012
Shatter Me #2 by Tahereh Mafi - 2012
The Eve Trilogy #2 by Anna Carey - 2012
Shine (Shade #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready - May 1, 2012 (I know it's the 3rd in the series, but it's HIGHLY anticipated in my to-be-read pile for 2012 & I wanted to mention it!) 

A list has been created on goodreads of several more 2012 YA/MG Sequels.  Click here to view that list.

I receive a small commission from books purchased through the Amazon links provided.

Book Bloggers DO sell books!

There's been some talk around the blogosphere about how book bloggers don't sell books & that our reasons for blogging are to receive free books.  Well I am here to tell you that THIS book blogger has bought MANY books due to reviews & recommendations that I have seen through out twitter & the blogging community.  I'll even prove it to you!  No, I am not displaying receipts.. but I am going to share a few of my favorite books that I would have never bought if it weren't for the rec's I received from my fellow book blogger buddies.

It was Anna from Anna Reads love for John After that made me pick up Going Too Far.  And I am so, so glad that I did!  If you are in need of a compelling YA contemp, I suggest you pick up this outstanding book written by Jennifer Echols.  Pick up the rest of hers while you're at it too.  You won't be disappointed!


My muse for book blogging, the ever so sweet Brit Jess from Jess Hearts Books mentioned The Body Finder on her blog & immediately after reading her review, I bought the book!  Yes, it was that convincing people.  I am so, so glad I did because I have really enjoyed Kimberly Derting's tale of Jay & Violet.  Speaking of.. Desires of the Dead, the sequel, is out TODAY!  Go ahead & grab both copies while you're at it.


I won the first 5 books in the Vampire Academy series from Jamie at Writers Write, Right? just before the 6th & final book was published.  Oh yes.. if it weren't for Jamie, I would have never picked up these books & then went on to purchase the final book, Last Sacrifice.  Ok maybe not never.. but it would have been awhile before they made it on my TBR list.


Tara from Fiction Folio gave an outstanding review for Unearthly by Cynthia Hand back in January.  So outstanding, that I went straight to B&N online & bought my own copy!  I was going to wait on the debut novel, but I am so, so glad I did not.  It is definitely one of my top fav reads so far in 2011!  For fans of paranormal romances, I highly recommend this book. 


The idea that book bloggers sell books is obvious when it comes to Sloppy Firsts & the rest of the Jessica Darling series for me.  To name a few of my book blogger buddies who convinced me that I had to read these books asap are, Carla from The Crooked Shelf, Anna from Anna Reads, & Jen from Makeshift Bookmark (who's recent review put my desire to read these books over the edge!)  Megan McCafferty has created one of the best renditions of what it means to be a teenager.


My most recent book purchase came from Jacinda & Jasmine's Valentines Day book rec's at The Reading Housewives of Indiana.  They chose Rich and Mad as one of their favorite love stories.  It being a YA contemp that I had not read yet, I just HAD to get my hands on it!  So thank you to those fabulous ladies for suggesting it.

If you need more proof that Book Bloggers DO sell books, check out Shannon from Books Devoured vlog!

So tell me, do you believe book bloggers sell books?  And if so, which ones stand out on your bookshelf?  I'm not quite sure I'd know where to go in a bookstore if it weren't for my book blogger buddies - so THANK YOU for selling me all the awesome books that you have.. & keep them coming!!!

Last Sacrifice Winner!

Thank you so much to everyone who signed up for my Last Sacrifice giveaway!  

The winner has been chosen according to random.org & that winner is...

Melissa from i swim for oceans

You have 48 hrs to respond to my email & claim your prize, so that I can

send your copy of Last Sacrifice on it's way! Congrats!!

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead *Spoilers*

After the massacre at Vampire Academy, Rose Hathaway faces the most task of her life and she knows that she must do it alone. With Mason departed for the other world, Rose must hunt down and kill Dimitri Belikov, the man she most loves. The fourth nail-biting episode of Richelle Mead's popular vampire series dramatically shows the fatal power of a promise. 
{taken from goodreads.com}

*Disclaimer: this review may contain spoilers. I have tried my best up to this point not to reveal any, but honestly - it's insanely hard not to!  You have been given a fair warning.

As the fourth installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series, Blood Promise has been the most challenging for me to read.  I found myself unable to put the book down at times, yet wanting to punch it other times.  Like I've said before, Richelle Mead does a superb job of building up to the climax, but in this book I felt as though I was pushed over the ledge - unwillingly.  The story is what's made me hang on.  I have to know what happens next.  In this book, it was the "getting there" part that frustrated me.

The story picks up literally where Shadow Kiss had left off. Rose's new mission is to leave St. Vladimir Academy and kill the man she loves - Dimitri.  A suicide mission, if you will.  But her journey will not be easy since she has no idea other than Siberia is where he's at.  After a painful & agonizing goodbye to Lissa, which Lissa did not approve of or want to accept, Rose is forced & determined to keep her promise to Dimitri - kill him & set his soul free & not let the Strigoi remain inside of him.  Through her journey Rose meets new acquaintances.  Some become good allies, while others just creep her out.  She stumbles upon Dimitri's family & feels responsible for telling them of his fate.  It is here that she begins to lose sight of what her real mission was - to find Dimitri & kill him.  She instantly feels the love that Dimitri always talked about among his mother & sisters.  This creating a huge distraction for Rose.  Ultimately after a series of events & a strange man by the name of Abe crossing her path, she remembers what she must do & continues on with her conquest.

This is where the story took a strange turn of events for me.  In walks Dimitri.  I want to squeal & jump in to his arms.  Embracing his return.  But this isn't a happy reunion.  Dimitri is Strigoi, and his soul is dead.  All he bores now is pure hatred & disgust.  He captures Rose & keeps her as his pet.  He decides to play Mister Nice Guy & give Rose time to decide her own fate: be turned in to a Strigoi, like him or be killed, by him.  Of course Mister Nice Guy has alternate ways of giving her this time to think.  He starts to feed off her, which in turn clouds her judgment & places Rose in a drug like state, making it difficult for her to understand right from wrong.  These episodes keep occurring & this is where I had a hard time reading the story.  Not because it was poorly written or that I had lost interest, only because I had become so engrossed in these characters that I could not stand to see Dimitri act this way.  I wanted my gentle, protective, loving Dimitri back!

Rose being Rose, she finds the will to snap out of Dimitri's trance & also finds a way to escape.  The next series of events had me turning the pages so quickly.  Dimitri was on the hunt for Rose and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the chase.  What happened next left me breathless, if I wasn't already out of breathe!  Rose did the unthinkable, and she stayed true to her promise.  She freed Dimitri's soul.  At least that is what we are lead to believe.  Not wanting to think about her actions or deal with the aftermath of her emotions, Rose immediately jumps back in to Lissa's mind & discovers that she is in danger - half a world away.  What a perfect time for Rose to be bombarded with a new task at hand & not have to think about what just occurred.  Rose is sent back to St. Vladimir by the help of Abe, the stranger she met while in Russia.  Though she fears him & his intentions, something sparks her interest.  Why is he helping her?  Once back at the Academy Rose is faced with consequences of her actions, and their results.  Surprisingly though Lissa is quick to apologize & welcome her back not only as her guardian, but her best friend as well.  And right now, a best friend is exactly what Rose needs.

The story begins to wind down with the foreshadowing of a new romance that could be occurring between Rose & Adrian, the other spirit user who has been a loyal friend to Lissa while Rose was gone.  But is it too soon after Dimitri?  Speaking of... is Dimitri truly dead this time?  Rose receives a startling package as the story concludes convincing her he may not be.  A new mission is stirring inside her head.  One that she knows she must accomplish this time & be certain it has been fulfilled.  A mission she'll need her best friend for.

Blood Promise was very emotional for me.  It was agonizing to see the choices that Rose had to make, and then to watch her carry them out.  Richelle Mead has done another brilliant job of grabbing a hold of the reader & not letting go until you're gasping for air.  Two more books await me before this saga ends.  I am terrified as to what lies ahead.

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Don't forget about my giveaway for LAST SACRIFICE: Click here to enter.

Last Sacrifice Giveaway

Want your very own copy of Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead?!

Fill out the form below for a chance to win this giveaway!

In honor of me *finally* picking up this series & devouring these books, 
I decided to host a giveaway for the last book in the Vampire Academy series.  
If you have not read this series yet, still enter to win - maybe it will be motivation to pick up 
the first 5 books?!  It's a great series & one you shouldn't pass up!  
I'm so glad I finally gave in to all the hype because trust me - it's been worth it!

Rules:

- One entry per person

- Open to U.S. & Canada residents only

- Giveaway ends on Friday, December 31, 2010.






*Disclaimer: I am still in the midst of reading this series, but I hope to finish before the year ends!

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

3rd book in the Vampire Academy series

For Rose Hathaway, everything seems out of kilter. Ever since she made her first Strigoi kills, a dark shadow has been creeping over her. Looming in the background, too, is another realization: If she follows her forbidden love for guardian Dimitri Belikov, she might lose her best friend forever. And these sleep-shaking worries couldn't have come at a worse time. The immortal unloving are prowling everywhere, famished for vengeance against her.




HOLY CRAP. I literally just finished this book less than 10 minutes ago & that is my reaction.  I immediately jumped on here to write this review because I needed to jot down my thoughts pronto!  Richelle Mead has a knack for writing books that build up to phenomenal climaxes.  And the best part: there's still 3 more books to read in this series!  The build in this book was a bit slower for me than in the previous two, but WOW did it pack a punch at the end!  I promise to write this review as spoiler free as possible.  But keep in mind, if you have not read these books yet - some of this may be spoiler-ish for you? But I will do my best to leave out the "oh my god!" moments.

Shadow Kiss begins after the tragedies that occurred at the end of Frostbite.  Having destroyed the Strigoi, Rose has been marked with a molnija which symbolizes her courage & bravery.  Something of which is very rare for a guardian-in-training to receive.  The end of her time at the Academy is coming to a close, but the most important task lies before her - the field experience test.  Each novice (guardian-to-be) is placed with a Moroi classmate to watch over 24/7 while staged strigoi attacks may occur on campus.  Rose assumes this test will be easy, since she'll be paired with Lissa - her best friend she's connected with through their bond & will ultimately be Lissa's guardian when they graduate.  However, don't expect Richelle Mead to write anything predictable!  Because a curve ball is thrown at us...

As the story continues, so do the questions.  Rose is starting to wonder if becoming a Guardian is what she's meant for.  It is something she has been told her entire life, so she doesn't know anything different.  However, her testament to this omen begins to falter, and this is when we start to see the more vulnerable side of Rose.  She is learning her place in the bond shared between her & Lissa, as well.  Rose begins to see the ugly side of what being "shadow kissed" really means.  Her future begins to look very uncertain to her.

One thing remains constant though.  Dimitri.  Their feelings begin to intensify (& without giving too much away - lets just say, if you were waiting for an epic moment - this book brings it!).  We start to see that this romance is not some school girl crush.  It has a lot of depth, and is definitely two-sided.  I loved seeing the tenderness of Dimitri through Rose's eyes.  And I really enjoyed seeing Rose let down her guard a little & allow Dimitri to see inside.  However, they must continue to keep their relationship in secrets, but not for long because plans are being made & ideas are being considered, on both their futures.

The build up to the end of this book was amazing.  I will not write about the facts that occurred because I do not want to spoil it for anyone who has not read this series yet.  But let me just say - my jaw is STILL on the table!  I am shocked & heartbroken.. yet determined & willed.  Richelle Mead closed this book with so much hanging from the edge.  I am so, so grateful for having the next few books in the series.  I seriously do not know what I'd do if I had to wait for the next one!  If this little insight to the ending of this book doesn't make you jump up & grab this book, then I don't know what will!  It's that good.  Look out for Blood Promise.  The saga of Rose, Lissa, & Dimitri continues.... or does it?

FULL OF AWESOME

That is what today has been.. FULL OF AWESOME!  Have you ever just had something really amazing & fulfilling happen to you all in one day? It may not be much to others.. but it's put the biggest smile on my face!  And since I feel so close to my book blogger friends, I thought I'd share this awesomeness with y'all :-)

1. I met my 10 pound weight loss goal today!  For those who don't know, I've been doing the Biggest Loser Challenge with my family.  Going in to this, I knew I wasn't going to lose the most.  But I wanted to at least try.  I set out to lose 10 pounds & I've done just that! So, so happy about this!  Now I am determined to lose even more...

2. I scored an 86 on my Math Final!  Going back to school this semester was a bit scary, but I knew I could do it if I really put my mind to it.  So proud of myself for studying hard & seeing positive results. One more final tomorrow & I am home free!

3. Richelle Mead's signature on my copy of Last Sacrifice!  My amazing older sister went to her book signing in Georgia tonight (totally last minute btw) and got Last Sacrifice signed for me!!  She didn't know whether to put Ginger or GReads! haha  I would have been happy with either one :-)








Like I said.. it may not be much to others, but these 3 little things have been HUGE for me!  I think we're quick to point out the negatives in our day & don't always appreciate the good stuff too.  Hopefully this blog post will remind you of some awesomeness happening in your own lives :-)

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

 2nd book in the Vampire Academy series

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…
It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks….This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.
But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…
{taken from goodreads.com}


I was told the second book in this series would rope me in, if I hadn't been already.  And that piece of knowledge rang loud & clear!  I plowed through this book in a little over a day (silly work & that whole sleeping thing got in the way lol).  More questions developed as I read through this book & left me wanting more answers!! But I know.. I must be patient :-)

The book begins with a calm demeanor, but hints just enough around the edges to make the reader feel as though something is about to happen.  Rose continues to push down her feelings for Dimitri by following through with her dedication for training & becoming the best Guardian for Lissa.  In doing so, she and Dimitri stumble across a gruesome scene of Moroi vampires having been slaughtered by Strigoi vampires, the enemy.  This sets off a feel of hysteria among the Academy & with the holiday season upon them, other Moroi vampires feel it's unsafe for the children to be traveling home & elsewhere.  So their resolution is to send all Moroi children, their families, along with their guardians to a ski resort.  Even though everyone is on high alert, Rose & Lissa still look ahead at the possibilities of enjoyment on their winter break.

Once they have arrived, Rose begins to feel jealous towards Lissa & Christian's (Lissa's boyfriend) relationship.  Even though Rose is still Lissa's guardian, she feels replaced in some ways.  Instead of confronting Lissa about this, Rose finds herself getting closer to boy/friend Mason.  But let's not forget about Dimitri.  In the first book we realized the two of them decided they could not act on their feelings due to the nature of their duty - protecting Lissa.  However the tension is still high!  Especially when Dimitri's eyes begin to look else where, or at least Rose assumes so.  So much drama for one ski resort!

Rose discovers a new face among the Moroi, Adrian.  Something about him alerts her, but she can't seem to put her finger on it.  Adrian's abruptness & witty nature intrigue Rose, yet also gets under her skin.  He has also taken a lot of interest in Lissa & her capabilities.  As the story continues, so does the tension.  After another Strigoi attack, Mason & some other students take it upon themselves to right the situation.  And who is left to clean up their mess? Rose.  The climatic ending left me on the edge of my seat.  I kept reading in to the late hours, with my eyes threatening to close, but I just couldn't stop before it was over! I had to know what happened next.  Since I am a sucker for romances, the building relationship between Rose & Dimitri  kept me on the edge of my seat as well.  The passion shared between the two of them is insane!  However, I have a feeling something (or someone? Adrian?) is about to come between that.

Frostbite packed a powerful punch.  Richelle Mead did a good job of describing past situations to help the reader understand what was happening in the present.  I thought this was helpful, especially for those who had to wait a long time in between books.  I'm eager to start the third book in this series, Shadow Kiss, because I've been told it's one of the best!  On to the next...

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.
{taken from goodreads.com}






Yes, you are reading this correctly - I am writing a review for the FIRST book in the Vampire Academy series because I am just now reading them.  I can not tell you how many times I've heard from people, "you haven't read Vampire Academy yet??!!" Well now I can say, YES I HAVE!  I had mixed emotions about these books, the first one especially.  Lots of people had told me the first book isn't that great, but if you stick with it they get better.  The idea of buying a not so great book didn't thrill me & then having to purchase the rest in the series? (I'm a book hoarder as Anna refers to me, I don't borrow from the library lol) So I think that put me off too.  But THEN the awesome Jamie hosted a giveaway for the first 5 books & I thought - why not? It must have been a sign that I needed to read these because I won!  And so my adventure with Vampire Academy begins...

The book starts out throwing you in the middle of the story.  There isn't much prepping & immediately my senses are on high alert because something crazy is happening or about to happen.  If you read my reviews, then you know that when a book begins right in the thick of things that's a sign I'll enjoy it.  I liked that the author Richelle Mead began the story with action, yet she was also explaining things & setting the foundation for the story at the same time.  Sometimes I read books that explain stuff way too much & I lose interest in it all together.  Richelle did a fabulous job of keeping me entertained.

The book is told through the eyes of a teenage girl named Rose.  The other main character in this story is Lissa, Rose's best friend.  We learn that Lissa is a vampire, known as Moroi, and Rose is her bodyguard soon-to-be-guardian, a Dhampir.  This world that Richelle has created consists of Moroi, Dhampirs, and Strigois - which is the worst of the kind.  Once I understood the make up of who everyone was, the story began to make more sense to me.  The story begins with Rose & Lissa being captured & taken back to the Academy, the school where vampires and their guardians are brought up.  It is here that they are meant to learn who they are & what their role in society is, but something dark has fallen upon Rose & Lissa and has made them feel unsafe at the Academy.  Due to their irresponsible behavior, Lissa has been given a new guardian to watch over her & also to act as mentor to Rose.  In walks the hot, sultry Russian Dimitry.  Every vampire book has one.  And every fangirl squeels when his name is mentioned on the page.  I know I did!  It has now become Dimitri's job to protect Lissa, and train Rose to be the guardian she will become one day for Lissa.

Rose & Lissa share a powerful bond between one another.  Rose has the ability to go inside Lissa's mind & see her life through Lissa's eyes.  At first this trickery was done spontaneously, but Rose begins to understand she has control over it & can do it on her own freewill.  Through the bond, Rose also feels what Lissa feels.  When Lissa is upset or in pain, Rose knows it.  Certain events occur involving dead animals being mysteriously placed in Lissa's bedroom & backpack.  We learn from flashbacks that Rose encounters, that this is not a coincidence, that Lissa is pulled to these dying or hurt animals & feels the need to cure them.  However - Rose is not the only one who has witnessed this, someone else knows Lissa's secret too.

As the story continues, so does Rose's feelings for Dimitri.  He isn't just the good looking mentor to her anymore, she realizes he's the first boy (or I should say man since he is 7 years older than her) that she has felt true feelings for.  Rose has always been the rebel, the outspoken one, the good looking girl who knows it & uses it towards her advantage.  But with Dimitri known of that matters.  Though he may or may not return the feelings, he understands that he is Lissa's guardian & that Rose will soon be her guardian too, leaving them in a partnership to protect Lissa together.  This results in the two of them having to put their feelings aside & protect Lissa first.  And this also results in me screaming at the book because I want them together!!

The suspense in this book is what held me on.  There was never a dull moment.  Knowing that I have 5 more books to read in the series, I knew I would not be getting all the answers in the first book.  Vampire Academy gave me just enough taste to want more.  Look out for book #2, Frostbite, I'm sure I'll devour it in no time!