In Case You Missed It - The Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

Published: August 2007

Published by: Razorbill

Pages: 332

Copy Provided By: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

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.

Review:

OK, so where have I been?? We're posting this as an In Case You Missed It review because apparently, I did miss it!! The first of the Vampire Academy series came out in 2007. I'm sure many of you have already read it...

I'm not sure why I felt that I needed to start up another SERIES but I have read so much about this one in the blogsphere that I just had to check it out. I'm not certain that it was a good idea or not because it's so FREAKING ADDICTING!! This is an incredible series. If you have not started reading it and were in the same group I was a few weeks ago, you need to check it out. Now.

So let's talk characters. At first I thought that Rose came on a little strong and Lissa had much more confidence that she let on but that was not the case. Let's face it. Rose is a bit of a bully. And apparently a very attractive bully at that. I would like to see how this series plays out and watch Lissa's character develop. I felt she was a little weak and I'd definitely like to see her kick some butt like Rose.

Let's talk love. Ahhh...here we go - Rose and her multitude of admirers. Or kissing companions, whichever you prefer. I love how Dimitri and Rose's relationship builds all on its own with this nearly tangible tension. It makes all the rest of the boys seem well, like boys.

Plot. Ms. Mead, you did a great job at setting up the first book and creating an interesting world with heirarchy, intrigue, mystery and fabulous characters. Two thumbs up! It's complicated so I don't want to get into details or spoil the fun. You'll like it though. Trust me.

So let me tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Before I finished reading it, I tried to reserve book 2 (Frostbite) from the library and it wasn't available so I considered purchasing it on Kobo for my Blackberry and realized that I could read the first chapter for free. I am refraining from book purchases though because I already have a huge stack in my dresser. Yes, I do not have bookshelves. I have a dresser....where I keep my books...to be discussed at another time...so back to Kobo. This is how I know that I'll enjoy a novel. If I read the first chapter and it has me screaming for more. Screaming for more people. I'm on book number 3 now. BTW, I don't feel that this series is for a younger audience. I wouldn't recommend it to pre-teens.