Review: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Pages: 443 Release Date: November 13th 2008 Publisher: Razorbill Source: Library


Goodreads synopsis:

Is Rose’ fate to kill the person she loves most? It’s springtime at St. Vladimir’s Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason’s death, Rose hasn’t been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can’t concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret . . . .She’s in love with Dimitri. And this time, it’s way more than a crush.
Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever…...

My Review:

4.5 stars/5 stars.

I loved it! It’s much better than the previous two in my opinion. Shadow Kiss is much darker than the predecessors.

Shadow Kiss was packed with action! I liked the plot in this one much more than the others. It was fast paced and had me on my toes.

All of the characters developed and relationships changed, particularly between Rose and Mia, Dimitri and Rose, Lissa and Rose and many more. I liked how Mason had his own little part in the story because I thought he was a good character. It also captures Roses’ vulnerability which made her character feel more real.

There are some seriously heart wrenching moments in this book! :( In my copy there was a little snippet of ‘Blood Promise’ and I cannot wait to find out what happens! I’m devouring these books!

Review: Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Book #2 in Vampire Academy series.

Pages: 327 Release Date: April 10th 2008 Publisher: Razorbill Source: RAK (Own)


Goodreads synopsis:

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 hand-to-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…


My Review:

4.5 stars/5 stars.

I loved Frostbite. It was better than Vampire Academy in my opinion. So, if this is the way to go, it seems the books are only going to get better and better!

Richelle Mead kept up all the tension and suspense that was to be expected. Also, I enjoyed how the romance developed between Rose and Dimitri - The last page! :)

I enjoyed how certain relationships changed and developed, some better than others. I felt so sorry for some of the characters, particularly Mason!

I really enjoyed this! I'm currently reading Shadow Kiss at the moment! :) I needed more!

Recommend to everyone who loves a bit of romance, action and suspense!

Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Pages: 332 Release Date: May 26th 2009 Publisher: Puffin Source: Library

Goodreads synopsis:

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.


My Review:

4.5 stars/5 stars

I really enjoyed this! :) I've read a lot of vampire books and worried it would be same old but it was a fresh take on the genre. It’s the first book in a series and I thought it flowed effortlessly; it’s an easy book to read.

It focuses on the viewpoint of Rose Hathaway, a guardian to Lissa. I liked how she had good traits and bad qualities, it made her seem more tangible. Rose and Lissa have a special “bond” that allows Rose to know what Lissa’s feeling and this is shown to have its positive’s and negative’s throughout.

I liked the romance between Rose and Dimitri (her guardian trainer) I thought it was believable. I like Dimitri as a character and of course, I like forbidden love!  So, I can’t wait to find out how it develops through the series.

The storyline was good with realistic elements such as running away, rebellion, sarcasm, romance, drama and much much more!

It was a great book which kept me reading past midnight. Looking forward to all the others to see how the story unfolds!