Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Paperback, 336 pages
2007, Razorbill
ISBN: 159514174X
Series: Book 1 of Vampire Academy
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.
Review
Vampire Academy started slow for me. It slowly built momentum and eventually really drew me in. As the first in a series, a lot of back story had to be divulged to allow the reader a firm grasp of what what going on. You need to learn about the Vampire Academy itself, good vampires (Moroi), bad vampires (Strigoi) and half vampires (dhampirs).
The book has a decent amount of references to sex, drinking and some minor drug mentions. While that doesn't appeal to some readers of young adult fiction, I though it brought some important reality when looking at teen life. You see the viciousness that girls can wield against one another and the power rumors have to utterly ruin reputations. These are important things teen need to know and are dealt with without ever witnessing preachy "just say no" advice. The attitude of "It happened, so what are you going to do to fix it?" gives the reader some realistic situations to ponder.
I loved the honest feel of teenage life in the midst of an utterly supernatural setting. I'm glad I didn't put this book down. Upon reaching the end, I found myself feeling strongly connected to the characters. I will definitely be continuing the series.
Rating
Links
Great review. I really need to buy this series! It's been on my wish list for the longest time :(
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it! I read the first two of the series and half of the 3rd, and just gave up on it.
ReplyDeleteNice review, I'm looking forward to read this one. It's on my tbr list.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too but haven't managed to make it back to the series with all the other books stacked up to read. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to begin this series also :)
ReplyDeleteNice review, good and objective.
ReplyDeleteAlayne - The Crowded Leaf
I LOVE these books. They are great! I cant wait for the next one
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!
ReplyDeleteThis series did start a little bit slow but it keeps picking up throughout the ENTIRE series! When I finished the last two books I threw them across the room I was so mad at the cliff hanger lol (mad because I didn't/don't want to wait for the next book to come out!)
ReplyDeleteAdded to my TBR list! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTara SG -- 25hourbooks.com
i really enjoyed this book too and totally agree with your points about the teenage issues, i didn't think they were sensationalised or gratuitous, just real and sensitively dealt with. i can't wait for book 5 this year!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite series! I loved it so much. Be prepared for a few tears.
ReplyDeleteI want to buy and read this series too! But the tv series scares me a little.. my friend says it's scarier in the novel (for me), so...
ReplyDelete