Vampire Academy

Very quick read, about two hours. I really liked this book and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

So unfortunate when an author tries to make a strong, self-secure female character and winds up creating a self-absorbed, shallow asshole. This story would've been better if it had been more about the girl this hateful heroine was trying to protect. But it's not. And then it gets even worse when our super-tough femme fatale gets herself in trouble and has to be saved...twice. By a dude. Groan.

Really liked this one, and the relationship between the narrator and her BFF. Had a little bit of trouble remembering or telling all the minor characters apart, but that's because I am not very smart.

This is a great YA vampire series filled with engaging characters who each bring their own strengths to the story. Mead doesn't shy away from difficult subjects and it's to her credit throughout the entire series. I couldn't put these books down.

The plot and writing of this book were OK, and the audio edition was decently read. Unfortunately, I hated the main character so deeply it's utterly beyond description. I have never wanted to slap a protagonist so hard in my life! Maybe she gets less terrible in later books in the series, but I'm not willing to purchase book two in order to find out. I got the first book on sale, and I'm rather glad.

I listened to this as an audiobook. It was read nicely by the narrator. The story started out good but sort of fizzled in the middle but it did get better by the end. Enough that I will check out the next book in the series.

Don't ask me why it took me so long to finally give this series a try. For years I've been putting it off despite hearing many good things from friends but still it waited for me on my TBR list. In fact, it wasn't until a few of my other friends and I decided to do a book club this year that I finally bought it. Vampire Academy was our January pick and it was really a challenge to only read a specific amount of chapters per week because once I started this book I didn't want to put it down.

From the very first chapter I was hooked, Rose and her best friend Lissa are on the run and hiding, they have been for two years, but they've been found by the guardians and are immediately brought back to St. Vladimir Academy.

It isn't revealed right away why Rose and Lissa ran away from school because that secret is between the girls and no matter how much times the adults of the school accuse Rose of being reckless by putting Lissa in danger the reason they left was because Lissa wasn't safe at the school.

Its revealed through flashbacks and breadcrumbs of info from Rose's POV why her and Lissa decided she wasn't safe at the school and I have to say I loved how the author strategically incorporated each reveal into the story perfectly. Every time new information was revealed I was that much more glued to the story.

I also enjoyed the world of Vampire Academy, a little similar to the Underworld movies the vampire world is lead by a vampire queen and a group of 12 royal families. There are also three very distinct groups of vampires found in VA, the moroi who are divided into royals and nonroyals, the dhampir who are usually divided into guardians (who protect moroi) or blood whores and the strigoi who fit the usual definition of a vampire. Soulless, dead creatures who kill and drink blood to stay alive. The strigoi's main targets are moroi which is why Rose is punished harshly for taking Lissa outside the protection of the school grounds.

Besides the plot I really enjoyed the characters Rose was sassy, filled with attitude and a big flirt but she was also very protective and kind. Lissa could be too kind for her own good sometimes but she's also very smart and a good balance to Rose. The guys were also very interesting. Christian is my favourite probably cause he's got a lot of mystery going on and Dimitri is pretty badass. I didn't really like Dimitri for the most part of this book but when the end came around he had grown on me.

All in all I've read the third book in this series this month and am itching to pick up the fourth so don't hesitate to give these books a try if you haven't already.

Loved it. Thought is might be a little...confusing but I loved Rose from the get go. Lissa I'm still on the fence about. Love Dimitri too. Can't wait to see where the story goes. I have #2, #4, #5 here for my vacation from work. How did I forget to pick up #3?????

Another series that I absolutely must finish.

Loved this.

I love this book a lot. Though I read almost every kind of fiction, usually I'm more interested in the fantasy children books rather than YA. Yet, I enjoyed Vampire Academy thoroughly. The protagonist is interesting, as Rose is not your typical heroine — she kicks ass, she's flirtatious, hot-headed and reckless. While Lissa is more like an angel than a vampire. Even though you might find her less angelic when she becomes the ‘Queen Bee' later. Some of the minor characters also have depths, and that's what I really like from this book. Now, I have to admit that the male character I like the most is actually Christian. :)

Story-wise, the theme of friendship and social scenes are stronger compared to the romance aspect. Not that it's a bad thing. I especially like how the attraction between Rose and Dimitri develops, and it looks like things will start getting complicated for them from now on. But that only makes the story more interesting.

Overall it's a nice and addictive read. I love it, and will definitely get the next books! ♥

Loved it. But I kind of suspected somethiing with spirit. I knew that they'd never said anything about it..so I was kinda curiouse..But I'm not gonna say anything because I hate putting spoilers in..