Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill

Series: Vampire Academy #1
Pages: 332
Genre: Paranormal, YA
Release Date: August 16th 2007
How Received: Library

Summary: (via Goodreads) 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 Thoughts:

I LOVED Vampire Academy. I could easily see it surpassing my guilty pleasure, House of Night by PC Cast and Kristin Cast. I normally have trouble getting into a book and staying in it, but I didn’t have that problem with Vampire Academy. I was hooked from the very first chapter.

One brief annoyance involved the plot twists. They were awkwardly placed, I think. The twists were every which way in this novel – it made me wish the explanations were more linear. The way the flashbacks are depicted also needed some work on, or at least a line break between present and past! One moment we’d be in the present with Rose, and the next, we’d be in the past with no distinction that a time jump occurred. It was frazzling.

Now, on to my giddiness. The storyline barely lagged at all. Actually, I don’t think it ever did. There was a continual chain of events that led on to the next event almost immediately. It was fast-paced, and there was hardly a dull moment in Rose/Lissa’s lives – there was always some tragedy, joy, or murder.

The characters were bad-ass. Our main character, Rose, was a strong woman – she’s feisty, snarky, and packs a punch! Not to mention she’s loyal and has no greater wish than to protect her best friend. I’ve never came across such a strong female lead until I met Rose. Dimitri was also pretty awesome – the mysterious, broody type, but with a lot more awesomeness sprinkled in. Lissa was... unique. She was pretty two-dimensional until her “darker” side came looming out. She’s kind, gentle, and caring. Everything about her screams comfort and safety. Although, I have to admit... I’ve never heard of a vampire cutting themselves. It was a nice contrast. Mason was lovely for comic relief, and I fell in love with Christian through sympathy for him. Poor kid.

And the ending. WHOA. Who saw that one coming?! I sure as heck didn’t!

Cover Musings: I’m in love with whoever modeled for this cover! The alternating VA is pretty cool, and I love that the school is looming in the background.

Memorable Quotes:

“‘Hey Mason, wipe the drool off your face. If you’re going to think about me naked, do it on your own time.’” (pg. 28) 

“He was a royal Moroi, and he was so hot, he should have worn a WARNING: FLAMMABLE sign.” (pg.50)

“Setting fires was apparently a new sign of affection. Christian had done it and now Mason.” (pg. 201)

“The prospect of shopping can brighten a lot of dark situations—even animal murder—and I put my own worries on hold.” (pg. 231)

“‘I was taken down by a bench,’ I groaned.

‘What?’

‘I survived the whole day guarding Lissa, and you guys said I did a good job. Then, I get back here and meet my downfall in the form of a bench.’” (pg. 248)

“And then, suddenly, he was there, charging down the hallway like Death in a cowboy duster.” (pg. 322)

Overall Thoughts/Final Comments: Freaking A, I LOVE Vampire Academy. The romance was sweet, progressing slowly instead of a “oh-my-god-you’re-the-one” at first glance, and the depth of love Lissa and Rose had for each other was heart-warming. The characters were pretty awesome, and there was a LOT of humor in the book to balance out the darker events. Humor, high school gossip, romance, snarky comments, and fights galore. What more can you want in a novel?! :)

Rating: 5/5

Extras:

Richelle’s Official Website 

Richelle’s Livejournal 

Richelle’s Twitter  

On the origins of Vampire Academy

Pretty awesome book trailer

**This review is an entry for the September Challenge!