Review: Vampire Academy

Name: Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead

Published: August 16th, 2007

Source: Purchased [Flashback Review]

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

 

                              

I usually don't cave in and read cliche books, but I did anyways. This series is the talk all over the place, so I just had to get my nose in there and figure out what it's all about! 

There were a couple things I loved, and others I disliked immensely, but overall I'd say Mead did a wonderful job building a unique world and interesting characters, that you find yourself caring about as you progress!

I adored the relationship between Rose & Lissa. They're friendship is somewhere between bitter-sweet, and I love how no matter what either of their transgressions are, one would always protect the other. Although I found myself quite annoyed at Lissa at time, she has a complex character that is hard to understand right of the bat. I ended up liking her as I neared the end.

Rose is an interesting character. She's strong, sarcastic, loyal & daring-- which makes it a PLEASURE to read from her perspective. I Loved reading her cheeky comebacks to Dimitri, and how she would try to convince herself that she wasn't in love with him, but the pace at which she came into acceptance with her feelings for him was just right. Mead was able to successfully create chemistry & obstacles between their relationship, which definitely leaves the reader with a satisfying ending and a need to read the next installment.

The world of vampires is a little more.... tame than other novels, but it somehow fits the atmosphere perfectly. Although the Strigoi are supposed to be "blood-hungry" & "savage" creatures, they kind of gave off the vibe of disobedient pets, when you compare them to other bad-ass vampires that rip your throat out when you look at them. But again, it all fits perfectly into the world Mead created, so it's nothing to complain about.
 

I don't think I'd call these group of vampires the most interesting... but definitely an exquisite atmosphere that leaves you on the edge of your seats!

Thoughts?