Mean Who You Are
I love reading and writing. I read most genres but my favourites would be paranormal romances and inspirational/motivational books. I have mostly started this blog because I love to read so much and want to share my reviews and thoughts with the world or anyone who wants to read it, giving my little bit of input to the world as well as any topics of light that would help and motivate you. I am also an aspiring author, in between reading books and reviewing them, I am writing two separate books, one fiction and one non-fiction. I have too many books and Ebooks, enough to last me probably 2 lifetimes! You can never have enough books... he he
Book Review: Vampire Academy (VA #1) by Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy #1
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: 16 August 2007
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Birthday gift / Bought
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:
I initially read this book just before I started blogging. I have wanted to re-read it, to be able to review it for my blog, and when I saw a re-readathon hosted by Stephenie @ BookFever & Chistina @ Booksane, I quickly joined in to chat about this awesome book - chapter by chapter!
Characters: 4/5
Richelle creates great characters. There are your likable ones, the ones you cannot stand, and then a few that just surprise you.
Rose - Rose is awesome. From the beginning you can see that she used to be reckless and she has learnt some tough lessons and is changing/growing up throughout the book. Rose can fly off the handle very quickly - but she has to control her anger due to the fact that she is walking on thin ice because of running away from the Academy with Lissa, and because there is a very real possibility of being expelled. At parts I really wanted to shake some sense into her - for example, when it came to Christian. Rose is a great strong main character.
Lissa - Lissa is a beautiful and soft character. She has the potential to be explosive when the darkness kicks in. I can imagine is gets very lonely when you don't know what is happening to you and neither does anyone else. Lissa is lucky to have a best friend like Rose.
Dimitri - Hmmmm, Dimitri *smoulders*!! Dimitri is a strong character and is fighting some internal battles with his feelings. He is viewed as a kickass guardian god and has the skills to prove it. He sticks up for Rose and handles her perfectly - from her snarkiness to her wittiness. He is the guy you want next to your in a fight, and you definitely don't want to be on his wrong side.
Christian - I love Christian to bits. He is not your straightforward, likable guy, but I connected with him easily. His bonding moments with Rose always had me laughing and he just belongs with Lissa.
Mia - She just drives me insane. I felt a bit bad for her when I figured out why she is like she is - but really, being that mean and that extreme is just terrible.
Mason - What an awesome character. He is sweet, loyal and a great friend to Rose.
Final Thoughts: This still remains one of my favourite series and I enjoyed it even more the second time round.
Author Bio:
Scorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
Author Links: Goodreads l Twitter l website