Vampire Academy
Vampire Academy, Book #1
By Richelle Mead
ISBN# 9781595141743
Author’s Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
*Beware of Spoilers*
Rose and Lissa have been living on the run, trying to escape the dangers of living at the Academy. But it all comes to an end when a group of Guardians finally closes in on them and returns them to the school and all the threats they were trying to escape.
The duo try to make their return to school as normal as possible. Rose being on an equivalent to house arrest, and spending all her free time training to better protect Lissa. But it doesn’t hurt that her mentor just happens to be the sexy Russian God, Dimitri.
But when trouble strikes, it will be Rose and Dimitri’s quick actions and the unheard of bond between Guardian and Moroi that makes all the difference.
I’m always a little skeptical when I go into reading a young adult novel since so many authors seem to target a much younger audience. I was thrilled to see that this book truly was written for adults! Teenage angst abounds. Crushes, foul language, and sexual situations all have their place in this book, but in small doses making it perfect for adults of any age.
I actually found myself really enjoying Rose. She was snarky and fun.
“Hey Mason, wipe the drool off your face. If you’re going to think about me naked, do it on your own time.”
A few snorts and snickers broke the awed silence, and Mason Ashford snapped out of his haze, giving me a lopsided smile. With red hair that stuck up everywhere and a smattering of freckles, he was nice-looking, though not exactly hot. He was also one of the funniest guys I knew. We’d been good friends back in the day.
“This is my time, Hathaway. I’m leading today’s session.”
“Oh yeah?” I retorted. “Huh. Well, I guess this is a good time to think about me naked, then.”
“It’s always a good a time to think about you naked,” added someone nearby, breaking the tension further.”
She stood up for what she believed in and had the power to back it up. Rose wasn’t perfect, far from it, but she was aware of it and was taking the steps necessary to better herself. She takes her job of protecting her friend, Lissa, seriously, and is growing into what will no doubt be a total badass, with the help of the ever-sexy Dimitri of course!!
Speaking of the sexy Russian, I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between him and Rose develop. It’s definitely looking like it will be one of those slow burn kind of romances that will make it all that much sweeter when it hits its pinnacle. Forbidden romances always are the best kind, aren’t they?
“Do you think I’m pretty?”
He regarded me with utter seriousness, like he always did. “I think you’re beautiful.”
“Beautiful?”
“You are so beautiful, it hurts me sometimes.”
Rose’s friend and fellow novice, Mason, was really sweet is well. I’m just a little sad knowing that he’s setting himself up for heartbreak! Hopefully he will eventually find a girl that can return his love, he’s too great of a guy not to be happy!
I also found myself really liking Christian as well. Outcast for what his parents did, he makes the perfect misunderstood bad boy. And, him being sweet on the princess, of all people? A scandal in the making for sure! I really enjoyed that as well.
Lissa was nice enough, but she really paled in comparison (no pun intended there) to the other characters in this tale. I imagine she’s one that will grow stronger as the series progresses with the help of Rose and Christian, of course!
I thought this was a really strong start to this series, and I am definitely planning to read more!
