Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy

I actually have to say that I have been so lucky to read and review pretty much every book by Ms. Mead except for the anthologies. I remember picking up Succubus Blues on a whim from our book list and being instantly transported by Ms. Mead's storytelling. I never once thought of Georgina as a succubus but really as a person with problems. Hers were just a "wee" bit different than ours.

When I started the Vampire Academy series, it was very different than the other "young adult" books out there. Rose wasn't this needy teenager waiting to be saved. She could probably kick most of our butts with her hands tied behind her back. Yet she still had this wish to be a normal teenager and eventually a young woman with someone to love her. However, she knows that duty and real life would never let her have that. In a way, her self sacrifice is all she will ever do. One of the few people who understood that was Dmitri almost all to well....

Through the years, I've been continually amazed how Ms. Mead has built and expanded the VA storyline without compromise. She gave Lissa and Rose this steadfast bond where they are always there for each other through thick and thin. Friends like that are difficult to come by and they are even more precious to find after reading SPIRIT BOUND. I'm kind of sad to see it all end in LAST SACRIFICE but I'm curious to see what the spin-off will be about.

Here's my review courtesy of ROMANCE JUNKIES. (wow this is my longest post yet) :):)



Title: Vampire Academy 5: Spirit Bound
Category: Paranormal
Reviewer: Ann
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4.5


Rose and Lissa are preparing for graduation but their real lives are about to begin. Dmitri is still out there and waiting for Rose. Will love conquer all or will he succeed in killing her?

Rose is back at St. Vladimir's and ready to take the final test to become a Guardian before graduation. She should be happy but all she can think about is that Dmitri is still out there and gunning for her. But Rose has plans of her own for him which includes Lissa and possible help from her enemy, Victor Dashkov. Will she succeed in turning Dmitri back into a dhampir or will he kill her first before she has a chance?

SPIRIT BOUND continues Rose and Lissa's adventures into adulthood. Rose is mature beyond her years but her weakness are still Lissa and Dmitri. Yet she can act childish and brash when it comes to them because she often jumps into situations without thinking through the consequences and how it will affect other people. Lissa becomes quite a force while remaining Rose's staunchest supporter and confidant. Oh Dmitri is a bad, bad man but delicious as always but Adrian is no slouch either. I have my personal preference of who she should be with but Rose's feeling for each man are very heartfelt yet different. It will be intriguing to see who she will wind up with. There are plenty of twists and turns in SPIRIT BOUND that are unexpected that I think I dropped the book a couple of times because I couldn't believe some of the twists that were unfolding. The finale is set and I cannot wait for the LAST SACRIFICE.

Back from Vegas....

Just got back from Vegas yesterday and had a good time.

Went to a graduation and stayed at South Point. It was surprisingly big but not at the Strip. I was kind of glad because the Strip is way to busy and to many drunk people. I can do without that. Seriously though, i would have been happy to spend my time just hanging out with family and playing the penny slot machines. Not a high roller that's for sure but at $2 a bet, you can loose a lot in a few minutes. LOL I didn't loose a lot but I enjoyed my time there.

I can't wait to go back. :)

How Sad

It has been over 1 yr since I have even posted an entry. Well truly pathetic...

So what has been going on since the last time I wrote. Well, I have been taking prophylactics so relatively pain free of migraines. yay me... lost wt even better!!!

Reviewing as usual and trying to win the lotto but not necessarily in that order. LOL

Work

I haven't posted in over a month. Work has been so busy though I can't complain too much. I keep having to remind myself that I'm in a better position then others are although I am sort of suffering now.

I have migraines with triggers. Unfortunately insomnia and stress do not help with them. They've been getting worse but I'm hoping that as work settles, I won't get them as intensely. Otherwise, I have to go on prophylactics.

sigh...

Broken Hearts Series

So I finally finished reading WAIT UNTIL YOUR VAMPIRE GETS HOME by Michele Bardsley and it was another great read. Each book in the Broken Heart series focuses on a single parent who was suddenly transformed into a vampire against their will and now has to deal with the consequences. I thought that the idea of commitment between the vampires very refreshing and unique. When they commit, they commit.... Each book combines humor and are a great escape from all of the dreary real life stuff. In this particular book, Ralph is a handsome responsible single parent of twins but his boys are real scene stealers. They will certainly capture your attention.

OVER MY DEAD BODY won't come out until May 2009 but I'm already curious to see what Ms. Bardsley has in store. Even though it isn't one of the triplet's books (you have got to read the series...), I know that I won't be disappointed. Pardon the pun but I'm a sucker for vampires. hehehehe

Christmas....

So Christmas has come and gone. I can't believe that 2009 is fast approaching. I'm still trying to figure out what I accomplished this year.

When I figure that out, I'll post it.... lol