Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
Release Date – November 13, 2008
Publisher – Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 443 pages
My Rating- 9.5/10
**obtained from the library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Rose's fate to kill the person she loves most? It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason's death, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can't concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret .... She's in love with Dimitri. And this time, it's way more than a crush. Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever...

After finished Shadow Kiss I wanted to scream. I want to cry and scream some more. Not only did I not have book four available to read immediately, but my heart had just been shattered.

If you’ve read this book you’ll know exactly what I am talking about. Richelle basically rips your heart out….you love it, but it hurts just the same. This storyline set ups what I am sure is a intense journey for our favourite Dhampir. It was a moment that will change EVERYTHING for the next few books.

The writing in this novel is as good as the previous two. Action paced, and full of emotion. You become invested in these characters and the outcome of their story.

Christian really grew on me during this book. I liked him well enough in the previous books, but I adore him after this book. He and Rose make one bad ass team. The whole “Moroi should be able to fight” debate intrigues me. I think Christian shows what a Moroi can do and what they could bring to the battle against the Strigoi.

Rose is more fragile in this book. We see what Mason’s death has done to her, and we learn a great deal more about what being Shadow Kissed means for Rose. We also start to look at what being a guardian means to Rose, and what she is willing to sacrifice for her job. She is maturing quite a bit, but there is still that rebellious, quick witted girl I liked from the first books.

I enjoy Adrian’s character a lot as well. He is funny, and keeps Rose on her toes. She’s meant to be with Dimitri, but I enjoy their interactions. I hope that he and Lissa learn more about their magic and what exactly they can do.

Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series keeps getting better with each book. I am so invested in these characters, and the storylines that Richelle has created. If you haven’t read any of these books yet, do so immediately.