Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Release Date – August 16, 2007
Publisher – Razorbill
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 332
My Rating- 9.5 /10
Obtained - purchased

Here is the 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.

This is a series that I have heard so much about. I am not really sure why I haven’t read it already, but I am really glad I decided to.

Richelle’s writing is the type that will pull you in. It makes you want to keep reading. I was instantly attached to these characters and the world they live in. The twists and reveals kept me guessing and turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what would happen next.

I found the premise of two different types of vampires really unique, and interesting. It made for a different spin on the typical vampire tale. The difference between the two being born vampires (Moroi) vs. made vampires (Strigoi). It provided a nice political side to the story that I hope is continued in the next books.

The characters we are introduced to during the novel are well developed, and complex.

I enjoyed Rose Hathaway a lot. She’s brave, strong, hard working, and capable. She has some sassiness, and sexuality to her which is refreshing to see. She doesn’t shy away from being tough and being feminine at the same time. She provided a lot of the humour in the novel, and some of her quotes are now among my favourites.

Lissa was very sweet, devoted to doing what her family would want her to, loyal, and strong in her own way. She is a Vampire Princess and the stress of what is expected of her is evident throughout the book.

The relationship between Rose and Lissa was one of my favourite things about this book. They have a true friendship that is built on mutual respect, loyalty and genuine affection for each other. I am curious to see how deep the bond between the two girls will go in the subsequent books. I have a feeling we are just scratching the surface of the connection they now share.

No story would be complete without some romance and it is delivered in this book in the form of two pretty awesome love interests. Dimitri and Christian. Dimitri is Rose’s teacher. The chemistry between them literally burns through the pages. It’s delicious. I couldn’t wait for them to give in and FINALLY kiss. Christian seems really sweet, and definitely wants to protect Lissa as well. I am curious to see how their relationship will change after the ending of this book.

Now that I have finally given in and read book one of this series my only regret is that I do not have book two ready and waiting for me to read. If you haven’t started this series yet, do so immediately.