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.

Movie Magic

I am sure everyone has experienced this - you’re reading a book and you can picture the characters and the world so vividly that you’re dying to see it made into a movie.

I thought with all the excitement about the Hunger Games and Mortal Instruments movies I would highlight some books that have yet to hit the big screen… but I sure hope they do.

Some of these have already been optioned for a movie (and hopefully one will be made) others I have heard nothing about. I am going to try not to give any spoilers for the books that are on my list, while still giving you an example of why I want to see it on the big screen.

1. Shatter Me

This novel is amazing and filled with moments I want to see on the big screen. The ending is so epic, and made me so excited for the next book. There is a scene in the book that involves a young child that would make my physically ill to see on screen, but that shows the power of that scene. The hot romance would play out wonderfully if the cast had great chemistry.

2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

The accident would be intense to see on the big screen. The paranormal element would provide some great movie moments, and the sexy chemistry between Noah and Mara would ignite the screen.

3. Starcrossed

The fight scenes, the “dream sequences” and the beautiful island scenery are just some of the highlights I would be looking forward to. The scene where Helen and Lucas are fighting and they dent the earth would be the most insane movie moment.

4. Vampire Academy

The action alone in this book would make an fantastic movie. Getting to see the school would also be a huge movie moment for fans. I have only read one book, but already I can see the appeal of a movie. The training scenes, the ball when the Princess visits, and heart pounding end would be my “must sees”.

5. Delirium

The landscape and seeing this whole area fenced in to keep out the infection would be interesting. The first time Lena sees Alex (the scene with the cows) sticks out in my head for some reason as a great moment. If it could be shown properly seeing how everyone acts once they have the procedure would give me chills.

6. Wither

The house that Rhine lives in after becoming a Bride and the all futuristic gadgets and illusions would be on the top of my wish list for this movie. That house is so detailed that it would be fun to see it realized in a movie.

7. Die For Me -

The setting of Paris would make it visually pleasing. The sword fight scenes, and that romantic end scene would leave everyone dying to go to Paris and find their own Vincent.

8 Divergent

The whole world Veronica Roth has created begs to be made into a movie. The scene where Tris jumps off the building not knowing what awaits her at the bottom would be my most wanted scene. I would love the complicated, intense relationship between her and Four as well. Getting to see where the Dauntless live as that area was so detailed.

9. The Iron Fey Series

Getting to see the NeverNever and the Summer and Winter Courts would be amazing. I can already visualize the Winter Court and it would be stunning on screen. The magic, romance, and epic fight scenes would make this one visually captivating movie.

I am sure there are tons of books I am not thinking of right now. What is the book you hope they make into a movie?