Review: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead
TLDR Recap
Rose Hathaway is a dhampir- half human, half vampire- bodyguard, who’s been on the run with her vampire best friend. When Guardians from her old school track Rose down, she is forced to return to St.Vladimir’s Academy to continue her training. Once there, she’ll face danger, forbidden love, and shocking revelations. Vampire Academy is a GraveTells must-read!
Title: Vampire Academy
Series: Vampire Academy, book #1
Author: Richelle Mead
Prominent Characters: Rose, Lissa, Dimitri
Recommended Reader Age: 14+
Sexual Content: Very little
Thoughts:
In the Vampire Academy world there are Moroi (full vampires who are mortal), dhampirs (half human, half vampire) who protect the Moroi, and Strigoi (evil, vicious vampires who kill for blood/fun.) 17 year old Rose Hathaway is a dhampir and Guardian-in-training…or, well, she used to be before she ran away with her best friend, Moroi princess Lissa Dragomir. However, some time later, Guardians track Rose and Lissa down and bring them back to St.Vladimir’s Academy, a school for dhampirs and Moroi. In more than a little trouble for taking off, Rose must prove to her teachers that she has what it takes to be Lissa’s Guardian. She resumes her training and classes, while also receiving one-on-one lessons from 24 year old Guardian Dimitri Belikov, who Rose is undeniably attracted to. But not only is Dimtri a teacher AND a Guardian, he’s also one of *Lissa’s* future Guardians, which means any relationship between her and Dimitri is strictly forbidden. But no matter how hard she fights her feelings, Rose can’t help but fall for him.
On top of that, it seems that it’s not just Strigoi Rose must protect Lissa from. Upon returning to school, the two girls are at the center of attention, and rumors quickly spread as people speculate about the reason they left. Being the last royal alive in the Dragomir bloodline already ensures Lissa is always in the spotlight, which isn’t always a good thing. Even more attention is drawn to her since she has powers the Moroi and dhampirs haven’t seen in a long time- powers that make Lissa extremely valuable…to Moroi AND Strigoi. Despite the fact that Rose and Lissa are now back at the school, it seems they may be in more danger than they could’ve ever imagined.
One thing that makes Vampire Academy such a great novel is Rose. She’s got a fascinating personality, not to mention plenty of spunk. She’s not afraid to speak up for herself, although sometimes her smartass comments get her into trouble. I love how selfless she is, and that even when she’s feeling crappy, she still worries about her best friend more than herself. She’s tough, brave, and is a fantastic heroine
Now, where do I begin with Dimitri? *sighs* The guy is downright hot (and so is that Russian accent!) He’s also selfless, stoic, and badass. He’s one of my favorite love interests in the entire YA genre. Him and Rose are such an amazing pair, and the connection they have is not only sizzling, but deep, too. They understand each other so well, and they balance each other out perfectly; him being the calm one, her being the sometimes reckless, rebellious one. And the fact that their relationship is forbidden makes it even more intriguing. And yes, their scenes together can be frustrating (I can’t remember the number of times I yelled “screw the rules, kiss each other already!”) but there are definitely some satisfying moments.
Memorable Quotes:
Mmmm, I imagine that too sometimes…;)
The only thing better than imagining Dimitri carrying me in his arms was imagining him shirtless while carrying me in his arms.
Classic Rose Hathaway…
“I get in that kind of situation all the time, Comrade. It’s not a big deal.” Anger replaced my fear. I didn’t like being treated like a child.
“Stop calling me that. You don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure I do. I had to do a report on the R.S.S.R. last year.”
I’d SO volunteer to be his partner….
“The training part,” I guessed.
“Yup. You’re going to be Dimitri’s partner.”
A moment of funny silence fell, probably not noticeable to anyone except Dimitri and me. Our eyes met.
“Guarding partner,” Dimitri clarified unnecessarily, like maybe he too had been thinking of other kinds of partners.”
If you liked Vampire Academy…
I recommend Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the first book in the YA Covenant series. Alex is very similar to Rose, and she’s just as badass! And of course, there’s a drool-worthy love interest. (Mmm, Aiden) 
Final Thoughts:
Believe me, if you like strong heroines and books full of action, suspense, and romance, you’ll want to pick up Vampire Academy! Technically, it’s YA, but I think more mature audiences can enjoy it, as well. This book is a GraveTells “must-read!”
Rating: Vampire Academy |
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- Buy Vampire Academy: Amazon ebook
- Richelle Mead’s Website: www.richellemead.com
- Richelle Mead’s blog: blue-succubus.livejournal.com
Rachel Elizabeth
I’m a big fan of The Vampire Academy series. I’ve gotten a little behind though. Cant wait to catch up!! Thanks for the tip about Half Blood. I think someone else recommended that to me too. Nice review. Thanks for posting it!!
Thank you! And me too, I love Rose, Dimitri, and the gang. If you like VA, you’ll love Half-Blood! It’s a great book. The two are very similar.
I’ve read the first three, I haven’t gotten around to venturing into book four yet, but it’s still on my list. I like the series, but every so often, I get the urge to smack Rose for being a little too stubborn and juvenile, but over all she is badass and Dimitri’s hot.
I’ll have to try Half-Blood (think it’s already on my wishlist
).
The third book is my favorite. I remember getting it the day it came out, and the ending was torture! But I know what you mean- Rose can be pretty hardheaded and impulsive. But I love her anyways.