REVIEW: VAMPIRE ACADEMY BY RICHELLE MEAD.

Title: Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead
Edition: Paperback
Published: August 16, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 332
Source: Gifted
Category: Romance, Paranormal
Trailer: Not applicable.

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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.

I have finally joined the Vampire Academy bandwagon! I was told a lot of times that I was missing so much because I haven't read this book for the longest time. When a boss from the US gifted me a copy, it still took me months to get started. I am so happy I finally finished it and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed Vampire Academy!

Rose is not only best friends with Lisa but also a guardian. Lisa is a Moroi royal and Rose as a Damphir is destined to be her protector. They are on the run for 2 years because Rose convinced Lisa to get out of the academy for her to be safe from Strigoi but unfortunately, Dimitri, another guardian, found them and brought them back. Rose and Lisa share a bond and Rose feels everything Lisa does. She can even be on Lisa's head if she needs to. When they got back, Lisa's being attacked by someone they have no clue who is and Rose is falling for Dimitri which is never going to work. Rose needs to decide now whether they have to break out of the academy again or stay and face a villain they didn't expect would hurt and use Lisa for her healing powers.

This is my first Mead book and I could say I loved her writing style. It is so straight forward and easy to the eyes. I immediately connected with the story and it wasn't hard at all to see things through the character's point of view. 15 pages in and the plot got me very much hooked. Mead has successfully converted this cliche Vampire plot to a one of a kind story. Vampire plotted movies and books have been around for quite a while and I could say that among those I've encountered, Mead's voice is definitely unique and enchanting. I loved how she's able to transform the story and incorporate the norm of this generation in such a way that you would ask for more history. That being said, I crave more of the character's origins, the academy's and even the vampires' (Moroi - royals; Damphirs - half human/vampire and guardian of the royals; Strigoi - evil vampires). It has just been a fresh breath of my favorite Paranormal Genre and I just honestly couldn't put it down.

To be honest, I was just really going to give it 4 stars because I found some loop holes and inconsistencies on the plot. However, imagining ROSE HATHAWAY's badassery totally kicked the rating up a notch. Well, I totally adored her over protectiveness, her loyalty and love for her friend Lisa. Their closeness is heart warming and even made deeper by their bond. At one point I even asked myself, "Is she gay?" (not that I have anything against it, wouldn't it be cool though if she was?). Her confidence is actually contagious and I loved the entirety of her personality: so strong yet so weak. Without her loved ones, she would totally be lost and she wouldn't let anyone see it, even her best friend. She's always the tough one. Totally opposite of Lisa who is the damsel in distress at the beginning. She might have learned to defend herself and act on her own, she still didn't win me over. I don't know, I am just not a fan of characters who needed saving. But this duo surely made an awesome friendship.

And finally, the most talked about male character grazed my heart and my ovaries: DIMITRI BELIKOV.. Oh wow. I actually need a tall drink of water! He's not only swoon-worthy but he's definitely a gentleman. His character was just phenomenally intriguing like WHO IS THIS GUY REALLY?? Aside from his physical yumminess, I believe his character is noble and kind and strong and loving and responsible.

But I am really, really interested in Christian, too. Seriously. He's just so mysterious.

Vampire Academy is definitely not the typical one we have seen around. Vampires are in it and not just SOME vampires but THE vampires. It is truly an amazing addition to the ever growing Paranormal genre and it is also a book you would barely put down. It balances dark and light, love and hate, family and friends, romance and responsibility in a way that one would really grasp which weighs more. An amazing kick-ass read that will make you swoon and and be amazed that such a story exist. I want more Vampire Academy blood.

Thank you Derek Plank for my VA copy!

"The only thing better than imagining Dimitri carrying me in his arms was imagining him shirtless while carrying me in his arms."

 "Love and loyalty runs deeper than blood."