Vampire Academy

by Richelle Mead

"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."

Rose is an impulsive, outgoing, and confident protagonist. It was refreshing to read from her perspective. Though at times she may seem shallow in her interests, I admire Rose's genuine concern for Lissa. On multiple occasions she places her friend before herself, as the emotional bond between the two characters allows her to be uncannily empathetic. I enjoyed reading about their relationship, because it is so different. They're more than friends, but aren't sisters - it's as if there is an essence they both share a part of.

I couldn't help but compare Vampire Academy to another vampire series I've read, The House of Night series. Both incorporated the concept of controlling the four elements, with the additional 'spirit' element. In my opinion, Vampire Academy has dealt with the idea in a more intriguing way. There wasn't too much detail about the extent of magic in this book, yet I'm hoping it will be explored further in the upcoming books.

The overall setting created by the different forms of vampires - Strigoi, Moroi, and dhampirs - is very complex and interesting. I feel that Vampire Academy is a book that has set up the information about this world, and that it will only really be explored in books that follow. I'm looking forward to discovering more about this series!

3/5 stars.