Author: Richelle Mead
Published by: Razorbill
Pages: 443
From Goodreads: For Rose Hathaway, everything seems out of kilter. Ever since she made her first Strigoi kills, a dark shadow has been creeping over her. Looming in the background, too, is another realization: If she follows her forbidden love for guardian Dimitri Belikov, she might lose her best friend forever. And these sleep-shaking worries couldn't have come at a worse time. The immortal unloving are prowling everywhere, famished for vengeance against her. An adrenaline-laced episode of the teen pop favorite Vampire Academy.
I must tell you that I finished this book a little while ago and it took me some time to be able to process all my thoughts (and crazy emotions). Even after waiting to write this review I feel a little unbalanced by this book. At times I absolutely loved the book and at other times...not so much. I'm not really explaining this well enough, but I guess what I'm trying to say is expect to be shocked and haunted by this book, but definitely wanting more.
I applaud the author for being so bold and gutsy. I had a feeling something was going to happen at the end of the novel, but I didn't expect the author to actually go through with it. One of the best parts about this novel is that it shows life is not always easy and sometimes it doesn't have a happy ending or an ending at all, just a change in course.
There were parts in this novel that were so well written, I felt like I was there. The battle scenes were epic with heart-pounding action that felt gladiator-like. The scenes between Rose and Dimitri were so hot the flames were leaping off the page, consuming everything around me.
I absolutely love the character of Rose. She is an amazing warrior, protector, and friend. Her snide comments and fierce comeback have you chuckling in laughter and giving her (an imaginary) high five. Then, there is Dimitri who is so perfect and wonderful and everything you'd want in a man. I can't forget about Christian who really proved himself a man in this novel. He was brave, courageous, and powerful. I'm really starting to like this guy!
The one problem I still have with this series is Lissa. I cannot stand her whiny, it's all about me attitude. I'm not sure if the author wanted her portrayed that way, but that's how I feel about her. Often times when I thought she'd be there for Rose, she let me down. It may be that I'm super protective of Rose, but I feel like Lissa should stop thinking about herself so much and start thinking about Rose.
Overall even with the crazy, shocking ending, it's still an amazing read. I'd give this book ★★★★ and 1/2.
I've never heard about this novel before, but when you say "whiny character" it makes me think of Lena from Beautiful Creatures and it makes me cringe.. One thing I can not take is whiny characters ;/
ReplyDeleteI'd give it a try, though, if you say at some parts is so wonderfully written, sounds like an interesting book.
Great review!
Lissa was one of those characters, who I liked, but quite often just wanted to shake! I wanted to yell, "take a stand, do something outside of rose, be the person you can be!" at her. She grows a lot, I feel, as the series goes on, especially in the final book, but I wish I'd seen a little more "oomph" out of her, a little more character growth.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I agree with you on all else. I LOVED Rose and Dimitri, and their romance is just so...real. Not sugar-coated and oh-so-easy as happens sometimes in young adult books. I truly felt that they cared so much for one another. And Christian grew on me a lot as the series went on. :)
Rose is one of my fave characters ever.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog