Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, Book 1)

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It's a hit!

I read a lot of kid and teen books for work. This is one I enjoy reading just for me. I've listened to Vampire Academy on my ipod two or three ti... (show more)

I read a lot of kid and teen books for work. This is one I enjoy reading just for me. I've listened to Vampire Academy on my ipod two or three times now.
After re-listening to VA recently, I read Frostbite (#2), and just, just finished listening to Shadow Kiss (#3)--which blew me away. You're killing me, Richelle!!!! I'm sorry Twilight fans, but Richelle Mead beats Stephenie Meyers hands down. Book #4 is coming out in August, and I can't wait!

VA is definitely for older teens and adults, but if you're looking for another vampire novel, give her a try. VA has an interesting vampire mythos, plenty of action, and great romance (without being over the top corny).

I'm also a big fan of Robin McKinley's Sunshine and if you're open-minded, give Octavia Butler's Fledgling a try, too.

BTW, Richelle Mead is visiting our store, Alderwood Barnes & Noble, Friday, May 8th at 7:00 pm. I'm really honored because she is just an amazing person...really too cool to be associated with me in any way! (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

No, it's a flop!

“Leave her alone,” I growled. “Don’t touch her.”

His face was unreadable, but he held out his hands in what was apparently supposed to be some s... (show more)

“Leave her alone,” I growled. “Don’t touch her.”

His face was unreadable, but he held out his hands in what was apparently supposed to be some sort of calming gesture, like I was a rabid animal he was planning to sedate.

“I’m not going to—“

He took a step forward. Too close.

I attacked him, leaping out in an offensive maneuver I hadn’t used in two years, not since Lissa and I had run away. The move was stupid, another reaction born of instinct and fear. And it was hopeless. He was a skilled guardian, not a novice who hadn’t finished his training. He also wasn’t weak and on the verge of passing out.

And man, was he fast. I’d forgotten how fast guardians could be, how they could move and strike like cobras. He knocked me off as though brushing away a fly, and his hands slammed into me and sent me backwards. I don’t think he meant to strike that hard—probably just intended to keep me away—but my lack of coordination interfered with my ability to respond. Unable to catch my footing, I started to fall, heading straight toward the sidewalk at a twisted angle, hip-first. It was going to hurt. A lot.

Only it didn’t. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

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  "Vampire Academy" is the first book in the series of the same name, by Richelle Mead. I decided to read this after reading (and loving) Mead's Georgina Kincaide "Succubus..." series.

  This series is firmly targeted at a younger audience, and I'd class it in the teen fiction category. The main difference is that the romance angle of the book is handled in an innocent, age appropriate way. It's not as prudish as Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series, but is suit... (show more)

  "Vampire Academy" is the first book in the series of the same name, by Richelle Mead. I decided to read this after reading (and loving) Mead's Georgina Kincaide "Succubus..." series.

  This series is firmly targeted at a younger audience, and I'd class it in the teen fiction category. The main difference is that the romance angle of the book is handled in an innocent, age appropriate way. It's not as prudish as Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series, but is suitable for younger readers whilst still being very enjoyable for us older folks.

  The premise of the story is that Vampire society exists, and operates much like the noble system in Europe several centuries ago, revolving around ruling houses and a class system. The Moroi, ruling class, are the night living full blood vampires and a peaceful magic wielding group. The Dhampirs are the half human half Moroi warrior race that protect them. The Strigoi are vampires that have resorted to killing to remain immortal, and who hunt Moroi in particular. This book centers around Lissa (a Moroi Princess) and her guardian/best friend the Rose (Dhampir). It takes place in St Vladimir's Academy for Vampires, deep in rural Montana, steeped in history and intrigue.

  I really loved this book from start to finish. The characters are fantastic, and I love the whole premise for the vampire society that Mead has created. She has crafted a world, and a series of characters, that will happily sustain a long and exciting series. While aimed at an audience far younger than my actual age I found it very engaging and not at all 'juvenile'. Mead is a fantastic author, and has definately earned a place on my favourites list. I can't wait to read all the rest! (show less)

   

   

  by Heather Dalgarno on Mar 22, 2009 at 08:52PM

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  This was an entertaining book. Not one that is on my LOVE IT pile, but it is definitely something that I look forward to continuing.
  Rose, a dhampire and her friend Lissa, a Moroi (nice vampire) break out of their school and run away. They are returned and then have to deal with the bond that they share and their very cliquey friends. Lissa is a royal and Rose is her guardian. The bond they share alows Rose to jump into Lissa's head and actually experience what Lissa is experiencing. It al... (show more)

  This was an entertaining book. Not one that is on my LOVE IT pile, but it is definitely something that I look forward to continuing.
  Rose, a dhampire and her friend Lissa, a Moroi (nice vampire) break out of their school and run away. They are returned and then have to deal with the bond that they share and their very cliquey friends. Lissa is a royal and Rose is her guardian. The bond they share alows Rose to jump into Lissa's head and actually experience what Lissa is experiencing. It also allows Rose to get constant emotions from Lissa.
  "With the regular stuff that most books have: the forbidden love, the friend who wants to be more, and the should be beneath me but I want him 'beneath me' love, I did not find anything particularily special about this book. I think that the characters are great and fun. Rose is entertaining in her impulses and Lissa is very sympathetic. This was a fine read and i will be getting the next one soon, but as for running out to get it, no, it was just okay. It actually kind of reminded me of the House of Night series. But i would have to say if Richelle started to get EVERYONE to ""love"" the main characters that i would have to stop reading these books. Richelle does have really great humour but there was no surprises (though i find there rarely are), and it was a bit teeny for me. Although i do like that there is mention of sex, drinking and all that stuff that most teen books go about in a way that does not work for me. But Richelle goes about it in a great and realistic way. Yes, teenagers do party and do all that stuff. So that was something that i really enjoyed. Also i liked the realisticness (is that a word??) of the book. okay sure it is basically vamps and stuff but as for the feelings and conflicts and reactions that take place, i would say that they are great. One quote that i will share is just something that made me giggle: its at the end about a crow that she sees
  ""I held my arm to it, half hoping it'd come land on me in some sort of dramatic, movie-worthy gesture. All it did was look at me like I was an idiot, spead its wings, and fly away."" And that is the realism that i was talking about. The book is not all that flashy and all this crazy stuff that is so unlikely, it was realistic for a supernatural book and i quite enjoyed it." (show less)

   

  by Facebook User on Nov 15, 2009 at 05:53PM

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