Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

*Originally Reviewed at Witchmag's Boekenplank*

 

To be honest, I never had any intention of reading Vampire Academy. There was never a spark of interest whenever I saw this book or read the blurb. As I’m more of a werewolf and shifter lover, I tend to pass on books with only cold-blooded, bloodthirsty vampires. Then I read that Vampire Academy would be turned into a movie. So what did I do when I saw this book in the library a couple of days ago? Of course I took it with me and before I knew it I was hooked! Wow, I can’t believe that I waited this long to read it, that I once thought it wouldn’t be worthy of my time! I’m so glad I finally decided to take a chance ^^

 

What got me hooked on Vampire Academy is the mystery that can be found in this book. From the first page you only get tiny pieces off an immense puzzle and it’s up to you to make all the right connections. Be careful, the smallest of details can be of great importance later. Oh and even when you think you’ve completed the puzzle, don’t be sure. Unexpected events can always happen, pieces can always transform and keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending, obviously, was one BIG surprise, a GIANT revelation and a huge cliffhanger. Oh, how I love it when books manage to surprises me so completely. Even with my love / hate relationship with cliffhangers ^^

 

The world that Richelle Mead created fit perfectly with the story and enhanced my reading pleasure. All those different rules and habits. The tasks that the Guardians and Moroi have. The horrors that are the Strigoi. How vampires get their daily dose of blood. The rules dhampires are bound to. Richelle Mead obviously spent some time in creating this amazing world. A world that definitely made reading the more interesting. I’m already looking forward to my next visit ^^

 

I can’t write this review without mentioning Rose, our heroine. Above all I loved how human, how real she felt. She’s just your every other teenager who has to make life altering decisions. She does not always chose the right one, but hey, she’s “human” and not perfect! Rose is also one of the few female leads that are able to ADMIT and APOLOGIZE when she makes a mistake, albeit reluctantly ^^ She’s everything I want to read about in a young adult main character: sassy, knows when NOT to follow the rules, brave and utterly loyal to those she loves. Oh and most importantly: is good in witty and snarky remarks. I look forward to spending more time with her!

 

Conclusion

4 HEARTS. A superb book, that I unfortunately ignored for a long time. With a thrilling and gripping story, an intriguing mystery included. Set in a world full of vampires and dhampires. Featuring a brave girl trying to protect her best friend, even at the cost of herself. A story that I can recommend to everyone who loves to read about the paranormal, even those who usually like to read about shifters ;)

Source: http://witchmagsboekenplank.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/review-vampire-academy-by-richelle-mead