Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vampire Academy

Richelle Mead

New York: Razorbill, 2007

ISBN: 9781595141743

Age: 15+

5Q*5P*J*S

Teens top ten

Vampire Academy is a totally different story about vampires.  This story begins with two best friends, Rosa and Lissa have been “captured” and returned to St. Vladimir’s Academy after being on the run for over a year.  St. Vladimir’s Academy is a school for vampires and half-blood vampires who train to become guardians.  The Guardians protect the full-blooded vampires or Moroi from the Strigoi-evil vampires who have chosen to live forever by feeding off the Moroi. 

Rosa is a guardian in training who is so strongly bonded to Lissa , a Moroi princess, she will sacrifice her very life to keep Lissa safe from the Strigoi.   Rosa places Lissa’s safety above everything including her feelings for her guardian trainer Dimitri. 

Lissa’s life may be in more danger than anyone thinks.  Lissa has a rare magical ability that hasn’t been seen in generations of Moroi.  This rare power attracts the Strigoi.  Rosa and Dimitri have their hands full protecting Lissa. 

This story is excellent.  I couldn’t put it down until I finished the book.  Rosa is a tough feisty girl who doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do.  She isn’t afraid of anyone.  Lissa on the other hand is a softy.  She has all of these emotional hang-ups due to being the last of the Dragomir (her family’s) line.  The story is told from Rosa’s point of view with the traditional dialogue between characters.    The danger and forbidden love creates an atmosphere of romance and adventure all in one book.  This book has a strong teen appeal from the attractive cover to adventures plot and well developed characters.  The cover sets the scene for a vampire story with a beautiful girl on a dark red and black background.  I highly recommend this book to vampire fans.