Discovered: Movie Trailer
Status: Read
Purchased: Kobo
Mode: E-Book
Goodreads Rating: **
Summary:
In-Depth: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. . . . -Goodreads
I thoroughly enjoy vampire tropes and was excited to begin the Vampire Academy. Thank goodness, I didn't jump in and purchase the boxed set because I didn't completely enjoy the first book.
I admit, I don't read many YA books that emphasize high school life. It's difficult for me to read from a heroine's POV that is fully in high school mode when my own gap between now and high school is increasing. However, the vampire world building and the intricacies of social and class hierarchy were truly fascinating.
My biggest and only problem with the book was Rose. Yes, I heard this character goes through extensive character development throughout the series (thank goodness), but she truly annoyed me in Vampire Academy. I know that her reckless and passionate behavior are causes of her being shadow-kissed, but that doesn't excuse the fact that she was a judgmental douche. And it's hard to relate and cheer-on a judgmental douche. I did not like her judgments of Natalie just because she was "plain and boring". I cringed when reading what she did to Mia, despite the fact that Mia was just as horrible. And I had to take a break after her horrible behavior with Christian. I don't care if she's a badass novice soon-to-be greatest Guardian of all. My admiration for a character is built on character, not action.
Reading from Rose's POV was so irritating that I hurried to finish the book just to be done with her. I'm still thinking about continuing with the series just to see how much Rose develops but not anytime soon.
