Review – Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (4/5 stars)

This is the first book in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. In an interview I read with her supposedly she is on contract for 6 books (so far) for this series. This was a great book.

The book starts with Rose and Lissa who have escaped from the “Vampire Academy” because of reasons initially unknown. Shortly after the start of the book they are captured and taken back to the Academy. Lissa is a Moroi, or a living vampire. Rose is her guardian, a dhampir. The Moroi need gaurdians to protect then from the Strigoi; immortal or undead vampires. Upon returning to school Rose resumes her training while Lissa fights to regain her social status as a Moroi Princess. The events that led to their initial flight from the school as well as the source of Lissa’s emotional instability are revealed as the story continues.

This book was a fun and quick read. The characters are likable and the plotline is fast-paced and keeps you involved. I read this book in a couple days. I really liked the characters of Rose, Lissa, and Christian. The world that was developed for this story is also very complex and complete. Overall the book is an interesting take on vampires; the Moroi have very unique powers and the fact that they are threatened with extinction because of the Strigoi really propels the story forward.

The book was well-written and fun. Exactly the kind of book I was hoping it would be. I am excited to read the next book in the series.