Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1) by Beth Fantaskey

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1) by Beth Fantaskey


Published: February 1st 2009
Publisher: Harcourt
Page Count: Hardcover, 351
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book: Amazon, Book Depository
Add It To Your Good Reads Shelf

The undead can really screw up your senior year ... 
Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction. - Good Reads

Reviewing this book is actually one of the hardest reviews I've had to do. I typically fix up review posts with the book cover, links and summary and then go back and write the review a few days to a week later. And this has been sitting in my unfinished posts for quite some time now. Now before I go and give you the wrong impression, I'd like to say: I liked this book. It was not earth shattering by any means, but it was something I'm glad I read and I'm eager to read the next book Jessica Rules the Dark Side.


I think this is the type of book that some may love, some may like and some may dislike. Unlike many paranormal books I had a difficult time taking this seriously. I'm not exactly sure of the authors intentions with this book, but it felt very... fluffy? Lucius, the vampire love interest was ridiculously arrogant and hard to take seriously. I laughed a lot throughout this book and it was mostly while reading Lucius's letters to home, where he bitched and moaned about nearly everything, but in such an old fashioned and off-the-wall manner. At times this books DRAGGED. It was a little longer than it probably should have been, but I do have to say I like how Jessica had a difficult time believing vampires exist and jumped to the conclusion that they think they are vampires, but are obviously mentally deranged. Of course Jessica is eventually given enough evidence to finally believe, but it takes a long time to settle and I actually liked that quite a bit. I think whenever vampires or anything supernatural is involved it's realistic to check your sanity and the sanity of others before you go believing. Maybe that's just me... 


RECOMMENDED TO
This is tough. If you like the summary and think this is something you'd like to read, I'd definitely recommend trying it. I would probably check it out from the library though.


FAVOURITE QUOTE
Lucius smirked at me, raising one eyebrow. "Really? No suitors? How shocking. I would have thought your pitchfork skills would be attractive to certain bachelors here in farm country.” 


                                      3 out of 5 Hello Kitties!

Review: Blood on the Moon by Jennifer Knight

Blood on the Moon by Jennifer Knight

Release Date: August 30th 2011

Publisher: Perseus Books

Page Count: Paperback, 416 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Facebook

Buy This Book:  Amazon, Book Depository 

Source: Copy provided by Running Press Book Publishers

 Boys, romance, classes, and annoying roommates are all within the realm of the expected for a college frosh.  Trying to solve the mysterious murders of young college coeds near campus is not.  Darkness seems to be creeping into every corner of Faith's life, no matter the hour.  And when she seeks the truth, danger seems to be the only thing that finds her. Faith is well aware of the strange currents in the air, particularly when she sets off static sparks with everything she touches.  Before long, she finds herself entrenched in the deep-seeded battle between werewolves and vampires.  The war has reached the tipping point, and Faith has the power to determine where the scales fall.  But the most important question may be with whom does her loyalty lie?As Faith Reynolds enters her freshman year of college, she is a complete and utter nervous wreck.  With her best friend Derek suddenly pulling out the romance card and her dark, mysterious classmate staring her down at every turn, Faith somehow feels stuck in the middle without dating either one.  And fortune may or may not be with her when a devilshly sexy stranger offers her a welcome escape.Deliciously suspenseful and immediately addictive, Blood on the Moon features a headstrong heroine and all of the thrills, chills, and otherworldly boys with deadly charm that a human could ask for. - Good Reads

Faith has a terrible time trusting because she's been burned in the past by two people she never would have thought she wouldn't have been able to trust. One of those is her stepfather, who is now in prison and the other is her best friend Derek. Faith and Derek have had their fair share of relationship woes, particularly because Derek made a mistake that cost their relationship and Faith's trust in him romantically. So they're back to being just friends. All the while she is trying to settle into a new university far from home with her best friend slash ex boyfriend trying to re-kindle their fire, which has long been extinguished and worrying about being majorless and having a jerk who acts as if she's the bane of his existence for a project partner. And things steadily get worse and a little more lively as she's introduced to a world she never thought existed full of vampires and werewolves. 


Faith is a truly stubborn girl. She's the type who doesn't get to "fool me twice, shame on me". You cross her once and she's done. I liked that about her and see it as a definite possibility for growth and she does manage to plow through some of her trust issues throughout the book, but she still has a hard time truly forgiving and forgetting those who have done her wrong. I think what I liked most about her is that despite being a little jaded and unforgiving: it doesn't turn her into a total b word. She's still a caring person who is genuinely kindhearted. 


The general story was a little typical. Girls meets mysterious boy, he's a mythical creature and they fall in love after a little struggle. So it's nothing totally new and different, but I still devoured it. I didn't want to put it down and to me that's what counts. I was fascinated by Lucas and yearned to know more about him after I got over the initial 'what a jerk!' stage. He really isn't a jerk at all. And there's so much more to him than meets the eye. Werewolves are also a huge part of this story and while I've always thought of them as something I can't get into, I was proved wrong again  - I really liked it.


I'm smitten with this cover. I think it perfectly fits the main character Faith. Isn't it pretty? After I opened my package I think I admired it for a good minute before I opened it up to read! 


Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to paranormal lovers and especially to those who love werewolves. Faith is a freshman in university, but I'd still consider this book appropriate for most young adults. There isn't any swearing, there is no sex and little mention of it and the kissing scenes are what I would consider tame.


The ending was a total cliffhanger, so I'm assuming that there is to be a second book, though Good Reads doesn't list it as a series. THERE BETTER BE ANOTHER BOOK! Because I'm dying to know what happens! And I can't wait to see more novels in the future from Jennifer Knight!


                                  4 out of 5 Hello Kitties

Review: Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

 Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Published: August 23'd 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: Hardback, 421
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book: Amazon, Book Depository

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. 
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood. - Good Reads

I was a little nervous about this book, because if I was going to be honest, which I'm about to be... I found Sydney to be a little too rigid and boring for me in Vampire Academy. I think my approval rating went up for her in The Last Sacrifice, but I had a difficult time imagining spending an entire book in her head. Thankfully I ignored that annoying little nag and read it, because I loved this book and I really liked Sydney. She's a character that is very easy to relate to and she it definitely flawed, but in a way that I can admire and sympathize with. 


One thing I noticed in Bloodlines was a definite change in Richelle Mead's writing. I'm not sure if Mead has simply grown as a writer or if it's the difference between Sydney and Rose's viewpoints and perhaps the previous books were just written "Rose style" or if it's simply a mixture of both style and growth. Either way, I really liked it. It kept me interested like the books in the Vampire Academy series, even though I had a good idea about who done it and wasn't in complete and utter shock when the baddie finally reared his head. I wouldn't say it was action packed out right, but it built up over the book. I kind of like that Bloodlines is more intellect based than in-your-face-ass-kicking all the time.


This book did have a few surprises in it that I couldn't figure out. For instance, the story about Keith's fake eye had me wondering the entire book without any idea... and THE LAST LINE OF THE BOOK! It left me with my mouth hanging open! I can't wait to see how that goes! 


Of course, I need to squee about Adrian. I love that boy. I can't get enough of him. I think him and I might even be SOULM8S! Here are some of my favourite Adrian quotes: 

"And that's more than enough. The only thing keeping me alive that he keeps a hefty supply of liquor on hand. But at the rate I'm going, that'll be gone by the weekend. Jesus Christ, I'm climbing the walls." His eyes fell on the cross at my neck. "Oh, Sorry. No offense to Jesus."

Micah showed up shortly thereafter and was happy to meet our other "brother". He shook Adrian's hand and smiled, "Now I see some family resemblance. I was starting to wonder if Jill was adopted, but you two kind of look like each other." "So does our mailman back in North Dakota," said Adrian. 

Overall, I totally and completely recommend this book. It's good stuff! I would suggest reading the entire Vampire Academy series before starting though, otherwise you'll be totally spoiled. But if you can live with that, READ THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! 


                                 5 out 5 Hello Kitties!

Review: Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy Book #6) by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy Book #6) by Richelle Mead

Published: December 7'th 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group
Page Count: Hardback, 594
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book:  Amazon, Book Depository

The astonishing final novel in Richelle Mead's epic series!
Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them. - Good Reads

I am very sad this series is over! I had my issues with the first book and I honestly didn't care much for Rose at first, but throughout the series she grew on me. This final installment was action-packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. I shouted obscenities, I laughed, I even got teary a few times. And there were a lot of surprises. 


It's funny because I was sure I knew whodoneit and I was right the first time, but I was quickly led off the trail twice and ended up being surprised at the end. I loved the Lissa storyline. She really showed tremendous growth throughout the series and I was very proud of the person she became in this book. 


I wasn't as happy with Rose in this book though and here is why...


*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Rose and Adrian storyline was a little infuriating. I didn't actually ever root for them as a couple, but... There was one scene in particular where my heart just dropped to the floor. I just couldn't believe how it ended up ending between them.  Rose basically just used him. From the get-go. And she never gave him any kind of respect whatsoever. He gave a lot to her and she basically just shit all over his feelings. Yes, he gave her money freely and perhaps he should have realized long ago she wasn't worth the trouble, but Rose, where is your heart?? Oh, it's busy pining over Dimitri you say? Then why in the hell are you playing with Adrian? I desperately hope Adrian gets a good chance at a happy ending in Bloodlines. He deserves it after all he's been through.

This quote... this did it for me: Page 488: Regardless, I couldn’t lead him on after sleeping with Dimitri. It hadn’t been murder, no, but it had certainly dishonourable. Yet...I couldn’t say any of that to Adrian now, I realized. I couldn’t break up with him in a dream. That was almost as bad as a text breakup. Besides, I had a feeling that...well, I’d probably need his help. So much for honor. Soon, I swore. Soon I’ll tell him. 

*SPOILERS OVER*


Overall, I still loved this book and it had it's redeeming qualities, enough for me to still give it a 5. I'm very excited to start Bloodlines now and see more of Sydney and Adrian! 


                                                            5 out of 5 Hello Kitties!

Review: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy Book #5) by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy Book #5) by Richelle Mead

Published: May 18'th 2010
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: Hardback, 489
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book:  Amazon, Book Depository 

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere. 
She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever. 
But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price? 
Fall in love with Rose and Dimitri all over again in Spirit Bound, the eagerly awaited fifth novel in Richelle Mead's enthralling Vampire Academy series. - Good Reads

Oh MY GOD! It's now 5:34 in the morning and I stayed up ALL NIGHT because I could not put this down. Wow! I'm about to fall over, but I need to get out my thoughts before I go to sleep or I'll burst. 


The best part about this book is I actually spoiled myself on spoilers not too long ago and somehow I became so caught up reading that I didn't even suspect things I already knew were going to happen! The story was just that drama-packed and that transfixing. 


Rose, oh Rose. There were times I was frustrated with her. Her attitude towards Adrian was  wrong. Just wrong. I felt such pity for him because he truly and honestly loves her and she kept stringing him along. I can't entirely fault her for her confusion. After all, she's just a young girl who's ex-boyfriend is hunting her down to kill her and she doesn't know if she'll ever be with him again. Perhaps jumping into the arms of another is no good, but this other guy has been there for her when she needed him. Always! And she just brushes his help off as if it's nothing and not giving him the respect he deserves. The whole situation is just unfortunate. I can't really fault anyone completely, I suppose. What a tangled web we weave... 


My big frustrations actually lay more with Dimitri. He was acting like a mix between a douche and a drama queen.  Now, again, I understand everything he's been through, BUT REALLY? Stop being a martyr! It's okay, Dima, I still love you, even if you're acting тупой, but ahhh! I literally jumped out of my seat cursing my head off at him during a couple of scenes. 


Now, that may sound like I had tons of issues with the book. Rose is acting like a hooker, Dimitri is a douche and well... Adrian, he truly is just being a saint through it all. But despite all of that I loved the book. I read a lot of books, but not many find me so emotionally involved. I think a lot of my frustrations that came with this book came out of my love for the characters ultimately. It's rough seeing characters you care about acting a fool or making mistakes. But in the end, we all make mistakes and we all fall short and things never go perfect. That's how Richelle Mead managed to stir up all the tension! Damn her! I nearly had a heart attack at least 162 times. 


READ THIS SERIES! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY! It's good stuff! 


                                                  5 out 5 Hello Kitties!

Review: Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

Published: August 25'th 2009
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: Hardback, 503
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book: Amazon, Book Depository 

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same. 
The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved? - Good Reads

I had one of those wonderful days reading - the weather was rather chilly and I lounged around in my husbands sweater with tons of blankets piled on me and read and read and read. I'm really homesick for Siberia, which is my families home and this was the perfect read for that since most of it takes place there... though not too close to our hometown, but close enough. Unfortunately I ended this evening not being too happy with the YA population. My husband and I got in a car accident because a teenage girl was going way too fast and didn't yield going left on the light while we were going straight on green. Thankfully our car is still running and the damage wasn't extensive - mostly because my husband is badass at defensive driving and swerved just the right way at just the right time. Rose heard some Russian swearing in this book, but I'm sure that paled in comparison to the words that were flying out of my mouth in Russian tonight. I was a little livid... But I cooled off once I saw how upset the girl was. According to the police officer though... this was her FOURTH accident... Anyway. What a day. 


This book started out a little slow for me and sometimes I get annoyed in series when they feel they need to explain everything that happened previously because it makes me want to skip past it and skipping is never a good thing. It reminds me of The Babysitter's Club Little Sister books - the ones with Karen. The first chapter was always blah blah blah about her family. KAREN, I KNOW YOU HAVE TWO OF EVERYTHING, OK? I totally and completely understand why it's there, but it still bothers me every time. The book quickly picked up though, even though it felt like there were a massive amount of reminders sprinkled throughout the book.


I was nervous about this book, because I was afraid about how Richelle Mead would depict Russia. A lot of times in books it's depicted as this dreary and depressing poverty filled country with an elaboration on corruption. And I've heard enough in my lifetime to be a very defensive person about it. (Whenever Rose made a dig at Dimitri in earlier books, I'd get a little butthurt, because they're things I've heard millions of times before). Thankfully, Richelle Mead did not hurt my national pride. Her depictions were a little off, yes, but they weren't degrading and that's important to me. Her church descriptions were incorrect again. The Russian Orthodox still do not sit in pews and the Easter service, which is called Pascha (even in English speaking Orthodox churches) is a midnight service, not a morning service. Olena isn't a Russian name, it's Ukrainian, the Russian version is Elena. Paul isn't a Russian name as well... the correct version is Pavel. Other than that I won't complain. 


This book was really emotional. And Dimitri is kind of exciting as a Strigoi. Well, despite wanting to rule the world ala Pinky and the Brain brain brain brain. I don't know if I was off my game while reading it or if Richelle really played it out well, but I totally didn't see anything that happened towards the end and at the end coming. I was honestly floored. Especially the whole Abe situation. Now looking back I totally get it and I'm kicking myself for not having outsmarted the book ahead of time. I'm such a betrayer though, because while I love Dimitri... I really love Adrian too. And I'm so caught between the two! Dimitri is great on one side, but Adrian is just... perfect for me! There was a great mix of action and grieving in the book and I love how even being oceans away Rose and Lissa are still as close as ever and Lissa is still active in the book. 


Great, great book! I've rambled long enough, I think! And I'm introducing a new rating system. HELLO KITTY!

5 out of 5 Hello Kitties!

Shadow Kiss (Book #3) by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss (Book #3) by Richelle Mead

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Release Date: November 13th 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: Paperback, 443 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Is Rose's fate to kill the person she loves most? It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason's death, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can't concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret .... She's in love with Dimitri. And this time, it's way more than a crush. Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever... - Good Reads

I finished this last night actually and didn't end up posting because I honestly couldn't even being to think of what I could say. This book was so emotional. Again, as with the previous book, I really loved the characters. Once again, Christian and Adrian were definitely some of my favourites. There were times in this book when I was upset with Rose for holding back so much information from her friends. It was frustrating. It'd be so much easier and probably cause her less strife in the future or in situations she is in if she just let them know what is going on. She got past that a tiny bit towards the end, but not by much. Overall though, just a very good story. I'm really hoping the rest of the series is just as good. AND THAT JERK WHO HAS MY #4 RETURNS IT TO THE LIBRARY ASAP.

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

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Release Date: April 10th 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: Paperback, 327 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose… It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory. But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price… - Good Reads

First of all, let me start by saying I'm SO UPSET. I managed to swing by the library this morning and grab #2 and #3. While I was sitting around all day at the DMV and then at my Mother's house, waiting for my husband to finish up the rest of his errands, I managed to finish book #2. We came home a little earlier than expected, so I thought I should run back to the library and just get 4, 5 and 6. OH HELL NO, SOMEBODY CHECKED #4 OUT.  I really hope it gets back quicker than I've been waiting for Nightshade or I'll have to do something drastic!

Ohh, ohhh, ohhh, I'm officially hooked! This was so much better than the first book. The first book was still actually good despite my nitpicking, but this surpassed it by far! 

Rose is growing on me a lot more and ahhhhhh! I laughed, I felt frustrated, I cried. I even had to blow my nose! I can actually identify a little more with Rose, especially with the boy problems. Those are not easy to go through and pitied her. And at the end of the book I actually felt a swell of pride for her while blowing my nose. I also really was affected by and felt the anger she had towards her Mother. I was literally fuming during a few scenes!

I adore Christian for some reason. Honestly, I think he might be my favourite male character. Though I really like the addition of Adrian. He's cocky as a peacock, but I kind of like that about him. It gives him character obviously and I'm loving his storyline! And Mason. Such a sweetheart.

Overall, this was just good. And I hope I don't have to go down to the library swinging for #4!!!!!!! Because I will! :D

Vampire Academy (Book #1) by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy (Book #1) by Richelle Mead

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Release Date: August 16th 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: Paperback, 332 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

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. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever. - Good Reads

Before I get to picking on Vampire Academy, I will say I did like it this book and will continue on with the series...

But there were flaws. Flaws that personally irritated me and probably wouldn't bother the majority of the readers. The author brought the Russian Orthodox Church into the book, yet all her references were wrong. It isn't "mass", it's "Divine Liturgy". We cover our heads in church, we cross ourselves upon entering, we light candles and there are no long sermons and no sitting down. The "long boring sermons" part really irritated me. There aren't really any long sermons in the Orthodox church, just brief messages towards the end, but that's the quickest part of the service. It would have been better if the church would have been neutral and she hadn't picked a denomination. It would have been even better if she put effort forth to research it since I see how she wanted to tie it in with the Russian and Romanian background. The majority of Russians and Romanians being Orthodox Christians and all.

The other thing that bothered me and I might just be going overboard with this, but Lissa is not the nickname for Vasilisa, nor could it be. Vasilisa is pronounced "Vah-see-leesa". Leesa sounding like Lisa. So, Lisa would be a more valid nickname, though the nickname for Vasilisa is actually Vasya or Vasyona. Rose mentioned that she liked her "American" version better, which would had to of made it Lisa. Also, the female guardian with Dimitri who's first name slipped my head had the last name "Petrov". She's a girl, so it would be Petrova. Like in my instance my husband is Kurlykov and I'm Kurlykova.

Now, putting that aside it was an interesting read and it did drag me in. At first I didn't like Rose much at all. But she did show some growth throughout the book and by the end I warmed up to her a little more. I'm hoping for more growth and maturity in the coming books. I was kept in suspense throughout Vampire Academy and I honestly didn't know who done it for a long time. I only figured it out right before Rose did. Rose could be a little too self-confident for my taste at times and I was ready to reach in the book and slap her for being such a jackass sometimes and then other times I wanted to reach in and shake her for being so passive. Sometimes the way she referred to Dmitri was silly and immature. The whole 'badass god' thing got old. It's cool that he's strong, but it would have been nice if the vocabulary expanded. The writing wasn't amazing and a lot of phrases were reused, but I think the story was interesting enough for me to put that aside and enjoy it. I really like the fact that we get to see Lissa's views through Rose. That really enhanced the story and I loved her character.

What I really liked about this book was the lore though. Vampires are an interesting subject, but everyone represents them differently and I really liked Richelle's version of vampires and the whole world she's created. 

I checked this out from the library, but I think it's something I'll buy if I turn out to like the rest of the series. Which I'll admit I want to read ASAP. I'M SO MAD THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED RIGHT NOW AND TOMORROW I'LL BE BUSY ALL DAMN DAY, SO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THURSDAY.  So, there. I liked it enough!