Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Vampire Academy #2

Date of Publication: April 2008

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½

Synopsis:

Join the Vampire Academy and Experience Augmented Reality. Click here and put your face on the cover of a best seller book. Are you tempted? Watch "Vampire Academy" come to life with your likeness! 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 handto- 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... 

Previous post: SEE-REESE: Sea Breeze by Abbi Glines.

What is the whole series all about?

• Thomas, Minho, Teresa, Newt (All names came from famous scientists and also religion figure).

The Maze Runner (TMR #1): [3 point something stars]

This book really piqued my interest. For what is worth it, I devoured it in one day. I will be very honest, the book has a very solid world which I thought wasn't executed well. There were a number of things that bothered me, but the book got the intense, thrilling feeling of suspense. You just want to read it quickly to unravel more secrets and to know how will they escape the maze. I love tricky and twisting plots, it makes me think and mull over subtle details on the things happening and this book really had it 'til the last page. 

The Scorch Trials (TMR #2): [4 stars]

Ooooh, the series got better! If the first book is the appetizer, this is the main course. This book had me clutching on my e-reader because of the poignancy and vehemency of the events. The characters were bent to its finest, and I really felt bad for them. But they remained indomitable and solid 'til the end. The character development was very noticeable and it was not hard to love the characters for they still are funny and witty although some jokes were out of place. 

The Death Cure (TMR #3): [IDK-HOW-TO-RATE-THIS-BOOK-STARS] 

WHAT THE FREAK JUST HAPPENED? This is not a spoiler but to take caution, I sort of made the rest of this review invincible lol just highlight if you want: The answers! Where were the answers? It was like dumping a lot of problems and queries in two books to be just neglected in the ending! SAY WHAT? I loved Thomas, I do, but he was a freaking idiot most of the time and dragged others to hell and back. And the plot twist at the end? MY HEART BROKE T_T I was misty-eyed but still a little fierce over what happened all in all. I was disappointed, but the first hundred pages served as the saving glory. It was really the conclusion to this book that got my mind buzzing and reeling from lots of emotions mainly - hurt, baffle, annoyed and unsatisfied.

The solid and strong camaraderie & bond among the characters to work together was wonderful. All the characters were darn brilliant and remarkably strong-willed. I love Minho the most, he was funny and a born leader. Thomas on the other hand is a lovely character. The whole series was in third POV but more focused on Thomas' perspective. I had a few share of my quibbles and frustration over Thomas, and also Teresa, but I both like them 'til the end. The story progressed without much involvement of the romance. Very potent plot with so much twists and contortion. For someone who is engrossed with post-apocalytic and dystopian settings, I was really hooked and infatuated with the story and characters!

The "Heart Eyes" Emoji- My second most abused emoji (the top one later) of my life. I chose a character to match this and that is no other than *drumrolls* Oh, you wouldn't be surprised anyway because it is no other than..........DANIEL ALTAN WING! He is from Legend trilogy by Marie Lu and I totally love him from moon and back. And he makes me all mushy when I talk about him so let's stop right here.

Disappointed  Emoji- I just recently finished The Death Cure by James Dashner and I was an utter mess- not in a good way. I was thoroughly disappointed at the conclusion of the series. I thought that this will be the best of all three, but it ended up the worst. There were just ample of queries that weren't answered and obviously neglected for an ending. An upcoming series review of The Maze Runner will be up soon :D

Cat with Tears of Joy Emoji- The emoji that I abuse on a daily basis because.....I just do. So if you try to talk to me on facebook, line, twitter(the non-bookish one) you'll probably see me puling off this emoji. Book characters that made cackled so hard were Isis Blake from Lovely Vicious Trilogy by Sara Wolf and Drew Evans from Tangled by Emma Chase. If you haven't read these books, go read! READ THESE SO FREAKING HILARIOUS BOOKS! Both Isis and Drew were exceptional because of their humor and wits. I just love them both for making me laugh 'til my jaw hurt and eyes water. 

Crying Emoji- The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan really hit me with a chord. I was crying while reading the last 30+ pages of the book. A certain ~death~ totally caused all the tears. I loved that character so dearly, that's why it saddened me so much when he died. Oooops. It's a HE!!!

Sparkles- AAAHHH I always use this sparkle thing even if it doesn't fit the situation, I just use it for decoration because it looks sparkly AHA you betcha! Angelfall by Susan Ee  is the book that is so different that it just sparkles above the rest. And Raffe and Penryn's relationship is a freaking FIREWORK not just sparkles! Now, I am dreading over the agony of waiting for the third book and we have no dates, news, or anything to hold onto for the third book! *freaks out*

Alien Emoji- I use this emoji not so often, but at times when I try to be funny...and absolutely fail. So, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo made me feel like an alien in the book's setting. The Russian terms and set-up were very alien for me and I had a hard time to fathom and grasp everything. But setting that aside, the book was really good and compelling. Going to buddy read the next book with Dana over the Nerdy Journalist. :D

Angry Emoji- A total bummer book. So freaking angry with this book because a.) girl main character is one of the most annoying ever b.) stupid love triangle that started from cheating c.) no freaking guilt from the cheaters!!! So that says it all, and by the way this The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines. 

Tagging:

Val @ The Innocent Smiley
Stacie @ Books Galore Reviews
Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
Becky @ A Foul's Ingenuity
Dana @ The Nerdy Journalist

IS THERE A BOOK OF KASIE WEST I WON'T LOVE? 

According to an extensive research, I'll read anything that Kasie West writes.

I think the best thing about this book was that the family relationship was highlighted than the romance. Sure, Charlie and Braden's struggle to be out of the #friendzoned terms was the main dilemma, but the family dynamics didn't go unnoticed. Charlie was a very relateable character in my terms. She was feisty (in a fun way), tough, kickass, athletic, but totally adorable. She can totally beat you up in a football match. But at can not say that her character is perfect enough, there were times she was insensitive. Her relationship with her brothers was precious to the nth power. It had me wishing to have older brothers (I vigorously wished that when I was young every night). Jerome, Nathan and Gage were too cool.... and nasty sometimes. Their relationship were light and fun, there was no dull moment whenever they are on the scene. It was thrilling to read such boy characters with so much wit and sassiness. Also, the father-daughter relationship stood out in the book. I found the scene where Charlie discovered his father's book on how to raise girl teenagers super sweet and endearing. 

I love Braden. A total swoon inducing and book boyfriend material. Kasie really likes his heroine to be the "gentleman" ever since Pivot Point. That's why I really like her novels because the heroes easily snagged their way into my heart and build a cozy place in there. Braden is no exception, he's sweet, gentle, sometimes bashful (and this made me love him more) and most of all he understands Charlie in and out. 

BRADEN AND CHARLIE'S RELATIONSHIP aka THE ROMANCE GOT ME LIKE

The plot was predictable. It has every substance you're looking for a contemporary romance, but I didn't care anymore and it wasn't a hindrance to like the book. Actually, I read contemporary novels in a way that I neglect if the story is unique (but ofcourse it's a plus) or not, I am just rooting for the emotional transfer and how the book will bring ~all the feels~ and this book got me squealing and wailing (because of some angst).

All in all, if you want a book with brilliant family dynamics, bestfriend/childhood romance, swoon-worthy boy characters, tough&adorable heroine, cute love story, then this book is worth a read. 

LEARNING CENTER (LIBRARY VOLUNTEER)

Hands down! One of the best movies I watched this year! \o/ The action scenes were intense as well as the struggle of Ceasar (main lead) to trust humans again. SO AMAZAEBALLS TIL THE LAST SECOND OF THE FILM! And oh, my eyes got misty for some heart-wrenching scenes T_T I highly recommend this film!

Isn't this book just maddening? But then again,


HAVE YOU EVER BEEN LOST?

I feel like I am compelled to write something deeper than the usual. I don't know, but this book made me realize a lot of things in life. It resonated me. It struck me with a chord. My mind is still reeling as well as my emotions. This is like a darker version of Alice in Wonderland & Peter Pan with ample of physiological and emotional contort. The world is very unusual, it needs a good writing to depicts the intention of The Lost. My interpretation might differ from others. That's the beauty of books, you can never know what they really are all about. You can only see it the way you are.

"All the world is made of faith, trust, and pixie dust."

This is a story about Lauren's unexpected detour. She only meant to drive and run away for a while from the possible mishap or bad news to come in her life: Her mom dying of Cancer. But she found herself in a dust storm and ended up in the town called Lost. Where all the Lost are Found.

HARDY HAR HAR THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST BOOK I'VE READ THIS YEAR. SO AMAZING. AMAZEBALLS/ HELLUVA AWESOME. AND ALL SORTS OF WORDS RELATED TO BRILLIANT.

This book is very unique, odd, eccentric yet too enticing and thought-provoking. It tackles about everyone's crisis in life. Being lost. The main character, Lauren, is a very realistic character. She's no fictional, we see the kind of her in our everyday lives. Maybe I even see myself in her. She's smart with a sense of dry humor. She's not the kind of character that everyone will like,but then again she is very realistic and by means of being realistic she can be annoying and insufferable sometimes (i mean we all are in many ways). But in the end, I eventually admired and loved her. She's a strong grown-up woman, she wears her big panties and knows how to be independent. Until she got lost in Lost.......and met a bunch of crazy lost people, a kid with a knife and teddy bear, a mysterious, hauntingly handsome Peter.

“You don’t seem to be an interesting person,” he says. “Lost your way emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Cut-and-dried, really. There must be more to you.”

Three of the most striking characters (ever in my reading history) would be Lauren, Claire and Peter (as in hot and older version of Peter Pan). Their bonding was precious and memorable. It was a spur of the moment kind of friendship that grew stronger and stronger as they struggled to survive. I ached for them. They were a team, not individuals who will betray you any time of the day. Claire is a very endearing character. She's just a kid but she acts like an adult. She's very resourceful and talented, so full of life.

Peter might appear brusque and an asshole potential at first impression, but that's just the impression. He's playful and full of riddles I sometimes can't comprehend. Let's just say, he knows stuff and he experienced stuff. He's the Finder after all. He helped Luaren through and through her adventure in Lost. But he's also lost and that makes him very frail at heart and soul. I loved loved loved Peter. After I finished reading this I am sure he's now included ON my book boyfriend list. He made it to the 5th place! (I only have like 4 book boyfriends before). I am a very picky reader, sometimes I swoon over heroes but never considered them to be a book boyfriend, BUT PETER OH PETER!!!!! He was very different from the usual. I can't understand him, he was so mysterious and I like heroes to be that way. You know they do more than they talk and that was all makes him gushy gush gush kind of character.

DEFINITELY ME

The romance was slow burning with lots lots lots of attraction and sexual tension. It was palpable, I almost got burned because of Lauren and Peter's undeniable bizarre chemistry. I found myself restless on my reading position because of what happened to their relationship. I GRUNTED, SCREAMED AND CLENCHED MY FIST SO HARD. It was so unfair. So so unfair. Everytime they have an intimate moment it will be cut short! Seriously, why are you doing this to me?

"If they come back they're yours. If they don't they never were."

"If you love someone, set them free." That's the start of that quote. I don't meet Peter's eyes. 

All in all, this book was sheer brilliant. I loved that it was written in a way that fuzzed my brain but later did I understand why. The writing matched the overall tone of the book. Sometimes the writing can be very detailed that it feels like it's meant for a five year old to comprehend, but don't fret because beneath the writing is an adventure that is worth reading. So much mystery, romance, family bond, inner conflict, life lessons and all. You just don't get a simple book, you get so much more than you expected.

*finishes a review* HUZZAAAH I AM THE BEST IN THE WOORRRLD!!! *awkward dance*

This is like the bajillionth time I changed template. I tweak here and there. I am never contented of the widgets, graphics, colors etc. I hope to find THAT web design that will last for a long time.

It's sweet if you come to think of it. A guy who's head over heels over a girl, but the thing with most alpha males is that they they tend to be possessive and a little crazy over the heroines which turns to an abusive relationship. Perfect example: Beautiful Disaster. There are new adults with alpha males that have personalities I can endure, but most alpha males are excruciating...but hot. So there's that. Just choose one.

WHAT'S ON YOUR TOP TEN CONFESSIONS FOR TODAY? DO YOU SEE ANYTHING YOU CAN RELATE TO? DO SHARE! I LOVE READING CONFESSIONS!