[sixth read, March-April 2023]
It’s literally been four months since I finished my last VAU reread, but here I am again. I’m incapable of staying away from this series.

Although this is possibly the weakest book in the series and definitely my least favorite, there’s just something special about starting all over again. About coming back to Rose and Lissa when they’re seventeen, Rose still impulsive and not yet hardened by responsibility and trauma, Lissa still uncertain of how to wield the power she was born into. About watching Rose and Dimitri stumble into feelings for each other they know shouldn’t be there, but can’t resist.

It really is about the little things with these two. He bandages her hands when she hurts them. He plays with her hair—one of the very first intimate moments they have—and tells her not to cut it when she brings that up, because it’s one of his favorite parts of her. He does whatever he can to make sure she’s safe, she’s warm, she’s happy, because despite his best efforts, he’s falling in love with her. And no matter how many times I read it, it never gets old.

I am so completely normal about these two. Definitely not obsessed.

[fifth read, April 2022]
I take it back: these books aren’t trash. The writing can be cheesy at times, and there are occasionally scenes that make it quite obvious this was written in 2007, but despite that, they’re fun. And Mead’s vampires are definitely the most fleshed-out, unique ones I’ve ever seen.

There are two reasons this book has four stars: 1) there’s a lot of petty high school clique drama that I just don’t have patience for, and 2) it can be ableist at times, as it frequently uses a few offensive words, like “insane” and “crazy.” There’s also one instance (I think) where there’s mention of a saint “healing cripples.” I can cut it some slack because those words weren’t challenged then as they are now, but it still rubs me the wrong way.

However, despite those grievances, I still adore this book. VA is my comfort series, Rose and Dimitri my comfort characters. I love her sass and his thoughtfulness and their whole dynamic. Lissa and Christian are awesome too, but… Romitri supremacy. ❤️

[fourth read, June 2021]
Every time I reread these books, I love them a little more. They’re absolute trash in terms of writing quality, but they’re so much fun and definitely a comfort read for me. I mean, they cause me unbelievable amounts of pain, but they make me happy too. It (mostly) balances out.

Despite the bad writing, this is still one of the most unique vampire stories I’ve read. Mead’s world-building is interesting and clever without being overbearing.

The strongest part for me is definitely the characters. Even five years later, I still adore them. Rose and Lissa and Dimitri and Christian have my heart and probably always will. (2023 Liv: There is no “probably.” They absolutely will. The VA lifestyle isn’t a lifestyle one just stops living.)

I also love the romances, though one is minor and one isn’t official yet. Lissa and Christian are an adorable Moroi power couple and no one can change my mind. As for Rose and Dimitri, well… how did I ever not love them? Their chemistry shines through in small ways, even when Rose is trying to get over her crush and Dimitri is insisting that nothing can happen because it wouldn’t be right. They just fit together and they’re so freaking cute!!

I know that Rose being seventeen and/or Dimitri being her mentor makes some people uncomfortable and I respect that. Personally, I’m not really bothered by either of those things, because Mead wrote the relationship in such a respectful way. And I might be a little biased, since they’re one of my absolute favorite book ships. But anyway.

Long story short, I’m obsessed with this series and eager to continue rereading.

[third read in May 2020]
[second read in 2019]

[first read, June 2016]
I really enjoyed this book. It has to be one of the most unique takes on vampires I've ever read, and it was easy to understand. I will say that in the first, maybe, 10 chapters, there was some info-dumping, but it wasn't too bad. (2023 Liv: No, there wasn’t any info-dumping. I was so dumb when I was 15.)

Rose is one of my new favorite characters. I love her sassy, snarky, impulsive attitude, and her dedication to protecting Lissa. She has a tough time in the second half of this book, and I have to admire the way she handled it all.

The second half of this book was so action-packed, I really didn't want to put it down. There's a lot of surprises and betrayal revealed, and I just had to know more. The ending was especially intriguing, because all seemed to be fine, but with five more books in a series, it can't be. (Nope. Nothing is ever fine ‘round these parts.)

My only other issue was the relationship between Rose and Dimitri. I'm not sure what to call them, exactly. I'm totally fine with Dimitri mentoring her and them being friends, but their mutual want of more is what disturbed me. Rose is 17 and Dimitri is 24. It just feels wrong, even to a hopeless romantic like me. They've both come to terms with the fact that it can't happen and I'm thankful for that, but again, with five more books, I'm not sure that will last. (“iT juSt FeEls WrONg” I WAS SUCH AN IDIOT OHMYGOD)

Overall, though, I'm really glad I finally jumped on this bandwagon, and I'll definitely read Frostbite ASAP.

[second read, January-February 2025]
Rating raised from 3.5 stars to 4.

I don’t know what was wrong with me in 2020. This book is great. The story is engrossing, the characters are brilliant, the writing is gorgeous. I have no complaints, and I’m seriously impressed that this is a debut novel.

“Zafira, Nasir, and Altair are brilliant in their own ways, and together they’re certainly an interesting trio.” This is accurate, but also major Kifah erasure. I love Kifah. The banter between all four of them is hilarious.

“I also liked that Faizal wrote the slow-burn romance in a way that had me doubting whether or not romantic feelings were present, but getting invested anyway.” Oh my gods, was I stupid? Zafira and Nasir’s chemistry—and blossoming romantic tension—is off the charts. It was subtly written, yet still very much there and very much noticeable. Even the other characters comment on the two of them a couple of times. I don’t know how I apparently missed that before.

Past me called the pacing slow, and yeah, that’s true, but not a problem. Slower stories can still be excellent if they’re written well, and this one certainly is. The key is to make sure the story never drags or feels lacking, and this one doesn’t. I admit to thinking a couple of times that maybe act one could’ve been a little bit shorter, that things could’ve been set in motion a little bit sooner, but I wouldn’t consider this detrimental to the book as a whole.

I also called the pacing uneven, and that’s just flat-out not true. I don’t know what my problem was.

“There were some [plot twists] that I predicted, some I didn’t, and a couple that were too confusing for me to be properly affected. This even happened a handful of times with simple story progression.” Yep, I was stupid. This book isn’t dense. In fact, it’s quite easy to read, as far as fantasies go. I had no issues fully understanding everything that happened, so I can only hope I spent a lot of my first time through reading late at night and/or on very little sleep. Otherwise, this just makes me look bad, and like I lack reading comprehension skills. I promise, I do have those skills.

Also, I have to say: this was incredibly fun to reread. Even though I didn’t remember many details, I remembered some—enough for me to pick up on several bits of very clever foreshadowing. I love when this happens during a reread, I really do.

So yeah, I think it’s definitely safe to say my opinion of this book has changed. Has improved. It checks most, if not all of the boxes to be a favorite. I think the only thing it’s really missing is that one, inexplicable spark I need to truly fall in love with and obsess over a book. And while it might not be here, I know it’s in the sequel. I know everything good here only gets better there, and I’m SO EXCITED to keep going.

[first read, May 2020]
This is a somewhat difficult book for me to review. I’ve heard so much praise, laughed at so many tweets from the incorrect quotes account on Twitter even though I didn’t understand them. Now that I’ve read it, I’m not entirely sure of my feelings.

It was an intriguing fantasy set in an Arabian-inspired world, with lush world-building and complex characters. Zafira, Nasir, and Altair are brilliant in their own ways, and together they’re certainly an interesting trio. I enjoyed learning more about the world and lore of Arawiya as the story progressed. I also liked that Faizal wrote the slow-burn romance in a way that had me doubting whether or not romantic feelings were present, but getting invested anyway.

The most significant flaw, for me, was the pacing. The story began slowly, picked up the pace enough for the group to gather and reach their destination quickly, and slowed once more. After that, the most action present for a good portion of the book was some formulaic fights against various antagonistic creatures and conversations that ended with either a new tidbit of information revealed or a slight change in relationship dynamics. A lot more happened in the last quarter, but the pacing was still uneven, through to the end.

As for the plot twists, I’m not sure what to think here either. There were some that I predicted, some I didn’t, and a couple that were too confusing for me to be properly affected. This even happened a handful of times with simple story progression. Details were muddled in my mind, so I read but only partially understood occurrences.

We Hunt the Flame excelled in some ways while struggling in others, but ultimately it was a good debut. It set the foundation for what I hope will be an even better sequel.

Representation:

[sixth read, April 2023]
I was skimming the older sections of this review, and at one point, I said I’m happily in hell every time I read these books. That couldn’t be truer. Because every time, I dread the pain I know is coming, and every time, it hurts just as much… and yet, I keep coming back for more. Richelle Mead has too much power over me.

As much as I want to criticize Rose’s behavior in this book—because it’s seriously cringey at times—I can’t. She grows up so much in these few weeks the story spans, and there’s so much to unpack here—the belief that you’re invincible, and then the harsh realization that you’re not; the loss of childhood innocence; the realization of what’s truly important. And these things aren’t just present in her journey, but in so many side characters’ journeys as well. She might be the protagonist, but there are so many other stories being told simultaneously, other people that are growing and loving and grieving with Rose. Because of Rose. For Rose.

And now I’m way too deep in my feelings, so to make myself feel better, I’m going to think about the scene in this book where Adrian says with his whole chest that he’s okay, even though he’s basically the poster child for not being okay. He’s a disaster but he’ll insist he isn’t (for now) and I love him for it anyway. I love him for all of it. He’s the comedic relief this series so desperately needs, because the author is a very, very mean person.

I’m fine.

[fifth read, April 2022]
I’m so deep in my Romitri feels right now, I don’t even know what to say.

I just!!! *pterodactyl screeching* 🥹🥹🥹

[fourth read, June 2021]
Why do I do this to myself over and over again?? 🥲

If I spontaneously combust one day, there’s a good chance it’s because of these characters. Although I cringe at the pettiness and drama, I adore the banter, friendship, and romance. Rose, Dimitri, Adrian, Lissa, and Christian own my soul, basically.

Mason’s death still hurts, not gonna lie, and as much as I adore Rose, he deserved better than to be her second choice. I feel so bad for him omg.

The best part of the ending is Dimitri FINALLY ADMITTING HIS FEELINGS. He even initiates their kiss, which hasn’t happened until now!!! (Not counting the whole lust charm debacle. That’s different.) I’M SUCH ROMITRI TRASH. I can’t handle how cute they are!!!

Also, even though I’ve memorized the plot of this series and have been in a reading slump for most of the last year and a half, I sped through this in like six hours, maybe less. I’m invested. Or you could say I’m trash for the series. Both are right.

[third read, May 2020]
This might be my least favorite book in the series, to be quite honest. The petty drama and jealousy makes for a messy story and it can be painful to read. The ending is also painful to read, but for an entirely different reason: it’s so freaking sad! Luckily Adrian and Dimitri were around to save the day... and the entire book.

Other thoughts:

[second read, July 2019]
I love being Vampire Academy trash.

In the past I’ve said that the first two installments in the series are the weakest, but the third and beyond make it oh, so worth it. While I haven’t yet reread the remaining four books, I think I can safely say I still stand by that statement. Frostbite is an undeniably enjoyable sequel; however, once again, I noticed some elements that I wasn’t a fan of.

The slut-shaming from the first book is back in this one, and it’s still disgusting. The term “blood whore” is, thankfully, less common this time around, but still used in multiple scenes unnecessarily. Then there’s an unhealthy, irritating dose of the shaming we see in our own society, often for no reason. Rose is even accused of such things by her own mother, simply because she wore a form-fitting dress. Yikes.

On the subject of Rose’s mother, Janine is honestly a piece of work. She’s a complex character, that much is obvious, but her parenting skills leave a lot to be desired. She improves minutely as the story progresses, though for the most part, she’s framed as and remains antagonistic. I’m not sure how I feel about her now, but hopefully Mead treads carefully with this in the rest of the series. I’d love to see an improved mother-daughter bond.

So much of this novel has a childish feel to it. While coping with Dimitri’s rejection, Rose attempts to make him jealous by flirting with other guys. She also gets jealous when she sees him enjoying time with another woman, more appropriate in terms of age. It’s all so petty, and while sometimes I didn’t mind the story’s drama, other times I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

You know what else is petty? All of the girl hate and rivalries. Mia is a student at the Academy, a year younger than Rose and Lissa, who lashes out at them due to her insecurities and lower social standing. Lissa is mature enough to mostly ignore it, but Rose and Mia have a legitimate feud. This began in the first novel, and continues for approximately half of this one. Although the circumstances surrounding it were dire, I was so relieved to see everyone work out their issues and get over it. It was supremely annoying while it lasted.

If you know me, you’re probably waiting for the part of this review where I completely lose my cool and shout about how much I love these characters. The time has come! I’m ridiculously obsessed with basically everything in this story and there’s no saving me. The politics are intriguing, the friendships endearing, the world within our world and its magic system fascinating. Oh, and the characters have this lovely habit of BREAKING MY HEART AND CRUSHING MY SOUL. Isn’t there a gif of a person moving two people closer together captioned “now kiss!” or something? A meme? I don’t know, but if there is, it’s absolutely me with Rose and Dimitri. (2022 Liv: 18yo me had no knowledge of memes or gifs or anything, how tragic. But yes, the “NOW KISS” memes are spot-on.)

Despite its flaws in other areas, there’s one element, one person that saves the story. Adrian is officially introduced and I AM HERE FOR IT. He’s a disaster, but aren’t all of my favorites? He’s snarky and arrogant and charming and I need help but I don’t want it. (2022 Liv: Nah, I don’t need help. I’m happily in hell every time I read these.)

I think that’s everything. In case it wasn’t already glaringly obvious, I adore Vampire Academy. I’m thoroughly enjoying my reread, maybe a bit too much. Frostbite ended on a super satisfying and simultaneously sad note, which means it’s time for me to go devour the next book!

[first read, August 2016]
This book is hard to review. Much like the first, it was amazing, but still flawed enough to be imperfect. Just know that I enjoyed it, and let's dive in. ;)

The story picks up not long after the first ends. There was a very helpful (and sassy) recap from Rose that refreshed my memory of prior events, and the beginning seemed interesting. Unfortunately, after a few chapters it became a bit flat for most of the middle chapters. It was entertaining, don't get me wrong, but nothing really happened until the last 150 pages or so. :|

Rose was the same sassy girl she was before, but not as rebellious. She was trying to think before she acted and I enjoyed reading about her progress. Because while she did improve in that aspect and (mostly) remember to prioritize Lissa's safety, she was also sort of irritating when it came to guys. -.-

Other characters - they're important but words fail me:

The setting in this book and the descriptions of it were probably my favorite thing. The start and very end take place at the Academy, with a bit of action elsewhere toward the end, but most of it is in a grand Moroi-run ski lodge. That place sounded absolutely gorgeous, and if it weren't for the whole vampire thing I might try to score a winter vacation there. ;)

Rose and Lissa's friendship kind of took the back burner, so to speak, in this book but I didn't mind. They still had a handful of moments together, and it was clear that they were still just as close. :)

I could call the romance in this book the most irritating and awkward love triangle, but that wouldn't quite fit. The short, spoiler-free version is this: Rose and Dimitri can't be together so Rose goes to Mason to use him as a distraction. That doesn't give anything away; it's on the back cover synopsis. Anyway, it was... unpleasant to read about. Honestly, I'm kind of at war with myself after finishing this. The bigger part of me says that Rose and Dimitri shouldn't be together because of duties and the age difference, but a small part of me is saying they should just get together. I know it's wrong, but my hopeless romantic self just doesn't know what to think. ^_^ (2022 Liv: Disregard this too. 15yo me was a dumbass. Rose and Dimitri are soulmates and I adore them!!!)

Rose's mom Janine was also introduced in this book, and their interaction was also fun to experience. Evil vampires and mom problems? Rose is living the life. All joking aside, though, I did like seeing their relationship develop from clipped sarcasm to... well, that, but with a bit more understanding. I wouldn't say there's affection, at least not yet, but I think that'll come later. ;)

I think my main issue was that not a lot happened that shocked me. Some things occurred that I didn't expect, but I wasn't genuinely surprised by anything until roughly the last 50-75 pages. I think that was done on purpose, though, to hook you right at the end so you'll be inclined to pick up the third book... and it worked on me! ;)

All in all, this book had its flaws but was, for the most part, very enjoyable. I can't wait to find out what the rest of the series holds, and I'll be reading book three as soon as I can! :D

[sixth read, April 2023]
I’ve noticed that with every reread, all of the big things hurt like normal, but then there’s always some new little thing that I zero in on or a line that hits me hard for no reason. This time, something about “I will never hold him again” is hitting different, just completely breaking my heart. And the part in chapter 13 (which I read days ago) where Dimitri is so worried for Rose, he’s actually shaking, which we’ve never seen before and also never registered in my brain before now but now lives there rent-free.

I’m fine. :’)))

[fifth read, August 2022]
“I loved you, and you destroyed me. You took my heart and ripped it up. You might as well have staked me!”
—A quote from later in the series that feels very fitting right now 🥲🥲🥲

[fourth read, June 2021]
The ending of this book never gets any easier to read. I feel hollow. 🥲🥲

I don’t know how I was ever hesitant to ship Rose and Dimitri. I love them so much, and I love their dynamic, and dear god, they’ve got SO MANY cute moments. One of these days I’ll be rereading and I’ll just spontaneously combust, and it will either be because he called her “Roza” or because of the cabin scene. Or maybe because of what happens outside the cabin later on. 🥺🥺

Misc thoughts: I feel really bad for Adrian and Lissa, for separate reasons. Rose and Christian have such a great, underrated friendship and also make a totally badass team.

Fun fact: I noticed, while reading, that my copy of this book is starting to fall apart. The spine is cracked and the binding is wearing away on certain pages. I wonder how many more rereads it will take before my copies of the series have to be retired so they don’t fall apart.

[third read, May 2020]
I AM EMOTIONAL.

I don’t even know what to say. I have so much love for this series and these characters and Richelle Mead absolutely uses that against me here. It’s simultaneously brilliant and awful. I actually paused reading with about 60 pages left because I didn’t want to face what I knew was coming.

Now that it’s all fresh in my mind, it’s so cruel to write one heartwarming chapter, only to make the rest of the book so heartbreaking. FINALLY WE GET THAT, AND THEN THIS HAPPENS. WHY.

I’ve read this three times now, but wow, I’m still affected just as much as the first time. I might not’ve cried while reading, but ohmygod, it still hurt. It probably always will.

So yeah. I’ll be rereading the next book soon enough, whether I’m emotionally prepared or not. :)))

[second read, July-August 2019]
This book warmed my heart, cured my reading slump, and promptly crushed my soul.

The fact that I’ve been reading it for ten days has absolutely nothing to do with the book itself. The story was slightly slower-paced from time to time, but if I hadn’t been in a horrible reading slump, I likely would’ve read this in a day. The plot thickens, the character development is spectacular, and I am absolute trash for the romance. That cliffhanger is one of the cruelest things I’ve ever read, and I plan to continue my reread immediately.

[first read, August 2016]
Wow. This book was so captivating and emotional (note: I still didn't cry) and definitely my favorite in the series so far. :D

Not too much action goes down until the last quarter or so of the story, but this is the sort of book that just hooks you. Everyone is coping with recent events, and the stakes (no pun intended) are higher than ever. The majority of the book is mostly aftermath of the second and buildup for the very climactic ending, but that didn't bother me. I was only able to read about 150 pages yesterday when I started, but I literally binge-read the rest of it this afternoon. When I first picked it up today, I was excited but not extremely so. To put it simply, I should've been. More than once (2-4 times?) I found myself pausing to get a snack or look at the clock and realizing I'd read 50+ pages in half as many minutes. This is one of those books where you don't notice how absorbed you actually are until you take a break, and it was amazing. :D

Rose developed a lot in this book. She really took her guardian training and responsibilities seriously, and while it was different from the impulsive girl I loved initially, I still loved her character. She was an epic fighter and defender, even more than before with her new, more logical mindset. However, inside she had a lot to deal with. She blamed herself for past events and believed she was going crazy. I can't say much more than that without spoiling things, but I can say this: as much as I didn't like seeing her struggle, it was exactly those struggles that made her a more relatable protagonist. ;)

I can't say too much about the other characters without giving something or other away, but they evolved as well and I loved them all almost as much. Lissa became fiercer and more confident, Dimitri showed more vulnerability while remaining an epic guardian, and Christian and Adrian were still the snarky Moroi we love. :D (But let's be real, Adrian > Christian, right?) (2022 Liv: Christian doesn’t deserve this slander. I’m sorry, my boy.)

Most of this book took place on Academy grounds, but there were escapades to the royal palace and the surrounding wilderness. Specifics would mean spoilers, but trust me when I say that the descriptions were vivid enough to imagine you were there as you read. ;)

I swear, this series has one of the most conflicting romances ever. In the second book, half of me was starting to ship Rose and Dimitri and the other half was still convinced it was wrong. Now I don't know what to think. Now closer to 75% of me ships them, but the remaining 25% is trying to remember that it really is wrong. I applaud Richelle for being able to write something that gave me such conflicting emotions, but I also can't figure out what side I'm on. It's my hopeless romantic side versus my practical side, and it's so hard. XD (2022 Liv: NOPE THEY’RE SOULMATES!!!)

Like I said, the majority of this book wasn't super eventful. But after that last chunk, I couldn't care less. The last 80 or so pages were absolutely wild, and I honestly can't put words together to adequately describe the ending. It was a horrible cliffhanger, and I don't know how anyone could read that and not need the fourth immediately. I know I do. -.-

All in all, this book was just amazing. It's easily my favorite in the series so far, and if the rest are just as good I'll be in bookworm heaven. I know for sure that I'll be looking for the fourth book at the library as soon as humanly possible so I can find out. :D

[sixth read, April-June 2023]
I really, really hate that this reread took me a month and a half, but what can you do. Reading slumps are assholes. And the Star Ocean brainrot is real. So. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

But rest assured, I’m still Romitri trash. That sort of thing doesn’t just go away; it probably never will. I’m even planning a tattoo for them.

[fifth read, September 2022]
“It’s not as devastating as Shadow Kiss” — I just wanna know what the hell I was thinking when I wrote this?? Like what?? IT REALLY IS THAT DEVASTATING. THIS BOOK IS A UNIQUE FORM OF AGONY.

It still hurts less than the VA TV show though. I die a bit more inside every time I watch more of it. I even started turning to this book for comfort, for crying out loud.

[fourth read, July 2021]
Every time I read this book, I realize I’ve forgotten so many of the smaller details, including the cliffhanger. It’s not as devastating as Shadow Kiss or as suspenseful as Spirit Bound, but still packs a punch in its own way. The whole book is kind of like that—not as much of a statement as the other installments, but still emotional and meaningful.

It’s got a very different vibe in comparison to the rest of the series. There’s considerably less action (though there is some) and a lot more character development. We see a much more vulnerable side of Rose and a much stronger side of Lissa, both of which have been previously hinted at but not given much page time until now. I really appreciate the way Mead handled this.

I won’t lie: the second half, especially the last third, is problematic. And honestly, it’s just got some weird vibes. But I tolerate this, partially for aforementioned reasons and partially because I’m just trash for this series. I just love it with all my heart, even though the Romitri flashbacks and parallels in this book are agonizing to read, no matter how many times I reread.

Also, major points for Sydney, who’s introduced in this book, who I adore. Don’t ask me to choose between her and Rose, because I can’t. I won’t. I refuse. It’s an impossible choice.

[third read, May 2020]
This is likely the book in the series that will be hit or miss for readers. It’s different from its predecessors in a number of ways, but it’s crucial in terms of character and plot development. Despite the slow pacing and the shift of priorities, I think it’s great. It sets the stage for the last two books (which I’m definitely not ready for) and also introduces the star of the Bloodlines series, my girl, Sydney.

I don’t know what else to say here. I’m enjoying my reread thoroughly, even with the emotional turmoil.

[second read, August 2019]
Don’t let the fact that my reread took two weeks fool you. In the past I’ve referred to Blood Promise as one of my favorite novels in the Vampire Academy series, and revisiting the story has cemented that belief. Not only is it a classic Mead combination of a riveting story, unbelievable twists, and exceptional pacing, but Rose’s character development is astounding. She’s so much more vulnerable at this point in time, but even though she falls apart more than once, she always pulls herself together and perseveres. It’s so admirable, in my opinion, and honestly, I would like to give this girl a hug.

The romance has an extreme double meaning in this novel, and it absolutely broke my heart. So many of the relationships had a similar effect on me, both familiar dynamics Rose left in the U.S. and new bonds formed in Siberia.

New characters were introduced (*cough*SYDNEY SAGE*cough*), and the fact that I only remembered bits of information regarding each person’s personality and motives only increased my intrigue and overall enjoyment. I was ridiculously proud of how many times my theories proved correct, and there’s an abundance of teal ink in my paperback to demonstrate that. I’d say my annotations are about 50% theories and 50% (mostly nonsensical) emotional responses, possibly with poorly recreated emojis alongside them.

I think that about sums up all of my coherent thoughts? I stand by everything said in my original review, and I’m incredibly eager to dive into Spirit Bound.

[first read, August 2016]
I read 85% of this in roughly 6 hours.

Yes, you read that correctly. If that doesn't tell you how amazing I thought this book was, I don't know what will.

The story spiraled in all the directions I didn't expect, and it was one of the most gripping books I've ever read. It was also seriously emotional. I didn't cry, but it broke my heart, started to mend it, and then just broke it all over again. The whole thing was a vicious cycle, but it was also so freaking addictive. I can't divulge many plot details because major things go down, but I can say that I may or may not have a huge new obsession. [heart eyes]

Rose was very different in this book. Readers see a vulnerable side that, thus far, she’s kept hidden; we see her at her very worst. I felt so bad for her from the first page, but also admired her strength and willpower in the epitome of a tough time. That especially applies to the last 200 or so pages. She seriously needs a hug and I would give her one of I could. <3

It's going to kill me to not bring up the other characters, but I can't without subsequently spoiling one thing or another. Just know I love them all, even with as much pain as they put me through. ;)

This book was the one to stray from the familiar Academy and surrounding areas in the northwestern US. For various reasons, Rose traveled to Russia and Siberia, and as far as I know this is the first book I've read within those countries. I absolutely loved the descriptions! Russia seemed so majestic and beautiful, and Siberia felt simultaneously welcoming and daunting. It was so easy to imagine myself there in Rose's place, even in the second half, when I really wouldn't want to be. *_*

Rose and Dimitiri's romance destroyed me in this book. It was so hard to read, but I loved it anyway. Everything had a double meaning, and the ending specifically was so cruel. It left me hopeful, but also terrified. For this alone I feel bad for anyone that had to wait for the fifth book, because I don't want to. I need everything to work out for both of them. My heart needs it. >_<

My heart was racing from the very first page. The first sentence, honestly. Even in parts where the action lulled, I never knew what to expect. With Rose, I just never do. The story was a roller-coaster through and through, and I have a feeling the last two books will be just as wild.

All in all, words just cannot describe my love for the devastation that is this book. I'll be reading the fifth one as soon as is humanly possible. [heart eyes]