Review: The Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 332
Format: Paperback
Release: First released in 2007, this version in 2009




St Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school - hidden away, it's a 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 where the girls must survive a world of forbidden romances, a ruthless social scene and terrifying night time rituals. But most of all, staying alive.

Suspense and clichés

Vampire Academy is a thrilling first book in the Vampire Academy series, but the book has too many clichés.

Rose and Lissa are on the run from St Vladimir's Academy believing that Lissa is not safe at the school. Soon though, they are apprehended and brought back to the school. Rose is Lissa's best friend and bodyguard, and she must once again attend lectures to learn everything a dhampir must learn in order to be a good bodyguard.

Lissa and the other vampires are Moroi and they live in constant fear of being killed by the Strigoi, vampires that have crossed over to the dark side. Lissa and Rose share a special bond, and that is both good and bad when it comes to Lissa's safety.

I have heard so many great things about this series, so I needed to check it out. From the start I was sucked into the pages of this book. The book starts off with a very dramatic scene, and the drama continues on the next pages.

Richelle Mead have created an interesting world which, in some cases, looks a bit similar to Harry Potter's world. In both series there is a special school where the students learn magic and how to tackle evil forces outside of the school. There is also evil forces out to get some of the students at both the schools.

But there is a lot of differences between these series too. Some would say that the Vampire Academy never comes close to Harry Potter, and the VA - series is not suitable for the youngest kids. There are some references to sex here. The writing in both books also differs. Mead uses a lot of clichés, to many in my opinion. Sentences like this:

" His lips moved to mine, gentle at first, and then hard and hungry. His kiss consumed me"

is something I would expect to find in a paranormal romance book for adults. And it is oh, so cliché.

I like the characters though, and some of them have surprises for us. The suspense is kept throughout the book and the book was very entertaining.

I will keep on reading this series, but I hope Mead does not use that many clichés in the next installments.


Other reviews:
Love Vampires
YA Reads
Once Upon a Chapter

Review: The Killing Dance, Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Headline UK
Format: Paperback
Pages: 464
Released: First released in 1997, this version in 2010
This is not a YA - title


















These days my life is a cross between a preternatural soap opera and an action-adventure movie.' The first hit man came after me at home, which should be against the rules. Then there was a second, and a third. Word on the street is that Anita Blake, preternatural expert and vampire killer extraordinaire, is worth half a million dollars. Dead, not alive. So what's a girl to do but turn to the men in her life for help? Which in my case means an alpha werewolf and a master vampire. With professional killers on your trail, it's not a bad idea to have as much protection as possible, human or otherwise. But I'm beginning to wonder if two monsters are better than one...

Dark & entertaining

The Killing Dance was another entertaining book about Anita Blake, but not my favorite in this series.

There is a prize on Anita Blake's head, but she does not know who or why. Richard and Jean-Claude must try to help keep her safe, and soon Anita is caught in a whirlvind of emotions.

I have read this book on and off for some time now. The book is entertaining, but I didn't find it very suspenseful. There is a lot of focus on the relationships Anita has with the two men in her life, and there is some surprising additions to this. We get to know the characters better, and they evolve.

I have read that this series just keeps getting more and more erotic as the story progresses, and that is obvious in this book. There is more action here than in the previous books. But Hamilton still manages to create an orginial world with interesting perspectives on the paranormal.

Another thing I like about this series is the dark humour, and the character Anita Blake. So even though this book was not the best read in this series, it was still entertaining and I will keep on reading.

Other reviews:
Supernatural Bookworm
Books I Loved
Nyx Book Reviews

Review: Bloody Bones by Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group (UK)
Pages: 464
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Release date/year: 1996, this edition in 2010

















A gripping and thrilling Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, novel 'When the monsters are involved, it's never just one dead body. One way or another the dead multiply.' First, there were the dead in the graveyard, two hundred years dead. I'd been hired to raise them to settle a dispute over who owned the land they were buried in. Then there were the three dead teenagers in the woods, slaughtered in a way I'd never seen before. And then they found the dead girl, drained of blood and left in her bed. I knew what that meant of course. It didn't take a degree in preternatural studies to figure out that something was wrong. And I was right in the middle of it. My name is Anita Blake. Welcome to my life...


Entertaining and sexy.
Bloody Bones is your typical Anita Blake - novel with loads of action, supernatural elements, vampires and sexy scenes.

A couple of teenagers are discovered in the woods, dead, and Anita must assist the local police. There is not easy to say who, or maybe what, is behind the deaths. More people turn up dead and a boy is kidnapped. Anita must ask Jean-Claude for help to get to the bottom of this. She is also called upon to raise some dead corpses, to establish who owns the rights for a certain piece of land.

Bloody Bones is not the best book in the Anita Blake - series, but still a very entertaining read and a real must - read for the fans. The book is easy to read, entertaining, really funny at times (I love Anita Blakes cynical humour) and there is some surprises too.

The murders and the kidnapping is the main focus in the book, or so it seems, But the real focus is actually on the relationship between Anita and Jean-Claude. There is a development here, that I am really curious to read about in future books. I think Hamilton is so good at building up her characters personality and they are never onedimensional, but change and develop throughout the stories.

Other reviews for this book:
Escape Between the Pages

Review: Feast of Fools, Rachel Caine

Publisher: Allison & Busby
Pages: 325
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought











" In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace but Claire Danvers has never been convinced - especially with the arrival of Mr Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town's living and its dead is unthinkably sinister."

Background:
"Feast of Fools" is the fourth book in Rachel Caine's series about the Morganville Vampires. The book came out in the uk in february 2009.

The Story:
A new, sinister vampire has arrived in Morganville. Mr Bishop is Amelie's father, and he is not fond of the humans. Claire, together with a doctor in town, has found a cure that may make Myrnin sane, at least that is what she thinks. And her parents have arrived, and gets to see for themselves what Morganville really can offer. Mr Bishop is arranging a Feast of Fools, and almost everyone in town is invited. Tensions rise between Eve and Michael, when he decides to invite Monica, instead of Eve, to the party.

Main character:
Claire Danvers has had a great progress and development since the first book in this series. She is not so shy anymore and stands up for herself. Monica and her gang of girls does not frighten her, the way they used to. I like the new Claire, she grows from book to book.

The book:
This is the weakest book in this series. It takes too much time before there is any action and dramatic events. The book was kinda slow and I was waiting for something more interesting to happen. The cliffhanger in the end was ok, but I am not rushing to read the next installment ( which I off course will).

I actually enjoyed most reading about Amelie in this book. She is a facinating character and I think Helen Mirren would have done a great job playing her in a movie. He hear Mirren's voice, when I read Amelie's words.


Other reviews:
YaVampireBooks
The Bokette
Chrissie's Corner

Review: Kisses from Hell

Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Format: Paperback
Pages: 262
Source: Review copy





















" From a fugitive vampire forced to trust a boy who might work for the group bent on destroying her, to the legendary romance of two immortals whose love compels them to risk everything, this exciting, heart-pounding collection brings new meaning to the words "love you forever." Whether you're into romances that are dark and moody or light and fun, these stories will quench that insatiable thirst for enchanting tales of the beautiful undead." ( Description from Amazon.co.uk)


Background:
"Kisses from Hell" is an anthology consisting of five short stories from Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy), Alyson Noël (The Immortals), Kristin Cast ( House of Night - series), Kelley Armstrong ( Darkest Powers - series) and Francesca Lia Block (Pretty Dead). All the stories revolve around love and vampires. Harper Collins has earlier published "Prom Nights from Hell" and "Love is Hell".

The Book:
"Kisses from Hell" starts with "Sunshine", written by Richelle Mead. The story is part of the universe Mead has created in the "Vampire Academy - series", and focuses on the romance between Eric and Rhea Dragomir, Lissa's parents. The story is well written, but for me it was a bit boring. I never got into it, and my mind kept dwelling on other things than the story I was reading. I suspect that I would have gotten more out of the story if I had read the Vampire Academy - series prior to it, and I will try to read the story again, when I have done that.

The next story is "Bring me to Life" by Alyson Noël. Danika, an American girl, is attending Sunderland Manor Art Academy in England, but the school is not quite what she expects. I am a big fan of Noël's writing and she didn't dissappoint me with "Bring me to Life" either. I loved the story and the atmosphere she creates in it. It is obvious that she is inspired by "Dracula" and "Wuthering Heights", two of my favorite novels. You have characters with names such as Bram and Earnshaw. I read this story late at night when the rain was pooring down outside, and that just added to the atmosphere in the story. I wish "Bring me to Life" was a whole novel, and not just a short story. I would really like to get to know Danika better.

"Above" is the name of Kristin Cast's story, and I have only one word for it: OMG! The story simply blew me away. It is dark, disturbing, bizarre, suspenseful, mysterious and depressing. But also poetic with some glimmers of light and hope. It reads like a poem, and you have to read between the lines to really understand what's going on. I have read the first book in the House of Night - series, but this was nothing like that. This story was spectacular. I want more. The best short story in this book and a story you either love or hate, I suppose.

Kelley Armstrong has written "Hunting Kat", about Katiana from the Darkest Powers series. I read this story while trying to decide if I should put the book away or not. I have the Darkest Powers - series on my shelf, but I have not read it yet and I am afraid this novel had some spoilers. Again, I think this is a read that is best suited for those who know Katiana's story from other books.

"Lilith" by Francesca Lia Block is the last story in the book. A dark tale about Paul Michael, who do not fit in at school and escapes into an imaginary world. One day, a new girl attends school. Her name is Lilith. This was a cute, and at the same time, dark story. I thought it was a bit short, even for a short story. I wanted to read more about Paul Michael and Lilith, and get to know them better. I didn't feel I got under their skin, so to speak.

I have mixed emotions about "Kisses from Hell". I loved two of the stories, but the others didn't appeal to me, but again I think that is because I do not know the series they are part of. I also would have liked the publisher to state that, for example, "Hunting Kat", is based upon another series by Kelley Armstrong so I could have avoided spoilers.

If the anthology only contained the stories by Noël and Cast, it would have gotten full score. But since I only liked two out of three stories, I am giving it 3 books.

The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

Publisher: Hachette Children's Book
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought from Play.com
















"Vampire Diaries centres on Elena (Dobrev), a tragic heroine who is the object of passion of two vampire brothers. In The Awakening, Elena Gilbert is used to getting what she wants and she wants mysterious new boy, Stefan. But Stefan is hiding a deadly secret - a secret that will change Elena's life for ever ... In The Struggle, Elena is torn between her boyfriend, Stefan, and his brother, Damon. But these brothers hide dark secrets and a tragic past that threatens them all. Damon wants to lead Elena astray - and he'd rather kill Stefan than let him possess her..."
(From Play.com)

Background:
"The Vampire Diaries" were originally published as a trilogy in 1991. The readers were not content with only three books, so L.J. Smith wrote a fourth, The Dark Reunion, which was published in 1992. I 1998, a spin-off of the series: The Vampire Diaries, the Return was released. The books re-entered the bestsellerlists after the sucess of Twilight. L.J. Smith is currently writing a new vampire trilogy, the first book will be named "Phantom".

Story:
In "The Awakening" and "The Struggle" we are introduced to Elena Gilbert, who lives at Fell's Church. Her parents are dead, so she lives with her aunt. Elena is popular at school, everybody wants to be her friend, and the boys dream about her. But Elena's life is turned upside down when a new boy, Stefan Salvatore. begins at her school.

Main character:
I had a hard time getting into the first book in this series, and the reason for this is Elena Gilbert. I thought she was spoiled, shallow and could not empathise with her. I almost started rooting for her enemies. One of Elena's friends Bonnie, on the other hand, is described as much more likeable. My impression of Elena changed during book 2, "The Struggle". As the story unfolds, Elena becomes more modest and humble. It almost felt like the author needed to write the first book, just to get under Elena's skin.

The book:
I thought book 1 was quite average, book 2 on the other hand was way better. I did not find any of them particularily thrilling or suspenseful, but perhaps that is due to the fact that I used quite some time before I liked Elena.

One thing I am curious about though: Why is is that so many of the main characters in these paranormal series have parents that for some reason are not around? In Elena's case, they are dead. Ever's parents in "The Immortals" are also dead. Luce from "Fallen" lives at a boarding school, away from her parents. Bella's parents in Twilight are divorced and Zoey in "The House of Night - series" has a troubled relationship with her parents. Ethan Wate's mother in "Beautiful Creatures" are also dead and Ethan has a hard time getting through to his dad.

Is it easier for the authors to establish a relationship between the main character and the paranormal when the parents are not around to watch out for their little one? Or is it simply because every teenager wants to distance themselves from their parents, and it is therefore easier for them to get lost in these books if the main character's parents are not around?

L.J. Smith's website is here.

Other reviews:
Love Vampires (Book 1)
Love Vampires ( Book 2)
The Story Siren

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Publisher: Allison & Busby (United Kingdom)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Source: Bought from Play
















"College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they come out fighting when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood..."
(From Play.com)

Background:
"Glass Houses" is the first book in the series "The Morganville Vampires", written by Rachel Caine. The book was first published in 2006. Caine made her debut as an author in 1991, and has written many books under several pseudonyms. When "Glass Houses" first came out, she had a contract to write three books. Now, in July of 2010, eight books have been published and number nine is due out in October. The series have been published in thirteen countries and sold over 600.000 copies worldwide. Charles Armitage /Noel Gray Productions owns the film - and television rights to the series.

Story:
Claire Danvers is an exceptionally bright student, who graduated with a perfect 4.0 from High School. Her dream was to attend college at MIT, Yale or Caltech, but her parents didn't agree with that wish. They didn't want their daughter to live so far away from them, so Claire ends up in Morganville. Is soon becomes apparent that Morganville is not your average Texas town. Not only must Claire Danvers try to avoid the wrath of some of her fellow students, she must also try to stay alive in a town run by vampires.

Main Character:
16 year old Claire Danvers is a bright and smart girl, and I liked her instantly. She is described as the girl next door, someone every teenage girl can relate to. She has the same thoughts and problems most teenagers experience from time to time. Rachel Caine has done a great job creating her.

The Book:
"Glass Houses" was one of the first vampire books I read after I finished reading Twilight, and I was hooked right away. The books is extremely well written, it is actually so far one of the best written book I have read in the YA - genre. And I thought it was way better than Twilight. (Hope I don't provoke anyone by saying that). The book is full of suspense and mysteries. Nothing is revealed to early and the author has a lot of surprises up her sleeve. There is also a little bit of romance here. Caine has created some memorable charachters besides Claire. I can't wait to get to know Eve, Michael and Shane better. Michaels destiny is original and oh, so heartbreaking. I felt for him when the truth about his life was revealed to us.

"Glass Houses" is a very good and original read, and I highly recommend it. Teenager can relate to many of the topics in the book, but adults like myself will also enjoy it. Caine delivers a whole new take on the vampire story, that differs from a lot of the stories I have read. I am looking forward to reading more about the vampires in Morganville, and get to know the story behind this town better.

Warning: Do not read "Glass Houses" unless you have "The Dead Girls Dance", the second book in the series, within your reach. Otherwise you will be running to the bookstore to get a copy.



You can read more about the series and the author at her webpage here.

Here are some other reviews:
Love Vampires
The Book Cellar
Book Love: Teen
My Overstuffed Bookshelf

WOW: Blood on Silk by Marie Treanor

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by "Breaking the spine", where we showcase the books we can't wait to read.

My pick this week is "Blood on Silk" by Marie Treanor:
"Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is spending the summer in Romania researching historical superstitions for her PhD. While she is tracing local foktales, one subject in particular sparks her imagination. His name is Saloman, legend's most powerful vampire, a seductive prince staked centuries ago. Now, in the ruins of a castle crypt, Elizabeth discovers the legends are real. Her blood has awakened him. Her innocence has aroused him. But Elizabeth unleashes more than Saloman's hunger. An army of vampire hunters has amassed to send Saloman back to hell. Sworn to help - yet fearing Saloman's deadly blood lust - Elizabeth seeks to entrap him, offering her body as bait. But something stronger than dread, more powerful than revenge, is uniting Elizabeth to her prey. Caught between desire and rage, Elizabeth must decide where her loyalties lie...and what the limits are to a yearning she can no longer control."

Publisher: New American Library
Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
Coming: 07 September 2010

I am always keen to read new vampire novels. "Blood on Silk" is the first in the trilogy "Awakened by Blood". The book is due out this September. I think this sound like a thrilling read. And don't you just love the cover?

Want to know more? You can visit the author's webpage here.

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

Publisher: Signet
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 368
Source: Bought from BookDepository

" Beneath the glitter of dazzling 19th-century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil... . Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long taken over the world. In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love."
(From the author's webpage)

Background:
"The Rest Falls Away" is the first book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, a series consisting of a total of 5 books. The book was actually the ninth novel Colleen Gleason wrote, but the very first to earn her a contract with a publisher. Some people have described the Gardella - series as "Buffy meets Jane Austen", and Gleason have admitted to being inspired by Buffy.
- what would it be like if Buffy had been living during the times of balls and chaperones and the ton? And thus The Gardella Legacy was born, says Gleason on her website.

Story:
Victoria Gardella Grantworth is ready for her big introduction into the upper - class society in 19th century England. But soon she is introduced to much more sinister events than worrying about who she will dance with at the balls. She is chosen to become a "venator" - a vampire hunter. Victoria is torn between responsibility and desires, between love and thrilling suspense. And not everything is entirely as it seems.

Main Character:
Colleen Gleason has done a great job bringing Victoria Gardella to life. She is both tough and vulnerable, as a heroine in a story like this ought to be. It is easy to sympathize with her and you want to get to know her better. She is full of initiative, but also a descent Victorian girl who knows her manners. In the right situations, she takes responsibility and glows.

The Book:
This was such a refreshing and joyful read. "The Rest Falls Away" literally has everything: Romance, suspense, mysteries, thrilling scenes, handsome guys and some erotic scenes. But there isn’t a lot of sex. The few erotic scenes comes as a natural part of the story.

The book differs from a lot of the other typical vampire stories that are out there. And to me it is a big incentive that the author placed the story in 19th century London , this gives the book a very special atmosphere. And I am a sucker for Victorian tales. Besides, being a female vampire hunter in a society and a time where women were chaperoned by their men and couldn’t go anywhere alone, makes for some interesting and suspenseful situations in the book.

A lot of the characters are somewhat draped in mystery. You can’t tell by first glance who’s evil and who’s good, and I like that. Maximillian and Sebastian have won my curiosity and I can’t wait to read more about them.

I had a great time reading this book and will definitely read the next installment in the series.


Want to know more about this book? You can read an excerpt on Colleen Gleason's webpage here.

Here are some other reviews:
Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog
Romance Rookie
Lesley's Book Nook
Sarah's Book Reviews
Two Motives