THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB APRIL 10 - Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin Aus
Pub.Date: November 13th 2008
Age Range: 12 and up
Pages: 433
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: from the publisher - Penguin Aus

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...


Another awesome book from the bestselling series - Vampire Academy. More thrilling, more intense, more romantic, this, by far, has been the most compelling installment of the series to me. If you don't pick it up, it's really your big loss.

I don't think I need to gush about Richelle Mead's writing anymore because I've said it all in the first two reviews. To sum up, it's strong, sensible and very captivating. For those who are trying hard to find some book that can help you regain your reading interest, don't hesitate to pick a book by this author.

There're lots of ups and downs in the plot and more mysteries and theories are introduced in this book, setting a tangled mess of relationship and hardships. Ghosts, new group of royal vampires, auras, unwanted plans and predictions, all combine to create a new and exciting story. I love the dark mood of this book. It reminds me really much of Harry Potter series which I cannot put down for anytime longer than a minute. The book is just so well written you have to admire the authors.

As I've said before, the characters are the highlights of not only this book of the whole series. I've come to love more and more characters in this third installment. Adrian starts to play a bigger part in the story and he's totally not what he seemed in the second book. Christian too, is getting nicer. The center of it all is still Rose & Lissa's bond. I've always seen it a light and beautiful way but the bond, this time, is seriously dangerous and at the same time more interesting than ever. I also love how Rose and Dimitri are getting closer and more comfortable this time. Just that..well, I won't spoil anything. Go read yourself. All I have to say is that the way this ends (especially the last sentence) is epic.

This is the series that vampire-lovers have to read to satisfy their needs. And non vampire lovers to join the clan. Seriously, get it now.

Rating: 4.5/5