Series Review: Vampire Academy Books 1-3

Book 1 Synopsis:
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.

I have no idea what I was thinking waiting so long to read this series!!!!!!!!!! Seriously! I can't even give you a comprehensive review of it because I just loved it so much I didn't even take one single note down. Books 1-3 were amazing. I read VA and the second book Frostbite between two days and I only stopped because I was like I have reviews to work on. Then I started reading book 3 when I saw that Lynn from Bring the Epic was reading the series and I have to say that Shadow Kiss if my favorite of the first three! I thought the other two where made of awesome, but Shadow Kiss is made of heaven.

This is definitely a fan girl geek out review and I wish I could give you specific of what I did like, but let's just say this book has everything you could like in a book: FIERCE KICK ASS GIRL LEAD, HOT UNATTAINABLE GUYS, COOL BEST FRIENDS, FRIENDS THAT BECOME VILLAINS AND VILLAINS THAT BECOME FRIENDS.

Also, this review by Liz pretty much says everything I was thinking while reading the book!

PS: I have the rest of the series waiting to be read, and I will try to take notes this time hehe

Book Review : Hex Hall

Book: Hex Hall (Book 1)
Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Hyperion Books
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Pages: 323
Source: Bookshelf
Date Read: April 10, 2011

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 


By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Yani's Analysis:
What can I say about this book that hasn't been said. This book has been sitting in my bookshelf after I bought a bargain copy from borders. Finally, after reading yet another positive review I picked it up. Rachel Hawkins you have a new fan in me! The book was soooo funny. It almost read like a satire of all things paranormal, yet still had the serious aspects and mystery to it.Rachel's writing is banter like, sarcastic, and filled with pop culture reference/jokes.

Although the book is very funny, there are some strong themes to it. Is evil is inherent or chosen? Does doing one bad things makes you a bad person? All these things are ideal that Sophie struggles with as she doesn't know who to trust is the new school full of paranormal Prodigium.There are so many secrets and more is revealed as you get close to the end.

Sophie goes into that school a carefree and naive girl and in the end she becomes a girl that struggles with the amount of power she possesses."With great power comes great responsibility." I by the end of the book I think Sophie understands that.

Really liked this book, it was so different from other paranormal books and includes every paranormal species.Can't wait to read what comes next!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

Similar Titles:

Memorable Quotes:

"What, no witty retort? No standard-issue Sophie Mercer comeback?"