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Katia’s done running. She’s fought fiercely to protect her identity, her secrets, and those she loves most. And while it hasn’t been easy, she’s finally making peace with the past. Katia’s even looking forward to the start of a new school year at Crossroads Academy.

Too bad things at Crossroads are going to be a little different this fall. There are new rules, new students, and new relationships. Katia quickly discovers that navigating the halls of Crossroads is as complicated as ever.

When a friend’s life is at stake, Katia will be forced to choose between the safety of Crossroads and an enemy more dangerous than any she’s ever faced. Will Katia have the courage to risk it all -including her life- for a friend?

282 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

48 people are currently reading
978 people want to read

About the author

J.J. Bonds

4 books209 followers
J.J. Bonds writes Young Adult Paranormal Romance and is the author of the bestselling Crossroads Academy series. J.J. lives in Pennsylvania where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She lives with her husband, two adorable (and sometimes crazy) children, and one rambunctious K9. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

You can also connect with J.J. at:

http://www.facebook.com/jjbondsfanpage
http://www.twitter.com/jjbondsauthor

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196 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Nereid.
1,466 reviews21 followers
September 18, 2012
I liked the first book in this series and Red Dawn does not disappoint either. Katia is a "take no prisoners" take charge kind of girl and I like that about her. She has fought hard to survive in the world of pure bloods and is loyal to a fault with those she loves. Life at Crossroads is different this year with lots of new changes yet some things stay the same like her feelings towards Jade and Blaine. To save the life of a friend, Katia and Nik sneak out of school and take off to find the cure that has been stolen from the lab. This quest as it were leads then to travel into some shady parts of New Orleans with Keegan as their guide hoping to find the thief and restore the the cure to save Shaye from dying. I must admit that you have to put your beliefs on hold here as it seems quite unrealistic that two teenagers albeit vampire ones could pull this off when no other adults or vampires with all their resources on the council could ascertain who the real thief was and why the cure was stolen in the first place. Apart from that this story was fast paced and action packed with a touch of PG romance between Nik and Katia finally. More questions than answers so it seems and it sets us up nicely for the next book to be one humdinger of a story. Escapism at its best, I devoured this book quickly and will be waiting for the next.
9 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2012
The second book in the series was just as captivating and as quick a read as the first book. We get to see Katia continuing to grow and build relationships with those around her. Shaye becomes a focal point for Katia in this book as her illness and finding the possible cure are top of mind and become more pressing. I liked that this brought out Katia's more likeable side.... although I really enjoyed how strong and sassy she was in the first book. Heroines that are perfect, flittering, or in need of rescue in some way or another gets boring and overdone. The relationship between Katia and Nik continues to heat-up too.

This series kept me engrossed in the second book until the end, not wanting to put it down until I was finished. It's a definite recommend whether or not this genre is your normal interest, and I will be anxiously awaiting the final book in the trilogy!
Profile Image for Diayll.
460 reviews52 followers
September 25, 2012
Originally Reviewed At:Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 4 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Author for Honest Review
Reviewer: AimeeKay



So loving’ the Crossroads Academy series! Just finished Red Dawn, the second book in the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next. As in the first book, Red Dawn is written in the first person present. As many of my readers know, I’m not always a huge fan of this POV. Mainly, and I admit, because I’m not used to it, but also because if it’s not done right it just takes away from the story. However, Bonds did an awesome job writing in this perspective. The story and the writing just drew me in right away.



Red Dawn picks itself up after the summer has already passed; as the kids are all coming back to Crossroads. But this time the main bulk of the story doesn’t take place there. While the ending is kind of a cliffie it wasn’t too bad, plus it leads into a perfect set up for the next novel, so I’ll forgive. Also, I love the budding romance between Nic and Katia. They are funny and cute together.



The only thing that really had me wondering…and this will be kind of a spoiler…is how Katia and Nic were able to basically disappear from school and no one noticed. I know some of the school officials did, but I kept wondering why Aldo didn’t send someone out looking for Katia when he couldn’t get in contact with her. It just strikes me as odd that he just sat around not doing anything about it.



Other than that, overall I really enjoyed this one. Maybe not as much as the first one, but it has still kept me interested in finding out what happens to Katia and her friends. I give it a 4 out of 5. Definitely recommend picking this one up!
Profile Image for Booknut 101.
849 reviews994 followers
January 20, 2013
When you go to a boarding school for vampires, you expect the unexpected.

But nowhere in Katia's tolerance for blood drinking, foolish behaviour, annoying headmasters and gruelling detentions, is there a space for rules, regulations and order. Returning to Crossroads Academy for a new year, Katia is surprised at the strictness that has entered the halls, the uniform they're being forced into wearing and the appearance of a new student. Vampires live for a long time, and Crossroads is pretty old. They've never had such open changes before.

Which begs the question...why now?

When the nearly-finished cure for the vampire blood-disease - Katia's friend Shaye's only chance of survival - disappears, apparently stolen, Katia will do anything to get it back...no matter how many people (vampire or other) she has to threaten to do so. But the clock is against them, as is their ignorance. Circumstances, memories and situations begin to make sense as pieces of the puzzle click into place.

Something bigger than theft is going on here. Something almost as big as...a rebellion.

Along with her not-so-boyfriend-but-maybe Nik and the Crossroads' stablehand Keegan, Katia must take on the unexpected outside of Crossroads' walls. And out there it's a whole other game.

One that Katia might not come out alive from.
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
December 6, 2018
Red Dawn is the sequel to the awesome Crossroads book. In this one, Katia will stop at nothing to help save her friend who has a rare condition. She's going to break all the rules to help her friend. And along the way she's going to have to figure out a few more relationship stuff of her own.

This book was not nearly as good as the first one. Red Dawn had a lot of drama in it that never really seemed to reveal itself, and then when it did we were left with more questions. I was also really frustrated with the way Katia acted in the beginning when it came to the whole Jade issue. I felt like she acted a little immature, and then did a complete 180 and forgave for stuff.. That never made sense to me, and it was frustrating. But Katia did change back into her old self after that, and I was extremely glad. Other then those things, I really did enjoy the book, and I still look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Robie.
3 reviews
July 23, 2012
I was very excited for the second book of Crossroads to be released, and it definitely did not disappoint. I loved getting to know Katia and Nik more. This story has a great story line that just keeps getting better and better as the book goes on. I found it very hard to put down. The ending was amazing and I can’t wait for a third book!
Profile Image for Rachel.
353 reviews67 followers
Read
June 7, 2016
So according to my Kobo, I actually did finish reading this. But I don't think it's fair to give it a rating since... I truthfully cannot remember this at all. I think I've sadly lost interest in this series, and so if I ever pick this back up again, I'll add an actual review. For now, it'll just be marked as 'read'.
8 reviews
July 16, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in this series! It is well written and has great flow from beginning to end. All of the action in this book makes it hard to put down. I can't wait to see how this series is going to end!!
Profile Image for Maryanne.
72 reviews29 followers
September 2, 2016
I loved this book so much!!!!
Can't wait to read more!!!
Profile Image for Rasa Ievkalne.
1,087 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2019
Sadly,it does not keep up to the first book. Where it could have been really good,it turned out just OK. Well, being OK is still not too bad,but,you know,lost potential, overdone plot,too convenient resolution, all that jazz. Writing about school and teenagers is never easy,author have to provide believable problems, get her characters to solve it in believable manner and react accordingly to their age while keeping reader interested in it all. And this is where this book fails. Teenagers don't act their age or competence levels. The plot problem is both grand and personal and to believe 2 teenagers without experience or knowledge can solve it where specialised force fails,borders on ridiculous. There are realistic outcomes and then there is this. Don't get me wrong,it was interesting enough and easy to read,however, when author slides the whole book in the unbelievable, I can't rate it higher than 3. My feelings were not engaged in this book and instead of loving characters and admiring their resourcefulness, I spent most of the book scowling. I never liked it when authors turn their characters into special snowflakes, so you see it reflected in rating.

Now,by the looks of it,these series is authors first publication and there is a huge potential, unless author will follow mainstream tendencies. Please,work on realism and believability on characters,their reactions and plot and I sense,next series can be a blast.
Profile Image for Tamara.
1,719 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2018
Revolution

Can the girl that gives everything save the ones she holds dear? Enthralling tale this has become such a great reading experience
61 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2018
Better than the first

This book was better than the first. More action, more drama exactly what I wanted. It's still a little predictable but not the entire book is thankfully.
Profile Image for Ange.
153 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2019
Hell’s bells!

Action packed with a good story line. I’m a bit over Katia’s attitude though. Nik is pretty kick butt. “Hell’s bells” is the wrong phrase for an angsty teen!
Profile Image for Sanaa ₊˚⊹♡.
25 reviews
April 23, 2025
I wish there was more

I liked this book. Not as much as the first one tho. I wish there were more side plot elements to break up the super fast focused pace of everything.
Profile Image for Michelle Cornwell-Jordan.
Author 16 books160 followers
July 16, 2013
Book:1 The Crossroads Academy series Book#1 and #2 follows seventeen year old Katia who is the new girl at an exclusive boarding called CrossRoads Academy. The only thing Katia wishes to do is to study hard and train for one reason, to make her Uncle Aldo proud. Katia does not want to make friends, desiring to remain under the radar. Katia has a painful past and a dark secret and to protect not only herself but those she loves, she attempts to keep her distance. This proves difficult as she meets the very gorgeous Nikolai and the quirky, vivacious Shaye. Both become someone she cares for and one of the first she has to protect when her past catches up with her. There are murders happening in the town,and her friends wishes to fight by her side. Katia knows that ultimately it is her fight alone.

Book:2 Katia must once again face danger once, to save something she never expected to have- a friend. Now the dangers are not just from Katia’s past but a present danger that threatens her entire world.

I happened to come across this series while surfing Amazon. The incredible covers caught my eyes first. Then the blurb caused me to hit the click button. I found the story very interesting; there was a steady build at the start of the story creating the world that Katia now found herself in. Plus the author plants the seeds of suspense, that keeps the reader turning the page. Katia has a secret and the author does an incredible job of maintaining the thrill throughout the entire book.The reader does not discover until the end, right alone with the characters Katias secret! Oh my goodness that almost drove me crazy!:O) I was on pins and needles the entire time wondering WHAT was it about this girl? What is she hiding? Why? and What will happen now?

It was wonderful twist on not only does she meet the boy of her dreams at the beginning, within the first few pages. She spends half the book, not sure if she really likes him! Wow, no love at first sight!:O) I found that little twist fun, because poor Nikolai, as hot and charming as he was, had to gain Katia’s trust by being a friend first and showing his mettle!This touch of realism made the eventuality of their being together(oops! I hope I did not spoil it:) much more realistic and their devotion authentic.

The pace started slow and steady, a wonderful build up, and then once it took off then there was no holds barred on action which carried right into the next book Red Dawn. Where all is pretty much established now the group is solidified, and each of the member’s talents are being shown. This makes me believe that this series is going from, just a new girl goes to school has a secret finds a hot guy and then all is solved and well! No! It has now fleshed into much more and takes these kids on an adventure into the Big Easy, yes one of my favorite places New Orleans!

The second book is action from the start and stays steady, flowing well into the great ending. I am looking forward to the next because I can see a long successful series, due to the direction the author has taken with these characters, as they fight not only for their friend’s life but now their very existence as a people!

Well written, fun, entertaining a must read for lovers of the supernatural, and paranormal reads. Appropriate for Teens 14 and up due to mild fantasy violence.

CrossRoads Academy Booktrailer!
Profile Image for Cyle.
966 reviews143 followers
February 14, 2013
GENRE: YA Paranormal
THEME: Vampire, Romance
RECEIVED: Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

3.5 Stars

REVIEW:
Second book in the J.J. Bonds Crossroads Academy was full of action and focused on Katia’s determination to help her closest friend. Once again Bonds sucks her readers into this unique vampire world, full of romance, adventure and a new conspiracy.

Red Dawn follows Katia who is just starting up her next semester at Crossroads Academy. She is now rooming with her best friend Shaye and also is starting to build a close relationship with Nik. Everything seems to be going smoother, except when the only thing that can save her friend Shaye from dying gets stolen from a lab. Katia is determined to track down the thief and save her friend before its too late, no matter what dangers lie ahead.

Katia I enjoyed much more that in the first book, as she was so closed off and a bit too gloomy for me. Now friends surround her and even those who she didn’t get along with before, kind of have an understanding…well in a way. She is still trying to control her abilities and even turns into a bit of a sleuth by uncovering a very big conspiracy. She shows her tough side a bit more and gets her hands a bit dirty. Her relationship with Nik has grown a lot more; they even go off on their own to help Shaye, along with Shaye’s boyfriend Keegan. I liked that Bonds took her characters away from the academy for a while, and the readers get to see more supernatural.

Nik didn’t really change much, but he wants to develop something more with Katia and we do get some steamier scenes with them. He trusts her judgment and sometimes I feel doesn’t understand the fact that this girl can take care of herself. However I still don’t understand how he’s friends with Jade, she is just one annoyingly rude person.

Shaye doesn’t have as big of a part in this book as she did the previous, even though it’s highly focused on helping her. Katia goes off with Nik and Keegan to New Orleans to find out more on who stole the cure for Shaye. Shaye is getting worse and Katia knows she doesn’t have much time left.

Overall the Crossroads series still has me hooked and I look forward to finding out more on the conspiracy Katia uncovered. I’m also curious as to Katia abilities and if she’s growing stronger, it seems her visions are now getting under control. One other tidbit that has bothered me from the beginning is the headmaster Pratt, I’m not sure why he keeps getting away with treating Katia so horrible, but I’m hoping for some more explanation. Or I’m hoping that he gets some major punishment in the future, that guy is just plain rude. This story seemed to be a bit shorter and carried a much faster pace than the pervious, I wish it was a bit longer. I can’t wait to see what happens next and watch Katia kick butt some more in the future books, it seems like the series is getting a bit darker and I love it.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel that keeps on surprising you throughout the story. Fans of Heather Hildrenbrands Dirty Blood series and Jennifer Armentrouts Covenant series will love Re Dawn by J.J. Bonds.
Profile Image for Linda.
681 reviews34 followers
January 7, 2013
This review was originally posted on Big Al's Books and Pals review blog on December 28, 2012


Things at Crossroads Academy are a little different this school year; there are new handbooks with new rules, new students, and worst of all uniforms. When the formula for the cure to the blood disease, ‘otrava de sange’, is stolen and all evidence points to Shayes’ friend Dr. Phillips, who has also disappeared, Katia calls in a favor from the school’s computer whiz Blaine. With less information than they need, Katia, Nic, and Keegan (Shaye’s boyfriend) take off for New Orleans and beyond, searching for the missing life saving formula that Shaye needs.

The new fall session at Crossroads Academy starts with Katia and Shaye now sharing a dorm room. Katia has definitely gotten her snark on in this book, her dialogue is very entertaining. Katia has learned to deal with her past over the summer months and has come back stronger and more confident.

I felt more comfortable with Katia in this book; she is not holding back secrets as she did in the first book. She is head strong and dives into places she has no business being. The plot is full of adventure, intrigue and action as Katia, Nic, and Keegan, who is a mixed-blood vampire and a member of the school staff, take off half-cocked for New Orleans. Keegan seems to be familiar with the dark underbelly of New Orleans as they look for a person called The Shadow who they hear is responsible for the thief. The Shadow is a shifter, who J. J. Bonds has redefined to serve her story. I can not wait to see what she re-invents next.

What our group of rescuers uncovers is something they never expected. I could see the foreshadowing of an uprising involving the mixed-blood vampires in future books.

I was pleased to see Katia face the one biggest fear she has in this story. It will take a while as she struggles to get a good hold on it, but she is trying. I did find it difficult to believe that the Elders Council failed with all their resources where these kids succeeded. But I believe this happened because our young vampires were more focused on clearing Dr. Phillips of this theft, despite the evidence, rather than hunting him down. This is an entertaining series that is better suited for older teens because of mildly offensive language.

FYI: Some mild language that some parents might not find suitable for younger teens. I found no significant errors or issues.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Profile Image for Chris Torretta.
885 reviews40 followers
August 20, 2012
Before I get into anything else.. What is up with Pratt? That guy is a complete jackass. I just want to be Katia so I can smack that guy! Ugh…

Secondly, if you have not read Crossroads, Crossroads Academy #1 there are going to be a few spoilers so you can see my Crossroads Book review first but I recommend reading the first before reading this review. There will not be any spoilers in this regarding book two however!

Ok… moving along! I love Katia. Boy can she be catty sometimes. And she is so ridiculously teenage! Weren’t we all at some point? Didn’t we all make mistakes, maybe not to this extent but we all did. And that’s what I love about real characters. She acts like a teenager. She jumps before she thinks and sometimes that does wonders for her, other times, well we’ll just say not so much. But she is who she is and doesn’t ask anyone to understand her. Love it!

Sadly we didn’t see much of Anya in this book, but we do get to see more of Nik. Actually, he does take his shirt off a few times and although this has some romance in it, they are teenagers so nothing goes so far that you wouldn’t want your teenager reading. If they can work through their problems they’ll make a good couple and I’m really looking forward to seeing more of these two together, although I love it when they’re sparring more than when they’re making out. That’s just me though.

The plot, much like Crossroads was fast, very easy to read, not a lot of twists and turns but enough excitement to keep you holding on to your seat. The pacing is remarkable. The only downside to this one, I think, is that there wasn’t much of a learning curve for Katia. I think she needs a few more lessons under her belt, but then again she is still a teenager! She handles herself very well, even with the predicaments she continuously gets herself and her friends into!

I’m also really looking for more of Blaine. I like that guy!! I’m starting to like him more than Nik honestly. Maybe I’m just being weird, but it’s true. Yes, he’s a jerk to Katia, but there’s just something about him! JJ, please give us more Blaine!

Ok seriously. Just like the first, this book was a great read. I enjoyed it immensely. I love the way JJ Bonds writes, you can follow it and know where these characters are going. It’s great fun and I can NOT wait for the third! And that’s the only small spoiler I’ll give. This ends on yet another cliff hanger! Gotta love it though.
Profile Image for Zimt.
227 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2015
In "Red Dawn", the second Novel of the Crossroads Academy Trilogy by J.J. Bonds, there are more secrets than ever and Katia needs to solve them or she will lose everything she holds dear.

We are back at Crossroads Academy and Katia (Kate) begins her second year at school. After all the revelations from the last book, Katia hopes for an uneventful year. Her next goal is the development of her talents like her blood visions. Together with Anya, she is working hard on this new challenge. Also, the relationship with Nik is finally going somewhere. But then, everything goes downhill. Philips, the top researcher for a cure of the blood disease at The Dwyer Group, steals the formula and disappears. Can Kate get the cure back and help her friend Shaye in time?

In "Crossroads" the secret around Katia's person was revealed, something I did not see coming even so the clues where there. Now, Katia has new responsibilities for her friends. Where she was before alone and did not have a care in the world, she has to think about how her actions will reflect on her new friends, Shaye and Nik.

Shaye is quite secretive in this book. Because of her blood disease and forbidden relationship with Keegan, the mixed-blood horse trainer at Crossroads Academy, her life is not simple. Katia is very worried about her, but then things begin to look up. It seems there is a promising drug therapy for otrava de sange, the Blood Disease.

Anya, her Counselor from the previous book, has finally become one of her confidant. The funniest aspect about Anya is her shoe fetish. Normally, she is a professional teacher and wears proper suits, but her shoes show her true self. Katia has to work with Anya on her talents, especially on her blood visions. It is not easy, but Katia seems to make progress.

Again, the pace picks up after the first half of the book. Not that the beginning is boring, mind you. Here, the focus lays on the relationship between Nik and Kate which is seriously hot. However, in the second half, Katia is on a goose chase for the stolen formula to save Shaye. In the end, the mind behind everything will become her worst enemy.

Once more an absorbing tale about Katia's struggles to live in a society with sometimes questionably morals. I am off to the third and last book in the Crossroads Academy Trilogy.
Profile Image for Haylee Tippett.
46 reviews72 followers
August 31, 2012
Red Dawn is another enormous hit from J.J. Bonds. I love all of the Crossroads Academy series characters - Strong female main character - Sexy intelligent male main character - Faithful understanding best friend - A few antagonists - Villains to get the drama rolling. (Love them at times, hate them at others, but they are all necessary). Red Dawn has a great plot, which develops in an entertaining and suspenseful manner.
Unfortunately, like with every novel there are always pros and cons. Red Dawn is on the short side—I did not anticipate turning the page and already being at the end. Red Dawn’s ending definitely left me wanting for more (which is a good and bad thing). I do feel as if Red Dawn was not on the same level as Crossroads Academy, the first novel in the series. Crossroads contained the small but important incidents between Katia and Nik that the audience needed to see how the connection/bond between the two grew over time. In Red Dawn, there are a few moments, but it seems as if the audience is supposed to simply accept the sudden relationship between the two. There were gaps of weeks- I hate reading "after a few weeks..." ALOT can happen in a few weeks. That is a good deal of amount of time. Give me something. I do not think the title, Red Dawn was appropriate for the novel. Maybe the next novel in the series it would be appropriate, but not this one. The audience knows nothing of the Red Dawn until the last few chapters. The focus in the novel was on the stolen cure. Regardless of my nagging of Red Dawn, J.J. Bonds has a devoted fan for life. It is a splendid story, which I cannot help but hate having to wait for more.
Profile Image for Savannah (Books With Bite).
1,399 reviews184 followers
August 24, 2012
With an amazing start to this series, I couldn't wait to dive into this one. It gave me what I wanted. A fierce girl fighting her anything and everyone around her.

You know that feeling that you good that just doesn't feel right and yet everyone thinks your crazy and no one seems to help or believe you? Yeah. That's Katia. Faced with some unimaginable circumstances, it's up to her to save the only friend who has always been there for her. In this story, I liked the plot. There is are many elements that makes the plot believable yet, powerful. There are many twists and turns both inside and outside Katia's life that really make you think that this is only the beginning.

The characters in the book have grown so much. Katia, has always been strong but now she is just hard. She takes doesn't take no for an answer and if that what she gets, then she takes things into her own hands. I like this part of Katia. She doesn't wait on anyone when precious time is slipping away fast. She is smart and responsible when it comes to find who and what she needs.

Now, the love interest bothered me a bit. Because I liked these two together is is hard to see them fight and be jealous. Where are before they were selfless in their actions, not they just started to turn it around and think about themselves. It's takes a few chapters for them to get back on track, but I still wonder...

Red Dawn is a great addition to the series. It's exciting yet the reader is easily able to step right back into the story with no confusion. The small parts of the plot add up to a bigger picture that will be ready to explode in the next book. Red Dawn is passionate and fierce.
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,438 reviews56 followers
June 3, 2013
Red Dawn is a great second book in the Crossroads Academy series as it has a different storyline to Crossroads. In book 1 we were learning about Katia and how she was going to fit into her new world. In Red Dawn we are searching for the cure for the blood disease that threatens the lives of a lot of Vampires. But the missing research is only the beginning and how the story built to the dramatic ending was remarkable.

I enjoyed how the characters relationships developed further in this book and how Katia has finally accepted that she has made friends. However the principal is on her back as he has implemented some changes to the school structure. Katias secrets have remained hidden and only a select few know about them. Nik's opinion of her hasn't changed, but they have spent some time a part over the holidays and haven't kept contact, so Katia was confused when she returned to the academy. A lot of the characters we met in the first book return in Red Dawn as well as a few new faces too.

There a few things that were a bit repetitive as it is a new school year, so we go to the corn maze and the Halloween masquerade again, but with different results. However, the story moves out of the school and into some unfamiliar territory as the plot becomes more investigative.

I enjoyed Red Dawn and J.J. Bonds has done a wonderful job continuing the story which is building up to be very dramatic. The plot has been left open for the next book in the series, as it is going to affect the vampire world as a whole, not just those at the Crossroads Academy. I look forward to continuing on Katia’s journey and seeing how the new details are going to play out…
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,247 reviews590 followers
September 14, 2012
3.5 stars


Ok, if you can stop staring at the beautiful cover and actually read the book you'll find that Red Dawn is a little more grown up that book 1, Crossroads. In this sequel we leave the high school behind to find a darker Katia. She will do anything to save her best friend, Shaye.

We start out with a new school year and things are a little back to normal for a short time but then we find Katia, Nik and Keegan on the road trying to track down answers to getting the possible missing cure for the blood disease that Shaye has.

The total feel of the book is darker and more action packed with a conspiracy theory factor that had me guessing who was behind the thief of the cure.

J.J. Bonds does another great job mixing the innocence of high school with a paranormal twist and mystery. Read Dawn brings us to a all new ball game for the series. And as the gang grows older; the heat factor grows too. I know it's YA and that means it's usually on the "clean" side but I just want Katia to throw Nik down and get dirty. LOL

Fans of Mead's Vampire Academy should give the Crossroads series a try. Katia might not be Rose (YET!) but she is getting closer with each book.




Profile Image for Stephanie Ward.
1,225 reviews116 followers
August 24, 2012
'Red Dawn' is a riveting young adult paranormal novel - the second in the Crossroads Academy series. It follows young vampire Katia and her quest to help find a cure for a blood disease that threatens to kill her friend. Katia embarks on a journey to salvage the cure for this disease and unknowingly unmasks a conspiracy larger than anyone ever knew. Besides worrying for her friends life and fighting for her own, Katia has to figure out her feelings and relationship with Nik.

Being new to the Crossroads Academy series, I instantly fell into the storyline. The plot was interesting and kept me on my toes as I rooted for Katia to overcome her struggles. I loved the character of Katia. She's a strong heroine with an anger and attitude problem and she's not afraid to show it. Underneath her hard exterior, there is deep loyalty to her friends and an uncertainty about herself that is endearing to readers. Because of these qualities, I found it easy to identify with her throughout the book.

I liked the relationship and romance between Katia and Nik. It wasn't too overdone or cheesy, which I find refreshing. It was realistic, but at times had me frustrated with Katia's character because she was just being stubborn. The story was very well written and the action is fast paced, which made this a real page-turner for me. I got sucked into the book and ended up reading it in one sitting. I really enjoyed every aspect of this book and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tishia (Paperback Opinion).
345 reviews27 followers
September 5, 2012
Red Dawn is the second book in the Crossroads Academy series by J.J. Bonds. The story revolved around Katia, who is determined to save her friend from dying of a blood disease. Her friend Shaye had become like a sister to her, and she is willing to put herself in danger to get the info she needs.

This is a fast paced, action packed book. I don't want to give away the plot line, but it's complex. Katia and Nic escape from Crossroads to follow a lead on the missing cure. Not only are they in danger of getting expelled, they end up getting themselves in several dangerous situations.

I liked that Nic and Katia had more alone time together in this book. They were constantly following leads and placing themselves in danger though, so there wasn't a whole lot of romance. I liked seeing them act more like a couple though. Katia is unsure how deep Nic's feeling go, and how serious their relationship is. She's falling hard though. There are some steamy make-out sessions, but nothing that parents wouldn't be ok with their teenage daughters reading.

I liked Katia better in this book. Because of all the revelations at the end of the last book, it lets the reader feel like they know Katia now. She definitely doesn't hesitate to take control of a situation. When she has her mind set on something, there is no stopping her. She's a bit snarky and stubborn, but that's just who she is. If you like a lot of twist and turns, along with adventure, then I suggest you give this book a try!
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,984 reviews91 followers
November 9, 2012
When I read Crossroads, I felt that Katia was keeping everyone at arm’s length, even me as a reader. But when Red Dawn starts, everyone is returning from a summer break, and it seemed that summer break did her well. She came back to school no longer the loner kid. She was excited to see her BFF Shaye and see where things stand with Nik. Katia hasn't talked to him all summer long so she doesn't know if he still feels the same for her. So yeah, I really liked Katia more in Red Dawn.

Also, in my review of Crossroads I asked for a little more romance. And when you ask, you shall receive. (Yes I know she had already written Red Dawn before I asked, but play along with me ok?) Although it wasn't a crazy amount, I still got little snippets here and there to make me a happy reader.

One other thing that I just adored was Katia's relationship with Shaye. With everything that goes on in this book the reader can tell that Shaye came first with Katia. Katia wouldn't take her focus off of her best friend and was doing everything possible to find that cure. I love that kind of friendship in books.

With Red Dawn, I felt the author was a little more relaxed and confident in her writing. I really liked this book a lot better than the first with everything that goes on. I loved the journey the characters took this time around and thought it was much more interesting. People who love a good action read will definitely enjoy this series. Red Dawn is a fast paced read, so keep up...you don't want to miss a thing!
Profile Image for Radiant.
1,179 reviews30 followers
September 4, 2012
I love the COVER..its' perfect..and there is a scene for it which is like the turning point in story..

After last "uneventful" year at crossroads academy...katia is back again after hearing something she shouldn't -Aldo is hiding something from her and it's important and don't want it her to know..well katia is not one u would hide things from..cos she makes her own way to find it.

So when she comes back to academy..her thoughts about her non-existent relationship with Nik turns out to be more than existing - in short full dating mode.LOL..I loved Nik-Katia in the whole series..though katia acts always land her into trouble..nik is still at her side..fighting her,protecting her..*H.O.T*..he's damn good and only one who can handle Katia.

When Katia thinks the biggest concern this year would be the stupid new rules and uniform change..things get out of hand..and now it is her choice to find out what to do and how to do..before her best friend come more closer to death than she is and katia is not one for backing down.

I loved Red Dawn..it has more action,suspense and story to it..along with romance of Nik-Katia..which i missed in first book..well it takes a while for a girl like katia to drop her guards even around hotlooking guys like Nik..LOL!

Though i want more..and want to know more of 'Order'..i know i have to wait for next book ...*sighs*!

Great book..grab it asap..!
Sri.
Profile Image for P.G. Allison.
Author 20 books167 followers
February 23, 2015
Another Wonderful Book!

Katia is back for another year at her exclusive boarding school. All the relationships which developed during the first book are further developed in this book, both good and bad. Nik is loyal and when Katia feels compelled to take direct action in order to find the cure to save her friend, he is willing to help. Such a great guy! He sees through her snarky personality and is attracted to the person inside, the girl who has survived some terrible things and is learning to forgive and accept herself. She’d truly have been lost without him. Together, they struggle through exciting adventures and grow closer as they do so. She needs his calm, thoughtful strength and he of course is delighted with her impulsive willingness to charge forward full speed ahead, regardless of risks and consequences, in order to do the things she truly believes in.

Katia has a rare gift, difficult and painful for her to use, but we get to see her cope with that which adds to the drama. We not only get to watch how Katia and Nik succeed in their quest (while miraculously avoiding expulsion) but see them discover a whole new threat to all pureblood vampires, the Red Dawn.

There are those jealous classmates, of course, plus the headmaster from hell and Katia must deal with them as well. That just makes things fun. I really hope this series continues for several more books so we can continue to enjoy the fun all the more.
Profile Image for GTR33GURL.
850 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2015
Red dawn picks up where crossroads finished with the cure for the blood disease being stolen by rebels and shay is fading fast Katia and Nik have to do something she can't lose her best friend Katia is still as strong and sassy as ever Nik still by her side lots of kisses but still unsure where there relationship stands lots of action in this one and more secrets are revealed this is all action I love Katia's relationship with Aldo her pseudo father he is all a father should be such a wonderful man and leader of the Vampires and Katia the heir to all of that but is she going to be able to hold her secrets for much longer well your going to have to read the next book Bloodlines to find out great work J J Bonds!!!
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