Vampire Academy - R. Mead

[Heather]

[Whitney]

Love the sereis I enjoy the earlier books better than the last one and the Spirit Bound is similar so far.

[Heather]

Shadow Kiss was my favorite.

I had no intention of reading this series. I picked up book 1 on accident so I read it anyways. I'm glad I did, because it's a lot of fun.

[Mairead]

SK was my favourite too. The best by far. Romance and Action perfectly balanced. Plus plenty of Christian, and plenty of heartbreak. :(

[Holly]

i have to say i didnt like shawdow kiss as much as the others yes i love the last scene and i cried but it was way to dramatized throughout the reading.Blood promise was written differently then the others to and not in its contents but the way she wrote it made me think richelle mead was losing her touch. But Spirit bound was good and i have high expectations for last sacrifice. Hopefully mead got out of her slump

[Darcy]

I like these, I like the different take on vampires and the whole dhampire thing. Some of the books have been better than others, and some characters I like better than others. I am both looking forward to and not to the next one as it is the last and I really like Rose. I know she is doing a spin off series, so I have hopes that she sticks in this world.

[Whitney]

movie now being optioned wooohooo. i hope it doesnt suck :p lol

[Heather]

A lot of books have been optioned, but they don't always get off the ground. Let us know if you hear further news.

[Whitney]

k

[Carrie (Care)]

I know there are so many books where the rights are acquired, but nothing happens. For YA, The Mortal Instruments and The Hunger Games are probably the ones I hope actually make it. I think The Hunger Games would make a kick butt movie. Then there are a lot of times the movies are horrible! That is my worst nightmare for The Wheel of Time movie(s). As much as I'd die to see it, I am terrified it will be butchered.

Vampire Academy would be fun, but they might have to put a couple books together or add to them. I think I'd like them better as books, but who knows.

Shadow Kiss is my favourite in the series. Blood Promise was probably the weakest, but I really liked Spirit Bound. I have such high hopes for The Last Sacrifice that I hope it can live up to my expectations.

[Whitney]

Frostbite was my fav and I read it in a day. Blood Promise was my least fav.

[Heather]

I hear Frostbite and my first thought is Women of the Otherworld, not Vampire Academy. It took me a second...

[Jessica B]

I loved Vampire Academy! Richelle Mead is my favourite author and it started with this series!

My favourite book was Blood Promise. I loved the dark and twisty emotions in this book. It was really interesting to get a look at Dimitri being "bad".

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3) was also really good, what with the horribly emotional ending but it just didn't have the same effect on me that Blood Promise did.

I loved Spirit Bound but I found it more of a filler type book. Although the ending had me falling right our of my seat. I'm really looking forward to Last Sacrifice... although I'm slightly sad this chapter of the Vampire Academy world is coming to an end.

[Heather]

This might be common knowledge, but I'll post it anyway:

Most of us know there will be a spin-off series. I just found out that the spin-off will consist of 6 books as well. I had originally thought there'd be one or two extra books, not an actual new series itself.

[[deleted user]]

Does anybody know who will lead the spin-off series? I heard it was Adrian, but I hope she introduces a whole new cast of characters. I think it would be cool to see the point of view from one of those people who feed the Miroi. I don't know, but I love the worldbuilding so I'm excited.

Also am I the only one who finds Rose really annoying? 3 books back I would have considered this blasphemous, but with each book she becomes more selfish and irritating.

[Heather]

There's info on her site concerning the spin-off, but beware, she spoils something from book 6.



***Spoiler***

"Last Sacrifice will be the last book about Rose, but it'll be followed by a spin-off series still set in the Vampire Academy world. Side characters we know from the current series will now be our main characters, and there'll be a whole new storyline (not the last one told from a different perspective). So far, there is no exact release date, but you can expect it near late summer/early fall of 2011.

At the moment, I'm not allowed to reveal the title, premise, or full cast of characters. I can tell you that it'll be written in third person, so we'll get a number of characters' perspectives. One of them will be Sydney. The others are a secret for now. Also, expect a cameo from Rose. :)"

Great, now I know Rose won't die. I was kind of uncertain. I thought maybe was a 20% chance she actually would. You hope the main character doesn't die, but sometimes they have to or you never panic.

[Shera (Book Whispers)]

Heather wrote: "This might be common knowledge, but I'll post it anyway:

Most of us know there will be a spin-off series. I just found out that the spin-off will consist of 6 books as well. I had originally thoug..."

How exciting. I couldn't bring myself to read about the spin-off. I don't want book 6 ruined!

[Heather]

Without spoiling anything, Zuleika asked what character was going to be the primary character. The gist of Mead's response is that it'll be third person so you'll get more than one perspective. And, she essentially said she can't really tell you a lot about what characters will be involved.

[Jen]

I haven't read this series, but own them. I have a neighbor who would like to borrow them... she is 13. Is this series appropriate for that age?

[Carrie (Care)]

I would say no. But I just found out my 11 year old niece has read the first one. I was totally shocked. I guess it's not that bad, but there is sex and fooling around. In the first it's mostly making out, but there is a scene where the character takes her shirt off and blood whores are mentioned. I don't think it would be that bad except the character doesn't even care about the guy she's with. I think it depends on the maturity of the teen as well.

I don't know. What do the rest of you think?

[Darcy]

I don't think it would be one for a kid that age.

[Heather]

Talk to her parents. A lot of 13 year olds have read it or worst. Let the parent decided. Or, just wait until they're officially in high school. It is technically YA. It's just geared more toward older teens.

[Carri]

Not that it is ok, but I am betting a 13 year old girl has heard or seen much worse. Think of the last PG 13 movie you saw... Probably a good idea to talk it over with parents.

[Carrie (Care)]

I agree with Carri. I was watching Gossip Girl last night and I was thinking of my 11 year old niece watching it and then comparing it to YA novels like VA. I guess in reality GG is much worse than most YA books. Although, I feel that when it is in a book it is more real because the feelings are described in detail. I never get goosebumps or shivers while watching people make out on tv, but I have while reading (some books anyway). I feel more like I am the character while reading. Still, I guess kids see much worse on tv and in movies.

I think if I were the parent I would like to discuss the book while my child was reading sections like that. I know a lot of parents either don't have time to do that or just aren't interested in doing that. It is a shame since it is a great way to have an open conversation about sex and sexual feelings and behaviours.

[[deleted user]]

I think it's rated 14 years and up, but personally i think it's fine to let a mature 13 year old read it. Lord knows what I was reading when I was 13

SPOILER
also, thanks Heather for the info! I'm glad Rose survives (I want a happy ending!), but I don't know how I feel about the third person POV :/. I'll guess we see, I can't wait for the next book/spinoff

[Stacia (the 2010 club)]

If you're looking for a more innocent PNR series to gift, I'd recommend the Dark Guardians series (wolves). There's no sex in them, and just a little bit of kissing. It's very cute first love type stuff. The covers are terrible though. :(

[Jen]

Thanks for the info everyone! I think it's a good idea to talk to her parents first. She is a very mature 13yr old, but I'll leave it up to them.

Also, thanks for the book recommendation!

[Carri]

Just finished Spirit Bound this morning. Loved it.

[Darcy]

I just found out that Mead is coming to the Twin Cities on her tour with the last book. I am tempted to go, but what makes me not want to is that it will be at the Mall of America, there will be lots of teen girls doing the screaming thing, and I don't buy her books. If I knew for sure she was going to talk about things I would go for sure.

[Irene]

I'm over halfway through right now. I'm loving it. However, I'm very much team Adrian and I just don't see that happening. She likes him and she knows she should give him a chance but she just can't do it. She wants her teacher, Dimitri.

[Carri]

I loved her with Dimitri so much, that I could never really accept her relationship with Adrian. It just never seemed right to me. I am still not going to enjoy her breaking his heart in the next book.

[Irene]

Well I just finished . I think I can say without risking spoilers that I don't think poor old Adrian has a chance. Dimitri showed his true feelings for her when he tried to defend her from the queen's guardians.
It's the romance formula, I don't see Richelle Mead deviating from it. They've loved each other from the beginning. They've tried to deny it. Things have come between them. But in the end, they were meant to be together. Poor old Adrian is just plot fodder.

[Shera (Book Whispers)]

Personally I want her to kill Dimitri off. Deviation would be nice for once.

[Irene]

Well I don't know if I actually want him killed. But maybe if he became obsessed with Lissa or something...

[Shera (Book Whispers)]

I've only read up to book 3. So all I know is that Dimitri has been "turned."

I just feel someone should slay him. I've never really been fond of him.

[Samantha]

Shera (Book Whispers) wrote: "I've only read up to book 3. So all I know is that Dimitri has been "turned." I just feel someone should slay him. I've never really been fond of him."

I've only finished the first two, but I have to agree deviation from same-ness would be a good thing (sorry Dmitri fans!). From what I hear about her other series, Mead is pretty great at messing with the love lives of her characters.

[Shera (Book Whispers)]

Samantha wrote: "From what I hear about her other series, Mead is pretty great at messing with the love lives of her

That's what I'm counting on!

[Stacia (the 2010 club)]

Just kill off Lissa.

I'll take whoever Rose doesn't pick. I can work with either.

[Shera (Book Whispers)]

Ha-ha!!

Sad about Lissa, though

[[deleted user]]

hahah, poor Lissa. I really want a happy ending though, so I hope nobody dies (and Adrian finds ~love with some other lady in the spin-off. preferably me)

Just one month and then the last sacrifice comes out!

[Heather]

Aiden has worked his butt off to become a better person for her. That's what makes it so hard. I'm sure she'll go with Demetri, but I don't have a clear cut "team" on this one. Although, the whole teacher/student thing bothered me... I get that they're fairly close in age, but I still have this mental block in my head. Thank goodness!

[Irene]

She's 17, he's 24. At 17, 24 is too old. Just my opinion. And the teacher thing- YUCK!!!

[Shera (Book Whispers)]

This age doesn't bother me. Edward was 110 and she was 17 in twilight. Even if he looked like a teen that's an age difference.

7 years difference does not bother me.

[Hillary]

I <3 Dimitri and Adrian. In book 5 I found myself rooting for him, but then being like "YES!" when she would still pine for Dimitri. I cannot wait for the last book...so sad its coming to an end!

As for the age thing, I don't see a problem with that. I never have, I've dated people that much older than me before. However the teacher thing is ify. BUT I do give him kudos for trying to be a good adult! lol She was only a few months from 18...!

[Heather]

7 years is one thing when the other one isn't a teacher and the other isn't in their teens. I think once both parties are in past 21 it's up to them, but even though I was very mature and responsible for 17/18, but it still didn't seem right to me to date someone that was outside of 2 years older or younger than me. (Although, again, I was very mature at 21, I don't feel like I really got settled into who I was and what I wanted until I was around 24/25). People grow and change too much during that time period. I remember freaking out when I was 20 and a 27 year old asked me on a date. He just had life experiences I wasn't even close to yet and it put odd expectations on me that I didn't want.
Just, teaching kids... I know that there are some kids I've had where it's easy to forget they're young. They talk and act like mature adults in every way. If they weren't your student and say someone you played sports with or something you'd love to hang out with them as friends, but I'd never do that with my students. Once they graduate, they can come on over and watch the game (no alcohol!) and have dinner with my husband and I, but while in my class I can't do it. It'd be fun and probably help some kids, but it makes other kids feel like they're being treated unfairly, or are outcast if they're not able to come, plus sticky legal issues and what not. But a relationship, relationship...no. There's a built in sensor that keeps me from even going there in my head for some reason. It's rather convenient to have.

[Carrie (Care)]

The age thing didn't bother me so much, but the student/teacher part did. That should never have happened until Rose graduated and was 18.

I was 18 and my husband 23 when we got serious (we knew eachother forever and dated a bit before). We moved in together pretty fast too, but that was 16 years ago. He was the oldest guy I ever went out with. In fact, I never would have dated somebody his age before him. He was immature though and I was mature so maybe that is why it worked.

[[deleted user]]

SPOILERS to book 4/5

I think the 'rule' for the youngest you can date is half your age + 7 years. So 24 : 2 = 12 + 7 = 19. So according to this thing that makes her too young for him. I also don't find Rose to be very mature for her age (She is still a kickbutt strong lady, but for me she is too ruled by her emotions to be considered 'mature'). But I don't think the student/teacher thing between them is that wrong. I'm against any relationship were one person has more 'power' over the other and while that was the case in the first few books, now I do see Rose & Dimitri as equals. To me he was always more of a mentor then a teacher really. But real life teacher-student relationships really squick me out.

Personally I prefer Adrian, but it's more like a 'I like this guy for myself, not the main character' thing. Even if Dimitri dies (i hope not, but there is always the possibility) I know Rose and Adrian will never work out, because she is so focused on Dimitri. (something I found annoying about Rose in Spirit Bound was that she was so into saving Dimitri that she treated her friends like crap). I hope Rose ends up with Dimitri, because I think Adrian deserve someone who loves him 100%.

Also a cranky sidenote: but was anybody else annoyed when Dimitri ended up alive at the end of book 4? I actually really like Dimitri & Rose together which is why I bawled my eyes out during the whole fourth book, so when at the ending it was like: HAHA JUST KIDDING I'M ALIVE I was pissed because I was grieving for no friggin reason. And since then I've been sort of annoyed by him haha

[Heather]

See, Carrie...you guys knew each other for a while. Knowing someone for a year makes it still odd. And I do get that Dimitri didn't have that much power over her, but it still could have gotten them into series trouble. I could forgive him liking her, but sleeping with her while she's a student just seems wrong. Although, I will admit, I love the books and at first I didn't think about it. But, if it were off the fictional pages and in the real world I think everyone would have issues with it.

[Whitney]

I love how Mead touches on issues that go on in our world too. Like the race thing with Moroi and Dhampir. Sometimes when your living it its kinda hard to see whats really going on. Even in todays age people who are different are treated differently and some that date out of their race are looked at like the moroi look at rose and adirian.It teaches kids a great lesson.

[Heather]

I really liked Carrie Vaughns' Voices of Dragons for the prejedice issue. For some reason when I read VA, even though I read about the issues, they don't linger in my mind because there are a lot of other things going on in the book that I get caught up in. I liked VoD because it was the dominant theme and you didn't get distracted, but a bunch of other themes.