Tuesday, March 4, 2014

{Review} Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss
by Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy #3
Pages: 443
Release Date: November 13, 2008
by Razorbill (an imprint of Penguin)

Goodreads / Purchase
It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erratically, and worst of all... might be seeing ghosts.

As Rose questions her sanity, new complications arise. Lissa has begun experimenting with her magic once more, their enemy Victor Dashkov might be set free, and Rose's forbidden relationship with Dimitri is starting to heat up again. But when a deadly threat no one saw coming changes their entire world, Rose must put her own life on the line - and choose between the two people she loves most.

First Read: June 25-June 25, 2013
Review:

There was a long gap between when I read Vampire AcademyFrostbite, and now this book.  Usually when that happens I forget most of the details and have no clue what's going on.  It's a testament to how amazing this series is that I actually had no problem remembering all the details.
This book had it all: action, writing, amazing cast, everything.  The idea was great and really carried on the story from book 2.  Richelle wrote this book very well, perfectly staging all the events and creating a great story line.  In Vampire Academy, there was non-stop action throughout the book.  I feel like this one didn't have as much action.  It was kind of boring at times, but, I must admit, the ending totally made up for it.  It was simply amazing.  Sexy, kick-ass, and so freaking suspenseful.  I coulnd't stop reading!  And OMG!!!  I couldn't believe what happened.  I seriously wanted to start crying.  When it first happened I was like, "No.  Way.  Mead can't do that".  And then I was like, "Oh crap, she just did that."  Those of you who have read this book know what I'm talking about, and I'm sure you will agree with me.
I must admit that Rose ranks pretty high up on my Most-Kick-Ass-Fictional-Chicks list because she is super kick-butt.  She's fearless, kick-ass, and a really really strong character.  I love her.
I actually forgot how freaking sexy Dimitri is until I started this book.  I fell completely in love with him in Vampire Academy, and now I'm falling for him again.  He's so cute, nice, sexy, and kick-ASS!  I love him!!!  *drools over keyboard*  Rose is so lucky.
Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.  After an ending like this one I really need to get my hands on the fourth book ASAP!


Disclaimer: Like I said before, if you've read this book you probably know what happened at the end.  If you decide to comment on this review please don't put any spoilers in those comments so as not to ruin it for anyone who hasn't read this fabulous book yet.  Thanks! :)

4 stars


Second Read: January 15-January 20, 2014
Review:

Let the feels begin
I don’t really know where to start with this book, or this series.  It’s just amazing.  Granted, it isn’t very well written, but the story is just so interesting and the world is so engrossing that it doesn’t even matter.  This book was funny, thrilling, sad, and feel-inducing.  I loved how Mead continued the series and the world that she has managed to create is so amazing that I don’t want to leave.  The story line and staging were both very well done and there was, I felt, a lot of information in this book, not just action.  I have to give credit to Mead because she describes everything so well that I feel like I’m actually there when something is happening.  It completely draws me into the book.  The ending was absolutely heartbreaking.  [SPOILER: You have the moment of elation when you think “Yes, Dimitri and Rose will FINALLY be able to be together and gosh they just love each other so much” and then shortly after you have this sinking feeling and think “They just finally truly accepted that they love each other and they’re so happy and then Dimitri has to go and be turned Strigoi and now my heart is broken.”]  Gee, thanks Mead.  But, other than that, I loved the ending, with all the action and fighting, and also all the change that is going to happen.  This book did a lot of world building and setting up for the rest of the series.
On a theoretical note, [SPOILER: I can’t figure out what is going to happen to Lissa.  Rose is going to kill Dimitri, but I think that, somehow, Dimitri is going to come back.  So I guess Lissa will be out of the series for a while. ]  That’s an interesting way for Mead to take the series.

This cast is one of the best I’ve ever read.  Rose Hathaway is like my favorite person ever.  She’s my spirit sister. I really wish I was her so I could be a kick-ass fighter and of course so I could get Dimitri.  I love Rose’s spunk, attitude, big mouth, personality, and inability to follow orders.  I’d like to think we’re kind of the same because we both have short tempers and dark hair haha.  But yeah, Rose is awesome.

I also feel the need to mention Eddie because he was in this book a lot.  I really liked him.  He was so damaged but at the same time so strong.  I kind of have mixed feelings about Lissa though, [SPOILER:  because she refused to heal Dimitri (even if he was still human) and was so selfish when it came to Rose leaving for Dimitri. ] I sometimes find Lissa annoying.  Even though her and Rose are best friends I don't think Lissa realizes just how much Rose is giving up for her.

Dimitri “Russian God” Belikov, get in my bed.  Now.  I don’t even know where to begin with Dimitri.  This man is just perfect.  He’s dark, he’s brooding, and he’s deadly.  But at the same time he’s sweet and caring and gentle and reads Western books and always wants to do the right thing and [SPOILER: I just can’t believe he’s gone and I cried and my feels are hurting and IT’S NOT OKAY!  I’M NOT OKAY!  MY BABY HAS TO COME BACK! ]

I HAVE to know what happens next.  [SPOILER: Dimitri is hanging in the balance and I need to know how this all ends. ] I love the characters and the world for this series, and I don’t want it ever to end.


 5 stars
Richelle Mead's other YA books:

Bloodlines series (5 and counting books)

2 comments:

  1. Squeee I remember how emotional and awesome this book was! Yes, and absolutely painful. The next book is more painful. But, I think it is the book after that when things get better. And Lissa plays a big role. Just hang in there! And I'm glad you love Dimka as much as I do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugh it was so painful! I don't want to believe what happened! I love Dimitri SO MUCH I love him and Rose together.

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