Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5)

by Richelle Mead

[Angie]

Spirit Bound is my favorite of the series now! I had forgotten just how emotionally intense it was. I felt like I was on the verge of a heart attack and an emotional breakdown, and getting closer with each page I read. It was all too much. My heart hurts for Rose and Dimitri even though I know what's to come. I just can't help it! Just so you're warned, this review focuses on the romance(s), since that's what I paid the most attention to, and in fact it dominates the plot. So yeah.

Of course, I need to start with Dimitri. He's after Rose and knows that once she graduates, and is away from the school, he can get to her. Or get her to come to him. Spirit Bound is mainly focused on Rose's next insane plan to save him or destroy him. She goes to incredible lengths to get to the one person who can help her. This part is super fast and action packed. Then things take an emotional turn and I was almost overcome with tears...again. Then my heart broke for Rose. And then I think my heart stopped during Dimitri's heartfelt speech about how things are different now. I just can't take much more of this! I want my happy ending already!

Regardless of the fact that Spirit Bound is the best book in the series, it also contains my favorite scene. You'd probably assume it has to do with Dimitri, but you'd be wrong. This is a Rose and Adrian scene and I had been eagerly anticipating rereading since I started book one for the second time. It is seriously the greatest thing to come out of this series. It's hot. Really, really hot. It's nothing graphic, but holy hell. I actually really loved seeing Rose and Adrian's relationship. Even though he jokes around a lot, Adrian is clearly is a very kind and understanding guy. I have no doubt that he'd be faithful and give Rose the world, but I can't see them ever being together long term. It's simply not where her heart is. Adrian deserves someone who will put him first, and that is not Rose. But still, favorite scene. Even if it makes me feel kind of like a pervert.

Spirit Bound has a lot of other stuff going on, such as vampire politics which are seriously getting heated! There's also the matter of a convicted criminal on the loose, the fact that there's a new way to fight Strigoi, and Lissa getting her place on the royal council. It's all in preparation for the final book where everything blows up! Including my heart. Of course, it also ends on the most epic cliffhanger ever, so be sure to have Last Sacrifice on hand.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.