Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1)

by Richelle Mead

[Angie]

Vampire Academy is a book that I read a few years ago and loved, and upon finishing my second read through, I think I love it even more! Of course my opinion might be biased, since I was able to connect a lot of little details to events in later books that I hadn’t been able to notice the first time. Aside from that though, it was a super fun read and I absolutely love the vampire world that the author has created. It’s also full of a cast of diverse characters, some of which I like more than others. However, the plot is very simple and not really the focus, which may turn off some readers.

You know all of those brown haired heroines who think they’re plain and ugly? You won’t find one of those in Vampire Academy! Rose is pretty much the opposite. She’s confident in her looks, almost to the point of being cocky. She’s foul mouthed, impulsive, and has a bit of an attitude problem. I can definitely understand why many readers dislike her, but I think she’s feisty and refreshing from the usual. She’s also super kick ass, although not quite as good as she thinks she is. Rose is fiercely loyal to her BFF, Lissa, whom she’ll be a guardian to one day (assuming she graduates). Lissa is a great balance for Rose, and vice versa. I absolutely love their friendship, even when Rose is being a meddling bitch, which Lissa does call her out on.

The plot definitely takes the backseat to the world building, and is actually structured in a way that lends itself to even more world building! Vampire Academy essentially gives us a crash course in vampire history and politics which I found fascinating. This is definitely some of my favorite vampire mythology. Rose is a dhampir, a half vampire. Dhampirs serve two purposes in this world: guardian or blood whore (someone who freely gives their blood, probably during sex). Rose is hoping to become the former, but with her record she may end up disgraced as the latter. Then there’s the Moroi, who are the good vampires. They can wield magic from the elements, but are mortal. Finally, there’s Strigoi, the evil, immoral, and immortal vampires. Of course, there’s also all kinds of social structure and history involving all three groups, and we get it all! I didn’t find it info-dumpy at all, but there is a lot of information to keep straight.

For most of Vampire Academy, we see Lissa and Rose trying to get back into the swing of things after a two year absence from their special vampire school. In addition to the general vampire politics at play, there’s also a ridiculous amount of high school politics. I had forgotten all about this. It is a bit silly, but I found it entertaining. Lissa is working her way up to being queen bee since that’s what is expected of her, while Rose is trying to keep slutty rumors at bay. The teenage social hierarchy wouldn’t be complete without a blonde mean girl, and a broody, misunderstood loser (whom I love to pieces!). Then there’s some instance where dead animals are left for Lissa and no one knows who’s leaving them until the last 50 pages or so where the action and plot pick up.

Vampire Academy is a world building dominated introduction to a fabulous series. I’m so glad that I reread it, since now I can appreciate the following books even more. Do not let the weak plot deter you from reading this series! It gets so much better after the vampire society is established. Rose’s attitude is also taken down a notch by the end of the book, making her more likeable. It also has the start of one of my favorite romances ever! I will admit that I am totally in love with Dmitri and I’m still rooting for him to get the girl despite being much older and her mentor!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.