After two years on the run, best friends Rose, half-human/half-vampire, and Lissa, a mortal vampire princess, are caught and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy. Up until then, Rose had kept Lissa safe from her enemies; school, however, brings both girls additional challenges and responsibilities. Rose is training to become Lissa's guardian - one to protect her from the Strigoi (undead vampires who are immortal and have no humanity). Lissa is in line to take over for Queen Tatiana queen of the vampires. Lissa is the only member left of her royal family line. Rose deals with her new trainer - Dimitri who was the one who captured them to bring them back to the Academy. She struggles with growing adoration for him as well as getting back into the swing of things at school. How they handle peer pressure, nasty gossip, new relationships, and anonymous threats may mean life or death. Likable narrator Rose hides doubts about her friend behind a tough exterior; orphan Lissa, while coping with difficult emotional issues such as depression and survivor's guilt after her whole family dies, uses her emerging gifts for good. The take on vampires in this book is unique and Rose is an extremely likeable character. You want to go on her life's journey with her....let's face it, you want to be her, even with all the stuff she has to go through. She is a strong personality and a strong fighter. Is Rose strong enough to protect Lissa from the Strigoi...and from herself?
Review: 10 out of 10.
Love this series. It was a toss up between this one and House of Night. They both have different view points on vampires and both of the main characters are extremely likable, but I may have to go with this one. Mead's absorbing, debut YA novel, the first in a new series, blends intricately detailed fantasy with a contemporary setting, teen-relevant issues, and a diverse, if sometimes sterotyped, cast of supporting characters (cute puppy dog red headed boy who likes Rose, who SPOILERS 'gasp' dies in front of her). Occasional steamy sex and a scattering of vulgar language demand mature readers, but teens able to handle the edgy elements will speed through this vamp story and anticipate the next installment. Love, love, love it. It makes me sad that there is only one book left that won't be here for a little while...
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