October 2009, Penguin
230 pages, Paperback
Personal Copy - that's why my cover is different
Young Adult, paranormal
Vampires & fangs, boarding school life, some alcohol use, moderate teen/adult relationships, gore & fierce fighting scenes, death, friendship, special abilities, tragedy,
Summary from Penguin's website
It's winter break at St Vladimir's, and a massive Strigoi vampire attack has put the school on high alert. This year's trip away from the academy to the wintery peaks of Idaho has suddenly become mandatory.
But Rose's troubles seem to follow her wherever she goes - dealing with the pain of knowing that her relationship with her tutor Dimitri can never be, things get even more complicated when one her closest friends admits his feelings for her.
The glittering winter landscape may create the illusion of safety but Rose - and her heart - are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...
Nayuleska's thoughts
I actually posted this review many months ago. My newer comments are in bold.
Having read the first book, naturally I needed to read the second. I liked Rose a little less in this book, her attitude seemed quite different. However, the reason for this is revealed at the end, which had me looking at Rose in a totally different light. On the second read through, I actually think I understand why Rose acted the way she did. Although she's complying about being at the academy for Lissa's sake, she's still not comfortable there. After being away for 2 years with Lissa, she's back to living with a lot of rules. Dimitri is pretty much keeping her at arms length. Lissa's saying she ought to date other students. There's some serious danger from the strigoi. Although at times, Rose's greatest new threat is her own mother.
She spends less time with Lissa in this installment. I wasn't so keen on this when I first read it because I like Lissa. I love Rose too now, as much as Lissa. It doesn't stop me hoping that I learn more about Lissa's life, and thanks to the bond they share I get to do this. The focus is more on her training as a Guardian (which involves hair-raising scenes which had me nearly in tears). This is true - but pretty obvious since she's training to be a guardian! On this second read I was nearly in floods of tears at the end - I honestly don't know why I initially wasn't keen on this book. There's a lot to Rose which isn't like me, but I can still relate to her. I love every bit of her, and having to watch her go through agony again was hard. The funniest new character was her mother - they don't exactly have a close relationship. I think few people get black eyes from their mothers during training. This was even funnier 2nd time round!
Final thoughts
Rose learns that the dreams she aspires to aren't so amazing when they come true. Success comes at a huge price. I still agree this is really true, and I believe this can be said about life in general. Dreams are worthy chasing, but there is always a sacrifice of some sort, small, medium or large.
Liked this? Make sure you've read the first book in the VA series: Vampire Academy
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