Rose and Lissa are more than best friends. Lissa is part of a royal vampiric but peaceful race; Rose is one of the few female guardians who protect them. And they share a deeper bond that was formerly only true in folktales. They are returned to the Vampire Academy after running away and surviving on their own for a time. Neither is terribly happy to be back in school but they find there is much to learn about themselves and each other. As they re-integrate into school society, Rose strives to keep Lissa safe and sane as they discover the depth of the danger they're in.

Rose and Lissa make an interesting pair. Teen girls will identify with the strong bond of a best friend and hopefully with the conflicted but smart and resilient personalities of the pair. ( )

I picked up this series merely because of the vampire suject and was pleasantly surprised. The books present a world where two kinds of vampires exist along with half-vampires, all unknown to humans. The series is a light read, entertaining and full of action. My only complaint is that there are several grammatical errors throughout the books which can be slightly annoying. ( )

I am not usually one who enjoys this genre of young adult books, but I enjoyed this one and will be reading the next one in the series. I thought this was much better than Twilight. ( )

I enjoyed this book. Even more than I actually expected. I liked the slightly different take on the world of vampires with the Miori and Strigoi and the damphir. And loved the use of the girls’ bond to create a pseudo omniscience. While the plot was fairly predictable (feeding my inner teen girl), there were a few twists in there that I didn’t see coming. I also enjoyed the early set ups for future important events. I really appreciate Mead for adding heat into this book without actually having to be gratuitous. This book gets a 4/5 for the entertainment value (read: crack like draw) and the scene where the teacher reads the girls’ note passed during class. It was nearly all I could do to write this quick review before jumping face first into the next book in the series. This was also my first electronic book experience. It’s no comparison for being able to curl up with a well loved paper text, but for brief computer time distractions, it worked well. ( )

This was super cute, fast-paced read with likable main characters and a fantastic, addictive plotline. Add in the fact that it's all about vampires, and we've got ourselves a winner of a book.
Richelle Mead's vision of a world in which vampires exist in the underground, unknown to MOST humans (except the feeders - um, ick!), is vivid and unique, something different from the typical vampire world most YA readers have been getting used to recently.
The Moroi are the living vampires, who are protected by the half-human half-vampire Dhampirs from the Strigoi, the dead vampires. In the beginning, it was a little bit difficult to keep all of this straight, but as the story continued, her world became as natural and real as the world I am living in today.
Honestly, I was amazed and awed with the way in which Mead populated a world full of the good guy vampires we have come to love, but without letting go of the evil undead blood-sucking vampire image.

Moroi = good but weak. Strigoi = bad and vicious. Dhampir = good and loyal.
And loyal the Dhampir are. Rose, a Dhampir and our narrator, is so loyal to her protege, Lissa, princess of a dying Moroi line, that it could almost be considered a fault. Rose's relationship with Lissa, while being paranormal, is also something all teenagers can relate to, either because they have a best friend or they dream of having a best friend as loyal as Rose. I know that I personally have sacrificed much for friends. I can be loyal to a fault, and so, while I think it's extreme how Rose would sacrifice EVERYTHING for Lissa, how her entire life is about protecting her, I can also understand.

Mead brings this loyalty to a whole new level, though. Because it's not just about two people, about Lissa and Rose. It's also about two races of people (vampire?). The relationship between the Moroi and the Dhampir, in general, is horrifying in that an entire race is willing to sacrifice their lives and happiness for another, weaker race. And yet, because Mead has written the story from Rose's point of view, it also seems completely natural. Like the only way things could possibly be.

And that was one of the greatest things about this book. It was written from Rose's point of view; Rose the protector, Rose the bodyguard. The character who rarely has a voice was allowed to express herself loud and clear.
This book was dark yet fun; easy to read yet with a whole slew of deeper meaning.
This book had me neglecting everyone and everything in my life while I was reading it, unable to stop turning the pages, unable to put it down for even a second.
In other words, I liked it. :-) ( )

Surprisingly good. I was ready for another candy read, but this was a bit more. It could be a YA book, but on the older end of the spectrum. It's a neat new world & take on vampires.

The copy editor could have done a better job. There were more than a few goofs, but nothing that hurt the story terribly. Well worth the read & I'm looking forward to reading more of the series. ( )

I hated Twilight, so I started looking for another vampire series that was actually GOOD. I came across Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series. Well, I was hooked from page 1. Her world of vampires is really intriguing. I'm now onto the third book and I'm eagerly awaiting the 4th. ( )

Rose and Lissa are friends and Rose is half vampire and half human and Lissa is a Moroi prinsses.They were on the run for 2 years.Now return to the academy they will continue to train and break hearts.I feel like the book shows a real test of friendship. ( )

Reviewed by JodiG. for TeensReadToo.com

Rose and Lissa are best friends who share an unimaginable bond, even by vampire standards. Now, after time spent on the run, they have been returned to the school from which they escaped to face ridicule, speculation, and danger.

Welcome to St. Vladimir's Academy, a private high school for vampires and the half-bloods who are bound to protect them. The Moroi are vampires, and the descendants of Moroi royalty are the social elite of St. Vladimir's. The Moroi are at constant risk, though. The Strigoi, the fiercest vampires, are out to get them, any way they can. The Moroi are protected by Dhampirs, guardians who are sworn to lay down their lives to assure that the Moroi bloodlines continue.

Rose is a Dhampir and Lissa is the last of the Dragomir line of Moroi royalty. Rose and Lissa share a special bond; one that nearly assures that Rose will be Lissa's guardian for life. Returning to school, however, proves to be more difficult than either of them imagined. The social politics have changed during their absence and Rose and Lissa are both the topic of several rumors. Their sudden disappearance, their time on the run, and their return are all subjects for speculation. In some instances, the truth may cause them more harm than rumors ever could.

In addition to the social pressures, Lissa may be in even more danger than anyone could have imagined. In addition to being Moroi and royalty, Lissa seems to have special abilities that haven't been seen among the Moroi in centuries. Abilities that make her an even more tantalizing target to the Strigoi.

VAMPIRE ACADEMY is a thrilling adventure that draws you along and makes you continue to turn the pages. As the danger to Lissa gets closer, it gets more difficult to put the book down. In a world that seems saturated with vampire books, Richelle Mead has created characters and a world that is both unique and believable. ( )

Just when I thought I had read everything there was about vampires, I am introduced to the world of Moroi, dhampirs, and Strigoi. It is an unusual mythology but it works. Vampires who are alive, part-human part-vampire, and evil vampires who are officially dead - they make for an intriguing mix, fantastically believable.

Make no mistake, this is not going to win any awards. Ms. Mead is no Shakespeare. The vocabulary is weak, and there are way too many grammatical errors in this book. For a moment, I thought I was reading an ARC, but alas, I paid money for it. The errors definitely detracted from the book. The dialogue wavers from waxing poetic to being overly stilted. However, anyone who reads this is not expecting Tolstoy-type work. What makes this book work is the characters. Rose is an amazing example of female power and a great role model for teenage girls. She grows from a spoiled teen to someone who realizes and accepts her responsibilities with the proper mix of respect and grace. It's refreshing to see a teenager grow that much in one short book. In addition, the fact that she excels in a male-dominated role is an even greater example of female power. If anyone proves that women can play with the big boys, Rose does. Rose definitely reminds me of Buffy, and that's definitely not a bad thing.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with Rose, Lissa, and Dimitri. I'm anxious to read what else happens, if Rose will ever get her man, and if Lissa will ever be able to resolve her powers. I would love to see more of the Strigoi and see how Rose handles them. It was a light, fun read that I would recommend to the young-at-heart and fantasy-inclined.

What did you think? Agree or disagree? ( )

Not that long ago, I read Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast, and there are some similarities between these novels; they're set in campire schools, and vampire students can specialise in elemental magic. But there the similarites end. Anyone who may dismiss Vampire Academy of being another Marked - like I believed it would be - should stop now. I liked Marked, but I loved Vampire Academy!

The plot and structure of this book are just outstanding! It's told from Rose's point of view, and a fair few times, the past is mentioned in conversation without an explanation, but the flash backs come a little later - and the plot is so complicated that the smallest detail, either something in the past or smething said in conversation, can end up becoming a big puzzle piece later on down the line. Nothing in this novel is there by chance. I was copletelyblown away byhow everytingfit together!

I love the mythology in the novel of the mortal vampires, Morai, and the immortal vampires, Stigoi, who are evil incarnate, afeed from Morai to be at their strongest. Even the Dhmpure are cool, the guardians who protect the Morai from the Strigoi. It's fascinting!

It was awesome having Rose narrates the story too, as she is extremely tough and loyal, with a wicked sense of humour. It was unexpected, as, generally, vamps tend to be the strongest; I was thinking Lissa would have all the action and Rose would be "watching fom the sidelines"so to speak, we wouldn't get it first hand. But Rose was always right in there. And the action was just awesome, it definitely gets the adrenalin rushing.

Lissa is such a lovely girl, and wouldn't hurt a fly, but as nice as she is, the girl has issues, so with Rose narrating, it wasn't as heavy, or fluffy, as it could have been. We get some brilliant literary-candy in this book, too. If Dimitri, guardian and Rose's mentor, dosen't get the heart pumping, I'll be amazed! He is just amazing!

I so can't wait to read the next in the series, Frostbite! Its going to be awesome, I just know it! Go read Vampire Academy, now! ( )

Recently on one of my few and far between trips to Barnes & Noble, I happened on the "teen reading" table when a book caught my eye. The word "vampire" jumped out at me and I just had to pick it up. After reading the synopsis on the back, I felt compelled to pick the book up. Am I ever glad I did!

"Vampire Academy" is the first book in a series by Richelle Mead. The premise is this: vampires are real. They have their own schools, their own subculture to keep them from being used as experiments. There are three main groups in this culture - the Moroi, Strigoi, and Dhampirs.

Moroi are living vampires. They're like you and me only with fangs and they drink blood. But they can be killed in a car accident just like you or me. Strigoi are the undead vampires. Not born, they're made. Dhampirs are half human, half vampire. They serve mostly as guardians for the Moroi.

"Vampire Academy" was a book that I honestly could not put down. The characters in this book are compelling and the story demands that you continue to read, even after your eyes are about to close on their own! In fact, I found this book to be much more compelling than any of the books in the "Twilight" series. And we all know how popular that series is!

This book is a must read for any vampire novel lover, and any lover of supernatural teen reading. ( )

Sept. 2009-

Rose and Lissa escaped St-Vladimir's not convinced of their security anymore, but after 2 years of run-aways they got caught and brought back to the school. St-Vladimir's ain't normal school tho, it's a secured area deep in the woods where Moroi and Dhampir learns the way of their society. And what a society! Richelle Mead builds an awesome world with 3 major races. Moroi are "nice vampires" they live in society, they have royalties, they feed off willing blood donors and their number are dropping insanely. Stroigoi are your classic bad vampire, they are undead, damned, can't be exposed to light. Storgois are either Moroi who killed while feeding, or a moroi/dhampir/human bitten buy a strogoi and turned against there will. Dhampirs are half-humans, half-vampires. They can go into the light, but can't use magic like morois, but they are stronger then both humans and morois. Dhampirs are trained to protect the morois.
Story takes place at St-Vladimir's and is built around gossips, parties, forbidden love and fear. The school still isn't safe for Lissa and Rose does the best she can to protect her. Unfortunately enemies ain't always the ones you think.

I had a hard time at the very beginning of the novel to understand the whole society evolved, but got taken by the story very quickly. The plot is awesome, characters are great. Rose is so clever, always that in-your-face funny answers. She's a thought girl but also has her own issues. Mead's description are so realistic you can pictures every single details, you can also feel the tension in key moments. I couldn't put the book down until the end and ran to the store to get the following book!
I actually loved this book more the twilight series.
In fact this series is my all time favorite. ( )

Normally vamp novels are ick, and this was one of those series I eyeballed for months before I picked it up on a whim. The very best worldbuilding I've seen in a long time. Smart. ( )

I picked up the e-book for the first book in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series so that I could read it on my road trip to Yellowstone, Wyoming, with the family. This novel is Mead’s first attempt at teen fiction, though she has been rather successful in the category of adult fantasy.

Vampire Academy is told from the point of view of Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir (half-human, half-vampire), who is training to be a guardian for her best friend, Lissa Dragomir, who is a Moroi (mortal vampire, usually with some sort of ability in one of the elements: fire, water, earth, air, or spirit).

After having run away in order to protect Lissa from an unknown threat, the two girls are caught and brought back to the Academy. But something isn’t quite right, and the threats resume, and it becomes more difficult to tell friend from foe. Then there’s the always looming problem of the Strigoi–immortal vampires who get their power from drinking the blood of Moroi and Dhampirs. Throw in a forbidden romance, and it makes for an interesting read.

This first book in the Vampire Academy series is full of the stereotypical forbidden romance often present in teen novels, however, it does take an interesting new perspective on the mythology of vampires, and it is obvious that the topic has been well-researched by the author. In this book, Mead displays an adequate talent in storycrafting, and knows how to throw enough suspense in to keep the readers turning pages. ( )

Readers Annotation:
Lissa and Rose ran away from St. Vladimir’s school two years ago. When they are caught and forced to go back Rose must be careful to protect her friend Rose from the evil that wishes to destroy her.
Plot Summary:
Lissa and Rose ran away from their school, St. Vladimir's, two years ago. Now they've been caught and must return. St. Vladimir's is not your average boarding school. It's the school for Moroi and Dhampirs. Moroi are mortal vampire royalty with a deep relation to elemental magic. They are at a constant risk though from Strigoi, or immortal vampires, who hunt them and are always trying to kill them. There is also Dhampirs, or half vampires. A Dhampir's most important job is to protect the Moroi they are assigned to. Rose is Lissa's, Dhampir and is dedicated to protecting her. She even tries to protect her from the other students who make fun of her. St. Vladimir's is supposed to be a safe haven for Morois, but it seems there could be a traitor within the gates?
Evaluation:
I really enjoyed this book and was easily caught up in Lissa and Rose's lives. The beginning of the book was a little confusing because the author thrust you into the story without explaining anything about the characters first. Around the second or third chapter the characters were explained and the story was easier to follow. The story line was filled with suspense. While vampires were the main focus, it didn't take over the entire book and there were also some essential plots. A romance also developed between Rose and one of the main characters, making this book a great romance also. Ages: 17+/Interests: Vampire, Gothic Romance.
Reason Included: This bestselling series has won honors from the American Library Association and been on a number of lists.
Authors Website: http://www.richellemead.com/bio/bio.h... ( )

I was really impressed by Vampire Academy, I hadn't thought I'd like it (which I guess this proves I shouldn't judge a book by it's "theme"), and I ended up reading it every moment I could spare. I loved how Richelle Mead wrote the book from Rose's perspective, I would think most authors would write the book from the princess/royale POV rather than her protector's. I thought I added so much more to the book. I absolutely just loved Rose's character, at times she was such a badass and at others she was the perfect, sweet girl. Plus, the writing was a rather fresh take on vampires, which was another thing that really kept me interested. The relationship between Rose and Dimitri was so enthralling, which if I might add, Dimitri is like the hottest character!, and was definately another thing that kept the pages flying. This is definately a MUST read! ( )

I have two teen friends who are reading these and as I'll be organizing Teen Read Week in October, I thought I better catch up on the latest titles in fantasy and sf. And so Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead was the book of the day. Can't say I was moved by the characters or the plot in the least. Maria V. Snyder writes more interesting combat training. The Godfather already did the dead animals in beds, and we all saw Obi-Wan influence the Storm Troopers. Vladimir appears a tasty romantic interest, but certainly no Valek. ( )

This was an interesting and unusual take on vampires but I can't say that I was completely absorbed in it the way //Twilight// for instance, engrossed me. I like that the author incorporated so much eastern European folklore into her world, but still managed to make it something quite new. I liked the themes of friendship and loyalty, dedication and sacrifice, and I thought the character of Rose was memorable and someone girls will identify with (reminded me a little of Faith from //Buffy//). I did find Rose's devotion to Lissa a little hard to grasp at times and I didn't think the author did as good a job of characterizing Lissa, since we only see her through Rose's eyes (and through their odd transference). Overall, I liked the book and thought it was well written, but for some reason, I didn't find it compelling (maybe because, however different the author's take on it, this is well-travelled paranormal territory) and I wouldn't be heartbroken if I couldn't read the next book in the series. ( )

Definitely a page-turner, and an interesting premise, but not one of my favorites. "Moroi" vampires must be guarded constantly by dhampirs (children of parents where only one is a vampire) and all go to school together. Danger is mainly found in the form of Strogoi, who are vampires who will drink blood to the death. ( )

When I first started Vampire Academy I did NOT like it, the MC, Rose, seemed like she was trying far too hard to be (and the author was trying far to hard to make her) a bad ass, it was too strong and I wanted to throw the book out a window.. this was still continuing onto page 100, which isn't good since there's only 332 pages to the book to begin with. I left it at page 100, and went off to do something else, at this point and every time I thought about the book I thought maybe I'd just put it up, give it away and start reading something else.. but I am SO glad that in the end I decided to read it all the way through, because I fell in love (again! Second time in the last three days! I'm on a roll!)

Getting past Rose's over-barring bad ass attitude the book turns into a great story with very well developed characters, and an amazing plot! There were pieces that were inserted into the story that you don't put together (or a question you don't get the answer to) until the end, but you never lose interest! There are insane plot twists & you get to know so many characters so well in just 300 pages.

Mead does a wonderful job also mixing two worlds, the world we know & the Romanian mythology of the Moroi, Strigoi & the Dhampir of Balkan folklore. So not only do you learn about the characters & their world, you're learning about old time folklore & mythology as well, which a lot of writers don't bother to include in their stories. A lot of times you get a story with a character (or characters) trying to obtain something but you never get background on how they got to that point, or why they're doing it, what drives them, etc. With Vampire Academy, you get this and SO much more.

There are some authors who create stories, and there are authors who write stories, Richelle Mead is definitely an author who creates her stories! ( )

This is no ordinary vampire world you’re stepping into. Rose Hathaway is a dhampir, a half-vampire half-human being who is sworn to protect the lives of the Moroi, mortal vampires whose blood is especially desirable by the Strigoi, the evil immortal vampires. Rose has a unique bond with her best friend Lissa, a Moroi princess. The bond was what told her that being at Vampire Academy among the guardians and the other Moroi and dhampirs wasn’t safe, and so two years ago they escaped and have been on the run ever since.

At the start of their senior year, however, Rose and Lissa get caught and it’s back to the pointless social politics they go. In between classes, house arrest (as punishment for escaping), and grueling training sessions with the extremely hot Russian guardian Dimitri, however, Rose begans to sense that danger is surrounding Lissa, that she is not who she thinks she is. Lissa has a rare power that could destroy her, and only Rose can protect Lissa from herself…and others who might want to use her for their own benefits.

Now this is the kind of YA paranormal series that I like. Butt-kicking, whip-smart female protagonists; dangerously sexy and complicated love interests; cutthroat high school drama; and an elaborately imagined alternative world…what more could you ask for?

All of the characters, not just the main ones, are great. They have personality, they make biting remarks, they sharpen their claws, spread rumors, manipulate. The Academy is, in a way, like Gossip Girl for vampires: the class politics underlining this series makes it more than a just-for-paranormal-entertainment read. Dhampirs whose life mission is to protect the royal Moroi? An exchange of blood between dhampires and Moroi being dirty and disgusting? The Moroi’s conscious decision to hide from, not fight, the bloodthirsty Strigoi? Come on. There’s plenty to be discussed in this book, as well as plenty to be entertained about.

And speaking of entertainment. The Gossip Girl reference is accurate, more so because of the sexuality that runs through the book. Vampires themselves are already attractive creatures; throw in a couple of hot guys, smart girls, and impossible romances, and you’ve got drama and heartbreak enough to satisfy your cravings. Most books get their strength through either character development or plot: VAMPIRE ACADEMY does both.

This book is class drama for the paranormal set, Twilight done right (in a sexually realistic kind of way). Pick this up and you’ll be sucked immediately into its enchantment. I doubt you will be disappointed. ( )

A book with a BITE! ( )