Another EXCELLENT book in the series! I'm so glad that now we have grasp on what "shadowkiss" really means...I am just going to do this as a quick rant without really giving out anything major but something that will get those who are not convinced that this should be a tbr priority. Complications are piling up. Rose seems to be getting a lot of it. This series contains angst beyond ordinary teenager (in fiction). Mason came back, only not as what we all hoped for. The Guradian field experience is up and there was an unexpected pairing. Lissa can use her powers again only there are consequences and our badass best guardian in the making plays a role that is so huge it questions the Dhampir to Moroi code of conduct or motto or whatever you wanted to call it. Victor jack^%$ was ushered away, for now. The Queen is a total bitch and has a long term goal that got me pissed off ( I know it's only a book and I should calm down, but no. I am passionate and this is what I feel). We also still have Adrian and I think he's going to stay, I actually like his role but I am still suspicious. Christian's insecurity about that his family reputation and Adrian-Lissa training with their magic is getting the best out of him. The moment that I was waiting for finally happened, what now?! how will this change them? I am so EXCITED!!! I think most of the fans that read that part actually jumped up and down, coz I did and some people I know did too. Only they aren't at lunch sitting inside their office with an open door when they did that. (uh-huh I embaraased myself again). Finally an unexpected, never been imagined, never benn questioned and action pack "awesomeness" happened and a part that screams "this is an outrage! really is this happening?" How? What? I am not telling, you have to read it NOW people, you don't know what you're missing. ( )

Several months after the horrifying events of winter break, dhampir guardian-in-training Rose Hathaway is still not recovered. She even thinks she’s seeing her old friend Macon’s ghost, even though there’s no such thing as ghosts…is there? But before long there are bigger things for her to worry about. Field experience is beginning, and she’s unfortunately assigned to guard Christian, her Moroi best friend Lissa’s boyfriend. Christian can be rather off-putting, and Rose hates it when she gets sucked into Lissa’s head for their romantic interludes due to her and Lissa’s mysterious “shadow-kissed” mental connection. Then, Lissa’s uncle, Victor Dashkov, is put on trial for trying to harm Lissa, and there’s a scary chance that he might get off.

In between all this, Rose still has to worry about her feelings for Dimitri, her guardian teacher, as well as prepare to graduate. With all of these things going on, is it any surprise when the worst thing that can happens catches them all off guard—with heart-shattering consequences?

Richelle Mead is the J. K. Rowling of YA paranormal literature. The Vampire Academy books are rich, layered, sexy, and yet as addictive as a box of high-quality chocolates.

One of the things I like most about the Vampire Academy series, and which I found to be much more prominent in SHADOW KISS, is Mead’s development of the interesting class dynamics between the dhampir, half-human half-vampires, and the Moroi, the full vampires whom the dhampir train their whole lives to protect. As a top-notch dhampir guardian-to-be, Rose has unquestioningly accepted the way her society works, but the tremendously well executed unfolding of these societal complexities promises an explosion in later books in this series that delves beyond straightforward paranormal romances or good vs. evil plots. And that kind of layered goodness rarely occurs in YA lit!

Moral and sociopolitical richness aside, SHADOW KISS has plenty to offer in terms of interpersonal development. Rose and Dimitri’s impossible romance is written deliciously, with a good balance of suspense and satisfaction. While the plot may run slowly at some points, paused to attend to various subplots, Mead’s strength of writing engrossing characters runs all throughout the book.

Upon finishing the book, you will scream in delightful anguish and immediately want to rush out to read the next Vampire Academy book, BLOOD PROMISE. This is one vampire series that I will not be giving up on anytime soon, and one that I will recommend to many, many readers for years to come! ( )

Wow. I literally finished this book five minutes ago, so I'm still riding the thrill. I'll come back with further analysis later, when my head's a bit more clear (or not).
But for the moment I shall say this is my absolute favorite in the series. Every single character grew in development (except Lissa), especially Rose. The characters seemed more and more like actual people, and the romance wasn't too shabby. The action was pretty awesome and the final battle was pretty epic. The only thing that pissed me off was Lissa. She is a brat and I just wish the Strigoi would get her or something. Oh, well. I won't read the next book right away, since I want to stagger the remaining books until the final one comes out. But I am certainly looking forward to it. ( )

There's a huge battle that is really action packed. I read the first two and I'm trying to finish the series. AHS/TD

This series takes off really well. With each book, there is a little bit of history, and even religion, thrown into it to tell the past. This is a book that dives right into that, and if you are someone who dislikes those things, be assured it isn't in some way that bores one. I would also like to say that yes, that is not the only, mere reason why these books get better.

Main character Rose Hathaway has some major character development in this book. She matures greatly while still keeping her stamp of cool and smart attitude. It's within this book that she really learns a great amount about herself. Rose picks up new skills, too. (MINI SERIES SPOILERS!) If that isn't what you really want to hear, though, my guess is you're wondering about Dimitri.... Yes! Read the book! Savor the good parts. (END mini series spoiler.) ( )