Review by Alex- Blood Promise

Guardian Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

First Impressions: Blood Promise! Vampire Academy series! Aaah. Must read now. I pushed my TBR pile back when I got Blood Promise to be able to read it. And then read almost all of it in one Saturday.

While the series is named Vampire Academy, Blood Promise is hardly set in the Academy. Instead, Rose is off in Russia and Siberia, trying to find and get over Dimitri. There, she meets many interesting characters, those of interest: Dimitri's family. I thought that was really great. The plot slowed considerably when Rose was with them, but it was interesting to learn more of Dimitri's background.

For most of the novel, the only time we get to see the Academy is when Rose goes into Lissa's head. Back there, things are getting considerably exciting. Lissa makes a new friend to attempt to replace the hole that Rose made when she left. Things get a little out of control, and Lissa starts getting weirder and weirder. She starts reverting back to her party-hearty days. But... no one seems to be doing anything about it. Not Christian, who's role in the novel is almost non-existent (huge sad face), to Adrian, who's actually showing a caring and kind side (aaaw), to Lissa's new friend who isn't helping at all.

Blood Promise is drastically different from the first three plot and setting wise. I found there to be less action in most of it, except in the end where everything climaxes. But it's still just as riveting, even with less big fighting. What I find so amazing about this series, is how the tone can go from dark and intense, to light and comical. It simultaneously astounds me and annoys me. Annoying because sometimes a chapter will end with a huge cliffhanger, and I'll have to read a page or two to figure out what happened!

Rose can still kick Strigoi butt. She's sad though, considering she's lost Dimitri to Strigoi. But she's still really strong, hilarious, and difficult when needed. Adrian really shines in Blood Promise, and is given the time to show his compasionate side. Dimitri... not so much. Oh well...

Honestly, I just have to say, READ THIS SERIES. Best YA vampire series by far, in my opinion. They're action packed and well written to have you hanging off your seat, with awesome and strong characters. Plus there's a steamy romance! (In the first 3... Romance gets a little weird in this one, I find.)

Final Impressions: While perhaps not as amazing as the first three, Blood Promise lives up to all the hype and suspense, leaving you again with a cliffie.

Add to Shelf: Yes. But maybe wait until it comes out in paperback so the whole series can be in paperback. (That's what I plan to do.) Blood Promise annoyingly comes out first in hardcover, while none of the first three did.

Note This! Why are you still reading my review? You should be picking up this series instead! You know you want to... ;) (Pssst. This is SO directed at you Lauren.)

Oh! And all your VA lovers, can you help me convince Lauren to read this series? I keep telling her to, but she's being silly and won't, claiming she has too many other books to read. If you all want to comment saying how she totally should take the time to read VA, I'd love you all forever.