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bookswithlauren's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Vampire Academy" is a YA story that follows Rose, a mix of human and vampire, who is dedicated to protecting Lissa, a Moroi princess. Two years ago, Lissa and Rose ran away from St. Vladimir's academy because of the dangers that lie within its gates. Unfortunately, the pair have finally been caught and are dragged back to the school. Now, the best friends have to work together to protect Lissa from the undead that want to make her one of them.
I never got into the early 2000s obsession with vampires, so out of curiosity, I have been dipping my toes into the vampiric world now (in the 2020s). With that in mind, I did not have very high expectations for this story, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This novel is definitely not amazingly written, nor do I think it has aged super well, but it was just a fun book about best friends who happen to be vampires.
My absolute favorite aspect of this book was the depiction of Lissa and Rose's friendship. Both of these girls will stop at nothing to help the other. When one of them needs something, both do not hesitate to jump in and help their friend. I love seeing depictions of friendship, especially in a YA book. I think it is so important to highlight the importance of friendships, depict what makes a good friend, and show teenagers that there is more to life than romantic love. I am a firm believer that a soul mate does not have to be a romantic relationship, sometimes the people that light your soul on fire are in fact your friends.
I am definitely intrigued, and I will be curious to pick up the rest of this series.
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Self harm, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content and Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
parkyparkpark's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Mental illness, Self harm, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
martamae77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Gore, Mental illness, Blood, Kidnapping, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Torture, and Death of parent
Minor: Gun violence and Suicidal thoughts
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
4.25
Decided it was time for a re-read ahead of binging through the new Peacock show.
A few summers ago I binged through the entire series, so fast, I could not remember what happened per book. Rereading at a slower pace while annotating, highlighting, and writing summaries every 50 pages was fun and will make it easier to remember in the future. 😅
We get a bit of a slow start as the girls are forced out of hiding and returned to the academy. As the girls attempt to readjust to living among their peers we slowly start to unravel the mystery of why they left while also being introduced to a few new mysteries.
This book was so much to reread and re-immerse myself in. I absolutely adore Rose and Lissa, the strong bond they share, and their fierce desire to protect each other. 💜
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Gun violence, Homophobia, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Stalking, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment