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amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
1.0
The plot follows Rose now in Russia pursuing Dimitri but first, she meets Sydney a human alchemist and Dimitri's entire family as well as an older Russian spirit and shadow-kissed couple. I yet again think this could've been a great Sapphic bodyguard trope story but alas. This book was so frustrating as for some reason we go against all of Rose's personality traits and she becomes a drugged-up Stockholm syndrome girlie. AND YET SHE STILL LOVES HIM this is not it guys
2014 (3 stars): I really didn't like this one as much as the first three in the series. I don't know whether or not my impression of the book was effected by my stress from the school work and musical that my show is putting on or not but I really just didn't like this one. It felt wrong and was sad throughout pretty much the entire thing.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
tiana_king's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Death, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Kidnapping and Classism
hoffmann's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness, Self harm, and Classism
fireheart_2010's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
simba524's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Toxic relationship, and Blood
Minor: Eating disorder, Sexual content, Torture, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
beaudoindani17's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Physical abuse, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Car accident
nienora's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Amount of times she shamed blood whores is unbelievable. You'd have to be blind not to realise she'll end up just like them at the end. But that was soo fun. Strigoi Dimitri is ten times better than regular Dimitri.
Not much actually happened. Nothing that's important for the rest of the series, except that he drank her blood. Rose played Dimitri's widow while spending Adrian's money. And then she played blood whore. I enjoyed every moment of it. Her escape plan was very Rose-like and realistic.
There was whole other part with Lissa that I paid absolutely no attention to. We got about 5 other spirit users. (Rare and special... I'm having flashbacks to rare and special mates in ACOTAR).
REREAD
I've decided that Rose is delusional about all the cute, bonding moments she had with Dimitri because they haven't had that time. And she needs something to occupy her mind while she runs around Russia. I still hate snow angels.
Rose became self-reflection queen in this book, and I'm here for it.
"But since I'd spent my whole life doing things that weren't that reasonable, I kept trying to break the glass."
Moderate: Alcoholism and Toxic relationship
nxclx's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, and Grief
alexture's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Death
olivialandryxo'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? No
5.0
I really, really hate that this reread took me a month and a half, but what can you do. Reading slumps are assholes. And the Star Ocean brainrot is real. So. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But rest assured, I’m still Romitri trash. That sort of thing doesn’t just go away; it probably never will. I’m even planning a tattoo for them.
[fifth read, September 2022]
“It’s not as devastating as Shadow Kiss” — I just wanna know what the hell I was thinking when I wrote this?? Like what?? IT REALLY IS THAT DEVASTATING. THIS BOOK IS A UNIQUE FORM OF AGONY.
[fourth read, July 2021]
Every time I read this book, I realize I’ve forgotten so many of the smaller details, including the cliffhanger. It’s not as devastating as Shadow Kiss or as suspenseful as Spirit Bound, but still packs a punch in its own way. The whole book is kind of like that—not as much of a statement as the other installments, but still emotional and meaningful.
It’s got a very different vibe in comparison to the rest of the series. There’s considerably less action (though there is some) and a lot more character development. We see a much more vulnerable side of Rose and a much stronger side of Lissa, both of which have been previously hinted at but not given much page time until now. I really appreciate the way Mead handled this.
I won’t lie: the second half, especially the last third, is problematic. And honestly, it’s just got some weird vibes. But I tolerate this, partially for aforementioned reasons and partially because I’m just trash for this series. I just love it with all my heart, even though the Romitri flashbacks and parallels in this book are agonizing to read, no matter how many times I reread.
Also, major points for Sydney, who’s introduced in this book, who I adore. Don’t ask me to choose between her and Rose, because I can’t. I won’t. I refuse. It’s an impossible choice.
[third read, May 2020]
This is likely the book in the series that will be hit or miss for readers. It’s different from its predecessors in a number of ways, but it’s crucial in terms of character and plot development. Despite the slow pacing and the shift of priorities, I think it’s great. It sets the stage for the last two books (which I’m definitely not ready for) and also introduces the star of the Bloodlines series, my girl, Sydney.
I don’t know what else to say here. I’m enjoying my reread thoroughly, even with the emotional turmoil.
[second read, August 2019]
Don’t let the fact that my reread took two weeks fool you. In the past I’ve referred to Blood Promise as one of my favorite novels in the Vampire Academy series, and revisiting the story has cemented that belief. Not only is it a classic Mead combination of a riveting story, unbelievable twists, and exceptional pacing, but Rose’s character development is astounding. She’s so much more vulnerable at this point in time, but even though she falls apart more than once, she always pulls herself together and perseveres. It’s so admirable, in my opinion, and honestly, I would like to give this girl a hug.
The romance has an extreme double meaning in this novel, and it absolutely broke my heart. So many of the relationships had a similar effect on me, both familiar dynamics Rose left in the U.S. and new bonds formed in Siberia.
New characters were introduced (*cough*SYDNEY SAGE*cough*), and the fact that I only remembered bits of information regarding each person’s personality and motives only increased my intrigue and overall enjoyment. I was ridiculously proud of how many times my theories proved correct, and there’s an abundance of teal ink in my paperback to demonstrate that. I’d say my annotations are about 50% theories and 50% (mostly nonsensical) emotional responses, possibly with poorly recreated emojis alongside them.
I think that about sums up all of my coherent thoughts? I stand by everything said in my original review, and I’m incredibly eager to dive into Spirit Bound.
[first read, August 2016]
I read 85% of this in roughly 6 hours.
Yes, you read that correctly. If that doesn't tell you how amazing I thought this book was, I don't know what will.
The story spiraled in all the directions I didn't expect, and it was one of the most gripping books I've ever read. It was also seriously emotional. I didn't cry, but it broke my heart, started to mend it, and then just broke it all over again. The whole thing was a vicious cycle, but it was also so freaking addictive. I can't divulge many plot details because major things go down, but I can say that I may or may not have a huge new obsession. [heart eyes]
Rose was very different in this book. Readers see a vulnerable side that, thus far, she’s kept hidden; we see her at her very worst. I felt so bad for her from the first page, but also admired her strength and willpower in the epitome of a tough time. That especially applies to the last 200 or so pages. She seriously needs a hug and I would give her one of I could. <3
It's going to kill me to not bring up the other characters, but I can't without subsequently spoiling one thing or another. Just know I love them all, even with as much pain as they put me through. ;)
This book was the one to stray from the familiar Academy and surrounding areas in the northwestern US. For various reasons, Rose traveled to Russia and Siberia, and as far as I know this is the first book I've read within those countries. I absolutely loved the descriptions! Russia seemed so majestic and beautiful, and Siberia felt simultaneously welcoming and daunting. It was so easy to imagine myself there in Rose's place, even in the second half, when I really wouldn't want to be. *_*
Rose and Dimitiri's romance destroyed me in this book. It was so hard to read, but I loved it anyway. Everything had a double meaning, and the ending specifically was so cruel. It left me hopeful, but also terrified. For this alone I feel bad for anyone that had to wait for the fifth book, because I don't want to. I need everything to work out for both of them. My heart needs it. >_<
My heart was racing from the very first page. The first sentence, honestly. Even in parts where the action lulled, I never knew what to expect. With Rose, I just never do. The story was a roller-coaster through and through, and I have a feeling the last two books will be just as wild.
All in all, words just cannot describe my love for the devastation that is this book. I'll be reading the fifth one as soon as is humanly possible. [heart eyes]
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, and Kidnapping
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
In the last third of the book, Rose is kept captive by a vampire and drugged, though not in the traditional sense. In this world, a vampire’s bite gives endorphins, and multiple bites lead to the person being bitten getting addicted to those. That happens to Rose.