Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise

by Richelle Mead

series: Vampire Academy

April 2010
Penguin
Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Action


Why I read it: It's the 4th installment of the Vampire Academy Series.

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.

*******SPOILER FOR BOOKS 1, 2 & 3!!!***********

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them . . . including Dimitri.

He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa - the one she has sworn to protect no matter what - and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

*******SPOILER FOR BOOKS 1, 2 & 3!!!***********

So from book 3, we know that Rose has quit school to find Dimitri... And kill him. Lissa finally realizes what Dimitri means to Rose: more than just a mentor/teacher. This is a different turning point book. Book 2 was a turning point for Rose's personality. She calmed down after the aftermath of Mason. Book 3 was a turning point for the strigoi vs. moroi and dhampir races and Dimitri. Book 4 (this one) is a turning point for the story and the entire world.

Rose goes to Russia. She figures that's where he would go. Though I don't understand why it's so "obvious" he'd go there. His family is still where he grew up, in Siberia, but as strigoi, you don't think he'd go there to be with his family. I think he once said his mom would let him come back home for any reason, but I don't think that carries on over to him being strigoi.

Regardless, that's where Rose goes. Which leads to a whole different way of life. Not because she's American in Russia, but because she's a dhampir (with no guardian mark but a molnija -pronounced: molnia - mark that represents her killing lots of strigoi in a battle) where strigoi are roaming around through the human night life in major cities.

She meets a lot of new people, one of which is a new type of "species" that we didn't know before. Because Rose quit school before she was told :D. She keeps in touch with Lissa via their connection. Adrian visits her dreams a lot, trying to figure out where she is, she disconnects it when he gets too close to finding out.

Dimitri's in the story.... Richelle Mead did a really good job on him. It made me like Adrian even more than I did before. I don't want to give away anything. But since you know she's hunting him, that's the whole point of the book, it would be cruel and unusual punishment if Mrs Mead didn't have him in it. You really see more in to the psyche of the strigoi and their world. Things are drastically different than what they thought, while other stay the same. I wouldn't have been able to guess the things that Richelle gets in to.

Rose still does a lot of ass kicking. Beautiful ass kicking. The only kind she knows how to do ;p.

The ending of the book is soooo long and painful in so many ways (all good, I promise... and by "good" I mean in the writing.... I definitely am not referring to the way the story ends in this one. That would be rude). I don't know where I would rank this in the whole series, it's not the best, but the good thing about this series is that there isn't a worst. 

Anyway! Action packed, twists and turns, she keeps you on your feet, non-stoppable, etc. Great addition to the series. Richelle's writing is fabulous, as always.

Ratings: 
1.Cover: +1
2. Hooked: +1
3. Finished the book: +1
4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2
5. Re-Readability: +1
6. Suggest to others: +2
7. Lost time: Nope +18. Readability:+1

10 out of 10. A well deserved 10. love this series


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Other's in series (in order):

Vampire Academy

Frostbite

Shadow Kiss

Blood Promise

Spirit Bound

Last Sacrifice

Waiting on Wedensday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is repeats, since last week's had a books that weren't coming out this week [bummer]:

Super excited to get these ones:

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Released: 5/18/10


I wish I hadn't washed my hands when I touched it last week at work... I can still feel the coolness of the cover on my fingertips.

*sigh* waiting is hard!

Torment by Lauren Kate

Released: September 28, 2010

I still have to read Fallen by Lauren Kate, but I just love her covers. WHEN my books are published, I hope they look as awesome as these

I think that's all I have! At least have time for updating while at work ;).

What are you waiting for!?! I want to wait with you :D

FrEAk OUt!!

Ah! so in case you didn't know... I work at a book distribution company (we stock grocery and department stores with books... I do the computer/desk work behind the scenes)... and I was walking by someone's desk and saw they were working with a book that I ... I would probably sell my first born for. They always are the hardest to deal with anyway, right? You get it better the second time around. ;). (I may be a little biased.. since I'm the second child.. hehe)


So I walk by and about have a heart attack. I've joked around that I needed to go into our warehouse and search every box until I find this book and take it home with me. I wouldn't be able to sleep, I'd just keep reading. Work would take a distant second in my "need-to-definitely-take-care-of" list. #1? Who's #1.. that kind of thing... Buuut... I never checked to see if we received it in, since the temptation would be too great.

Well, walking by that desk, I saw it. Wrapped in a rubberband with 2 other absolutely insignificant books in my tunnel vision... Vampire Academy's Spirit Bound. I almost... I don't know... grabbed it, stuffed it under my sweatshirt, and ran outside with it. Or bite the person holding it and take the other two books in the rubber band to knock them out. I even contemplated using ground coffee beans to rub in their eyes so they would be blinded until I stole it, claiming stress overcame me and I blacked out for the past couple minutes.... But I didn't. No, I definitely did caress it.

Now that I know it's in... I don't know if I'm going to make it until May 18th.. Hell, I don't think I can make it until May! I may go insane. Stop eating. Stop exercising. (okaaay, so the last one I want to do anyway... but can't do that with the wedding coming up.. in 129 days..). I just, I dunno.. the book looked like the biggest so far. Blood Promise was pretty big, but this was larger than expected. I've always <3 Rose and Dimitri and Adrian so much!!! And I NEED to know what happens! aaagh!

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is repeats, since last week's had a books that weren't coming out this week [bummer]:

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Released: April 27, 2010

$16.00

New Love takes the cake in the third novel in Nora Roberts's new Bride Quartet-in a stunning French flap edition Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood. But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

Happily Ever After is coming out in November of this year! I find myself sitting on my hands so I don't try to grab the book out of the computer screen ;) 

Into the Dark by Gena Showalter

Released: April 27th, 2010

[it looks like Barnes and Noble might have it out now]

$7.99

Three otherworldly tales from the master of paranormal romance…and a brand-new Lords of the Underworld bonus guide!

The Darkest Fire—a Lords of the Underworld prequel

Geryon is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. Kadence is the goddess of Oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords—and discover a passion unlike any other.

The Amazon's Curse—a tale of Atlantis

Zane, a fierce vampire warrior, has been enslaved by the Amazons. Nola, a lovely Amazon soldier, has been cursed with invisibility. Now, these two stubborn enemies must overcome the pasts that haunt them and embrace a love that can set them free….

The Darkest Prison—a Lords of the Underworld tale

Once, Atlas, the Titan god of Strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn rivals destined to destroy each other will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love….

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Released:  May 18, 2010

$17.99

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him . . . forever. 

Richelle Mead posted on Facebook that the publishers allowed the "Last Sacrifice" to be released December 7th instead of December 14th of this year!! eeeek!

Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow kiss

[edited 4/12/10. added rating system and labels]

 Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.
After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fr

Buy it!

Read an excerpt!

aught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through

this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

************************************************************************************************************

This is a classic "don't judge a book by its cover". Richelle Mead did a wonderful job creating an alternate reality inside our own world with Vampires, Damphirs and the undead (aka Strigoi). She makes it easy to relate to the characters despite the major differences (like the whole blood sucking thing).

The two main characters have an incredible bond that is unlike anything you will experience. The way that Rose wants to protect Lissa is so selfless. It makes you re-evaluate the way you feel about your best friend.

The romance is very well done. It's both loving and frustrating to the core. You will fall in love with the love interest yourself by the time you're done. =).

1.Cover: +.5

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2

5. Re-Readability: +1

6. Suggest to others: +2

7. Lost time: Nope +1

8. Readability:+1

Same 9.5 out of 10. If it weren't for the cover, I'd give this the well deserved 10 out of 10. But I have to be fair.

Rose Hathaway's got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, and she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian. (So not cool).

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladimir's on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians--including the legendary Janine Hathaway...Rose's formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks. This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose--and her heart--are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...

*********************************************************************************************************** 

The relationship between Dimitri and Rose makes you frustrated beyond belief.

The relationship between Lissa and Christian gets steamier and you actually kind of enjoy his company.

Rose is VERY strong, tough, and independent. There's a threat to Dimitri and Rose's not quite there relationship. One that will leave you breathless in the end.

There's a new character who you love to hate and hate to love! Only because they're as smooth as lotion and they feel just as good on the skin ;).

Despite all the good, it's a tragic story.

1.Cover: +1

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2

5. Re-Readability: +1

6. Suggest to others: +2

7. Lost time: Nope +1

8. Readability:+1

10 out of 10 :D

It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erratically, and worst of all...might be seeing ghosts. As Rose questions her sanity, new complications arise. Lissa has begun experimenting with her magic once more, their enemy Victor Dashkov might be set free, and Rose's forbidden relationship with Dimitri is starting to heat up again. But when a deadly threat no one saw coming changes their entire world, Rose must put her own life on the line--and choose between the two people she loves most.

Oh. My. Word. It made me laugh, made me cry, I wanted so much more to happen, and yet I was still happy on how it went. Rose kicks some more butt and Dimitri is still sexy. Yes, a fictional character is sexy. They're love reaches new hights and is explored beautifully by Richelle.

Rose's vision on her life changes more and more with each chapter. Until you finally hope she comes around to your own kind of thinking. Lissa gets a little irritating. Just a little bit.

You learn to love Adrian more than you hate him. He becomes a real person with feelings, rather than an annoying rich kid. He's charming for an alcoholic =).

But just when you think the last one is so horrible, you get to the end of this one and realize that the whole world can shatter in an unexpected instant.

1.Cover: +1

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2

5. Re-Readability: +1

6. Suggest to others: +2

7. Lost time: Nope +1

8. Readability:+1

Same 10 out of 10 :D

****Check out my YouTube Reviews here:
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss

The author's website:

http://www.richellemead.com/index.htm

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Old Cover

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

August 2007

Penguin

$8.99

Why I read it: I was trying to find something good after I read Twilight 7,000 times too many.

Barnes and Noble Synopsis:

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever. 

******************************************************************************* 

My Review:

I saw this book at the Barnes and Noble I always went to for months before I decided to give it a try... Unfortunately, the cover just didn't catch me like others did. But I wasn't having any luck with those types actually having any decent content. Luckily, this turned out to be a "don't judge a book by it's cover" moment. I was in a reading rut and grasping at straws by this point. This book is... WOW [and no, not World Of Warcraft]. Richelle Mead did a wonderful job creating an alternate reality inside of our own world that included vampires, damphirs and the undead [aka Strigoi]. She makes it easy to relate to the characters despite the major differences [like the whole blood-sucking or ass-kicking thing].

The two main characters, Rose Hathaway & Vasalissa Dragomir have an incredible bond that is unlike anything you will experience. The way that Rose wants to protect Lissa is so selfless. It makes you re-evaluate your relationship with your own best friend, and see how inadequate you are in comparison.

The romance is very well done for a YA. It's both loving and frustrating then is tied up in a little "craving more" bow. You will fall in love with the love interest by the 3rd time you "meet" him. I couldn't read Vampire Academy quick enough. But, I didn't want it to end as quick as it did either. I was only able to allow myself to finish when I realized there was a 2nd one, and it was out!

Vampire Academy pumps you up to the point where you want to go out and kick some ass [and laugh while doing it]. I was completely shocked by the "bad guy". Which is saying something. My #1 can predict the ending to just about every movie and book, so he's taught me well. And I didn't see this coming.

One thing I really liked is that either Richelle Mead is a complete genius [not discounting that idea at all], or she just really has her shit together. Because I couldn't find ANY holes and yet, I couldn't stop wondering what was going to happen next. The back-story laced throughout the current made sense and was completely valid. It didn't seem like she just made up some lame excuse that was a split second decision and assumed we the reader would be dumb. Instead, it was a building thing that was described in a matter of pages. Usually that's where you can find unanswered questions.

New Cover

The characters had depth and personality. Rose kicks ass, Lissa is caring, Dimitri is... well.. besides damned sexy... he's mysterious and dangerous, Christian is like the kid I would have loved to hang out with in high school [the one that doesn't waste his words, is snarky when he does talk, independent and doesn't care what you think about him--but he'll give you the "I'm-gonna-eat-your-babies" look if you talk badly about someone he cares about], and Mason is the insecure flirt. Oh boy... There's just so much awesomeness wrapped up in this book.

One of my favorite quotes: [Rose to Dimitri] "You beat up your dad when you were thirteen?"

I would have added everything about Dimitri, buuuuut, the whole book would be in this review. I just thought that quote summed up how bad-ass he is ;).

I recommend this book to EVERYONE.

1. Cover +.5

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: Pos: +2

5. Re-readability: +1

6. Suggest to others: +2

7. Lost time: NOPE +1

8. Readability: +1

9.5 out of 10 possible points. I so wish I could give it the full 10 out of 10, because the content overpowered the cover [at least the old cover]... but, that wouldn't be the honest thing to do. But hey, if the cover's all that I couldn't grasp, that's one damned good book!

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****don't forget to check out my YouTube Review!****

Other Reviews: 

My World of Books

A Great Book is the Cheapest Vacation

The Story Siren