Review-Vampire Academy

From Booklist
After two years on the run, best friends Rose, half-human/half-vampire, and Lissa, a mortal vampire princess, are caught and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy. Up until then, Rose had kept Lissa safe from her enemies; school, however, brings both girls additional challenges and responsibilities. How they handle peer pressure, nasty gossip, new relationships, and anonymous threats may mean life or death. Likable narrator Rose hides doubts about her friend behind a tough exterior; orphan Lissa, while coping with difficult emotional issues such as depression and survivor's guilt, uses her emerging gifts for good. Mead's absorbing, debut YA novel, the first in a new series, blends intricately detailed fantasy with a contemporary setting, teen-relevant issues, and a diverse, if sometimes stereotyped, cast of supporting characters.

My Thoughts:
What can I say that has not already been said before about VA? Hmm..probably nothing particularly new. I really liked this book. It was a good opening to what is hopefully a good series. I liked the relationship between Rose and Lissa. I really liked the story. I had read a few reviews of the other books in this series and was intrigued. Mead does write a spiffy story and knows how to create believeable characters. I wasn't blown away but I will admit to having a mini swoonfest for Christian and Dimitri! I like the bad boys/brooding older man stereotypes apparently. There was of course the typical guy friend that the lead female thinks.."if only I could like him..he'd be perfect," but I didn't hold that against Mead. I can imagine Mason could be developed into a stronger character later on. (I've not read further into this series yet) All in all I did have a moment where I held the book up to my husband and said, "I Need to get the next one! NOW!" So that ought to say something! Brain candy at its best!