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amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
1.0
2024 (1 star): This is such a drastic turn from the first three. The first three books were a fun little YA adventure with wild dramatic twists in each one. This book features a random trip to Russia with an idealized abusive relationship. 0/10
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Murder, Rape, Kidnapping, Classism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
hoffmann's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
not as good as the last one, or the first one, but better than the second.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Death, Kidnapping, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Abandonment, Addiction, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual content, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Death, Alcoholism, Blood, Emotional abuse, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Minor: Self harm, Classism, and Mental illness
tiana_king's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Slow
Rose spent so much time running in circles and getting side tracked it was annoying. Don’t expect her to see Dimitri until about 325 pages in. From there though things are intense. The nice thing about the slow beginning was there was more you learn about the vampire world in general. The ending is wild so be prepared.
Rose spent so much time running in circles and getting side tracked it was annoying. Don’t expect her to see Dimitri until about 325 pages in. From there though things are intense. The nice thing about the slow beginning was there was more you learn about the vampire world in general. The ending is wild so be prepared.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death and Kidnapping
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Classism, and Sexual content
fireheart_2010's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Sexual content, Confinement, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Grief, Death, Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Murder, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Blood, Alcoholism, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Torture, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail, and Alcohol
beaudoindani17's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Violence, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Abandonment, Grief, Cursing, and Physical abuse
Minor: Car accident
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I started a reread a few months ago but I was close to hitting a bad reading slump so I put it down. Luckily I annotated and wrote notes so I didn't have to start all over...just pick up where I left off. 😎
Anywho, this book has some areas that felt like filler...at the same time I totally get that they were necessary to the story. Definitely teared up a few times...and cannot wait to reread the final 2 books.
Anywho, this book has some areas that felt like filler...at the same time I totally get that they were necessary to the story. Definitely teared up a few times...and cannot wait to reread the final 2 books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Bullying
Minor: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
nxclx's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The book is really good, except the pacing is a bit off and it kinda messed it up for me personally. The beginning is great, and then the middle starts to drag, before the ending speeds by (while taking a while to finish). Theres a lot of world expansion and new characters that work in some places (Abe, Belikovs, Oksana and Mark) and don't work in others (The Unpromised). Excited for reading fresh books and finishing it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Cursing, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Violence
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
[sixth read, April-June 2023]
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.
It still hurts less than the VA TV show though. I die a bit more inside every time I watch more of it. I even started turning to this book for comfort, for crying out loud.
[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]
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]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Emotional abuse, Grief, Death, Torture, and Violence
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.
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