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zoeelora's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Gore, Medical content, Terminal illness, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Classism, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Sexual content, Torture, Bullying, Cursing, Kidnapping, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Blood, Mental illness, Car accident, and Physical abuse
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
[sixth read, March-April 2023]
It’s literally been four months since I finished my last VAU reread, but here I am again. I’m incapable of staying away from this series.
Although this is possibly the weakest book in the series and definitely my least favorite, there’s just something special about starting all over again. About coming back to Rose and Lissa when they’re seventeen, Rose still impulsive and not yet hardened by responsibility and trauma, Lissa still uncertain of how to wield the power she was born into. About watching Rose and Dimitri stumble into feelings for each other they know shouldn’t be there, but can’t resist.
It really is about the little things with these two. He bandages her hands when she hurts them. He plays with her hair—one of the very first intimate moments they have—and tells her not to cut it when she brings that up, because it’s one of his favorite parts of her. He does whatever he can to make sure she’s safe, she’s warm, she’s happy, because despite his best efforts, he’s falling in love with her. And no matter how many times I read it, it never gets old.
I am so completely normal about these two. Definitely not obsessed.
[fifth read, April 2022]
I take it back: these books aren’t trash. The writing can be cheesy at times, and there are occasionally scenes that make it quite obvious this was written in 2007, but despite that, they’re fun. And Mead’s vampires are definitely the most fleshed-out, unique ones I’ve ever seen.
There are two reasons this book has four stars: 1) there’s a lot of petty high school clique drama that I just don’t have patience for, and 2) it can be ableist at times, as it frequently uses a few offensive words, like “insane” and “crazy.” There’s also one instance (I think) where there’s mention of a saint “healing cripples.” I can cut it some slack because those words weren’t challenged then as they are now, but it still rubs me the wrong way.
However, despite those grievances, I still adore this book. VA is my comfort series, Rose and Dimitri my comfort characters. I love her sass and his thoughtfulness and their whole dynamic. Lissa and Christian are awesome too, but… Romitri supremacy. ❤️
[fourth read, June 2021]
Every time I reread these books, I love them a little more. They’re absolute trash in terms of writing quality, but they’re so much fun and definitely a comfort read for me. I mean, they cause me unbelievable amounts of pain, but they make me happy too. It (mostly) balances out.
Despite the bad writing, this is still one of the most unique vampire stories I’ve read. Mead’s world-building is interesting and clever without being overbearing.
The strongest part for me is definitely the characters. Even five years later, I still adore them. Rose and Lissa and Dimitri and Christian have my heart andprobably always will. (2023 Liv: There is no “probably.” They absolutely will. The VA lifestyle isn’t a lifestyle one just stops living.)
I also love the romances, though one is minor and one isn’t official yet. Lissa and Christian are an adorable Moroi power couple and no one can change my mind. As for Rose and Dimitri, well… how did I ever not love them? Their chemistry shines through in small ways, even when Rose is trying to get over her crush and Dimitri is insisting that nothing can happen because it wouldn’t be right. They just fit together and they’re so freaking cute!!
I know that Rose being seventeen and/or Dimitri being her mentor makes some people uncomfortable and I respect that. Personally, I’m not really bothered by either of those things, because Mead wrote the relationship in such a respectful way. And I might be a little biased, since they’re one of my absolute favorite book ships. But anyway.
Long story short, I’m obsessed with this series and eager to continue rereading.
[third read in May 2020]
[second read in 2019]
[first read, June 2016]
I really enjoyed this book. It has to be one of the most unique takes on vampires I've ever read, and it was easy to understand. I will say that in the first, maybe, 10 chapters, there was some info-dumping, but it wasn't too bad. (2023 Liv: No, there wasn’t any info-dumping. I was so dumb when I was 15.)
Rose is one of my new favorite characters. I love her sassy, snarky, impulsive attitude, and her dedication to protecting Lissa. She has a tough time in the second half of this book, and I have to admire the way she handled it all.
The second half of this book was so action-packed, I really didn't want to put it down. There's a lot of surprises and betrayal revealed, and I just had to know more. The ending was especially intriguing, because all seemed to be fine, but with five more books in a series, it can't be. (Nope. Nothing is ever fine ‘round these parts.)
My only other issue was the relationship between Rose and Dimitri. I'm not sure what to call them, exactly. I'm totally fine with Dimitri mentoring her and them being friends, but their mutual want of more is what disturbed me. Rose is 17 and Dimitri is 24. It just feels wrong, even to a hopeless romantic like me. They've both come to terms with the fact that it can't happen and I'm thankful for that, but again, with five more books, I'm not sure that will last. (“iT juSt FeEls WrONg” I WAS SUCH AN IDIOT OHMYGOD)
Overall, though, I'm really glad I finally jumped on this bandwagon, and I'll definitely read Frostbite ASAP.
It’s literally been four months since I finished my last VAU reread, but here I am again. I’m incapable of staying away from this series.
Although this is possibly the weakest book in the series and definitely my least favorite, there’s just something special about starting all over again. About coming back to Rose and Lissa when they’re seventeen, Rose still impulsive and not yet hardened by responsibility and trauma, Lissa still uncertain of how to wield the power she was born into. About watching Rose and Dimitri stumble into feelings for each other they know shouldn’t be there, but can’t resist.
It really is about the little things with these two. He bandages her hands when she hurts them. He plays with her hair—one of the very first intimate moments they have—and tells her not to cut it when she brings that up, because it’s one of his favorite parts of her. He does whatever he can to make sure she’s safe, she’s warm, she’s happy, because despite his best efforts, he’s falling in love with her. And no matter how many times I read it, it never gets old.
I am so completely normal about these two. Definitely not obsessed.
[fifth read, April 2022]
I take it back: these books aren’t trash. The writing can be cheesy at times, and there are occasionally scenes that make it quite obvious this was written in 2007, but despite that, they’re fun. And Mead’s vampires are definitely the most fleshed-out, unique ones I’ve ever seen.
There are two reasons this book has four stars: 1) there’s a lot of petty high school clique drama that I just don’t have patience for, and 2) it can be ableist at times, as it frequently uses a few offensive words, like “insane” and “crazy.” There’s also one instance (I think) where there’s mention of a saint “healing cripples.” I can cut it some slack because those words weren’t challenged then as they are now, but it still rubs me the wrong way.
However, despite those grievances, I still adore this book. VA is my comfort series, Rose and Dimitri my comfort characters. I love her sass and his thoughtfulness and their whole dynamic. Lissa and Christian are awesome too, but… Romitri supremacy. ❤️
[fourth read, June 2021]
Every time I reread these books, I love them a little more. They’re absolute trash in terms of writing quality, but they’re so much fun and definitely a comfort read for me. I mean, they cause me unbelievable amounts of pain, but they make me happy too. It (mostly) balances out.
Despite the bad writing, this is still one of the most unique vampire stories I’ve read. Mead’s world-building is interesting and clever without being overbearing.
The strongest part for me is definitely the characters. Even five years later, I still adore them. Rose and Lissa and Dimitri and Christian have my heart and
I also love the romances, though one is minor and one isn’t official yet. Lissa and Christian are an adorable Moroi power couple and no one can change my mind. As for Rose and Dimitri, well… how did I ever not love them? Their chemistry shines through in small ways, even when Rose is trying to get over her crush and Dimitri is insisting that nothing can happen because it wouldn’t be right. They just fit together and they’re so freaking cute!!
I know that Rose being seventeen and/or Dimitri being her mentor makes some people uncomfortable and I respect that. Personally, I’m not really bothered by either of those things, because Mead wrote the relationship in such a respectful way. And I might be a little biased, since they’re one of my absolute favorite book ships. But anyway.
Long story short, I’m obsessed with this series and eager to continue rereading.
[third read in May 2020]
[second read in 2019]
[first read, June 2016]
I really enjoyed this book. It has to be one of the most unique takes on vampires I've ever read, and it was easy to understand. I will say that in the first, maybe, 10 chapters, there was some info-dumping, but it wasn't too bad. (2023 Liv: No, there wasn’t any info-dumping. I was so dumb when I was 15.)
Rose is one of my new favorite characters. I love her sassy, snarky, impulsive attitude, and her dedication to protecting Lissa. She has a tough time in the second half of this book, and I have to admire the way she handled it all.
The second half of this book was so action-packed, I really didn't want to put it down. There's a lot of surprises and betrayal revealed, and I just had to know more. The ending was especially intriguing, because all seemed to be fine, but with five more books in a series, it can't be. (Nope. Nothing is ever fine ‘round these parts.)
My only other issue was the relationship between Rose and Dimitri. I'm not sure what to call them, exactly. I'm totally fine with Dimitri mentoring her and them being friends, but their mutual want of more is what disturbed me. Rose is 17 and Dimitri is 24. It just feels wrong, even to a hopeless romantic like me. They've both come to terms with the fact that it can't happen and I'm thankful for that, but again, with five more books, I'm not sure that will last. (“iT juSt FeEls WrONg” I WAS SUCH AN IDIOT OHMYGOD)
Overall, though, I'm really glad I finally jumped on this bandwagon, and I'll definitely read Frostbite ASAP.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Self harm, Animal death, Blood, and Bullying
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
Minor: Confinement and Kidnapping
The car accident and parent death occurred prior to the story. There’s also a lot of slut-shaming in this book, and repeated uses of ableist words like “crazy” and “insane”.
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