Reviews with content warning for Violence - Sangre azul

Content Warnings: Blood, murder, death, violence, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, sexual situations, adult/minor relationship [24/17], drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, self-harm, kidnapping, sexual harassment, fire/fire injury, bullying, and gun violence.

I completely forgot how the first half of this book lulls you into thinking it'll be pretty normal with just some teenage growing pain issues...and then BAM! Hits you right in the freaking feelings. 😭

Content Warnings

whatizontheshelf's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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nxclx's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I love how each book has its own plot plus over arching plot, and just based off my nostalgia and reread, it's getting better with every book. I remember the 3rd being my favorite out of the first four, but we will see! <3

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olivialandryxo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

[sixth read, April 2023]
I was skimming the older sections of this review, and at one point, I said I’m happily in hell every time I read these books. That couldn’t be truer. Because every time, I dread the pain I know is coming, and every time, it hurts just as much… and yet, I keep coming back for more. Richelle Mead has too much power over me.

As much as I want to criticize Rose’s behavior in this book—because it’s seriously cringey at times—I can’t. She grows up so much in these few weeks the story spans, and there’s so much to unpack here—the belief that you’re invincible, and then the harsh realization that you’re not; the loss of childhood innocence; the realization of what’s truly important. And these things aren’t just present in her journey, but in so many side characters’ journeys as well. She might be the protagonist, but there are so many other stories being told simultaneously, other people that are growing and loving and grieving with Rose. Because of Rose. For Rose.

And now I’m way too deep in my feelings, so to make myself feel better, I’m going to think about the scene in this book where Adrian says with his whole chest that he’s okay, even though he’s basically the poster child for not being okay. He’s a disaster but he’ll insist he isn’t (for now) and I love him for it anyway. I love him for all of it. He’s the comedic relief this series so desperately needs, because the author is a very, very mean person.

I’m fine.

[fifth read, April 2022]
I’m so deep in my Romitri feels right now, I don’t even know what to say.

‘Not when my heart is somewhere else.’

I just!!! *pterodactyl screeching* 🥹🥹🥹

[fourth read, June 2021]
Why do I do this to myself over and over again?? 🥲

If I spontaneously combust one day, there’s a good chance it’s because of these characters. Although I cringe at the pettiness and drama, I adore the banter, friendship, and romance. Rose, Dimitri, Adrian, Lissa, and Christian own my soul, basically.

Mason’s death still hurts, not gonna lie, and as much as I adore Rose, he deserved better than to be her second choice. I feel so bad for him omg.

The best part of the ending is Dimitri FINALLY ADMITTING HIS FEELINGS. He even initiates their kiss, which hasn’t happened until now!!! (Not counting the whole lust charm debacle. That’s different.) I’M SUCH ROMITRI TRASH. I can’t handle how cute they are!!!

Also, even though I’ve memorized the plot of this series and have been in a reading slump for most of the last year and a half, I sped through this in like six hours, maybe less. I’m invested. Or you could say I’m trash for the series. Both are right.

[third read, May 2020]
This might be my least favorite book in the series, to be quite honest. The petty drama and jealousy makes for a messy story and it can be painful to read. The ending is also painful to read, but for an entirely different reason: it’s so freaking sad! Luckily Adrian and Dimitri were around to save the day... and the entire book.

Other thoughts:

One of the political plot points was a nice introduction to something that matters more later in the series.
The hope that final chapter gave me is kind of cruel, knowing what I do. I love it but also save me from the pain I know is coming.
Seeing characters that I know have major roles in Bloodlines made me happy and I’ll probably reread that this year too for some nice, heartbreaking fun. :)

[second read, July 2019]
I love being Vampire Academy trash.

In the past I’ve said that the first two installments in the series are the weakest, but the third and beyond make it oh, so worth it. While I haven’t yet reread the remaining four books, I think I can safely say I still stand by that statement. Frostbite is an undeniably enjoyable sequel; however, once again, I noticed some elements that I wasn’t a fan of.

The slut-shaming from the first book is back in this one, and it’s still disgusting. The term “blood whore” is, thankfully, less common this time around, but still used in multiple scenes unnecessarily. Then there’s an unhealthy, irritating dose of the shaming we see in our own society, often for no reason. Rose is even accused of such things by her own mother, simply because she wore a form-fitting dress. Yikes.

On the subject of Rose’s mother, Janine is honestly a piece of work. She’s a complex character, that much is obvious, but her parenting skills leave a lot to be desired. She improves minutely as the story progresses, though for the most part, she’s framed as and remains antagonistic. I’m not sure how I feel about her now, but hopefully Mead treads carefully with this in the rest of the series. I’d love to see an improved mother-daughter bond.

So much of this novel has a childish feel to it. While coping with Dimitri’s rejection, Rose attempts to make him jealous by flirting with other guys. She also gets jealous when she sees him enjoying time with another woman, more appropriate in terms of age. It’s all so petty, and while sometimes I didn’t mind the story’s drama, other times I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

You know what else is petty? All of the girl hate and rivalries. Mia is a student at the Academy, a year younger than Rose and Lissa, who lashes out at them due to her insecurities and lower social standing. Lissa is mature enough to mostly ignore it, but Rose and Mia have a legitimate feud. This began in the first novel, and continues for approximately half of this one. Although the circumstances surrounding it were dire, I was so relieved to see everyone work out their issues and get over it. It was supremely annoying while it lasted.

If you know me, you’re probably waiting for the part of this review where I completely lose my cool and shout about how much I love these characters. The time has come! I’m ridiculously obsessed with basically everything in this story and there’s no saving me. The politics are intriguing, the friendships endearing, the world within our world and its magic system fascinating. Oh, and the characters have this lovely habit of BREAKING MY HEART AND CRUSHING MY SOUL. Isn’t there a gif of a person moving two people closer together captioned “now kiss!” or something? A meme? I don’t know, but if there is, it’s absolutely me with Rose and Dimitri. (2022 Liv: 18yo me had no knowledge of memes or gifs or anything, how tragic. But yes, the “NOW KISS” memes are spot-on.)

Despite its flaws in other areas, there’s one element, one person that saves the story. Adrian is officially introduced and I AM HERE FOR IT. He’s a disaster, but aren’t all of my favorites? He’s snarky and arrogant and charming and I need help but I don’t want it. (2022 Liv: Nah, I don’t need help. I’m happily in hell every time I read these.)

I think that’s everything. In case it wasn’t already glaringly obvious, I adore Vampire Academy. I’m thoroughly enjoying my reread, maybe a bit too much. Frostbite ended on a super satisfying and simultaneously sad note, which means it’s time for me to go devour the next book!

[first read, August 2016]
This book is hard to review. Much like the first, it was amazing, but still flawed enough to be imperfect. Just know that I enjoyed it, and let's dive in. ;)

The story picks up not long after the first ends. There was a very helpful (and sassy) recap from Rose that refreshed my memory of prior events, and the beginning seemed interesting. Unfortunately, after a few chapters it became a bit flat for most of the middle chapters. It was entertaining, don't get me wrong, but nothing really happened until the last 150 pages or so. :|

Rose was the same sassy girl she was before, but not as rebellious. She was trying to think before she acted and I enjoyed reading about her progress. Because while she did improve in that aspect and (mostly) remember to prioritize Lissa's safety, she was also sort of irritating when it came to guys. -.-

Other characters - they're important but words fail me:

Lissa was kind of overlooked with everything else that happened, but I liked her. She was much more stable in this book, and that made her happier. :)
Dimitri was... a lot of things. He was still the cool and collected mentor Rose was crushing on, but he had a lot of other stuff happening as well. And when Rose was being immature (for lack of a better word), he didn't hesitate to tell her so. I liked him, but there's just something I can't pinpoint about him. :| (Pretend that makes sense.) (2022 Liv: This makes no sense, what in the world???)
Mason was sort of hot and cold in this book. Sometimes he was sweet and amusing, and others he was headstrong and irritating. :|
Adrian was a new character, and much like everyone else that's read this, I loved him. In my eyes, he was kind of like Noah Shaw - rich, arrogant, and always smirking. If you know me at all, you know I love Noah. So how could I not love Adrian? :) (2022 Liv: Disregard this. Adrian Ivashkov is infinitely better than Noah Shaw will ever be.)

The setting in this book and the descriptions of it were probably my favorite thing. The start and very end take place at the Academy, with a bit of action elsewhere toward the end, but most of it is in a grand Moroi-run ski lodge. That place sounded absolutely gorgeous, and if it weren't for the whole vampire thing I might try to score a winter vacation there. ;)

Rose and Lissa's friendship kind of took the back burner, so to speak, in this book but I didn't mind. They still had a handful of moments together, and it was clear that they were still just as close. :)

I could call the romance in this book the most irritating and awkward love triangle, but that wouldn't quite fit. The short, spoiler-free version is this: Rose and Dimitri can't be together so Rose goes to Mason to use him as a distraction. That doesn't give anything away; it's on the back cover synopsis. Anyway, it was... unpleasant to read about. Honestly, I'm kind of at war with myself after finishing this. The bigger part of me says that Rose and Dimitri shouldn't be together because of duties and the age difference, but a small part of me is saying they should just get together. I know it's wrong, but my hopeless romantic self just doesn't know what to think. ^_^ (2022 Liv: Disregard this too. 15yo me was a dumbass. Rose and Dimitri are soulmates and I adore them!!!)

Rose's mom Janine was also introduced in this book, and their interaction was also fun to experience. Evil vampires and mom problems? Rose is living the life. All joking aside, though, I did like seeing their relationship develop from clipped sarcasm to... well, that, but with a bit more understanding. I wouldn't say there's affection, at least not yet, but I think that'll come later. ;)

I think my main issue was that not a lot happened that shocked me. Some things occurred that I didn't expect, but I wasn't genuinely surprised by anything until roughly the last 50-75 pages. I think that was done on purpose, though, to hook you right at the end so you'll be inclined to pick up the third book... and it worked on me! ;)

All in all, this book had its flaws but was, for the most part, very enjoyable. I can't wait to find out what the rest of the series holds, and I'll be reading book three as soon as I can! :D

Content Warnings

getbrekked's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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