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garbutch's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
abby_can_read's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
📱
I enjoyed this book and I really liked this series. The characters were fun, the writing was enjoyable, and the plot was good, not to predictable. I think the romances were good and the friendships were solid.
I enjoyed this book and I really liked this series. The characters were fun, the writing was enjoyable, and the plot was good, not to predictable. I think the romances were good and the friendships were solid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Gore, Blood, Confinement, Death, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Kidnapping
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I decided to read this book because I had read all five books of the series and I love this world and enjoyed the first series by Richelle Mead. So of course, I am going to read the final book in this series and it was brilliant and heartwarming
The book still follows a young Alchemist by the name of Sydney Sage now known as Sydney Sage-Ivashkov. They are a group of humans whose purpose is to be the bridge for the human world and the vampire world. Their job is to protect vampire secrets and human lives. Sydney has now abandoned the life of the Alchemists to be with Adrian forever. Now everyone knows about their romance and Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both of the Alchemists and the Moroi. But hen the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, she and Adrian becomes obsessed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world and alter their lives forever. In this book. We still both points of views from Sydney and Adrian, which I really enjoyed. This is a young adult fantasy novel with a hint of romance.
My favourite parts of this book were the found family aspect of it. I love the gang trying to calm each other down but also all of them wanting to burn the world down to save Jill, whilst Lissa’s is like a mum trying to discipline them all and it just not working. I liked the dual POV during this book and was definitely needed with both of them going on separate tasks throughout the book. I loved seeing everyone again, though I did miss Lissa and Christian as they were both at the court. From the cliff hanger of the last book, I was expecting a big action-packed fast paced book, but it wasn’t that, it was more figuring out and a lot of waiting around. From the previous book when the MCs run into action, it didn’t happen in this book because of the many characters that were doing the work for them.
The epilogue was so cute but I was expecting it to be set in the future and not like six months after the ending. I would love another book from Richelle Mead in this world where they’ve all got kids and all the kids are in trouble or detectives or something. I don’t want this world to be over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, and Gore
Minor: Abandonment, Death, and Kidnapping
tiana_king's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement and Death of parent
Minor: Blood
psydneigh's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Great conclusion to this story. In the acknowledgments, Richelle said that this might not be the last we see of these characters, so I am interested to see if that ever comes to be. I felt like this book had a few inconsistencies with how the world was originally set up. It was never mentioned if the rule about having a family member was ever changed. I’m going to assume so since Jill is back at court and seems fine, but I felt that was kind of a disappointment that that wasn’t concluded since that was the whole reason this whole situation started. It feels weird that it wasn’t resolved.
Overall, I enjoyed the series, and would be interested in reading another series set in this world.
Overall, I enjoyed the series, and would be interested in reading another series set in this world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Kidnapping
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
[fifth read, November 2022]
In the acknowledgments, Richelle said, and I quote, “I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these guys.”
Well, with all the respect due to a brilliant evil genius, this book came out in 2015. It’s nearly 2023. WHEN DO WE GET MORE?? PLEASE GIVE ME MORE. And this year would’ve been PERFECT for bonus content!! The very first VA book turned 15 years old! (Which is wild!) The show came out! I mean, I absolutely hate the show, but that’s not the point. The point is, WE COULD’VE GOTTEN A ROMITRI NOVELLA THIS YEAR. BUT NOOOO.
I’m not salty or anything. :’)))
Until next time, my sweet babies. 💗
[fourth read, November 2021]
In the acknowledgments, Richelle said, and I quote, “I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these guys.”
Well, with all the respect due to a brilliant evil genius, this book came out in 2015. It’s nearly 2022. WHEN DO WE GET MORE?? PLEASE GIVE ME MORE.
For all that these books break my heart and crush my soul, hell if they’re not a massive serotonin boost. The banter and the shenanigans and the cute moments will always make me smile, no matter how many times I read them.
Not gonna lie, though, if I had one complaint, it would be the lack of details at the end of the last chapter, just before the epilogue. No spoilers, and the epilogue itself is one of the best things I’ve read in my life, but right before that… I lowkey feel cheated.
That’s mostly just me being desperate, though. Now, let’s see how long I last before starting the whole thing all over again… 👀
[third read, June-July 2020]
I must be Ariel because I want more. ♫
Seriously though, I’m so glad these characters finally get the good things they deserve!!! It heals my heart.
[second read, October 2019]
Finishing this book was exactly what I needed today. The Ruby Circle is an exciting finale despite its size, with high stakes, multiple intriguing subplots, more than one swoon-worthy romance, plenty of humor, and an extremely satisfying ending. While emotions did run rampant, as should be expected in any book from Richelle Mead, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. All of my favorite characters banded together to save the day, and many wholesome and hilarious moments ensued.
Although reading my original review did make me cringe, I’ve found that it’s still a completely accurate representation of my feelings upon finishing this reread. Younger me called these books beautiful, brilliant, and brutal, and current me can confirm the truth of that statement.
I’m not sure what else to say, except that I love Sydney, Adrian, Rose, Dimitri, Jill, Eddie, Lissa, Christian, and every other character wholeheartedly. I could easily read another twelve books about them and their shenanigans, romantic and mischievous alike. Here’s to hoping that someday, Mead will return to this world and these characters. I mean, if it can work for The Hunger Games, maybe it can work for Vampire Academy too.
[first read, February 2017]
Now what do I do with my life??
…
…
I did it. I finished all twelve of the VA/BL books, and it was one of the best rides I never signed up for. I'm thoroughly obsessed, and I came close to crying happy tears as I read the last few pages. I didn't, just like I didn't at the end of VA or any of the times these books crushed my soul. I can't express how glad I am that I succumbed to the hype and read VA back in June. It was one of the best decisions I've made in my reading life, because I absolutely adore all of these books. ♡
The cheesy sentimental stuff is out of the way, so let's get to the obsessive fangirling you had to know was coming. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
OMG ALL THE FEELS. Until the very end, the story was thrilling and unpredictable and completely addicting. I was worried because it was the shortest BL book, but I didn't need to be because it was AMAZING. There was so much story and character development, and Sydney and Adrian are two of my all-time favorite characters. I also really liked the friendship and familial aspects that were especially strong in this book. And I think it goes without saying that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE ROMANCE. THEY'RE SO CUTE AND PASSIONATE AND GENUINE I JUST CAN'T. ALSO CAN WE APPRECIATE THAT ROSE AND DIMITRI HAD A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THIS BOOK AFTER WAITING FOR THE LAST FIVE. Declan was adorable and Rose and Dimitri's mutual cluelessness regarding babies was absolutely hilarious to me. Unfortunately it isn't what it sounds like, but it was great anyway. AND THAT ENDING. IT WAS 1000000% PERFECT. EVERYONE IS HAPPY SO I'M HAPPY TOO. I honestly don't think it could've been sweeter or more perfect. And if Richelle ever decided to write short stories like JLA did for Katy and Daemon, I WOULD BE COMPLETELY ON BOARD. (In the acknowledgments she said she didn't think she was done with this world and these characters, and I'M ON BOARD FOR THAT TOO.) *heart eyes*
Okay, I've rambled for a while, so I'll stop. I'm sure you all know I'm thoroughly obsessed with all twelve of these books by now. I'm off to wander aimlessly as I figure out what to do and what to read now that I've completed these beautiful, brilliant, brutal books. ♡
In the acknowledgments, Richelle said, and I quote, “I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these guys.”
Well, with all the respect due to a brilliant evil genius, this book came out in 2015. It’s nearly 2023. WHEN DO WE GET MORE?? PLEASE GIVE ME MORE. And this year would’ve been PERFECT for bonus content!! The very first VA book turned 15 years old! (Which is wild!) The show came out! I mean, I absolutely hate the show, but that’s not the point. The point is, WE COULD’VE GOTTEN A ROMITRI NOVELLA THIS YEAR. BUT NOOOO.
I’m not salty or anything. :’)))
Until next time, my sweet babies. 💗
[fourth read, November 2021]
In the acknowledgments, Richelle said, and I quote, “I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these guys.”
Well, with all the respect due to a brilliant evil genius, this book came out in 2015. It’s nearly 2022. WHEN DO WE GET MORE?? PLEASE GIVE ME MORE.
For all that these books break my heart and crush my soul, hell if they’re not a massive serotonin boost. The banter and the shenanigans and the cute moments will always make me smile, no matter how many times I read them.
Not gonna lie, though, if I had one complaint, it would be the lack of details at the end of the last chapter, just before the epilogue. No spoilers, and the epilogue itself is one of the best things I’ve read in my life, but right before that… I lowkey feel cheated.
That’s mostly just me being desperate, though. Now, let’s see how long I last before starting the whole thing all over again… 👀
[third read, June-July 2020]
I must be Ariel because I want more. ♫
Seriously though, I’m so glad these characters finally get the good things they deserve!!! It heals my heart.
[second read, October 2019]
Finishing this book was exactly what I needed today. The Ruby Circle is an exciting finale despite its size, with high stakes, multiple intriguing subplots, more than one swoon-worthy romance, plenty of humor, and an extremely satisfying ending. While emotions did run rampant, as should be expected in any book from Richelle Mead, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. All of my favorite characters banded together to save the day, and many wholesome and hilarious moments ensued.
Although reading my original review did make me cringe, I’ve found that it’s still a completely accurate representation of my feelings upon finishing this reread. Younger me called these books beautiful, brilliant, and brutal, and current me can confirm the truth of that statement.
I’m not sure what else to say, except that I love Sydney, Adrian, Rose, Dimitri, Jill, Eddie, Lissa, Christian, and every other character wholeheartedly. I could easily read another twelve books about them and their shenanigans, romantic and mischievous alike. Here’s to hoping that someday, Mead will return to this world and these characters. I mean, if it can work for The Hunger Games, maybe it can work for Vampire Academy too.
[first read, February 2017]
Now what do I do with my life??
…
…
I did it. I finished all twelve of the VA/BL books, and it was one of the best rides I never signed up for. I'm thoroughly obsessed, and I came close to crying happy tears as I read the last few pages. I didn't, just like I didn't at the end of VA or any of the times these books crushed my soul. I can't express how glad I am that I succumbed to the hype and read VA back in June. It was one of the best decisions I've made in my reading life, because I absolutely adore all of these books. ♡
The cheesy sentimental stuff is out of the way, so let's get to the obsessive fangirling you had to know was coming. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
OMG ALL THE FEELS. Until the very end, the story was thrilling and unpredictable and completely addicting. I was worried because it was the shortest BL book, but I didn't need to be because it was AMAZING. There was so much story and character development, and Sydney and Adrian are two of my all-time favorite characters. I also really liked the friendship and familial aspects that were especially strong in this book. And I think it goes without saying that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE ROMANCE. THEY'RE SO CUTE AND PASSIONATE AND GENUINE I JUST CAN'T. ALSO CAN WE APPRECIATE THAT ROSE AND DIMITRI HAD A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THIS BOOK AFTER WAITING FOR THE LAST FIVE. Declan was adorable and Rose and Dimitri's mutual cluelessness regarding babies was absolutely hilarious to me. Unfortunately it isn't what it sounds like, but it was great anyway. AND THAT ENDING. IT WAS 1000000% PERFECT. EVERYONE IS HAPPY SO I'M HAPPY TOO. I honestly don't think it could've been sweeter or more perfect. And if Richelle ever decided to write short stories like JLA did for Katy and Daemon, I WOULD BE COMPLETELY ON BOARD. (In the acknowledgments she said she didn't think she was done with this world and these characters, and I'M ON BOARD FOR THAT TOO.) *heart eyes*
Okay, I've rambled for a while, so I'll stop. I'm sure you all know I'm thoroughly obsessed with all twelve of these books by now. I'm off to wander aimlessly as I figure out what to do and what to read now that I've completed these beautiful, brilliant, brutal books. ♡
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Death
All things tagged minor are in relation to side characters and occur on page—except sexual assault, which is only briefly mentioned a couple of times while referencing a past event.
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