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A review by mdegraff
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
4.0
OMG! How do I feel now that it’s over…well…I’m….hmm…okay. Actually I’m disappointed. I would give this book 3.5 Stars, but giving the benefit of the doubt I’ll round up to 4.
As the final book (book 6) in the Vampire Academy series, the foe in this book is the Royal Court and the threat is the Guardians. Queen Tatiana has been murdered and all evidence points to Rose. A hearing will be held, with a short time frame before a Trial. If convicted, she’ll be executed. Dimitri has been healed, but he is still guarded, kept under lock and key. He is still feared and not accepted by the general public. What is the fate of these two at the hands of the Royal Court Mob?
“If you work hard and put your mind to it, you might just inherit my brilliant logic skills someday.”
“It seemed my tendency toward crazy plots ran in the family.”
“Eighteen, and already you’ve been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see.” “I couldn’t be prouder.”
“I always love seeing what worries you. Strigoi? No. Questionable food? Yes.”
“It’s okay now. I’m here. I’ll always be here for you.”
“Because sometimes, a person can get so caught up in the details that they miss the whole. It’s not just the dress or the hair. It’s you. You’re beautiful. So beautiful, it hurts me.”
“I’d heard there was some, er, excitement. Murder, fanatical religious humans, interrogations. All things I’m interested in, you know.”
“He just lost membership in the evil mastermind club.”
“Wait until next time,” “I’ll do think that’ll make you lose control within seconds.”
The suspense, action, and drama are really heightened in this book – which is good! It kept me reading and wanting more. BUT – a few things really got under my skin. The way the author kept pointing out the obvious, instead of letting the Reader hang on to the suspense of our own emotions and imagination. As when Sonja spoke to Rose about Dimitri. Really? Was that (explanation) really necessary? We knew that already…his actions tell a lot….Rose should have figured it out for herself and not needed Sonja to point it out!
I also felt that few of the characters were out of character at the end, specifically Adrian and Lissa. The way we got to know them throughout the series, isn’t how I expected them to react in their particular situations. It was very frustrating...
And I felt cheated by the ‘wrap up’ ending too. It didn’t sit right with me. Very disappointing.
Adrian had always been understanding of Rose and her feelings for Dimitri. He understood she needed time to get over him and that she was still trying. But seriously, was he really shocked at the revelation that she still loved, wanted, and needed Dimitri? It was his fear all along…if (Dimitri) returned (Adrian) would lose her. Granted I’m sure Adrian was hurt by her actions, but would he really have been that surprised? I guess I didn’t see their relationship build as much as hers and Dimitri’s. Usually Adrian and Rose had playful banter, but nothing I saw as serious. I think a few more dream sequences with him and Rose talking about how she was doing being holed up with Dimitri (supposedly doing nothing but sitting around a Motel in the middle of nowhere) could have been very enlightening, for both of them.
While I understand Rose not wanting to ‘break up’ in a dream, her flippant remark about ‘maybe still needing him’ really? That was low. That was the Rose from the first book, not the Rose who matured and grew as a character throughout the series. She really regressed in this book. AND Adrian is a Spirit user, he sees the Auras just like Sonja. While he mayn’t understand them as well as she does, he should have been able to see Rose and Dimitri’s “matching” auras.
Finally, her end remark about “I’m not a victim” – seriously. WTF! If she cared about Adrian as she said she did, her ending words could have been better. The OBVIOUS reason is that THEM would never have worked out. He’s a Royal Moroi and she’s a Dhampir. They don’t marry. While I could see his character saying, that’s okay, I’ll go against everything and marry you. I don’t see it actually happening, he’d be kicked out of his family for sure….
And Lissa…wow. She was always so kind and gentle, understanding of others feelings. That was lost on her in her final moments towards Jill. She was cold and uncaring. I understand that when she sees Jill, she has pain about her father cheating on her mother; as well as her old jealousy toward her because of Christian. BUT, would she really have been that much of a B*tch? I feel really bad for Jill, because she really did get thrown to the wolves and left to fend for herself…not even so much of a thank you for doing this so I could be Queen…
And Dimitri. What to say. I’ve always LOVED his character and it pained me to watch him turn Strigoi. It was even more painful to watch him be healed by Lissa. His reaction toward her (pledging his life) and her mother affection made me sick to my stomach. His rejection of Rose! OMG! This was explained later in the book, but putting in a little foreshadowing, instead of just “I can’t” and “Love fades”. That was lame. Obviously Christian was on to something when he said Rose is the one to help Dimitri. BUT, Lissa slugged it off. Really? I realize she didn’t really know Dimitri all that well (it’s not like they hung out while at school), and she didn’t learn of Rose’s feelings until after Dimitri was turned. BUT, you’d think Lissa would be a little more understanding and talk to Rose about the situation. Aggravating.
Finally, the “Happy Ending” for Rose and Dimitri didn’t feel right. A better ending would have been if they were dropped of all charges, but NOT given their Guardian status back. Obviously they would still be together, free of all duties, they could go travel and see the beauty in the world. They could “heal” each other and enjoy life. Rose had said it once before, while she may not be Lissa’s Guardian, she would always be her friend. So, of course Rose and Lissa would see each other a lot, but it would be a different type of relationship. Rose needs to “find” herself and learn to let Lissa live by herself. (She is Queen now after all. And the bond is broken.)
After everything Dimitri and Rose have (mentally) been through, I don’t think they are ‘healed’. I’m sure Dimitri still has haunting of his time as a Strigoi; just as at some point those things that Rose ‘pushed away to worry about later’ will surface. They need time to heal, and only they can do that for each other, with each other. Not by following the “They come first” BS. They need more days like in the library, where they can forget about everything else and just be together with no other worries.
THAT would have been a worthy HEA ending for this couple. It could have lead to a spinoff of them back in Russia visiting his family, maybe some stealth assignments for Abe, being freelance Guardians, travelling the world, and hunting and attacking Strigoi. Maybe even Christian and Adrian would join them for a special assignment (Adrian as a healer targeting a certain Strigoi and Christian as a fire wielding Moroi for support), etc. I mean, the plots could be endless, Dimitri knows so much intel on the Strigoi….THAT would have been a fun ride.
As the final book (book 6) in the Vampire Academy series, the foe in this book is the Royal Court and the threat is the Guardians. Queen Tatiana has been murdered and all evidence points to Rose. A hearing will be held, with a short time frame before a Trial. If convicted, she’ll be executed. Dimitri has been healed, but he is still guarded, kept under lock and key. He is still feared and not accepted by the general public. What is the fate of these two at the hands of the Royal Court Mob?
“If you work hard and put your mind to it, you might just inherit my brilliant logic skills someday.”
“It seemed my tendency toward crazy plots ran in the family.”
“Eighteen, and already you’ve been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see.” “I couldn’t be prouder.”
“I always love seeing what worries you. Strigoi? No. Questionable food? Yes.”
“It’s okay now. I’m here. I’ll always be here for you.”
“Because sometimes, a person can get so caught up in the details that they miss the whole. It’s not just the dress or the hair. It’s you. You’re beautiful. So beautiful, it hurts me.”
“I’d heard there was some, er, excitement. Murder, fanatical religious humans, interrogations. All things I’m interested in, you know.”
“He just lost membership in the evil mastermind club.”
“Wait until next time,” “I’ll do think that’ll make you lose control within seconds.”
The suspense, action, and drama are really heightened in this book – which is good! It kept me reading and wanting more. BUT – a few things really got under my skin. The way the author kept pointing out the obvious, instead of letting the Reader hang on to the suspense of our own emotions and imagination. As when Sonja spoke to Rose about Dimitri. Really? Was that (explanation) really necessary? We knew that already…his actions tell a lot….Rose should have figured it out for herself and not needed Sonja to point it out!
I also felt that few of the characters were out of character at the end, specifically Adrian and Lissa. The way we got to know them throughout the series, isn’t how I expected them to react in their particular situations. It was very frustrating...
And I felt cheated by the ‘wrap up’ ending too. It didn’t sit right with me. Very disappointing.
Adrian had always been understanding of Rose and her feelings for Dimitri. He understood she needed time to get over him and that she was still trying. But seriously, was he really shocked at the revelation that she still loved, wanted, and needed Dimitri? It was his fear all along…if (Dimitri) returned (Adrian) would lose her. Granted I’m sure Adrian was hurt by her actions, but would he really have been that surprised? I guess I didn’t see their relationship build as much as hers and Dimitri’s. Usually Adrian and Rose had playful banter, but nothing I saw as serious. I think a few more dream sequences with him and Rose talking about how she was doing being holed up with Dimitri (supposedly doing nothing but sitting around a Motel in the middle of nowhere) could have been very enlightening, for both of them.
While I understand Rose not wanting to ‘break up’ in a dream, her flippant remark about ‘maybe still needing him’ really? That was low. That was the Rose from the first book, not the Rose who matured and grew as a character throughout the series. She really regressed in this book. AND Adrian is a Spirit user, he sees the Auras just like Sonja. While he mayn’t understand them as well as she does, he should have been able to see Rose and Dimitri’s “matching” auras.
Finally, her end remark about “I’m not a victim” – seriously. WTF! If she cared about Adrian as she said she did, her ending words could have been better. The OBVIOUS reason is that THEM would never have worked out. He’s a Royal Moroi and she’s a Dhampir. They don’t marry. While I could see his character saying, that’s okay, I’ll go against everything and marry you. I don’t see it actually happening, he’d be kicked out of his family for sure….
And Lissa…wow. She was always so kind and gentle, understanding of others feelings. That was lost on her in her final moments towards Jill. She was cold and uncaring. I understand that when she sees Jill, she has pain about her father cheating on her mother; as well as her old jealousy toward her because of Christian. BUT, would she really have been that much of a B*tch? I feel really bad for Jill, because she really did get thrown to the wolves and left to fend for herself…not even so much of a thank you for doing this so I could be Queen…
And Dimitri. What to say. I’ve always LOVED his character and it pained me to watch him turn Strigoi. It was even more painful to watch him be healed by Lissa. His reaction toward her (pledging his life) and her mother affection made me sick to my stomach. His rejection of Rose! OMG! This was explained later in the book, but putting in a little foreshadowing, instead of just “I can’t” and “Love fades”. That was lame. Obviously Christian was on to something when he said Rose is the one to help Dimitri. BUT, Lissa slugged it off. Really? I realize she didn’t really know Dimitri all that well (it’s not like they hung out while at school), and she didn’t learn of Rose’s feelings until after Dimitri was turned. BUT, you’d think Lissa would be a little more understanding and talk to Rose about the situation. Aggravating.
Finally, the “Happy Ending” for Rose and Dimitri didn’t feel right. A better ending would have been if they were dropped of all charges, but NOT given their Guardian status back. Obviously they would still be together, free of all duties, they could go travel and see the beauty in the world. They could “heal” each other and enjoy life. Rose had said it once before, while she may not be Lissa’s Guardian, she would always be her friend. So, of course Rose and Lissa would see each other a lot, but it would be a different type of relationship. Rose needs to “find” herself and learn to let Lissa live by herself. (She is Queen now after all. And the bond is broken.)
After everything Dimitri and Rose have (mentally) been through, I don’t think they are ‘healed’. I’m sure Dimitri still has haunting of his time as a Strigoi; just as at some point those things that Rose ‘pushed away to worry about later’ will surface. They need time to heal, and only they can do that for each other, with each other. Not by following the “They come first” BS. They need more days like in the library, where they can forget about everything else and just be together with no other worries.
THAT would have been a worthy HEA ending for this couple. It could have lead to a spinoff of them back in Russia visiting his family, maybe some stealth assignments for Abe, being freelance Guardians, travelling the world, and hunting and attacking Strigoi. Maybe even Christian and Adrian would join them for a special assignment (Adrian as a healer targeting a certain Strigoi and Christian as a fire wielding Moroi for support), etc. I mean, the plots could be endless, Dimitri knows so much intel on the Strigoi….THAT would have been a fun ride.