REVIEW : The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

REVIEW : The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

   1:58 PM       Elisa

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The Indigo Spell

Author      : Richelle Mead
Publisher   : Razorbill
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 401 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Book trailer :
This book has a LOT of trailers which have a LOT of Sydrian moments! YAY! Just check THIS out, will ya! ;)

Review :
May contain spoiler from Bloodlines and The Golden Lily though I try to minimize it, so if you haven't read The Golden Lily of even haven't start this series, you might want to skip this review. If you want to risk, just go ahead ;).

As quite a big fan of VA and Bloodlines series, of course I was as really excited as the others to read The Indigo Spell (I even watched the trailers, SIX awesome trailers over and over again!), so when this book came I immediately push aside the other books I've planned to read at that time and read this with ridiculous excitement. I couldn't wait to meet the beloved characters here, a.k.a Sydney and ADRIAN, the ADRIAN IVASHKOV, gosh now positively I love him more than Dimitri! =D
Anyway, of course I loved this book! At first I was afraid the relationship between Sydney and Adrian would be back forward or be awkward because of unfortunate event at the end of The Golden Lily, but thankfully it's all still very normal, as normal as Sydney and Adrian have been before with all funny, witty, swoon-worthy moments, mostly from Mr. Ivashkov =D.

Like always, I really enjoyed how Mead carefully and steadily developed everything in each volume. Sydney, for some reason, has been taking a special place in my heart since I read about her for the first time in Blood Promise and I admire her more in this book! Sydney grows more rebellious and involves deeper in magic world as she starts to question the Alchemist' reliability. She grows more endearing and 'stronger', and also she finally follows her heart regarding to irresistible Adrian Ivashkov. I think I can't thank Ms. Mead enough for created a creature as 'perfect and imperfect in the same time' as Adrian! I love seeing him grows a lot maturer and steadier, far away from a rich-spoiled-drunkard boy in VA. His love to Sydney is very strong and unwavering, he never stops supporting Sydney and always be there for her and I loved to see how Sydney, though in a kind of denial, mutually responds to it. Their adorable interaction is my most favorite part, reading them made me smile widely and swoon heavily! I was soooooo glad finally Sydney takes a very important decision developing her relationship with Adrian to the very next step! =DDD

One thing that actually quite a disappointment of this book for me is Marcus Finch. I was expecting his appearance would twist some aspects, well a little part in me hoped he would be Adrian's rival (I know I was being very rude to beloved Adrian to have a thought like that *while hiding from raging fangirls*) or anything that would make the story be more exciting since he seemed having a special promotion pre-publication. In reality, maybe Adrian has landed a good punch on him but otherwise he almost has no meaningful role even at some times I annoyed at how he thinks and behaves. But I know how genius Richelle Mead is at shocking us so I still have this faith Mead would develop Marcus' role in the future books.

Now I'm very thrilled to read The Fiery Heart, since we'll see the story from Adrian's point of view as well! WOW! =D. I can't wait to read what would happen to Sydney and Adrian after unexpected thing happened at the ending. Mead also has promised us an important scene as powerful as in Shadow Kissed, which quite worry me. I also can't wait to dive into the magic world with Sydney as I found it's very interesting. Can not wait until November! =D

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REVIEW : The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

REVIEW : The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

   7:49 PM       Elisa

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The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2)

Author      : Richelle Mead
Publisher   : Razorbill
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 418 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Book Trailer :

Cover Glimpse :
I think it's still as pretty as Bloodlines. I love title, the color (yellow and gold! Gorgeous!) and Jill's model. So pretty! =D

2cents :
(I think I'm too obsessed with Richelle Mead's works, I reviewed her books 3 times straight, this one makes 4. LOL)

Thankfully I could read this book right away after I finished with Bloodlines which the story was still quite fresh in my mind and I was glad I still hooked up with the entire story =D. Mead knows how to attract her readers without put too much gory action scenes (seems the only true warrior in the team is Eddie) and she seems like already planned and developed everything subtly and nicely. I enjoyed every scenes in this book and I love Sydney and Adrian even more than before!

Although this series is deep in supernatural twist, I find the storyline and the characters are also closer to daily life and more down-to-earth. Just saying, Sydney. I really like Sydney and I can relate to her very easily. Love that her obedience over The Alchemist rules do not always blind her heart. She's very kind, funny in her own way, heartwarming and ambitious at the same time; always hungry of knowledge and truth. She also happens to have a boyfriend who is very similar to her here, and occurs in the most boring-yet-amusing relationship ever, LOL! Her role also start to be more interesting than just a ordinary human because from the end part of Bloodlines then in this book, we learn that she's not that normal too. She possesses something really mysterious that I think could be the key for the whole series.

At the end of Bloodlines, we're notified that there will be a special 'guest' appearing at The Golden Lily. Oh okay, I tell you Dimitri is here, peeps, a super cool, mature, strong, dazzling dhampir who I (and most girls in town) helplessly admire from VA. I was both excited and afraid of his appearance, mostly afraid that he would steal everyone's attention from Adrian. Poor Adrian, he's clearly uncomfortable but still does his best to look nonchalant. But I was wrong. Somehow I was thankful Dimitri is barely appeared here and Adrian's still glowing and totally nailed the story with his funny and witty charms that always made me laugh! I also can say that this book opens more about Adrian. I love how Mead slowly makes us understand about how vulnerable Adrian is and his complicated situation with his family. Those ached my heart so much but also in the same time I worried he would destroy himself again and do something stupid. I was wrong again. I'm happy to see he grows more responsible and maturer here, to be a better person.

Another important thing that happens is that finally we can see some 'sparks' here. Mead is very famous with triangle love and it happens between all the main characters include Jill, Edy and the new comer, Angeline; and finally something I've waited since the start is happening! And BloodlinesBooks fanpage already made the video about that scene! SQUEEEE!

(WARNING! CONTAIN THE MOST IMPORTANT SPOILER! BETTER DON'T WATCH IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK.)

I'm really excited about what Richelle Mead will do next about the triangle-loves, especially between Sydney and Adrian! They two mean to be together. =D I also love to see more about the rest characters, the story development, more secrets, more surprises from her. I totally can't wait to read The Indigo Spell which I believe will have more twists and secrets and another love-triangle! Adrian, please keep strong!
Happy reading! =D


P.S : by the way, do you guys know Richelle Mead revealed the forth's title on her birthday? It calls 'The Fiery Heart' and from how the title sounds, probably the romance side would be more intense and another thing is that this book will have alternate narrator between Sydney and Adrian. YESH ADRIAAAAN!!! WE WILL ENTER THE REALM OF HIS VERY MIND!!! OH MY GOD SO EXCITED ALREADY! 8DDDD
Just keep a good living until 2014 then! ;)

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REVIEW : Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

REVIEW : Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

   8:22 PM       Elisa

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Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1)

Author      : Richelle Mead
Publisher   : Razorbill
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 421 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Blood doesn't lie...

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...

Book Trailer :

Cover Glimpse :
Usually I'm not really into the style (you know, frontal face look like VA's), but I dunno why I really like the cover. It's red (oh yeah), the models are fab (I love Adrian's impersonate! And I also love the Golden Lily tattoo on Sydney's cheek, fantabulous!) and of course, 'Richelle Mead' term. Oh yeah!

2cents
This book has been on my shelf for a long time before I could finish Vampire Academy series because of the local publishing matter and I even didn't dare to take a peek on it. LOL. But at last I finally could devour it and ooooh, thank you Richelle Mead for constantly being so AWESOME! You're definitely the genius story-teller! Again I was dazzled with Mead's skill how to make any development processes on either the story or character so subtle, so real and understandable and how she always surprises me and turns everything to the unexpected moment. It was so thrilling to meet both old and new people on this series with a totally different vibe and rhythm from Vampire Academy, the more-drama-like and 'calmer' one, and take a note : almost has no love scenes at all which I found absolutely fine for me. I really enjoyed the subtle development of relation between Sydney and her new friends, Moroi and Dhampir who she used to hate.

I met Sydney Sage very first time at Blood Promise and because I've already known she'd be the main character at Bloodlines, I wanted to know her more and put more attention on her. Although Sydney is not as 'striking' as Rose, tends to be more discreet, rigid and genuine thinker, her character has been continually developing since half of VA series until this one, where we get a chance to see the world from her eyes and thoughts.
Basically, Sydney is a contrary of Rose, both her character and life. She's pure smart scientist, well-organized and professional, somehow kind of boring because she's so rigid and too obedient even letting some people trash her ability and misjudge her. But yet, surprisingly she's quite open-minded and there's a little rebel part of her (usually Alchemist dislike the dark creatures named Moroi and Dhampir and avoids to have any kind relationship with them) that regards her new 'friends'; a pack of fugitive Moroi and Dhampir consists Jill, Eddie and Adrian; and responsible to take care of them more like a big sister, or even like a mother. I found a lot of her thoughts and acts are charming and related to my own self, and it's so hard not to liking her.

“Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try."
- Adrian
from Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Adrian as one of main character is the important thing of this series, at least for me. I really want to know what Mead would do on 'healing' Adrian. As for my main-male-character standard, Adrian possesses some characteristics I despise a lot (smoking, drinking, womanizer, spoiled-rich-boy, victim-minded, etc). But so strange, apparently Mead's magic works on me, I like him so much. If Adrian was solidified, I would run and bump onto him, hug him and said "SO NICE TO SEE YOU, SO CALLED JET STEELE!!!" xD. Although it was kinda sad looking on him, all messed, broken and sad, he's still 'him' after all with his cigarettes (which I dislike), liquors (which I dislike too), witty-sarcastic-hilarious comments and lines (which I absolutely LOVE!). I don't deny that some moments I felt like wanna strangle him for keep destroying himself and being such a$*hole (I know there are reasons but still, UGH!) but as pages flipped by he starts to healed and change, to be a bit more appreciate himself. Thanks for Sydney too though =D. Adrian is really really charming here. I laughed a lot over his funny and ridiculous dialogues I almost overdosed. Seriously can't get enough of him!

I also was happy I could know more about Jill and Eddie as we barely see them at VA. I feel so sorry to Jill for everything had happened to her. Jill's being all emo here is so understandable since I think I would do as the same as her too if I was in her state. Eddie really looks like a young Dimitri to me, being all tough and serious, well actually I already considered this since Spirit Bound and kind of miss his fun part.

Like I said, this book almost has no romance. Well, maybe a little bit sparks here and there but not too pronounced. As for me, somehow I enjoyed that wondering feeling, what would happen between these characters, especially between Sydney and Adrian. I already have been shipping them heavily because I really love watching their quarrels and banters. They look so cute together and Sydney seems the only person who can handle Adrian Ivashkov very well =D. This book also barely has real action since we only have only one fighter among the main characters, but still could make my heart pounding fast and literally biting my nails. So unexpected and horrifying!

Overall, although it's okay to start this right away, I may highly suggest you to read Vampire Academy series first before you get a hand on this book, it will help you to know more about the background of some characters and some things that had happened before. And yes, this is an amazing start of an amazing-to-be series, as expected from Richelle Mead. Some of VA fans maybe would feel something is missing here (because Rose's voice is so powerful and unforgettable). There are suddenly appearing new secrets that makes me more curious and thrilled to get a grip on the next book, Golden Lily.
VA fans, or specifically Adrian fans, you have to start this book very soon!
Happy reading! =D

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REVIEW : Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

REVIEW : Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

   9:28 PM       Elisa

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Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6)

Author      : Richelle Mead
Publisher   : Razorbill
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 594 (Hardcover)

Summary from Goodreads :

They come first.

My vision was growing dimmer, the blackness and ghosts closing in. I swore it was like I could hear Robert whispering in my ear: The world of the dead won't give you up a second time. Just before the light completely vanished, I saw Dimitri's face join Lissa's. I wanted to smile. I decided then that if the two people I loved most were safe, I could leave this world.

The dead could finally have me.


Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules. She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir's Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardians to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose - for a crime she didn't even commit. She's in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She'll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose's life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back...and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your whole life is about saving others, who will save you?

Join Rose, Dimitri, Adrian, and Lissa in Last Sacrifice, the epic, unforgettable finale to Richelle Mead's international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series.

Cover Glimpse :
Probably the most favorite cover from all (although I've stated the series cover isn't my fave). I don't know why. Maybe because the expression? The color? I don't know. I just like it =)
*the lamest explanation of all*

2cents :

“Ah, my daughter,ʺ he said. ʺEighteen, and already youʹve been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see.ʺ He paused. ʺI couldnʹt be prouder.”

- Abe Mazur referring to Rose
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

So finally one of my most favorite series ever has come to the end. I was all both excited and sad at the same time when the time to read this book came.

*sniff*

This book gave me such a complex state of emotion. Full of excitements, tensions, happiness, and grief, I have no other words but I totally agree what the blurb said : this book is the epic, fantastic, heart-wretching, unforgettable finale of Vampire Academy series. I really admire Richelle Mead, like again and again, because from book one till the last one, she never fail to amaze and surprise me with twists and turns of events and characters. It's very rare to find a series, or an author who keeps impressed you from the start till the end, and Mead is one of that rare thing for me. ALL HAIL Richelle Mead! 8D

I have a serious problem at reviewing this book without spoil A LOT from it. I want to give a clear explanation about what this book about but yet I would kind of spoil everything happened on both Spirit Bound and this one too! *dizzy*. Okay then just aware that this contain spoilers *sigh*

At very first I was pretty scared while read the title. LAST SACRIFICE??? WHO THE HELL WOULD GIVE HER LAST SACRIFICE??? And well, there are a lot sacrifices here which I didn't see it coming from several characters.
This book is, like usual, divided by 2 major stories; Rose's journey to seek and reveal the biggest thing that might change the whole Moroi world, that thing related to Lissa, and she's not alone, instead Dimitri accompany her along (I was being frantic and happy at this part, no offense, Team Adrian =p); and Lissa's attempts to clear Rose's name with searching the real Tatiana's murderer and also prepare herself to participate on Moroi's ruthless politic world. At the process, Rose meets old and new people, community even; I have to say, for some reason I was happy to meet Sidney again =p; who each of them really has a meaning to be there, sooner or later. This book ends very 'grandly', although there's a bit guilt, a part of my heart and mind found their peace and I fully satisfied with it.

What I really love from this book is how everything turns to be so complicated and how Mead also includes complex things like politics, social class, and cultures in Moroi world (reading those quite dizzied my head a bit), and somehow all events have been very well planned from the start. It flows and connected to each other, and how no single character appears and being useless. And also the best part is the distinct character development which happen based on several situation each of them went through. Rose, indeed, never failed to be awesome; awesomely strong, persevere and simple-minded (action-first-think-later thing) but also an awesome learner from her mistakes. She's no doubt the best YA heroine ever for me =). The post-Strigoi Dimitri also happens to change a lot and I admit I love him better here, he's maturer, quite lively and respect life more, not all gloomy and rigid like before. Also I was happy to see the respectable, responsible Lissa, after suddenly she bears a great task that will change her life forever. Wow, I haven't see it coming, seriously thrilling and crazy!

I'm quite sure most of Team Adrian deeply disappointed with this book, or to be exact, to Rose. I do love Adrian, who's not, and also feel a bit angry to Rose, but somehow I really understand why Rose does it and afraid I would do the same as her if I was placed on hers. Somehow the more I read, the more I was certain that Adrian is not for Rose. Rose seems overwhelming for him, and then he keeps victimizing himself, something I don't like too. But I, from the bottom of my heart, felt really sorry for him, and literally hope Mead would somehow create a happy future and love-life one day. This was the only reason I got an urge need to read Bloodlines really soon (thankfully I've had it far before I got this book. lol)

See, how I can treat fictional characters as a real people. That's the effect of this series to me /=

Overall, well yeah, it might be the end of VA series but Richelle Mead created another spin off series, Bloodlines where we can find more about what happen to the rest 'unhappy' characters from VA (which I found as fabulous as the predecessor!).
I can assure you Vampire Academy is worth thousands praises and stars. It has every incredible and fabulous things you could imagine from a series and I can say this is the best vampire series ever =D. Yet, I'm a bit disappointed why this series hasn't opted to be an adaptation movie yet =(.
Add this series in your to-be-read list would not be hurt and for Indonesian fellows who are still waiting for the translation version, perhaps you need to find another way like I did to read this book, PRETTY SOONER *rawr*!

Happy reading! =D

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REVIEW : Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

REVIEW : Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

   12:05 PM       Elisa

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Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5)

Author      : Richelle Mead
Publisher   : Razorbill
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 489 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's-and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.

Cover Glimpse :
The entire covers of this series are not my favorite. Somehow they're too raw and not really well-touched. The cover gives both exact and false assumption about what this book about. Maybe you think this book is a lot about romance but I have to tell you, yeah it's some love-making scenes but they only get around 1/7 of entire book, but the rest are all about mind-blowing action and ashtonisments.
Personally I prefer Indonesia version's covers to this. It's more gorgeous and dark =3

2cents :

WARNING 1 : SOFT RANTS, BEWARE OF CAPS-LOCK ABUSING

SCREW YOU, 'CERTAIN-LOCAL-PUBLISHER'!!! (better not mention it publicly, or you might trace it yourself from my tags =p)

HOW COULD YOU STOP PUBLISHING SUCH SUPERULTRAFRIGGINAWESOMELICIOS (okay, I try too hard to make it sounds mouthful) SERIES LIKE VAMPIRE ACADEMY??? HUH??? HUUUUUHH???
YOU'LL BE DAMNED BY OUR SORROW WAITING FOR THIS BOOK FOR LIKE ALMOST 2 YEARS STRAIGHT WITHOUT ANY FRIGGIN' EXPLANATION.

*sigh*

Probably I'm egoistically judging the publisher that way based on what I've heard from several people about what had happened to this publisher without knowing the true internal reason. And I don't really care *pissed*
Thankfully by any coincidence I found the English version on the sale shelf at certain bookstore and decided to buy it along with Last Sacrifice *with freaking cheap price,yay!*. Despite of my remorse because the whole series won't have even book form, I'm soooooo glad I bought them, because I could meet Rose and the gang and being totally captivated by the story again! Richelle Mead is such an awesome story-teller, she can make us addicted to her kick-ass, heartpounding storyline and love like all of her awesome characters, with their own qualities.

WARNING 2 : MAY CONTAIN SPOILER FROM BLOOD PROMISE, AND PROBABLY I'LL BABBLE A LOT. I already warn you.

It's really nice to see Rose back to be around her friends in St. Vladimir again although for a short time because finally she gets the official 'Guardian' title. But of course no peaceful days happen if it related to Rose. Soon after her graduation, with Lissa who commits to help her in her 'secret mission', go through complicated and dangerous journey to proof something sounds impossible like a way to restore Strigoi, or in her case, Dimitri, back to their normal identity, while Dimitri also hunts her down once she outs from St.Vladimir's and Court's gates and eager to kill her. The story goes more complicated and at this book we learn more about Spirit user Moroi which surprisingly has the greater role on shaking believes they used to live since long ago.

This book distinctly improves and has a packed of complicated scenes, none of them failed to warm my heart and pump my adrenalin from the start until the end. I couldn't put this book down (except when I had to work, I brought this along with me anyway) and totally absorbed into it. Mead masterfully gives plenty problems which only can be solved by chronological extreme actions with surprising yet dramatic result. What I also like that Rose is not the center of universe here. Her friends like Lissa, Eddie, Adrian, and the new one, Mikhail, get important roles helping her action and you would realized that this story simply impossible to move if they are not around. I really adore the friendship, love and loyalty among them, how they trust each other's ability.

Rose is a solid model of the most strong, sarcastic, take-action-first-think-later, better-die-trying-than-live-waiting, notorious, reckless, determined, stubborn main character I've ever read. Especially in this installment, what she does on most entire book is absolutely, completely out of my mind and I almost forget that she's just a girl. How come a girl magically still survive after break in the most secure Vampire prison in the world (with Lissa's help) and jump into the Strigoi (blood thirst, bad vampire, maybe this is the closest form of vampire we all were afraid of in our chilhood =p) nest even manage to kill plenty of them. Crazy right? Still with those flaws I can't help but love and admire her. She's an interesting character, knows very well about her power and ability and doesn't even think twice to safe people she loves. Also she learn to trust her Moroi friends more since they have privilege to use magic.

Lissa is also being maturer and more responsible, more credit for her. She doesn't act spoiled and fully depend on Rose, instead she initiatives to learn more about her spirit power and takes an action almost as reckless as Rose, and also the best part, manages to repair her relationship with Christian =D. Oh man, so happy Christian gets more part here and I really love his witty and sarcastic lines!

Talking about problem choosing between Dimitri or Adrian, I have to say, regretfully I still put my heart on Dimitri. I really like them, both of them are so different yet charming, in this case I really understand Rose's feeling about this (although I don't like her seems two-timing between this two). But Adrian has some issues I specifically don't like (okay he's funny, but he's a little spoiled and loves cigarette and liquor. No offense =p) while Dimitri, despite of already being a Strigoi and has less sense of humor, holds a lot of good virtues I admire from a man. So yeah, at VA series, I'm a total team Dimitri, and a fan of Adrian and Christian. Lol guys in this series are irresistible for a weak-heart like me *sigh*.

Spirit Bound is , I can say, a major turning point for the whole story. I ranted a lot at Shadow Kissed and Blood Promise because Richelle Mead totally broke my heart into pieces because of what she did on Dimitri. I knew there's a probability to get Dimitri back because no, he couldn't be damned, but then suddenly with a surprising way he's back, and bring another discoveries and problems, especially for Rose's (and my) heart, to deal with (ooooh poor Adrian!!! T^T). Then this book is closed with a shocking, major cliffhanger which made me so dizzy, thankfully I already had Last Sacrifice to devour next. I think there's no other series as mentally-draining as Vampire Academy, well maybe I just exaggerate.

See, I was babbling.
So I can't say enough, you need to read this book if you got your heart broken at Blood Promise. It probably would ease you a little or even add your anxiety. And for those who never read any, start to read this series soon, because it's BEYOND AMAZING.

Happy reading! =)

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REVIEW : Blood Promise

REVIEW : Blood Promise

   11:11 AM       Elisa

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Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4)

Author     : Richelle Mead

Publisher  : Matahati

Pages       : 570

Blurb :

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

Have i ever said I love Vampire Academy series?
I LOVE VAMPIRE ACADEMY. SO MUCH. /just erased too many "o","!", and "u"/

I don't care how many time I've said it, because they worth it =D

Richelle Mead makes a wonderful and rich vampire world with its awesome story, intrigue, passion and characters to be loved like Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian, Adrian, even some side characters are lovable too. Not exactly like 'I couldn't put it down' because I have go to work, but it did make me stayed up late in the night and woke up with heavy eyes.

This forth book is more focused to Rose's Journey to Siberia, Dimitri's hometown, to find and kill him, her mentor and also her lover who became a Strigoi after their attack on St. Vladimir Academy. This means Rose also drops out from school and leaves Lissa, her bestfriend and the last Dragomir she oaths to guards. But although she's apart from Lissa, Rose keeps checking Lissa's condition through her head, even at her "worse condition" she still remember Lissa. So thankful because the friendship between Rose and Lissa is awesome like that, and also the awesome writing skill of Richelle Mead that makes this book doesn't concern too much on Rose's adventure like I ever worried before.

We still meet Lissa, Christian, and Adrian/withtonsofheartshere/ with their own problems, although it's from Rose's head. I really like how Lissa grows and develop her character maturer than before, and also Adrian who is not only a drunkard playboy and begin to concern people around him, which makes me love him more /withtonsofheartshere/. Beside main characters, there's some new people Rose meets with surprising abilities and identities who I think they have important roles at the rest books, they makes me feels "Oh, there's a hope!" and they are lovable too. Sydney and Abe are already my favorite =)

I was afraid I would get full-of-heartbreaking story from the beginning til the end. The end of Shadow Kiss was like a beginning of sad ending for me. I was like : "OMG, will Rose kill Dimitri???" (which I know it's impossible, but I can't predict what would happen) and "Will Rose ends with Adrian??" (and my anger rose because I want to own Adrian for myself. LOL, ignore that). But I'm glad I was wrong.

Yes this book is more emotional stirring than other 3 books. At a time you might feel as frustated and sad as Rose does but after that you feel a slight of releaved and amused to see how real and kick-ass and strong she is. And surprisingly, Strigoi-Dimitri is not that bad, even as awesome as before (except the fact he preys on human for their blood, which stains his perfectness on me =_=, well, Strigoi after all).

This book, or this series, is definitely a must read. Twist, funny, heartbreaking, pack of action, lovable and strong characters, thrilling romance, you'll find all of these inside.

Just.... try to read it ;)

I looked him in the eye. "I will always love you."

Then I plunged the stake into his chest.

AAAARGH!!!

WHEN WILL I GET SPIRIT BOUND????

;A;

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REVIEW : Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

REVIEW : Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

   3:54 PM       Elisa

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Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid Series #1)

Author     : Richelle Mead
Publisher  : Dastan (Indonesia)
Pages      :
Source    : Bought

Blurb :
Succubus (n.) An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men. Pathetic (adj.) A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.
When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants. The wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid’s life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven’t stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess get-up complete with whip and wings. And she can’t have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy’s life. At least there’s her day job at a local bookstore—free books, all the white chocolate mochas she can drink, and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can’t.

But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle’s demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won’t help because Georgina’s about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny…

I bought this book because I'm Richelle Mead's fans. I love Vampire Academy so much, and heard many good reviews about this series too so I give it a try. And yeah, quite good, although not as good as vampire academy =p.

Georgina Kincaid once was a mortal, until someday she made a big mistake and to fixed all damages she has done, she sold her soul to hell and she became a succubus, a demon who allures men and suck their soul.
But Georgina is different from other succubus. She still holds her humanity and can't forget her past. She doesn't seduce any men, just those who have low life like drug users, cheaters, or even helpless single geeks (lol). She doesn't date good guys because she cannot let their soul sucked and destroyed. She enjoys her 'normal' attractive appearance and more over she's a nerd, loves books and works normally like other woman on a bookstore. She also loves her friends, so when someone or something seems hunting downloaders around her, she strives to finds out who or what it is. This is made Georgina likeable and the most kind succubus in this world =p.

When finally she meets Seth Mortensen, a geeky-cute-but-sexy writer she admires for a long time, who also seems interest at her, she also meets another mesmerizing guy named Roman. She is torn apart between Seth and Roman because although she like Seth, Roman shows more attention and admiration to her and she herself feels she's unworthy for someone like Seth. And yeah... for a moment she dates Roman even sleep with him.
This do disturb a bit. Despite of her profession as a succubus, she seems easily fall for any guy who adores her, which makes her a bit...cheap (oh wow so harsh xD). Even her past showed it too.
I don't really enjoy her 'side love story', I even don't feel sympathy for her pitiful love life because it's her own fault. Somehow I feel Seth is too good for her, and he is so awesome to still love her no matter what she is and her doing.

Sooooooo.... 3 stars. Overall this book is enjoyable, a well mixture of paranormal-adult-love-action, although Georgina still isn't my favorite but Seth and Jerome absolutely my favorite. Can't wait to see him more at next books.

Warning : This book contains some religion issues. You may find some things are not appropriate with what you believe. But if you could put it aside and take it just as a fiction, you may enjoy this like I do =) And of course because it's adult novel, you may find a lot steamy scenes =). Me? Oh, I already reach ages to read this kind of things. LOL

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