Book Review: Richelle Mead's Last Sacrifice

I’m reviewing Richelle Mead’s Last Sacrifice.  Before I forget, if you’re looking for a FREE copy of Last Sacrifice, you have until today, eod, to register to win via my FREE BOOK CONTEST. Although it’s the last book of Rose’s story, everyone should know by now it’s hardly the last of the series. For those interested, check out Mead's blog/website where she discusses Bloodlines and its status.  I believe it’s scheduled to release in August of 2011.  Can’t wait!

Now…onto to Last Sacrifice.  I’ll do my best not to provide any spoilers but I will have to concede a few – sorry.  After Spirit Bound, we learned Dimitri is back – no longer Strigoi and wants nothing to do with Rose.  Also, Queen Tasha was killed and Rose was framed and arrested for her murder.  The stage is set for Last Sacrifice when Rose is jailed, awaiting her trial. 

First off, it’s not a stretch of one’s imagination to know that Rose wouldn’t be stuck in a cell for too long.  I mean, hello…its Rose Hathaway.  Her friends and family had to rescue her or else she’d be convicted and put to death.  What I found odd was the journey she went on.  I loved that while Rose was hiding, she also played investigator, searching for Lissa’s potential half-sibling – Lissa’s father, Eric Dragomir’s illegitimate child.  But for me, as this part of the story unfolded, I found myself lost.  Hey, I still devoured it, but I was struggling with its purpose. Especially when “The Keepers” came into play.  I didn’t understand Joshua or the others and my only thought was Mead must have been setting up characters/scenarios for Bloodlines.

While Dimitri and Sydney were out gallivanting with Rose, Lissa, Christian and Adrian were back at court.  The plot was seemingly divided, bouncing back and forth between Lissa and Rose, of course.  Dimitri is still shunning Rose, at first – which made me sad - but after Spirit Bound, I began accepting that their relationship was over.  Adrian was the chosen knight and I was perfectly content with that scenario.  Interestingly, the plot may have evolved the way it did was because of Dimitri and Rose’s relationship.  Everyone knew they had unfinished business, but who knew what to make of it?  Their relationship had multi-layers and I thought Mead did a wonderful job at pulling back the layers, evaluating their past.  Once they did, the ending made sense to me. I won’t tell you what happened – it would be wrong on so many levels.

As for the Queen’s true murderer…I can tell you I didn’t see that coming.  I loved the ending of “who done it?”  It was classic!  As far as Lissa and her plight to save Rose and represent the Dragomir family on the Royal Counsel, I wasn’t surprised with that outcome.  We all knew Lissa was destined for greater things.  Read the book to find out.

Overall, I liked how it ended.  However, for me the story didn’t get delicious until after page 400 something.  From that point on, it captivated me until the very end.  Not enough Strigoi for me either.  As for a rating, I have to give Mead's Last Sacrifice a 4 only because it took longer for me to become enthralled.  Still, if you haven’t read the series, you’re missing out.  These books are everywhere, people (libraries, used book stores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble’s and one of your friend’s book shelves.) So technically…you have no excuse.

Until next time…Mead’s Vampire Academy series is the bomb.

Mina B.

Richelle Mead’s Last Sacrifice Chapter 1 excerpt is here!

Richelle Mead’s Last Sacrifice Chapter 1 excerpt is here! 

Last Sacrifice, the 6th and final book is set to release December 7th. Recently, I took part in the Vampire Book Club’s Vampire Academy Re-Read Challenge and for this entire month, I’ve fervently read each of the five books. See my mini reviews here: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise and Spirit Bound.  Ooooh this serious is so deliciously good. For those of you who haven’t read the Vampire Academy series, get on it, would ya?

And for those of you who have…read the excerpt quick and come back and comment. I’m dying to know what you think.

Until next time…breaking news like this is just too HOT!

Mina B.

Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy Short Story, Kisses from Hell coming soon

I am indescribably excited about Richelle Mead’s upcoming Vampire Academy short story in an anthology book called, Kisses from Hell.The book is set to release on August 24th  from
 Harper Teen, and features other acclaimed YA authors including: Kristin Cast, Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, and Francesca Lia Block.

Richelle Mead’s story is part of the smash hit, young adult vampire series, Vampire Academy and is called “Sunshine.”  The tale introduces us into the Dragomir dynasty, Lissa’s parents to be exact. This story highlights Eric and Rhea Dragomir’s royal romance, which no doubt should be intriguing. One can only wonder if this short tale is a must read in order to move onto Book 6, Last Sacrifice.  I’ll be reading it, of course, since I’m a sucker for the series. And when I’m done, you can rest assured I’ll be blogging about it to keep my mystic fans up to speed. To read an excerpt of “Sunshine” see Richelle Mead’s site.

Kisses from Hell comes out this week - August 24th.


Until next time, read a Vampire Academy novel and try Kisses from Hell while you’re at it.


Mina B.

A Paranormal Book Review: Richelle Mead's Spirit Bound

Wow. Richelle’s Mead’s Book 5 in The Vampire Academy series, Spirit Bound, was quite a read. Where do I start? First and foremost, there will be spoilers in this review. So, readers beware.

In Book 4, Blood Promise, Rose has returned from a horrendous and unspeakable journey to Siberia. Having failed her mission to kill Dimitri and release his soul, she’s learns of a possible way to save him. It’s a long shot, but one she feels she must take. It involves freeing one of her and Lissa’s enemies from prison, Victor Dashkov. Victor’s brother, Robert (another spirit user) is the only rumored spirit user that supposedly knows how to bring back Stigoi from the dead. And with that, Rose sets off on her last effort to save Dimitri.

In Book 5, now that Rose is back, preparing for finals, Dimitri embarks on his own mission, to kill Rose. He torments Rose by sending her sadistic love notes, promising she’ll die at his hand only. Those letters were brief but impactful and I couldn’t get enough of them. Spirit Bound starts with one of those letters, just as Rose’s final exams are about to begin. She passes her finals with flying colors, of course, all the while scheming on ways to get Victor out of prison.

After graduation, Rose head’s to Court with Lissa, where they both then set off to break Victor out of jail. With Dimitri hot on her tail, I was surprised Rose ventured outside Court’s walls so haphazardly, bringing along innocent friends in the process. Nevertheless, that was part of the allure of the story. Rose had a mission and she relentlessly focused on it at all times. Not surprising, the prison break was a success as was the meeting with Robert. Everything was moving along swimmingly until Dimitri showed up. Did they rekindle of their romance at this reunion? Hell no, but they did exchange a few heartwrenching comments, followed by a gripping fight. To describe the scene in one word; awesome.

Rose makes countless mistakes in her plight to save Dimitri. After reading the previous Book, Blood Promise, I expected Rose to be more mature from her Siberia experiences. Having faced death so many times, I really thought she’d be more responsible with her decision making. For me, it was like her character lost its wisdom – the kind that comes with death and despair - and she reverted back to being a young teenager again instead of a maturing into a vibrant 18 year old. That aspect of the book was disappointing. She continued down a destructive path, making fatal errors in her judgment and putting people’s lives at risk. Alas, it was all in the name of love, so I’ll concede to Mead’s motives.

By the middle of Spirit Bound, Rose and Lissa do the inconceivable and free Dimitri’s soul. Yes, I said it; he’s back from the dead. Unfortunately, he’s got far too much emotional baggage from his stint as a Strigoi, and so he rejects Rose. It was terribly excruciating to read. Rose was stuck in the middle of an emotional tragedy; one of her own making. Dimitri didn’t want anything to do with her and it was just sad. What’s even worse is how Rose treats Adrian. I adore Adrian and at times found myself begging for Rose to give him a chance but she doesn’t. Rose’s heart belongs to Dimitri and he does nothing but rips it to shreds, over and over again.

I was completely engrossed in this book up until about page 300. Once I realized, Dimitri’s brooding nature and unwillingness to rekindle a romance with Rose, I felt dejected – just like Rose. All her efforts were futile. In between the tumultuous love triangle of Rose, Dimitri and Adrian, there was an interesting twist beginning with Rose’s outburst against Tatiana’s new law allowing young dhampirs to graduate at 16. This had most Moroi and Dhampirs in an uproar. And by the end of the book, Rose, with her flippant mouth and poor judgment, managed to completely alienate herself from pretty much everybody. With nowhere to turn, she receives some intel about Lissa’s Dad and begins to delve into some mysterious bank deposits. And that’s when the unthinkable happens.

I won’t say anymore other than what I’ve spoiled thus far. I may not have approved of Rose’s behavior, but I still reveled in this book.  I promise it was a spellbinding read. If you love The Vampire Academy series, you’ll love this addition too.

On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give Spirit Bound a 4.

Until next time…read, read, read this series.

Mina B.

Richelle Mead's Cover Art for Last Sacrifice

I saw a blog post on Off My BookShelf for the cover art for Richelle Mead’s final book in the Vampire Academy series, Last Sacrifice.

It looks beautiful, doesn’t it? As an added commentary, this cover art is not officially posted on Richelle Mead’s website, so it’s possible this is just a version of the cover art and not the final. I’ll keep my readers posted on any updates. Last Sacrifice comes out December 14, 2010.


And as a special reminder, Spirit Bound is out as of today. Yeah! I just got my hands on the hard back today as well. Wahoo! I plan reading  it a.s.a.p. and promise a review before week’s end.



Until next time…read on my friends.

Mina B.

Countdown to Richelle Mead’s Spirit Bound

Less than 2 weeks, 12 days and 288 hours until Richelle Mead’s Spirit Bound is released. Holy cow...I can’t wait. If you haven’t had a chance to read the first four books, do so before Book 5 comes out. You can’t even imagine what you’re missing: suspense, action. mystery, fantasy and above all, romance. These books have it all and they are only YA.  Take a gander at the Spirit Bound excerpt.

I spent some time earlier this year, reviewing the other books in Mead’s series. See the books below and check out my reviews.

Book 1, Vampire Academy - My Review
Book 2, Frostbite -  My Review
Book 3, Shadow Kiss - My Review
Book 4, Blood Promise - My Review





I’ll get my kindle copy of Spirit Bound and will probably bang it out in no time – that’s how much I’m crazy about Richelle Mead and her Vampire Academy series.


Stay tuned as I plan on reviewing her book later this month.


Until next time…can’t wait for Spirit Bound.

Mina B.

Richelle Mead announces The Vampire Academy Book #6: Last Sacrifice

Hi guys. I know I’ve been blogging a lot recently about Richelle Mead, but I can’t help it. Richelle Mead’s got a lot of action going on. She recently released her upcoming book Spirit Bound excerpt on her website. And just a few days ago she released another tidbit of information, stating that Book #6 called the Last Sacrifice, is scheduled to be released this year, December 14, 2010.

How does she do it? We don’t know but we love every bit that she spoon feeds us with. I personally can’t wait to read both novels. If you haven’t read The Vampire Academy series, do so now – at least within the 2010 year.

On another note, she announced the winners to her Valentine’s Card Contest. And no, I didn’t win. Dagnabbit! Oh well. For those that are interested, check out the one’s I sent in. And here is the link to her winners. You be the judge whether I got the shaft. I personally fell in love with this one. It’s my favorite. And if you’ve read the series and look at the other winners, I’m guessing you know why I chose this one.

 Until next time…Happy Reading!

Mina B.

Richelle Mead’s Spirit Bound Except is here

OK, I know I’ve been blogging a bunch about Richelle Mead’s & her Vampire Academy series but you can’t blame me. With her recent Valentine’s Day Contest (which I entered-click here to see my entries) and with her upcoming release of Book 5, Spirit Bound, I just couldn’t help myself. I wanted my readers to know how great her YA books are.


Which brings me to the main reason why I’m blogging today, I’m pretty pumped. I am so addicted to the Vampire Academy series that I’ve been stalking Richelle Mead's website waiting for Spirit Bound’s damn excerpt. I know, I know, my sanity is in question here, I realize. But seriously…if you’re like me and have read all fours books, you’ve been waiting on pins and needles for Spirit Bound.

If you’ve read book 4, Blood Promise, than you already know that Dimitri is still alive and is now haunting Rose. She’s the one that got away, and I’m not just talking about love. He won’t rest until he’s done away with her once and for all. Poor Rose.  Didn’t Richelle Mead put her through enough during the last two books? However difficult to read at times, I’m still happy to be deliciously tortured by Dimitri and Rose’s tumultuous relationship.


Spirit Bound comes out May 18, 2010. You can pre order you book by clicking here.


Go check out the Spirit Bound excerpt. It’s beyond killer, and promises to be a best seller for sure.


Happy Friday!


Mina

Book Review, Richelle Mead’s Blood Promise

If Book 3, Shadow Kiss, didn't submerge you into a depressive stupor, Richelle Mead’s fourth installment of the Vampire Academy, Blood Promise, should certainly do it. I’m not bashing the book or the writer in any way shape or form. I understand as an avid fan, it just had to be. That didn’t make it any easier to read.

When reading this book, I spent the better part with a tissue in hand, sobbing every few chapters. It's an emotional rollercoaster, I assure you.  One can’t help but feel tearful regard for Rose Hathaway and her resilience. She’s still that willful female, underdog character (now 18) that continues to blossom before our eyes; a true hero in every sense.

In Blood Promise, Rose is now adjusting to a life without Dimitri Belikov. He's gone or dead to most people, especially now since he’s turned Strigoi. Rose faces her toughest task yet, to leave St. Vladimir again, this time leaving behind her best friend Lissa (the last surviving Dragomir princess) in a quest to find her true love, Dimitri.

As a fearless guardian in training, she’s killed a fair share of Stigoi and now she must kill one more, her Dimitri.  After all, it was a blood promise she once made him, to set him free if he should ever be turned into an evil Strigoi.

Her first place to start is Dimitri’s homeland, where she befriends his family and friends and unknowingly stumbles upon her father, Ibrahim. In this gut-wrenching tale, Rose must be careful what she wishes for, because it’s that what she seeks that finds her instead and claims her as his own. In a suspenseful twist of fate, Dimitri and Rose path's cross, torturing their wants, needs and love for one another.

Lessons will be learned in Blood Promise, some…the hardest ones of all. Mistakes are made by both Rose and Dimitri, but who will it cost on the end?

All I can say is Richelle Mead is a master at cliffhangers. This book, however painful to read, left me burning for more. On the Mina Burrow’s KilloMeter, I give Blood Promise a 5. Richelle ripped it for me, thankfully so. I can’t wait for book 5, Spirit Bound.

Until next time…take care and keep reading.

Mina B.