Review of Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Prepare to be Tested. The story that kicked off the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series is NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE. Read it Before it Hits Theaters February 14th, 2014! Is Rose’s fate to kill the person she loves most? It’s springtime at St. Vladimir’s Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason’s death, Rose hasn’t been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can’t concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret . . . .She’s in love with Dimitri. And this time, it’s way more than a crush. Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever...

Folks, I am absolutely not going to post the synopsis for Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead, as it will spoil Frostbite for you. Let me tell you right now up front, if you want to read these books and be surprised by what happens and not spoiled absolutely do not read the synopsis for the books past Frostbite on goodreads.com or amazon.com. They will give away crucial plot points, which is pretty messed up for a synopsis.

Anyways, Shadow Kiss picks up exactly where Frostbite left off. Holy hell. This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. We’ve got way more Rose plus Dimitri. We learn much more about Rose’s ability. We see more of Adrian. There’s more about Lissa’s specialty.

Let me say Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead devastated me. It took my heart and ripped it to pieces. I just felt so much sorrow after reading this. I guess I really empathized with the character. It was so easy to slip into Rose, and feel the way that she feels. I will say that being in a committed long-term relationship really lent to my emotional heartache while reading this, because I know what it’s like to be so deeply in love and can imagine how much it would suck to have someone ripped from me.

Oh my god though, after finishing Shadow Kiss, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to move onto Blood Promise, as this book really did trample me and I’m nervous about the direction Richelle Mead is moving in. Also, that being said, there are certain scenes in Shadow Kiss which are pitch perfect, one of these scenes may contribute to this book being challenged by schools. Whatever. It’s awesome. I would say Shadow Kiss is my favorite out of all of the VA books so far and absolutely worth a read if you want to go on the emo-coaster!

While reading this, child drink something soothing like peach tea, your nerves will need it after the emotional duress you will undergo.

Other reviews:
My Own Little Corner of the World
Ramblings of a Teeenage Bookworm

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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