Instead of breaking it down book by book, I figured I’d just give my overall impressions of the series in one post. The first couple of issues of the Dark Swan comic aside, having never before read a full Richelle Meade novel due to some reservations about her writing (particularly how she can end a series), I decided to take the plunge into the world of Rose Hathaway. Though often reckless and rebellious, I liked the character. There were certainly some quirks that prevented me from loving her, but I definitely had moments of emotional investment in the series. I thought it was clever to use Rose’s shadow-kissed powers as a way to break from constantly using her point of view.
Meade has created vampire species that definitely have their own twist when it comes to Moroi v. Strigoi v. Dhampirs, even though it’s not my favorite take. It’s harder for me to buy into their powers as much when they have the same lifespan as humans; however, I did enjoy reading about their politics and their societal norms and social classes.
I thought it was interesting how even though this series is YA, the characters are more sexually active than heroines in a number of adult novels who always have one excuse or another as to why they’re still virgins. It is at least realistic in terms of how teens behave these days.
This series was a little uneven for me because there would be stretches of time in the books where I’d be extremely bored and then moments where I couldn’t put the book down. I did think there’d be more action for her overall as a guardian. Book 4 was my favorite without a doubt and I probably don’t have to explain why for those of you who have read it.
Spoiler territory
Dmitri and fangs = totally hott. I wish he could have kept them.
As for characters in general, I didn’t really have a favorite character here. Rose and Dmitri had a great love story (though the drama got exhausting) and fantastic chemistry, but I can see why Adrian had fans as well. I liked him more as a character, though I didn’t like him with Rose. I was a bit disappointed in this love triangle (if you could call it that) because I clearly knew how things would end so any scenes with Adrian were an absolute waste of time. There wasn’t even a contest when it came to who meant more to Rose, so I resented the raw deal he received at the end when it could have been avoided all together. It made me not as happy for Rose and Dmitri because it was at his expense. I know that happens sometimes, but that’s just how I felt about it. I absolutely loved the ending scene when she describes Lissa ascending the throne to take her place as queen. The imagery was absolutely perfect and it really hit me, the journey they went through surviving death at all turns, leaving to school to rebel only to return as laughing stocks, and yet ultimately she became queen. Extremely poignant.
After finally finishing the books I insisted that would take a break to read other series before jumping into its spin-off, Bloodlines, but after that ending I really couldn’t help myself and decided to dive right in. I’ll let you know how that one is going for me in the next post! But I can say that Vampire Academy at least served as a gateway to one of my new favorite series.
Have you read Meade’s Succubus series? I like The Dark Swan books but I didn’t feel like it really ended unlike Georgina Kincaid books. VA is a gateway series it’s got me reading her other stuff.
I started out reading a couple volumes of the Dark Swan GN, but the end was revealed and I lost interest in reading the series and her stuff. Then I decided to give it a go again with VA and then Bloodlines. I haven’t read the Succubus series. I might add it to the TBR at some point but I think I like her in YA for right now. Thanks for the recommend!
I have never read Meade’s Succubus books, but I must say that I am intrigued just by the series title…sounds sinful! My curiosity is piqued.
Let me know how you’re liking it Vickie. You’ll probably get around to them before I will.
The succubus series is great. Theirs nothing not to love about it! The ending is absolulety perfect. You’ll love it! Only 1 person in the book really got on my nerves..I believe book 2 she enters in. Read it..a series you don’t want to miss out on.