Vampire Academy

by Richelle Mead 

       Lissa Dragomir, a vampire princess, and Rose Hathaway, Lissa's guardian, are bound together by more than friendship.  Rose can actually enter Lissa's thoughts and emotions and feel what she feels.  For two years, they have lived on their own, with Rose protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, the undead, but they are finally captured and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy where they have to adjust all over again to royal intrigues, tons of homework, and having no control over their own lives.  As much as she dislikes being back, Rose recognizes that she needs the intense physical training she is getting from the incredibly handsome guardian, Dimitri.  That becomes even more evident when terrifying things start happening to Lissa, even in the safe world of the Academy.  Dark and edgy, Vampire Academy has everthing a young adult novel should have--conflict, a strong, sarcastic main character, and romance.  Vampire Academy is the first in a five-book series.  Reviewed by Mrs. Sams.