Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy is about a Vampire princess and her guardian, both who are teens and have not finished with high school. They are both special in their own ways. Lissa Dragomir, our Vampire, is a mortal Moroi who has special powers of earth magic. Rose Hathaway is Lissa’s guardian and best friend. She is also a Dhamphir, which is a blend of human and vampire blood. Lissa and Rose also have a special mental bond with each other, which makes them even more special. Both are rebellious and are in St. Vladimir’s Academy to hone their survival and magic skills. They both also have runaway because of some things that scared them and they think it is safer for them in the outside world. Lissa and Rose make it running on the outside world for two years, surviving on their own until they are caught and returned to the academy and punished. Once settled back in the school they get into the social scene again and weird things start happening.Dead animals start showing up along with notes to Lissa, which has her scared out of her wits. Rose has been punished worst of all because she is Lissa’s Guardian. She has to train night and day and before and after classes to make sure she is up for the task. Rose finds it hard to comfort Lissa and keep her safe. She wants to take Lissa and run away from the Academy, but Lissa talks her into staying because she has so many new people around her now. Rose knows there is a big problem, but Lissa doesn’t see it yet. Rose’s instructor is also Lissa’s assigned guardian until Rose has graduated fully and is assigned to her full-time. Each time that she needs to see what is going on with Lissa she concentrates really hard and is slipped into Lissa’s mind. Once there she can see out of Lissa’s mind. She sees that Lissa is using part of her magic for things she shouldn’t and confronts her about it. Lissa says it is only for the good of the two of them and she can stop at any time. But upon checking and watching she notices that Lissa is doing it more and more. She must stop her before it gets worse. Richelle Mead holds readers in suspense and keeps their attention through this whole novel. I could not put it down, as with any of her books she really knows how to put depth and character into each and everyone one of her characters. They really jump out at you as if they were in the same room as you. This one is definitely for the keeper shelves.

Succubus Blues

Richelle Mead encompasses romance, mystery, comedy and paranormal romance in her writing. I found myself having a hard time putting down Succubus Blues because each page will leave you wanting more. It is a wonderful tale of a woman who has given up her mortal life for the immortal life of a Succubus. The story is set in modern day Seattle and our Succubus, Georgina, works for a bookstore in the mortal world while collecting souls for the immortal world. Georgina, her vampire and imp friends must deal with her archdemon boss and his angel cohort because of a problem that threatens the balance of the immortal world. To make things worse she also has to cope with her emotions for an attractive writer, Seth Mortensen, which she would like to get her hands on.

The plot in Succubus Blues takes twists and turns you will not expect. Just when you think you have figured out part of the mystery a plot twist takes you in another direction. Richelle’s writing style brings her characters to life and makes you feel like you are right there amongst them. She loves the wacky and humorous and sets that tone in this book. With each chapter you are drawn into a wonderful world of paranormal romance and mystery with a bit of comedy thrown in for dessert.

I know I will definitely be picking up more of Richelle Mead’s books because she writes with a spice and flavor that anyone, young or old, would enjoy. Succubus Blues is a must read on my list.

"All you need to know is that you should be careful, Georgie. Extremely careful. I am not joking about this."
I swallowed hard, hearing the iron in the demon's voice. "But I'm not a vampire."
"I don't care. These hunter types sometimes follow vampires around, hoping to find others. You could be implicated by association. Lay low. Avoid being alone. Stay with others --- mortal or immortal, doesn't matter. Maybe you can follow up on your favor for Hugh and score some more souls for our side while your at it."
I rolled my eyes at that as the two walked to the door.
"I mean it. Be careful. Keep a low profile. Don't get involved with this."
"And," added Carter with a wink,” say hi to Seth Mortensen for me."
With that, the two left, closing the door gently behind them. A formality really, since either of them could have just teleported out. Or blown my door apart.
I turned to Aubrey. She had watched the proceedings cautiously from the back of my sofa, tail twitching.
"Well," I told her, reeling. "What am I suppose to make of that?"