Review - Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss
Vampire Academy, Book 3
Richelle Mead
Razorbill
November 13, 2008
ISBN# 978-1-59514-197-2

Book Blurb:
WHAT IF FOLLOWING HER HEART MEANS ROSE COULD LOSE HER BEST FRIEND FOREVER?

Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken . . .

But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose's sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever.

Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing, but now there's way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are prowling, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmares, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most . . . but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

My thoughts:
Classes at the academy are back in full swing and graduation is quickly approaching. As a future Guardian to Lissa, part of Rose’s training is to learn to protect any Moroi. Though she’s less than thrilled with her charge during this exercise, Rose makes the best of the situation. Still, something strange is going on and as much as her life has changed since the day she made her first Strigoi kills, this is something more. Rose may be seeing ghosts.

While Lissa works on her magical skills and shares her ups and downs, Rose finds that keeping her feelings for Dimitri from Lissa is becoming increasingly difficult. When the Academy is threatened, Rose will have to make a difficult decision that may lead to her best friend discovering the truth. Serving as a protector to Lissa has always been Rose’s future, but her relationship with Dimitri has become nearly as important to her. The decisions she makes now could change everything she believed in.

This is the third book in the Vampire Academy series. As the battle against the Strigoi continues, some Moroi stand up for using their skills to fight alongside the Guardians, and Rose finds herself forced to make a life altering choice that could cost her someone she holds dear. Ms. Mead balances the battle of good and evil with an emotionally intense romance that will keep readers at the edge of their seats. Shadow Kiss moves the series into new territory with the character’s growth in power, and captivates its audience to the shocking end. This is a young adult title best suited for more mature teens, and can easily be enjoyed by adults as well.

To learn more about Shadow Kiss, please visit Ms. Mead’s website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews