DNF: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
Age of X #1
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Source: Bought
Goodreads Stars: DNF
Rating: DNF

Pages Read: ~84 (18%)

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense. - Goodreads

In the past, I never used to post reviews of books that I didn't finish. I didn't feel like I could write enough about them for the post to be considered a review. But I have changed my mind, and decided to give this a try. Please don't class this as an "official" review, more of my jumbled thoughts on the book and why I wasn't able to finish it.

My heart is broken, guys. I can't believe I just put down a Richelle Mead book. What has my life become? Anyway, I do have a few reasons for not being able to finish this one, and you'll find those below. To put it briefly, I didn't like it. To elaborate a bit more, I wasn't a fan of the characters. Which is awful because normally I am in love with at least a couple of Mead's characters in her books. I had two favourites in the Dark Swan series, and Vampire Academy was packed full of awesome characters. Agh, what happened with this one?

Frostbite: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead, Emma Vieceli and Leigh Dragoon

Frostbite: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead, Emma Vieceli and Leigh Dragoon
Vampire Academy: The Graphic Novel #2
Release Date: May 24, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Bought
Goodreads Stars: 4
Rating: Essential

Buy the Book: Amazon UK

The drama and romance continue in this 144-page full-color graphic novel adaptation of the second Vampire Academy novel, Frostbite, which was overseen by Richelle Mead and features beautiful art by acclaimed British illustrator Emma Vieceli. - Goodreads

 I have put off buying this graphic novel for the longest time because when I read the first one I had to wait a year to get my hands on this. So of course it was only natural to wait an extra year in the hopes that the wait for Shadow Kiss wouldn't be too painful. I don't even know when the Shadow Kiss graphic novel is coming out, but I got this while Bout of Books was on and just thought I could do with a quick, fun read.

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead
Bloodlines #3
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Source: Publisher
Goodreads Stars: 4
Rating: Essential
Buy the Book: Amazon UK

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood. - Goodreads

Struggling to write reviews has become a common thing for me when it comes to Richelle Mead's books. I love everything about them, and I cannot contain my gushy fangirling. Since this is my review, I decided not to contain myself this time. But I did try to at least make it mildly coherent, for your sake!

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead
Bloodlines #2
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Rating: Essential

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher. - Goodreads

The Golden Lily was, of course, amazing. I don't think you need me to tell you that if you're a long time fan of the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series. I've tried to make some notes before writing this review, but as always, expect me to spew out a lot of random thoughts. This is Richelle Mead, after all.

I felt that TGL was a little predictable, much like Bloodlines. This isn't a bad thing, because it didn't make me enjoy the book any less than I would have otherwise, but it did get a little frustrating because the characters seemed to pick things up so slowly.

Despite the predictability, the plot was fast paced and captivating, much like Richelle Mead's other work. The characters were (almost) perfect, and I could have carried on reading for another two hundred pages because I just love this world and this story so much.

There were so many moments that made me squee! I ended up texting a friend of mine at 4am because something happened. She did, of course, mock me, but that's okay!

There was also a lot of talk about an arena. I won't say why, when or how, but when this whole thing started, I nearly jumped out of bed to do a happy dance. That's the Spartacus/Ancient Rome fan coming out in me! EEP!

As for the main characters, I ADORED Sydney in this book. Her character arc is so perfect already, and I can't wait to see more growth from her throughout the rest of the series. She has come such a long way already, and with four more books coming out in the future, I can't wait to see what else happens to her! I'm loving her inner conflict.

Adrian was, by far, my favourite thing about this novel. He is just so flawed, and I love my flawed characters. So flawed. So great. I LOVE HIM.

I did have a couple of problems with this book, which meant I rated it as Essential instead of All Time Favourite. The first was Jill. I honestly can't stand the girl. I think she's pathetic, and her jumping from one guy to another gets on my nerves. She also does such stupid things, it made me want to slap her. I know she's only 15, but still.

And that leads me to my other point - Eddie and Jill. If you read Bloodlines (which I hope you did, otherwise you're going to be spoilt!) then you'll know that Eddie has a thing for Jill. I am not too sure how I feel about this. I mean, she is 15 and he must be nearly 19 by now, if my calculations are correct. I think that's way too big of an age gap. For now, at least. No me gusta.

And the final thing that I hated about this novel was that Sydney kept talking about how good looking Dimitri was. Not just that, she kept going on and on about how he was an awesome fighter. Yes, Sydney, we have been told at least ten times by now. You don't need to mention it fifty more. Seriously, she said something about Dimitri in EVERY. SINGLE. SCENE. he was in. I couldn't deal with it, I had to keep skimming those parts.

Anyway, overall this is amazing. The good outweighed the bad by far, and I am DYING to read the next book in the series because of the way this one ended. There are so many questions raised, and so many answered. I NEED MORE.

Cover: Frostbite Graphic Novel

While I wait for my IMM video to process - and believe me, I've been waiting a LONG time - I was casually looking through some Facebook pages, forums and the like. I was directed to Emma Vicieli's DeviantArt page and I found THIS, along with other previews from the book.

Have you all seen this before, and I'm really late in finding it? I cannot express how much I LOVE this cover! It says (quite clearly) that the cover is not final, but this is FANTASTIC and I love it. Mainly because Christian is on the front. And the Strigoi look like ninjas.

What do you all think of it? Have you guys read the Vampire Academy graphic novel yet? I believe that the Frostbite graphic novel is coming out in May of this year. I CAN'T WAIT!

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Bloodlines #1
Release: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 out of 5
Buy the Book: Amazon US | Amazon UK

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood. - Goodreads Page

I suck at writing reviews for books that I absolutely adore, so I apolgise in advance. 


Bloodlines picks up a little while after the Vampire Academy series ended (*cries*) and is told from the point of view of the Alchemist, Sydney. I'm sure my fellow rabid fans knew that already, though. 


Sydney is sent off to a boarding school in California to help Eddie to protect Jill. Yes, that Jill and Eddie. This series is set in the same world as Vampire Academy so you can expect lots of crossovers and appearances from other well loved characters! 


Of course, nothing in the VA universe is ever boring, and Sydney and co. face a series of hurdles along the way. 


The plot is fast paced; full of action scenes and mystery. I was a bit disappointed, or surprised, at how easy most of the mysteries were to solve, but I didn't some some of the things coming at all. The discovery towards the end of the book was particularly amazing, and very intriguing! 


I enjoyed reading about Sydney, and from her point of view. She was so different from Rose in so many ways. She holds her tongue - mostly - and she doesn't come out with snarky retorts to everything. I did miss Rose, but I'm loving getting to know Sydney! And I love her new nickname - Melbourne. Awesome! 


And yes, Adrian is in this book! He's actually in it a lot, which I loved. He's such an amazing character, and he went through tonnes of stuff in Bloodlines. He's slowly trying to get his life back in order after Rose left a huge stinking gap in it, but he's struggling. Really badly. 


The only thing I didn't like about this book that I feel I should mention is how many older guys were attracted to Jill. She's been at the school a few weeks and she's already got two or three guys falling for her. Seriously? She's fifteen. And she's not even that interesting. 


I would definitely recommend reading the Vampire Academy series before starting this one, otherwise I do think you could become confused with the previous plots and discoveries. However, if any of you have read this without reading VA, do let me know because I would like to know what you think! 


Oh, and you know everyone is talking about the last sentence? I totally agree with what they're saying. I was giggling like a silly fangirl for at least twenty minutes after reading those four words. *Squeals with delight*


What are you waiting for? Pick this up now.

Book Review: Vampire Academy Graphic Novel

Vampire Academy Graphic Novel

Illustrated by Emma Vieceli; Adapted by Leigh Dragoon

August 23, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill Penguin

Source: Publisher. Thank you! 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Recommended? Of course! 100%

Buy the Book: Amazon US | Amazon UK

After two years on the run, best friends Rose and Lissa are caught and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy, a private high school for vampires and half-bloods. It's filled with intrigue, danger - and even romance. Enter their dark, fascinating world through a new series of 144-page full-color graphic novels. The entire first Vampire Academy novel has been adapted for book one by Leigh Dragoon and overseen by Richelle Mead, while the beautiful art of acclaimed British illustrator Emma Vieceli brings the story to life. - Goodreads Page

This is the first full graphic novel I have ever read, and now that I’ve read it I am dying to read more. The drawings are fantastic overall; I think Emma Vieceli has done a great job at bringing our favourite characters to life. The depth of the emotions shown was really striking, and I felt I didn’t even have to read the descriptions to know what the characters were feeling. 

The plot of the original 300+ page novel was condensed quite a bit, as expected, and as a result every single scene in the graphic novel holds some importance to the overall arc of the plot. I personally would have liked to have seen more of Dimitri and Rose, and their relationship developing, but I feel there was just enough to make me want them together already. 

Regarding the drawings, I thought most of the characters were brilliantly drawn. Dimitri was hot, as expected, but – dare I say – Christian was even hotter! I fell in love with him all over again in this book. Yum. His scenes were awesome and I also loved it when he was using his magic. That was also blazing hot. Excuse the pun. 

I would definitely recommend reading the novel by Richelle Mead first, if you haven’t done so already, as there is a lot more description and fleshing out of the plot and I think this is important to the story.

I applaud both Leigh Dragoon and Emma Vieceli for bringing my favourite series to life, so to speak. Overall they both did an amazing job! My only peeve is that my favourite quote was changed! “If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you.” Is one of my favourite quotes of all time, and I was a bit upset when it read as something else. I’m not sure how necessary the change was, but I would have much preferred it if they had left it in. But anyway, go and buy this book. It’s a must for your Vampire Academy collection!

Cover Reveal: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

What do you think? Do you like it?

Personally, I prefer this cover to the US cover, but I'm not too keen on it. I don't like white backgrounds, primarily, and also I don't like the fact that the pictures look like tattoos. 

But anyway, I will be reading this book regardless of the cover. Because, well, it's RICHELLE FREAKIN' MEAD. Whew. *deep breaths*

I am SO excited for this book, and I'm sure you all are too. If you haven't read the Vampire Academy series, then this is a perfect time to go and do so! 

Book Review: Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Release Date: April 10, 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.
Recommended? Yes.
Buy the Book: Amazon US| Amazon UK

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…

It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price… - Goodreads Page

Warning: This review contains spoilers from Vampire Academy, so if you haven’t read it then I don’t suggest reading this review. However, feel free to check out my spoiler free Vampire Academy review and choose to read the book! ;)

Okay, so, if you’ve been following me for a while now, you’ve probably all read my gushing review of Vampire Academy, book one in the series. This review probably isn’t going to be any different, so I’m just going to say now that I thought this book was amazing, brilliant, flawless… so pick it up if you loved Vampire Academy and want to read the rest of Rose’s story!


Those of you that are still with me, let’s begin. The book picks up a few weeks after Vampire Academy has ended, with Victor now locked up for his kidnapping of the Dragomir princess. Of course, that does not mean that Rose and her friends can now live in peace! There’s a Strigoi attack on one branch of the royal families, leaving no one alive, and so St. Vlad’s Academy decides it would be nice to ship its students off to a fancy ski resort for the winter break. 


The action kicks off right from the beginning, with the family I mentioned earlier being attacked by Strigoi and murdered, leaving their bodies to be discovered by Dimitri and Rose. Of course, who else would walk right into a murder scene? Rose is just full of luck. It is discovered that the Strigoi are getting clever, and are now recruiting humans to do their dirty work. Scary, huh? Now the Moroi and dhampirs can be reached in the day as well. 


So, off to the ski resort they go, and that is when Adrian is introduced. Adrian. He’s snarky, he smokes, he’s dark and gloomy.. He’s rather hilarious, actually. A brilliant addition to the Vampire Academy cast *wink wink*.


Rose still hasn’t gotten over her feelings for Dimitri, and so she spends a lot of her time pondering over those. I love reading about their scenes together. *swoonsqueeomgsigh* Rose also thinks that Dimitri may be in love with a Moroi royal, and that spawns a whole load of jealous and juicy scenes. 


The ending is just incredible. It’s action packed, and we get a chance to really see what the Strigoi can do. It’s pretty scary and creepy. Rose and her friends are badass. It also makes you really sad, for reasons I won’t go into. 


Overall, this book is made of win, just as the rest of the series is. The series does honestly keep getting better and better, so if you - for whatever reason - didn’t enjoy book one, then I highly suggest continuing to book two. And book three, four, five and six.

Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Release Date: August 16th, 2007

Publisher: Razorbill

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Recommended? Yes!

Buy the Book: Amazon US | Amazon UK

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.- Goodreads Page

Warning: I tried to stop the gush. I really, truly did. I just couldn’t help myself! 


The book kicks off with two best friends, Rose and Lissa, being dragged - quite literally! - back to St Vladimir’s Academy, which they escaped from two years previously. The reason why they escaped is kept quiet for the most part, with little snippets being revealed here and there, throughout the book, until all is revealed at the end (did that sound intriguing? I hope so!)


The main plot isn’t a complicated one. Things are told from Rose’s point of view, as she settles back into life at the Academy and takes up extra guardian training classes with a hot Russian named Dimitri Belikov. It’s okay to swoon at the sight of his name. I do it all the time.


But of course with Rose being Rose, life is never simple. Someone at the school seems to have a grudge against her best friend Lissa, and they keep leaving dead animals for her to find. There’s a whole mystery regarding this, and yet there is so much more going on! I won’t give anything else away, you’re just going to have to read it for yourself. I don’t even think I could explain everything anyway. 


Richelle Mead has given us such an original and unique take on vampires - yes, there are vampires in here! - and I was left astounded at the creativity of it all. The Moroi/Guardian/Strigoi ‘lore’ in this book can be confusing at first (are you confused already? I bet you are!) but it is relatively easy to suss everything out eventually and if you read the next books, understanding it all soon becomes second nature.


Our main character Rose is the most amazing and badass character I have ever read about. She even out-badasses the boys! She’s strong, loyal, hilarious - seriously, you should see some of the things she comes out with! - and above all, she’s lovable. 


As I mentioned above, Rose takes extra guardian training sessions every day, and gets hot and sweaty with her hot, 6 ft 7, brilliant, amazing, Russian - I’ll stop now - twenty four year old mentor. Dimitri is HOT. I was surprised, as I honestly wasn’t expecting to love anyone more than I love Jace Wayland or Alex Fuentes. But, I have found him! I’d marry Dimitri, I really would. The age gap between he and Rose is a huge problem, and this comes up a lot in the book. Rose isn’t one to withhold her feelings, after all! 


In conclusion, this book is INCREDIBLE, INTENSE, and just overall BADASS. I can’t believe it took me so many months to read this, and the rest of the series. This series is literally all I can think about! (And talk about, apparently. I think I'm starting to get on some of your last nerves!)