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Vampire Academy #4
Blood Promise
How far will Rose go to keep her promise? The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri. He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa (the one she has sworn to protect no matter what) and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?
503 pages, ebook
First published August 25, 2009
2865 people are currently reading
89691 people want to read
About the author
Richelle Mead
106 books69.4k followersScorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 12,070 reviews
January 31, 2023
“We need to be together."
"Why?" I asked softly. The word was carried away on the wind, but he heard.
"Because I want you."
I gave him a sad smile, wondering if we'd meet again in the land of the dead. "Wrong answer," I told him.
I let go.
I look him in the eye. "I will always love you.”
“That’s what I was supposed to say. . . .” he gasped out.
Those were his last words."
Once again, I absolutely loved it! It's amazing!! I will admit I cried again!
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1)Guys, it's just me or I felt Dimitri more passionate than his normal self! I know that Strigoi don't have feelings but I don't know! I loved that version of Dimitri too! That scene on the bridge, it broke my heart!
“You forgot another lesson: Never turn your back until you know your enemy is dead. Looks like we’ll have to go over the lesson again the next time. I see you—which will be soon.
Love, D.”
We are really thankful that she had forgot that lesson :)
2)Avery!! That bitch! She wanted to kill Lissa and then heal her back so that Lissa would be shadow-kissed and bonded to Avery. Two shadow-kissed weren't enough (Reed and Simon), she wanted Lissa too. She also wanted Adrian! How dare she? My baby with her????
With all that spirit she used, it make her go crazy!
3)Why Christian? I understand Lissa kissed Aaron but it wasn't her fault. Avery used compulsion to make Lissa look crazy in case Avery couldn't bring her back to life! So, I think Lissa and Christian should be back together!!! Please!!
4)I loved Dimitri's family! They welcome her and especially Olena treats Rose as her own daughter!I loved his grandmother(Yeva). She is amazing (and a little bit creepy)!
5)Sydney is amazing!!
P.S. “The Red Hurricane” is what I named the car.
P.P.S. Just because I like you, it doesn’t mean I still don’t think you’re an evil creature of the night. You are.
6)Finally, we meet another shadow-kissed (Mark). I love Mark and Oksana! They are amazing! They give us the most important information! A spirit user they knew named Robert claimed that he restored a Strigoi! Also, Robert is Victor's brother!
"Victor was serving a life sentence; no bribe could matter to him anymore. But one thing could, I realized. Freedom. And there was only one way to achieve that. We were going to have to break Victor Dashkov out of prison."
We will see how that goes!
7)I feel so sad! Rose agrees to date Adrian( not that I blame her) but she is going to hurt my baby!
“You wouldn’t understand anything that isn’t drinking, smoking, or womanizing.”
He shook his head. “You’re the only one I want, Rose.”
It's just me or I loved that voicemail?
“I know how devastated you must be to miss me, but leave a message, and I'll try to ease your agony”
8)Of course, I loved Abe!! How can I not? He is awesome!!
“If he wants to tell you, he'll tell you. End of story, Rose. Besides, you certainly keep your share of secrets too. You two have a lot in common."
"Are you kidding? He's arrogant, sarcastic, likes to intimidate people, and—oh." Okay. Maybe she had a point."
And of course, he is Rose's father!!!!
“Oh God," I said. "I'm Zmey's daughter. Zmey junior. Zmeyette, even.”
9)Conversation between Rose and Sydney:
“I miss him so much.”
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Will it ever get better?”
The question seemed to catch her by surprise. “I . . . I don’t know.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
She shook her head. “No.”
I was like "You will be soon,Sydney! With an evil creature of the night!"
10)
“I’d said it before and meant it: Alive or undead, the love of my life was a badass.”
March 30, 2010
"Shadow Kiss" left us with Rose on the way to find and kill her beloved Dimitri who had fallen during a fight with Strigoi. "Blood Promise" picks up where Rose is in Moscow, looking for traces of Dimitri. Needless to say, she finds him, but I will not go into any more detail to avoid spoilers.
I hate to say it, but I am fairly disappointment by this book. In my opinion, it is so far the weakest in the series. It is by no means the worst book ever written, but the fact that Richelle Mead didn't put much work into it is obvious.
Let me start with the positives however. Upon finishing the book I am slightly less devastated than after reading "Shadow Kiss," so here is an improvement. Some action sequences are pretty good. Unfortunately, that's about it for the good stuff.
On the negative side, the book really suffers from separation of Rose and Lissa. In this book Mead attempts to have two story lines going simultaneously - Lissa's and Rose's, but neither of them is particularly exciting. Plus, because the series is written from Rose's POV, the difficulty of relaying Lissa's story is solved by utilizing Rose's spirit-bond ability to get into Lissa's thoughts. What doesn't work however is that somehow Rose can not only see what's going on with Lissa at the moment, but she can also "rewind" her experiences and thoughts. This seems like a pretty poor plot device in my opinion. Plus, Lissa's story is rather lame and takes away too much from the final altercation between Rose and Dimitri - the best part of the book.
The familiar characters we met in first 3 books - Christian, Mia, Eddie, even Victor Dashkov are amiss. Instead we are introduced to an array of new characters both in U.S. and Russia who don't really serve much of a purpose for the main story line, rather they are created to fill in pages, and it is very apparent.
Mead also relies very heavily on flashbacks and memories of Dimitri that were never mentioned in previous books and at some point I started wondering, do I really want to know this much about Dimitri? I already love him and adding info like "he bakes bread for himself because he loves it so much" is not really necessary, in fact it almost kills the mystery around his persona.
What else? The story drags in some parts, the "spirit battle" is too confusing, quite a few inconsistencies. Overall, just a lazily written book IMO.
I think when the series is finished and we look back at "Blood Promise" we will think that this book could have been easily omitted. Maybe I will feel differently about "Blood Promise" when I re-read it, but as this point I am rather saddened by it...
I hate to say it, but I am fairly disappointment by this book. In my opinion, it is so far the weakest in the series. It is by no means the worst book ever written, but the fact that Richelle Mead didn't put much work into it is obvious.
Let me start with the positives however. Upon finishing the book I am slightly less devastated than after reading "Shadow Kiss," so here is an improvement. Some action sequences are pretty good. Unfortunately, that's about it for the good stuff.
On the negative side, the book really suffers from separation of Rose and Lissa. In this book Mead attempts to have two story lines going simultaneously - Lissa's and Rose's, but neither of them is particularly exciting. Plus, because the series is written from Rose's POV, the difficulty of relaying Lissa's story is solved by utilizing Rose's spirit-bond ability to get into Lissa's thoughts. What doesn't work however is that somehow Rose can not only see what's going on with Lissa at the moment, but she can also "rewind" her experiences and thoughts. This seems like a pretty poor plot device in my opinion. Plus, Lissa's story is rather lame and takes away too much from the final altercation between Rose and Dimitri - the best part of the book.
The familiar characters we met in first 3 books - Christian, Mia, Eddie, even Victor Dashkov are amiss. Instead we are introduced to an array of new characters both in U.S. and Russia who don't really serve much of a purpose for the main story line, rather they are created to fill in pages, and it is very apparent.
Mead also relies very heavily on flashbacks and memories of Dimitri that were never mentioned in previous books and at some point I started wondering, do I really want to know this much about Dimitri? I already love him and adding info like "he bakes bread for himself because he loves it so much" is not really necessary, in fact it almost kills the mystery around his persona.
What else? The story drags in some parts, the "spirit battle" is too confusing, quite a few inconsistencies. Overall, just a lazily written book IMO.
I think when the series is finished and we look back at "Blood Promise" we will think that this book could have been easily omitted. Maybe I will feel differently about "Blood Promise" when I re-read it, but as this point I am rather saddened by it...
July 17, 2015
This series has taken over my life completely and I am in no way complaining bUT HOW DOES ONE MAKE A PERSON FEEL SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT IM SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE RIGHT NOW SURE I COULD START THE NEXT BOOK BUT I ACTUALLY CANNOT FUNCTION BECAUSE OF THIS ENDING AND IM KIND OF HOPEFULLY BUT ALSO IN A LOT OF PAIN AND THERES A LOT OF INTERNAL SCREAMING GOING ON GOOD AND BAD AND I JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY OR DO OKAY I JUST LOVE THIS SERIES OK
November 17, 2023
Hold up.. This was the best one in the series so far.. Am shook 🤯
Action? Perfect.
Yearning and heartache? Perfect.
Emotional damage? Perfect.
Hotel? Trivago.
Anyway, I loved Rose in this and that was the most shocking thing to happen. Nah like, I relate to her and understood her.. The urge to unalive a man who is not the same anymore... Lol jokes aside. The emotional turmoil she went through in this was so brilliantly written. The confusion she felt when Dimitri was there physically but emotionally he's far too gone. He's no longer the same and the way Rose dealt with her pain was so raw to see 🤌
I was disappointed by how creepy Dimitri sounded in this one, but considering what happened to him it makes sense. I liked him at first, he had a dark aura around him but then he became creepy. I was more impressed by Adrian tho. He was the one who kept Rose grounded in a way, or should I say he was her rock in this. I hope Rose gives him a chance in the next one. I felt bad for Christian tho, wanted to see more of him but it's okay. Hated Avery from her introduction. I liked Sydney, hope to see more of her.
The reason why it's not a five star for me is because of Lissa. Man wtf is wrong with her? Someone make me understand. I don't get her. Am I supposed to like her? The girl has one brain cell in total and it's all self conceit. I give up on trying to like her.
I liked the story moving to Russia and changing the scenery in my head for this one. I flew through these pages. The characters we meet and the action we get is chef's kiss. The fact we learned more about bonds and shadow kissed was interesting.
The ending 😭😭 I had a feeling that's what will happen between Rose and Dimitri. It hurts but not a complete shocker. Am thankful we got to know who Abe really is, otherwise I would have been left confused.
Looking forward to how things unfold in the next two books.
~•~•~
Listen, as much as I love Dimitri (and I do), am mostly here for Rose vs Lissa drama 👀😂
Action? Perfect.
Yearning and heartache? Perfect.
Emotional damage? Perfect.
Hotel? Trivago.
Anyway, I loved Rose in this and that was the most shocking thing to happen. Nah like, I relate to her and understood her.. The urge to unalive a man who is not the same anymore... Lol jokes aside. The emotional turmoil she went through in this was so brilliantly written. The confusion she felt when Dimitri was there physically but emotionally he's far too gone. He's no longer the same and the way Rose dealt with her pain was so raw to see 🤌
I was disappointed by how creepy Dimitri sounded in this one, but considering what happened to him it makes sense. I liked him at first, he had a dark aura around him but then he became creepy. I was more impressed by Adrian tho. He was the one who kept Rose grounded in a way, or should I say he was her rock in this. I hope Rose gives him a chance in the next one. I felt bad for Christian tho, wanted to see more of him but it's okay. Hated Avery from her introduction. I liked Sydney, hope to see more of her.
The reason why it's not a five star for me is because of Lissa. Man wtf is wrong with her? Someone make me understand. I don't get her. Am I supposed to like her? The girl has one brain cell in total and it's all self conceit. I give up on trying to like her.
I liked the story moving to Russia and changing the scenery in my head for this one. I flew through these pages. The characters we meet and the action we get is chef's kiss. The fact we learned more about bonds and shadow kissed was interesting.
The ending 😭😭 I had a feeling that's what will happen between Rose and Dimitri. It hurts but not a complete shocker. Am thankful we got to know who Abe really is, otherwise I would have been left confused.
Looking forward to how things unfold in the next two books.
~•~•~
Listen, as much as I love Dimitri (and I do), am mostly here for Rose vs Lissa drama 👀😂
July 16, 2011
The third book of the vampire academy series left all of us hanging. All of us wanting more. & all of us with the same question, what happened to dimitri?! Blood promise is everything i could have hoped for. It made me cry. And laugh. And sometimes both. It threw our hope away, then brought it back at the last moment. It was truly a great book. Rose meets her father, unknowingly at first. We actually see emotion from her mother. We see Adrians true dedication to rose, and how much he honestly cares. The story also included a few flash backs with Dimitri that were not in any of the other books. In this last book, rose definetly became more mature. She made heartbreaking decisions. & blood promise, like shadow kissed, left us with a major cliff hanger...But hope still hangs on a thread. I absoluletly loved this book. Richelle Mead is truly an amazing writer. She managed to make this book perfect, and it was never corny. The only part i regret, is that her fifth book, spirit bound won't be out until May 18 2010. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
There is suppose to be one other book after spirit bound and possibly a spin off( i read on her site). I would defienely recomend reading blood promise. But of course if you read the 4th book, you can't wait to read this book.
There is suppose to be one other book after spirit bound and possibly a spin off( i read on her site). I would defienely recomend reading blood promise. But of course if you read the 4th book, you can't wait to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2017
*3.5 Stars*
The main reason I'm rating this one lower than the previous three? The first 300 pages were BORING. (-1 star) This book could almost have started on page 300 and still have been great. I understand the need for back story, but I was frustrated and annoyed at how much I had to slog through to get to the main story of the book. Setting the stage is one thing, dragging things out to artificially create tension and mood is another. I rounded up to 4 stars because I was genuinely surprised by some of the revelations. I'm told I might be dense though so it's very possible these things might become clear sooner to other readers. I try not to think too hard when I'm reading for entertainment so this might just mean I'm easier to surprise.
It's hard to talk about this book without spoiling what happens in the previous one, so stop reading if you haven't read Shadow Kiss yet!
First off, I love the new Dimitri. I was hoping Adrian would get his chance with Rose after Dimitri was turned because I honestly never felt that Dimitri and Rose were a real couple. She had a sad case of hero-worship and he was just kind of lame and blah. And if I have to hear her describe him as a god one more time, so help me ... but now, Dimitri is kind of hot. I like him evil like I liked Angel as Angelus in Buffy. I can't help but compare the two characters, and it's a comparison that I'm not upset about. Dimitri finally has some personality! He doesn't just feel like a broody man that Rose has put up on a pedestal. I like my men broody, but not mopey and broody which is the vibe I got from Dimitri in the beginning. Now he feels REAL, and he has some life to him. Which is sort of ironic, huh? Maybe evil characters are just more fun to write? (+0.25 stars)
There are some other new characters thrown into the mix in this one; a few I liked and a few I'm glad met their end. Abe is definitely going to be an important player and one that I hope to see in the next novel. I thought the Belikovs were interesting but ... unimportant? It was kind of a weird side quest that Rose went on, and I understand the purpose it served, but still, kind of pointless. Same with Sydney and her whole situation; it really felt like that was all thrown in at the last minute.
Also, I was annoyed with all the trips Rose took into Lissa's head; it was a poor plot device and one that had just recently shown up in Succubus Shadows too, so I wasn't all that thrilled to see it repeated again. Plus, it was way too coincidental that every time Rose was listening in, her friends would be talking about her. It was all just too convenient. (-0.25 stars)
On top of the trips into Lissa's head, we're also granted with a bunch of flashbacks to conversations and stories about Dimitri and Rose that haven't appeared previously. The same thing happened with Georgina too and it feels like Mead is having trouble lately fleshing out a completely new story; she keeps choosing to backtrack instead. I think she's getting dangerously in need of a new editor. (-0.25 stars)
I also wasn't too happy about the ending, though it was definitely one I did see coming a mile away. It makes me mad that Rose decides to finally throw Adrian a bone, but with the way things ended you know she's just going to toss him aside for her quest. He's the victim in all of this. Poor guy.
Other people have said that this book really doesn't move the main plot along and we're basically right back at the end of Shadow Kiss. But, that's not all together true. Sure, not much has changed in the grand scheme of things, but Rose has new friends, new knowledge, and (hopefully) a new outlook on what's to come. I don't think she could have gotten to where she is at the end of this book if she hadn't gone through the events of this book.
But one more thing: a hedge maze? Seriously? (-0.25 stars)
My reviews of books two and three: Frostbite and Shadow Kiss.
The main reason I'm rating this one lower than the previous three? The first 300 pages were BORING. (-1 star) This book could almost have started on page 300 and still have been great. I understand the need for back story, but I was frustrated and annoyed at how much I had to slog through to get to the main story of the book. Setting the stage is one thing, dragging things out to artificially create tension and mood is another. I rounded up to 4 stars because I was genuinely surprised by some of the revelations. I'm told I might be dense though so it's very possible these things might become clear sooner to other readers. I try not to think too hard when I'm reading for entertainment so this might just mean I'm easier to surprise.
It's hard to talk about this book without spoiling what happens in the previous one, so stop reading if you haven't read Shadow Kiss yet!
First off, I love the new Dimitri. I was hoping Adrian would get his chance with Rose after Dimitri was turned because I honestly never felt that Dimitri and Rose were a real couple. She had a sad case of hero-worship and he was just kind of lame and blah. And if I have to hear her describe him as a god one more time, so help me ... but now, Dimitri is kind of hot. I like him evil like I liked Angel as Angelus in Buffy. I can't help but compare the two characters, and it's a comparison that I'm not upset about. Dimitri finally has some personality! He doesn't just feel like a broody man that Rose has put up on a pedestal. I like my men broody, but not mopey and broody which is the vibe I got from Dimitri in the beginning. Now he feels REAL, and he has some life to him. Which is sort of ironic, huh? Maybe evil characters are just more fun to write? (+0.25 stars)
There are some other new characters thrown into the mix in this one; a few I liked and a few I'm glad met their end. Abe is definitely going to be an important player and one that I hope to see in the next novel. I thought the Belikovs were interesting but ... unimportant? It was kind of a weird side quest that Rose went on, and I understand the purpose it served, but still, kind of pointless. Same with Sydney and her whole situation; it really felt like that was all thrown in at the last minute.
Also, I was annoyed with all the trips Rose took into Lissa's head; it was a poor plot device and one that had just recently shown up in Succubus Shadows too, so I wasn't all that thrilled to see it repeated again. Plus, it was way too coincidental that every time Rose was listening in, her friends would be talking about her. It was all just too convenient. (-0.25 stars)
On top of the trips into Lissa's head, we're also granted with a bunch of flashbacks to conversations and stories about Dimitri and Rose that haven't appeared previously. The same thing happened with Georgina too and it feels like Mead is having trouble lately fleshing out a completely new story; she keeps choosing to backtrack instead. I think she's getting dangerously in need of a new editor. (-0.25 stars)
I also wasn't too happy about the ending, though it was definitely one I did see coming a mile away. It makes me mad that Rose decides to finally throw Adrian a bone, but with the way things ended you know she's just going to toss him aside for her quest. He's the victim in all of this. Poor guy.
Other people have said that this book really doesn't move the main plot along and we're basically right back at the end of Shadow Kiss. But, that's not all together true. Sure, not much has changed in the grand scheme of things, but Rose has new friends, new knowledge, and (hopefully) a new outlook on what's to come. I don't think she could have gotten to where she is at the end of this book if she hadn't gone through the events of this book.
But one more thing: a hedge maze? Seriously? (-0.25 stars)
My reviews of books two and three: Frostbite and Shadow Kiss.
July 18, 2018
5 Forgotten Lessons Stars
Spoilers!!! So much happens in these books that I use my reviews as reminds so lots of Spoilers!!!
RECAP:
Book 4, Blood Promise, starts with Rose trekking around Russia looking for Dimitri , to kill him. In Russia Rose meets up with a human named Sydney Sage and a Moroi named Abe. Sydney is an Alchemist who helps Rose find Dimitri's family. Rose starts living with Dimitri's mom, grandma, and 3 sisters. They didn't know Dimitri was turned Strigoi. Rose of course tells them. They hold an memorial in his honor, and treat Rose like his widow. Rose ends up staying longer with the Belikovs than she planned because she loves them and feels closer to Dimitri being in his childhood home. Abe tries to get her to go back home, lying and telling her he was hired to find her and get her home. Really he is her father and he wants her safe. She doesn't find that out until the end of the book. Rose gets in a fight with Dimitri's youngest sister and ends up leaving. She hunts Dimitri down. Dimitri knocks Rose out and holds her prisoner telling her that he wants to turn her Strigoi by choice. Dimitri trying to talk Rose into becoming Strigoi by keeps Rose high on vampire bites and making out with her telling her they could be together forever.
Rose ends up staking Dimitri with a chair leg, escaping the compound he was holding her at. Dimitri catches up with her and she ends up staking him with a silver stake. He falls off a bridge into a river. She believes him dead. She gets ahold of Abe, who picks her up and gets her help as she was badly hurt fighting Dimitri and other Strigoi that lived at the compound. The woman that Abe gets to heal Rose is also a spirit user. Her name is Oksana and her bonded husband is Mark. When getting healed, Rose slips into Lissa's head and realizes that Lissa is in trouble from another Spirit user name Avery. Avery is trying to kill Lissa and bond her to her. Rose with the help of Oksana and Adrian are able to save Lissa from where she is in Russia. Also while getting healed she learns there are rumors that a Stigoi can be healed by a spirit user. She is sad that Dimitri is dead and can't be healed if the rumors are even true. Rose with the help of Abe goes back to the Academy. She re-enrolls in school and promises her mom and Lissa she will finish this time. She also tells Adrian that she will start dating him. At the very end of the book Rose gets a letter from Russia. It's from Dimitri telling Rose she forgot the lesson of making sure the Strigoi is dead. In the letter he sends her the stake she staked him with and tells her he is coming for her.
My thoughts:
This book is so good. My heart hurts for Rose so much. Rose does a lot of remembering of the good ol days in this book, so I got to get a deeper look at Rose and Dimitri's relationship. I loved Dimitri's family I could see why Rose would want to stay with them. A big part of the book was Rose while being held captive by Dimitri and my heart broke with Rose's. I too felt like Dimitri still had good in him and I don't know if I could have staked the man I loved. I felt bad for Lissa and Christian. When Christian broke up with Lissa I almost cried. I know Lissa couldn't help the things she was doing because Avery was controlling her with spirit but I hurt more for Christian. I really like Adrian too but I don't want him with Rose. Sorry I just think it's too soon, especially after finding out Dimitri is still alive and can be saved. I can't wait to get my hands on the next Book!!!
Spoilers!!! So much happens in these books that I use my reviews as reminds so lots of Spoilers!!!
RECAP:
Book 4, Blood Promise, starts with Rose trekking around Russia looking for Dimitri , to kill him. In Russia Rose meets up with a human named Sydney Sage and a Moroi named Abe. Sydney is an Alchemist who helps Rose find Dimitri's family. Rose starts living with Dimitri's mom, grandma, and 3 sisters. They didn't know Dimitri was turned Strigoi. Rose of course tells them. They hold an memorial in his honor, and treat Rose like his widow. Rose ends up staying longer with the Belikovs than she planned because she loves them and feels closer to Dimitri being in his childhood home. Abe tries to get her to go back home, lying and telling her he was hired to find her and get her home. Really he is her father and he wants her safe. She doesn't find that out until the end of the book. Rose gets in a fight with Dimitri's youngest sister and ends up leaving. She hunts Dimitri down. Dimitri knocks Rose out and holds her prisoner telling her that he wants to turn her Strigoi by choice. Dimitri trying to talk Rose into becoming Strigoi by keeps Rose high on vampire bites and making out with her telling her they could be together forever.
Rose ends up staking Dimitri with a chair leg, escaping the compound he was holding her at. Dimitri catches up with her and she ends up staking him with a silver stake. He falls off a bridge into a river. She believes him dead. She gets ahold of Abe, who picks her up and gets her help as she was badly hurt fighting Dimitri and other Strigoi that lived at the compound. The woman that Abe gets to heal Rose is also a spirit user. Her name is Oksana and her bonded husband is Mark. When getting healed, Rose slips into Lissa's head and realizes that Lissa is in trouble from another Spirit user name Avery. Avery is trying to kill Lissa and bond her to her. Rose with the help of Oksana and Adrian are able to save Lissa from where she is in Russia. Also while getting healed she learns there are rumors that a Stigoi can be healed by a spirit user. She is sad that Dimitri is dead and can't be healed if the rumors are even true. Rose with the help of Abe goes back to the Academy. She re-enrolls in school and promises her mom and Lissa she will finish this time. She also tells Adrian that she will start dating him. At the very end of the book Rose gets a letter from Russia. It's from Dimitri telling Rose she forgot the lesson of making sure the Strigoi is dead. In the letter he sends her the stake she staked him with and tells her he is coming for her.
My thoughts:
This book is so good. My heart hurts for Rose so much. Rose does a lot of remembering of the good ol days in this book, so I got to get a deeper look at Rose and Dimitri's relationship. I loved Dimitri's family I could see why Rose would want to stay with them. A big part of the book was Rose while being held captive by Dimitri and my heart broke with Rose's. I too felt like Dimitri still had good in him and I don't know if I could have staked the man I loved. I felt bad for Lissa and Christian. When Christian broke up with Lissa I almost cried. I know Lissa couldn't help the things she was doing because Avery was controlling her with spirit but I hurt more for Christian. I really like Adrian too but I don't want him with Rose. Sorry I just think it's too soon, especially after finding out Dimitri is still alive and can be saved. I can't wait to get my hands on the next Book!!!
May 24, 2017
First half of the book:
Rose has to go a hard way full of stones and death and pain. She meets Sydney and Dimitri's family and gets to know his world. Rose is ready to do anything to find and to kill him.
And finally, she finds him...
Second half of the book:
Dimitri as a Strigoi. A very very evil version of Dimitri. A passionated one, but still evil. He is brutal, he is merciless. He is completely different from the Dimitri we know.
And the relationship between him and Rose changes completely. Everything changes.
This book broke my heart. It is exciting and cruel and unfair and...
I love it. I love the whole series.
Rose has to go a hard way full of stones and death and pain. She meets Sydney and Dimitri's family and gets to know his world. Rose is ready to do anything to find and to kill him.
And finally, she finds him...
Second half of the book:
Dimitri as a Strigoi. A very very evil version of Dimitri. A passionated one, but still evil. He is brutal, he is merciless. He is completely different from the Dimitri we know.
And the relationship between him and Rose changes completely. Everything changes.
This book broke my heart. It is exciting and cruel and unfair and...
I love it. I love the whole series.
Read
July 27, 2022...nobody look at me.
-----------------------
review
people contain multitudes.
for example, last time i checked, i enjoy the vampire academy series.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
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review
people contain multitudes.
for example, last time i checked, i enjoy the vampire academy series.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
December 2, 2015
The time has come. It doesn't matter that I read this book forever and a day ago. Blood Promise deserves a review - one that I wrongfully neglected to give at the time of finishing. The 5 star rating at the top says nothing about why I loved this book back then, nor does it say why I still think about this story even now. I doubt I'll ever go back and write reviews for the rest of the series but this book...it's in my soul. Don't expect one of my normal polished reviews. I just wanted to finally put some random thoughts down about one of my all time favorite books.
So why was a middle-of-the-series book my favorite? Two words : Primal Dimitri.
I can't honestly say more outside of spoiler tags. If you haven't read up through at least book 3, you absolutely don't want to look or you'll have the biggest plot surprise spoiled, and this is one thing you really don't want to have spoiled. Someone spoiled it for me and I missed out on getting to experience the crazy shock of book 3's ending.
Anyway, I've been thinking about this book more and more because of the upcoming Rose & Dimitri in Russia story that will be released shortly. I can't wait for this because I felt like it was the one part of book 4 which we didn't get to see closure on.
Dear Dimka,
If it doesn't work out with Rose, you have my number. Call me.
Love,
A person who will still be thinking about you after everyone else has moved on to the next flavor of the week.
So why was a middle-of-the-series book my favorite? Two words : Primal Dimitri.
I can't honestly say more outside of spoiler tags. If you haven't read up through at least book 3, you absolutely don't want to look or you'll have the biggest plot surprise spoiled, and this is one thing you really don't want to have spoiled. Someone spoiled it for me and I missed out on getting to experience the crazy shock of book 3's ending.
Anyway, I've been thinking about this book more and more because of the upcoming Rose & Dimitri in Russia story that will be released shortly. I can't wait for this because I felt like it was the one part of book 4 which we didn't get to see closure on.
Dear Dimka,
If it doesn't work out with Rose, you have my number. Call me.
Love,
A person who will still be thinking about you after everyone else has moved on to the next flavor of the week.
July 1, 2017
The second half of this book was PERFECTION OMG.
June 25, 2022
Reread - 4 Stars
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
September 14, 2020
2019
Another re-read that's gripped me throughout, I'm absolutely loving reliving this journey!
2012
From previous books, we all know by now that I think Richelle Mead is an amazing author, a Goddess of writing and toying with one's emotions, simply fantastic!!!!
What do I think of Rose, however, that is a question I had to find an answer to, not only what I thought of Rose, but Dimitri and Adrian... Characters that I simply cannot get enough of and characters that are having an impact on me everytime I see their name!!!
Rose, I love her! No other words for it, I adore her, admire her and I've cried mountains for her... She is wonderful, hot headed, irrational and a dam good friend to have. Rose went through emotions that toyed with my heart consistently throughout this book. I cried for her, I shouted for her, yelled at her, rolled my eyes at her but - I loved her, every step of the way I loved her.
Richelle Mead!!! You have taken a character that I burned for, yearned for, craved for and loved for Rose and made me want to hold that silver stake myself!!! I could, of course, use a few lessons first, but by God I would sweat a few pounds to get rid of Dimitri... That's how I feel (at the moment) and I'm not happy about it!!! Adrian, I liked him, I didn't.... I trusted him, I didn't... now? I am all for him!!! Go write that essay to say why you could be Rose's suitor Adrian and do a good job... I'm rooting for you lad!!!!
The book has twisted and turned throughout the pages, throughout the chapters and yet, still, it ended with a shock!!! Rose discovering a few secrets, that sprung tears to my eyes, and then having something handed to her that will twist her future! I am really hoping that my heart can hold out during the next book!!!
I LOVE this series!!!
Another re-read that's gripped me throughout, I'm absolutely loving reliving this journey!
2012
From previous books, we all know by now that I think Richelle Mead is an amazing author, a Goddess of writing and toying with one's emotions, simply fantastic!!!!
What do I think of Rose, however, that is a question I had to find an answer to, not only what I thought of Rose, but Dimitri and Adrian... Characters that I simply cannot get enough of and characters that are having an impact on me everytime I see their name!!!
Rose, I love her! No other words for it, I adore her, admire her and I've cried mountains for her... She is wonderful, hot headed, irrational and a dam good friend to have. Rose went through emotions that toyed with my heart consistently throughout this book. I cried for her, I shouted for her, yelled at her, rolled my eyes at her but - I loved her, every step of the way I loved her.
Richelle Mead!!! You have taken a character that I burned for, yearned for, craved for and loved for Rose and made me want to hold that silver stake myself!!! I could, of course, use a few lessons first, but by God I would sweat a few pounds to get rid of Dimitri... That's how I feel (at the moment) and I'm not happy about it!!! Adrian, I liked him, I didn't.... I trusted him, I didn't... now? I am all for him!!! Go write that essay to say why you could be Rose's suitor Adrian and do a good job... I'm rooting for you lad!!!!
The book has twisted and turned throughout the pages, throughout the chapters and yet, still, it ended with a shock!!! Rose discovering a few secrets, that sprung tears to my eyes, and then having something handed to her that will twist her future! I am really hoping that my heart can hold out during the next book!!!
I LOVE this series!!!
December 16, 2015
Y yo que pensé que no podía haber un libro más intenso en esta saga que el tercero, ¡vaya si estaba equivocada! Leer este libro fue como estar en un hoyo oscuro horroroso en el que lo único que pensabas es... SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOILER DEL LIBRO PASADO.
DEJA DE LEER...
ESTÁS AVISADO...
SI SIGUES LEYENDO ES BAJO TU PROPIO RIESGO...
NO DIGAS QUE NO TE LO ADVERTÍ...
¿SIGUES LEYENDO Y NO HAS LEÍDO EL TERCERO?
VETE.
... lo único que pensabas es "Dimitri es un strigoi. Rose va a matarlo. Rose no va a poder vivir con eso. Nunca van a poder estar juntos". Ese fue como el mantra del 80% del libro y me destruía todos los feels de la vida. Promesa de Sangre es un libro puramente emocional, que juega con todos los sentimientos: los de los personajes y los de los lectores; es un libro que releería una y otra vez de manera masoquista porque está tan bien escrito y transmite tan bien todo lo que siente Rose que la lectura se vuelve una experiencia única.
El viaje que emprende Rose en Promesa de Sangre para cumplir con el voto que había hecho junto a Dimitri de matarlo si alguna vez se convertía en strigoi es la línea central del libro. Vemos cómo Rose se las apaña para llegar desde Montana hasta las estepas siberianas de Rusia y encontrar el pueblo donde nació Dimitri, que es donde ella cree que él ha ido. En medio de todo, Rose siempre tiene actitud de dura, de que puede con todo, pero es sólo una tapadera porque por dentro está destrozada.
Hay pocas cosas que puedo decir del libro sin entrar en spoilers, pero lo que sí diré es que, al menos hasta el momento, es de los libros que más me han llegado al corazón este año. Y sí, díganme loca por tener sentimientos tan reales hacia personajes ficticios, ¿Y QUÉ LE HAGO?
Quiero decir que sigo detestando a Lissa a pesar del papel que puede que llegue a jugar más adelante... aunque si soy sincera, mis bazas están puestas completamente en Adrian, que es un chico genial. Sí, en los libros anteriores tampoco lo quería mucho, pero sus sentimientos son tan sinceros que es imposible no quererlo y no sentir un poco de lástima por él, aunque seguro que es lo último que le gustaría. Ahora, todo lo que presiento que va a pasar en los siguientes libros involucrando a Lissa, Adrian, Ibrahim y en especial a los alquimistas me intriga MUCHÍSIMO.
Ahora y como no puedo aguantarme más, voy a comentar algunas cosas con spoilers, así que si no has leído este libro, vete ya.
TE ESTOY AVISANDO.
VOY A ESCRIBIR SPOILERS ABAJO.
OJO.
SOLDADO AVISADO NO MUERE EN GUERRA.
-LALALA-
MUCHOS SPOILERS.
VOY A DESTRIPAR EL LIBRO.
ESTÁS AVISADO.
OKAY?
OKAY.
A partir de aquí todo es un poco inconexo porque LOS FEELS.
Ese momento en el que Rose llega "coincidencialmente" a la casa de los Belikov en Baia y empieza a conocer más a fondo a la familia es muy duro T_T. Y encima todo y todos le recuerdan de alguna manera a Dimitri, así que se me partía el corazón mucho, mucho, mucho.
Yo siempre supe en el fondo que cuando Rose encontrara a Dimitri en su versión strigoi le haría falta coraje para acabar con él. Pero son esos pequeños momentos de vacilación los que muestran cuánto lo ama y yo me muero de amor por eso. Es decir, sí, quería darle una bofetada a Rose porque esos momentos de vacilación le podían costar la vida, pero aún así... *suspiro*.
Volvamos a Dimitri en versión strigoi. No sé por qué siempre tuve la idea de los strigoi como vampiros locos rabiosos que no podían razonar y su única motivación es la violencia... y pues, sí, es así parcialmente. Pueden hablar como personas normales, pueden estar bajo control y ver a Dimitri siendo él y no siendo él al mismo tiempo cuando hablaba, cuando se movía, cuando estaba con Rose era tremendo.
Y hablando de estar con Rose. OH, DIOSES. Toda la parte en la que Rose queda como "prisionera" dentro del complejo de Galina, creo que se llamaba, es muuuuuuuuy surreal. Los besos, las caricias, las conversaciones... wow. Son muy intensas, pero no están cargadas del mismo significado que podían tener en libros pasados. Estas son demasiado diferentes porque vienen de un Dimitri irreconocible... y lo triste es que Rose las acepta porque... bueno, creo que cualquiera caería en eso dadas las circunstancias. Que al final todo se explica por el subidón que le producen los mordiscos de Dimitri (ejem, ejem, compostura, Isabela, deja de pensar cosas raras...)... y, ¡ay!, el chantaje de Dimitri para que Rose, su Roza, acepte convertirse en strigoi para poder estar siempre juntos. AY, DIOSES DEL OLIMPO.
Y EL ESCAPE... Y EL FINAL. LA NOTA DEL FINAL. Ay... cuando Rose después de escapar y casi morir logra tomar a Dimitri por sorpresa, asdjhalkjfsad. Lo que más me impresiona es que Rose estaba considerando seriamente el convertirse en strigoi por él, pero cuando se da cuenta de que la razón de Dimitri es que quiere que se convierta porque "la necesita" y no porque la ama... todo acaba para ella y decide darle paz a Dimitri matándolo. SÓLO QUE PÁGINAS DESPUÉS NOS DAMOS CUENTA DE QUE DIMITRI SOBREVIVE A LA ESTACA DE PLATA QUE LE CLAVA ROSE PORQUE APUNTA MAL Y LO SIGUIENTE QUE SABEMOS ES QUE DIMITRI JURA ENCONTRAR A ROSE Y MATARLA.
NO PUEDO MÁS CON LOS FEELS. ADIÓS.
“You forgot another lesson: Never turn your back until you know your enemy
is dead. Looks like we’ll have to go over the lesson again the next time
I see you—which will be soon.
Love, D.”
DEJA DE LEER...
ESTÁS AVISADO...
SI SIGUES LEYENDO ES BAJO TU PROPIO RIESGO...
NO DIGAS QUE NO TE LO ADVERTÍ...
¿SIGUES LEYENDO Y NO HAS LEÍDO EL TERCERO?
VETE.
... lo único que pensabas es "Dimitri es un strigoi. Rose va a matarlo. Rose no va a poder vivir con eso. Nunca van a poder estar juntos". Ese fue como el mantra del 80% del libro y me destruía todos los feels de la vida. Promesa de Sangre es un libro puramente emocional, que juega con todos los sentimientos: los de los personajes y los de los lectores; es un libro que releería una y otra vez de manera masoquista porque está tan bien escrito y transmite tan bien todo lo que siente Rose que la lectura se vuelve una experiencia única.
El viaje que emprende Rose en Promesa de Sangre para cumplir con el voto que había hecho junto a Dimitri de matarlo si alguna vez se convertía en strigoi es la línea central del libro. Vemos cómo Rose se las apaña para llegar desde Montana hasta las estepas siberianas de Rusia y encontrar el pueblo donde nació Dimitri, que es donde ella cree que él ha ido. En medio de todo, Rose siempre tiene actitud de dura, de que puede con todo, pero es sólo una tapadera porque por dentro está destrozada.
Hay pocas cosas que puedo decir del libro sin entrar en spoilers, pero lo que sí diré es que, al menos hasta el momento, es de los libros que más me han llegado al corazón este año. Y sí, díganme loca por tener sentimientos tan reales hacia personajes ficticios, ¿Y QUÉ LE HAGO?
Quiero decir que sigo detestando a Lissa a pesar del papel que puede que llegue a jugar más adelante... aunque si soy sincera, mis bazas están puestas completamente en Adrian, que es un chico genial. Sí, en los libros anteriores tampoco lo quería mucho, pero sus sentimientos son tan sinceros que es imposible no quererlo y no sentir un poco de lástima por él, aunque seguro que es lo último que le gustaría. Ahora, todo lo que presiento que va a pasar en los siguientes libros involucrando a Lissa, Adrian, Ibrahim y en especial a los alquimistas me intriga MUCHÍSIMO.
Ahora y como no puedo aguantarme más, voy a comentar algunas cosas con spoilers, así que si no has leído este libro, vete ya.
TE ESTOY AVISANDO.
VOY A ESCRIBIR SPOILERS ABAJO.
OJO.
SOLDADO AVISADO NO MUERE EN GUERRA.
-LALALA-
MUCHOS SPOILERS.
VOY A DESTRIPAR EL LIBRO.
ESTÁS AVISADO.
OKAY?
OKAY.
A partir de aquí todo es un poco inconexo porque LOS FEELS.
Ese momento en el que Rose llega "coincidencialmente" a la casa de los Belikov en Baia y empieza a conocer más a fondo a la familia es muy duro T_T. Y encima todo y todos le recuerdan de alguna manera a Dimitri, así que se me partía el corazón mucho, mucho, mucho.
Yo siempre supe en el fondo que cuando Rose encontrara a Dimitri en su versión strigoi le haría falta coraje para acabar con él. Pero son esos pequeños momentos de vacilación los que muestran cuánto lo ama y yo me muero de amor por eso. Es decir, sí, quería darle una bofetada a Rose porque esos momentos de vacilación le podían costar la vida, pero aún así... *suspiro*.
Volvamos a Dimitri en versión strigoi. No sé por qué siempre tuve la idea de los strigoi como vampiros locos rabiosos que no podían razonar y su única motivación es la violencia... y pues, sí, es así parcialmente. Pueden hablar como personas normales, pueden estar bajo control y ver a Dimitri siendo él y no siendo él al mismo tiempo cuando hablaba, cuando se movía, cuando estaba con Rose era tremendo.
Y hablando de estar con Rose. OH, DIOSES. Toda la parte en la que Rose queda como "prisionera" dentro del complejo de Galina, creo que se llamaba, es muuuuuuuuy surreal. Los besos, las caricias, las conversaciones... wow. Son muy intensas, pero no están cargadas del mismo significado que podían tener en libros pasados. Estas son demasiado diferentes porque vienen de un Dimitri irreconocible... y lo triste es que Rose las acepta porque... bueno, creo que cualquiera caería en eso dadas las circunstancias. Que al final todo se explica por el subidón que le producen los mordiscos de Dimitri (ejem, ejem, compostura, Isabela, deja de pensar cosas raras...)... y, ¡ay!, el chantaje de Dimitri para que Rose, su Roza, acepte convertirse en strigoi para poder estar siempre juntos. AY, DIOSES DEL OLIMPO.
Y EL ESCAPE... Y EL FINAL. LA NOTA DEL FINAL. Ay... cuando Rose después de escapar y casi morir logra tomar a Dimitri por sorpresa, asdjhalkjfsad. Lo que más me impresiona es que Rose estaba considerando seriamente el convertirse en strigoi por él, pero cuando se da cuenta de que la razón de Dimitri es que quiere que se convierta porque "la necesita" y no porque la ama... todo acaba para ella y decide darle paz a Dimitri matándolo. SÓLO QUE PÁGINAS DESPUÉS NOS DAMOS CUENTA DE QUE DIMITRI SOBREVIVE A LA ESTACA DE PLATA QUE LE CLAVA ROSE PORQUE APUNTA MAL Y LO SIGUIENTE QUE SABEMOS ES QUE DIMITRI JURA ENCONTRAR A ROSE Y MATARLA.
NO PUEDO MÁS CON LOS FEELS. ADIÓS.
“You forgot another lesson: Never turn your back until you know your enemy
is dead. Looks like we’ll have to go over the lesson again the next time
I see you—which will be soon.
Love, D.”
July 28, 2016
Once again, I absolutely loved this and it was a roller coaster ride HOWEVER it was a bit dull in some parts and I felt it dragged a bit. I adored it though, and that ending/bridge scene omg
February 6, 2016
4.5/5
This book was really good! I'm still trying to get over the major twist at the ending which I was kind of expecting but I didn't know that it would be that big.
The one thing that I didn't like with this book was that Lissa was kind of "whiny." In Rose's views from her eyes, we were able to see what was going on back at St. Vladimir Academy. I was excited to read this since it might had some more action, which it did, but it wasn't enough to out way Lissa. At the end of the 3rd book, I was disappointed in Lissa and it got even worse in this book. She did get better toward the end which was good.
Another thing I didn't like was about Christian and his relationship with Lissa. I know that Lissa was changing because of the magic, but still. Give her a break and work through it. I thought that he was being a little dramatic.
Rose is still my favorite character, especially since she is going through many hardships and emotional and physical turmoil. I can't wait to see how she is in the next book.
There were many sad parts in this book and I had to look away to calm myself so I wouldn't start crying. I was really upset about Dmitri since I liked him and that ending! I hope that he's going to be alright.
There was a cliffhanger at the end of Blood Promise but it was a good kind because come on, what else is the 5th book going to be about?
I'm about to find out and I'm very happy to.
This book was really good! I'm still trying to get over the major twist at the ending which I was kind of expecting but I didn't know that it would be that big.
The one thing that I didn't like with this book was that Lissa was kind of "whiny." In Rose's views from her eyes, we were able to see what was going on back at St. Vladimir Academy. I was excited to read this since it might had some more action, which it did, but it wasn't enough to out way Lissa. At the end of the 3rd book, I was disappointed in Lissa and it got even worse in this book. She did get better toward the end which was good.
Another thing I didn't like was about Christian and his relationship with Lissa. I know that Lissa was changing because of the magic, but still. Give her a break and work through it. I thought that he was being a little dramatic.
Rose is still my favorite character, especially since she is going through many hardships and emotional and physical turmoil. I can't wait to see how she is in the next book.
There were many sad parts in this book and I had to look away to calm myself so I wouldn't start crying. I was really upset about Dmitri since I liked him and that ending! I hope that he's going to be alright.
There was a cliffhanger at the end of Blood Promise but it was a good kind because come on, what else is the 5th book going to be about?
I'm about to find out and I'm very happy to.
February 5, 2021
This book was AMAZING!
There is no doubt that this book is my favorite from this series. Dimitri was a badass! Literally, I’ve been screaming of excitement when I read about Dimitri as a strigoi. He was so hot! Not that he wasn’t hot before, but I have a soft spot for bad guys in books. And bad Dimitri... I was actually drooling.
Dimitri’s family! Oh my God. You can’t imagine what I felt while reading about all these strong women and especially about Dimitri’s grandma. Such a wicked woman. She was so funny in her own serious way.
And Mark and Oksana made this book even better. I kind of loved this couple because they gave me the impression of a power couple. They left aside the rules and started a life together no matter what people said or what the rules imply.
I’m so full of endorphins right now (yeah, I just made a reference to what happened to Rose) that I feel like I could fly. I love this series! Even after 7 years, I love it! More than any other series.
There is no doubt that this book is my favorite from this series. Dimitri was a badass! Literally, I’ve been screaming of excitement when I read about Dimitri as a strigoi. He was so hot! Not that he wasn’t hot before, but I have a soft spot for bad guys in books. And bad Dimitri... I was actually drooling.
Dimitri’s family! Oh my God. You can’t imagine what I felt while reading about all these strong women and especially about Dimitri’s grandma. Such a wicked woman. She was so funny in her own serious way.
And Mark and Oksana made this book even better. I kind of loved this couple because they gave me the impression of a power couple. They left aside the rules and started a life together no matter what people said or what the rules imply.
I’m so full of endorphins right now (yeah, I just made a reference to what happened to Rose) that I feel like I could fly. I love this series! Even after 7 years, I love it! More than any other series.
February 16, 2016
I'm about to cry right now... That was fu**ing beautiful.
August 27, 2009
So 1st I have to say that I love Mead. But this book was only OK to Good for me which I guess was a disappointment. I think she could have & has done much better. To summarize, I didn't feel as emotionally connected to the characters & I expected to be, esp after the last book. But also - I think structurally, the book was too condensed & didn't have to be.
OK so here I go, SPOILERS for VA #4 - BLOOD PROMISE BELOW:
I felt there was far too much recap of the previous 3 books. Literally - it was the entire first 25% of the book. Actually a bit more. I felt she wasted words, describing scenes & scenarios that didn't need to take up that much space & there could've have been far more time spent on the meat of the story & character development - to me (Rose esp) stayed very.....level. There weren't major emotional ups or downs & when the "epiphanies came" I didn't feel that were as startling & profound as they could've been.
The ending, I felt was all very rushed & wrapped up. The make-up with Lissa, Adrian, the school, Christian, her mom & even Abe, in order to get to the 'Surprise!' ending that Dimitri is pulling an Angel & coming after Rose. How predictable.
Like we didn't know he was still alive? Esp. after that anti-climatic bridge scene? And then the whole, "it's a fairy tale" bit about the ring.....?
But the fact that Rose didn't have really have an emotional aftermath after doing something like killing D. - especially after leaving everyone, hunting him for 5 months & being held captive by him for weeks while he's Strigoi- was not only a bit shocking for me, bit tipped me off that he wasn't really dead. That & also, knowing Rose is getting 6 books, I figured Mead wouldn't have him die so soon (although, I think she should have done it - it would've wiped out the major Buffy storyline comparisons that are coming).
And I get it.... Why Rose wasn't allowed the emotional aftermath & the reason is b'c Mead spent too much wasted time the 1st quarter of the book, so by the end, she had to hurry & cram in all action (Avery/Lissa), in order to get Rose home pronto so everyone could forgive her quickly.
So here's the thing - did Rose have a lobotomy? Where was she? Throughout the whole book I felt she lacked energy & no, not b'c she was in a blood induced haze. She just wasn't believable. When she was recounting her time with Dimitri at his funeral - it was funny b'c Rose asks Sydney how everyone seemed to know about her & Dimka & Syd tells her that it was written all over her face & I thought, I assume so. I guess you had to be there b'c I'm with Rose, how the hell could they even tell, b'c her words in her grief was so underwhelming.
Even when she encounters Dimitri for the 1st time - it lacked the full emotional impact for me. And her dream sequences with Adrian?? She was acting liked a spoiled child. Had she learned nothing over the past 4 weeks (& that's the other thing - I figured she was gone for like, 3 months - 5 weeks??! That's it!)?
Dimitri as Strigoi? There were parts that were genuinely chilling but I felt it really could've had been much more intense. Much scarier. Much more confusing for Rose. Sorry Mead - but if you're gonna pull an Bad Angel before he gets his soul back again, you should've taken better notes. But...obviously, The hunt is for the next book but I'll get to this in a bit.
I'm annoyed by her use of Adrian, I feel like he is more of a prop than anything else. Which is a shame. To me, he shouldn't be relegated to Scooby Gang/Xander status.
I thought Christian not really cottoning on & giving up on Lissa so quickly was yet another fault of early plot timing being wasted.
He tells Lissa it had been rough b'c the time before the incident at the Royal Court, she got so mad b'c he wasn't going. Umm.....that was only one other time. It didn't get bad until Avery was there so presumably, that was the only major fight (& it wasn't even) that we saw. Christian is smarter that that & knows Lissa better than that & all she has been dealing with in battling the darkness of spirit. Another quickly dealt with scenario I didn't buy.
And really, how stupid could Rose be? She was in Lissa's head for god's sake! Not to realize that there was something very wrong was Mead having a major brain fart to allow that. It bothered me that she didn't smarten up until it was almost too late. These people are supposed to be BEST FRIENDS. Not only that but BONDED by something hugely mystical. Are you kidding?
Personally, I think if Mead spent less time recapping the 1st 3 books, she could have had a narrative prologue about what happened & left it at that. Then, started off the book w/ Rose grappling with her grief more genuinely & had Dimitri enter quicker. I think it would have been more successful suspense wise, to have had both his capture of her & her kill of him happen much earlier.
The reason being, I think it would've been much, MUCH more of an emotional impact if Mead showed the poignant in the aftermath of Rose killing Dimitri by her returning to school & trying to adjust & make amends & just get on.
Mead could've shown all the new adjustments & more personal growth which came as a result. Then, once she starts putting her life back together, things are starting to look brighter, she starts dating Adrian.. the reader gets comfortable by having had time to believe/ adjust that Dimitri is actually dead...THEN pull out the big surprise guns. That's when Dimitri's hunt of her & her loved ones begin. Even better, have it start anonymously for the last few chapters (at least) & then the big cliffhanger would've been the package & note.
That would've been seriously cool & chilling. But instead, the book left me feeling it lacked heart. It just emotionally plateaued the whole time. Yeah, I was disappointed.
There was also continuity issues. When Rose is held captive, she was clearly there for a few days & yet when she enters Lissa's head, Lissa was feeling guilty for the kiss incident from the night before.
I seriously hope Mead loses the need to do such heavy recapping 5 books in. I have no idea why the publishers make author's do that.
I mean, I do but it's a HUGE waste of talent & smacks of money grubbing & I hope Mead doesn't buy into it as much with the next book. Anyone that is going to pick up a series which is NOT stand alone, should have the smarts enough to read from the beginning. It's the reader's own fault if they're too lazy not to.
(BIG SIGH) I just love Richelle Mead so much as an author. I just wish this was up to her usual standard.
OK so here I go, SPOILERS for VA #4 - BLOOD PROMISE BELOW:
I felt there was far too much recap of the previous 3 books. Literally - it was the entire first 25% of the book. Actually a bit more. I felt she wasted words, describing scenes & scenarios that didn't need to take up that much space & there could've have been far more time spent on the meat of the story & character development - to me (Rose esp) stayed very.....level. There weren't major emotional ups or downs & when the "epiphanies came" I didn't feel that were as startling & profound as they could've been.
The ending, I felt was all very rushed & wrapped up. The make-up with Lissa, Adrian, the school, Christian, her mom & even Abe, in order to get to the 'Surprise!' ending that Dimitri is pulling an Angel & coming after Rose. How predictable.
Like we didn't know he was still alive? Esp. after that anti-climatic bridge scene? And then the whole, "it's a fairy tale" bit about the ring.....?
But the fact that Rose didn't have really have an emotional aftermath after doing something like killing D. - especially after leaving everyone, hunting him for 5 months & being held captive by him for weeks while he's Strigoi- was not only a bit shocking for me, bit tipped me off that he wasn't really dead. That & also, knowing Rose is getting 6 books, I figured Mead wouldn't have him die so soon (although, I think she should have done it - it would've wiped out the major Buffy storyline comparisons that are coming).
And I get it.... Why Rose wasn't allowed the emotional aftermath & the reason is b'c Mead spent too much wasted time the 1st quarter of the book, so by the end, she had to hurry & cram in all action (Avery/Lissa), in order to get Rose home pronto so everyone could forgive her quickly.
So here's the thing - did Rose have a lobotomy? Where was she? Throughout the whole book I felt she lacked energy & no, not b'c she was in a blood induced haze. She just wasn't believable. When she was recounting her time with Dimitri at his funeral - it was funny b'c Rose asks Sydney how everyone seemed to know about her & Dimka & Syd tells her that it was written all over her face & I thought, I assume so. I guess you had to be there b'c I'm with Rose, how the hell could they even tell, b'c her words in her grief was so underwhelming.
Even when she encounters Dimitri for the 1st time - it lacked the full emotional impact for me. And her dream sequences with Adrian?? She was acting liked a spoiled child. Had she learned nothing over the past 4 weeks (& that's the other thing - I figured she was gone for like, 3 months - 5 weeks??! That's it!)?
Dimitri as Strigoi? There were parts that were genuinely chilling but I felt it really could've had been much more intense. Much scarier. Much more confusing for Rose. Sorry Mead - but if you're gonna pull an Bad Angel before he gets his soul back again, you should've taken better notes. But...obviously, The hunt is for the next book but I'll get to this in a bit.
I'm annoyed by her use of Adrian, I feel like he is more of a prop than anything else. Which is a shame. To me, he shouldn't be relegated to Scooby Gang/Xander status.
I thought Christian not really cottoning on & giving up on Lissa so quickly was yet another fault of early plot timing being wasted.
He tells Lissa it had been rough b'c the time before the incident at the Royal Court, she got so mad b'c he wasn't going. Umm.....that was only one other time. It didn't get bad until Avery was there so presumably, that was the only major fight (& it wasn't even) that we saw. Christian is smarter that that & knows Lissa better than that & all she has been dealing with in battling the darkness of spirit. Another quickly dealt with scenario I didn't buy.
And really, how stupid could Rose be? She was in Lissa's head for god's sake! Not to realize that there was something very wrong was Mead having a major brain fart to allow that. It bothered me that she didn't smarten up until it was almost too late. These people are supposed to be BEST FRIENDS. Not only that but BONDED by something hugely mystical. Are you kidding?
Personally, I think if Mead spent less time recapping the 1st 3 books, she could have had a narrative prologue about what happened & left it at that. Then, started off the book w/ Rose grappling with her grief more genuinely & had Dimitri enter quicker. I think it would have been more successful suspense wise, to have had both his capture of her & her kill of him happen much earlier.
The reason being, I think it would've been much, MUCH more of an emotional impact if Mead showed the poignant in the aftermath of Rose killing Dimitri by her returning to school & trying to adjust & make amends & just get on.
Mead could've shown all the new adjustments & more personal growth which came as a result. Then, once she starts putting her life back together, things are starting to look brighter, she starts dating Adrian.. the reader gets comfortable by having had time to believe/ adjust that Dimitri is actually dead...THEN pull out the big surprise guns. That's when Dimitri's hunt of her & her loved ones begin. Even better, have it start anonymously for the last few chapters (at least) & then the big cliffhanger would've been the package & note.
That would've been seriously cool & chilling. But instead, the book left me feeling it lacked heart. It just emotionally plateaued the whole time. Yeah, I was disappointed.
There was also continuity issues. When Rose is held captive, she was clearly there for a few days & yet when she enters Lissa's head, Lissa was feeling guilty for the kiss incident from the night before.
I seriously hope Mead loses the need to do such heavy recapping 5 books in. I have no idea why the publishers make author's do that.
I mean, I do but it's a HUGE waste of talent & smacks of money grubbing & I hope Mead doesn't buy into it as much with the next book. Anyone that is going to pick up a series which is NOT stand alone, should have the smarts enough to read from the beginning. It's the reader's own fault if they're too lazy not to.
(BIG SIGH) I just love Richelle Mead so much as an author. I just wish this was up to her usual standard.
November 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This was honestly really enjoyable!! 🫶🫶 I definitely did have some issues, but it was still a good addition to the series ❤️
“No one had ever called me unnatural before, except for the time I put ketchup on a taco. But seriously, we'd been out of salsa, so what else was I supposed to do?”
Blood Promise is the fifth book in the Vampire Academy series. I can't explain the plot of this book in particular because it is major spoilers, but it follows Rose's journey after the ending of Shadow Kiss to try and make things right as she battles new foes- and her own heart...
“I'm like a fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come.”
After how Shadow Kiss ended, i just HAD to know what happened next- and this was honestly pretty good!! ahhh i'm just having such a good time with this series 🤭🤭
The thing about this book- the first half was SO. SLOW. 😃🔫 The only things really happening was a lot of travelling around and the pacing was just not it 🙈🙈 That is definitely my main gripe with this book bc i desperately needed answers and yet i had to sit through a whole lot of nothing first 😭
However, the second half really made up for that imo 🤩🤩 There was smm action and it was getting crazyyy. I swear i couldn't put the book down when i got to the good parts, i was FLYING through it 😩 There were a bunch of plot twists at the end (none of which i guessed) and then- THE ENDING 😳😳 So good!! 🫶🫶
“I look him in the eye. "I will always love you.”
Overall, definitely a mixed bag, but it was still an enjoyable read overall!! 🥰🥰 Definitely recommend this series if you want:
✔ Lots of action
✔ Plot twists
✔ Easy to read writing
✔ Vampires ofc 🫶
I can't wait to read the next one!! ❤️❤️
《 2023 Challenge: Book 135 of 110!! 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This started out really slow, but it got crazyyyy in the second half 🫢🫢 I audibly gasped at the ending- it was so good!! 🫶🫶
RTC!
This was honestly really enjoyable!! 🫶🫶 I definitely did have some issues, but it was still a good addition to the series ❤️
“No one had ever called me unnatural before, except for the time I put ketchup on a taco. But seriously, we'd been out of salsa, so what else was I supposed to do?”
Blood Promise is the fifth book in the Vampire Academy series. I can't explain the plot of this book in particular because it is major spoilers, but it follows Rose's journey after the ending of Shadow Kiss to try and make things right as she battles new foes- and her own heart...
“I'm like a fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come.”
After how Shadow Kiss ended, i just HAD to know what happened next- and this was honestly pretty good!! ahhh i'm just having such a good time with this series 🤭🤭
The thing about this book- the first half was SO. SLOW. 😃🔫 The only things really happening was a lot of travelling around and the pacing was just not it 🙈🙈 That is definitely my main gripe with this book bc i desperately needed answers and yet i had to sit through a whole lot of nothing first 😭
However, the second half really made up for that imo 🤩🤩 There was smm action and it was getting crazyyy. I swear i couldn't put the book down when i got to the good parts, i was FLYING through it 😩 There were a bunch of plot twists at the end (none of which i guessed) and then- THE ENDING 😳😳 So good!! 🫶🫶
“I look him in the eye. "I will always love you.”
Overall, definitely a mixed bag, but it was still an enjoyable read overall!! 🥰🥰 Definitely recommend this series if you want:
✔ Lots of action
✔ Plot twists
✔ Easy to read writing
✔ Vampires ofc 🫶
I can't wait to read the next one!! ❤️❤️
《 2023 Challenge: Book 135 of 110!! 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This started out really slow, but it got crazyyyy in the second half 🫢🫢 I audibly gasped at the ending- it was so good!! 🫶🫶
RTC!
March 31, 2010
If I had to give the first 3/4 of this book a review, I would have given it two stars at the most.
The plot was painfully, agonizingly slow with many, many unnecessary characters and plotlines that just bugged the hell out of me. I found myself skipping large portions of text to get to anything worth reading.
The last quarter of this book however, earned that last two stars. It was intense, amazing, beautiful. I almost cried. I wanted to cry. What happened at the end... on the bridge... well bugger me!
Then at the very end with the note... gah! Be still my beating heart!
The Avery/Lissa side story was complete rubbish. Everyone's casual treatment of Adrian was complete rubbish. The deal with Abe annoys the hell out of me for many reasons that I can't put here unless I spoil things. But the ending... that beautiful ending made up for all of it.
The plot was painfully, agonizingly slow with many, many unnecessary characters and plotlines that just bugged the hell out of me. I found myself skipping large portions of text to get to anything worth reading.
The last quarter of this book however, earned that last two stars. It was intense, amazing, beautiful. I almost cried. I wanted to cry. What happened at the end... on the bridge... well bugger me!
Then at the very end with the note... gah! Be still my beating heart!
The Avery/Lissa side story was complete rubbish. Everyone's casual treatment of Adrian was complete rubbish. The deal with Abe annoys the hell out of me for many reasons that I can't put here unless I spoil things. But the ending... that beautiful ending made up for all of it.
June 10, 2018
4.5 Keeping Promises
“Yet, it had been Dimitri’s gentleness and thoughtfulness mixed with that deadliness that made him so wonderful. The same hands that wielded stakes with such precision would carefully brush the hair out of my face. The eyes that could astutely spot any danger in the area would regard me wonderingly and worshipfully, like I was the most beautiful and amazing woman in the world.”
I know a lot of people thought this was the worst book in this series, but I disagree. I don't think any of the Vampire Academy books are bad. Sure it was a bit slower and didn't have a lot of action. I still loved and enjoyed it just the same.
Rose has dropped out of school and leaves Lissa and her whole life behind her. Rose is on a mission to find Dimitri the love of her life and to kill him because he was turned into a Strigoi.
“We need to be together."
"Why?" I asked softly. The word was carried away on the wind, but he heard.
"Because I want you."
I gave him a sad smile, wondering if we'd meet again in the land of the dead. "Wrong answer," I told him.
I let go.
I look him in the eye. "I will always love you.”
“That’s what I was supposed to say. . . .” he gasped out.
Those were his last words."
There is a lot of other stuff that happens too. Stuff with Lissa and Christian, Adrian, this new girl Avery Lazar and cute little Jill Mastrano. Just read the book, you won't regret it.
“Yet, it had been Dimitri’s gentleness and thoughtfulness mixed with that deadliness that made him so wonderful. The same hands that wielded stakes with such precision would carefully brush the hair out of my face. The eyes that could astutely spot any danger in the area would regard me wonderingly and worshipfully, like I was the most beautiful and amazing woman in the world.”
I know a lot of people thought this was the worst book in this series, but I disagree. I don't think any of the Vampire Academy books are bad. Sure it was a bit slower and didn't have a lot of action. I still loved and enjoyed it just the same.
Rose has dropped out of school and leaves Lissa and her whole life behind her. Rose is on a mission to find Dimitri the love of her life and to kill him because he was turned into a Strigoi.
“We need to be together."
"Why?" I asked softly. The word was carried away on the wind, but he heard.
"Because I want you."
I gave him a sad smile, wondering if we'd meet again in the land of the dead. "Wrong answer," I told him.
I let go.
I look him in the eye. "I will always love you.”
“That’s what I was supposed to say. . . .” he gasped out.
Those were his last words."
There is a lot of other stuff that happens too. Stuff with Lissa and Christian, Adrian, this new girl Avery Lazar and cute little Jill Mastrano. Just read the book, you won't regret it.
February 9, 2016
This was very interesting and heart-breaking. Meeting Dimitri's family was a unique experience. I really feel like Rose developed a lot as a character and she's definitely more likable now than she was in the beginning,however,unfortunately,Lisa is getting on my nerves a little bit. What's been annoying in this book is that Lisa seems more angry at Rose for leaving her than being actually worried for Rose. I mean,for God's sake, Rose has her own life and her own problems that she needs to solve,the world doesn't just revolve around the royal moroi. The whole aspect of Rose going to Dimitri's hometown was really interesting and I really enjoyed reading about her adventures and her journey. I wish I could say that I like Sydney since there's a whole spin-off for her and Adrian (unfortunately I'm not really attached to him either) but I don't. She's not annoying but simply boring. The ending was... amazing. Haha, really looking forward to reading the next book.
Let's take a moment to appreciate this amazing line which made me laugh so hard. And I was in class. *I regret nothing sociology professor!*
Bye.
July 14, 2016
“Bound by Love, but sworn to Kill...”
Wow, just wow! What a thrilling, emotional roller coaster ride! This book is hands down amazing!
Blood Promise is the fourth installment of the Vampire Academy series. In this book, Richelle Mead takes us to Russia together with the badassest character Rose Hathaway, in search for the love of her life, Dimitri. She was forced to abandon her life in the academy as a student, leaving her best friend Lissa behind in order to fulfill her mission to destroy Dimitri and give him peace. In Russia, she was able to encounter crazy adventures which include meeting lots of Strigoi on her way and meeting different people-- Humans, Dhampirs ,and Moroi alike.
It was one helluvah crazy, fun ride! The adventure Rose experienced in this book was beyond amazing I couldn't even describe how thrilled I was when she stepped into Russia and literally had to deal with those things all on her own.
Although the first half of this book was a bit slow-paced, and although Rose annoyed me at some point, the second half totally made it all up. There were unimaginable action scenes that pulled up my adrenaline. Even the epic reunion of Rose and Dimitri was perfectly executed.
One thing that I also loved about this sequel was the introduction of new characters like Sydney, Abe, Mark, Oksana, and Dimitri's family. Sydney, in particular, is such a promising character. I immediately liked her. She's not as badass as Rose but she's interesting. It made me want to get to know her more and dig the Alchemist world deeper.
The plot in this book was perfectly delivered. And oh, that ending! Richelle Mead surprised me once again! Darn, this series is getting better and better as it continues. I have definitely become a fan of it! As a whole, I did enjoy this book A LOT. I can't help but feel excited to read the next book. :)
Rating: 5 Bloody Stars
(Review is also posted on my blog: https://bibliopearl.wordpress.com/201...) :)
September 27, 2015
Actual Rating:
4.5/5
Wow, can't believe I read about 400 pages today! I couldn't put this book down, and it's pretty long so that's saying something!
This book was a real roller coaster! As soon as Rose saw Adrian at the airport near the end of the book, the rest of the novel was just so beautiful!!! All these relationships coming back together, I seriously think that was my fav part of the book.
Basically:
I love Adrian so much, like, so much
Rose is amazing, and the character development, wow
I didn't realise how much I would miss Rose and Lissa being together
Rose and her mum were so cute at the end
The head-mistress or whatever she was, was so sweet to Rose at the end
OMG, didn't expect that *person* was Rose's dad!! That was awesome!
I loved Sydney, and can't wait to read Bloodlines
I don't even really think I'm that big a fan of Dimitri, and now I realllly don't like him as a Strogoi :/
I just knew that (Spoiler ahead) Avery was going to end up evil
Yeah... That's my thoughts. Lol
4.5/5
Wow, can't believe I read about 400 pages today! I couldn't put this book down, and it's pretty long so that's saying something!
This book was a real roller coaster! As soon as Rose saw Adrian at the airport near the end of the book, the rest of the novel was just so beautiful!!! All these relationships coming back together, I seriously think that was my fav part of the book.
Basically:
I love Adrian so much, like, so much
Rose is amazing, and the character development, wow
I didn't realise how much I would miss Rose and Lissa being together
Rose and her mum were so cute at the end
The head-mistress or whatever she was, was so sweet to Rose at the end
OMG, didn't expect that *person* was Rose's dad!! That was awesome!
I loved Sydney, and can't wait to read Bloodlines
I don't even really think I'm that big a fan of Dimitri, and now I realllly don't like him as a Strogoi :/
I just knew that (Spoiler ahead) Avery was going to end up evil
Yeah... That's my thoughts. Lol
October 12, 2017
I stumbled over Mead's Vampire Academy series more or less by accident, however I'm glad I did! these novels are a great piece of fiction (even though, starting to reach my thirties, I'm too old for them really. As oppose to other young adult novels and novels in this genre, they contain quite complex characters, who are dynamic and continue to develop through out the series. They are fast paced and Mead, obviously a good story-teller, creats an intriguing story with many different sides to it. The content of these novels have also grown darker as proceeding to the final installment in this series. Blood promise is darker and more brooding then the former three novels but just as fast paced.
Rose has traveled to Russia and Siberia in order to keep her promise to Dimitri, which will set his soul free( and hopefully give her peace of mind)
She eventually finds him but her mission takes an unexpected and dreadfull turn...
Rose has traveled to Russia and Siberia in order to keep her promise to Dimitri, which will set his soul free( and hopefully give her peace of mind)
She eventually finds him but her mission takes an unexpected and dreadfull turn...
October 12, 2009
Three words; i'm just going to do one this time. Amazing.
I love this series. Plain and simple. I've been a fan since the beginning and I can't helped but get sucked in every time. This is my favorite vampire series. Heck, it's one of my most favorites, vampire or not.
The plot is fantastic, action packed, twists and turns galore. The characters are right on, they continue to grow and develop, become even more dimensional as the series continues. The writing is amazing. I just absolutely enjoyed reading this, I did NOT want to put it down.
This was by far the most emotional of the series. And I can't wait to see where it goes from here. For once, I have no idea what is going to happen next and I LOVE it! And that's all I have to say about that.
I love this series. Plain and simple. I've been a fan since the beginning and I can't helped but get sucked in every time. This is my favorite vampire series. Heck, it's one of my most favorites, vampire or not.
The plot is fantastic, action packed, twists and turns galore. The characters are right on, they continue to grow and develop, become even more dimensional as the series continues. The writing is amazing. I just absolutely enjoyed reading this, I did NOT want to put it down.
This was by far the most emotional of the series. And I can't wait to see where it goes from here. For once, I have no idea what is going to happen next and I LOVE it! And that's all I have to say about that.
September 28, 2015
El libro anterior de la saga dejó el nivel muy alto y mía expectativas por las nubes. Y por supuesto que ste libro fue increíble, siento que la saga se pone cada vez mas interesante, me he encontrado un montón de sorpresas a través de la historia y los libros solo prometen mejorar.
Rose es uno de mis personajes femeninos favoritos y en este libro continuó demostrando esa fuerza y esa terquedad que tanto me enamoran de ella. Por otro lado debo decir que en este libro empecé a querer mucho a Adrian!
Reseña Completa: http://bastvilard.blogspot.com.co/201...
Rose es uno de mis personajes femeninos favoritos y en este libro continuó demostrando esa fuerza y esa terquedad que tanto me enamoran de ella. Por otro lado debo decir que en este libro empecé a querer mucho a Adrian!
Reseña Completa: http://bastvilard.blogspot.com.co/201...
February 28, 2018
I’d said it before and meant it: Alive or undead, the love of my life was a badass.
The first half of the book was a bit slow but then the story really did pick up. It was really entertaining but in my opinion, most of the characters were so annoying. I was really frustrated at times. Rosa, Lissa, and Dimitri were all getting on my nerves. That being said, I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced and I can't wait to read more about them and to see where the stories will go now :)
July 15, 2014
Each book is just getting better and better! The beginning was a little slow but it sped up, especially towards the end.
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