Vampire Academy (2018)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Perhaps because this is a TV series rather than just a movie, this is able to go into far more detail than the original adaptation was able to. Even with the additional details and expanded cast, it isn't able to put much of a dent into the original story. Even with a good deal of adaptation in this version as well, there is a lot more that goes into this world building and the number of characters that get far more screentime and information than in other versions. It somehow even manages to make Tatiana seem more vicious than in the original books, though she hides it well to the majority of of those around her. Unfortunately, given the time since this original aired, it seems unlikely to return for the rest of the story, though it does leave off at a very well positioned point in the story with a mix of resolution and cliff hanger. Rose is also a bit different overall, especially as they learn about the effects of spirit, but it works well with this version of the story.
Showing posts with label series: vampire academy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series: vampire academy. Show all posts
October 21, 2025
Vampire Academy
March 4, 2015
Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 6: The Ruby Circle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There was a lot of tying off loose ends here, though it was good to at least get a decent conclusion for Adrian and Sydney. Rose and Dimitri are finally engaged despite being perhaps the longest relationship of the series, aside from perhaps Christian and Lissa. Of course there would have to be a loophole for Dimitri to possibly get his family with Rose in the end. Heaven knows there are enough fanfics writing about just that even before this book was released; now they'll all have something concrete from the official universe to base it all on. Olive and Neils' ending was sad, though it was good to see our favorite characters banding together to help Declan. In a lot of ways, he probably really helped turn the ragtag group into a real family. Dimitri and Adrian as cousins to boot - now that was an interesting addition. It's easy to tell why Dimitri hates the man so much in this brief glimpse we have of him even if we didn't know the back story with Olena. Jill and Eddie were the two that naturally took the longest. Kind of surprised Eddie finally made a move at the end of the rescue, though also relieved - those two danced around each other longer than anyone else. It would have been nice to have seen a more definitive ending for the other couples if it was going that way instead of everyone just "dating" or engaged aside from Adrain and Sydney (the only ones to have a fully functional family even though they were one of the last couples to get together). Overall, it's a good conclusion to the series considering it is supposed to focus on Adrian and Sydney in the first place.
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September 9, 2014
Vampire Academy 4: Blood Promise
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Alright, so I had to re-read this one to finish off the original series again and have a full review for each book. I still thoroughly enjoy this series and love having more Rose/Dimitri moments, but this book falls a little short comparatively speaking. Rose does not have her essential spark and bravado this time around. In contrast she almost seems like a carpet waiting to be walked over by everyone and being forced into things by her circumstances instead of trying to take control herself as she usually would. This contrast alone is rather disappointing. Dimitri is surprising in the opposite way - he is not at all what is expected of a strigoi. Granted, he very obviously does not think of anything with emotion as any of the other species in the series would (as evident by his answer to Rose towards the end of the book). Still, he does appear to retain a lot of his original personality through his change, which is surprising. Of course it isn't enough for Rose to just face him once. Instead it has to drag on, torturing her emotionally and thinking she finally succeeded in her mission only to learn she failed and there might be another answer than killing her love. While all this is going on, Lissa completely falls apart without Rose there, losing control of her power and letting Avery nearly destroy her if not for Rose's intervention (clear from Russia no less). This story is just all sorts of a convoluted mess that needs a lot of straightening out.
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Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 5: Silver Shadows
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This would have a higher rating except for the sheer amount of the book that is nothing but repetitive torture and Adrian sulking. We've seen the party scene, we've seen him make a fool of himself with the ladies, we've seen him drive himself crazy with spirit... I really hoped he would have stayed more focused and disciplined in his search for Sydney. Granted there was a long period there where she was tortured and he literally could not have found her regardless, but so much of that time was literally spent with her in the dark that it could have been skipped. Similarly, there were a lot of repetitive expectations in the final chase - reach a location and expect to be found by Alchemists asap... predictable. What was not predictable and made the entire book worthwhile was the whirlwind wedding. A little surprise Rose managed to hold her tongue through the entire Court scene, and at Lissa's reluctance given their previous close relationships with Adrian. Also a little disappointed that neither of them ever thought it possible that was why Adrian was asking to help Syndey in the first place. Granted Dimitri left before things really got going, but he was there for part of it to at least see Sydney wasn't as rigid as other Alchemist tended to be. It also would have been nice to have seen what Sydney's co-captives might have had to say to her after their release - especially after finding Chantal for Duncan. Now it's right back into the fray with Jill missing, only Adrian and Sydney can't be part of the rescue mission. Guess that "safe haven" might have come at an even higher price than they already thought.
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May 14, 2014
Vampire Academy 3: Shadow Kiss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I got distracted by finally picking up the graphic novel version of this. Shadow Kiss is great in terms of moving things along and the constant tension that keeps you on edge. It is bad in the sense that so many things are happening that it almost too much at once. This is not helped by things finally happening in the Dimitri/Rose department only to fall apart in a truly spectacular fashion. Add on top of that Adrian's request and Lissa finally putting things together only to throw a little tantrum over Rose leaving... too. much. drama.
It isn't enough that Rose is shadow-kissed (which would make a lot more sense as the full title and is often what I call it when referring to the series myself). There are more aspects to this whole world of the dead connection and possibly going insane bit than anyone imagined - and no one seems to believe Rose until she kind of proves things to Dimitri in the end with finding the caves through Mason. The attack is what causes everything to fall apart at the seams, yet that same attack is the reason that Dimitri finally believed Rose completely and they were able to figure out what was weakening the wards too. Turns out Rose isn't as crazy as everyone believes, though she obviously has more to worry about with her anger management issues (which were bad enough before the darkness was added into the mix).
So not expecting a lot from Lissa moving forward unless Rose is watching through the bond. This is very much moving on to Rose's story beyond just perspective, and it is not going well for her.
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Vampire Academy 3: Shadow Kiss
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
After just recently seeing the movie and being in the middle of re-reading the original books, this was both enjoyable and threw me for a mental loop. Not only do the characters not match my mental image, but they clash with their movie cast as well. That makes it a little jarring, as well as the obvious jumps in the story where things are summarized or skipped over to shorten it for the comic. If anything, the portrayal of the ghosts (especially Mason), and the fire fight with Christian are the stand out highlights this time around. Rose and Dimitri are once again ghosted over in favor of the Stirgoi attack and subsequent rescue gone sour. Might have enjoyed it more if I didn't have the movie stuck in my head at this point, but that's not something I can say for certain either since it isn't something I can change. Still, it's fun to have this other form of the books and see the characters as more than just words on a page.
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May 8, 2014
Vampire Academy 2: Frostbite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Continuing on with the re-reading.
Rose finally starts to really grow up and understand what's going on around her this time around. This is especially obvious at the end of the book with how she handles the molnija ceremony as well as her conversations with both Dimitri and her mother. Prior to Spokane, she really does a good job of messing up her own feelings along with Mason's and acting more like a jealous teen than the adult Guardian she claims she is/wants to be. This is even more obvious in how she lashes out at her mother (who really does appear to be more like Rose than either of them probably want to admit). Adrian is an interesting addition to the mix... a very flamboyant and potentially flammable addition given his spirit similarities with Lissa and his interest in Rose - not a good combination (at least for our favorite Russian). Dimitri is probably the one who changes the least this time around. While in the end he does admit to some feelings on his side, he started that path in the last book and obviously didn't get anywhere with it. Obviously distraction and delusion didn't work for either of them; let's see how far maybe some honesty will go. Rose and Dimitri present such a complicated dynamic; reader's can't help but be drawn in.
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Vampire Academy 1: Vampire Academy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Yeah, the re-reading bug definitely bit me. Thinking about the movie got me browsing bad fanfiction, which made me want the original again. So, here we are.
Rose is a character that is easy to both love and hate. She's witty and loyal to Lissa, but that's about as far as you can depend on her. For all of her great skill and determination to do better, she's also still a love struck teenager who has a lot of growing up to do. This is further proved by the high school antics between Lissa's and Mia's groups. Dimitri is easier to like as all we see is his good side reflected through Rose's eyes. If anything, the most controversial and like-able character would actually be Christian. The bigger dark horse of the series, it's a relief when he finally gets through to Lissa at the end. Victor plays such a minor role originally that it's a bit of a shock when he's in the limelight at the end, though it also makes a lot of sense since even high school kids aren't that creative and determined in their bullying. Despite knowing how things eventually turn out with Mia, it's still easy to hate her and be annoyed as she continually pokes the proverbially porcupine throughout the book. Knowing Rose's temperament, she really did ask for that nose job.
Despite starting out slow, the book fleshes out enough to draw you in while still wanting more details and information at the end. Guess it's a good thing it's just the first book in a series then.
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May 5, 2014
Vampire Academy
Vampire Academy (2014)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
As adaptations go, it wasn't horrible, but it could have been better. Some things were edited in or out that could have been done better overall. Oscar staying was one step out of line right off the bat as he's supposed to belong to the girl's human house mate before their capture. Rose is downplayed significantly, lacking a lot of her initial bravado and punch starting with how Dimitri takes her down during the capture and ending with her more mild insistence and using Christian as a "seeing eye dog" during the rescue. On the contrary, Dimitri appears more approachable than in the books and even stronger if that initial confrontation is anything to go by, despite the significantly little amount of screen time he actually gets. Lissa also plays a much larger role as the story seems to be told almost more from her perspective with the number of times Rose is "watching" her than from the way Rose sees things in the book. It was neat how they changed Rose's eyes to make it obvious when she was with Lissa, though that also wasn't the impression from the books as most seemed to be rather clueless when it came to the girl's bond. As a stand alone movie, it's amusing, but overall lacks a lot of the draw and appeal that would make it a big success without the fandom base from the books already supporting it. This is rather disappointing as it makes it less likely to see the series finished on the big screen.
May 2, 2014
Vampire Academy 6.5: Homecoming
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I both loved and hated this. On the one hand, it's Rose and Dimitri. These two work together so seamlessly, it would be impossible not to enjoy them. On the other, it felt like the purpose of the trip got a little side lined by the hunting party, even though the set up was purposefully very reminiscent of the same attack that started the entire escapade. Yeva is as cryptic and crazy as ever - something which brings out Rose's snark and frustration beautifully. It is both amusing and annoying how the rest of the family jumps on her predictions so quickly (though the last one with the wedding was a perfect crack). Then you add in the would-be human vampire hunter who is completely delusional and can't take a hint.... he was just down right annoying. Still, it would be fun to see just how Dimitri wears Rose down for that wedding they're all planning now.
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Vampire Academy 1.1: The Meeting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay, I had to read it. VA is so easy to read and fall in love with. Dimitri has always been the most reserved and mysterious of all the characters. Really, how could a reader not want to know more about how he works? This is a very brief snippet that gives some insight to Dimitri's thoughts leading up to capturing Rose and Lissa. It was always a little confusing to figure out exactly what he thought of Rose despite his obvious attraction. This lays the foundation behind that thought process that ultimately makes his stance to help her at the Academy and their following romance add up even better. If anything, like most snippets, it's too short!
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February 5, 2014
Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 1.1: Adrian's Lost Chapter
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
While this is fun as another look into Adrian's head, it really does not add anything to the series. Meant to be the original first chapter to the series, Adrian is still very much hung up on Rose and hurting over pretty much everything going on around him. Having just finished The Fiery Heart, Adrian's depression bouts seem very familiar right now. Obviously going to the dinner was a very good idea, despite his obvious dislike and desperation to be elsewhere. Jill... well, lets just say I prefer her growing up a little in school and being somewhat defiant with Sydney (Strigoi hunting anyone?) than the timid little mouse we see here.
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January 11, 2014
Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 4: The Fiery Heart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Adrian and Sydney just can't seem to catch a break. For awhile, everything seems to going be well for the happy couple, despite problems with Zoe and Sydney's dad getting in the way. At least there aren't any souls sucking witches trying to kill anyone this time. Adrian makes some amazing leaps, both in his discovery to help protect everyone from strigoi and in his own emotional development with Sydney. Don't think I ever would have expected our ever loving party-going royal to be the responsible one when it came down to really needing a prescription. Of course things couldn't last. Big hint towards that end when Adrian lost his "love phone." Sydney is in a world of danger. Admittedly, Adrian might get more help if he were to admit to Lissa why he's really worried about their captured Alchemist. Would hope she'd be more understanding and supportive after the calamity with Rose and Dimitri. Really hope the witches are right about Sydney and her magic use being a natural defense against Moroi control. She's going to need all the help she can to survive and stay herself until hopefully the others can track her down.
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April 11, 2013
Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 3: The Indigo Spell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sydney has been very slow to come to the party throughout the series. This book is no exception as many things seem glaringly obvious to others and she doesn't even see it. Part of this is her ingrained denial about certain topics prior to breaking the control of her Alchemist tattoo. I was glad to finally see the real development and admittance between Sydney and Adrian at the end of the book, though of course a wrench had to be tossed into that. Bad enough there's an unknown dhampire added to the mix who already looked to be in a prime position between Eddie and Jill (just after things we're cleared with Angeline no less), but now Zoe is Sydney's personal shadow. This will make her magic study neigh impossible on it's own, never mind her budding relationship with Adrian. Then there's her little lie about feeling alone out in the field being the reason Zoe was initiated... how will that line up with her going off on her own, especially when those solo trips are often to Adrian's? Add to this that they still have a power/soul sucking witch out on the loose. Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
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June 21, 2012
Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 2: The Golden Lily
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Finally some progress with Sydney and Adrian - it's taken long enough in the series. Not much, but it's been building for so long that anything definite is a bit of a relief. Sydney came a long ways in her ideas about dhampires in the original series. Now it appears her ideas about moroi will be even more challenged the longer she lives and works with Jill's group on campus. Curious to see how long they'll stay at this school between the hunters, how many people know about the vampire underground there, and now even more problems with the ever persistent Lia. Doesn't matter how persuasive and diligent Sydney is with the program if Jill's face gets splashed all over the media and gets recognized. The phone call between Dimitri and Rose was a sweet touch, especially for readers who adore the original series. Still wish there was more of the two of them as that was the original draw, but still find this newer series interesting.
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June 16, 2012
Vampire Academy 2: Frostbite
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I don't know if it's just because the contractions are ruining my focus or what, but I didn't enjoy this edition as much as earlier books in the Vampire Academy series. It's fun to see the characters come to life through the art, but I'm also feeling like a lot of detail is being left out thinking back on the full books and how my imagination would run wild with it when I first read the series. Actually kind of makes me want to go back and read the originals.
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October 5, 2011
Vampire Academy 1: Vampire Academy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As far as adaptations go, I really enjoyed this one. Lissa comes across as a little too flat in the art itself, but Rose and Dimitri are gems. Given that their my favorite couple to begin with, that makes me a very happy fan. Also liked how Christian turned out, so there's another plus. Mia actually comes across as far more glamorous than Lissa, which is highly amusing since she's the one pretending to be Royal when Lissa actually is. Can't help but hope they do the rest of the series now as it was thoroughly enjoyable having such a pretty read to add a new dimension to the characters.
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September 27, 2011
Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 1: Bloodlines
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While not as engaging as the original Vampire Academy series, this book is still well balanced in the same world and keeps true to the original characters focused on in this spin off. The small pieces seen of Rose and Dimitri leave a longing for the original series though, and make one wonder how big of a part they may end up playing as the story unravels.
This time to series is set from Sydney's perspective as she tries to reclaim her position as an Alchemist while staying true to what she's been taught and what she now feels herself knowing some of the dhampires and vampires she's working with. We also finally get the real story behind her association with Abe and how that debt came about.
True to many a hope when the series was announced, Adrian does play a vital role in the story. Eddie and Jill are also front and center as the small group protects the new princess while Rose and Lissa fight the court. Much more mundane than Rose's strigoi adventures, there is still plenty of room for development in this series now that the stage has been set. I'm hoping it just gets better as I loved the original series.
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December 27, 2010
Vampire Academy 6: Last Sacrifice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I've always enjoyed this series, though it's a little sad to see it come to an end. Things with Rose and Dimitri dove tailed nicely, though there are still several things left open in regards to Lissa, Adrian and Jill. Hopefully something can be continued in her new series, Bloodlines. From what I've heard though, it sounds to be in third person and everyone seems skeptical on how that will turn out. Still, I'm hoping for something good as I do enjoy this world she's created and her characters.
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