Frostbite
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy #2
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: April 10, 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Summary:
Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…
It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians – including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks…This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.
But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…
First Sentence: Things die.
My Review:
To be honest, I was nervous about reading Frostbite. Expectations were high (I mean, this is the famous Richelle Mead‘s book we’re talking about right now) and (almost) everyone loved this one and this series. If I didn’t at least like Frostbite, I would definitely be the weird one out, so as I was reading Frostbite, I definitely felt the pressure to like it. It didn’t really matter though – Richelle Mead’s plot and writing made it easy for me to remember why I enjoyed reading Vampire Academy the first place and made me enjoy reading its sequel, Frostbite.
Right from the very first page of Frostbite (where it’s the prologue), I was surprised. I wasn’t expecting Richelle Mead to write a recap of all the major details that we learned in Vampire Academy. In fact, since I thought Richelle Mead wouldn’t recap anything since most authors choose not to recap past events in their sequels, I used the brilliant Recaptain’s recap of Vampire Academy to refresh my memory of Vampire Academy. The prologue of Frostbite was written with tons of info-dump (seven pages of info-dump to be specific) with basically Rose telling us the major details of what we need to know so far, but I didn’t mind the info-dump since it also helped bring me up to speed.
I’m seventeen years old, training to protect and kill vampires, in love with a completely unsuitable guy, and have a best friend whose weird magic could drive her crazy.
Hey, no one said high school was easy. (7)
Remember when I mentioned in my review of Vampire Academy that I wrote several months ago that I absolutely loved Rose? Well, I still love Rose in Frostbite, thank goodness. Rose is as headstrong and as kick-ass as ever. (Wait until you see what she did at the end of the book guys. For those of you who have read Frostbite already, I repeat, isn’t Rose awesome?) One major change I noticed in Rose is that she is a lot less conceited in Frostbite than she was in Vampire Academy. There wasn’t a single mention of how she was better than all the other girls in the academy; she just names the differences between them and leaves it at that. I really like that new attitude change.
I reminded myself for the thousandth time that he was my instructor and had no business holding me, no matter what the situation was. Besides, I wanted to be strong. I didn’t need to go running to some guy every time things got tough. (23)
I also finally, finally, finally meet the famous Adrian of the Bloodlines series in Frostbite. Honestly, that was the main reason why I read Frostbite the first place: To meet this famous Adrian Ivashkov that everyone (okay, mostly Cee) has been talking about and fawning over when they talk about the Bloodlines series. From what I know of Adrian so far, I absolutely love him. As I’ve mentioned on twitter, Adrian is way smarter than Rose, Dimitri, and Lissa combined and that’s when he’s drunk. Imagine his brainpower when he isn’t drunk. He can probably take over the world and well, he deserves to when he’s that smart. I can’t wait to learn more about Adrian as the series goes on.
“How do you keep doing this?” I asked Adrian, frustrated.
“Do what?”
“Keep making us look bad!”
He chuckled. “You guys are the ones who came here.” (202)
One thing I noticed about both Vampire Academy and its sequel Frostbite is that there is little action but a lot of drama in the first three-fourths of the book. However, in the last one-fourth of the book, there is a lot of action and even a few deaths. The last one-fourth of Frostbite is basically where all the fighting scenes take place and the scenes where everything is put at stake. I personally think that last few chapters of Frostbite were the best because who wouldn’t like to read some kick-ass action scenes that just pulls you in into the story?
Overall, Frostbite is definitely a fun sequel to Vampire Academy. It is also a sequel that’s definitely worth reading to meet the famous (-whispers-) Adrian Ivashkov and to see a better improved version of Rose.
As a further note, Frostbite is definitely worth the read. Trust me.
Yes! I’m so glad you loved Adrian (who doesn’t?) and his drunken intelligence. And Rose is definitely kick-ass and maintains this kick-ass-ness throughout the whole series so I definitely hope you love the rest of the series!
Christie recently posted…Review: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
I wish I was as smart as Adrian! He has some skills. ;D
I’m glad to hear that Rose maintains her kick-ass-ness (that sound really be a word)! She’s definitely one of my favorite parts of the series so far.
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
I’m a huge fan of the series, but I don’t actually like Adrian. I’ve read all the books (VA and Bloodlines) and Rose is definitely my favorite character. I love that she’s kick butt from page one, and already knows about vampires. It makes it so that other plot points can move faster!
Isabel recently posted…Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken
Aww. ):
I can see why you don’t like Adrian; he definitely has the ability to rub you the wrong way.
I love Rose too and I see what you mean about her knowing about vampires already. But on the other hand, I’ll LOVE to see Rose shocked. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
I LOVE this series. Rose is one of my favorite kickass heroines of all time, and Adrian’s really awesome as well. I was delighted to see him playing a leading role in Bloodlines. I’m glad that you’re enjoying this series :)
Kris (Imaginary Reads) recently posted…Review: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Rose is definitely a very memorable character because of her kickassness. :P
Ha ha, I can’t wait to learn more about Adrian! He’s quite mysterious so far, but so smart. ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
I want to read this series before the movie comes out!
Missie recently posted…Defy
You should!
I love doing that since then, it’ll be really easy to compare the book against the movie. :D
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
Adrian is the Best! I love him especially in Bloodlines! Get on the Shadow Kiss wagon, it’s my favourite book in the series (I think, I’m torn between that and Spiritbound!) Are you excited about the movie? eeeeep! I’m excited!
Scarlett’s Book Blog recently posted…Top 10 Bookish Resolutions
I have to finish reading the VA series asap so I can FINALLY get to Bloodlines. I just can’t wait! :D<3
I was excited for the movie, but after that small clip of the movie was released, I’m not excited anymore. It just doesn’t look promising to me. >___< Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
I started the VA series when it was complete and I remember really liking it. Now when I reread I only go back for the Romriti parts. Those parts make me so happy. Also the ending, even though it’s not particularly happy, but I think it’s so bad ass.
Aly @ My Heart Hearts Books recently posted…This Song Will Save Your Life (Review)
Ha ha, “Romriti!” That’s the first time I’ve heard of Rose + Dimitri that way; I like it! :D
The ending of the series is not particularly happy?! NOOOO. I want a happy ending! But then again, at least it’s a bad ass ending. I’m so curious now.
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
Great review! I need to start reading Vampire Academy. Rachelle Mead is a great author. ;)
Thanks Cali! (:
You definitely should start reading Vampire Academy; it’s such a fun series!
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
Leaving the action until the end seems to be a Mead staple – her Bloodlines series is like that for at least the first three books.
I want to re-read this series. Rose, Adrian, Dimitri – be still my heart!
Okay, I’m happy to hear that. If the entire series was like that; drama then action scenes in the very end, I doubt I’ll enjoy the entire series. :P
I totally understand what you mean. ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
Eeeee I love this series! I just recently finished the whole thing, and I can’t wait to get started on Bloodlines now! I’m so glad that Frostbite didn’t suffer from second book syndrome, and I really liked it, too. I think it’s probably my least favorite of the series, but that’s not really saying anything because they all got fairly high ratings from me!
Miranda @ Tempest Books recently posted…Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan {Book Review}
I can’t wait to finish reading the VA series so I can go and start Bloodlines too! (That’s the main reason why I’m currently reading the Vampire Academy series the first place. :P)
As of now, I definitely enjoyed reading Vampire Academy more than I enjoyed reading Frostbite. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
Teehee, just wait until Shadow Kiss. I’ll be here, watching and waiting.
Also what a fantastic first sentence!
Amber @ Books of Amber recently posted…Bout of Books 9.0 Wrap Up
Feel free to stalk me. I’ll be starting Shadow Kiss next week hopefully. ;D
Definitely! Two powerful words.
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
YES! Adrian Ivashkov!! I can’t wait for you to read more about him and find out why he’s drunk all of the time! And the action/drama ratio? I think that changes in the next book! Cannot wait for you to read more!!
tabithasbookblog recently posted…Let’s Talk: How I Comment on Blogs
That’s EXACTLY what my friend said. Do you remember what book we find out why Adrian is drunk all of the time? o:
Hopefully it’ll change in Shadow Kiss; I’m kind of bored of the drama first part and then action in the last part.
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
Oh Adrian. You just can’t help but love him. I haven’t read the Bloodlines Series, but I have read this one and it was great. Especially the parts with Adrian XD. I’m glad you liked this book and I hope you love the others just as much or more!
Sydney recently posted…Book Looks: This Is What Happy Looks Like
Yes! You just can’t help but love Adrian! :D
Ha ha, you should read the Bloodlines series since it features Adrian! ;D
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
Wait till you read Shadow Kiss.It’s even better than this one. In fact, it’s the best book in the series. (At least to me)
I am so glad that you liked Adrian.I am a huge fan of him.There was so much more to him than people give him credit for, and if you plan to go for Bloodlines after this series, you’ll understand the real Adrian.
I hope you’ll love the rest of the books too.I can never get tired of them even after a lot of rereading.
Mishma recently posted…Review : The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Everyone is urging me to read Shadow Kiss asap and I will, hopefully sometime next week.
I can already tell that there’s much more to Adrian than meets the eye. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
YES! Adrian Ivashkov! Holy crap, someone else said that already. Let me try again-
OHMYGOD ADRIAN<333
There ya go.
I'm so glad you're liking the series enough to continue! I totally agree about Adrian being smarter. He truly is something else. I thought I loved him when I read about him in the VA series, but let me reaffirm what Mishma said before me. The real Adrian is in the Bloodlines series. And he's so. freaking. amazing. If you love him now, you'll love him later. Guaranteed.
I think one reason I was so drawn to this series in the first place was because I had just read Twilight- so I noticed the action more than anything else. But I see your point. That style doesn't really go away, but I still think her books are great. Even though- nevermind. I won't spoil the rest of the series. Enjoy!
(P.S.: I would say Shadow Kiss is the best one, too. But I'd also say Blood Promise is the worst. Sorry, had to warn you. It's still worth it though.)
Joanna V recently posted…Today is the Day I Write
LOL YES. ADRIAN. FREAKING. IVASHKOV. THERE. ;D
AHHH, you make me want to read Vampire Academy asap so I can FINALLY get to reading Bloodlines. Why are you torturing me so Joanna?! D:
Ha ha, you can always chat to me about the VA series when I’m done reading it. ;DD
Blood Promise is the worse? That kind of makes sense, with Shadow Kiss being so awesome, Blood Promise of course won’t live up to it! :P
Kelly recently posted…Follower Appreciation Giveaway + Mini Cover Guessing Game
I don’t mean to torture D:
Just excite :D
And I can’t wait for you to finish either. I want to see if I’m the only one who feels the way I do about that last book xD
But yeah, I feel like that happens a lot :o Once your expectations are super high, it’s hard to be satisfied with anything else o.o So on that note! Enjoy :D I will be awaiting the rest of your VA reviews ;D
Joanna V recently posted…Mini Reviews: Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
I just adore this series. It truly struck a nerve. Now I re-read it often. I even just finished re-reading it. Adrian is just fabulous!
I’ve been meeting to read this for so long! I really want to read this because of Adrian and plus the fact that after seeing the VA movie, I promised myself I would read the entire series.
Jon (Scott Pilgrim) recently posted…Stacking The Shelves #35
I’m so happy your enjoying the series! It’s one of my favorite all time ever! And trust me it just gets better and better and the last one is so crazily wonderful :) Rose is also my favorite female character probably throughout most of YA. And this is completely iconic because of ADRIAN IVASHKOV THE ONE AND ONLY <3
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