(Full review can be found on my blog, Paper Riot.)When reading a book, I try to write down smart and thoughtful notes, to make it easier when I get to writing the review. But with Vampire Academy, I could only come up with three. Two of them were: "I want to be Rose" and "Dimitri is hot". Which is 100% true, and also 99% of why I loved this book. Because though the plot itself isn't very complicated (there is some mystery, but nothing that blew my mind), it didn't make this book any less awesome. And if this book had consisted of nothing but fighting scenes and sarcastic comments, I wouldn't have loved it any less. Because, as my third note said, "it's just so damn badass".But though I thought the plot was just enjoyable, the characters were nothing less than incredible. While I usually tend to prefer characters that are more vulnerable and quiet (more like Lissa), I couldn't help but fall in love with Rose. In a non-creepy way, obviously. I don't think there's anything I love more in a book than one amazing kick-ass heroine, and Rose has definitely earned that title. She's strong, brave, loyal, and has a great sense of humor. It's nice to see a confident character for a change.I've been told that these characters would stick with me forever, and after reading this book, I'm certain that they will. With Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Mason, Christian, and so many more, Mead has created a colorful cast of characters that each hold their own perfectly. And I can only admire her for the way these characters are unique and brilliantly described, none of them less important than the others. I can't wait for the rest of this series, and please, can someone tell me WHY ON EARTH I put up with vampire books like Twilight (...) and the House of Night series (which I hated) when these books are around?! I just... ugh.
