*REVIEW* Spirit Bound

Synopsis:

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.

Wow. This book was AMAZING. I am a huge fan of the Vampire Academy Series and Spirit Bound is another incredible volume in the fantastic world that Richelle Mead has created.

Spirit Bound picks up a couple months after the events of Blood Promise. We watch as Rose and Lissa graduate from St. Vladimir's Academy and move on to the next phase of their life at the Royal Court. A lot remains up in the air about their future... has Rose redeemed herself enough during her final guardian trials to have a chance of being assigned to Lissa? Or did her trip to Russia permanently alter her path?

Not long after getting situated at the Royal Court, Rose and Lissa embark on a journey that is as dangerous as it is illegal. Will they find the answers they seek with the aid of an unlikely ally? And will being outside of the magical wards that protect them at the Royal Court cost Rose her life, as Dimitri has promised countless times? And if she does survive and make it back to the Royal Court, what consequences will she face for taking the last member of the Dragomir line outside of safety?

These questions and more are answered as this book takes you on a nonstop ride of action and suspense. I found myself holding my breath at times, terrified to flip the page to see what would happen next. A dangerous journey, horrifying attacks, and ruthless enemies threaten all that Rose holds dear. And through it all, there's that nagging question... can she save the man that she loves? Or should she move on, as she has been somewhat trying to do?

Love, friendship, and loyalty are common themes in this book, as they are in the other Vampire Academy novels as well. I think a truly fabulous thing about this volume is the growth that we see in the character of Lissa. We see how much stronger the friendship and bond between Rose and Lissa has grown and we see Lissa willing to sacrifice as much for Rose as Rose has been willing to sacrifice for her. It truly feels that their friendship has attained a level of equality that was missing before. And Lissa performs an act that requires so much strength and courage, it is truly inspiring.

I don't want to say much else because it would be very easy to spoiler if I did. Just know that this book was incredible. If you're a fan of this series, you will NOT be disappointed. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I had serious thoughts about chucking the book at the wall, haha. Seriously. But I loved each and every emotion this book created in me. There's suspense, action, mystery, love, sacrifice, frustration, and heartbreak. Richelle's writing was phenomenal as usual.

I think my only real disappoint in this book comes from what, in my opinion, felt like an anticlimatic moment. I really cannot go into more detail here without seriously spoiling people, but something happened and it did not match my expectations at all, mainly because a character is not acting at ALL like I expected them to. I'm seriously hopeful that the final book, Last Sacrifice, will make up for my disappoint about that "situation". If only December wasn't sooo far away! *whine*

But really, even with the above situation, I loved this book. So go read it RIGHT NOW! You will love it... Happy Reading! *XOXO*