A few weeks back I confessed that I'd never finished the Vampire Academy series. Then Steph at TheFakeSteph tweeted back that she wanted to read the books over the summer, and Ashelynn of Gypsy Book Reviews tweeted us that she'd love to re-read the books.
And so St. Vladimir's Summer School was born -- or reborn? On Wednesdays this summer, we'll be blogging about our Vampire Academy journey. If you've read the books and want to chime in, or if you're curious about this much beloved series, we hope you enjoy following along.
Exciting news -- we have a new kid in class -- Jenn from OwlReadIt.
Week two assigned reading: Frostbite, Vampire Academy book two.
Were you absent last week? You can catch up on my post on Vampire Academy book one here
Since there are no rules at this summer school, I'm not doing a formal review! But based on comments (below) I will do a very short plot summary:
It's winter break at St. Vladimir's Academy and the students are hitting the slopes. But behind the festivities is a sense of menace -- Moroi vampire families are being targeted by the evil Strigoi. When three of Rose's friends unwisely decide to head out to hunt Strigoi on their own, Rose needs to save the day.
What I loved about Frostbite:
Skiing. Rose hits the slopes! Here's what I picture her wearing:
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| jacket by Moncler |
Mother-Daughter Drama
Rose's mom Janine shows up in this book. She basically abandoned Rose to become a Guardian for the Moroi and Rose resents that. She and Rose clearly have some issues to work out. Like these two!
Voyeurism. Wow. So Rose and Lissa have this bond where Rose experiences what Lissa does, and let's just say that makes for some interesting sharing in this book.
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| Photo from private-detective.org.uk |
Adrian!
He makes his first appearance in this book, adds some much needed comic relief. I have not found a picture of him. Yet.
Jen M over at Some Like It Paranormal is a HUGE VA fan and she and I have this ongoing discussion about what Adrian looks like. Jen thinks he looks like Chace Crawford, which is just ... I can't even find the words.
Anyway, in Frostbite, Adrian visits Rose in her dreams, which is hilarious at first, and then ends up being very useful. I also now understand why poor Adrian is such an alcoholic mess in the Bloodlines series. It's the whole spirit thing. When he and Lissa use spirit, it makes them a little psychologically unstable.
If you've read this series, what do you think Adrian looks like? It's okay if you agree with Jen M.
Be sure to go over to see what Steph and Ashelynn and Jenn thought about Frostbite. That's what I'm about to do!
Chace Crawford has the cute messy hair look going on. It works. I haven't found better. It doesn't match what I have in my head but a little bit. Frostbite and Spirit Bound are my favorites. As soon as I heard "Hey little dhampir" I WAS IN LOVE! Oh sweet Adrian :-D I'm preparing some posts in his defense and honor for the crush tourney. I'm excited. I could talk about him all day every day. And yes his alcohol is perfectly reasonable! He needs it! For spirit! And hey if your rich and can hang around partying why not?
ReplyDeleteYou know I heart you and am just teasing.
DeleteBut I'm SO with you on Adrian. He's way more interesting than ANY other character. I also like Christian. Maybe we just like the tortured types??
Oooh, love the pictures! :D And honestly, I wasn't really much of an Adrian fan back in VA- seriously fell for DImitri! But I kinda like him better now and I kinda understand him more. But I have no idea who he looks like! I just don't want real life people messing up my imagination. :P
ReplyDeleteI'm loving Adrian and Christian most. Rose can have Dimitri.
DeleteNever read that series. I'm in the middle of Grave Mercy then I have about 20 other tbr read books...the pile never ends!
ReplyDeleteGrave Mercy was great -- hope you are enjoying it!
DeleteHaven't read these books but I don't think Chace Crawford is the worst looking guy around-not sure how Adrian is described in the books...I'm glad there's skiing, with such a wintry title, it seems appropriate!
ReplyDeleteI don't know, Chace is just too pretty-boy IMO. But I must say I admired his performance in that body switching movie with Matthew Perry!
DeleteChad Michael Murray ala Tristan from his Girlmore Girl Days... SIGH.... But I get Chace Crawford... just you know, smoking and with a personality.
ReplyDeleteI really really did like Adrian. I am so glad he is in the new series, because I think he is my favorite character. And I loved the mother-daughter issues. And the society and how screwed up it was. I got so angry when Rose makes comments about how it's always them first, they're always more important. It would be fine if she was actually a bodyguard, but it is disgusting when that is the best choice she has. And the dhampirs have strength and the moroi wont fight with magic... If I were dhampir, let's just say that things would be different. I hope this society crumbles.
I am on chapter 4 of VA now!! Lol. It's slow going, but I am getting through it.
ReplyDeleteGo Amy Go!!!!
DeleteWell any character who looks like Chace Crawford is definitely someone I need to read about. Lol
ReplyDeleteYou really should read these. They're addictive!
DeleteI'll put them on the list.
DeleteI just love these posts! Wish I had time to read along with you guys. :( I listened to VA the first time around. Female narrator, but she still made Adrian uber swoon-worthy. :) Even gave him a bit of an English accent. I don't remember if he was described with that or not, but it worked for him.
ReplyDeleteI do not like Chace as Adrian...he is too much of a pretty boy. Sure, Adrian is pretty, but he looks dangerous to me, too. Maybe more like Milo Ventimiglia...like he was as Jess in Gilmore Girls. Yeah. A little bit dangerous with a sweet streak.
I need to fit The Golden Lily in soon. Real soon. I need to spend some quality time with Adrian. :P
See, finally a person of reason around here. Chace is too pretty. Adrian has more of a dangerous edge.
DeleteIf you love Adrian, you must read the Golden Lily ASAP!
ohhh, actually, Chace Crawford looks REALLY close to how I see Adrian! awesome. ;)
ReplyDeletealso, I think it's Blood Promise where the whole bond thing gets REALLY confusing. Basically Lissa has her own plot in that book and Rose experiences it from the bond. It's weird, IMO.
Anddd Janine. omg, I can't believe she gave Rose a black eye! I mean, I sorta knew it was coming because I have read this book before, but it was one those little details you don't remember, right? O___o oh lawdy I was laughing so hard at that point. because WHOSE MOTHER would give her daughter a black eye?! omg. just awesome.
Janine and Rose are pretty unique all right. Then I just learned who Rose's father is. That is one crazy family :)
DeleteOMG>>>> THE TEASING!!! WHO IS HER FATHER??? I have to get out of your comments now. :)
DeleteI am not sure about...Chade Crawford for Adrain. I don't know. I love Adrain though!!!! He's amazing!
ReplyDeleteSee, exactly. And yes, I think Adrian is my favorite now.
DeleteI just see Adrian as what the book covers show me... Does that make me a bad fan? lol. He really is adorable. He seems to have the most fun in the books.
ReplyDeleteNot at all. But I think that is why some publishers don't put a photo on the cover -- because if they put Chace on I'd just have to pretend he was someone else.
DeleteLol, I can see Adrian as Chade Crawford I guess. I personally have my own Adrian made up in my mind, which is pretty much I do for all chracaters I read. :D
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! I hope you enjoy the rest if the VA series, I know I did. :]
Yep, I prefer the Adrian Of My Mind. He's better than Chace!
DeleteWow, not having read the books - snowed under - I'm at a loss. Loving the dialogue going on here though.
ReplyDeleteSnowed under -- Marybelle, you are so droll!
DeleteOkay, I hear you. I'm adding a little plot summary next week so you can follow better!
I can also see Adrian as Chade. but me like you like to have characters in my mind. they always look better in my mind than some actors! :D
ReplyDeleteTotally agree -- they are always better in my mind!
DeleteI had to google Chace since I don't know who he is. He is very good looking, but I see Adrian as looking older/more manly with broader features. I can't even really explain it. I may have to go back and read how he is described since it's been a while since I've read the book. I do agree with you that Adrian brings some great humor to the series. I really liked him in this book.
ReplyDeleteSee, I agree. Chace is too pretty to be Adrian. But obviously a lot of people disagree with me.
DeleteHmmm, not how I was invisioning him, but I tend to make up someone in my mind..lol I really enjoyed this book! I can't wait to get the third one read, hopefully it's just as awesome!
ReplyDeleteSorry about taking a bit to get around to commenting back, I'm too busy lately!
I know you've been looking for your cat. I really hope she turns up!
DeleteAHHHH ADRIAN OMG OMG OMG. I fell in love with him the second he was introduced. NOMNOMNOM. And I've ALWAYS pictured Chace Crawford as Adrian. I've never been able to picture anyone else as him.
ReplyDeleteAnother member of #TeamChace aka #TeamPrettyBoy :) I don't see it at all, but okay...
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