Book Review – Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice: A Vampire Academy Novel
Ohhhhh the wonderful ecstasy of reading another book in the Vampire Academy series (and absorbing all the Dimitri I possibly could) mixed in equal portions with the heartache of knowing, once this book is over, it’s over.

Well, thank goodness that’s not exactly the case, but, it sorta is. There isa spin-off (6 books long – yay!!). I was *hoping* the spin-off was going to be a more “mature” version of our favorite main characters living an adult life, and adjusting to their new world. Perhaps, but I hear the spin-off will mostly consist of other characters in the series, and each book will focus on one. I’m so there! I already know who I want most of the focus to be on, by I won’t say, so that I don’t spoil it for you 😉

So what’s this book about? I can’t tell you. Tee hee! Okay I can tell you a bit, but I will keep it short, because the entire book is a rollercoaster of “whodunit”, “who’s-still-on-the-loose”, “who’s-gonna-get-caught” and most of all, “who’s-Rose-gonna-choose?” (and of course, will she even get to choose considering her current situation, and the snub she got in the last book)? Oooooh I love the drama, and the triangles, and it’s in full force here!

So Rose is in trouble. She is being accused of murdering, Tatiana, the Moroi Queen. Her father Abe is going to help her (and who knows what kind of help that’s going to be considering his “sort”). But, in the meantime, her best buds do not let her down, as they literally break her out of prison (allowing her to escape while they distract and delay the trial proceeding and elections with their craftiness). And standing in the midst of her rescuers is Dimitri (working with Adrian)!

Dimitri stood near the hall’s entrance in all his six-foot-seven glory, as imperious and intimidating as any god. His sharp brown eyes assessed everything in an instant, and his strong, lean body was tensed and ready for any threat. The look on his face was so focused, so filled with passion, that I couldn’t believe anyone ever could have thought he was Strigoi. Dimitri burned with life and energy. In fact, looking at him now, I was again reminded of how he’d stood up for me at my arrest. He wore that same expression. Really, it was the same one I’d seen countless times. It was the one people feared and admired. It was the one I had loved.

As Adrian stays back with the crew to follow through with their charade…

Adrian was the hardest to leave behind. I could tell it was difficult for him too, no matter how relaxed his grin seemed. He couldn’t be happy about me going off with Dimitri. Our hug lasted a little bit longer than the others, and he gave me a soft, brief kiss on the lips. I almost felt like crying after how brave he’d been tonight. I wished he could go with me but knew he’d be safer here.

“Adrian, thank you for – ”

He held up his hand. “It’s not goodbye, little dhampir. I’ll see you in your dreams.”

… Dimitri and Rose make a break for it. Long road trip. Together. Yup. Nice! Or so I thought.

Richelle Mead plays with us BIG time in this book. That’s ok. I don’t hate the player, and I definitely didn’t hate the game 🙂 This one kept me reading practically non-stop (would have been non-stop if my stupid big fat responsibilities didn’t get in the way!!). Then again, my responsibilities did allow for the “Dimitri” road trip to last longer. It’s amazing how badly I can want to read a book straight through and get to the end so I finally know, while at the same time, cursing the very fact that I’m almost done the book.

So I finished it. LOVED it. In my opinion, it’s as good as the very books that addicted us to the angst in the first place. Twists and turns like you never expected, and the behind the scenes deception is in depth. I didn’t see it coming. More than one surprise, at that (and as usual, it’s not always about Rose). You’ll see. You’ll all see.

Did I like how it ended? Adrian or Dimitri? Shhhhhh….my lips are sealed. You all know who I was rooting for but to say if I liked the ending or not, well… let’s just say, the best part of this book is not knowing, so I’ll let you find out.

What? That’s the review? Yup. That’s all folks. Anything and everything in this book is tied to something else that I just can’t risk spoiling for you. It’s all a surprise! Just know I think it’s great, and I highly recommend the entire series for anyone who is leery about trying YA. It may be “young adult”, but the situations, the mystery, the agitation, and emotional despair are very adult. And anyway, you’re never too old for that “butterflies in the stomach” feeling. There’s plenty of it here.

4.5 stars

Wanna read the series? Yeah you do! Here is the series reading order —> Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy Series reading order: