Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

  Last Sacrifice marks the end of the Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series.  The fact that I read all six books in the series says a lot.  Unlike a couple other young adult paranormal series, I didn't get bored after a book or two and quit the series.  Part of that was probably because the series managed to bring together several different genres.  In addition to the paranormal elements, there was romance, action, and a bit of mystery. This wasn't to say it was a perfect series.  There were a few things that bothered me: in some ways Rose never matures and continues to act without thinking, and then there is the whole "blood whore" thing.  However, overall this was a fun series with several strong female characters.  There was Rose of course, who repeatedly stands up for herself and for others, willingly sacrificing her own happiness and safety to protect others.  Her best friend Lissa is thoughtful and intelligent.  Both are born leaders.  The leader of the vampire and dhampir society of which Rose and Lissa are apart is a woman.  In fact, now that I think about it, most of the main characters, good and bad, are women.  I would guess that young adult women would particularly enjoy this series for this reason, that and the romance between Rose and Dimitri.


There is a spin off series called Bloodlines.  Not sure I will read it anytime soon.  A friend has recommended it but there are too many books in my to be read pile I need to get to first.