'Vampire Academy: Frostbite - Richelle Mead' Review

Please note there will be events mentioned from the first book.

Frostbite essentially starts off from where Vampire Academy finished. Victor is arrested and Rose still has feelings for her mentor.

An attack on the Moroi puts St. Vladimir on high alert and whisks their students off on a ski trip for safety.

However while there a few students get wind of a nearby Strigoi encampment and strike back. Rose and her friends are in more danger than ever before - both physically and emotionally.

In Book 2 Rose's friendships bond with Lissa is explored further - and her other relationships with Mason, Christoper, Mia and Dimitri. We're also introducited to two new characters: Tana Ozera and Adrian Ivashkov (I love him). Rose is more grounded in Frostbite; she loses some of that impulsiveness and develops a 'practical' sense; basically all knowledge is useless unless it helps her become a good guardian.

So, the mysterious 'Bond'. It's showcased in Frostbite that Rose can now (mostly) control when she feels Lissa's emotions or slipping into her mind. This is largely down to Rose learning to build up her mental wall (except when she's sleeping or Lissa has VERY strong feelings..). I think it's great that we as the reader get to see the progress they both make with learning to control Spirit's effects on them.

I love the progression of Lissa and Christopher's relationship too. It's great to see Lissa recovering and growing stronger beside Christopher. His support greatly helps Lissa. They're just so cute together!

Adrian. First introduced as a laid-back college dropout, who is always high or drunk, gives way to a lovable softie. He's actually a Spirit user too and his use of substances is his way of dealing with it. He doesn't play a major role in Frostbite, but you do get to know him as a character which I think is important before throwing major events at them.

Now there was one thing that annoyed me - at the start of the book it's kinda a recap of the Vampire Academy. You also get a reminder of the different Vampires which really isn't needed because you've already had it explained in the first book. It's a good reminder, but I found it a little repetitive .

Anyway, the plot. Frostbite wasn't my favourite of the series, mainly because of the plot. There isn't really much to it until you near the end, it's definitely a slow burner. Mason takes over the role of reckless from Rose, which is hinted at various times and plays a very important role in the end of the book. He leads a group of students to the Strigoi encampment, which of course means Rose needs to go save him. Can't say too much more or I'll spoil it! It's really well done and is a shocker of an ending. For Rose and Mason's best friend it has an emotional impact that spans into the next three books.

Rating: 4 Star

Would I recommend? Yes

Will I read the next book? Yes