Frostbite

Vampire Academy: Frostbite
Richelle Mead

In a Nutshell
In the second installment of the Vampire Academy series, things are heating up in the war between the Strigoi and Moroi. A household of royals and their guardians have been completely decimated, putting the rest of the Moroi world on edge. As a result, the students of St. Vladimir's have been sent to a heavily protected ski resort until the group of Strigoi behind the attacks have been identified.

While many of the students are considering this something of a winter vacation, Rose is once again caught up in the political struggles of the Moroi—all the while trying to figure out her own problems. As a result of the attacks, extra Guardians have been called in for reinforcement—one of them being the legendary Janine Hathaway, Rose’s no-nonsense mother. The introduction of a new character, a royal Moroi called Adrian, also throws a spanner into the works. His motives aren’t clear, but he seems to have more in common with Lissa than anyone is willing to admit. Not only that, but Rose is facing the dilemma of her relationships with the men in her life: she loves her mentor Dimitri, who seems to be showing an interest in someone else these days. Her best guy friend, Mason, is making it clear that he wants more than friendship. And this Adrian guy… his reputation is enough to send a girl running.

When a small group of Moroi and novices decide to take matters into their own hands, Rose must join up with an unlikely partner to save them. It spirals into a conclusion that causes Rose to learn the harsh realities of the war with the Strigoi first-hand, and question everything she once believed in.

What's right with it?
Mead extrapolates on many topics that were only hinted at in the first novel, which brings a more mature tone to the series. It explains political and social ties amongst the Moroi, and touches things like tradition and their potential in the war against the Strigoi. The plot moves much faster than it’s predecessor; again, the amount of events occurring, and their lack of repetition, ensures you never grow bored.

Character development is also quite obvious in this novel. The numerous events in the story begin to shape and influence Rose’s reasoning in terms of Guardians and the Moroi, as well as her relationships with the people around her. She matures emotionally, especially when confronted by her mother’s seeming indifference, and the distancing of her mentor, Dimitri, who doesn’t seem to want much to do with her anymore. Her relationship with Lissa is also tested, as things with Christian move to the next level. Mead works with the voice of Rose well—the readers can empathise with Rose through her struggles of growing up, and dealing with things beyond her maturity level.

The conclusion is a little shocking, and the outcome is unpredictable in its execution. The much-hinted-at reality of the Strigoi is finally incorporated into the story, and thankfully nothing is held back.

What’s wrong with it?
Like with the first one, with so many new characters, motives and political sub-plots, your head can spin from the inertia of it all. In particular, I wished Rose’s relationship with her mother was extrapolated upon a lot more than it was.

Last word
Frostbite is an amazing follow-up that clearly surpasses it’s predecessor. More elements of the world that Mead has created come to light, all the while narrated by Rose and her witty sarcasm. The ending brings closure, but at the same time leaves you reeling for more.

Scale-of-awesomeness
Freaking A!