Vampire Academy: Last Sacrifice (Book 6)

Rose Hathaway and Princess Valissa Dragomir must uncover the mysteries going on in St. Vladamir's Academy and their world. St. Vladamir's Academy is a school where Dhampir's, half Moroi and half human, learn to protect Moroi, living vampires, from the deadly Strigoi, the vampires we know. Moroi are living vampires who need some blood to survive while each has magic that lets them use an element; earth, air, fire and water. Strigoi are dead vampires that hunt Moroi, especially those from endangered bloodlines and enjoy killing their prey.

There is a fifth element that is just starting to be uncovered; the powerful but dangerous element known as spirit. Lissa is one of the few Moroi who can use it. When Lissa, her family and Rose were in a car accident Lissa used spirit to bring Rose back from the dead. Unknown to Lissa this would bind her and Rose together forever and make Rose Shadowkissed, someone between life and death. Rose's bond to Lissa allows her to experience what her friend sees and feels which comes in useful as Rose takes on her role as Lissa's Dhampir and protector.

Through their bond we get the learn a lot about Rose, Lissa, their relationship as well as their relationships with other characters. This series has excellent character development, especially for Lissa and Rose as they both go on their own journeys. Other characters are introduced in each book while the regulars such as Eddie and Christian develop more. The bond between Lissa and Rose is one of the strongest bonds of sisterhood I have read about. They have and would die for each other. Their bond is one reason why this series is one of my favourites.

The world is full of mysteries that we learn more and more about as Rose explores the world. There are mysteries that even the Moroi and Dhampirs don't know about which Lissa and Rose uncover. The mystery of their bond and Lissa's abilities is the main part of the series which is very interesting to learn about.

This series is action packed, full of suspense, twist, turns and magic. It is written really well and fast passed. I love this series. The magic and mysteries alone are great.

4.5 stars!
Action packed and filled with humor, the Vampire Academy series is a great read for teens. Richelle Mead gives us a new look on vampires; Morois that possess magical powers, Dhampirs (half vampire half moroi) that protect them and Strigois that are immortal and evil. Richelle Mead also gives us a strong and brave heroine who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Forbidden romance and friendship are a huge part of the series. The best part of this series is the friendship and loyalty between Rose and Lissa. Exceptional and refreshing, this is a series not to be missed by fans of fantasy and adventure.

Yes, there's a spin-off with Sydney and Adrian, but I'll miss this series too.

If I could give this book 10 stars I would! It was by far the best book in the series. I could not put it down! 594 pages of continuous action and suspense! Just when I though I had it all figured out, an amazing twist in the story line! She definitely keeps you on your toes, or should I say fingertips, in this book! It was GREAT! I will recommend this series to everyone if for no other reason then for people to read this particular book!

Reader reviewed by katie

after being arrested for the murder of queen tatianna, rose is determined to prove her innocense and find the true murderer. after breaking free of her jail cell, rose and the love of her life work together to prove they were not involved with the queens murder..traveling the world to find answers while trying to stay off the radar, rose and dimitri follow any leads they are given and find the truth behind the kill.

Reader reviewed by Linda L

*previously posted on my book blog, Most Important Letter*

Last Sacrifice
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Penguin
Release date: December 7, 2010
Copy: Hardcover, gifted

L: This was it. This was the ultimate showdown. All the fighting, all the hard work, all the mystery, all of it & brought it down to this one point.

We find & the two who matter most.

And save Rose.

We meet the half-sibling who could truly help Lissa reach the crown. We find the murderer who will stop Rose from meeting her death.

We find a tragedy when we realize who they are.

The ending of this story, I have to say, though, was very unrealistic from what Id expected of Meads writing. My opinion of Richelle Meads writing has always been that she continuously did the unexpected. Surprise after surprise after surprise. Bam, bam, bam! (I have resorted to baby talk now in attempting to describe Meads fantastic, ineffable writing.) And then & the ending was too expected, I thought. I thought I had to prepare myself for the next surprise. So I put on my armor and & never got to use it. The ending wasnt actually a big disappointment; it was how it was presented that was.

All the same, the series ended with a big BAM!

Rating: 5 out of 5 letter blocks

Sexual content: References to sex
Profanity: Mild swearing
Violence: Lots of pointy weapons
Other notables: Drinking, smoking

Reader reviewed by Ruthie

I was skeptical to how this series would come to an end. I've read plenty of series where the ending is lame. However, I think Richelle Mead did a fantastic job ending her books. So much happened in Last Sacrifice but I was never confused or overwhelmed. Rose continues her travels and her journey toward maturity. Although she is not my favorite character, far from it, I could truly relate to her. Especially within the first sentence "I hate cages." Who doesn't? I think fans of the Vampire Academy will greatly appreciate this novel.

Reader reviewed by Cari

I thought Last Sacrifice was long and it could have even been
split into two books.  Richelle gives us so much detail about everyday
from both Lissa and Rose's point of view that some points just drag. 
Also Last Sacrifice was close to 600 pages so you would expect
everything to be wrapped up in a nice little package.  Well that wasn't
the case in fact Richelle only wrapped up Rose's story and left a lot
undone for her spin off series.  While I understand that Sidney, Jill,
and Rose's ex will move on so much wasn't finished.



Towards the end of Last Sacrifice Lissa is put in danger and Rose
takes a bullet for her which is so like Rose but Lissa is rushed away
to safety and doesn't see her for days.  Knowing that Lissa can heal her
I would think she would have fought harder to save Rose but that
doesn't happen.  I was also hoping that somewhere along the way Dimitri
would get to visit his family because they think he is dead, but that
didn't happen.



In the end I didn't like Lissa any better.  Dimitri still holds my heart
and Rose will always be one of my favorite characters.  I didn't feel
this book did the series justice but I guess we will see where the spin
off takes us.