5/5 Stars
The first book in the series, while brilliant, was a bit wishy-washy. Frostbite, however has drawn me deeper into the fantastic world that Richelle Mead as created. I am rapidly becoming obsessed with this series. The book picks up shortly after the first book in the series. Rose is still in training with Dimitri and feelings continue to run strong between the two but they cannot be acted upon, with both of them being Lissa's (a Moroi princess and Rose's best friend) future guardians. There are some attacks on the Moroi royal families and some feel it is time for the Moroi to fight beside their guardians and learn offensive magic, whilst others believe its not their place to fight. While the adults argue, some of the students sneak away to deal with the threat themselves.
If you wanted to compare books, there is a lot less of Lissa in this novel, and a lot less intrigue throughout the first part. This is not a bad thing though. Sometimes, when reading the first book in a series, it's obvious it's a first book; it's setting up the plot for future stories, it introduces characters and mythology, it gives you enough to whet your appetite, but isn't exactly a complete story. Vampire Academy wasn't like that, it was it's own full story, with it's own plotline, and it was incredible - but after reading Frostbite, you can see how it could work like an obvious first story, as we know all of the above, and now we have, in Frostbite, what I would say is Rose's story.
As I said, there was less intrigue; there was the worrying about Lissa's powers and who was after her in the first novel, but in Frostbite, the danger isn't necessarily on anyone specific, it's just there. We focus a lot more on Rose's relationship with her mother, her feelings towards the guys in her life, the gorgeous Dimitri and the lovely Mason, and some issues with herself about whether she's changed or not. It's a brilliant insight into Rose, where as the first book was more focused on her wanting to protect Lissa. It was great to see more of this Rose, vulnerable Rose, and to see her grow. I loved loved loved the relationship between Rose and her mother in this novel. The similarities between them that they are both too stubborn to see and the wonderful mutual understanding between them at the end.
Ah, Rose Hathaway. I love this girl. Totally, unabashedly, and truly. I love her "punch first, ask questions later" attitude and the massive amounts of trouble this causes her. She is so flawed, so real, so kick ass, so snarky and confident and troubled and rash and dear vampire gods, she is the best. So truly the best. Her struggle in this book is all about control-- control over her feelings for her sexy guardian teacher, Dimitri, control over her rash impulses, control over her snarky rebelliousness, and control over the strange dark urges that threaten to overwhelm her sometimes. Rose's journey is a thing of beauty, and I know it's only the second book, so there's tons more to come. But Frostbite had such a heartbreaking and contained character arc. Rose learns important lessons, but with devastating consequences.
Okay, so let's talk about Adrian Ivashkov. Let's just talk about this divine morsel of Moroi magnificence, shall we? Seriously. Seriously. I actually love Rose's chemistry with Dimitri, but Adrian leapt off the page. He is so charming and funny. I love Mead's characters so much, and Adrian is my second favorite of hers after Rose, who is turning out to be one of my top ever heroines.
It is safe to say I am eagerly anticipating reading how this story unravels. I don't know too much about the rest of the books, but I can say that Shadow Kiss just arrived this morning and it is currently sat patiently on my bedside table just waiting to be started later this evening.
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