Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy (#5)
Publication Date: May 18th, 2012.
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Pages: 489 (Hardcover)
I have to admit, since the last book was a bit of a bore (don't take me wrong, I loved it- but compared to the rest of the VA series, it was a snooze fest, except from the beginning, and towards the end; then it picked up, but for the most smart I was hoping some random Strigoi would come so Rose would go all badass on them.), I wasn't sure about this one. Actually, that's not true. I was drowning in prayers that Spirit Bound would have the action I loved and was deprived of in Blood Promise (though, it WAS a fantastic read, for the record). I was not disappointed, for the most part.
In Spirit Bound, our favorite heroine, strigoi-killing, ass-kicking Rose Hathaway has returned to the Academy and is preparing for her final exams. Things heat up when Rose decides to find Rober Doru -brother of the our old friend, Victor Dashkov- and the only person who could help Rose turn Dimitri into a dhampir once again. Only, getting to Robert is easier said than done. And so is turning Dimitri back to a Strigoi.
The action I was hoping for was found around every corner in this book. From beginning to end, I found the action satisfactory and almost always present.Adrian was the usual, sarcastic, snarky self we all adore, and Lissa was just as kind as usual. Christian was aggrivating and also made me snort pepsi with his witty remarks.
However, the reason this book did not receive a solid four stars (it even had the potential of five) is because of the main character- or rather, main characters. Rose Hathaway and Dimitri Belikov. While Rose was still out there and ass-kicking, there were times when I stared at the book and thought, dumbfounded, "Rose wouldn't do that." Especially in the dialogue between her and Dimitri- it seemed somewhat awkward and as if it was missing the usual spark. Dimitri himself was out of character, through there were some parts where the fire in him was back. You do knot believe how overjoyed I was when he acted like his old self, but for the most part, his actions (mostly towards Lissa) were uncharacteristic and bland. I understand why, but I think Mead could've handled (and written) the situation much better.
I also was exasperated for the first 3/4 of the book because of Lissa and Christian. They, as Rose said, made me want to pull my hair out at times. Their feelings for each other were so obvious, and sometimes the way they acted towards one another I found childish. Though, I suppose, in their situation (like Dimitri), it is justifiable. Really, I can't complain about Lissa and Christian. It was expected for them to act the way that they did.
The thing that really did it for me was Rose Hathaway. I adore Rose, and couldnt't wait to cheer for her. But for the most part, she just wasn't herself. Even when she defied rules and made snarky (and insulting, of course) comments towards someone, I felt like something was missing. She wasn't as complex as I last imagined her. Sometimes I found her to be saying totally contradictory things. It just seemed like something was missing from her usual personality, she didn't seem as deep and realistic and herself as she did in the past. However, my biggest issue was her and Adrian's relationship. I will try to spare you of any spoilers, but I think the way she handled their relationship was very immature. While Adrian is setting down below, watching her from the high pedestrial he put her on, Rose is so hung up on Dimitri that everytime Adrian mentions his love and devotion to Rose, it makes me cringe- or want to rip my hair out. It's like Mason all over again, only this time, the red-headed boy is our beloved Adrian Ivashkov. Which brings me to another topic- one I love to talk about.
Adrian has developed into a complex character. It seems as if everyone dismisses him as, "oh, just adrian." or doesn't take him seriously. Everyone seems to expect nothing from him but him indulging in his vices. But at least twice throughout this story, Rose believes Adrian is getting drunk or wasted when he is actually taking part in something productive. That lets you know that he really isn't who we think he is. He has low-self esteem, and I'm not sure Rose dating him but still being (incontestably and obviously) in love with Dimitri doesn't help his self esteem. I think he needs someone to believe with him, and when he has that someone, he will grow. I don't think Rose is giving him much of a chance, as much as he tries- or as much as SHE tries.
Overall, this book didn't impress or connect with me the way the others (even Blood Promise did). However, I did find it immensely delectable, and could not put it down. Though it is not Mead's best work, there is a huge cliffhanger at the end, and the way she describes the action and other characters is just astounding. Truly talented, that woman is- I can't wait to read Last Sacrifice tonight. Spirit Bound could've been better, but I think most every book can have its improvement. This is a solid, good novel and I think those who have just finished Blood Promise, will be in for a nice surprise
-Astrid
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