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.

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 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