Note: If you have not read the Vampire Academy series yet….DO IT. You might not be sold on the first one, but you will be hooked from the second. You must, must check out this series.

“Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?”

Warning: Though there will be no spoilers (other than discussing plot points already known in the previous novels), there will be a lot of gushing about Richelle Mead’s greatness and Last Sacrifice’s awesomeness.

As a book reviewer, in order to post reviews on a regular basis you need to read books at a certain pace. Usually you set a page goal of how many pages per session to read in order to finish the book in time to review it, which with some books, can feel like a chore. From my perspective as both a reviewer and general reader, the best books are the ones that make you look at a book and think, “oh no, I only have 300 pages left” and you hope somehow another 300 will come from nowhere because you just don’t want that book to end.

Richelle Mead’s stunning conclusion to the Vampire Academy series, Last Sacrifice, fits perfectly into that category of books.

It fits, not because it’s the last book in a series and is expected to be good – which is not always  true since the last book can often make or break a series, but because Last Sacrifice was just that darn good.

When we last saw Rose she had been arrested, accused of killing Queen Tatiana, Dimitri claimed to no longer have feelings for her and had been given clues from the murdered Queen herself about a lost Dragomir, Eric Dragomir’s illegitimate child. The book picks up days after the trial we saw in Spirit Bound and wastes no time getting right into the action.

One by one the answers to five books worth of questions start to reveal themselves as we realize just how well Richelle Mead has interwoven so many plot points to create such a complex but fascinating storyline.

There were so many moment that would make me stop and practically fall off the bed, squirming with excitement over what I’d just read. Particularly at each chapter end there’d be either a shocking reveal or  someone would say something so simple with such a huge impact that would make one of many “OMG/OH SNAP” moments.

Besides the plot itself, it’s the amazing characters that really make this book. They are so well developed and each of them have grown and matured since the first book, being able to read about them again was like hanging out with old friend, it was so comfortable being with them in the story.

Rose for me is always a stand out. It’s probably an understatement but this. girl. kicks. butt. And not just in the literal Strigoi killing kind of way. Rose especially has matured as a character, along with Lissa as well, who have had a role reversal since for once, it’s Rose that is in trouble and needs to be saved. Not that Rose is content to just sit around and wait though…but that’s Rose for you.

I also loved the cameo from my favorite character, the word badass. It’s become pretty notorious in the Vampire Academy series and I think makes only one appearance, but I love it.

I was also very glad to see more of Abe, who has a wicked sense of humour and charisma that Rose obviously inherited, as well as Sydney, who we know will be a character featured in the spin-off, Bloodlines.

It goes without saying that the love triangle between Rose, Dimitri and Adrian is resolved but I really, really can’t say anything at all, because even the slightest comment will give it away. But I will say, that things progressed quite naturally.

As I said earlier, the last book can really make or break a series, and Last Sacrifice finished Vampire Academy off perfectly. You head into the thick of the action with Rose as she battles against accusations, Strigoi, emotions and Spirit and comes out, if possible, even more of a badass than she was before. You’ll hate your body for needing to sleep because it’ll come between you and reading one more chapter.

In future, I trust Richelle Mead with any and all series and their ends because this one was done spectacularly. I can’t believe it’s over, but I’m definitely content. Luckily we don’t have to leave the Moroi and Dhampir world completely as we look forward to Bloodline’s release in August 2011.

If I could it’d be 10000 stars out of 5. But I’ll have to settle for 5 out of 5.

Pages: 594
Publication Date: December 2010
Rating: :

Teaser Quote: He smiled at me . . . fondly. “Ah, my daughter,” he said.
“Eighteen, and already you’ve been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see.” He paused. “I couldn’t be prouder.”

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren, inspired by Alea and explores the contents of our mailbox on a weekly basis.

It’s the first day of Christmas! Yay! I can’t believe how fast it’s coming around. For those in the Northern Hemisphere I’ve heard it’s been snowing like crazy in most places, for us here down South it’s starting to really heat up – perfect beach weather.

And whether its a summer read or holiday read that you’re after, we here at yaReads will be able to recommend just what you’re after. (Look out for that blog post next week)

For Review:

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (I’ve heard nothing but good things about this one, so I’m very excited)
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling

Bought:

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Clearly, I was THRILLED to finally have Last Sacrifice in my possession. I knew I’d probably receive a review copy but I was too eager to have a copy right on release day, so I bought a copy (writing the review is on my to do list after this blog post)

I can also say, since Last Sacrifice is our Book of the Month, I received a few extra copies……for a……GIVEAWAY! Woo! So look out for that very soon also.

Slightly off the topic of books, I was lucky enough to go to a Muse concert this week. Though I was left completely deaf, it was amazing! Definitely one of the best shows I’ve been to and they had an excellent stage set up. The band has such a strong stage presence and being able to hear the songs played live (particularly my favorites like Starlight) was so so incredible, loved it.

Is there a book you particularly want to see reviewed? Leave a comment to let me know!

Also, make sure you follow us on twitter, @yaReads to keep up to date with the latest news and blog updates.

Happy reading!

Alyssa Grossbard is the author of Confessions of a Teenage Pond Hopper, and at 19, being a published author is quite an impressive feat.

The story follows Charlotte Williston who just days away from graduating from high school, takes off on an impulsive trip across the pond as a way of stepping out of her tightly laced life that she never really felt was her own. Charlotte is the kind of girl who has always taken the safe route – doing well in school, trying to please her parents, not getting involved in relationships, which has made her life turn out cold and bland. This trip is Charlotte’s rebellion against that life as well as chance to remove herself from it to find herself and what she really wants along the way.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m 19 years old and I’m a 2nd-year undergraduate at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, studying for a degree in history. I live in Connecticut in the United States and grew up here and in New York. I traveled quite a bit as a child and obviously do so for my education now as well. While at school I am coxswain for my college boat club and write the “American Tongue” blog for Cherwell, Oxford’s student newspaper. I also enjoy skiing in winter.

Confessions of a Teenage Pond Hopper is your first novel, what was the publishing process like for you, especially considering how young you are?

For me, the publishing process was, in one word, mysterious. Because this was my first novel, I had no idea how anything worked, or who I was supposed to contact once I finished writing. I sent out queries to more than a few literary agents, and while receiving rejections, I was not completely discouraged. When I finally found a way to publish the book, I was ecstatic, and every step of the process I remained very involved. While I am very young, I tried to use my age to my advantage; I’m not that far removed from my target audience and so feel I have a good perspective on what might appeal to a teenage audience.

To what extent is the book based on your own life and experiences?

The plot and characters are completely fictitious. No specific character or any aspect of the plot is based on my own life or those of my friends and family. Where my own experiences come in are in the locations I chose for Charlotte’s travels. In order to be able to write creatively about a place, it’s necessary to have firsthand experience of it; so the cities she visits are cities which I have spent a fair amount of time in and therefore could write about. And within some of the cities, specific destinations like Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, or Harvey Nichols in London – those were chosen because of my familiarity with them as well. I suppose to summarize, the setting is very much based on my own experiences, but the plot itself and the characters are not.

What book was the man in the used bookshop in Edinburgh reading?

He’s reading Reformation: Europe’s House Divided, 1490-1700 by Diarmid McCulloch. I’d thought of it as a history text he was reading, and when I came across this book later on during my first year at university, I realized it was the right book.

James is a completely sweet character (though even he had a lapse in judgement), do you think men like him exist?

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure at this point in my life. I’ve had friends whose boyfriends have made some lovely gestures and who have been in long-term relationships where they seem just perfect for each other, but we’re all in our late teens (well, some have just turned 20 – eek!). So I wrote a character as I hoped he could be – although, I would hasten to add that he is also completely realistic. He’s not infallible, and he makes mistakes. There are too many books out there that have some sort of hyper-idealistic male character which can often make girls who are perhaps a bit younger than me blind to the realities of the opposite sex. I didn’t want James to give off that impression.

Do you have any travel tips?

When you’re going anywhere for the first time, do a bit of research before you head off, but don’t over-plan either. You’ll want to make sure you don’t kick yourself afterwards for missing anything, but equally, you want to leave room for spontaneity, for discovering a perfect little sidewalk café or peaceful park bench where you can sit and people-watch. And the latter is also essential – people-watching can be one of the best ways to really get the feel for a particular city. If you’re headed somewhere more rural, try to get to know the local centre and then ask residents what they think are places you can’t miss seeing.

What projects are you working on next?

As I’m currently an undergraduate student, right now I’m focused on coursework and eventually my thesis, coming up quickly! I do write the American Tongue blog for Cherwell, Oxford’s student newspaper. And I do scribble down ideas for short stories and novels that pop into my head and file them away. I’m considering writing either a sequel to Confessions of a Teenage Pond Hopper or another novel about being an American living in Britain, but those are both in the very early stages.

Any quirky writing rituals or habits? Where do you prefer to write? Cafe, at home…etc

I suppose everyone’s habits are different and so quirky in their own way. While writing Confessions of a Teenage Pond Hopper I worked at home and at the local library, not at Starbucks or anything like that. I prefer working at home simply because it allows me to get up and take breaks whenever I want, and my writing style requires that – if I suddenly come up with a wonderful idea, I’ll sit and type for four hours straight. But if I’m having a hard time contriving the next plot device, I’ll get up and do something else – sometimes I won’t return to writing that day. Once at university I started doing some work in cafes, and that does force you to work consistently, which is good – so it really depends on the day!

What’s currently in your to-read pile?

I’ve had a particular book sitting on my shelf for about three years now – To Serve Them All My Days, by R. F. Delderfield. It was recommended to me as I absolutely adore books like Goodbye, Mr. Chips, but I never got around to reading it due to schoolwork and writing my own novel, so hopefully I will do soon. On the nonfiction side, I’d like to get into Albion’s Seed: Four British Folkways in America, which is also quite hefty, so I’m thinking a vacation may be the only time I could get through that! And I’ve got some fun chick-lit for over winter break.

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Thanks Alyssa! Confessions of a Teenage Pond Hopper is available online via Amazon

You should never judge a book by its cover.

Sure….but they never said we couldn’t admire them. Cover of the Week pays homage to the beautiful and eye catching graphics that grace the covers of our young adult titles.

This week’s cover of the week goes to Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Release Date: January 2011

“For seventeen years, Charlotte Alexandra Williston has felt as if she’s a supporting character in the ongoing play that is her life. She’s been reading lines someone else wrote instead of saying what she really thinks, never stepping outside of the proverbial prim and proper box containing her well-bred life in Caulfield, Connecticut. But now, she’s determind to create her own story – one in which she’s the star. After graduating high school, she impulsively embarks on a jaunt across Europe with her best friend Molly. From London to Florence to Copenhagen and beyond, Charlotte explores cities and castles, befriends strangers, and shops ‘til she drops. She even meets the guy who just might be the one she’s been waiting for. And in the midst of her adventures, she finds time for reflection in some unlikely places, beginning a new journey that will take her further than any of the planes, trains, and black cabs waiting for her when she arrives…”

Last week I was introduced to a character named Charlotte in Nicole Richie’s Priceless, (and we know how well that went) so when I picked up Confessions of a Teenage Pond Hopper and found the main character was also named Charlotte I first  thought “…ah crap”.

Never fear! Charlotte Williston was luckily a much better character to follow than Charlotte Williams.

Just days away from graduating from high school, Charlotte takes off on an impulsive trip across the pond (an idiom referring the Atlantic Ocean that’s between the US and the UK) as a way of stepping out of her tightly laced life that she never really felt was her own. Charlotte is the kind of girl who has always taken the safe route – doing well in school, trying to please her parents, not getting involved in relationships, which has made her life turn out cold and bland. This trip is Charlotte’s rebellion against that life as well as chance to remove herself from it to find herself and what she really wants along the way.

In contrast to Charlotte is her best friend Molly who comes along on the trip with her. Molly is outgoing, lively and has an obsession with shopping (with a credit card limit that accommodates that obsession). Molly balances out Charlotte’s more inhibited nature and encourages her to step outside her shell. It would’ve been nice to see Molly interested in something other than constantly shopping, but she was a good character who obviously cared very much for her best friend and was a total asset to the trip.

The romance in the story between Charlotte and James is completely gorgeous but at times I found myself wistfully thinking “ah if only things like that really happen”. Though their relationship wasn’t completely unrealistic, there was a kind of sweetness and maturity that I felt could only be seen in a fictional book. But maybe I’m a cynic.

Now I’m in two minds about this next point. Either Grossbard has a very sophisticated vocabulary or was a bit too into her thesaurus while writing this book. I felt a bit like a simpleton, needing a dictionary to look up words like “acquiesced” and “nomenclature”, so at times the vocabulary was a bit distracting. On the one hand, I remember an interview with Gilmore Girls writer, Amy Sherman Paladino saying “your audience is only as smart as you let them be” and on the other I’ve heard that you don’t need sophisticated language to tell an amazing story. From the middle towards the end the vocabulary wasn’t really an issue, so it’s kind of a take it or leave it point.

Confessions of a Teenage Pond Hopper is a great coming of age story, and one that feels so completely relevant. I was excited to read this one since I’ve also just graduated (but from college, not high school) and am planning a trip to Europe next year as well. The places Charlotte and Molly travelled to and the experiences they had have completely inspired me. But even if that’s not your specific circumstance, the emotions Charlotte goes through as she examines her life up to that point will ring true with a lot of people, making it a really great read.

Pages: 193
Publication Date: September 2010
Rating: :

Teaser Quote: “Thirty-six hours and counting and she was beginning to realize the overwhelming proportions of what she was about to do. A natural worrier, she never did anything without thinking it through. And now it was all about to change”.