Are you ready to dive back into the supernatural world of vampires? If so, Richelle Mead’s Frostbite is waiting for you. The second installment in Mead’s six-book series, Vampire Academy, delivers a blend of action, romance, and suspense that will hook you from the very first page.
We’re back with Rose Hathaway, the tough and fiery dhampir guardian-in-training. Her main job? Protecting her best friend, Lissa Dragomir, a Moroi princess with a rare and powerful magic. But in Frostbite, things get even more complicated. The Strigoi, the vicious immortal vampires who are always a threat, aren’t just lurking in the shadows anymore. They’re organizing and launching attacks on Moroi families, and everyone at St. Vladimir’s Academy is on high alert.
Instead of facing these dangers head-on, the academy takes a different approach—by whisking the students off to a fancy ski resort for winter break. Sounds like a dream vacation, right? Not so fast. Even in this snowy paradise, the Strigoi are still out there, and danger is never too far away.
But while the threat of Strigoi attacks looms, Rose is dealing with problems of her own. Her mentor, Dimitri Belikov, is still the object of her very real (and very forbidden) crush. As if that wasn’t complicated enough, a beautiful and bold Moroi named Tasha Ozera enters the picture and offers Dimitri something Rose never could—a chance at a normal life. Cue the jealousy! Rose has to deal with these new emotions while also grappling with her growing feelings for her friend Mason, who clearly likes her a lot more than just a friend. Yep, things are getting messy.
And it’s not just romance that’s throwing Rose off. Her best friend, Lissa, is spending more time with her new boyfriend, Christian, and Rose can’t help but feel like she’s losing her. Between balancing her guardian duties, protecting Lissa, and sorting out her love life, Rose is feeling the pressure from every angle.
But let’s not forget, Frostbite isn’t just about teen drama—it’s got plenty of action, too. When a group of students, including Mason, decide to take matters into their own hands and go after the Strigoi, Rose is dragged into a deadly situation that spirals out of control fast. What was supposed to be a reckless adventure turns into a fight for survival, and Rose is forced to make impossible choices. The action-packed climax will leave you on the edge of your seat—and maybe shedding a tear or two. We may or may not have cried. Several times. But let’s not talk about it.
What makes Frostbite such a standout is how it combines heart-pounding action with deep emotional growth. Rose is tough, no doubt, but in this book, we see her vulnerable side too. She’s learning that being a guardian means more than just fighting; it’s about making sacrifices, and sometimes those sacrifices are harder than she ever imagined. Her relationships with Dimitri, Mason, and Lissa all get more complicated, giving the story layers of tension and emotion that will have you hooked.
Richelle Mead’s writing shines in Frostbite. The dialogue is sharp, the pace never lets up, and the world-building continues to expand in fascinating ways. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in the world of St. Vladimir’s Academy, where danger is always lurking just around the corner, and the lines between duty, love, and friendship are constantly being tested.
So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, emotional, and action-packed read, Frostbite is your next must-read. Whether you’re already a fan of the Vampire Academy series or just diving in, this book will keep you up late, turning pages and rooting for Rose every step of the way.
Does Frostbite get our stamp of approval?
Engaging Plot: Does the book have a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end? The storyline will most definitely hook you with its mix of high-stakes action and emotional depth. The tension between Strigoi attacks, Rose’s internal struggles, and evolving relationships created a fast-paced and engaging plot that kept us turning pages until the end.
Well-Developed Characters: Are the characters multidimensional, with realistic motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story? Richelle Mead excels at creating multidimensional characters. Rose Hathaway is a strong, complex protagonist with realistic flaws and growth. Her bond with Lissa and her struggle with duty versus personal desire are explored in depth. Dimitri, Lissa, and other side characters also feel fleshed out, with their own unique motivations and arcs. They have already developed so much, and we can’t wait to see what the next four books have in store for us.
Strong Writing: Is the prose well-crafted, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice? Mead’s writing is sharp and vivid, with realistic dialogue that gives each character a distinct voice. Her descriptions of the Academy and the vampire society are incredibly immersive. If we wouldn’t be risking our lives to live in that world, we’d consider it.
Emotional Impact: Does the book evoke a range of emotions in readers, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy? The book will have you feeling all sorts of emotions—there’s plenty of humor thanks to Rose’s wit, but also moments that are tense, heartbreaking, and even romantic. It’s one of those books where you can’t help but feel what the characters are going through.
Originality: Does the book bring something fresh and unique to its genre or subject matter, avoiding clichés and predictable plot twists? While there are plenty of vampire stories out there, the Vampire Academy series brings a fresh twist to the genre. The concept of Dhampir guardians, Moroi royalty, and the constant threat of Strigoi makes it stand out. Plus, the focus on Rose and Lissa’s bond adds a deeper layer to the story that isn’t just about romance or action.
Pacing: Is the pacing of the story appropriate, with a good balance of action, exposition, and character development? The pacing is really well done. There’s enough action to keep things exciting, but it also gives the characters room to grow and breathe. The slow-burn romance between Rose and Dimitri? Torture in the best way possible—you’ll be desperate for them to just get together already!
World-Building: Does the book create a richly imagined world that feels immersive and believable? Mead nails the world-building. St. Vladimir’s Academy feels real, with its own rules, politics, and dangers. You can easily imagine yourself walking through the halls of the Academy or watching a Dhampir training session. The way she describes the Moroi magic system and the threat of Strigoi makes it all feel immersive and believable.
Theme and Message: Does the book explore meaningful themes and deliver a message that resonates with readers? This book isn’t just about vampires and romance. It digs into some really meaningful themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexity of relationships. Rose’s struggle between protecting Lissa and living her own life is a great example of how the book explores these deeper issues.
Resolution: Does the book provide a satisfying resolution to its central conflicts and story arcs? While Frostbite wraps up its major conflicts, it also leaves enough unanswered questions to make you eager for the next book. You’ll get closure, but also feel the pull to continue the journey with Rose and Lissa.
Overall Enjoyment: Most importantly, did we enjoy the book? Without a doubt! Frostbite is a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are relatable, the plot is exciting, and the world is immersive—it’s a book that’s just plain fun to read.
Have you read Frostbite yet?
If you’ve read Frostbite, what did you think of it? If you haven’t read it yet, are you going to?
