Lux Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lux Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: June 3rd, 2014
Series: Lux #1 & #2
Source: Purchased from B&N

Obsidian:
Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.

Onyx:
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
Something worse than the Arum has come to town…
The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

I know it shouldn't matter, but I'm SO happy this series got a cover change. While they won't be getting the prettiest cover award from me any time soon, I definitely think it's loads better!

Now, you may have already noticed that I've already read Obsidian (and reviewed it) back in December of 2013. I've also already read (and reviewed) Onyx that month too. I had planned on continuing the series... but alas, here we are almost 8 months later and I still haven't. So when I went to the store last week and saw the SPARKLY new covers, I knew I had to buy the new bind ups and continue on! I looked it up and was surprised to find that the fifth book, Opposition, comes out on August 5th! It was basically fate for me to buy them and continue, just in time to read the newest one!

What I didn't have planned was to go ahead and open up Lux: Beginnings and to start rereading Obsidian and Onyx instead of you continuing on to Opal.. Some of you that have followed me for over a year have probably heard me talk about my love for rereading books. It's not for everyone, and some think it's boring to reread books, but I love picking up books that I loved reading and experiencing it again and again.

In this case, my rating of these two books went  from 4 stars to 5 stars. I was extremely critical the first time reading these two books and it's almost like I didn't WANT to give it 5 stars because I felt like it was too similar to Twilight. It's like I was defending Twilight's honor or something. (And they aren't really even that similar!)

Now, however, I read the book without anything else on my mind and I just read it for what it was. These books are super fun to read. I read all 800 pages within just three days! Time flys by and I just loved them! I definitely recommend them to any paranormal fans out there!

I'm looking forward to opening up Lux: Consequences and diving into Opal and Origin for the first time!

Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

Fracture Me

by Tahereh Mafi

Pub Date: December 17th, 2013

Series: Shatter Me #2.5

In this electrifying sixty-page companion novella to the New York Timesbestselling Shatter Me series, discover the fate of the Omega Point rebels as they go up against The Reestablishment. Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam's perspective.

As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about.

Fracture Me sets the stage for Ignite Me, the explosive finale in Tahereh Mafi's epic dystopian series. It's a novella not to be missed by fans who crave action-packed stories with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu.

This was just okay. Unfortunately it was a little boring because the majority of this novella takes place through Adam's eyes during the last few chapters of Unravel Me. I'm glad that I read it because of something important (and terrible) that happens at the end, but so far this was my least favorite of the series. Excited to start Ignite Me though!

On a side note, I love this cover! This should have been the cover of Unite Me instead of Destroy Me in my opinion!

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me

by Tahereh Mafi

Pub Date: February 5th, 2013

Series: Shatter Me #2

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

This was an amazing sequel and if you read Shatter Me, I highly recommend that you continue on to read this book because I liked it even more! Don't forget to read the novella, Destroy Me, first though!

Discussion (Spoilers):
Whew. What a book. So this series has been getting better and better! I liked that Juliette was in a new location and was surrounded by other people with special abilities. I think that that was one of the biggest reasons why I loved this book so much. Many of you know my fascination with any type of story involving superpowers so this was perfect for me. 

This book really reminded me of The Host by Stephenie Meyer (which I love, oh so much by the way) just minus the super powers. A bunch of rebels living underground that are terrified of the strange girl in their midst. PLUS there's a love triangle, don't forget the love triangle. Also one of the love interests has a sweet little brother that becomes friends with our main character? They all go on raids to steal food and other necessary supplies? Come on, tell me you didn't see that? 

I love that Juliette learns to control her powers and is basically like Hulk now crushing bricks in her fist. I'm so excited that Adam and Warner also have powers, although Adam's was a little sad to learn about.. Poor Juliette thought that she had finally found another human being that understood her and could finally give her a hug, only to find out that she is secretly wearing him down, and will some day probably kill him. Wow. 
But thennnn, we learn about Warner's gift. Juliette literally gives him strength and helps him when she touches him.. which is kind of a miracle, since she normally just destroys anything that she touches...

I know that a lot of you are going to ask, so.. I'm team Warner. I wasn't too crazy about either relationship at first, but I've been leaning more and more towards Warner. Now after reading both Destroy Me and Unravel Me, I'm sold.

I would like to point out something that does make me laugh a little, however. Juliette sure doesn't waste any time, huh? I try to put myself in her position though.. Hot Adam and hot Warner were the first two people to ever touch her (without almost dying) so I think I would probably react the same way that she did. It would all be pretty overwhelming I'm sure...

I'm planning on starting Fracture me right now, then I'll be picking up Ignite Me! So excited to continue!

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

City of Heavenly Fire
By Cassandra Clare
Pub Date: May 27th, 2014
Series: Mortal Instruments Series #6

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

Finally! The last book! I'm not really sad about it being over, however, because I know that Cassandra Clare plans on writing two more trilogies in the Shadowhunter world! To find out more information about her upcoming books, check out her blog!

I was also involved in a liveshow discussion with Christine from PolandBananasBOOKS, Regan from PeruseProject, and Kat from Katytastic! In that liveshow we discussed all of our favorite parts, quotes, etc and we even answered your guy's questions! (Video is after this review!)

I'm so happy with how this series ended overall. I loved how Cassandra Clare weaved in so much TMI information! I couldn't help but squeal! The chapters with the TMI characters were honestly my favorite parts of the book! This is most likely because I love The Infernal Devices trilogy so, so much!

The Unbound by Victoria Schwab

The Unbound
By Victoria Schwab
Pub Date: Jan 2014
Series: The Archived #2
Source: Gift

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Last summer, Mackenzie Bishop, a Keeper tasked with stopping violent Histories from escaping the Archive, almost lost her life to one. Now, as she starts her junior year at Hyde School, she's struggling to get her life back. But moving on isn't easy -- not when her dreams are haunted by what happened. She knows the past is past, knows it cannot hurt her, but it feels so real, and when her nightmares begin to creep into her waking hours, she starts to wonder if she's really safe.

Meanwhile, people are vanishing without a trace, and the only thing they seem to have in common is Mackenzie. She's sure the Archive knows more than they are letting on, but before she can prove it, she becomes the prime suspect. And unless Mac can track down the real culprit, she'll lose everything, not only her role as Keeper, but her memories, and even her life. Can Mackenzie untangle the mystery before she herself unravels?

With stunning prose and a captivating mixture of action, romance, and horror, The Unbound delves into a richly imagined world where no choice is easy and love and loss feel like two sides of the same coin.

Possibly closer to a 4.5 star rating? I don't know. Ratings are so hard...

I loved The Archived, so of course I was eager to start this book! I love that we got more of Wesley and Mackenzie!

Owen clearly shook up Mackenzie's life and the poor girl has to live with the scars he gave her now... I made a comment after reading the first book that the poor girl hardly ever got any sleep, but it just gets worse in this book!

I unfortunately guessed some things that were going on in this book early on... While I wasn't exactly surprised, I still really enjoyed this book and would love to have a third book! I want to continue on with Wesley and Mackenzie's story!

(view spoiler)Now for the discussion time! (Spoilers ahead)

I was disappointed a bit where this story went. This is just because I was really hoping that they would become partners! I wanted them to become Crew so badly! Instead it was just Mackenzie (still a keeper) trying to keep her position and not lose her job, again. Which was fine, I just wanted to learn more about crew and what better way than through the eyes of Mackenzie as her and Wesley become partners!

I guessed that Owen would come back and that he was the one making the voids.. I was a tad disappointed that I guessed that, but as I said before I still enjoyed it!
I felt terrible for Mackenzie and was so happy when Wesley got to stay over and try and help her sleep.

I wish we would have had more Roland in this book as well! He's such a great character! I love that he believed in Mackenzie and even lied for her like when she took his notebook.

One thing that I liked was that Victoria Schwab didn't spend a lot of time on that love triangle with Cash and Wesley. We all love Wesley and although Cash seems nice, he wouldn't fit in her world.. I think Mackenzie wished that she was normal at times so that she could be with a guy like him, but she knows by the end that she's not normal. She will never be normal, and it's time she stops pretending and fantasying and just live her life. I'm happy that she was so certain about Wesley and that the only reason why she couldn't just bring herself to be with him was because she didn't really want to drag him into her problems, which I can understand.

Overall all I really liked this book, and I hope we get another book!

Half Bad by Sally Green

Half Bad
By Sally Green
Pub Date: March 4th, 2014
Series: Half Bad Trilogy #1

Half Bad by Sally Green is a breathtaking debut novel about one boy's struggle for survival in a hidden society of witches.

You can't read, can't write, but you heal fast, even for a witch.

You get sick if you stay indoors after dark.

You hate White Witches but love Annalise, who is one.

You've been kept in a cage since you were fourteen.

All you've got to do is escape and find Mercury, the Black Witch who eats boys. And do that before your seventeenth birthday.

Easy.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

I didn't dislike this book, but I didn't love it either. It was okay.

The idea of this story is interesting. White (good) witches and black (evil) witches hating each other.. a son of a white AND black witch trying to find his father.. The idea seems pretty interesting. The main character is so mistreated and abused that you definitely find yourself rooting for him and hoping he escapes.

However, I felt like a lot was left out of this book.

We never really learned why white witches hate black witches. Is it because they kill people? OH, you mean killing, like the white witches do? They TORTURE people, so this "good witch" stuff is a load of crap.

Everyone just seems to hate everyone in this book... because? We don't know. Most of the time it seems to be because of a grudge after someone killed someone's great, great grandmother or something.

Another thing that I wish we would have gotten more of is character depth. Most of the characters I read about, I didn't really care about. Even NATHAN at times, and he is the main character! I don't know if it was the story or the author but I had trouble connecting to this story...

I WANTED to feel bad for Nathan (and I did at times, but not as much as you would think seeing as everyone hated him and he was tortured in about every chapter.) I WANTED to like the love story, but that too, was just okay. I did like his half brother Arren, and his friend Gabriele, but they were such small parts of this story.

Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit rushed (while the beginning 3/4 kind of dragged on a bit for me). I'm not sure if I will continue or not. I feel like this first book was just an introductory book and so I MAY continue on, now that the foundation has been set. I am interested in seeing what Nathan is capable of now that he is free, sort of. I'm curious to see what his gift will be, so I may continue.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

The Archived
By Victoria Schwab
Pub Date: January 2013
Series: The Archived #1

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice

By Richelle Mead

Pub Date Dec. 7th 2010

Series: Vampire Academy #6

My vision was growing dimmer, the blackness and ghosts closing in. I swore it was like I could hear Robert whispering in my ear: The world of the dead won't give you up a second time. Just before the light completely vanished, I saw Dimitri's face join Lissa's. I wanted to smile. I decided then that if the two people I loved most were safe, I could leave this world.

The dead could finally have me.


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. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardians to come.

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 whole life is about saving others, who will save you?

Join Rose, Dimitri, Adrian, and Lissa in Last Sacrifice, the epic, unforgettable finale to Richelle Mead's international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

Whew. What a book. I can't believe this series is over! This series has been added to my all time favorite series list. I adored the characters, this amazing world created by Richelle Mead, the fighting, everything. I highly recommend this series to anyone who hasn't read it yet. (I'm especially speaking to all of you who were turned away by the hideous covers.) This series has everything that I ask for... the love, friendship, loyalty, bravery... Richelle Mead's characters are just so SO good. I know there's a spin off series called Bloodlines in which I believe the alchemist, Sydney, is the main character. I can't wait to pick it up and continue on in this world!

The rest of this review will now convert into me talking/rambling about the wonderfulness that was this book. Aka SPOILERS. Please only keep reading if you have also read this book!

There's just so much to talk about. Adrian and Rose splitting up... Tasha's betrayal... Victor's death.. Lissa becoming Queen.. Rose and Dimitri finally getting back together.. Sonya being saved, where do I begin?

I (of course) really enjoyed when Rose was busted out of jail and her and Dimitri ran off into the sunset.. Well, that's not exactly what happened, but the fact that they were spending any time together at all was very exciting. Dimitri finally began to love and forgive himself again in this book since being Strigoi. I was very happy that we didn't have to suffer through him tormenting himself the entire book. Thank you Richelle. Some authors would have kept going on and on with that I think.

Sonya was saved and reunited with Mikhal which was nice. She turned out to be an asset to their mission (although she had very bad timing at the campground.) Rose went through a lot in this book what with being thrown in jail for something she didn't do, and then being left out of her plans for escape. I was mildly irritated with her when she ran from Dimitri and Sydney towards the beginning of their trip, but do we really expect Rose to just sit in a hotel for a few weeks? Ya right. Rose takes charge and gets things done. That's just one of the reasons why we love her so much.

I figured that Rose and Dimitri would find their way back to each other, and when they ran off together that pretty much just confirmed it for me. I was sad though because I do really actually like Adrian. The ending with him and Rose was rather abrupt although she only spoke the truth. I admit, if I hadn't already known about the Bloodlines series with him I would have been pissed. That ending just didn't give closure. He was an extremely nice guy although he's a little rough around the edges and didn't deserve to be dumped and then dropped.

What did you all think of Tasha? I admit I thought that it was Danielle the whole book. I even thought to myself at one point that I was almost sad that I had guessed the real murderer and the ending, but then Richelle throws a curveball in there! I never suspected Tasha and I actually feel bad for Christian losing his last relative that he's close with. I'm not okay with her framing Rose though.. they still ticked me off.

I like that in the end Rose "heals herself" and isn't saved by a spirit user. Rose is a very strong individual and I think that just proved it. It's extremely strange that she is no longer bound to Lissa, but there are many pros to that as well. Rose can just be her own person now. I'm thrilled that Dimitri got assigned to Christian and Rose to Lissa. I'm just thrilled with this whole series in general. I want everyone to read it!

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound

By Richelle Mead

Pub Date: May 18th, 2010

Series: Vampire Academy #5

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong...

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's-and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.

 My Rating:

My Thoughts:

Now THIS is what I missed.. I loved the first three books, but the fourth was a little bit less.. stunning. This book was everything I love about the series.. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made my heart race... I'm really really enjoying reading this series so far and I can't wait to read the final book (although that's a little bittersweet). If you haven't read this series yet I recommend it!! Do it!

That's all I have to say for those of you who haven't read these books yet.. The rest is full of spoilers. You've be warned!


FINALLY. Dimitri has been saved. Dimitri isn't a Strigoi anymore.. I can breathe again.. when he started sobbing after Lissa saved him. Dimitri, SOBBING! ahh it broke my heart. I was so overwhelmingly happy though that he was a dhampir again.
Of course, in just a matter of a few chapters I was frustrated with him again though. Ol Dimitri, always having to be responsible.. you killed people. We know Dimitri BUT WE FORGIVE YOU. So stop beating yourself up already. I suppose that I wouldn't have been happy though if he WOULD HAVE just like bounced back and been 100% back to his old self. Obviously he has such a good heart and it's hard for him to think back to what he did to Rose and all of those people he killed.. I think it will just take time. I'm okay with that. I'm just happy he's back!

SO much happened in this book besides with Dimitri though! Rose finally graduated which is exciting! I can't believe her and Lissa are finally out in the "real world!"

Rose, Lissa, and Eddie BROKE INTO A PRISON which is just bonkers.. even for Rose. I can't believe they managed to break out Victor. I did guess that he would get away in Vegas after his brother told them what they needed to know about the stake. Which, about the stake, I still can't believe that Lissa managed to charm it! AND stab a strigoi? What! I was so happy when Christian and Lissa were working together to learn how to stake people! I'm so relieved that they moved on and are finally working out things.

I'm not sure what's going to happen now..
1. Rose being on trail for a crime that we know she obviously didn't do.. I can't believe that Tatiana is dead though. Also, why was she acting a lot different in this book to Rose..? That was so weird.. you wanna hear something NUTS? I have no idea why, but I think that Adrian's mom did it. I don't have many reasons why I think that. Just a guess.
2. This whole dhampirs turning into guardians at age 16. Most agree that that's an awful idea, yet it passed? I wish Lissa could have voted. Oh! and then the thing at the end where we learn that Lissa has a half brother/sister?! What! Obviously that will play a big part in this next book I'm sure.

Very, very excited for the last book in the series!

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise
By Richelle Mead
Published: Aug 25th, 2009
Series: Vampire Academy #4

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters ... Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

4.5 stars I obviously really liked this book and I'm absolutely loving this series right now.. but I couldn't help but feel like many parts of this book wasn't necessary? Maybe that's a bit too harsh. It's just that while reading the first three books I never had that feeling, there was always a purpose and the characters always accomplished so much. There was always leaps and bounds in the plot.. but not as much in this one. I liked that Rose left for Russia and this book really showed just how...more 4.5 stars I obviously really liked this book and I'm absolutely loving this series right now.. but I couldn't help but feel like many parts of this book wasn't necessary? Maybe that's a bit too harsh. It's just that while reading the first three books I never had that feeling, there was always a purpose and the characters always accomplished so much. There was always leaps and bounds in the plot.. but not as much in this one. I liked that Rose left for Russia and this book really showed just how brave she really is. I was so heartbroken at the end of Shadowkissed.. I felt like that writing style was still amazing and it wasn't a slow read by any means.. just, less happened, I suppose? I don't know exactly what I'm trying to say. I guess I just kind of looked at how the book ended and compared it to when Rose started her journey. What exactly did she accomplish? I need to start the next one and hopefully I'll feel better about this// Spoilers: She got to meet her Dad, so that was nice. Abe's a little.. odd.(I definitely didn't see that coming by the way..)The main problem was that she failed to kill Dimitri many times (which was the only reason she went to Russia in the first place).. it was nice that she got to see his hometown and meet his family, but for what? Is that really what she needs? Maybe. At this point I don't see how their relationship is going to work out. I'm a little heartbroken myself.. (although that's ridiculous I know). I HATED reading about Dimitri in this book. Every time he responded with him "wanting her" instead of "loving her" I just cringed.. Rose clearly doesn't want to become a Strigoi (even if it means spending eternity with Dimitri - I don't blame her though. He's not the same...) and so I don't think that that's where this is going. Towards the end of the book a "fairy tale" was mentioned about a Strigoi becoming "alive" again. I sincerely hope that THAT is where this story is heading.. I can't stand Dimitri like this..