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Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5)

Richelle Mead

Finish date: May 18, 2010

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Jan 06, 2011 The Flooze rated it it was ok

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal, glutton_for_punishment, vanquished_2011, ya_teen

Dramatic, certainly. And relatively well-paced, in a way that makes this installment slightly better than the rest. Instead of taking place at St. Vladimir’s Academy, the majority of Spirit Bound finds Rose, Lissa and friends either out in the real world or inside the Moroi court. Yes, Blood Promise was also set outside the confines of the school atmosphere, but having Rose’s friends around her means we have more characters to focus on and a more balanced story.

Unfortunately, it’s still one wit Dramatic, certainly. And relatively well-paced, in a way that makes this installment slightly better than the rest. Instead of taking place at St. Vladimir’s Academy, the majority of Spirit Bound finds Rose, Lissa and friends either out in the real world or inside the Moroi court. Yes, Blood Promise was also set outside the confines of the school atmosphere, but having Rose’s friends around her means we have more characters to focus on and a more balanced story.

Unfortunately, it’s still one with heaps of problems.

I enjoyed Mead’s exploration of Moroi politics and wish she'd delved into it even further. Seeing how the society is governed and the different factions emerging in light of the Strigoi threat brings greater gravity to the situation. Rather than eavesdropping or making assumptions, Rose and Lissa are able to visit court discussions, interact with the queen, and gain knowledge of new rulings almost immediately. Meeting other members of the Moroi race highlights the different opinions held within their society - most notably, their view of Dhampirs. Rose finally understands that many of the elite respect the Dhampir race and hold their sacrifices in high regard. She also realises that the real world is not school. Acting out does not result in demerits or a slap on the wrist. Instead, she faces the very real threat of never being assigned as Lissa’s guardian. Moreover, she risks never being assigned to field work at all and sees the very real chance that mountains of administrative tasks might be all she has to look forward to.

As for the rest…there are so many tiresome aspects to the story. Victor, Dimitri, Adrian - Rose’s immature interactions with each stand in stark contrast to the more adult environment she inhabits. Granted, she’s still 18. But with everyone telling her what a dynamo she is, shouldn’t I be allowed to expect more from her? Instead Spirit Bound finds her as infuriating as ever.

Here lies a rant: (view spoiler)

With only one more book to go, I might as well finish the series. Most of my predictions already came true, so at the very least the last installment should include some surprises? Maybe? That’s my hope, but not one I'll hold too dearly. ...more

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Feb 20, 2010 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

I really have not been a fan of this series. I barely made it through Blood Promise and despite having Spirit Bound on my shelf since its release I really wasn't that interested in picking it up. I read the first four consecutively and struggled with character and plot inconsistencies.
I really struggled to like Rose much, for the most part I think she made foolish decisions that were not balanced by sufficient motivation. Few of the other characters were appealing either though I did generally a ...more

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May 24, 2010 Thenia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014, r-ab, magic, reviewed, series, ya-na, vampires, paranormal, 2010, 2021

Rose's life remains a mess, with trouble emerging from everywhere. Another impossible quest leads her to a miracle but before she can even comprehend it, a score of other problems overwhelm her.

There are several twists and turns in the story that eventually ends in a cliffhanger that leaves Rose in yet another impossible situation.

First read: June 4th 2010 ~ 5 stars
Re-read: April 29th 2014 ~ 5 stars
Re-read: Feb 3rd 2021 ~ 5 stars

Previous book reviews:
✦ Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4) ~ ★★★★★ ...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Mandy Beyers rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy, young-adult, z-sosbookshelfbingor5

This series has bounced from highs and lows continuously. I have enjoyed watching Rose as she tries to learn to react like an adult rather than a child, but I feel for her because about half the time she is ending up in impossible situations through no fault of her own. (view spoiler) ...more

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Oct 13, 2009 Charlotte (Buried in Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: vampires, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. There is another Skywalker..... wait, no sorry. I mean Dragomir - got things a little bit confused. This book just didn't stop, so much happened and it's all ready to kick off in the final book.

So, Rose and Lissa graduated from St. Vladimirs. With Rose passing her final Guardian test. Yea!!! Unfortunately she's also still obsessed with the idea that Dimitri can be brought back and Lissa is obsessed with the idea of helping her. The problem is that the man that knows how to do it, is Victor Dashk There is another Skywalker..... wait, no sorry. I mean Dragomir - got things a little bit confused. This book just didn't stop, so much happened and it's all ready to kick off in the final book.

So, Rose and Lissa graduated from St. Vladimirs. With Rose passing her final Guardian test. Yea!!! Unfortunately she's also still obsessed with the idea that Dimitri can be brought back and Lissa is obsessed with the idea of helping her. The problem is that the man that knows how to do it, is Victor Dashkovs brother... And Victors the only man who knows how to find his brother.

Cue a bit of B & E, a trip to Alaska and Vegas and Lissa figuring out how to charm a stake with Spirit. Bob's your uncle. Except a spirit user has to be the one to wield the stake, is Lissa strong enough? Considering Dimitri takes her and Christian as bait, what else can she do?

Rose once again tries to do everything herself and it was actually really hard to read parts of this book, especially those relating to Dimitri when he's healed. I really wanted to cry as to the way he treated her, pushing her away. But thinking about it, I understand, he doesn't think he can love, that he lost that ability when he became Strigoi. But I think the larger part is, he can't forgive himself for the way he treated her in Russia - when she came to fulfil her promise to him. She loves him so much. He can't forgive the fact that he was going to kill her and would have enjoyed it. There's still love there, he's just got to admit it to himself.

Adrian? Well, Rose's treatment of him isn't fair and you know it's going to end badly, but Rose needs someone right now and Adrian loves her (as much as he can love anyone). He was there for her at a time when Lissa wasn't (because she was too busy with Dimitri).

What on earth is in the store in the final book? Who really killed the Queen? Will they find Lissas half brother/sister? Will Dimitri get his head out of his butt and admit he still loves Rose? Will Rose's friends save her from execution for treason? These questions and more will be answered in Last Sacrifice - I hope.....
...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Marla rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, couldnt-put-down, award-winner, challenged, romance, adult, paranormal, young-adult, girl-power, chick-lit

4.5 stars. Finally, I feel this series is getting back on track.

Likes:
* Lissa is great!!! Lissa at her best
* Christian is really helpful and mellower
* Tasha, even though she wasn't key in this story, is one of my favorite characters
* Queen Tatiana wasn't as b----y as before
* Hans, Rose's supervisor is not friendly, but he is fair
(view spoiler) ...more

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