Shiny New VA Stuff

It's no secret at all that I'm obsessed with the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. It's dark, sassy, smart and whilst featuring a (very hot) Russian love interest, he's not all Rose thinks about. She is completely capable of taking care of herself, she doesn't rely on others to do the ass kicking. And on top of fantastic characters, it's set in a world filled with myth and legend. Aside from featuring real vampires (definitely no sparkling going on here!!), it's got a hierarchy of mortal vampires, dhampirs and the evil, soulless killers. Much to sink your teeth in to and enjoy (pun maybe intended..). So forgive me a link heavy post of VA awesome.

First up, the final cover for the final book in Rose's story, Last Sacrifice, is finally live! Well, the US version anyway. Unfinished versions have been floating around for a while, but this is the final one, as Richelle posted on her blog in the early hours of this morning (for me anyway).
I can't say it's my favourite, the old and new Shadow Kiss covers still hold that spot with me, but I do like it. And I'm very glad 'Rose' is no longer blond like she was on earlier versions! She still doesn't look like Rose, but darker hair is a start ;)

Also, there is an Official Vampire Academy movie page on facebook, run by Preger Entertainment who hold the rights for VA. It is not a for sure thing it will get made, it's only been optioned so far, but fan support is a must, so if you like the series, join it!!

There is now a company, Arcane Vault, who supply official Vampire Academy merchandise as well, and they offer international shipping. Only a couple of designs are available at present, but they are in the process of making more. According to their facebook page, some of the new one should be up in the next 2-3 weeks. Their facebook page which has latest updates on new designs and stuff is here. I've been following it since the VA line was added a few weeks ago and they're good about replying to questions and they're happy to hear suggestions! Good people to follow if you like VA.

Other big things Richelle revealed recently: the Promise Mark and Zvezda mark artwork. If you don't know the series, these won't make sense, but if you do then you will know I'm talking about the tattoos Guardians are given. The Promise mark is given when a novice graduates and becomes a Guardian. The Zvezda is the battle mark, given for killing lots of Strigoi in battle. These marks are in addition to the Molnija mark (for killing a single Strigoi), which the artwork for has been around for a while. If you don't know and are curious, Molnija is Russian for lightning, and Zvezda is Russian for star.

Promise mark
Zvezda

I love both these marks, and the molnija, and I'm glad that they'll be available on clothes via Arcane Vault soon! Here ends my VA/link heavy post.

[EDIT} Oh no. Wait, missed one. This has been around for a while, but still totally deserves a mention and should be checked out. Vampire Academy jewellery! Sold by Psynde on Etsy, here. It's beautiful hand crafted items and I've got several peices. They're all fantastic! She offers other items as well and you should totally check those out too. Okay. Now I'm really done.

Richelle Mead Signing Southampton

Richelle is easily one of my most favourite authors. I am completely obsessed with her Vampire Academy series, and her other two adult series are well up there on my faves list as well. Hearing she was coming to the UK for signings made me scream. Literally. I was ridiculously excited and text my best friends and we all agreed we'd have to go. No way could we miss this chance! So we made our way on Thursday to Southampton from where we live a couple hours away. Getting to Southampton was easy, but we were not so good at finding our way to the car park and got turned around a bunch. I think it took us about half an hour but never mind, we made it.

We got to the Waterstones where the signing was being held and headed downstairs to where it was being held. There we sat and filled out a quiz for a prize draw, and also took part with this:

It's a 'find your vampire name' spinner...thing. And when you'd spun it and gotten all the parts you needed for it, the 'name' was filled out on one of these enrollment forms:

If you can't make it out, my name came out as Mistress Camilla Dashkov The Wrathful. Not happy about having 'Dashkov' in my name, but 'Cam' is pretty close to 'Cem' so its kind of fitting. E, got the best name though, with both 'Rose' and 'Ozera' as part of it. Tough the end of R's was 'the Everlasting' which was pretty cool to! They also had a disk that you could spin, one side had 'Moroi' on it, the other 'Strigoi'. For those who haven't yet read the series (what the hell are you waiting for?!) Moroi are good, mortal vampires and Strigoi the evil killers. Both E. and I got Moroi and R, who is probably the sweetest of us, got Strigoi. Which amused the three of us no end! There were little badges for this too, being Moroi, I got a Moroi one where as R. got a Strigoi one:
The pen was free too, we picked them up when Richelle signed our books. They're actually a soft pink color, but for whatever reason it came out orange on my phone.

Then finally Richelle came out and did a reading from Spirit Bound. A spoiler free one sadly, though she nearly said the spoilery bit of the scene she was reading, but she caught herself just in time ;) [fyi it was the same reading that's been online for a while, you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viGbmrLk_s0] She also said that (her mistake) she had an old version of that scene, and she told us a little about what happened at the end of it.
After the reading she did a short Q & A session which was cool, got some interesting answers but nothing revealing about any of her series, as always! Then it was on to the actual signing and pictures with her:

Before heading home. We actually manged to get more lost getting out of Southampton because of lack of good signs! Took us about 40mins to actually be out on the road, but we were all pretty giddy anyway and didn't care all that much. We all agree it was a great time and Richelle was really, really sweet!! I really hope that her publishers bring her back to the UK some time so we've got a chance to go and meet her again. One thing only could have made it better for the three of us, and that would have been our other best friend being able to come with us. The whole thing was run really smoothly and was a good laugh from start to finish. So anyone who is a fan already, you should try and meet her if you can, anyone who's yet to read her books, read them! ;)

This is what my boredom brings you...

...a 1,400+ word post on the merits of Vampire Academy vs. Twilight. Apologies. I'll get back to reviews now ;)

Vampire Academy vs. Twilight

Summery
Vampire Academy: Rose is a 17 year old dhampir training to be a guardian to her best friend Lissa, a mortal vampire, a Moroi princess. The biggest threat they face are the immortal vampires, the Strigoi who hunt the Moroi and would love to turn or kill as many of the Moroi as they can. Rose's mentor is Dimitri Belikov and he's training her to be the very best she can be. And they're falling in love. In a world where a dhampirs soul job is to defend the Moroi they shouldn't be together, even if he wasn't her teacher and 7 years older.

Twilight: Bella is a human 17 year old who moves back to small town Forks to live with her dad after her mom remarries. There she meets the Cullen's and becomes obsessed with Edward. But the Cullen family are different, they're almost too beautiful to look at and keep completely to themselves. They're vampires. But that doesn't stop Bella going after Edward. Her best friend, Jacob Black, does his best to stop the relationship though. He's a werewolf and natural enemy to the vampires. He'd like nothing more than to take Edward apart and the feeling is mutual.

The Story
Vampire Academy is a full and well rounded story. It looks at friendship, and how it changes between two people who've known each other forever as they grow up and become adults. Love, both the 'I'd die for you' kind and the relationships that are more suited to friendship. Questioning the things you've always believed in as it's what you've always been told, and figuring out for yourself that life is not all that you thought. And it asks too big questions of Rose constantly: How far would she go to protect the ones she loves. And, how to choose between the two people she loves most when they both need her.

Twilight is almost solely a love story, with a little extra danger thrown in. Bella will do anything to be with Edward including turning her back on her friends, lying and running from her parents, basically ignoring all the people who want to keep her grounded in reality. She'll even give up her humanity to spend forever with him. Bella is wanted by vampires in Europe as well though, who are the law in the vampire world, creating the potential for serious conflict.

Characters
Rose Hathaway: Tough and independent she struggles to trust anyone. Aside from Dimitri and Lissa, she rarely lets people in. She's fiercely protective of Lissa and clearly cares deeply for her despite growing distance between them. She's fallen for her mentor, who's 7 years older than her. She knows they shouldn't be together however and does try to stay away from him. She can be bratty and impulsive and she tends to speak (or yell) before she thinks. But she has a much greater understanding of the world around her than most give her credit for. More so than some of the adults around her.

Bella Swan: She spends almost all of her time pining after Edward. If he's with her, she's upset she can't be closer to him, that he won't let her because she's 'too fragile', and if he's not with her, she wants to be with him. She cares about her best friend, Jacob, as well, but he's not enough for her to stop thinking about Edward. She can be impulsive, but where Rose knows there will be consequences when she acts suddenly, Bella doesn't and isn't prepared to deal with them. Her world revolves around Edward, she'll do anything to be with him and to protect him.

Dimitri Belikov: Strong, tall (really tall, like, 6' 7") and preferring to stay in his room and read when off duty, he's a very respected guardian, despite only being 24. He's completely dedicated to his duty, going against his training is like him going against nature. He may have feelings for Rose but he doesn't go soft on her. He's training her to be the very best she can be, to be one of the best guardians there are. And as much as he pushes her physically, he doesn't come close to pushing her romantically, in fact, he does what he can to avoid the relationship knowing it would be bad for both. But above all, he treats her with respect. Intense and deadly his temper can snap like Roses', but it's much better hidden and he can strike with the precision of a viper.

Edward Cullan: Equally obsessed with Bella. He takes to stalking her, breaking in to her room to watch her sleep at night (not cool - disturbing). He doesn't do much to encourage her to have a life besides him and his family. He may have a point wanting to marry her rather than turning her into a vampire, but with the stalking and other things, it falls flat. He may put up with Jacob for Bella, but he'd rather have her totally to himself.

Romantic Relationships
Vampire Academy: Rose and Dimitri may be forbidden, but it's not a reason for it. They fell for each other as they got to know each other. Learning that they had a lot in common, understood the other almost, if not better at times, then themselves, and on having a mutual respect for each other. It's a strong relationship, but it's not all consuming, they're still capable of being individuals.

Twilight: The majority of the story is about Bella and Edward. A love so consuming all other life fails to exist. Okay, there is a love triangle between Jacob, Bella and Edward as well, but it is very clear very early on that it's only ever going to be Edward, so it's a moot point. And the relationship between Bella and Edward isn't a healthy one, I'm not sure how people can say it is, because she turns her back on everyone and everything, including her own humanity for him, and he doesn't stop her. Not healthy.

Writing
The writing style in each book is very different. Ms. Mead gives her readers a clear and vivid image of the world and characters she's created. You can get to know characters quickly and easily and you're given good physical descriptions of them, with space to interpret for yourself. There is a great balance of darkness and grit, with a touch of humor to give some lighter moments. Ms. Meyer's work on the other hand is much more about Bella's feelings, rather than the physical nature of her experiences. There is little detailed description of the world around her or the people (with the exception of Edward) so you get a rough impression, but most of if you can make up yourself. Her tone isn't as strong and the words don't have the punch of Ms. Mead's as a result.

Vampire Lore
Twilight has little traditional vampire lore. They are supernaturally fast and strong, almost indestructible, but they're not affected by sunlight (apart from to sparkle of all things), a simple stake to the heart won't kill them and it takes a massive amount to destroy them. They do need blood to survive though and human food is a big no.

Vampire Academy however, has plenty of commonly found vampire lore, particularly with the Strigoi. They're immortal, supernaturally fast, strong, enhanced hearing and sight. They're evil and killers, hunting their prey alone or in groups. They're unable to enter holy buildings and daylight is a big no no. They can be killed with a silver stake to the heart or by decapitation. They, along with the Moroi and dhampir's, all have a basis in mythology and legend with Ms. Mead's own twists. But it's all much closer to that commonly found and recognized as vampire lore.

Overall opinion: Twilight is an okay series, but nothing more. The characters are pretty unbelievable at times and can get very annoying. Jacob was my sole reason for finishing the series and he seemed the best of the characters. Vampire Academy on the other hand has strong, but flawed characters, who are easy to relate to. The plot is strong and holds together very well making a great read. Twilight tends to drag on a bit, with Bella thinking of little but Edward. Would I buy another YA vampire series by Ms. Meyer? Unlikely. By Ms Mead? What's the quickest way to get it? Is yesterday too soon?

New Books!

I finally went on my book shopping spree a week and a half ago and bought 9 books, came home, ordered 3 more online. This week, going to buy another 3. So I thought I'd make a note of what I've bought so you can see what reviews are to come as I make my way through the pile. I've already reviewed Ill Wind and Glass Houses by Rachel Caine, Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead and Embraced By Darkness by Keri Arthur, the rest that I bought on that spree that are going to be reviewed are:

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Possession by Jennifer Armintrout
The Devil Inside by Jenna Black
Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

I also bought Don't Look Twice by Andrew Gross but I'm not going to review it on here, a new copy of Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast cause I had the US version and I'm OCD about books and wanted it to match the rest and I have the UK versions of the rest, and Eternal Lover which is an anthology and I probably won't review it.

The books on my 'must have' list for this week:
Untamed by P.C. and Kristin Cast
Hunted by P.C. and Kristin Cast
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (new covers - UK version and I'm buying a new copy cause mine have been re-read to often and show it a little too much!!)

There's a (pretty good) chance I'll buy the next Morganville Vampires book too, and of course all of these are going to be reviewed.

Paranormal Couples

The current poll on Bitten By Books is Who's Your Favorite Paranormal Couple? There are 3 couples there that I love to bits, but the answer was really easy for me. Rose and Dimitri, from Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series. Bella and Edward from Twilight are currently (shock) leading the board, though they only over took today, two days in. They are not one of my favorite couples. Rose and Dimitri were leading for a while and I really hope they take their place back. However, as with most things, the poll got me thinking about why I love them so much, and why I chose them over other favorite characters, Kelley Armstrong's Elena and Clay, and Rachel Vincent's Faythe and Marc. So forgive me while I indulge myself in getting in to it on here so it's clearer than in my head.

First, Edward and Bella. This is not a healthy relationship. To be with him she lies to her dad and her friends, she pulls away from real life and gives up her humanity to be with him. I'm sorry, I do actually like the series, but I don't love it. I don't think it deserves the hype it's gotten. It's just not that good. Bella is willing to change who she is to be with a guy, and that shouldn't happen. I don't think she should be lying to everyone around her in order to be with him.

Elena and Clay. Plenty of people will say they shouldn't be together, he's too possessive and it makes it a bad relationship. I don't think this is true. And I don't think he's that bad. He worships the ground she walks on. He would die for her in a heartbeat. He gave her the year in Toronto so she could figure out for herself that being with him was right, making himself miserable in the process. He may not be happy about it, but he does let her go and do her work elsewhere and take trips without him. He knows she capable of defending herself and doesn't try to protect her in that way. Their relationship is flawed, they fight, really badly at times, but it keeps it real. It's not straight forward and simple and easy. And I really love that.

Faythe and Marc. Again, a flawed relationship, but they love each other and they're willing to work at their problems to make things better. Faythe left Marc at the alter and when she returns home after 5 years, he still lets her know he loves her. He gave her the time and space at college in the hope she'd come back to him. Instead she's forced back and has to make the best of the situation. She realises that actually, she does still love him, but she's unwilling to just give in to him. There are outside forces at work to keep them apart as well, and they have to try and over come them. Marc is fiercely jealous and has serious anger management issues, and Faythe, being the strong willed cat she is, hates it. But they'll try and make it work regardless.

Rose and Dimitri. Oh man. Where to start. Okay, he's 7 years older than her, 24 to her 17. She's his student. They are meant to protect a Moroi Princess, Lissa, Rose's best friend, and not be thinking about each other. So, so many reasons why this relationship shouldn't work. But it does. And I love it. I think part of the reason is that I love Rose and Dimitri individually as well. They're strong characters and they don't rely on the other to survive. They're individuals as well. Dimitri falls for Rose early on after meeting her, but it doesn't change a whole lot. He trains her just as hard as he promised to, he doesn't show anything in the way of favoritism, and he doesn't hide the bad stuff from her. He doesn't try and protect her from anything. He's still trying to teach her to be the best Guardian for Lissa she can be, and succeeding. Rose doesn't spend all her time mooning over him, and their lack of relationship, sure she doesn't like it, but she's fairly willing to accept it. Shadow Kiss changes things and they spend a lot more time together, getting closer and closer. But it doesn't change how they work. It doesn't stop Rose from thinking about other things and it doesn't interfere with their duty. But they're willing to put the other first when they have to. I would love to talk about more, but I won't give away the major Shadow Kiss spoilers here. Not til I've read Blood Promise anyway.

Main theme here? Flawed, not all consuming relationships. I like something with realness to it. Twilight is romance with vampires thrown in, and maybe lying to parents about a guy is real, but voluntarily dying to be with him? Sorry can't go with that. I would love to see Rose and Dimitri win the poll for their decidedly complicated, flawed, not all consuming and yet loving relationship, and there was a glimpse as to why.

I'll stop boring you all now and go back to my closet to carry on reading The Host. Odd book. But okay so far.

Books, Books and More Books

So I finally got 8th Confession by James Patterson yesterday after being messed around by a bookseller company that shall remain nameless. And I've been waiting for it since the last one came out a year ago. But I'm not going to review it. If I try, I'm just going to end up ranting. Overall, I like it. But there are parts of it that drive me mad. That just don't fit with everything that went before and bits that simpy make no sense. So, I'm leaving it unreviewd on here. I'll rant about it in my Word document where reviews for everything I've read this year live.

Today is a good book day though. Snitch by Allison van Diepen arrived in the post and I bought 3 books whist out shopping. Or rather, I went out shopping to get said books. And last night I started Working For The Devil by Lilith Saintcrow and shall admit to being hooked by Dante Valentine within moments. To the extent where one of the books I bought today is the second in the series even though I had only read a few pages last night. Impulsive maybe, but I really don't care! The other two books, in case anyone is interested for some completely ridiculus reason, are One Dog At A Time by Pen Farthing (a royal marine who started rescuing strays in Afghanistan) and Tempting Evil by Keri Arthur. Hmm, should make another confession there, Keri Arthurs Riley Jenson series is one I gave up on a couple of years ago. I wasn't getting on with it anymore, so I stoped reading them. But I was reading Keri's short story in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, which is from a different characters perspective, and got interested again. So I'm going to give it another try.

Final thing, yes book related again, the cover for Blood Promise has been released!! I'm ridiculusly happy about this. Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series is one of my most favourite series' ever. And certainly my favourite teen series ever. I'm a little obsessed, I admit, and I'm fine with that. The covers for the first 3 books have been redone too, and I prefer them. I don't think they come close to doing the content inside justice, but I still really like them. There is a problem with this though. They won't match. If I don't replace the first three, then the series won't match, I'll have 3 with old covers and 2 with new. So, I've got to replace the first three when they're out, more money lol. Another problem. Blood Promise is coming out in hardback, not paperback. Which Richelle totally deserves, the series is awesome and she deserves her books being in hardback for that reason. But, again, they won't match. And if anyone suggests me waiting for the paper back? *laughs histerically* Yep, never happen. So that means I'll be replacing the hard back with the paperback a year later too. Just so they all match. This is why publishers do it. Change covers and stuff half way through a series, so people like me who are OCD about books, spend more money. lol I really can't find the heart to care. Oh, and in case you want to see the new covers now I've babbled on about them, Richelle's Blog has the pics.