Book Review: Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead
When I picked up Frostbite, the second book in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series, I was excited to dive back into the world of vampires—a genre that has always captivated my imagination. With the first installment leaving me somewhat indifferent, I was eager to see if this much-lauded sequel would rekindle my interest. After all, I had heard whispers that this series was worth the hype and that the characters truly developed as the books progressed. Spoiler alert: Frostbite left me feeling just as conflicted as the first.
Right out the gate, the plot begins with the looming threat of Strigoi—the more sinister vampires—and the introduction of a winter break at the Academy, which sets the stage for the ensuing chaos. Rose, our headstrong protagonist and guardian-in-training, is as impulsive and brash as ever. Her boldness, while refreshing in a landscape filled with stereotypical heroes, also borders on annoyance. How many times can we watch a character make rash decisions, particularly when a princess’s safety is at stake? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at a heroine who seemed more preoccupied with her love life than her responsibilities.
Speaking of love, the affection triangle between Rose, her charmingly brooding mentor Dimitri, and the adorably sweet Mason feels predictable. It’s the classic "who will she choose?" scenario, and it feels more like a formula than a genuine exploration of emotions. Love triangles, in my opinion, should evoke angst and complexity, but here it often feels like a checkbox on the author’s to-do list. I craved depth and conflict, yet the stakes felt lower than they could have been.
The characters do shine in bursts, especially the witty remarks from the supporting cast. I appreciated that Mead gives her teens a voice that feels relatable, even if Rose’s narrative voice often veers into "telling" rather than "showing." Still, there were moments of vulnerability and camaraderie that pulled me in—especially when the characters bond over the vampire lore that Mead intricately weaves throughout the narrative. The world-building, rooted in real mythology, is where Mead truly excels. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the layers of vampire lore that enrich the story, making it far more captivating than your typical paranormal fare.
In terms of writing style, Frostbite delivers a mixed bag. Although the prose is straightforward and often cliché, it fosters a brisk pace that keeps you moving forward. Occasionally, the author stumbles into corny territory—the prologue, attempting to set the stage, was particularly cringeworthy. But credit where it’s due: Mead’s capacity to craft relatable teen dialogues brings some levity to the heavier themes of sacrifice and loyalty.
In conclusion, while Frostbite didn’t entirely win me over, I can see why it resonates with its audience. If you revel in supernatural teen drama and are willing to overlook some predictability for engaging world-building and snappy one-liners, you may enjoy this series. For this reader, however, the journey feels a touch too familiar—not enough surprises to clear the haze of predictability. Whether I’ll dive into the next in the series remains to be seen; perhaps the intrigue of further character development will pull me back in. After all, what’s a series without a little curiosity?
Discover more about Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2) on GoodReads >>