I admit (begrudgingly) that I have under-estimated Richelle Mead’s writing. I liked the first book, but I didn’t really like the second book and I decided that this would be the deal breaker over whether I would continue with the series. Well, the first book (Vampire Academy) was nothing compared to this; I was pulled in from the very start and there was no way I was going to put that book down until I was done.

Yet again, we follow the story of Rose and Dimitri and their complicated relationship. I never minded Dimitri, but he never seemed like he was worth all the fuss that Rose would throw over him and I admit I was wrong about that. In this book we get a closer look into all the characters’ lives, Dimitri included, and I found myself starting to really enjoy his character, as well as the other characters I had yet to warm up to.

This book was definitely worth the read and I have nothing negative to say about it. It’s exciting, thrilling, suspenseful and interesting; it has the whole package. It will pull you in and it will not let you go until you’re done. It’s one of those books that with every page turn, you will be more engrossed in it and (try as you might) you won’t be able to put it down without it clouding your thoughts and taking over your everyday life.

Yet again, if you’re following the series, keep going, you won’t be disappointed and if you aren’t, do. The first and second books are nothing compared to the sheer awesomeness of this book.

OMG! What a story! What drama! What passion! What... I can’t believe that ending!

In truth, I’m reviewing this AFTER Blood Promise. I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t wait, I had to start reading it as soon as I’d finished this book!

I’m still undecided as to whether or not Richelle Mead is the devil incarnate or an angel from heaven, but Shadow Kiss is just wonderful!

We finally start to see Rose as a Guardian, and understand more what the bond between her and Lissa really means. Although she still has the odd brattish moments, she’s rapidly becoming an ‘adult’, even when things really aren’t fair!

As with the rest of this series, we’ve got the relationship issues between Rose and Dimetri to contend with, as well as Rose’s relationship with Lissa. There is also the normal plot twists I’ve come to love from this series and, as you may gathered, none better than the ending.  I started the next book still not quite believing it was real!

It was nice to see Christian and Adrian both play strong roles in this book, and I find myself really starting to like them both as they become real characters, rather than just accessories to fuel Lissa & Roses scenes.

We get to revisit Victor as well, which leads for some interesting flash backs, but overall I had to wonder what really was the point. Actually, there were a couple of ‘huh’ moments throughout Shadow Kiss, where I was really wondering what the point in telling us that was, but these were short moments, so not enough (at the time) to distract from the story. However, the way everything gets woven together is just typical of Ms Mead!

Again we get wonderful writing style, the flow of words, the ease of scene transitions and the rug pulled out from under us. All things I’ve come to expect from anything written by Richelle Mead. It’s true, she does have a definite style and it’s simply she’s just good.

Shadow Kiss really is one of those books where you turn the phone off and lock yourself in your room. The only sounds to be heard for the next few hours will be the sounds of pages turning, and the odd gasp.