Gr 9 Up-This latest installment is a wonderful mix of love, loss, loyalty, and betrayal. Half vampire and half human, Rose Hathaway's world is torn apart when the love of her life, Dimitri, is turned into a Strigoi, one of a group of evil, undead vampires out to destroy the Moroi, who are living vampires. She drops out of St. Vladimir's Academy and journeys to Russia to save Dimitri from himself. In St. Petersburg, she befriends Sydney, a member of a secret group of alchemists who aids in her quest. Together they track down Dimitri's family in Omsk; her stay there gives her time to heal as well as to make an important discovery about her relationship to her friend Lissa, a Moroi princess with healing abilities. When Rose confronts Dimitri, he takes her hostage and puts her to the ultimate test. The story features strong character development and an action-packed plot full of many twists and turns. A well-written and satisfying story that will leave older teens wanting more. Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

When Rose's mentor/lover Dimitri becomes a vampire, she must destroy him--despite the logistical and emotional obstacles in her way. Meanwhile, best friend Lissa faces her own troubles at home. Rose's sassiness balances the dark undercurrents, but her increasingly disturbing relationship with Dimitri has a queasy subtext that may push romantic angst too far for the series' target audience.