Vampire Academy is the second novel written by Seattle-based Richelle Mead. This time, she takes us back to school -- vampire school, to be exact.

The story begins when Vasilissa Dragomir and Rose Hathaway are apprehended by the Vampire Academy's truant squad and returned to school after a runaway attempt. Lissa, who is a Moroi and a true vampire, is one of the Royals who is close to the vampire throne. Rose, who is a Dhampir, is destined to protect her. Moreover, Rose is bound to Lissa's mind in a way no guardian has been since the days of the saints. Lissa has a talent that frightened them both into getting away from the school.

Of course, things are different when they return, and the once-popular duo is the subject of rumors and character assassinations. Typical high school stuff, only this time lives are at stake.

Vampire Academy is a great read. Mead's idea of vampires is slightly different than what I am accustomed to, but she does a great job explaining how Dhampirs, Morois and Strigois differ. Her world and rules are very good, for the most part. Her characters are people you wanted to care about and read more about.

My one complaint is that Mead did not set the scene as well as she did in her first book, Succubus Blues. While the book is still easy to follow, I wanted to be as firmly in the place as I was in the world and its characters.

I will be looking for the next book in this series and strongly recommending it for young adult readers as well.