Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead

In this novel there are 3 types of vampires:
1) Moroi (Born vampires)
2) Dhampirs (half breed - vampire/human) Sworn to protect all Moroi from Strigoi.
3) Strigoi (extremely powerful vampires that have been damned and will stop at nothing to kill all Moroi.)

A Dhampir named Rose and her best friend Lissa have been on the run for 2 years. It's up to Rose to keep Lissa, a vampire princess and the last in the Dragomir line, safe from Strigoi. Rose and Lissa share a special bond because of Lissa's special abilities. They are captured and returned to the Vampire Academy from which they escaped to face ridicule, speculation, and danger.

Lots of social politics and pressures. Adult content, language, steamy sex, love triangles, friendships and loyalty. Strangely fascinating and exciting plot that has you up all night reading instead of sleeping. I was pleasantly surprised I liked this series so much. After reading the "Twilight series" I didn't think anything could compare. The main character turns out to be Rose and not Lissa which confused me a little in the beginning but I enjoyed this book and the 2 others that followed.

READ AN EXCERPT FROM VAMPIRE ACADEMY CLICK HERE!

Book 2 Frostbite
Book 3 Shadow Kiss
Book 4 Blood Promise
Book 5 Spirit Bound
Book 6 Last Sacrifice (releases Dec 7, 2010)