Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

From back cover: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose is a dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger…

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I hardly ever read books twice, but even my second time will not be the last for this long-standing member of my favorites shelf.

Within the excitement of the typical high school drama is a series chronicling a thrilling struggle between life and death where Rose must choose between chasing after her deepest desires and risking it all for the greater good.

Friendships are the most important relationship in a person’s life at this age, yet it’s rare that friendship is ever given attention. The self-sacrificial bond between protagonists Rose and Lissa is as inspiring and unforgettable as the thrilling plot with its mysteries, humor, and unpredictable twists. The connections between developing couples are entangled with life and death and put other YA romantic connections to shame. If I were moroi royalty, I’d declare this book a classic.