Life is slowly getting back to normal after the Strigoi Spokane skirmish at the end of Frostbite. Lissa's learning more about her abilities and Rose is just about to start the Field Experiment - the most important part of her guardian training. But things don't go according to her plan and she's less than happy with her assigned Moroi. 
 But as all dhampire guardians have been told since they were old enough to begin training, "Moroi come first Guardians [are] shadows." 
 Combined with the stress of a trainer staged attack at any moment, Rose has to cope with her ever-changing bond to Lissa and the emotional fallout from the Strigoi attack as well as her strained secret forbidden romantic relationship and the criminal trial of a former Moroi royal. 
 I love these books. I love the characters and the adventure that each instalment of the Vampire Academy series takes me on. There's so much that happens. Vampire politics makes more of an appearance in this book with the Queen trying to get Lissa under her wing and away from bad influences like Rose. More is revealed regarding the bond Rose and Lissa share as well as more 'benefits' from Rose shadow-kissed nature. 
 We got to see more of what everyday life is like for a Guardian - it seems a lot more boring than life at St Vladamir's.... things there seem to be an adventure every day! 
 I felt like character wise Rose has both matured and slightly regressed since the end of the last novel. I don't want to go into any spoilers but despite that I adore Rose. She's strong and flawed but entertaining to read. 
 I'm so glad that I had the fourth book in the series, Blood Promise, because the end of this book just about killed me - I wouldn't have been able to wait before finding out what happened next. 
 Shadow Kiss is my favourite book of this series so far. It's exciting and romantic and frightening but fantastic all at the same time.