** spoiler alert ** 
 Holy mother of Dimitri's hotness. I did NOT foresee the series taking this sort of turn. 
 This book proved to be my favorite thus far. Unlike the first three, most of this book was spent away from the actual Academy where we truly got to see Rose's drive and determination outside of her schooling. She was alone, working towards reuniting herself with her former lover in an effort to kill him. She clearly has more backbone than me. I would have stayed on campus and waited for him to come to me. 
 I loved how the character of Dimitri was written. I honestly didn't expect to see him that much, but with the inclusion of past events between him and Rose we did not see (like the snow angels, etc.), I feel like we got to know him even more. Then through his family we learned even more about his personality as a young boy, all that shaped him into the man he eventually became. 
 THEN we actually meet Strigoi Dimitri! 
 O.O 
 To say I expected to see him so early would be a lie. I figured it would be a while, maybe even the next book, before we finally laid eyes on him as one of the undead. And poor Rose, trying so hard to end his existence when he's offering her eternal life. Even though she knows in the back of her mind he's a different person/being, she wanted him so. I think it demonstrates how their love transcends even death. They're destined to be together - at least, that's what I foresee. Dimitri is obviously my favorite character, despite his current obsession with blood and power. Turning him truly hurt the rest of the world. They created the ultimate Strigoi - like Rose said, he's pretty much a god. 
 Adored his family, even his wacky grandmother. Something tells me we will see her again. I know the next book will lead Rose to a cure from Strigoi. At least I hope so! So I imagine we'll see his family again. Viktoria probably even feels bad, how Rose and her left things. 
 Then there was Lissa. Honestly, she's not my favorite character right now. I even declared to hate her when she cheated on Christian. That was NOT okay, and I'm glad Christian stood up for himself. She's not my least favorite person anymore since I do now understand Avery had much to do with Lissa's downfall, but I'm certainly wary of her. She needs to be a better friend to Rose and stop placing blame. Rose isn't perfect and made mistakes (I think towards Adrian than anyone else), but Lissa made a hell of a lot more. 
 Then there was Abe. I don't know how I knew, but I trusted him from the start. It hit me who he was - the names clicked into place - when he finally convinced Rose to leave the Belikovs. I think because he just wanted her to go home. He easily could have broken her legs, or did to her with intimidation what he does with everyone else, but he didn't. I knew then that he was her father. I think he'll play a bigger role later. Plus, I think her mother and Abe have some unfinished business. 
 So excited for the next book! With Dimitri stalking her and Viktor refusing to talk to her, I think she's got a few things to worry about. 
 Oh and finally: I heart Adrian. Dimitri is still the one for Rose, but I really do like Adrian.