Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Synopsis:
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 Hathaway 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.

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Vampire Academy reminded me of just about every other teenage vampire book that is out there.  It is closely related to the Marked series by P.C. Cast, but I found this to be more involved.  The plot and story-line is good, and the characters are described in-depth.  We feel their emotions and can understand clearly what they are going through.  The first book in this series introduces us to Rose and Lissa.  Two best friends who have an amazing bond, although they don't understand how it was developed. The book leads us through the difficult time in trying to discover more about their bond, as well as the tortures that high school can bring.  I think teenagers are able to relate to some of the ideas in this book because high school is not the friendliest place on earth.   There are troubles and no one gets along all of the time.  Rose and Lissa show how two best friends, while trusting few around them, are able to protect each other and gain more understanding into themselves.