Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rosea] Itas winter break at St. Vladimiras, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academyas crawling with Guardiansaincluding Roseas hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasnat bad enough, Roseas tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Masonas got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissaas head while sheas making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academyas not taking any risksa].This year, St. Vladas annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a pricea]