I’ve recently completed the entire Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, and I was surprised at how good they were. I mean, teens and vampires do not always mix well. However, Mead’s world of dhampir guardians and Moroi vampire royalty was fascinating. There was a movie based off the first book, but it pales in comparison to the book. However, I did like the way they portrayed today’s crushworthy character. He had the badass, Russian cowboy vibe that made him lovable in the books. So, without further ado, I give you Dimitri Belikov.
Who is He?
Dimitri Belikov is a dhampir guardian in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series. He is played by Danila Kozlovsky in the film. He makes his first appearance as he comes to retrieve Vasilisa Dragomir and Rosemarie Hathaway to bring them back to St. Vladimir’s Academy. Dimitri is known as a god among guardians — there is hardly anyone who can match his skill. However, he has a hidden well of emotions and is always determined to do the right thing.
Fun Fact:
Dimitri loves to read Old West novels and wears a cowboy duster.
Art by nma-art
Why So Crushworthy?
I have a soft spot for male characters who are tough on the outside but full of fire on the inside. Dimitri is such a character. The face he shows to the world is one of the perfect dhampir guardian. He kicks Strigoi butt and trains Rose with the discipline of an army sergeant. He hides his emotions from everyone, except Rose. He struggles to keep that wall up but fails when he is around her. Dimitri is fearless in front of Strigoi but is always afraid of losing Rose. He wants to keep his honor and love Rose. He tries many times to push her away, but she is the other half of Dimitri.
Dimitri has his moments of passion that shows the depth of his feelings. Even he goes to the dark side; there is still a small part of him that maintains who he was. Cruelty and blood can’t warp his soul completely. Although Rose is the real heroine of the books, she is Dimitri’s equal. Dimitri tries to think of her as a student, but he truly comes to respect her and love her. He never treats her less, even when he tries to protect her. I enjoyed reading his vulnerable moments as well as his battle scenes. He is a great, well-rounded character and is entirely crushworthy.
