blo Teens Read and Write: House of Night (Giveaway Points Post)

GIVEAWAY for Swag, Books and a Kindle Fire!

This week's blogs to visit on the Demons At Deadnight Tour:

Feb 6: Seeing Creative Guest Post: Characterization through Banter Hex Boy Style

Feb 7: Books and Things Character Interview: Matthias, dark, Hex Boy Hottie.

Feb 8:The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia: Review Demons At Deadnight

Feb 9: The Book Vixen: Top 10

Feb 10: Mindful Musings: Guest Post

Monday, November 9, 2009

House of Night (Giveaway Points Post)

Giveaway ALERT! If you've already entered the contest, a comment on this post (within 5 days of post date) gets you 2 extra entries in our MegaBook Giveaway. If you haven't entered yet, go to the contest post (or click on the contest link on the upper right sidebar) to learn about the giveaway and enter! Good luck!

Marked and Betrayed
by
P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
pub: 2007
320 pages each

Synopsis: Enter the dark, magical world of The House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledging vampyre and joins The House of Night, a school where she will trained to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change -- and not all of those who are Marked do.

It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at The House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

I love the Cast's take on vampyre lore. It's similar to the Charlaine Harris vamps in that everyone knows vampires are out there and are generally accepted by society.

In this series, the vampyre disease only shows up when you hit puberty -- so basically when you hit high school -- but you don't know if you have it until an adult vamp taps your forehead and --tada!-- a crescent moon outline appears on your forehead. You get sent to vampyre school, and if the disease doesn't kill you in four years then you graduate as a full-on vamp, the crescent moon on your forehead fills in, the change creates beautiful tattoos all over your body and, of course, some vamps have special powers. You still have to deal with blood-lust and sunlight to a degree, but that comes with vampyre territory.

The plot is insanely interesting - seeing as it revolves around this new breed of vampyre it had to be interesting! A newbie conquering the all powerful priestess? Oh yeah, the twists and turns are great!

Oh...did I forget to mention vampyre hotties? Yeah, House of Night is full of them. Of course, that means sexual tension, but...no, actually, I can't find a problem with that.

Alas, this series is just not for me. My brothers were shocked. "It has vampires. It was like...written for you." Zoey is a strong character, but a tad too teenage angsty for me. There were things in the book that took me out of the moment, things that just do not belong in a teenage protagonist's voice - things that adults think belong in a teenage protagonist's voice.

For example, Zoey has this irritating aversion to swearing, which...no-swearing is fine, but it's not like Zoey says "Dang it" or "Shucks" or just plain avoids swearing, Zoey says "poopie." Yeah, you read that right, poopie. I made it through the third book (Chosen) before I shrugged off the series.

One the other hand, one of my life long friends absolutely loves this series. She basically has each book framed on her wall. Little creepy. In fact, she just called me while I wrote this post and let me know she wasn't slowly dying anymore because she finally got time to start reading Tempted, the sixth installment in this series.

I will admit, the ideas the Cast mother daughter team present are unique they do a great job of drawing you into the House of Night world.

This book really is in the eye of the beholder. You'll either love it or hate it or shrug and "meh" it. Reading is soooo subjective. I figured we'd better throw Marked and Betrayed in the give away since, just because I didn't like it, doesn't mean everyone else doesn't or won't like it either. And everywhere I look this series gets five star reviews.

I'd recommend this series to older paranormal fans.

Older because that sexual tension escalates into sexual content.


We have Marked and Betrayed available in the MegaBook Giveaway, so go to the contest post to enter!

Posted by Alyssa Kirk at Monday, November 09, 2009
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

76 comments:

  1. Hmmm interesting review, Alyssa. It still seems like a worthwhile read, since so many people like the series.
    ReplyDelete
  2. I really want to read these books. I've been holding these at the bookstore but I always choose something else to buy. Maybe I buy the 1st book next time I go to the city. :)
    ReplyDelete
  3. I loved this series, I bought Tempted (UK) cover but I haven't read it yet ^^

    Too many great books to read I wish I could read them all at once =P
    ReplyDelete
  4. My copy of Marked is making its way to me as we speak. Can't wait!
    ReplyDelete
  5. I find myself trying to avoid most vampire novels right now because they all seem to share the "sixteen-year-old girl gets drawn into the world of vampires" theme.
    I personally would like a book with male vampires as the lead, fighting over something that is not a sixteen-year-old girl =T

    - ninefly(at)gmail.com
    ReplyDelete
  6. I love this series. The last one is on my shelf, I hope to get to it soon!
    zenfoxflower@yahoo.com
    Elie (Ellz Readz)
    ReplyDelete
  7. I love this series!! I have read them all, including the newest one. :)
    ReplyDelete
  8. Giggles, poopie. I have heard that there is a lot of sex in it and she says poopie?

    Come on, I have always swore like whatever.
    ReplyDelete
  9. Haha! Poopie :P I haven't read the series, but if given the chance, I'd give it a try :)
    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd have to agree with ninefly in avoiding vampire stories as of late. I've seen this books all over the place, but I always felt like they were too teenage angst for me. Knowing that you agree, I probably won't be picking them up.

    :D Nikki
    ReplyDelete
  11. Great review! I love the series, and have all the books except Tempted (because it hasn't reach bookstores here yet)
    ReplyDelete
  12. I sort of feel the same way about this series that you did. I've read the first three only, and I'm not sure if I'll read the 4th one. There is just something wrong about it. Something that seems like the characters are trying too hard to be teenagers. I also found it got super boring at times.
    I agree about her aversion to swearing - I had an aversion to swearing as a teen, and so I understand that. I just think it's presented in the wrong way. I would say f. Zoey, like you said, says things like poopie. It's just weird.
    ReplyDelete
  13. It sounds like a good series.
    tirachii@yahoo.com

    http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/
    ReplyDelete
  14. Vampires and hotties? I'm going to love this serie!
    And the covers are so beautiful... love Untamed and Betrayed!
    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the covers of all of these books. They look really good. I love vampires!
    ReplyDelete
  16. This series looks interesting, but I don't know why they just don't appeal to me.
    ReplyDelete
  17. I have to agree with you, I'm not a big fan of this series either...it grew a little on me though when I read the 2nd book.
    ReplyDelete
  18. For me, the fact that Zoey didn't swear was what really drew me into it. I guess it's because a couple of my friends are the same way.

    It sucks that this wasn't the series for you :( At least you gave it a shot though!

    -Jess
    (Find the Time to Read)
    ReplyDelete
  19. I loved the first two - especially the vampire lore - but Zoey really got on my nerves in Chosen so I stopped reading them! Great review as always, Alyssa!
    ReplyDelete
  20. I like this series, it's okay, but I kinda agree with what your saying. I could not stand the boyfriend drama, it seemed like too much. As did the non-cursing issue, it got really old. Once I read a series though I have to finish it.
    ReplyDelete
  21. I've only read the first book and it was quite good but I'm not motivated to read the others. I feel like it's going to make twists in the story just for making more books. It's true that there are going to be 13 books?
    I don't feel like reading them all.

    estereta(at)ymail(dot)com
    ReplyDelete
  22. The entire concept behind these books is great!
    ReplyDelete
  23. A-ha! I knew there was a reason why I've steered clear of these books so far. The ratings I've come across have been up in the air from what I've seen. But I imagine I'll eventually make my to the first book just to check it out.

    Poopie? Really? I don't think I've used that word since the 3rd grade, haha. Great review, thanks for the insight!
    ReplyDelete
  24. I have this book but I am loaded down with things I must read first so it sits on my shelf just waiting for me to get their..lol
    ReplyDelete
  25. Great review. I loved the series when I first started it and am now more in the middle. There are parts I still like and parts that get on my nerves. But I agree it is for an older audience. Which is where I think it messes up. If you are older there are things, like the boyfriend drama that will bother you and get old fast, but if you are younger there are some things better left for older readers. Its almost like they couldnt decide really what audience they were going for.

    However, I am still reading it and will get Tempted soon because the overall story line is great.
    ReplyDelete
  26. Uhm. I haven't read this series yet - mainly because after Let The Right One In and The Silver Kiss I needed a bit of rest with vampires and all. Today I started the first book of the Sweep series by Cate Tiernan... and, much to my surprise, I couldn't put it down until the end. Now I'm reading the second book in the series, The Coven... it's great, really great!
    ReplyDelete
  27. I loved this series and am dying to find the time to grab a copy of Tempted!
    ReplyDelete
  28. I (finally!) just got Marked. I can't wait to start this series. It seems very good.
    ReplyDelete
  29. I can't wait to start reading this series it sounds amazing
    ReplyDelete
  30. I've read the first two books in the series, and I did enjoy them, but there were bits (yes, like "poopie") that got to me a bit, and seemed a bit silly though. However, I'm going to check out the others when I find them either 2nd hand or in a library.
    Already entered the giveaway.
    ReplyDelete
  31. These books were pretty good. Annoying with the whole boy drama, but I still like them nonetheless:)
    ReplyDelete
  32. I really enjoyed the 1st 4 books, but Hunted and Tempted are just not up to par. I hope Burned is a lot better.
    ReplyDelete
  33. I've read the first few, and the plot and concept are good, and for me, those can help overshadow some of the more weak points. The series is good if you read it like a light read.
    ReplyDelete
  34. I too liked the series until the third book. Your review of the series matches pretty well up with what I thought about it after reading Chosen. :)
    ReplyDelete
  35. I enjoy this series. It's not my all time fav., but I do enjoy it. I haven't had a chance to pick up and read the latest in the series, thinking I might just wait to ask for it for christmas. :o)

    Thanks for the review!
    -Lisa
    alifeboundbybooks@hotmail.com
    ReplyDelete
  36. This series is awesome. I've read the first five but haven't gotten hold of Tempted yet.
    ReplyDelete
  37. I just might have to check out Bookmooch for this series. :)
    ReplyDelete
  38. I think it's a good series. Not outstanding, but not amazingly horribly either. It's...entertaining. (:
    ReplyDelete
  39. She says..."poopie"? Seriously?
    Anyways, I'm burnt out on vampires. I read a few pages of the first book awhile ago and decided it wasn't for me.
    ReplyDelete
  40. I love this series!!!

    I even did my first review on Tempted
    (storywings.blogspot.com)

    + 2 points btw
    ReplyDelete
  41. Enjoyed the review. What an intriguing plot.
    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi :)
    I haven't read this series yet but I've read great reviews for this mother-daughter writing team.
    Thank you for sharing,
    All the best,
    RKCharron
    xoxo
    ReplyDelete
  43. I didn't like it either. I was annoyed to tears with Zoey. Did you notice how much everyone said "hateful" on one page? And they describe food as "yummy" in a dead serious manner? *shoots self in face*
    ReplyDelete
  45. You've been splashed!!

    There is an award waiting for you at my blog:

    http://readingwithtequila.blogspot.com/2009/11/mermaid-splash-award.html
    ReplyDelete
  46. never heard about this book ! sounds great. you are so great about the giveaway;)
    ReplyDelete
  48. oh my gosh, there's already 6 books in the house of night series! my, my have i missed out on a lot! i have to read these books!
    ReplyDelete
  49. Read so many things about these books, just haven't read them yet. Hopefully soon, when the holidays kick in!
    ReplyDelete
  50. Marked was just an okay book for me. I'm still not sure if I'll be reading the rest of the books in the series.
    ReplyDelete
  51. This is one of the series I cant wait to read, I havent been able to but I definetely will ;) they look so good!
    ReplyDelete
  52. I should read this books. I really should. D:
    ReplyDelete
  53. I'm halfway through reading Marked - and have been for ages. Usually I read books quickly but I just don't feel the urge to power through the novel. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either - I think I'm one of those 'meh' people. The idea and plot is definitely intriguing and unique, but I just haven't been able to get into the story like some people have. The beauty of differing opinions! :)
    ReplyDelete
  54. I know what you mean, Brodie. So many books that I'm reading are on hold indefinitely.
    ReplyDelete
  55. I've never read these books just because of reviews like yours. I don't think I could honestly get through a book where the protagonist says "Poopie". I don't like cussing, but come on.

    The covers rock, though,
    ReplyDelete
  56. I still haven't read this series and have been meaning to start.
    ReplyDelete
  57. I agree with you with the swearing and etc , but i still like the series i overlook that in favor of the storie (and the hotties).
    ReplyDelete
  58. Ooh! I saw this series at the bookstore. But boo, no money. I'd love to start it though ;)
    ReplyDelete
  59. That's great you're including these. one of my friends disliked the 1st on in the series but because she already had the next one, continued on and loved them all.
    PS thanks for the hottie pic LOL
    ReplyDelete
  60. I really didnt like these books (read the first two gave, up but i am inlove with the covers
    ReplyDelete
  61. I definitely "meh'd" this one. I wasn't a huge fan, but I've been reading the sequels just to see what happened. The plot's interesting, but I can't stand a lot of the characters. Thanks for the review!

    Natalie @ Mindful Musings
    ReplyDelete
  62. I've heard good things about these! I dunno about the "poopie" nonsense though, I think that would really irritate me...
    ReplyDelete
  63. i love this series. me and my two other friends talk anout it a lot. i get why you dont like it. one of my friends started reading it also but didnt finish it because he didnt like how the characters acted. good honest review :)
    ReplyDelete
  64. This series is my guilty pleasure. Honestly I don't think they are written all that well, but something abou them keeps me reading. I don't know if it's the whole watching a train wreck thing or what. I'll make it through the series I'm sure.
    ReplyDelete
  65. Vampires and school are so very interesting and fun to read.

    Seahn
    ReplyDelete
  66. All I need to read is the newest one! I wanna read it so bad, too. It feels like I've been waiting forever, lol. But this series is great. Even my offline friends enjoyed it, lol.

    -Brittany (brttmclv@aol.com)
    ReplyDelete
  67. I like reading about paranormal plots too, Seahn :)
    ReplyDelete
  68. Hmmm. I heard good things and bad things about this series. Guess I'll read it and make my own opinion. :)
    ReplyDelete
  69. I read the first two books, but the series didn't grab me much. I might read the rest in the future, but it's not on my priority list. o_O I totally agree that reading is subjective~

    Nice review =)
    ReplyDelete
  71. More good comments - some books do garner a "meh" reaction! You can't love 'em all!
    And you guys are going to have a time of it adding up all the extra entries for everyone too! Whew!
    ReplyDelete
  72. "Poopie"? You mean it's not cool to substitute swear words with that? XD
    I don't know if I could a character seriously if they said that too much.
    ReplyDelete
  73. OH my, a little naughty... I'm curious about that teacher with the misuse of powers...hmmmmm
    ReplyDelete
  74. I didn't want to read this series because my sister hated it. But she hated Twilight too, which I love. I won the first on in a contest and am looking forward to reading it because of your review.
    ReplyDelete
  75. My friend has suggested for me to read these books. Shall add this to my long list of books to read :)

    Robyn
    ReplyDelete
  76. I've wanted to read this series for so long and still haven't gotten to it. You've made me anxious to start it!
    ReplyDelete

Your comments brighten our day!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...