Review: Untamed (House of Night Series #4)

• Title: Untamed
  
• Author: P.C and Kristin Cast
  
• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Received From: I Bought it
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (September 29, 2009)
• Genre: Fantasy/Fiction/YA
• Cover: A+
  
• Overall: B
  
• ISBN-10: 0312596308

Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird – she’s become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, of the two Zoey has left, one is undead and one is unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her? Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wld and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened.

I am not going to lie I did not think that this book in the series brought the Amazing factor like the rest of the books. Don't get me wrong it was still a good book however I did think the others where much more stronger. I feel like this book had alot less action in it well, except for the end but don't worry I will not spoil that for any of you! I feel like this book dug more into Zoeys personal life and I did like that however I would have liked too see more action. I did think the Raven Mockers and the background too them where really cool, however it seemed like a build up to more build up lol!

I think the plot could have been stronger because it seemed secondary to me over the issues with Zoey and boys. I also thought that the character development could have continued and not just stayed where it was in the last book. However I did like certain scenarios for instant when Erik came to be a teacher, I thought that was an interesting turn of events. I also enjoyed the fact that Neferet is waging war on humans and that Zoey must find a way to stop it, I think that really brought up the plot for me.

Overall I would not say a bad book but just not my personal favorite in the entire series. I like a mix of all the elements: Action, Romance, Comedy, and Suspense! But what can I say I am hooked on this series so they have not lost me =)

So What Did You Think of Untamed?
-Or-
Will You Read It?

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Review: Chosen (House of Night Series #3)

• Title: Chosen
  
• Author: P.C and Kristin Cast
  
• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Received From: I Bought it
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (March 4, 2008)
• Genre: Fantasy/Fiction/YA
• Cover: A+
  
• Overall: A-
  
• ISBN-10: 0312360304

Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and Zoey Redbird's adventures at the school take a mysterious turn. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare situation of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster. Just when it seems things couldn't get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres. But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely affects the truth...

I keep loving this series more and more as I go on! I find that this series is such a good read and it keeps getting stronger. The characters are developing along with the story and to me that is what makes for a great series! I also love the fact that Zoey is not being portrayed as perfect, because at that age no one is perfect. Well actual no one is perfect, what I am trying to say I think it is a very wise move on the authors to show that not only is Zoey a really strong Vampyre but she is also human at heart. I think this book shows how teens can go through many problems and have no where too turn.

The only thing that really got too me in this book was Zoey with all the guys. I mean I understand the blood lust but come on she keeps going back and forth and it does not make her seem appealing. However I also look at it as another mistake teenagers make, so it does not bother me that much. I love where the authors are taking Stevie Raes character I find her very interesting and something to look out for in the later books!

The plot I think was a very good turn for this series because Zoey basically alienated everyone to help save them. Not to mention the new characters that are being brought in too, I also find it interesting how I am slowly turning away from some characters and loving others. For instance Aphrodite I hated her now I absolutely love her! I think the setting in this book could have been a little stronger I did not feel that magical feeling like I did in the first two however I think this book mainly focused on the plot. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the rest of the series which I will be posting shortly =)

So What Did You Think of Chosen?
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Author Of The Month

So like many of you I am in love with the House of Night Series, mainly I think it is due to the writings of P.C and Kristin Cast! They are amazing authors, that I feel many people should know about. Their writing style is easy to follow but also unique; also their plots and characters are so interesting that makes me wonder what their creativity levels are =) So seeing as November is almost over I will be running this through December as well! Below is excerpts from one of their websites:


P.C. Cast
P.C. Cast was born in the Midwest, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. Ms. Cast is a New York Times Best-Selling author. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. P.C. Cast is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. Ms. Cast lives in Oklahoma with her fabulous daughter, her spoiled cat, and her adorable Scotties!

Kristin Cast
Kristin Cast is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who teams with her mother to write the House of Night YA series. She has stand alone stories in several anthologies, as well as editorial credits. Currently Kristin attends college in Oklahoma where she is focusing on attaining her dream of opening a no kill dog rescue shelter in midtown Tulsa.

So What Do You Think Of
P.C. and Kristin Cast?

Happy Reading!

Review: Betrayed (House of Night Series #2)

• Title: Betrayed
  
• Author: P.C and Kristin Cast
  
• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Received From: I Bought it
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (October 2, 2007)
• Genre: Fantasy/Fiction/YA
• Cover: A+
  
• Overall: A
  
• ISBN-10: 0312360282

Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

So after I read Marked the first book in the House of Night series I was so excited to jump right into the second book. However school and life got into the way and I had a hard time getting back to the series. Alas I have finished the second book and it was spectacular; usually sequels to books have some what of a down fall to them because the first book is always the best. I can safely say that this book was equally as good if not better than the first book. The characters seemed to stay consistent with the way they were portrayed in the first book. The plot was different and original, and the writing was easy to follow.

So in this story Zoey has finally adjusted to her new life and is now starting to take over the Dark Daughters. However something is wrong and people she knows are going missing and some are even being killed. Also Zoey seems to be trapped in a love triangle between Erik, Heath, and Loren a teacher at the school. With all of this going on Zoey does not even know who she can trust! So through out this story Zoey also discovers some new things about herself, even some new powers. All of this mixed together to make a great plot for the second book, and the other characters in the book helped support it.

So I am happy to say that I will definitly be continuing this series! I find it to be an easy read with a very detailed storyline. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Young Adult fantasy, but make sure you read the first book Marked so you can understand the story.

So What did You Think of Betrayed?

You can find the book here:
Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble

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Mail Box Monday (6)

I splurged a little again mainly because I am back home for a break from college, and the book stores were just screaming my name! I am also waiting on some books from publishers that should be in my mail back in Pittsburgh so I am a little excited to see what I got back there. But as for this week this is what I got....

City of Bones
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Betrayed
Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. Shes come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoeys old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.




Chosen
Bloodlust and dark forces are at work at the House of Night, and fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbirds adventures at the school take a mysterious turn. Those who appear to be friends are turning out to be enemies. And, oddly enough, sworn enemies are also turning into friends. So begins the gripping third installment of this “highly addictive series” (Romantic Times), in which Zoeys mettle will be tested like never before. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey doesnt have a clue how to help her, but she does know that anything she and Stevie Rae discover must be kept secret from everyone else at the House of Night, where trust has become a rare commodity. Speaking of rare, Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare position of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster. Just when it seems things couldnt get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. But, as Zoey and her friends find out, things are not always what they seem…




Untamed
Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird – shes become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, the only two Zoey has left are undead and unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her? Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened in PC and Kristin Cast's spellbinding fourth House of Night novel.




Hunted
At the start of this heart-pounding new installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoeys friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings arent Neferets secrets any longer. But an unexpected danger has emerged. Neferet guards her powerful new consort, Kalona, and no one at the House of Night seems to understand the threat he poses. Kalona looks gorgeous, and he has the House of Night under his spell. A past life holds the key to breaking his rapidly spreading influence, but what if this past life shows Zoey secrets she doesnt want to hear and truths she cant face?

So what did you get?

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

• Title: Tempted
  
• Author: P.C Cast and Kristin Cast
  
• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (October 27, 2009)
• ISBN-10: 0312567480

So…you’d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark’s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite’s visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn’t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul? Find out in the next spectacular installment in the House of Night series, TEMPTED.

So What are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!

Review: Marked

• Title: Marked
  
• Author: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
  
• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (May 1, 2007)
• Genre: Fantasy/Fiction
• Cover: A-
  
• Overall: A+
  
• ISBN-10: 0312360266

Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. When sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird gets Marked as a fledgling vampire she must join the House of Night school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is, if she makes it through the Change. But Zoe is no ordinary fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the Goddess Nyx and discovers her amazing new power to conjure the elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. When Zoey discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look within herself to embrace her destiny - with a little help from her new vampire friends.

I really enjoyed reading this book. When I first started reading it I found it to be a mix of two things I love; Vampires and Harry Potter. As I kept reading I noticed how similar it was to Harry Potter with Zoey going to school for what she has become and no one in her family liking her except her grandma, where as in Harry Potter no one liked him in his family except Sirius. Also you can not forget about the special mark that they both had in common.

I really enjoyed reading a YA vampire book that the female was the vampire, I also enjoyed the new world they opened up. I found it very interesting that when they start to become vampires they are marked. I was a little confused when they started to incorporate witch craft in with the vampires but I feel the authors did it very tastefully. I also enjoyed how interesting all of the characters were, especially Neferet the High Priestess, I found her to be sweet yet powerful.

I definitly recommend this book not just to people who like fantasy and vampires but to everyone! I really think this is one of those books that can be universal to any type of reader, this book just has a quality about it where you want to route for the good guys. While getting caught up in all the magic!

You can find this Book Here:
Amazon, Borders and Barnes and Noble

Happy Reading!