88) House of the Night by P.C. & Kristen Cast

The Blurb :

Until recently, Zoey Redbird was an average high-school student worrying about grades, boys, and breakouts. But priorities have a way of changing when you are Marked as a vampyre, enroll in the vampyre academy House of Night, and have to figure out a whole new social hierarchy, affinities for elemental magic, and physiological changes that make you crave blood.

My Review :

I have been following the House of the Night series since the beginning and although the series started losing me a few books ago I did actually enjoy the latest release. So when I saw there was a graphic novel for the series I decided to give it a try. I was curious to see what an artist did with the tattoos and the characters. In my mind it would look extremely cool.

My first impression when I saw this graphic novel was, 'Not another one'. Despite wondering how it would look on the inside I had to wonder why another Paranormal series was being made into a graphic novel. I agree that some of them are extremely well drawn but as a reader of full length books I have to say I don't want to waste my time with someone else's impression of what that world, characters etc look like. I have already made up my own mind and feel a little upset when the graphic novel version doesn't match my version.

Also why do we need graphic novels? There are already quite a few books in the series. The authors are obviously making enough money and have enough fans. Why bother? I can't believe that this kind of book makes an awful lot of money for anyone. Is it just to make the series look good? Boast about it being made into a graphic novel because nobody has made it into a film and or TV series?

Ok that aside. Was this graphic novel any good? Not at all. I found myself confused about where this story actually takes place in the series. The quality of the copy I had was awful and I could hardly read the text. The characters looked dark and dismal and these amazing tattoos I have heard so much about hardly showed up in the artwork. They should have popped and stood out but instead they looked like someone scribbled on the characters faces.

A plus for me was the history lesson. The way the elements mixed in with different parts of history was a nice touch and I am sure I would have enjoyed it better if the artwork had done it justice. However I was left very disappointed with the result of the inside drawings when the cover and other larger pieces of art looked really good.

If you are a huge fan and can't go without getting a copy then do so at your own risk. If you are not sure then stay away from this and borrow a copy somewhere. Maybe even go to your local book store and read it there. After all it isn't that long. I certainly won't be checking out any more graphic novels for this series. It could have been much better and I could have been very impressed. Unfortunately this one missed the target by a long shot.

151) Destined by P.C & Kristen Cast

The Blurb :

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness?

My Thoughts :

I haven't given great reviews to the last few books in the House of the Night series. They were not on par with the amazing first four or five books and I actually contemplated giving up on the series altogether. Destined is book nine and I didn't look for it when it came out or add it to my must buy list. Instead I used my audible credit and got a copy to listen to when I saw it advertised. I knew I would regret it but hey...

Anyway before I start my review of the actual book itself I have to say I was impressed by the narrator for this audiobook. She captured the characters really well and I loved her accents! I definitely want to listen to more books read by this girl. Not sure if I want to listen to this series but a big thumbs up to the voice on this one!

So back to the plot. Well Destined didn't really have, imho, a huge plot. It was a book that seemed to basically fill in the time from Zoey's mom's death to finding out who killed her. Which in all was five days. These five days consisted of the typical Aphrodite bitchiness, Zoey's cluelessness, Stevie Rae's sickening love for Rephaim, Neferet trying to be nasty and everyone else trailing them all around like helpless puppies.

While this sounds harsh I have to actually say that Destined was much better than the previous few books in the House of the Night Series. It seemed like things were getting back on track. Sure there was the usual death of a character and that stupid change of character perspective every few paragraphs but I actually enjoyed it a little bit. Destined has left me feeling like I want to check out the next book. This ninth book was not a waste of my time.

On saying that, I really hope the authors don't decide to do what they seem to be aiming to do. Small Spoiler Alert! Someone died...leave them be and don't bring them back. Zoey was just imagining that person and it wasn't him. Please, please, please let him rest in peace. We do not need more love triangles and I certainly don't need Zoey to suddenly have the power to bring back the dead. She can do enough already.

So in conclusion, this was not as bad as its last few predecessors. If you were thinking of giving up on the series then Destined may just win you back. However be warned that there are still three more books to come. Can you manage that? After all we have come this far! I seriously think I need to see this one right to the end but I can't wait for it to be over.

House of the Night Contests

I thought this may be of interest to some of you!

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To celebrate today's new book trailer and the release of 'AWAKENED', P.C and Kristin Cast's latest novel in the House of Night series, St. Martin's Press is offering a fantastic once in a lifetime chance for a fan and their guest to fly to Tulsa to tour the sites from the books and have lunch with the authors!

We are offering the new book trailer for 'AWAKENED' to post on your blog, along with a link for your readers to enter the House of Night contest.

The lucky winner will receive a 3-day, 2-night trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma for two people which includes airfare, hotel accommodations, a tour of Tulsa and lunch on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 at the Chalkboard Restaurant with the authors. In order to enter the promo, they must answer three questions about the series.

More about the contest

Contest rules

Also, St. Martin's is also holding a contest via the House of Night Facebook fan page. Fans can enter for a chance to win 1 of 30 complete sets of House of Night books.



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It looks like I won't be reading this one yet. Amazon isn't sending the book via Kindle to poor little me in Europe.

90) Elphame's Choice by P.C. Cast

Being different can sometimes be good but in Elphame's case she is so different that she stands out from the crowd. Part-human and part-centaur, Elphame has attempted to hide her hooves all her life. Special because she is the daughter of The Chosen of Epona, she craves to be different for another reason.

So Elphame decides to take on a task. She has dreamt of restoring MacCallan Castle and how it should look. Now after a century of laying derelict it is time for the historical place to be returned to its former glory. With the help of her brother, Elphame begins the tedious but rewarding job of cleaning up what the evil Fomorian creatures left behind all those years ago when they attacked and killed all who lived there. Finally she feels she has found her true calling but something else is also waiting for her.

After reading the first three novels in the Partholon series I needed a little break from the magical world. However I couldn't keep myself away too long and Elphame's choice found its way into my hands quicker than I thought it would. The pull of the world P.C. Cast has created was too great and I needed to see what happened next.

Anyone following the series knows about the MacCallan Castle and the horrible things that happened there in the first book, Divine by Mistake. So going back there was a little scary and I was worried about what could happen. I wasn't prepared for the story that unravelled itself as the book paced along but I was happy with the result. Another Partholon visit to praise!

Now I still have Brighid's Quest to read but will take another short break before I pick it up. After the fifth book in the series I believe there will be no more Partholon novels so I want to stretch it out a little. Anyone who has read anything by P.C. Cast should be sure to check out this series. Fantasy, romance and adventure all mixes up with the typical writing style I have come to enjoy from this author and makes a special reading experience. A series and a world that should not be missed.

70) Divine by Blood by P.C. Cast

In Oklahoma and in Paratholon, Rhiannon and Shannon celebrate their birthdays by giving birth to a child. While giving birth Rhiannon recants her allegiance to the evil god Pryderi hoping that her daughter will be free of evil. Her daughter Morrigan is safe and grows up in Oklahoma knowing she is different but unsure what the voices she hears want from her.

As Morrigan comes of age learns of her heritage she is scared. Her grandparents know that one of the voices Morrigan hears could be Pryderi but they are hopeful that it is the goddess Epona. When Morrigan visits the Albaster Caverns she discovers her powers. One thing leads to another and Morrigan finds herself transported to Paratholon. She finally feels at home but will she listen to the right voices and be the Light Bringer she is destined to be? Or will she embrace Darkness?

I only finished Divine by Choice the other day but couldn't wait to read this third book in the Paratholon series. This book was set out slightly different. While I was already used to the switch from Oklahoma and Paratholon from the previous book, this book also switched between characters quite a bit. It wasn't too hard to keep track of but it was a little hard to adjust to at first.

That aside this book was amazing. I really had no idea what to expect from this next installment and I was surprised all the way. I loved visiting the world of Paratholon again and it was interesting to see it from another perspective. It was also intriguing to see where the author took the characters this time. She was quite brutal, killing a few off as the story unfolded. I have to say there were times when I had a tear in my eye but on the other hand there were also parts that made me giggle.

Emotional, magical and fantastic. This series has left a mark and I won't be forgetting it any time soon. Just as Maria. V. Snyders and Jeri Smith-Ready's fantasy worlds kept me hanging on for more, so does P.C. Cast's Paratholon series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Elphame's Choice. I am very curious to see what happens.

Well worth reading if you love the House of the Night series but I wouldn't recommend this for Young Adults. Although there isn't too much sex and violence, there is enough to give it 'Not Suitable' mark on the back cover.

I have been reading the new UK version of this series. The covers are beautiful.

Divine by Mistake (published Jan 2010)

Divine by Choice (published Feb 2010)

Divine by Blood (published March 2010)

Elphame’s Choice (published April 2010)

Brighid’s Quest (published May 2010)

All published by MIRA at £6.99 paperback, you can find more information or purchase all the books here at Amazon.co.uk

68) Divine by Choice by P.C. Cast

The world of Partholon is full of goddesses, magic and intrigue. Shannon Parker may not have been planning to spend the rest of her life there but since she was pulled there she has made a life for herself. She has forgotten about her life on Earth and is content with her husband and the role she plays in Partholon. Then she gets a happy shock. Then she gets a nasty shock.

A burst of power pulls her back to Oklahoma and Shannon finds she can't return. Back in the world she grew up in she meets the man who is the mirror image of her husband back in Partholon. Can she trust him to help her after he brought her back to her old home? Meanwhile Shannon finds that her own mirror image, Rhiannon, has been up to a lot of no good. However what she didn't expect is that Rhiannon had managed to bring such evil over to Earth with her.

Of course I expected the second book in the Partholon series to involve Shannon going back to Earth somehow. It was strange to leave Partholon but it was obviously necessary. If the writer has ignored this angle I think I would have felt slightly cheated. However how it happened and the plot in general, surprised me greatly. I found myself once again pulled into this wonderful world and Shannon's new story and not being able to stop reading.

There were a few 'wow' moments in this book and I won't tell you what because I don't want to give things away. What I can say is that while you may think you know what is going to happen, you may be right but there is usually a twist. I think the author tries to keep the reader on their toes and she manages it successfully.

Overall this book reminded me of how I felt when I first started P.C's House of the Night series, eager to read more and full of respect. With such an amazing main character and an unusual world this is a winner. I feel lucky to have read this and can't wait to see what happens next.

61) Burned by P.C & Kristen Cast

Zoey Redbird's soul shattered when she saw everything falling apart around her. Now Zoey's body remains alive with her friends refusing to mourn her death. It is only her soul that is gone, in pieces in the Otherworld. They have seven days to get Zoey back before she fades away forever. If only they could communicate with her and help her back.

BFF Stevie Rae wants to help Zoey but she has enough problems of her own to deal with. The Rogue Red Fledglings are making a nuisance of themselves and Stevie knows she will have to let them suffer the consequences this time. But that is nothing compared to the big secret Stevie is hiding from everyone, even her kinda boyfriend Dallas. Her secret could actually help get Zoey back but if she reveals it to the others the poop is going to hit the fan big time.

Stuck in the middle is Aprodite. No longer a fledgling she is still blessed by Nyx. Her visions may be able to help Zoey but she isn't sure how. She really wants to do the best she can for everyone involved but it is clear to her that not everyone has total faith in her. Which is to be expected.

All three girls have had alot of pressure put on them again. Not only does Zoey's fate hang in the balance but everyone elses as Neferet and Kalona try and take over the world. Will the girls come through this time? Or will they all get burned?

The House of the Night series has come a long way since the first book 'Marked'. With so many players and such a deep storyline it is nice to see that the authors have adapted how they write the books to make sure that the reader can follow the story. The story in Burned is told by many different characters and therefore other perspectives. This sounds like it could be confusing but the change in person is clearly marked which makes the change in the narrative easy to follow.

Seeing things from the perspective of different characters was an interesting development in the series but I also realised that there was alot we don't get to see in this book. Some of Zoey's friends, for example the twins, are only mentioned in passing and the school itself is hardly seen or heard of. The distance from the House of the Night disturbed me quite a bit and I hope things will be brought back to the school again in the next book.

Another side effect of the ever changing characters perspective was the lack of Zoey. In a way this was a nice change and a chance to see and get to know other characters much better. I enjoyed following Stevie Rae's side of things and actually looked forward to seeing the story move over to her. I would have liked to have gotten to know Aprodite in the same way but her part in this book was slightly smaller. Understanding the role Stark played in everything that happens in this new release was made easier by seeing it from his standpoint. So all in all I hope this new trend in the books continues.

As for the story itself, well things are getting a little, in my honest opinion, off track. I wonder how many more books are planned for the series and if there is actually an end in sight. At some points I thought that this book was just drawing things out that little bit more. Giving the authors time to decide where they really want to take this. Even though I really love this series and would like to see it continue, I also want to see things finally come to a head. Maybe not the end of things all together but at least a new enemy or a different storyline about the House of the Night.

Any fans of this book would be out of their mind not to rush out and buy this new installment. It is a must buy and must read to anyone who has been following the House of the Night series. Now that I have come this far I know there is no turning back. Even if there are small things that annoy me there are still alot of things I love about these books. Sure Burned wasn't as good as the first few books but it is just part of a continuing story that I am definitely going to read to the end. Whenever that is.

44) Divine by Mistake by P.C. Cast

Teacher Shannon Parker is spending some of her holiday shopping. When she comes across an unusual vase at a house clearance she decides she has to have it. On the drive home something strange happens and Shannon finds herself transported to Partholon, another world, that is filled with a few faces she knows.

Somehow Shannon is now a goddess and while it is great to get waited on hand and foot she is also expected to perform rituals half naked. Then there is the little problem of having a marry a centaur. How that will work she has no idea. However those things are the least of her problems as the whole land is being attacked by vampire type creatures. Will Shannon be able to save the people and find her way back home?

I am a huge fan of the House of the Night series that P.C. Cast writes with her daughter Kristen but I have never tried any of P.C's other books. So when the chance to read this series was given to me I had to accept. The blurb for Divine by Mistake really spoke to me and now I have another addictive series to add to my long list of must reads.

The setting of Partholon has a Greek feel to it but it also has a hint of the middle ages interlaced with it. I instantly felt like exploring and looking around through Shannon's eyes was a pleasant experience. She is a strong and fun main character to spend time with and I really grew to like her as the story progressed.

The Centaur aspect of this story really made the book alot more interesting for me as it is a creature I have never come across in my past reads. While this seemed to be mainly fantasy there was also quite a bit of romance and action. The steady pace of the plot had me eager to keep reading to the end and I am extremely glad to have the other books waiting on my bookshelf for me.

This series has been around for a while but they are just being released in the UK (with the most amazing new covers) by MIRA. I feel stupid for not checking this series out sooner and can't wait to read the rest of the series. I can't imagine what comes next and I know I am going to enjoy finding out.

If you have read and enjoyed the House of the Night series then you really need to check this series out. While this isn't Young Adult material it is still utterly great writing and a special reading experience.

195) Tempted by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Zoey Redbird has just banished an immortal and a fallen High Priestess, saved Stark's life and nearly died. You would think that after so much action that she would get a break. Unfortunately things are not getting any quieter in the House of the Night school. Three guys all think they are Zoey's Boyfriend, her grandmother is still in hospital, her best friend is keeping secrets from her and she still needs to take care of her friends.

If Zoey could just get a good nights sleep. Kalona keeps invading her dreams and she knows that she still has to get rid of him permantly. How will she do it though? Can they all go back to the school or will they have to live with the nuns? So many questions and decisions need to be made. Everyone is looking at Zoey, the new High Priestess, to lead them into their future. Whatever it brings.

I have been a huge fan of this series since it came out. The last book in the series, Hunted, was good but I thought it lacked something. This newest installment lacked alot and I have to say it was, for me, the worst in the series.

The first problem was that this book suddenly has multiple narrators. The books were always from Zoey's perspective. However this time other characters also told their side of the story. This wouldn't have bothered me too much if it was a constant change between maybe a couple of characters but it seems the authors just kept changing to who they felt they needed to. Also the change of character didn't feel like a change of character. They all sounded like Zoey which made the change hard to notice and keep in perspective.

The second problem I had with this new edition is the lack of a real story. Usually there is a beginning, a middle and then an end. However this book just felt like the middle all the way through. So in this case 'Hunted' was the beginning and now 'Tempted' is the middle. This makes the next book 'Burned' the end? I have to say I am a little confused. Tempted seemed a little like a story arc and not much else.

My last big problem is Zoey's love life. She suddenly has three guys who all believe they are her boyfriend and also Kalona is is after her. Now I have nothing against relationships coming into a book and romance etc is fine and normal. However for a young adult series I think 4 guys/men is just a little too over the top and unrealistic. Give Zoey one and have one more on the side to keep things interesting but four? Boring, annoying and taking up too much time in the plot.

Don't think that this isn't worth reading though. With the faults it has and despite how frustrated I was with the ending it is still readable. Actually any fan who has been following the series has to read this to keep up with the story. However I have to say that I hope the next book, Burned, does actually make more progress than Tempted does.

All in all this series is great and I highly recommend it to everyone who likes vamps and wants to try something different. It is Young Adult but it isn't too young and actually is more adult in some respects. Deep, dark and unusual I really do like this series. Tempted however has let the series down.

October Monthly Giveaway!

Every month, like last month, I am going to let you all vote for which book you want to win! That means the winner will get the book with the most votes and not necessarily the book they voted for.

There are five books to choose from and this month, because it is Halloween, I will draw two winners! Trick or Treat Style!

The first winner will get the book with the most votes - The Treat!

While the second winner will get the book with the least votes - The Trick!

Immortal: Love Stories With Bite by P.C. Cast & Others

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Eve of Darkness by S. J. Day

Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout

Dead Man Talking by Casey Daniels

( The poll is in the sidebar <---- )

How to enter the Monthly Giveaway

All you have to do to have your name put in the draw is to sign up for Amberkatze's Book Blog newsletter. Sign up and confirm your subscription and maybe your name will be picked as a winner!

If you already subscribed then you are also eligible to win this prize! Just make sure you confirmed your subscription and that the subscription is for this site and not for the old version!

This book is registered on Bookcrossing.com but you do not have to be a member to win this prize. I do not expect the winner to journal the book on bookcrossing or become a member of Bookcrossing. The book does have a sticker inside advertising Bookcrossing.

The winner will be picked on the 1st of November.

Use the form below to sign up for the newsletter!

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Oh and don't forget to check in all Halloween weekend for a special couple of spooky days of author interviews, guest blogs and contests!

Stacia Kane, Terri Garey & Julie Kenner will all be stopping by!

186) Immortal: Love Stories With Bite by P.C. Cast & Others

Immortal: Love Stories With Bite is edited by the bestselling author of the House of Night series, P.C. Cast. Seven of the most popular Young Adult Paranormal writers all offer new short stories that prove that when you're immortal, true love really is forever.

Cynthia Leitich Smith starts things off with her tale about a love triangle between a vampire, a ghost and a human girl. Wonderfully written there are a few twists that I didn't see coming. This is an author I have to catch up with again.

The Kristin Cast takes the reins and introduces us to a new kind of vampire. This new kind of vamp is straight out of Greek mythology and can alter space and time. Very fresh and new it was nice to read something by this author without her mother and away from the House of the Night series.

Third up in this anthology was Rachel Caine. Her story is set in the Morganville Vampires world which is one of my favourite Young Adult series. However this was a little disappointing and it didn't quench my need for a new installment. Told from Shane's perspective this quite bland and not as much fun as a full length edition.

Next up was a new author for me. Tanith Lee's contribution was not my favourite in this selection but her story was well written.

Another favourite of mine, Richelle Mead was up next and she brought us something new. Her story about a young vampire on the run from the rest of her kind was certainly different. Nothing at all like her Vampire Academy series and I wished this one was a full length story.

Nancy Holder's story was about a post-apocalyptic New York. Vampires have attacked the city and one best friend is looking for the other. When they finally meet they need to make a choice that may kill them both. Very dramatic this was like reading about a movie.

One of my favourite authors was up next. Rachel Vincent added a story set in her Young Adult series 'Soul Screamers'. I loved the debut novel and was happy to see this small tale her in this collection. Now I am even more eager for the sequel!

Last up was Claudia Gray. This is an author I just got introduced to today (see my previous review) and I didn't expect to be visiting her Evernight series again so soon. However this short story about Patrice was very enlightening. I am looking forward to reading more about Evernight.

Altogether this was a well put together anthology. This really did have some of the best Young Adult authors out there and their was a wide variation when it came to the paranormal elements they wrote about. Of course, as always with anthology's, some stories were weaker than others but all in all this book was a good read.