Untamed (House of Night, #4)

by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast

book data

4,196 ratings, 4.13 average rating, 482 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		43%
4		33%
3		18%
2		4%
1		1%

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published

September 23rd 2008 by St. Martin's Griffin

binding

Paperback, 338 pages

characters

Zoey Redbird

setting

The United States

isbn

0312379838 (isbn13: 9780312379834)

description

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...more

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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 6,428)

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07/15/08

Sasha rated it:

Read in July, 2008

While the drama is mounting and the characters are becoming less oblivious each book, we are still treated to unnecessary and obvious vocabulary lessons and general condescension.

Also, apparently if you have the narrator comment all the time about how she and her friends are totally cool with gay people it is fine for the characters to separate them and mock them, and fine for the narrator to stereotype them. My (least) favorite line? "Jack rushed into the room like a little g...more

Like this review? yes (12 people liked it)

3 comments

09/25/08

Rhiana rated it:

Read in September, 2008

I like the general story line and the characters, but the redundant writing is getting a little old. Constant vocabulary lessons from Damien, the author describes everyone over and over again, everything from their personalities to their day to day clothing choices. Everytime the Grandmother speaks she calls Zoey the Cherokee word for daughter and every single time the author explains that the word makes her feel safe. There is a whole lot of explaining and back story and description and really ...more

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

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09/12/08

Courtney rated it:

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: Fans of Twilight

Okay, even though I haven't been a teen for a couple of years (uhm, make that over a decade), I'm a HUGE fan of the House of Night series. (Rather obvious, considering I bought it on the date of its release) Marked, Betrayed and Chosen were superb! That said, I really enjoyed Untamed, but if I had to order the books according to preference - it'd be fourth on my list.

I eagerly await Hunted. And the twists and turns I anticipate (and can't even imagine) will result from the events in...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

3 comments

10/19/08

Julie rated it:

bookshelves: paranormal, young-adult

Read in October, 2008

recommended to Julie by: Shannon
recommends it for: vampire fans

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Okay, I enjoyed this book like the others, but I had a couple of issues with it:

1. Yes, Zoey is beating herself up for falling for Loren's crap in book 3. Honestly, I don't really fault her for falling for it—anyone would be susceptible to flattery and romance, especially a teenage girl. What I do blame her for is not immediately distancing herself from Loren as soon as it became clear his intentions were inappropriate! I mean, he's a teacher, for one, but for Pete's sake, Zoey had a...more Okay, I enjoyed this book like the others, but I had a couple of issues with it:

1. Yes, Zoey is beating herself up for falling for Loren's crap in book 3. Honestly, I don't really fault her for falling for it—anyone would be susceptible to flattery and romance, especially a teenage girl. What I do blame her for is not immediately distancing herself from Loren as soon as it became clear his intentions were inappropriate! I mean, he's a teacher, for one, but for Pete's sake, Zoey had a boyfriend! A boyfriend she was already semi-cheating on with Heath, though that was almost a compulsion and at least she'd been fairly up front with Erik that Something Was Going On in that department. But the Loren thing... she never seems to understand that her error wasn't in falling for the deceit, but in participating in the relationship AT ALL. I hated that all through book 3 she kept referring to Erik, Heath and Loren as her "three boyfriends." Auuugh.

Then she has the nerve, when finally talking to Erik about things, to act like he should be apologizing to her because he reacted without having the whole story (Loren's true reasons for seducing her, etc.).... yes, he reacted strongly, no, he probably shouldn't have basically called her a slut in front of all her friends, but.... YOU SLEPT WITH ERIK'S MENTOR, WHILE YOU WERE STILL SUPPOSEDLY DATING ERIK, NOT TO MENTION WHILE ALSO MESSING AROUND WITH YOUR PREVIOUS BOYFRIEND. I cannot honestly fault Erik for his behavior, jerky as it might have been. Erik has a lot to forgive, and sure I'm glad they seem to have resolved it enough to be talking and on the same side again, but Zoey just never seems to "get" what was wrong about the whole situation, and that really irked me. And then she goes and starts thinking Stark is her soul mate after talking to him for ten minutes. COME ON, ZOEY. You don't have to fall in lurrrrv/lust with every male who looks your direction, really. It's not necessary to the plot (well, it's possible a reason will be provided for the Stark think in book 5, but... still. Kinda ridiculous...).

2. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I almost think the ending would have been better if Stevie Rae had turned out to have more involvement in the Kalona resurrection than as target practice for Stark. I am weirded out that she said "he's taken my blood but not my life," and will be looking for a bit more of an explanation of that... plus with all the heavy hinting about Stevie Rae not being as back to normal as Zoey tries to pretend, I was sort of expecting her to ... I dunno. Be more evil.

Normally I'm really a happy ending kind of girl, so I'm not sure why I would WANT Stevie Rae to be evil... I like her and I'm glad she didn't die, but... it just seemed like the story would have been stronger that way. *shrug* Oh well, we'll see what book 5 has in store.(less)

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

2 comments

09/29/08

Maria rated it:

Read in September, 2008

Ok, so I really hated the last book and I told myself I wasn't going to read anymore of this series, but I came across a cheap electronic version and I couldn't help myself. I am glad I did. This book was so much better than the previous ones, my only two complaints are: 1. too short!! and 2. I know this is targeted towards a young audience, but come on, does Zoe really need multiple love interests in every book!!!? And to make it worse, does she really have to fall "head over heels"...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

2 comments

06/04/09

Jennifer rated it:

bookshelves: 2009, crack, vampires, ya

Read in June, 2009

recommends it for: People who go to Sunnydale Highschool.

Jenny crack book and I don't care! It was good!

I feel like the first couple of books were wrapped up neatly in a bow by the end of the story. The last two are allowing things to remain open longer so that when you finish a book you are left wondering what will happen next. Sadly I am sure that is due to the publisher rather than the authors desire. (Wouldn't want to write a cliff hanger if you are only optioned for a single book.)

So this book and the last book have left ...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

4 comments

11/19/08

Jodi rated it:

bookshelves: audiobook

Read in November, 2008

This is an audiobook I am reviewing for Sound Commentary (www.soundcommentary.com) which is why I ran through the first three books so quickly. When you read quickly. you miss a certain type of detail. In audio, you have to hear it all. Which is why it was so apparent that Aphrodite was modeled after Cordelia Chase (both Buffy and Angel versions.) This isn't a bad thing, merely obvious. I also think that the authors are having trouble remembering that it's been only 2 months since Zooey was mark...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

3 comments

07/25/08

Lauren rated it:

bookshelves: cast, favorites

I liked this book better than the last one. It was pretty good.

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

2 comments

12/16/08

Nicole rated it:

The house of night series is good not great - but good. But there are many that are better. There are times when I think the writers try and "sound cool" by interjecting some colloquialism. But I find it just disrupts the story line. It reminded me greatly of the Sweep Series. Though I think the Sweep series is much better. Regardless its a quick enjoyable read for a cuddle under the covers afternoon/evening.

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

7 comments

11/30/08

Christophe rated it:

bookshelves: currently-reading

Read in November, 2008

recommended to Christophe by: I found the series on my own.
recommends it for: Nobody

OK. So this book is horribly written. It seems a 12 yo wrote it. I think the other books in this series are pretty good and I was so excited when I ordered it from my local bookstore. I read the first 3 pages and almost throw up. I really don't want to finish the book at all. I understand that the authors of this book are not the best but they could have done a much better job writing this book.

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

3 comments

03/08/09

Jacey rated it:

bookshelves: young-adult--my-secret-shame

Read in March, 2009

It's a good thing these teen vampire dramas take only a couple of hours to read. I've read the first four of this series and each one made me vomit in my mouth just a little more. Seriously. I know, you're asking why I have read 4 if the first one made me throw up even just a little. Well, it's a funny thing, I'd rather stick a book out on the off chance that the ending makes the whole thing worth it, than never know if the ending made the whole thing worth it. Now mind you, the ending-makin...more It's a good thing these teen vampire dramas take only a couple of hours to read. I've read the first four of this series and each one made me vomit in my mouth just a little more. Seriously. I know, you're asking why I have read 4 if the first one made me throw up even just a little. Well, it's a funny thing, I'd rather stick a book out on the off chance that the ending makes the whole thing worth it, than never know if the ending made the whole thing worth it. Now mind you, the ending-making-a-crappy-book-worth-it thing very rarely happens. I know it's happened to me before, but I just can't remember when. It's a good think I'm not in a terrible marriage, right, I'd be here till the end waiting to see if it got better.

It's usually not such a bad thing -- I'm a fast reader. Even if the book produces much mouth vomit, I only have to spit and rinse for a few days. However, these series books, man alive, they're a bit of a problem. Thankfully, there's only one more book in the House of Night series, and I know the chances are slim that it's going to make make it all worth it, but I've gotta try.

To be honest, it's not the storyline, or characters, that turn my stomach, it's the condescending tone and the judgemental stereotypes. It's like a PSA in Utah or the 1950s. I know your writing a teen book (mostly for girls) so you might think it's a good time to give a few lessons on how to be an upstanding, moral teen, but it's not -- your teenage vampire book is not the right platform to tell us only losers smoke pot or drink, druggies are losers (always), only desperate girls give blowjobs, girls that give blowjobs are being used, only a slut would kiss her boyfriend out in the open like that, goths smell bad and don't bathe enough. And if you can't help but pass on these nuggets of wisdom, don't hit us on the head with them, give us some layers, lady!

Seriously, I'm not sure who reads and enjoys these books considering that the authors succeed in alienating every 'type' of teenager except the most middle-mundane-average-boring one, which might cover, like two actual kids in the world. Geez.

Aside from all of that, well, I don't know, it was hard to get past all of that. I keep waiting for something to happen, maybe it's all about the denouncement?!(less)

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01/25/09

BizarreLibrary rated it:

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: Twilight readers with an edge!

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Zoey Redbird just got dropped like a hot potato by her friends in the fourth installment of The House of Night. They feel betrayed and lied to and are not that fond of Zoey. She had guys coming out of the wood work to be with her. That’s not the case anymore. Zoey is feeling very lonely and her only two friends are nasty Aphrodite and “suppose to be dead” Stevie Rae. As she is dealing with this, the beloved high priestess of the school, Neferet, is trying to start a war with the huma...more Zoey Redbird just got dropped like a hot potato by her friends in the fourth installment of The House of Night. They feel betrayed and lied to and are not that fond of Zoey. She had guys coming out of the wood work to be with her. That’s not the case anymore. Zoey is feeling very lonely and her only two friends are nasty Aphrodite and “suppose to be dead” Stevie Rae. As she is dealing with this, the beloved high priestess of the school, Neferet, is trying to start a war with the humans. Zoey knows this is wrong, but doesn’t know who to turn to or what to do about it. Zoey will need to figure out how to patch things up with her friends and gain confidence in order to beat the devious Neferet.

I would have to say that this is the worst book in the series and the characters would have to be the worst thing about it. Specially, Erin and Shaunee with their constant name calling of “Twin”. Real twins don’t call each other twin, so why would two people who were so connected need to put it in people’s faces and call each other twin? If they were so connect that the dire need of referring themselves as “Twin” would not be necessary. The word count for “Twin” is astounding. Also, why do we need to continuously be reminded that Damien is gay? When Zoey first speaks to her group of friends she looks to Damien knowing that her “gay friend” is the weakest link. Can he not simply just be Damien? If he were asian would it be her “asian friend”? Later in the book she describes Damien’s boyfriend, Jack, entering a room as a “gay tornado”. What is a “gay tornado” and how does one become one? The authors have also introduced new side characters that have no personalities, which I’m hoping will grow in the next book. I still haven’t gotten use to Jack “the gay tornado” since introduced in the last book.

Zoey has also become weaker, more stupid, and a little self-centered. It has only been two days after the big fallout. She gets tired of her friends “holier than thou crap”, and their attitude is getting on her nerves. She later tries to confront Erik, her ex-boyfriend, and again places the fault of the break-up on him.

It’s a little hard to like Zoey after all these incidents. In the beginning of this series she was such a strong character. She had been able to confront her parents, burn up creepy looking fledglings, and start a conflict with the adored high priestess, Neferet. Yet, when she comes across flappy birds she freezes up.

For some strange reason the authors had to have the dreaded cliff hanger, which is in most cases an automatic grade drop. I feel if you are a talented writer you shouldn’t need this to have readers read your next book. Readers have a hard time remembering what had happen in the last book and feel lost when the book finally comes out. This book has a major cliff hanger and it’s on a major plot line.

Now, there are some saving things about Untamed. There is a lot going on, may be too much, but enough to keep the pages flying. The Cast’s know how to write drama and, though predictable, the reader must know what happens in the end. The authors don’t paint Christianity as such an ugly religion in this book as they have in the past or shove a Wicca type religion down our throats.

Aphrodite has become my favorite character. The girl has got spunk and has become a very redeeming character. She has got more personality than the rest of The House of Night characters, including the main one, Zoey.

I hope the Cast’s get better. This series has got great potential and I’m not sure why they felt then needed to write so much in such a small book; about 380 pages in my advance copy. If only they could stick to the main plot, which is what it seems like will happen in the next novel. I hope they write the characters more likeable. I can only read “gay” and “twin” so many times on a page.

(less)

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06/13/09

Sonja rated it:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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04/29/09

Robin AKA blondie rated it:

bookshelves: 2009-read

Read in April, 2009

In this installment, Zoey has to juggle her friends' trust against what she thinks is right. In many ways, this book reminded me the most of the Harry Potter series. I don't know how many more books are on tap for this series, but it seems like it should be coming to a head soon.

The next round of boyfriend battles is set up for Zoey in this book - as is the assumed role she'll play in the final conflict. If the story Grandma tells is really foreshadowing Zoey's part, then the comp...more

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03/21/09

Arinda rated it:

Read in March, 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

take beside the fact that Zoey is definitely a (sorry) ho, P.C Cast had created a great book. I love that the story has something to do with legends and myths, really i found the idea with Kalona really impressing.
And maybe because i am a teenager i just adore the easy-going writing style.
Those are some plus points.

Even if i gave the book 5 star rating that doesnt mean the book was flawless. I am 15 years old and i had a boyfriend, i know how it felt like to be between h...more

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06/29/09

Rdh rated it:

Read in June, 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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01/28/09

Linda rated it:

Read in February, 2009

This one was so much better than the other three. I felt this one moved alone in the story w/o making Zoey out to be a slut like the others did. They made me very uncomfortable but, sadly, I've become addicted to the story line and had to find out what happens. I am glad I did b/c this one was pretty clean. Hooray for the Cast ladies for finally feeling you didn't have to put sex in one of these stories. I really like the way everything is unfolding. I can't wait for Hunted. ;)

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05/20/09

Debbie rated it:

Thank goodness this book was better than book 2, Chosen! It still was not one of my favorites and I still wanted to stop at the beginning and rant at Zoey for being so fickle when she starts to develop an interest in the new student, Stark. At the end of Chosen it seems like the action is finally going to start but Cast seems to be dragging the story out. I loved that we continue to see Aphrodite’s character grow and evolve as she tries to make up to Nyx, all the wrong she has done. I actu...more

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09/27/08

kate rated it:

This is what I've been waiting for the series to turn into. The first three books kept falling short of my expectations, but I couldn't quite give up on them. Finally the authors seem to have become comfortable and confident enough with the characters and story lines to break out of the rut they'd set in the beginning of the series. I hope these books continue to evolve and prove satisfying (and I hope they continue to churn them out every six months!)

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06/15/09

Alisa rated it:

Read in May, 2009

What seems to bother me about this series is that as preoccupied with calling every other girl around her a "slut" or "ho" for the smallest things, Zoey sure does seem to be quite a bit of one herself. I mean seriously, she lost her virginity on the floor of the recreation hall in her school for God sake! To a grown man! And she cheated with him two other boyfriends! She is in no position to judge anyone.

What makes me even more annoyed is that she continues to...more

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quotes from this book

" When I did finally speak, I surprised myself by saying exactly what was on my mind. “You must hate me.” She stared a long time at me. “I did,” she said slowly, “But it’s mostly myself I hate.” “Don’t,” I said. “And why the hell shouldn’t I hate myself? Everybody else hates me.”" More quotes...