The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire -- that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are...moreThe House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire -- that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It's tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But 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 club, 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.(less)
I'm trying hard to remember the last time I read a book this bad. Needless to say, I'm not having much success. I'm pretty sure this one trumps Halo and Fallen in the Should Never Have Been Published In This Universe category.
Hurrah for the Cast ladies!
Oh, I made a valiant effort, I really did. It's not like I gave up lightly. I borrowed it from the library, sure that since it was written by two authors, there couldn't possibly be room for errors! Right?
Oh, Go...moreI'm trying hard to remember the last time I read a book this bad. Needless to say, I'm not having much success. I'm pretty sure this one trumps Halo and Fallen in the Should Never Have Been Published In This Universe category.
Hurrah for the Cast ladies!
Oh, I made a valiant effort, I really did. It's not like I gave up lightly. I borrowed it from the library, sure that since it was written by two authors, there couldn't possibly be room for errors! Right?
Oh, God, wrong! Wrong! So wrong! So incredibly wrong!
Zoey (it took me a while to remember her name) is the kind of girl I used to sit behind in Home Economics just so I could cut her hair when she wasn't looking. This girl is the most abysmally ridiculous and stupid Mary-Sue idiot I have ever had the misfortune of reading about, and to be honest, I think I would be hard-pressed to find a worse narrating character. It was like Chinese water torture, being trapped inside her head. I am not in any way joking when I say that I literally had to stop reading after every chapter and lie down with a cold cloth on my forehead just to stop my brain from tearing itself apart in anguish.
Why does anyone expect us to take this girl seriously? I read this piece of bollock writing thinking that it had to be some kind of joke, then I saw Jon reading Tempted in History class and then I knew that this was no laughing matter. In a sense, the House of Night series is like typhus; it picks off the weak before they have a chance to cry 'parlay!' and then before you know it, it has mutated into something so huge and deadly that it can take down even the most intelligent, hardy and valiant readers, like Jon. Oh, Jon! If I see you in Coles picking out the next book, House of Night number 398, I will take out my AK-47 and once again splatter your brains across the wall! Better they be smashed through with a bullet than subjected to this total and utter literary atrocity!
Don't even get me started on the name dropping.
Okay, do, because I have so much to say about this shit.
Let's start with Paris Hilton.
Now, the first thing I have to say about Paris Hilton is that anyone who thinks she is stupid is stupid. No, I'm not kidding. Paris Hilton is an incredibly shrewd and successful businesswoman, and she has avoided all of the flak that comes naturally to people who have money simply by pretending to be an idiot. She is akin to the Kardashians; they are all incredibly bright businessmen and women, and will individually make more than this book ever will with its lame attempt at reaching out to teens with shameless brand-dropping.
Do you see where I'm going with this?
Oh, and then there's Ashton Kutcher. Correct me if I'm wrong, but did Ashton's "unfortunate" attraction to older women not land him in a secure and loving marriage to a beautiful actress?
Which is to say: strike two!
Now, I'm going to stop being funny when I bring up the issue of "freak girls" with eating disorders.
I don't care about "being nice". I will personally insult these authors, because books reflect the views and ideals of the people who write them, no?
This book is teaching us that not only do eating disorders and issues thereof only affect girls, but that if you have one, you are a freak. That's right, Goodreaders: if you happen to suffer from a painful, psychological condition that kills people of both sexes and all ages every single year in a slow, soul-destroying way, you are a freak, and the Casts think it is okay to ridicule you because of it.
To reiterate: this book makes me sick. The values displayed within these wasted pages are absolutely vile.
Oh, and another thing this book wants to make sure you know: if you are a male, and a female sexually assaults you, you are the one using her. Even if you are pushing her away from you and trying to say no, it is still your fault, and not hers.
Excuse me while I projectile vomit all over anything this book ever touched while it stunk up my home with its sexist, apathetic portrayal of teen rape. God, that oral sex scene was disgusting. Disgusting because if the gender roles had been reversed, the nature and seriousness of the scene would have changed completely. This book tries to make the all-out rape of the boy in the hallway sexy. No, I'm actually not shitting you.
But I suppose double standards don't matter if you aim your book at the right pre-teen market. Hurl it at little girls who are too young to understand male rape, and then you won't hit a backlash, you'll just line your pockets with a big fat paycheck and nobody will be any the wiser.
Moving on!
The sheer volume of slut-shaming in this book made me so angry I bit my tongue until it bled. Making Zoey despise anyone who has so much as kissed a boy, but then have sexual relations with a teacher, makes her nothing more than a hypocrite, and a completely unbelievable one at that. Admittedly, I did not get so far as to meet any of the love interests in person, but let's be real here. It's not hard to Wiki this shit and find out everything about the nebulous plot within five minutes of skimmed article reading.
As I said, I rarely give up on a book. I can count on one hand those that I've put down part way through and never had the energy to pick back up again. So it's a true testament to the absolute horror that is this tripe that I couldn't bear to push past page 100 (or so. I forget). I've never been so glad that libraries exist, because I know that if I had spent a single dime of my money on this atrocity, I would have to eat every single piece of my clothing as a punishment to myself.
Anyway. Where was I? I had a whole spiel prepared for the writing, but honestly, I'm running out of steam here. Just thinking about the mind-numbing prose in this book makes me want to iron my face. One minute Zoey was being self-righteous about the People of Faith, which, by the way, was a disgusting and needless insult to Christianity, and the next she was off in a corner giggling about boobs. Why did I even bother associating myself with this book? Why did I even try to engage with this dreadful attempt at teen slang that ended up being bitty and messy and clichéd? I think the less said about the way the Casts write, the better.
So, how to conclude? This book is balls. There is no better way to say it. I will not dignify this book with a more intellectual variety of adjectives, because really, every second of my young life that I spent reading this crap was a tragic waste. I loathe this book. I loathe the trees they used to make it. And I loathe the mentality that it is okay to be a fascist, sexist slut-shamer. I am so angry right now. Honestly, I am. If you could see my face, you'd say dude, what the hell is wrong with you? Is that a vein on your forehead?
If I ever see this book again, it will be a thousand years too soon.
Because I have to:
BONUS TIME!
Drinking game! Oh yeah!
Take a shot every time Zoey disapproves of something. For example, on page one, she refers to Interchangeable And Forgettable Girlfriend as "babbling".
Shot one!
Then she comments on Interchangeable Cliché Footballer Boyfriend's drinking habits and says that kissing him is like "sucking on alcohol-soaked feet".
Shot two!
You get the drift?
Disclaimer: Ryuk/Kira/Short Hannah is not responsible for any fatal/life-altering injuries, slanderous/offensive outbursts, or poisoning/organ enlargement that may follow as a result of excessive alcohol consumption (likely to occur before reaching chapter two of Marked). All rights reserved.(less)
LouiseI know; funny, I think it's going to be aimed at the tweens, the playlist for the characters on the website is scary.
Jan 28, 2012 03:20am
DivineMuseKira wrote: "(Also, you're right - the FF fanbases are fucking scary as hell. I love the games but the fans are like wolverines on steroids. With...moreKira wrote: "(Also, you're right - the FF fanbases are fucking scary as hell. I love the games but the fans are like wolverines on steroids. With toothache.)"
Yes. Games get trolls too. Add tv shows on there as well. One's with hot bad boys in ( Supernatural, Vampire diaries, Buffy). Say anything bad and it's like you shot someone's mother. >.>
I say it again - fan bases are the worst! Why can't you just enjoy a book/game/movie - without going ape sh** over it? I'm a fan of many things, but I stay sane.(less)
Feb 05, 2012 09:48am
Post Traumatic Just Read A Really Crappy Book Disorder
July 8-12. Worst five days of my entire life.
I don't think I can read another book in a long time. I picked up The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta a few days ago. However, there is no progress. I haven't started reading it. I couldn't. Horrible flashbacks and memories were running in my mind. Constant, dreadful images of the the characters (ahem Mary Sues). I sudden...moreI am currently suffering from PTJRARCBD.
Post Traumatic Just Read A Really Crappy Book Disorder
July 8-12. Worst five days of my entire life.
I don't think I can read another book in a long time. I picked up The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta a few days ago. However, there is no progress. I haven't started reading it. I couldn't. Horrible flashbacks and memories were running in my mind. Constant, dreadful images of the the characters (ahem Mary Sues). I suddenly would wake up, sweaty and breathless in the middle of the night. I can't eat anything. I'm sure I'm in a Book Coma. I can't do it. It will take me a long time to read another book... I don't even think I'm going to read a book... EVER! I'm done with books.
JUST KIDDING, GUYS! But, seriously.
Marked by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast was just the epitome of every kind stupid out there. The characters are all flaming Mary Sues. There was not A SINGLE character I slightly liked or tolerated.
Every. One. Of. Them. Was. Incredibly. STUPID.
The plot. Was there one?! What the HELL! What the hell was that book?! I don't even think that was a book.
Anyway, I will start ALL THE WAY FROM THE BEGINNING!
I pick up the book. I see the cover. It's a picture of half a girl's face. I'm guessing that's Zoey. Okay, whatever. Moving on. I look at the back. There is a comment from Gena Showalter on the top that says: "From the moment I stuck my face in this book it hooked me! Totally awesome new take on vampires! Marked is hot and dark and funny. It rocks!"
One word:
First of all, what kind of author talks like that?! What kind of author talks like a rotten, teenage, tasteless dumbass?! She's a LIAR! Or she's just as idiotic as the Casts. Or maybe she really DID like it. Why in the world would she, I will never know... Or maybe the Casts "made her write that." *dramatic, spooky music* You'll see what I'm talking about in just a little bit. There is also a LONG ASS summary of the whole damn book on the back. Way to give away almost everything, dimwits. *facepalm*
Then I read the "Acknowledgments." Boy, they were DREADFUL. Pathetic. What was there to be grateful for? It was a craptastic book.
"...I also want to thank my fabulous daughter, Kristin, for making sure we sound like teenagers (*dies laughing*). I couldn't have done it without you. (She made me write that.) -PC
"I want to thank my lovely "mam," better known as PC, for being such an unbelievably talented author (*comes back from the dead only to laugh harder than before and die again*) and so easy to work with. (Okay, she made me write that.) -Kristin
Do you see where I'm going? No?!
THE CASTS MADE SHOWALTER WRITE THAT! THEY FORCED HER! THEY MANIPULATED HER! THEY HYPNOTIZED HER! THEY TORTURED HER!
OH, THE HORROR!
Just from the comments and acknowledgments, one can tell that the authors are just ridiculously idiotic. They're immature, and just plain STUPID.
Alrighty, now for the actual book:
The Characters: Oh, man... It was blatant that they were all clones of the authors. No depth. No emotion. No flaws. Disgusting.
Let's start with the protagonist herself, Zoey Redbird.
I finally (not that I was looking... or was I) found someone whinier than Bella Swan from Toilet. Someone more stupid than Bella Swan. Someone more clumsier than Bella Swan. Someone more pessimistic than Bella Swan. Yes, that's possible.
It's okay to be stupid. But when you're abusing your right to be stupid, that's when you have a problem. Let me elaborate.
Specific evidence of Zoey's stupidity:
- Page 1: "If I died, would it get me out of my geometry test tomorrow? One could only hope."
Who the hell thinks about their geometry test when they're pondering about death?
- Page 46: "She wasn't thin like the freak girls who puked and starved themselves into what they thought was Paris Hilton chic. ("That's hott." Yeah, okay, whatever, Paris.")
Do I need to explain?
Page 100: "Cereal?" I suddenly perked up. I seriously adore cereal, and have an I heart Cereal shirt somewhere to prove it."
Good for you, baby! Good for you! *applauds*
Page 188: "Can I ask you something? It's kinda personal," Erik said. "Hey you've seen me drink blood from a cup and like it, puke, kiss a guy, lick his blood like I'm a puppy, and then bawl my eyes out. And I've seen you turn down a blow job. I think I can manage to answer a kinda personal question."
*spits out water* Zoey, you're an imbecilic moron that MUST be beheaded.
Page 277: "Aphrodite laughed a throaty, I'm-so-grown-up-and-you're-just-a-kid laugh. I really hate it when girls do that. I mean, yes, she's older, but I have boobs, too."
Congrats, Zoey, congrats.
Let's just say that the Casts are horrible with dialogue. I'm not sure if they deliberately created Zoey for the sole reason that we should all hate her. They have NO IDEA whatsoever how teenagers act and talk. No freaking idea. Apparently all teenagers talk like this: LIKE OMG! NO WAY! YEAH, WHATEVER!
There are different kids of stupid:
1. The obvious stupid that everyone notices
2. The dangerous stupid
3. The I-think-I'm-so-smart-but-really-I-have-a-brain-of-an-ant stupid
4. The I-abuse-my-stupidity stupid
Zoey surpasses each of them. Check, check, check, and check!
Zoey is the special, one-of-a-kind, "chosen one." Cliche, cliche, CLICHE! Only SHE can do this. Her mentor is the BEST. She has all the powers. PLEASE KILL ME!
Zoey's friends are double Mary Sues. They're all pathetic excuses for friends. The "Twins" are annoying little brats. Damon is just a moron. And oh yeah, the country girl. Stevie Rae. My God, she's annoying. Kayla and Heath are slimy cockroaches.
Aphrodite and Erik. L.M.A.O! I couldn't stop laughing every time I read about them. Worst characters ever.
WHO THE HELL HAS ORAL SEX IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCHOOL HALLWAY?! WHY?!
Well, at least Yiayia approves!
Or not... Oh God! Yiayia DOESN'T approve!
Aphrodite and Erik, you poor bitches better run!
- Erik is the hotter version of Edward Cullen. He follows Zoey around. He asks her awkward/creepy questions.
Erik =
- Aphrodite is just a poor excuse for an antagonist. *Googles Aphrodite* Oh! The Greek goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality! Another character whose name defines her personality.
Oh, yes! Another flaming Mary Sue. Zoey's mentor, Neferet. Any flaws? NOPE! Insanely nice, caring, and loving. All for a girl she JUST MET?! YES!
Ugh... I'm having an intense headache just by writing this.
The characters are all wastes of skin and fat. Half-wit Trolls.
The writing: I guess editing just lost its meaning in the midst of horrible books. Where is Editing?! Where are you, my love?! The Casts do NOT deserve to write another book... EVER! Idiotic Trolls. I hate them. Everytime I saw an obvious error, I looked at the back cover and gave incredibly dirty, piercing looks at the authors. They disgust me. Their smiling faces scare me. They're monsters. You should never hate the authors themselves for writing a crappy book, but THIS! THIS IS DIFFERENT!
YOU MUST HATE THE CASTS! Their ideas and beliefs are SEEPING in this book. All the characters are clones of the authors. You can just tell. Yes, you shouldn't judge. But HOW CAN YOU NOT?!
The writing was, my God. I don't even know HOW I paid attention to it. The characters were distracting me with their immense stupidity. And I was trapped inside Zoey's goddamn head. That was the worst part. I was suffocating.
I'm not even going to talk about the plot because there was no plot. I only read half the book (painfully), but I'm certain there was no plot for the parts I didn't read as well. It was all just a pile of crappy crap. I'm not even going to explain.
Overall, this is what I came to know:
1. I found a book worse than Toilet.
2. I found a protagonist worse than Bella Swan.
3. So far, this is the worst book I have ever read in the history of civilization.
4. The authors deserve to be banished from this earth.
5. I am still suffering from PTJRARCBD.
6. I am still in a Book Coma.
How in the world did this get published?! I'm sure the publishers were drunk. They had to be! I don't think the authors were drunk when they wrote this though. The stupidity just dances around the book.
I'm not sure how many times I laughed (in a bad way)/did a facepalm/sighed(in a bad way) while reading this book.
MY GOD!
I'm ashamed to give this even ONE star. It's not worthy of ANYTHING! The Casts could kill the main character and it STILL would never amount to anything. Pure. Trash.
I just want to say one last, important thing to the Casts:
Mel (who is deeply in love..with herself)*peeks in* I've, um, uh, read uptil the seventh book. Or was it the eighth? I'm not sure. But yeah. I have a love-hate relationship with these ser...more*peeks in* I've, um, uh, read uptil the seventh book. Or was it the eighth? I'm not sure. But yeah. I have a love-hate relationship with these series. I LOVE reading them, because they are so ridiculous, and it's fun to make fun of them later, but I HATE that books like these can get published, and other more worth-while books arent. Iz you mad? *raises arms to protect head from upcoming missiles*(less)
Jan 30, 2012 02:29pm
LouiseI managed to get to the eighth book and that was torture. Though I used to like the series "yes I am an idiot". I decided to read it fr...moreI managed to get to the eighth book and that was torture. Though I used to like the series "yes I am an idiot". I decided to read it from another perspective and damn, Zoey is a whiny little brat who needs to get her head out of the toilet. The authors continuous references to true blood and bloody glee was torturous. Okay, enough ranting. I to have read a book worse than this and it is called Halo by Alexandra Ardonetto.
Great review by the way,(less)
Jan 30, 2012 09:42pm
When I went to read this book, I first checked out the reviews to see what I was in for. I was led to believe that this book was going to be bad by the sheer number of people who came to commiserate with me. Few books have ever drawn such a crowd of victims to console one another. And can anyone wonder why when this book reads like a thirteen year old's badly executed wetdream?
I have a theory though. Bear with me. I think we've all been reading this book wrongly am I'm willing t...moreWhen I went to read this book, I first checked out the reviews to see what I was in for. I was led to believe that this book was going to be bad by the sheer number of people who came to commiserate with me. Few books have ever drawn such a crowd of victims to console one another. And can anyone wonder why when this book reads like a thirteen year old's badly executed wetdream?
I have a theory though. Bear with me. I think we've all been reading this book wrongly am I'm willing to prove it.
It seems, on the outside, that this would be the story of an insipid, selfish little bitch who is becoming a vampyre and has to go to a new school.
I would never have stumbled upon the truth if it hadn't been for Edwina Wren, the narrator. Listening to her bumble through this mess (her attempt to impersonate a cat was particularly inspiring) put me in the mindframe of a psychopath - and that's when it hit me - that was exactly what I was listening to! The world according to a teenage vampyre with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Allow me to extrapolate:
When we meet her, she immediately introduces us to her bestfriend and ex-boyfriend. Her friend is characterised as shallow and stupid. Her ex-boyfriend is a brainless drunk. Of course, Zoe is nothing like her friends. She is special and she expects us to think better of her for putting up with these lesser mortals.
Zoe is marked as a vampyre and when she returns home, we meet her mother. Naturally, Zoe is innocent, reasonable and rational in all of her dealings. Any anger or temper she displays is completely understandable. It is her mother who is stupid, weak and foolish for marrying again and Zoe has NO CHOICE but to run away or her religious step-father will likely cause her death out of his own ignorance and stupidity.
Yes, we see a definite pattern here. Zoe is always good. People she doesn't like are always demonized to the extreme - which is a hallmark of Borderline Personality Disorder. The only person Zoe likes is her Cherokee Grandmother - possibly because this makes Zoe appear exotic and mystical. This version of Zoe's grandmother likes Zoe better than her own daughter and constantly tells Zoe how special she is - feeding her delusions of grandeur. Zoe's delusions and need for approval quickly spiral out of control from this point on. The stress of becoming a vampyre clearly taxes her already overwraught mental faculties.
Zoe's mark is apparently different, making her much more special than the other Vampyres and Zoe believes she's had a spiritual encounter with the goddess Nyx - who places her unique mark upon Zoe because she has singled her out as her own. "You are wise beyond your years, Zoe Redbird," the goddess explains.
Now we definitely know we're dealing with Zoe's psychosis! There’s no way this is Kansas anymore!
When Zoe arrives at school, we see a pattern. Those that Zoe likes are those that immediately single her out as special. These people are all wonderful, kind, faultless friends who exist only to bolster Zoe's already inflated self-esteem and need for attention. Her friends all strictly conform to Zoe's idea of who they should be - never deviating from the carefully laid out script or showing signs of more complicated personalities. Her bumpkin friend is always a bumpkin. Not a single interaction with her gay friend occurs in which we are not reminded of his gayness - as if that is his most identifiable and important personality trait.
Those who don't immediately identify with Zoe and feed her ego are, like her family and old friends, demonized. This falls to the lot of Aphrodite and it is in this character that we see Zoe's strongest BPD symptoms. Consider her every interaction with Aphrodite.
-When we meet Aphrodite, through Zoe, she is forcing a blow job on the future object of Zoe's desire. I can't find a statistical formula for how many boys have refused blowjobs from their girlfriends, because one doesn't exist yet, but this was when I first solidly began to believe my assertion about her BPD was truly correct.
-Everything Aphrodite has eventually becomes Zoe's. Her position as leader of the cult, her boyfriend, her popularity – even her dress. This all happens within a few days.
-Zoe, single-handedly ruining this girl's life, is portrayed as being Zoe's Holy mission from the goddess. Of course! It's not that Zoe, out of jealousy, set about to become Aphrodite! It's that she HAD to because she's so SPECIAL and set-apart by Nyx! She's performing justice, not a hostile take-over!
-Everything, even the most innocuous things done by Aphrodite are seen as slutty by Zoe who fixates on Aphrodite's sexuality as only someone deeply jealous and bitter truly can. From Aphrodite's dancing, clothes, smile - even her gestures are slutty!
-Zoe comes to believe, through gossip and the most faulty logic ever used, that Aphrodite is abusing her gift of foresight and not revealing all of her visions. She has no proof of this. One could argue that someone who sees the future and keeps some of those visions to herself might have a very good reason to do this! She sees the fucking future! Maybe she’s seen that there’s some danger in revealing all she knows to the aloof and mysterious vampyres? Just a thought…
-Everything associated with Aphrodite is bad. Her friends are bad, the cult under her leadership is bad, her clothes even LOOK better on Zoe - such is Zoe's desire to be an improved version of Aphrodite.
We see this most strongly in Zoe's justification of what she would do differently when she becomes the leader of the Dark Daughters. That’s right. Zoe even fantasies about taking Aphrodite’s place in the world instead of carving out her own.
Aphrodite is talking about a boy, Eliot, who has just died. She calls him weak and prays that none of the Dark Daughters would be weak like that. Zoe twists this to believe that Aphrodite hates humans and is genocidal. Of course.
In Zoe's own musings, she discusses how she feels nothing for Eliot's death because he was ugly and annoying. A normal person might reflect on the briefness of life, feel sad that the dead person is gone, that they didn't know him better, that there will be people who liked him who are sad, that it wasn't fair, that his death was senseless and tragic, that it was cruel etc.
What does Zoe think? That she won't be mean about dead people...no matter how insignificant or ugly they are.
Because this boy was a stranger to Zoe, his entire existence is classified as insignificant. Nobody will mourn him and his death meant nothing except to cause Zoe to reflect on her own mortality.
Yes. We can definitely confirm that Zoe's mind is an alternate reality machine. Due to mental health reasons, she can't comprehend her surroundings and other people like a sane person would. This crippling disorder tricks her mind and perceptions into altering her consciousness and reception of the world.
Instead, the world exists to either love her, or abuse her. People are no more complicated than either being very good, or very bad. Those who have what she wants are merely bugs to be squashed on her way to power. Friends are nothing but mindless parrots - existing in a positive state, as long as they please her. She can lie to them, yell at them, manipulate them but that doesn't matter. They only exist to be her friends.
No. Despite what Cast wants you to think, this isn't the story of Zoe Redbird, unique new girl at the Vampyre finishing school.
This is the tale of Aphrodite, whose world is cruelly crushed by a monster set to destroy her and steal everything she has. Everything is snatched from her. Vilified and crucified for being in Zoe Redbird's way.
The parallels are astounding!
This is Zoe Redbird's Apologia. Her manifesto of evil. This is the world according to Zoe – translated so that a sane person can see through her eyes as if there were wearing Zoe Glasses and it's a really, really scary place!
Anachronist-When we meet Aphrodite, through Zoe, she is forcing a blow job on the future object of Zoe's desire. I can't find a statistical formula for how many ...more-When we meet Aphrodite, through Zoe, she is forcing a blow job on the future object of Zoe's desire. I can't find a statistical formula for how many boys have refused blowjobs from their girlfriends, because one doesn't exist yet, but this was when I first solidly began to believe my assertion about her BPD was truly correct.
Thank you. I needed such an assessment very much. I hate this series.(less)
Nov 17, 2011 04:18am
Renee"It’s rather brilliant when you think about it!
Read about half of it. Hated it. I'm returning the rest to the library.
The authors tried to make so many references to pop culture, they sounded ridiculous, and then were even proud of themselves for "sounding like teenagers," as they stated in the preface. Dumb. They tried to make moral lessons out of the life of this "fledgling," and had her reject things like Paris Hilton's weight, oral sex amongst teenagers, and Ashton Kutcher unfortunately liking older women....moreRead about half of it. Hated it. I'm returning the rest to the library.
The authors tried to make so many references to pop culture, they sounded ridiculous, and then were even proud of themselves for "sounding like teenagers," as they stated in the preface. Dumb. They tried to make moral lessons out of the life of this "fledgling," and had her reject things like Paris Hilton's weight, oral sex amongst teenagers, and Ashton Kutcher unfortunately liking older women. Oh, and the world was separated into the "vampyres" and the religious right. Could they be more obviously parading their own moral agenda in young adult fiction? Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the values they project in this book, they make it so plain that they are trying to jam-pack the book with certain ideals that it turns out like literary crap. If you want an awesome, captivating fantasy fiction series that gets teenage girls thinking about our over-sexualized and beautified culture, try Scott Westerfield. He's a little more subtle, and thus requires some intelligent thought on what you're reading. (less)
All4him1210i love this series and plane on reading the whole thing
May 02, 2011 08:19pm
L. C. This series is like a B-movie. It's so sad how bad it is that you just wanna finish it, am I right? I'm gonna read the rest just to burn them all. *ev...moreThis series is like a B-movie. It's so sad how bad it is that you just wanna finish it, am I right? I'm gonna read the rest just to burn them all. *evil laugh*(less)
Jul 09, 2011 02:42am
I don't favour writing scathing, hateful reviews. I really don't. But when I come across books like House of Night which pained me and disgusted me so much while reading, I just have to. Because there are so, so many things I hated about this book. The whole plot was poorly written ( I felt like my IQ level was slowly deteriorating by each passing page),and the plot was very unbelievable and cliched. Zoey, the main character in the novel, lives with her dysfunctional family- where she has a *ter...moreI don't favour writing scathing, hateful reviews. I really don't. But when I come across books like House of Night which pained me and disgusted me so much while reading, I just have to. Because there are so, so many things I hated about this book. The whole plot was poorly written ( I felt like my IQ level was slowly deteriorating by each passing page),and the plot was very unbelievable and cliched. Zoey, the main character in the novel, lives with her dysfunctional family- where she has a *terrible* step-father who forces his family to follow him as a leader of his...err...cult (the authors are very biased and objective towards Mormons, by the way). That part was poorly explained, and the whole evil-stepfather-who-is-ruining-my-life sort of crap and weak-pathetic-brainwashed mother who meekly follows her husband like a puppy was forced and unbelievable, and the characters were so clichéd and contrived. In addition, there is tons of teen angst from the main character, which quickly becomes grating. I don't mind a bit of teen angst, really. However, Zoey was irritating and immature,and at times I felt like throwing this book at the wall because I hated her so much. And yes, Zoey really is that irritating.
Which, of course, leads me to Zoey. I hated how P.C Cast portrayed her. She was stupid, made stupid decisions, and used words like "poopie" and " boobie", which really made me wonder about Zoey's mental maturity. Not to mention, she tries juggling three different boys at the same time. I mean, they ARE going to figure it out eventually, right? Yet, Zoey doesn't give a damn that she might just be hurting their feelings... guess that would ruin the plot and any tiny bit of character developpment that Zoey MIGHT HAVE HAD, no?
And the rest of the characters were cardboard cut-outs and very two-dimensional. Her cowboy friend, Stevie Ray, was so enthusiastic and dull it nauseated me, and Aphrodite, the beautiful, blond, blue-eyed (because she HAD to be, right?), was the "mean girl", and the uber-rich popular chick, who wanted Zoey to join her little clique of friends. Ok, shoot me now. Come on, P.C Cast, could you really not have been more creative and original? And don't even get me started about her homosexual friend. I can't even write about it without stabbing my eyeballs out.
And the whole vampyre world the authors created in this book was ridiculous. There is no originality, because P.C Cast just attempts a more "witchy" approach; with the Triple Goddess, secret circles, and controlling the elements concept. Unfortunately, I've seen this numerous times in other books (L.J Smith's books, Vampire Academy, anybody?)
I guess House of Night JUST wasn't so sexy and dark as it promised to be. More like an anti-feminist, biased, cliched, over-sexed and stupid book, IMO. (less)
1. Have you kissed a boy outside your dorm after he walks you home?
2. Does your skirt hike up a little if you’ve climbed up a fence and are perched on top?
3. Do you wear make-up?
4. Do you want to make out with a boy after only knowing him two days?
5. Do you dance in public?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then, according to P.C. Cast (and her daughter), yes, you are a slut. High-five! I think th...moreAre you a slut? Take this quick quiz:
1. Have you kissed a boy outside your dorm after he walks you home?
2. Does your skirt hike up a little if you’ve climbed up a fence and are perched on top?
3. Do you wear make-up?
4. Do you want to make out with a boy after only knowing him two days?
5. Do you dance in public?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then, according to P.C. Cast (and her daughter), yes, you are a slut. High-five! I think they just described every woman who either didn’t come out when she was two or doesn’t belong to a religious cult.
And I thought Stephenie Myers and her pro-life, family-is-everything, let-the-man-protect-me crusade was repugnant.
What is it with these family-values authors writing about vampires (excuse me, Cast calls them “vampyres,” clearly distinguishing her dark and threatening -- but also non-bloodsucking – fiends from Myers’ sparkley-happy monsters)? Should we blame George Orwell for caging a political message in science fiction? Did he lead us to these transparent politicos? I can’t believe he did…because I just can’t believe they read his books.
When you use a teenage girl as your first-person narrator and write with an “authentic” voice by littering your text with made up words and insipid, internal, pep-talks (I think I can take down the blonde bitch with the help of my new best friends, I think I can), you obviously never read Orwell. You obviously grew up on a limited diet of romance novels and Seventeen. Awesome.
But, Elizabeth, don’t you have the next book on your to-read shelf? Didn’t you read this one in two days? Haven’t you read the Twilight series a couple of times now? Aren’t you kind of like a complete hypocrit?
Maybe. For all the problems in these books, the stories are interesting. If I gave up on every book in which I didn’t like the author’s political agenda, racist comments, or bad grammar (it’s all in here, baby!), I’d probably never read again.
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This was how the book started. The first two pages literally went like this:
Tweeny 1: "ZOMG like -insert some teeny bs gossip here-"
Tweeny 2: "ZOMG like no! -more teeny gossip and more OMGs-"
Tweeny 1: "ZOMG like yeah."
All of a sudden some macho vamp guy stands in the hallway, points at teeny no #1 and is like "ZOEY YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO BE THE MAIN CHARACTER IN A BOOK THAT IS SO NOT TRYING TO BE LIKE TWILIGHT BU...moreThis was how the book started. The first two pages literally went like this:
Tweeny 1: "ZOMG like -insert some teeny bs gossip here-"
Tweeny 2: "ZOMG like no! -more teeny gossip and more OMGs-"
Tweeny 1: "ZOMG like yeah."
All of a sudden some macho vamp guy stands in the hallway, points at teeny no #1 and is like "ZOEY YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO BE THE MAIN CHARACTER IN A BOOK THAT IS SO NOT TRYING TO BE LIKE TWILIGHT BUT YEAH YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN."
Then they're like "ZOMG YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN."
Tweeny 1: "SNAP. I have been chosen."
Tweeny 2: "SNAP AND ZOMG YOU'RE A FREAK NOW I'M OUT OF HERE."
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the worst book I have ever read starts off. Worse than Twilight, worse than Hush, hush, and worse than Evermore (almost). This book was just one big melodramatic teen angsty bitch fit. With vampyres. And stereotypes. And a sexy hunk. And a Queen Bee arch rival. And a blowjob. And of course the main character is a complete Mary sue, once again.
I first read this just as a laugh, because sometimes I want to read bad books for the lolz. But what was at first fun to make fun of then turned horrifically bad, and eventually so intolerable that I had to close it halfway. As soon as Zoey was in love with Shakespeare vampire hunk, (sorry, vampYre) I just couldn't handle further stupidity. I could not believe this was written by two adults. This was like fanfiction. I have seen fanfiction which went along pretty much the same basis as this book. Heck I have seen fanfiction which was BETTER WRITTEN and BETTER OVERALL than this book.
Zoey was absolutely frustrating and so easy to hate. That's horridly inconvenient since she's the main character, and we're being told this 'story' from her perspective. She whines and complains about EVERYTHING, and is an obvious attempt at a parody of a teenager by these two idiots of women authors. A pin would fall to the ground and immediately her life is oooooverrrrrr. Also according to Zoey, if you don't nail your underwear and your bra to your body and if you don't remain virginal in any way shape or form, whether it's kissing a guy or wearing a certain amount of make up or style of clothing, you're a total slut. Woooow. Zo, just because you're a goddamn prude it doesn't mean everyone else should be, and you shouldn't try to lecture your female readers on their sexuality. Just because you're ashamed of sexuality, it doesn't mean that's a good thing because you happened to be a main character. Also it's pretty obvious you're jealous you yourself can't be that proud.
Zoey's friends were all painful stereotypes. Especially her girl friend... what's her name again... I don't know. My mind shut her out because she was too damn annoying. Oh wait... Steve or something. -coughs- anyway, yeah. That chick was an obvious out there comic-relief and completely uncalled for. Every time she said anything I wanted to punch her. I didn't care much for her gay friend either. He was just a cliched gay. And no, I don't have anything against homosexuals. That would be awfully hypocritical since I'm a very out of the closet homosexual myself. But this guy was boring and cliched.
Then there's the queen Bee arch rival. -yawn- Oh here's something I haven't seen before... Oh and Zoey falls in love with some vampire guy after he reads a speech from Shakespeare in his sexy vampire hunk voice. So within two seconds, Zoey is in love. True love, yada yada, he's the one, he's so hot, all her friends support her love, bla bla bla, gush gush gush. Then I closed the book.
What a piece of overrated, stinky, shitty tripe. The writing was ridiculous, all the characters were boring and annoying and cliched to death, and the overall plot was pulled out of both authors nailed shut asshole. It was ridiculous. The whole book was bloody ridiculous. What on earth was I reading? -shudder- I can't believe this book was published, let alone so well received. And don't give me that 'it's an amazing booooooook and you're just jealooooousssss' crap. Please. It's an awful excuse for a book and I would rather watch 2 girls 1 cup again (from the beginning to the end this time) than have Marked by P.C Crap and Kristin Crap sitting on my shelf.
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L. C. Man. Can't agree with you people more. My friend lost a bet to me. I got ten bucks because the authors made the first gay vamprei--sorry, vamPYRE--we'...moreMan. Can't agree with you people more. My friend lost a bet to me. I got ten bucks because the authors made the first gay vamprei--sorry, vamPYRE--we'd seen. Original idea. Believe it or not.(less)
Jul 09, 2011 04:22am
L. C. I liked the runaway part, but that's just me. Then the middle after that was awkward, cliché and boring all at once. And the end was...anti-climatic a...moreI liked the runaway part, but that's just me. Then the middle after that was awkward, cliché and boring all at once. And the end was...anti-climatic and normal. Yay, the heroine saved the day. Yay, she is the popular girl of the whole school. Yay, the archenemy blonde bitch was defeated. SO FREAKING WHAT?! If I'm correct, that's the ending that you can see coming from a mile away. Yuck.(less)
Jul 10, 2011 09:26pm
This was a really quick read, made even quicker by skipping over the pages of repetitive neo-pagan-vampyre rituals (which I could have done entirely without). The author is clearly trying to win over the wiccan-teen demographic, while appealing to those who loved the Twilight series.
What bugged me most about this one was the author's attempt to address every controversial teen issue imaginable, while instilling good morals without being condescending. She managed, but honestly, t...moreThis was a really quick read, made even quicker by skipping over the pages of repetitive neo-pagan-vampyre rituals (which I could have done entirely without). The author is clearly trying to win over the wiccan-teen demographic, while appealing to those who loved the Twilight series.
What bugged me most about this one was the author's attempt to address every controversial teen issue imaginable, while instilling good morals without being condescending. She managed, but honestly, the random commentary on sex, drugs, alcohol, homosexuality, religious fundamentalism, paganism, etc., felt forced and way too obvious. I'm all about being honest with young adult readers, but you also have to give them some credit and trust they will be able to decipher subtlety.
I plan to read the rest of the series, not because the story was terribly alluring, or the characters very interesting, but because I'd like to see if the author evolves as a writer. I'm also interested in seeing whether she decides to scratch her attempts at "relating" to young readers by dropping pop culture references awkwardly throughout the novel (Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Simpson, America's Next Top Model, Steve Madden flats....this book is going to be dated in less than three years).(less)
LilaBirdLove your review -- agree completely. I just finished this book last night and already wrote a similar review...
Jul 08, 2010 01:47pm
Jahlia ( (the lovely abnix, thing 10 Evil 1))She does it better with every book. I'm on book 8(in my masochistic need to finish these series) and it's FINALLY gotten somewhere. Not with zoey thou...moreShe does it better with every book. I'm on book 8(in my masochistic need to finish these series) and it's FINALLY gotten somewhere. Not with zoey though, every time she narrarates i skip pages. But everybody else........pretty good. Kristen and p.c have definately progressed. This series is somewhat worth reading, it's just a diamond going through a whole lot of rough.(less)
May 16, 2011 07:19pm
Oh, I liked this book SOOOOOOOOO much better than the Stephanie Meyer series--these kids are smarter, more diverse, less whiny and far more intersting. Add to that a new version of vampirism, and it's a completely winning combination. The story telling is top notch, the characters are interesting, and the book is compelling start to finish. I can't wait to dive into the next in this series!
And I have to admit I'm intrigued by the concept of a mother/daughter writing team, especia...moreOh, I liked this book SOOOOOOOOO much better than the Stephanie Meyer series--these kids are smarter, more diverse, less whiny and far more intersting. Add to that a new version of vampirism, and it's a completely winning combination. The story telling is top notch, the characters are interesting, and the book is compelling start to finish. I can't wait to dive into the next in this series!
And I have to admit I'm intrigued by the concept of a mother/daughter writing team, especially such a successful one. That's an interesting story in an of itself!(less)
EnnaDuh-nay-nay wrote: "The same words being used over and over are very much like teenagers. The only teenagers I know that try and use big words ar...moreDuh-nay-nay wrote: "The same words being used over and over are very much like teenagers. The only teenagers I know that try and use big words are the ones we make fun of because they are well lets say a little boring. (And that's putting it nicely)I am a teenager myself and i can totally relate to this book."
I am a teenager just like you and I enjoy using big words and not repeating myself over and over again. Does that make me boring? (In your opinion: yes.) In my opinion (and probably other people's too)- No, that just proves I have an IQ of a teenager and not of a baby.
Honey, authors are supposed to get criticism. If they don't, then they went somewhere wrong. I have never read a book that didn't have any criticism.
Please, do not ever call teenagers with bigger IQ than yours 'boring', because next thing you know and I'll be the one calling you 'boring' for having a very short vocabulary (I find other people my age very boring if they use 'OMG' and the same words over and over again because, let's say, it just shows their conversation/talking skills suck and they would be too predictable to talk to).(less)
updated
Oct 30, 2011 02:55pm
MeaganEllie is right. This book is the worst I have ever read in my life, ever. Absolutely no teenager I know talks like that. I am absolutely repulsed that...moreEllie is right. This book is the worst I have ever read in my life, ever. Absolutely no teenager I know talks like that. I am absolutely repulsed that the Casts think this is appropriate for teenagers. This is exactly what teen girls DON'T need! *cries for y.a literature*(less)
Jan 24, 2012 08:45pm
Admittedly deeper than my last read (Glass Houses by Rachel Caine), it's still in the same basic genre that I felt like reading at this time. Even though Zoey is a bit of a Mary-Sue character (practically perfect in every way), I still liked her, and it probably helped it was written in first person so that I could read her insecurities and such. I loved the basic plot and the side characters, Damien and Stevie Rae (oh, and Nala!) were great. On the other hand, I could probably do without the 'T...moreAdmittedly deeper than my last read (Glass Houses by Rachel Caine), it's still in the same basic genre that I felt like reading at this time. Even though Zoey is a bit of a Mary-Sue character (practically perfect in every way), I still liked her, and it probably helped it was written in first person so that I could read her insecurities and such. I loved the basic plot and the side characters, Damien and Stevie Rae (oh, and Nala!) were great. On the other hand, I could probably do without the 'Twins,' but beggars can't be choosers. :P If I had read this as a teenager, I know I would have loved it even more than I do. The book reminded me of Laurie Faria Stolarz's books; it had the same basic feel to it as those do, even if it's totally different in concept.
The book could have done another editing sweep. I had to reread many sentences so they would make sense to me. Now, I don't know if it's because I'm not that up on teenage slang. Now, I'm not that old, but old enough to not know every slang word or phrase. For example, there is a sentence that reads: "Just please with the taking so long." Now what is that supposed to mean? To me it sounds like it's two unfinished sentences stuck together. Hopefully, there won't be too much pop culture thrown into the series, because more often than not, it dates the book and doesn't really add anything. Nitpicking aside, I honestly can't wait to explore more of this world.(less)
Typical teen story in which there is a black and white delineation between the heroes and the villains, and you will never mistake one for the other. Our heroine comes from a troubled family, longs for a place to belong, is marked as incredibly and shockingly extraordinary amongst her new peers, butts heads with the queen of the school who is also the flatly drawn villainess, immediately catches the eye of the hottest guy at school who is also the ex of our villainess, shows remarkable powers an...moreTypical teen story in which there is a black and white delineation between the heroes and the villains, and you will never mistake one for the other. Our heroine comes from a troubled family, longs for a place to belong, is marked as incredibly and shockingly extraordinary amongst her new peers, butts heads with the queen of the school who is also the flatly drawn villainess, immediately catches the eye of the hottest guy at school who is also the ex of our villainess, shows remarkable powers and wields them with a confidence and skill even the most advanced prodigy would not have after one day in a new world with new rules (after suffering from slight self-esteem issues easily erased by her upbeat and encouraging friends), and is wise beyond her years leading her to take on the benevolent savior leader role amongst her friends and eventually the entire school.
The author captures the teenage voice well enough (though it did seem she was trying a bit hard at times), but all the pop culture references got annoying. Also, while she did sound like a teenager, the narrator’s voice irritated me. She spent a good deal of time passing harsh judgments against particular types of people and behavior. Girls who wear lots of makeup are losers (as are a great many other people throughout the book). Teenagers drinking and smoking is horrifying and disgusting. Wanting to kiss someone you are attracted to apparently makes you a slut. She dislikes one of her classmates because he is not only annoying but also unattractive. While I am not saying that teenagers having sex and drinking and smoking is a good thing, I felt this moralizing had more to do with the author wanting the kiddies to know how dirty these things are than with the character really holding these opinions. It felt that her reaction to them was more immature than the character the author wanted us to see.
Also, not a fan of all the hatred for religion. More of the author pushing her point of view than creating anything compelling within the story. What does this really add? Nothing that couldn’t have been done some other way.
The author does more telling than she should, which always annoys me. You don’t need to tell me that you hate homophobes; I can tell that by the way you’re speaking about their intolerance. You don’t need to tell me you’re a dork; I can tell that by the Star Trek sweatshirt you wear. You definitely don’t need to tell me that you have no choice in being the villainess because that is the role you are meant to play, I can tell that by reading the rest of the book. Also not cool? Defining words within the text. Not necessary! Are we writing an SAT prep novel? No!
I am getting a bit tired of the vampires who are so much more powerful, beautiful, intelligent, wonderful than humans and have all these amazing abilities and gifts. This just makes it too easy to use these abilities to get out of whatever trouble pops up in the story. Neferet showing up at the Samhain ritual? Why would she? Because she’s intuitive? I’m not buying it. It’s just too convenient.
Ok, so, those are some pretty negative bits that I did not like about the book, but I did enjoy it overall. I do like the vampires the author created. I like that becoming a vampire is a biological change that your body could reject, thus killing you. I like that they are mortal and just have a longer life span than humans. I like that they can go out during the day, it’s just really uncomfortable. I like that they have a vampire school. I like that they are part of society, excelling in the arts. I like that vampires have a matriarchal society. I think the mixture of the goddess and vampirism is interesting. I like the main character’s new friends. The concept is interesting and fun, and I will probably pick up the sequels at work tomorrow.(less)
This book basically screams its own elevator pitch at you on the first page: vampire finishing school. Of course, in that regard it's not very original. I don't know why they were so excited. Besides, before there were vampire finishing schools there were wizard finishing schools and seriously can we all get over the finishing/boarding school fixation now?
Whatever. Let's meet Zoey, an incredibly annoying teen from Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma. There was a small, reluctant...moreThis book basically screams its own elevator pitch at you on the first page: vampire finishing school. Of course, in that regard it's not very original. I don't know why they were so excited. Besides, before there were vampire finishing schools there were wizard finishing schools and seriously can we all get over the finishing/boarding school fixation now?
Whatever. Let's meet Zoey, an incredibly annoying teen from Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma. There was a small, reluctant side of me that appreciated this setting given that I grew up on the Oklahoma side of Arkansas, which, for reasons I will never understand, always thought it was far superior. Unfortunately the setting is completely wasted on the House of Night, your typical gloomy/mysterious boarding school.
The usual plot comes along to inform me that Zoey has been marked to become a "vampyre" seemingly randomly one day at school, receiving a mystical tattoo that makes her feel like more of a freak than normal (despite the fact that she's possibly dating the school's quarterback). Her best friend (who she apparently secretly loathes because she has not one good thing to say about her) abandons her. Her mother (again, not one good thing to say) and "step-loser" (I'll let you figure that out) collectively freak out and call the faith squad, a group of ultra religious maniacs, because in House of Night world there are only vampyres and religious lunatic humans who are of one faith. How convenient for everyone! So Zoey ditches her "family" and goes to visit her grandmother, where she passes out and has a goddess vision or something because she's so uber special.
Zoey is really the last main character in the history of paranormal YA that I would consider capable of being special. She's off giggling in parentheses about boobs and "poopie" and I literally wanted her to fall off a cliff. I will freely admit that lots of YA is populated by way too serious female characters with no personality, but Zoey's airhead stupidity is not the solution (nor is it a personality).
After about a hundred pages of pop culture references, really blatant moments where the authors(s) reveal their opinions, morals, and how much they're trying ever so hard to appeal to teens (yes, teens know about blowjobs and they're pretty sure they turn girls into sluts!), and the introduction of plenty of characters as ridiculous as Zoey, I decided I was wasting my time.
One thing I will say, however, is that this book did remind me of the term "roper." I mildly appreciated that.(less)
"Eww! Heath, fat! Not a visual I want.”
I managed to ignore another urge to cough. "And kissing him is like sucking on alcohol-soaked feet.”
K scrunched up her face. "Okay, sick. Too bad he's so hot.”
I rolled my eyes, not bothering to try to hide my annoyance at her typical shallowness.
Shallowness? You should remember why you date him, Zoey! Because he is so smart and honest? Because you can...more1.5 stars
Zoey, you're such a hypocrite.
"Eww! Heath, fat! Not a visual I want.”
I managed to ignore another urge to cough. "And kissing him is like sucking on alcohol-soaked feet.”
K scrunched up her face. "Okay, sick. Too bad he's so hot.”
I rolled my eyes, not bothering to try to hide my annoyance at her typical shallowness.
Shallowness? You should remember why you date him, Zoey! Because he is so smart and honest? Because you can always rely on him? Oh no wait! I know. Because he is always complimenting you!
Marked is a really bad book. Don't read it if you don't want to see how a good idea can be completely spoiled. It's a waste of paper, all of that stupid dialogues, pop culture references and Mary Sue-ish annoying main character. And don't forget Erik and our super insta-love! They are in love from the first time they saw each other and that was in a hall while Afrodita was doing (or trying to do) a blow job to Erik. Romantic, isn't it?
I think Marked is mainly for teens who don't read much or almost at all. If you don't mind all the things I mentioned above then you will probably like it. The best thing I can say about it is that it isn't boring.(less)
This is – literally – the worst (published) book I have ever read in my life. Every time I so much as think about this book, or this series in general, I suddenly have the urge to take a nine iron to an old lady, or set a kitten on fire or something else just as random and pointless that won’t actually solve my hatred towards this piece of crap but will help release some of my anger because Zoey is only a fictional character and I can’t actually kill her will a dull axe. *deep breath* It’s times...moreThis is – literally – the worst (published) book I have ever read in my life. Every time I so much as think about this book, or this series in general, I suddenly have the urge to take a nine iron to an old lady, or set a kitten on fire or something else just as random and pointless that won’t actually solve my hatred towards this piece of crap but will help release some of my anger because Zoey is only a fictional character and I can’t actually kill her will a dull axe. *deep breath* It’s times like these where unpublished authors know they stand a chance: if shit like this cannot only be published but actually become incredibly popular, you know you could write a bestseller in a COMA.
There’s no need to mention the writing is atrocious; anybody who picks it up will tell you that. Every single character has a voice that’s like nails on a chalkboard. You know Janice, from “Friends”? Yeah, that’s the voice I give to Zoey. Totally fits, doesn’t it? Everything about this book screams juvenile, and I’m not talking about that preteen way which is fine, if this book is written for that age group, it’s just plain stupid. Sixteen year olds should be insulted by how they’re portrayed in this, and if they aren’t, and actually relate to these “characters”, they need to be terminated immediately. Everything about this is one big stereotype, from the gays to the blacks to the Southern girl, and funnily enough, Zoey thinks she’s better than all of them, and she’s too stupid to live. She thinks a normally constructed sentence is “amazing vocab”.
Every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence annoyed me. The showing, not telling. The unrealistic dialogue. Zoey. The fucking Twins. The shallow relationships (Zoey has best friends and a guy saying how he cares about her “from his heart” in ONE NIGHT?). Zoey. The religion. The vampires that are not vampires, but witches. Zoey. The “messages”. Everything. Zoey. Honestly, you’d think with two people writing this, there’s two brains involved, which should mean that at some point, there should have been at least ONE good example of writing: a piece of dialogue, some description, some semi-decent prose that didn’t have me wanting to kill the friend who leant this to me.
And can I just mention how much of a Harry Potter rip off this is? You’ve got the “protagonist” (haha) with a mark on her forehead, making her the Chosen One, and is sent off to some fancy boarding school for magical people like her. Because of this special mark, everyone knows instantly who she is, having a polarizing effect – some love her, others hate her. Then you’ve got the platinum blonde who’s rich and whines to her dad about how she’s not loved enough who becomes the “protagonist’s” archrival on the first day of school for no reason, other than jealousy of this newfound popularity someone else has. You’ve got the goofy, quirky sidekicks. You’ve got the “protagonist” suddenly being the favourite of the Headmistress and form a special relationship. There are all kinds of cool classes with the odd teachers. Please, this isn’t a Twilight rip off – just because it has vampires doesn’t make it a Twilight rip off. This is so Harry Potter I can’t believe nobody has mentioned it, except Harry Potter is – y’know – amazing. Stephenie Meyer is not as to J.K. Rowling as the Casts are not to Stephenie Meyer. Stephenie Meyer is Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, Dickens, Tolstoy and anyone else you can think of compared to this garbage.
For a long time I judged people’s intelligence on a yard stick, the yard stick being whether or not you liked this book. Then I embarrassingly found out two of my very nice, smart friends actually like this, so huh, who knew. I’m still unwavering though – this is the worst, stupidest book ever written. I’m actually kind of embarrassed to have it on my bookshelf, because people will actually know I’ve read it. Just for the record, it was given to me, and I didn’t want to hurt my friend’s feelings. Not my fault I stumbled on this. In fact, she gave several more to me, and I actually stopped mid-book. I just couldn’t take it anymore.
These four books (with the exception of Hunted) are the only House of Night novels worth reading, sadly. After that, they go severely downhill. I just figured I'd say that.
These books don't really have any literary value. Some of it is totally ridiculous (almost everyone of the XY persuasion wants to get into the main character's pants) and the writing can be horrible at times (the authors try way too hard to write how teenagers apparently communicate with each other). However, they ...moreThese four books (with the exception of Hunted) are the only House of Night novels worth reading, sadly. After that, they go severely downhill. I just figured I'd say that.
These books don't really have any literary value. Some of it is totally ridiculous (almost everyone of the XY persuasion wants to get into the main character's pants) and the writing can be horrible at times (the authors try way too hard to write how teenagers apparently communicate with each other). However, they are very fun, fast reads. When reading these novels, I found myself addicted to the ever-turbulent life of Zoey Redbird, her friends/enemies, and all the interesting events that happen at her school. The Casts might not have any idea how teenagers talk, but they know how to create a great plot.
I think my favorite part of these books is how normal a lot of it is. Sure, they're vampyre fledglings, and have to deal with affinities and what-not, but it's set in a pretty realistic high-school environment. Through all the fantasy, these characters still have to deal with homework, tests, relationships, friends, etc. Future books in the series lose that normalcy, and I think a lot of the magic is lost with it.
My advice on the series? Read the first book, and see if you can handle the Casts' terrible writing style and how they put Zoey on such a high pedastal. If you can stomach it, you'll probably love the next four in the series. But, unfortunately, I found that starting with Tempted, this series became increasingly disappointing.(less)
⚜TheWrittenWord⚜MoMichael, do me a favour and read Awakened!! I can see where you're coming from and stuff even if i don't completely agree with you, but I think Awaken...moreMichael, do me a favour and read Awakened!! I can see where you're coming from and stuff even if i don't completely agree with you, but I think Awakened puts everything right again. I loved it and i think you'll like it to.(less)
Mar 18, 2011 07:19am
MichaelReally? That's pretty exciting. I have it, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I'll push it up on my reading list. :)
Mar 19, 2011 08:24pm
I know, I can't believe I read this book either. What's worse? I've read all of them--the six that have been published. Why? Because I'm a moron, that's why.
Seriously, this is the worst YA vampire--I mean vampyre--series I've read (so far). While there are elements in this series that are interesting, it's nothing special. I mean, vampyres that control the elements? Come on! Richelle Mead already did that, just much, much, much better. Much better.
Why not just ...moreI know, I can't believe I read this book either. What's worse? I've read all of them--the six that have been published. Why? Because I'm a moron, that's why.
Seriously, this is the worst YA vampire--I mean vampyre--series I've read (so far). While there are elements in this series that are interesting, it's nothing special. I mean, vampyres that control the elements? Come on! Richelle Mead already did that, just much, much, much better. Much better.
Why not just write a book about witches? Because these vampyres aren't all that vampyre-y, especially the further you get in the series. Sure they drink blood, but they do magic--drawing circles, calling the elements--more often then not.
And the slang used? Makes me cringe. It's so lame and forced. And--just stupid.
I haven't read any of P.C. Cast's other books--the books she wrote by herself. But I've read a short story written by Kristen Cast. It is so entirely FULL OF FAIL (see: Immortal:Love Stories with Bite), I kind of think she's the reason this series sucks so badly.
A very easy read. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book, but the first sentence, "Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse, I saw the dead guy standing next to my locker.", got my attention.
The House of Night Series is yet another addition to the vampire/vampyre genre. Veering off of the traditional vampire path, in this series, vampyres are chosen and Marked, not Changed by being bitten, and not all those who have been Marked actually live through th...more A very easy read. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book, but the first sentence, "Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse, I saw the dead guy standing next to my locker.", got my attention.
The House of Night Series is yet another addition to the vampire/vampyre genre. Veering off of the traditional vampire path, in this series, vampyres are chosen and Marked, not Changed by being bitten, and not all those who have been Marked actually live through the Change.
In Marked, the first book in the series, 16 year old Zoey Redbird is Marked by a vampyre Tracker and becomes a fledgling vampyre. She goes off to vampyre training school where she learns that she stands out as "special" among all the other fledglings there. In many ways it's a typical high school drama type story with the predictable characters. However there are enough twists and turns to make the story interesting.
Just a couple 'heads up' because some people will find this offensive and because it's a young adult novel I wouldn't want any parents allowing their kids to read this based on my review without pointing out the following:
1. The "f" word is salt and peppered throughout the book.
2. By chapter 7, Zoey stumbles upon a scene she wishes she hadn't. Aphrodite, the school's High Priestess in training is desperately trying to convince Erik, an absolutely gorgeous upperclassman, that he really does want her to give him a "blow job." It was slightly explicit, and was something that was discussed in casual conversation a few times throughout the book.
16 year old Zoey has a crappy home life, an almost-ex-boyfriend who drinks too much, a best friend who's shallow and a geometry test tomorrow. But all this matters for naught when she is Marked by a Vampyre Tracker and must move to the House of Night school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for four years while her body undergoes the Change into a Vampyre - or rejects it and she dies.
This is a new and original take on the Vampire legends, and mixes in matriarchy and goddess-worship with pleasing e...more16 year old Zoey has a crappy home life, an almost-ex-boyfriend who drinks too much, a best friend who's shallow and a geometry test tomorrow. But all this matters for naught when she is Marked by a Vampyre Tracker and must move to the House of Night school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for four years while her body undergoes the Change into a Vampyre - or rejects it and she dies.
This is a new and original take on the Vampire legends, and mixes in matriarchy and goddess-worship with pleasing effect. Zoey becomes marked in a special way - the Goddess Nyx has given her a special responsibility and added gifts; which she'll need, because something's not right at the House of Night, and her own mentor and High Priestess may not be the gentle, caring mother-figure she makes herself out to be.
What I especially liked about this book was how it handles issues relevant to teenagers. Yes it discusses topics like drinking, drugs, anorexia, sex, homosexuality, bullying etc. but all in a positive light (or an "anti-" light, depending on the topic). Zoey is a wonderful role model with a sensible head on her shoulders who looks beyond the surface to what really makes people behave how they do.
Also, to be perfectly clear on this point, despite what you might have read, there is no sex in this book, or the sequel (and even if there was, I think it would be handled very maturely). There is some slutty behaviour from one of the characters, but this is hardly glorified. In fact, it's only the language of the teenaged characters themselves that stops this book from being too moralising. The slang etc. has been captured perfectly, but is not overdone so that it gets really annoying. It's also dark, funny, and the inclusion of rituals invoking the five elements of air, water, fire, earth and spirit add a new, beautiful element that I really liked. I honestly think this book and the ones that follow can only have a good impression on teenagers. Don't be afraid to put it on your library's shelves. In fact, my biggest problem with this book was the rather excessive product placement going on. It's unnecessary and grotesque. Otherwise, Marked is highly enjoyable!(less)
This probably one of the worst books I have ever read... It was horrible. The writing was stupid. If you like to read a grown woman try to talk like a teenager then this is for you.. I hated it. I mean I felt stupid after reading some of this. They compared people to Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher, they brought oral sex into and they didn't just briefly talk about it they made it stretch out over a couple of chapters. This mother/daughter writing team needs to rethink working together ag...moreThis probably one of the worst books I have ever read... It was horrible. The writing was stupid. If you like to read a grown woman try to talk like a teenager then this is for you.. I hated it. I mean I felt stupid after reading some of this. They compared people to Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher, they brought oral sex into and they didn't just briefly talk about it they made it stretch out over a couple of chapters. This mother/daughter writing team needs to rethink working together again. My daughter will not read these books. Heck I don't even think adults would want to read this.. If you want a good series read Twilight or Blue Bloods series. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS SERIES. I AM RETURNING ALL 4 BOOKS BACK TO THE STORE! ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE..(less)
Sarahwell this book is for teenagers so Mranda lady YOU SHOULD READ BOOKS FOR YOUR AGE!
May 07, 2011 07:52am
J.N. CahillWow, did someone really say you should read the books for your own age? Someone didn't like the fact that you disliked this book I guess. Just because...moreWow, did someone really say you should read the books for your own age? Someone didn't like the fact that you disliked this book I guess. Just because the target audience is for teens doesn't mean anyone who isn't a teenager shouldn't read it. It is a free country. I know plenty of adults who read YA and love it so I don't know why anyone would hate on them just because they aren't the same age as the target audience.(less)
Oct 22, 2011 05:17pm
This book was so bad, I wanted to quit reading it, but then I could not have fairly rated it. So despite my better judgment - I read on, wincing all the way!
Marked tries so hard to be hip - but "like totally" fails. I know you have to be careful when choosing YA books. Some of it is great - it resonates with those of all ages. And some of it, like this book, is YA crap.
The main character was also very poorly created. She enjoyed reading the horrid Gossip girl se...moreThis book was so bad, I wanted to quit reading it, but then I could not have fairly rated it. So despite my better judgment - I read on, wincing all the way!
Marked tries so hard to be hip - but "like totally" fails. I know you have to be careful when choosing YA books. Some of it is great - it resonates with those of all ages. And some of it, like this book, is YA crap.
The main character was also very poorly created. She enjoyed reading the horrid Gossip girl series, yet was critical of her sexually-active classmates? Great example of how a mom/teacher (PC Cast) who writes a book with her college-age daughter (the book says it was Kristen Cast who tried to infuse the book with teen verbiage) does not work out well! It was a battle of agenda's and viewpoints.
Please don’t waste your time on this book! Check out my read list to find better YA reads!
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TrineI liked the book, but I think your point of view is just as valid :) But all the critiques (not just by you) about saying that the authors are trying ...moreI liked the book, but I think your point of view is just as valid :) But all the critiques (not just by you) about saying that the authors are trying to show their own moral, by criticizing the girls sexual behavior is wrong. It may seem so in the first book, but when reading the ones coming, it's just wrong. The girl called a "slut" in this book - Aphrodite - becomes one of the heroes later, without changing personality. So yes, of course it's a valid point to think the story is crap :) But just that about the authors is wrong I think :)(less)
Jan 28, 2011 11:28am
TrineAnd lets face it, yes, it does have a stereotypical view on teenagers, but that is probably why it is a YA book. Because it is for TEENS!
Jan 28, 2011 11:33am
It pains me to even give this book one even 1 star. I don't know what was worse, the tacky and unsympathetic attitude towards eating disorder victims, the blasé attitude towards male rape(the hallway scene, imagine the gender roles reversed and you'll see how sexsist it is), or the constant usage of the words slut and hoe, oh yeah what a great example we're setting for young girls. Call each other degrading terms because women are apparently so empowered now it doesn't matter.
If the...moreIt pains me to even give this book one even 1 star. I don't know what was worse, the tacky and unsympathetic attitude towards eating disorder victims, the blasé attitude towards male rape(the hallway scene, imagine the gender roles reversed and you'll see how sexsist it is), or the constant usage of the words slut and hoe, oh yeah what a great example we're setting for young girls. Call each other degrading terms because women are apparently so empowered now it doesn't matter.
If there is an agenda by the mainstream media to sexualise and dumb down young people (especially girls) through popular culture and I fully believe there is, it is exposed in all its vile glory in this book. These so called writers should be ashamed of themselves, even worse it's going to be turned into a movie and possibly shoved in our faces for a decade. This is of course, the first book in a series of about 10 or 11, I'm not even sure it's even finished.
I can see why people are going to get sucked into this as I almost was, but do yourself a favour, fully analyse the sick values in this book and you will begin to see where I am coming from....as well as hate yourself for at some point having liked it.
This book is a weapon of mass destruction to anyone who dare reads it, if you hated Bella Swan, you're going to want to throw the main protagonist Zoey Redbird on a train track. The cliches in this book made me roll my eyes every two seconds;the dumb blonde and her two ugly sisters, the quiet geeky girl who puts up with the crap from the dumb blonde. I could go on, but I can't be bothered.
Do not read this book, unless you genuinely want to waste 306 pages of reading time.I was going to stop giving bad reviews to books I don't like because I don't like putting books down, but future victims of my reviews of books I can't stand, can have this book to thank.(less)
Yianna Yiannacounot too sure if you should do that. Because that is exactly what I did. I regret it, but now I have to finish the series which is many books long........morenot too sure if you should do that. Because that is exactly what I did. I regret it, but now I have to finish the series which is many books long......... and nothing really happens(less)
Jan 17, 2012 11:26am
Awful. Awful, awful, awful. I got probably halfway through this, wanting to give it a fair go for reviewing purposes, and just couldn't continue.
Where do I start? Probably with the style of writing, which was the first thing that hit at me. Written from the point of view of teenager Zoey Redbird, the prose is so stereotypically teenage that I'm surprised this entire generation isn't throwing this book down in insulted disgust. Just because something was said by one teenager at one po...moreAwful. Awful, awful, awful. I got probably halfway through this, wanting to give it a fair go for reviewing purposes, and just couldn't continue.
Where do I start? Probably with the style of writing, which was the first thing that hit at me. Written from the point of view of teenager Zoey Redbird, the prose is so stereotypically teenage that I'm surprised this entire generation isn't throwing this book down in insulted disgust. Just because something was said by one teenager at one point in time, doesn't mean everyone should be subjected to it in every paragraph. And like many reviews before this one have said, the pop culture references (which are frequent) will definitely date this book, and make it hard for future generations to relate to it.
Then there's the overuse of words such as 'said'. So-and-so said something, then other so-and-so said something, oh and a third so-and-so also said something next. Ever heard of a thesaurus? The point of using any words to close conversation is to describe how something is said, or how the person is reacting, etc etc. Said becomes obsolete very quickly.
'Consuetudinary'??? Pretentious much? Just because someone is into vocabulary doesn't mean they use crazy random words that no normal person would bother using. Intelligent people, which I'm not suggesting are a group of individuals to which I belong, don't use large obscure words. They use the simplest words to convey meaning. So this guy simply must be 'into vocabulary', rather than being intelligent, thus showing his true nature. Couple this with the protagonist who likes to make up words ('ginormic') and you're reading a veritable smorgasboard of literary tripe. And what teenage girl says 'gorgeous young lad' in this century? Also, back to the issue of writing as a teenage girl, readers still want some sophistication in books. If I wanted to experience the exact vocabulary and mannerisms of a stereotypical teenager I'd stop trying to block them out on the train on the way to the city each week.
By the way, when the protagonist makes an incredibly lame joke and either follows or precedes it with 'hee hee' you can bet good money that the actual response is awkward silence.
Okay, so I'll take a step back and say something nice. I can see that the author was trying to present a new angle to the current vampire craze (or 'vampyre' as it's written in this book), and this has basically been accomplished. Although as far as vampire school books go, I would definitely recommend the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, or the Evernight series by Claudia Gray instead. Trying to capitalise on a trend is one thing, but doing it poorly just shows how little the author cared about anything other than getting their own vampire books on the market quickly.
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AbbyOh my gosh I agree with you so much! I honestly didn't even finish this book. It started with the kind of writing that reminds me of how the popular g...moreOh my gosh I agree with you so much! I honestly didn't even finish this book. It started with the kind of writing that reminds me of how the popular girls in my school talk when telling a long, boring story about why Nicole will be the first to lose her virginity because she made out with some guy behind the third grade buildings (?), and then there was that weird way of saying 'vampyre' instead of vampire... like, is that supposed to make vampire sound more mysterious? Make it sound different and gothic (oh, sorry 'gothik')?? It just made it seem like the biggest wannabee book ever. I honestly didn't even understand the plot whatsoever. So they go to a vampyre school and then some people get a half moon shape on their face and then they want to drink blood so they.... what? The writing sucked so bad I didn't even care to try to understand the weird vampyre school plot that was totally boring and I cared nothing about... ugh, I can't even remember a book that sucked this bad. I hope I never read another one like this ever again....(less)
updated
Jun 07, 2011 09:45pm
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.My dad got me this book, not thinking i would like it because he picked it out i didn't read it for awhile. but when i was in cabo i got real board, so i read this book. and it now is deff. one of my favorits.
its about this girl that gets "marked" as they call it, she turns into a vampire and being marked is what they call it in the town they are in. So she gets marked and when she does she goes to see her grandma because she knows her grandma will accept her no matter what...moreMy dad got me this book, not thinking i would like it because he picked it out i didn't read it for awhile. but when i was in cabo i got real board, so i read this book. and it now is deff. one of my favorits.
its about this girl that gets "marked" as they call it, she turns into a vampire and being marked is what they call it in the town they are in. So she gets marked and when she does she goes to see her grandma because she knows her grandma will accept her no matter what shinnagins she gets into. While shes looking for her grandma she trips and falls and becomes unconscious, during this state she meets the goddess of like all beings, and when she wakes up shes in the house of night. With a filled in Mark which is really rare. So everyone pretty much looks up to her because only the upper classmen have filled in marks.
her room mate is stevie ray who has a country accent and deff doesn't have a good sense of style. she always ways country boots. and stevie rae introduces her to all her friends which consist of the twins, which aren't really twins they met at the house of night and ones african american and the other is white i think? but anyways they have the abilty to feel eachothers emoitons and finsih eachothers statements. Then there's Damien who is gay. and really really smart.
On one of the first nights that she is there, her ex-almost-boyfriend and her ex-bestfriend kayle come and try to break her outt. Which leads to her drinking heath's blood and her really liking it and then erik seeing it and her finding nyla her cat.(cat's chose there owners not the other way around)
very good book, and i recommend it to anyone who likes vamprye books.(less)
At first, I bought this book from B&N. I started reading the first chapter and I absolutely hated it. People already knew vampires existed?? There was no way that I was going to read this book. I left it in my pile of other books.
Months later, I decided to give it another chance and I fell in love with it!! This book isn't about the secrecy of vampires but the fact that although eveyone knows about it, they show a type of fear.
The protagonist in this book has been Marked...moreAt first, I bought this book from B&N. I started reading the first chapter and I absolutely hated it. People already knew vampires existed?? There was no way that I was going to read this book. I left it in my pile of other books.
Months later, I decided to give it another chance and I fell in love with it!! This book isn't about the secrecy of vampires but the fact that although eveyone knows about it, they show a type of fear.
The protagonist in this book has been Marked by a vampire. She must now attend a special school for vampire 'training'. Whilst doing so, her family and well as her friends reject her.
This book was great and I would recommend it to anyone who likes vampire books. Even if you don't like vampire books, this book leaves out all the gruesome details that most vampire novels usually have.(less)
Review: Marked (House of Night) *Minor Spoilers*
November 13th, 2008 by Robbie
Marked (House of Night book 1)
By P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
* Paperback: 320 pages
* Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin; 1st edition (May 1, 2007)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0312360266
Let me start off by saying that at last year’s ALA Midwinter Talia from Macmillan gave me a copy of this book. And it sat on my shelf for nine months becaus...moreReview: Marked (House of Night) *Minor Spoilers*
November 13th, 2008 by Robbie
Marked (House of Night book 1)
By P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
* Paperback: 320 pages
* Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin; 1st edition (May 1, 2007)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0312360266
Let me start off by saying that at last year’s ALA Midwinter Talia from Macmillan gave me a copy of this book. And it sat on my shelf for nine months because I’m not as big into vampires as it would seem and there were other books that were just more interesting-sounding. Anyway, I found out that I get to go to a breakfast meet-n-greet with the Casts in January and I figured I’d better read their series. XD Boy, was I missing out. There are some minor spoilers for the first book in here.
The story revolved around Zoey Montgomery/Redbird, a girl with a strong tie to her Cherokee heritage through her grandmother. Well, one day Zoey is Marked to become a Vampyre and must go to the House of Night to complete the Change or die. Only it turns out that the Goddess Nyx made Zoey special in some way, and now she has to take on not only the bitch of the school, Aphrodite, but also scary ghost thingies and mature powers that she is not ready to deal with.
The story is sort of about a vampyre boarding school, but it’s more about regular kids at a regular school that just happens to be for fledgling vampyres. This is masterful, as being vampyres is not the characters’ defining trait and allows them to be fully realistic. The story is character driven, and all the characters have motivations and reasons for everything they do. The climax seems a little rushed, but that is obviously because it is a lead-in for the next book, so there are questions unanswered and a larger plot arc. I’ll definitely keep reading to see what happens.
Zoey is a great heroine, and she makes a journey and transformation throughout the novel, from shy and quiet to braver and willing to let her friends help her. She learns a lesson at the end about friendship that will serve her well throughout the rest of her journey. Her friends are a colorful bunch, raging from Stevie Rae, the girl with the southern accent; to the twins who aren’t twins; to Damien, the gay vampyre. There’s also Neferet, the High Priestess of Nyx, who I’ll talk about in a bit. Aphrodite is truly malodorous, and I love to hate her; Erik Night is a great guy character for Zoey, although he seems a little underdeveloped and I’d like to know more about him.
**SPOILER WARNING**
One thing about the plot that struck me as odd, was when Aprodite was having a vision in front of Neferet and she screamed when she realized who she was looking at. It makes me wonder about the future of the story and undermines my trust in Neferet, which is kind of odd seeing as how she is set up to be the adult mentor and calming presence in the novel. We shall see.
**END SPOILERS**
There’s a light amount of sexual reference and swearing, and a little nod to the classic elements that some will view as evil witchcraft or whatever, but I think that the novel is appropriate for grades 7+, dependent upon the maturity of the reader.
In all, an excellent book with great characterrs, story, surprises, and vampyres.
Thank goodness it was only a library book! This book was so horrible I couldn't finish it. I was looking for something lighthearted, I figured it would be a safe read since it's Young Adult Fiction. Well I was wrong, this is so inappropriate for teens as well as being poorly written. I'm shocked this book was written by a mother daughter team, so did they get together and brain storm all the swear words and oral sex they were putting into this book? Marked also has a lot of anti-Christian statem...moreThank goodness it was only a library book! This book was so horrible I couldn't finish it. I was looking for something lighthearted, I figured it would be a safe read since it's Young Adult Fiction. Well I was wrong, this is so inappropriate for teens as well as being poorly written. I'm shocked this book was written by a mother daughter team, so did they get together and brain storm all the swear words and oral sex they were putting into this book? Marked also has a lot of anti-Christian statements in it, the authors definitely have an agenda. It's obvious that the book is supposed to be written from the POV of a teen so the language isn't perfect and there is a lot of slang, but I can't believe this piece of garbage got past an editor. There are so many grammatical errors in this book, I would be humiliated if I was the person in charge of this book being published!(less)
Scale of 1-10: 3
Pros: Vampire school is an interesting concept, and the story itself is interesting in the last 1/3 of the book.
Cons: The concept is so poorly executed as to make me tear at my hair and gnash my teeth. Vampires as fluffy bunnies? REALLY?!? *heavy sigh*
I got the feeling PC Cast wanted to write a "clean" supernatural thriller, but what she came up with is so antiseptic and sheltered that frankly, I don't understand why she chose such traditionally...moreScale of 1-10: 3
Pros: Vampire school is an interesting concept, and the story itself is interesting in the last 1/3 of the book.
Cons: The concept is so poorly executed as to make me tear at my hair and gnash my teeth. Vampires as fluffy bunnies? REALLY?!? *heavy sigh*
I got the feeling PC Cast wanted to write a "clean" supernatural thriller, but what she came up with is so antiseptic and sheltered that frankly, I don't understand why she chose such traditionally sexy (and evil) creatures as vampires for the subject of her book, other than to grab some of the Twilight cash.
Synopsis: In a world where vampirism is a normal part of life as we know it, 16-year-old Zoey Redbird finds out she's destined to become one. She doesn't want to be one, but since it's pre-ordained by virus (which is NEVER explained), she has no choice and gets packed off to attend vampire school at the House of Night, where she leaves her old life behind and makes new friends, influences new people, and just generally has a grand old time shucking off this mortal coil until finally at the end of the book, conflict finally rears its ugly head and the story gets interesting.
My take: Ye gads. It's like the Small World ride at Disneyland, if all the dolls wore black and had crescent moon tats in the middle of their foreheads. It's vapid. It's shallow. It's...vampire bling. And on top of all of that, it's pretentious. Vampyres? Really? That's your contribution to the big scary, you're spelling vampire with a Y? I kept thinking of Andrew from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, intoning the word as "Vam-peer." Count Dracul. Transylvania. Nosferatu. If, like, Nosferatu went to high school, spoke with a hick accent, and was a 16-year-old girl who said "Hell!" and "poopie" and "boobies" all the time. And no, I'm not kidding.(less)
My love for this series wanes with each installment. The series is being drug out. Like, really drug out. Like, R E A L L Y. D R U G. O U T ! Looking back, I was generally happy with the series up to about book 6 or 7, after that point it becomes more of a task than a pleasure to read. I would give Books 1-4 or 5 a 3 or 4 star rating. After that: beware of meteor shower.
The storytelling is a little odd in the fact that Cast seems to...moreSigh...
My love for this series wanes with each installment. The series is being drug out. Like, really drug out. Like, R E A L L Y. D R U G. O U T ! Looking back, I was generally happy with the series up to about book 6 or 7, after that point it becomes more of a task than a pleasure to read. I would give Books 1-4 or 5 a 3 or 4 star rating. After that: beware of meteor shower.
The storytelling is a little odd in the fact that Cast seems to be writing in "real time" or something quite close. Each book covers something like a day or a week. This kind of timeline makes for exhausted characters and an exhausted reader. Nobody has time to breathe. There are only vague reflections on "what we have learned" in these books. If you are looking for something even mildly thought provoking, keep looking. However, if you are looking for something wild and crazy fast paced, go for it. I will say that the romances (yes many, many, many of them) are good.... up to a point anyway. Like I said, the whole thing begins to implode around book 6 or 7.
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This book was recommended to me by my niece. I got her started with vampire books sometime back with Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books. And I was the one who introduced her to Twilight. She gave me one of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy books & I liked it, so figured this series might be okay, too. WRONG!! Others have mentioned the preponderance of pop culture references, which was annoying. However, my main quibbles are with Zoey's "perfectness" and what seemed to me to ...moreThis book was recommended to me by my niece. I got her started with vampire books sometime back with Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books. And I was the one who introduced her to Twilight. She gave me one of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy books & I liked it, so figured this series might be okay, too. WRONG!! Others have mentioned the preponderance of pop culture references, which was annoying. However, my main quibbles are with Zoey's "perfectness" and what seemed to me to be a major "Christian bashing". I am not a religious person, but I do believe in God and this book seemed to paint all "People of Faith", as they were referred to in the book, with the "evil-stupid-intolerant" brush. While basically preaching a tolerance of everything else, the "People of Faith" were excluded. Add to this the fact that all the characters seemed terribly one dimensional and the "twins" were a couple of the most annoying characters I've come across in some time, you can be sure I won't bother with any of the others in this series.(less)
P.C. Cast was born in Watseka, Illinois, 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. Since her tour in the USAF, she has been speaking and teaching professionally.
Ms. Cast...moreP.C. Cast was born in Watseka, Illinois, 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. Since her tour in the USAF, she has been speaking and teaching professionally.
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.
Ms. Cast writes the popular Goddess Summoning Series for Berkley Publishing. The sixth book
in the series, WARRIOR RISING, was released in May 2008. Cast also writes an epic fantasy series
for LUNA set in Partholon, the unique, award-winning world she created.
Ms. Cast coauthors a paranormal young adult series with her daughter, Kristin. CHOSEN,
the third book in their House of Night series (St. Martin’s Press) debuted at #2 on the
New York Times Best Seller List. HUNTED, the 5th book in this blockbuster series, will be
released on March 10th, 2009. Please check out the series website, www.houseofnightseries.com.
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 and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. 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. If your organization is interested in information about her appearances, please contact her publicist, Sherry Rowland, at lsherryr@aol.com Ms. Cast lives in Oklahoma with her fabulous daughter, her spoiled cat, her adorable Scotties, and a bunch of not totally normal horses!
P.C. Cast is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. If your organization is interested in information about her workshops or presentations, please contact phyl@pccast.net, or if the request is specific to her young adult series, you may contact her St. Martin’s publicist, Katy Hershberger, at Katy.Hershberger@stmartins.com.
Ms. Cast lives in Oklahoma with her fabulous daughter, her spoiled cat, and her adorable Scotties!(less)
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Jan 28, 2012 03:20am
Feb 05, 2012 09:48am