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House of Night
The Fledgling Handbook 101
Merry meet, fledgling. Welcome to a new life, a new world, and a new you. Welcome to the House of Night!
This might seem like a scary time, Fledgling, but never fear! As you start your journey through the ancient halls of the House of Night, this indispensable handbook will aid you in your transition from human to fledgling. Within these pages you will find invaluable information about the history of vampyres. You will also come to a better understanding of your body's transformation, as well as read words of hope from great vampyres of the past and learn essential foundations of rituals and lore. Now, Fledgling, read on. A new life awaits you; your path to that magickal future begins here!
This might seem like a scary time, Fledgling, but never fear! As you start your journey through the ancient halls of the House of Night, this indispensable handbook will aid you in your transition from human to fledgling. Within these pages you will find invaluable information about the history of vampyres. You will also come to a better understanding of your body's transformation, as well as read words of hope from great vampyres of the past and learn essential foundations of rituals and lore. Now, Fledgling, read on. A new life awaits you; your path to that magickal future begins here!
157 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
138 people are currently reading
12260 people want to read
About the author
P.C. Cast
197 books28.3k followersPC 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. PC is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today 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. PC is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. Ms. Cast lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her eccentric Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses. House of Night Other World, book 4, FOUND, releases July 7th, 2020. More info to come soon about the HoN TV series!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
November 2, 2010
For a series that I've practically given up on I wasn't expecting much from this additional tie-in guide. However, my feelings really stem from the fact that this is supposed to be the often mentioned textbook from the series. Now obviously no one's going to read a fictional textbook that comes off like a real textbook -- I hardly want to read the ones I'm supposed to for class. But if you're going to write a pretend textbook you either need to make it believable as a reference by having solid details that are otherwise foreign to a fan or give it some charm like the Harry Potter schoolbooks, which manage to present a lot of new information and still retain the feel (specifically the humor) of the actual series.
This book manages to be a waste of the paper it's printed on. First, it's printed in a wasteful manner with ridiculously huge margins and text that doesn't bother to fill the page. But even more to the point it's not informative, nearly everything presented in the book is a detail that you could find within the series itself or the associated website. The one exception being a bit of history, which is basically a mutilation of real history that incorporates plot elements from the series. Oh, but I did learn one thing: every rule that's mentioned has pretty much been broken by a character (namely Zoey) at some point in the series. Leaves me torn between being horrified that anyone would think of these characters as role models and pondering the point of creating a set of rules for this world in the first place.
Now all that said, I can't even say this is worth reading if you aren't already familiar with the series because it's written in such a bland and uninteresting way that there's no way I can see that it would entice you, let alone get into the series.
The one minor thing it does have going for it is that it isn't written in the juvenile slang the series is.
This book manages to be a waste of the paper it's printed on. First, it's printed in a wasteful manner with ridiculously huge margins and text that doesn't bother to fill the page. But even more to the point it's not informative, nearly everything presented in the book is a detail that you could find within the series itself or the associated website. The one exception being a bit of history, which is basically a mutilation of real history that incorporates plot elements from the series. Oh, but I did learn one thing: every rule that's mentioned has pretty much been broken by a character (namely Zoey) at some point in the series. Leaves me torn between being horrified that anyone would think of these characters as role models and pondering the point of creating a set of rules for this world in the first place.
Now all that said, I can't even say this is worth reading if you aren't already familiar with the series because it's written in such a bland and uninteresting way that there's no way I can see that it would entice you, let alone get into the series.
The one minor thing it does have going for it is that it isn't written in the juvenile slang the series is.
February 15, 2011
I might have fallen behind on the actual reading of this wonderful and intriguing series, but it didn't stop me from loving and enjoying this handbook. As I turned the pages of this stunning book, I felt as if I'd just been enrolled into this school and was learning the history and what to expect after the Change.
It's brilliant--packed full of facts, class emblems, rituals, history, mythology, explanations, and there's even blank spaces to fill in your personal Fledging details. ;) And the pictures, my gosh, the art is beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. This book was certainly put together with great care and thought, it's an outstanding addition to an already successful series and I think everyone who enjoys the series needs to have a copy.
The Fledging Handbook is beautifully made and packed full of vampyre goodness. It's one of those books that you hold and read in awe. It's certainly a winner!
I know I'll be referring to it again, that's for sure. :)
It's brilliant--packed full of facts, class emblems, rituals, history, mythology, explanations, and there's even blank spaces to fill in your personal Fledging details. ;) And the pictures, my gosh, the art is beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. This book was certainly put together with great care and thought, it's an outstanding addition to an already successful series and I think everyone who enjoys the series needs to have a copy.
The Fledging Handbook is beautifully made and packed full of vampyre goodness. It's one of those books that you hold and read in awe. It's certainly a winner!
I know I'll be referring to it again, that's for sure. :)
March 9, 2015
Een informatie-boekje over The House of Night. Zeker interessant om te lezen, maar ik heb ook behoorlijk wat kritiek. Mijn recensie kan je hier lezen: http://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie/...
April 3, 2011
I love the House of Night series. I love the story, the characters, the world that the Casts have created. I really wanted to love this. But unfortunately, I didn't.
It started off okay, with an introduction into the House of Night world and with the biology of vampyres and how your body changes, I thought that was pretty interesting, because it was so well thought out and it really shows that the author had really thought about the world she created in her books. So that was pretty cool, although becoming a vampyre sounds really creepy :L
Then it goes onto a Rituals section of the Handbook, and I read a few of the rituals, but I had to skim read most of them, because I got really bored. I don't like saying that, but I did. And that's really all I can say about that chapter...
Chapter three was called 'Nightkind Elementology' and that was okay, and I have decided that I would probably have an earth affinity if I was vampyre...
The rest of the book (apart from a little bit at the end) was about Vampyre History, and I skimmed that too... It didn't interest me, and I felt bad about skimming it and not giving it a proper chance, but I couldn't read it. I tried, but I couldn't.
At least it ended on a good note for me. I enjoyed reading the quotes from vampyres at the end, they were pretty cool, especially the one from William Shakespeare... (Don't worry, he wasn't actually a vampire...)
Overall though, I did't enjoy this book, and as much as I hate writing negative reviews, I felt I needed to share my honest opinion, which is this: I'm so glad I got it from the library! I'm sure House of Night fans will love it, but unfortunately, it just didn't do it for me. Sorry! I still love the HoN series though :D
It started off okay, with an introduction into the House of Night world and with the biology of vampyres and how your body changes, I thought that was pretty interesting, because it was so well thought out and it really shows that the author had really thought about the world she created in her books. So that was pretty cool, although becoming a vampyre sounds really creepy :L
Then it goes onto a Rituals section of the Handbook, and I read a few of the rituals, but I had to skim read most of them, because I got really bored. I don't like saying that, but I did. And that's really all I can say about that chapter...
Chapter three was called 'Nightkind Elementology' and that was okay, and I have decided that I would probably have an earth affinity if I was vampyre...
The rest of the book (apart from a little bit at the end) was about Vampyre History, and I skimmed that too... It didn't interest me, and I felt bad about skimming it and not giving it a proper chance, but I couldn't read it. I tried, but I couldn't.
At least it ended on a good note for me. I enjoyed reading the quotes from vampyres at the end, they were pretty cool, especially the one from William Shakespeare... (Don't worry, he wasn't actually a vampire...)
Overall though, I did't enjoy this book, and as much as I hate writing negative reviews, I felt I needed to share my honest opinion, which is this: I'm so glad I got it from the library! I'm sure House of Night fans will love it, but unfortunately, it just didn't do it for me. Sorry! I still love the HoN series though :D
October 29, 2010
WHAT A COOL BOOK! ANYONE WHO READS THE HOUSE OF NIGHT SERIES SHOULD PICK THIS UP. IT'S REALLY COOL TO SEE THE HISTORY BEHIND THE STORY. REALLY NEAT
November 13, 2015
Muito aborrecido. Só gostei mesmo do capitulo de história e o sobre ser-se marcada.
Pense mesmo nele como sendo mesmo um manual do aluno da Casa da Noite.
Pense mesmo nele como sendo mesmo um manual do aluno da Casa da Noite.
June 3, 2011
This is a much have for House of Night Fans.
I initially that this was a guidebook on the series itself, but it's actually a "handbook." It's written as though YOU are a fledgling student at the House of Night. There's even places for you to jot down notes... like what changes you notice happening to your body, now that you're a fledgling!
It's broken up into six chapters or sections. Each one discussing a different topic that all fledgling vampyres should know.
The first section is an introduction to the House of Night itself, going over the various class emblems and such. Next is Vampyre Biology so you know exactly what to expect with your new fledgling status and what changes you can expect in the future. The third part covers Rituals. The fourth part is Nighttime Elementology, when you are turned has direct correlation over your elemental influence, be it air, water, earth, etc. The next section covers Vampyre History, which it turns out you may recognize a few of the stories, but see them in a whole new light. And finally the last section covers Words of Hope From Fellow Fledglings for those newly marked that need some words of wisdom. (William Shakespeare, say what!?)
Overall a fun and entertaining look into the House of Night, something fans are sure to devour!
December 30, 2010
I've seen of lot of negative reviews and heard a lot of people say they're dissapointed with this handbook. However, I think it's a great addition to the series and am happy to have it in my library.
This handbook, along with the series, was obviously written for young teenagers, as a lot of the vampyre lore and history in the book are simply stories from our own history that have been slightly tweaked. My favorite story was The Tragedy of Pompeii.
This book is definitely not for the history buff, as it rewrites history for the purposes of the series. However, this book is perfect for a fan to the series that would like to have a beautiful little book to complement and complete their HON library.
This book was a quick, easy, and entertaining read which does offer some insight into the world behind the series. I'm sure when I reread the series someday, I'll refer back to this little gem.
This handbook, along with the series, was obviously written for young teenagers, as a lot of the vampyre lore and history in the book are simply stories from our own history that have been slightly tweaked. My favorite story was The Tragedy of Pompeii.
This book is definitely not for the history buff, as it rewrites history for the purposes of the series. However, this book is perfect for a fan to the series that would like to have a beautiful little book to complement and complete their HON library.
This book was a quick, easy, and entertaining read which does offer some insight into the world behind the series. I'm sure when I reread the series someday, I'll refer back to this little gem.
May 12, 2011
Being a massive House of Night fan I had to pick this book up to add to my collection!
The book itself is very pretty, I love the fact that it is all colour inside and filled with pictures!
There is even space for you to write in your own pieces, as if you are attending a House of Night. I won't be writing in the book though, it's just too pretty to do that!
As for information, there isn't too much that readers won't already know from the original book series. It is nice to read it and imagine what it would have been like for Zoey to first see the "rule book" when she was marked and moved to the House of Night.
It is a book you could skip though, if you are a massive fan of the books I would say go ahead and buy it, it is a good reference book for the series and tells a bit more about the background.
The book itself is very pretty, I love the fact that it is all colour inside and filled with pictures!
There is even space for you to write in your own pieces, as if you are attending a House of Night. I won't be writing in the book though, it's just too pretty to do that!
As for information, there isn't too much that readers won't already know from the original book series. It is nice to read it and imagine what it would have been like for Zoey to first see the "rule book" when she was marked and moved to the House of Night.
It is a book you could skip though, if you are a massive fan of the books I would say go ahead and buy it, it is a good reference book for the series and tells a bit more about the background.
September 15, 2022
I read this so fast lol 😂 I am getting ready too read the full series so I figured I would start with this book first. It was very well written, packed with so much information, and the graphics are beautiful.
November 30, 2014
This book was a good idea but it would have been better if it focused more on school rules and the biology of being a vampire instead of the boring stories it had in it.
October 29, 2017
O "Manual do Iniciado" é o livro que todos os que são marcados e que vão para as diversas Casas da Noite têm de ler no seu primeiro ano.
Este livro tem todas as informações necessárias que um iniciado precisa de saber para poder viver em paz com o seu novo mundo.
É através deste livro que ficamos a conhecer alguns rituais e também a história de algumas situações que são repetidas nos diversos volumes da coleção Casa da Noite.
Um livro cheio de magia e de antiguidade que nos leva a conhecer um género diferente de vampyros e a forma como eles vivem em comunidade com os humanos. Para os vampyros desta história é muito importante para os iniciados lerem este manual, pois assim vão aprender tudo o que precisam de saber no principio da sua estadia da Casa da Noite. É um livro muito divertido pois podemos conhecer histórias sobre personagens muito famosas que aqui são colocados no papel de vampyros, como por exemplo Cleópatra. Temos também a demonstração que o pentagrama não é algo dirigido para o mal mas sim para a divindade aos 5 elementos (Ar, Fogo, Água, Terra e Espírito), todos estes elementos que a deusa Nyx dá como forma de afinidade aos seus filhos (iniciados ou vampyros adultos).
Um livro extraordinário e com muita cultura no meio de tanta fantasia.
Ps: o livro contém na versão portuguesa 173 páginas e mais 34 páginas do excerto do livro "Antes Bruxa que Morta" de Kim Harrison, ou seja o número de páginas apresentados nesta edição corresponde ao número de páginas geral e não do livro "Manual do Iniciado" em si.
Este livro tem todas as informações necessárias que um iniciado precisa de saber para poder viver em paz com o seu novo mundo.
É através deste livro que ficamos a conhecer alguns rituais e também a história de algumas situações que são repetidas nos diversos volumes da coleção Casa da Noite.
Um livro cheio de magia e de antiguidade que nos leva a conhecer um género diferente de vampyros e a forma como eles vivem em comunidade com os humanos. Para os vampyros desta história é muito importante para os iniciados lerem este manual, pois assim vão aprender tudo o que precisam de saber no principio da sua estadia da Casa da Noite. É um livro muito divertido pois podemos conhecer histórias sobre personagens muito famosas que aqui são colocados no papel de vampyros, como por exemplo Cleópatra. Temos também a demonstração que o pentagrama não é algo dirigido para o mal mas sim para a divindade aos 5 elementos (Ar, Fogo, Água, Terra e Espírito), todos estes elementos que a deusa Nyx dá como forma de afinidade aos seus filhos (iniciados ou vampyros adultos).
Um livro extraordinário e com muita cultura no meio de tanta fantasia.
Ps: o livro contém na versão portuguesa 173 páginas e mais 34 páginas do excerto do livro "Antes Bruxa que Morta" de Kim Harrison, ou seja o número de páginas apresentados nesta edição corresponde ao número de páginas geral e não do livro "Manual do Iniciado" em si.
May 5, 2020
And so, I ended the House of Night series - novellas and all.
This was a great series; an absolute beautiful plot. It was rich with details, combining magic, poetry and altered history. It had vision and it will forever be something special of its own, at least for me. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. In fact, there were times where I truly hated the series and thought I’d outgrown it. That’s largely due to the style it was written in and the audience it targetted. However, with all of that aside, it’s still at a league of its own - plot-wise.
I am happy to end this here, finally after almost 10 years. It’s like saying goodbye to a facet of who I was. That’s dramatic as fuck, but it’s true. I feel old, or older.
So, that’s that.
This was a great series; an absolute beautiful plot. It was rich with details, combining magic, poetry and altered history. It had vision and it will forever be something special of its own, at least for me. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. In fact, there were times where I truly hated the series and thought I’d outgrown it. That’s largely due to the style it was written in and the audience it targetted. However, with all of that aside, it’s still at a league of its own - plot-wise.
I am happy to end this here, finally after almost 10 years. It’s like saying goodbye to a facet of who I was. That’s dramatic as fuck, but it’s true. I feel old, or older.
So, that’s that.
December 28, 2023
I love this series and I love history/mythology - it was cool to see P.C Cast rewrite old tales and legends entwined with vampires to be retold as "history" within the House of Night universe
It was in depth on some rituals from the books and the very beginning of things like the dark daughters, the island of Capri and Skye etc
I'd say it was definitely enjoyable to read but I won't be filling in the blanks like I'm a fledgling, mainly because I refuse to vandalise the book like that!
It was in depth on some rituals from the books and the very beginning of things like the dark daughters, the island of Capri and Skye etc
I'd say it was definitely enjoyable to read but I won't be filling in the blanks like I'm a fledgling, mainly because I refuse to vandalise the book like that!
November 16, 2025
I loved the House of Night series growing up. So reading this book made me feel nostalgic especially because I remembered so many things from the story that I have forgotten over the years. There’s a part of me that wished to be able to fill out this book in more detail. Maybe one day I will do it just for the fun of it.
March 20, 2020
Had verwacht dat die beter zou zijn ofzo dan dat die is
August 18, 2024
This was a cute addition to the mainline series! Not a must read, and there was far more story in it than I expected, as I figured it would read only like that of a short textbook/personal journal and while parts of it does, it also tells some origin stories of the elemental affinities and some alternative history which was surprising but welcome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2011
Informative and interesting. Makes me wonder if they'll perform the ritual to bring back Zoey that was performed when Drusus tried to bring back Theodora. Only I hope this one is successful and both don't die. I know many readers dislike Zoey but really without her there isn't a storyline. She's the central character that all others off-shoot from. Without her there is no House of Night, only the aftermath that would afflict not just the fledglings but also the vampyres that have been affected by Zoey and Co. I truly have begun to wonder if Zoey will go through the Change or die. I guess only time will tell how this will turn out. I also wonder whether Zoey has already gone through the Change, since her mark was already filled in and her tattoos spread across much of her upper body. Hmm, interesting...very, very interesting.
August 1, 2011
The Fledgling Handbook 101 turned out to be a disappointing read. I didn't even finish and passed it off to my fried who also is an avid reader of the HON series. The book had a promising start with what you would expect to find in a 'handbook' for a vampyre fledgling. After the initial introduction of what to expect, description of the HON forms (which was interesting), Celebrations, and information about the Dark Daughters/Sons, the book just rambled off into history. I expected more information regarding what would be taught in the classes and daily life in the HON.
December 28, 2012
I really loved this! I am a huge fan of the series, so i would obviously think so.
The book introduces you to the physical and mental change that comes with being marked and the history of old vampyres. The illustrations were beautifully done.
It almost reads like a text book for a fledgling, and you can put pictures and your progress of the change in there, which i won't do, don't want to ruin the beautiful book.
There could have been a lot more in it though, but a must have for HON fans!
The book introduces you to the physical and mental change that comes with being marked and the history of old vampyres. The illustrations were beautifully done.
It almost reads like a text book for a fledgling, and you can put pictures and your progress of the change in there, which i won't do, don't want to ruin the beautiful book.
There could have been a lot more in it though, but a must have for HON fans!
June 30, 2012
Pensei que não teria qualquer interesse, então comecei a lê-lo enquanto esperava receber um livro que eu queria mesmo ler, pensando "Quando o outro chegar não vou ter problema em parar de lê-lo". Foi o meu maior erro. Não consegui parar de ler este pequeno livro que tem histórias tão interessantes e é engraçado ver a autora a aproveitar-se da história da humanidade para encaixar lá os vampyros. Aconselho, acho que é uma leitura leve e interessante.
December 6, 2016
Honestly this book is pretty cute. It's a nice short read and the pages are brightly coloured. When I originally purchased this I was hoping it would read more like a textbook style for an actual class at this school. Instead it's just some interesting facts and a bit more information into the series just put into an easier to read format. The cover is pretty dope though !
October 29, 2010
It was okay for a guide book. we learn about the ritual and how the vampyre changes and things like what happen in the schools. i was hoping to learn more about other places or more about zoey and her friend and why they are special. but oh well.
December 5, 2010
Saw this book in NBS last week.
It's so friggin' expensive. o_o
Is it because the pages looks like those in magazines?
And all that's available are hardcover!
Not fair! How can a poor good ol' reader like me
buy something so expensive. ):
It's so friggin' expensive. o_o
Is it because the pages looks like those in magazines?
And all that's available are hardcover!
Not fair! How can a poor good ol' reader like me
buy something so expensive. ):
October 31, 2010
beautifully crafted, remarkably well-thought out and put together. This is a must for any House of Night fan or collector
Want to read
October 12, 2011It was $4 on amazon's kindle sale. I couldn't help it.
February 3, 2018
Seriously just wanted a book to get me closer to catching up to my goal. Finished this in a couple of hours and I'm happy about that.
January 1, 2016
un libro che non aggiunge niente alla serie ma spiega come superare la trasformazione e i vari rituali. Una chicca immancabile.
January 27, 2023
HOUSE OF NIGHT SERIES related book 1
“The Fledgling Handbook 101”
Tre stelline e mezza
Buona parte del valore di una saga fantasy è costituita dalla sua credibilità; come diceva Tolkien nel celebre saggio intitolato On Fairy Stories, “[lo scrittore] realizza un Mondo Secondario nel quale la vostra mente può entrare. All’interno di esso, quello di cui egli racconta è vero: si accorda con le leggi di quel mondo. Perciò voi credete ad esso. […] Nel momento in cui la non credibilità sorge, l’incanto è spezzato, la magia, o, piuttosto, l’arte, ha fallito. A quel punto siete di nuovo fuori nel Mondo Primario, guardando il piccolo, abortito Mondo Secondario dall’esterno.” È dunque sufficiente un singolo elemento discordante perché in quella sfera perfetta che è il mondo fantastico creato si apra una crepa che ne decreta la distruzione; eppure servono centinaia di “mattoni” solidi affinché esso prenda forma, poi acquisti consistenza e, infine, conquisti la dimensione di realtà. Uno degli strumenti che concorrono a questa solidità è la creazione da parte dell’autore di pseudobiblia – ancor più efficaci se realmente pubblicati –, che non solo ampliano e arricchiscono il macrocosmo fantastico in questione, ma ne rafforzano le fondamenta, lo rendono più reale.
The fledgling Handbook 101 (Il manuale del novizio) è uno pseudobiblion piuttosto riuscito. Si tratta del manuale che viene consegnato ai giovani vampiri appena marchiati che entrano per la prima volta nella Casa della Notte cui sono destinati; lo stesso cui Zoey Redbird, la protagonista della House of Night series, fa riferimento più volte nei primi romanzi della saga, per trovare risposte, per confrontarsi, persino per lamentarsene. L’autrice P.C. Cast, coadiuvata dall’illustratrice Kim Doner, ha compilato piuttosto verosimilmente quello che potrebbe benissimo passare per un libretto d’orientamento scolastico atto ad introdurre – in modo molto superficiale (e rassicurante) – il novizio nella nuova realtà, sia scolastica che biologica e sociale. C’è tutto l’ABC, dalla biologia vampira ai rituali base, dalla storia delle creature della notte alle parole di speranza e partecipazione da parte di grandi vampiri del passato – tra cui Shakespeare e Cicerone! –, dalla simbologia degli elementi e delle rune alle pagine destinate ad essere compilate dal novizio. Il tutto corredato da immagini storiche antichissime (con tanto di crediti per la concessione della riproduzione alle varie Case della Notte nel mondo), da ricostruzioni di opere d’arte e da foto recenti.
Non tutti i capitoli riescono a risultare convincenti e alcuni appaiono un poco forzati o incompleti. Quello sui rituali, ad esempio, approfondisce troppo rispetto agli altri e avrebbe potuto raccontare le piacevoli storie introduttive senza ripetere per cinque volte lo svolgimento del rito che le ha coronate; quello storico, invece, partito in modo promettente, finisce col concentrarsi su un’unica vicenda risultando lacunoso. Non sarebbe inoltre stata una scelta svantaggiosa proporre non “UN” manuale qualunque, ma “IL” manuale, quello appartenuto a Zoey, personalizzandolo con le sue risposte nelle pagine lasciate bianche per il novizio, e magari con scritte, scarabocchi, appunti e pagine usurate nei punti da lei più letti.
Nell’insieme, però, il Manuale “funziona” e convince sufficientemente da lasciare che il lettore si abbandoni con fiducia ai ritratti, alle poesie e alle numerose informazioni che propone. È quindi con piacere che attendiamo il secondo related book della saga, Nyx in the House of Night, che ne esplora la mitologia, il folkrore e la religione e che forse darà finalmente spiegazione dell’originale e curioso sincretismo religioso adottato dalle autrici.
Recensione anche su urban-fantasy.it:
urbanfantasy.horror.it/2012/12/la-cas...
(6 dicembre 2012)
“The Fledgling Handbook 101”
Tre stelline e mezza
Buona parte del valore di una saga fantasy è costituita dalla sua credibilità; come diceva Tolkien nel celebre saggio intitolato On Fairy Stories, “[lo scrittore] realizza un Mondo Secondario nel quale la vostra mente può entrare. All’interno di esso, quello di cui egli racconta è vero: si accorda con le leggi di quel mondo. Perciò voi credete ad esso. […] Nel momento in cui la non credibilità sorge, l’incanto è spezzato, la magia, o, piuttosto, l’arte, ha fallito. A quel punto siete di nuovo fuori nel Mondo Primario, guardando il piccolo, abortito Mondo Secondario dall’esterno.” È dunque sufficiente un singolo elemento discordante perché in quella sfera perfetta che è il mondo fantastico creato si apra una crepa che ne decreta la distruzione; eppure servono centinaia di “mattoni” solidi affinché esso prenda forma, poi acquisti consistenza e, infine, conquisti la dimensione di realtà. Uno degli strumenti che concorrono a questa solidità è la creazione da parte dell’autore di pseudobiblia – ancor più efficaci se realmente pubblicati –, che non solo ampliano e arricchiscono il macrocosmo fantastico in questione, ma ne rafforzano le fondamenta, lo rendono più reale.
The fledgling Handbook 101 (Il manuale del novizio) è uno pseudobiblion piuttosto riuscito. Si tratta del manuale che viene consegnato ai giovani vampiri appena marchiati che entrano per la prima volta nella Casa della Notte cui sono destinati; lo stesso cui Zoey Redbird, la protagonista della House of Night series, fa riferimento più volte nei primi romanzi della saga, per trovare risposte, per confrontarsi, persino per lamentarsene. L’autrice P.C. Cast, coadiuvata dall’illustratrice Kim Doner, ha compilato piuttosto verosimilmente quello che potrebbe benissimo passare per un libretto d’orientamento scolastico atto ad introdurre – in modo molto superficiale (e rassicurante) – il novizio nella nuova realtà, sia scolastica che biologica e sociale. C’è tutto l’ABC, dalla biologia vampira ai rituali base, dalla storia delle creature della notte alle parole di speranza e partecipazione da parte di grandi vampiri del passato – tra cui Shakespeare e Cicerone! –, dalla simbologia degli elementi e delle rune alle pagine destinate ad essere compilate dal novizio. Il tutto corredato da immagini storiche antichissime (con tanto di crediti per la concessione della riproduzione alle varie Case della Notte nel mondo), da ricostruzioni di opere d’arte e da foto recenti.
Non tutti i capitoli riescono a risultare convincenti e alcuni appaiono un poco forzati o incompleti. Quello sui rituali, ad esempio, approfondisce troppo rispetto agli altri e avrebbe potuto raccontare le piacevoli storie introduttive senza ripetere per cinque volte lo svolgimento del rito che le ha coronate; quello storico, invece, partito in modo promettente, finisce col concentrarsi su un’unica vicenda risultando lacunoso. Non sarebbe inoltre stata una scelta svantaggiosa proporre non “UN” manuale qualunque, ma “IL” manuale, quello appartenuto a Zoey, personalizzandolo con le sue risposte nelle pagine lasciate bianche per il novizio, e magari con scritte, scarabocchi, appunti e pagine usurate nei punti da lei più letti.
Nell’insieme, però, il Manuale “funziona” e convince sufficientemente da lasciare che il lettore si abbandoni con fiducia ai ritratti, alle poesie e alle numerose informazioni che propone. È quindi con piacere che attendiamo il secondo related book della saga, Nyx in the House of Night, che ne esplora la mitologia, il folkrore e la religione e che forse darà finalmente spiegazione dell’originale e curioso sincretismo religioso adottato dalle autrici.
Recensione anche su urban-fantasy.it:
urbanfantasy.horror.it/2012/12/la-cas...
(6 dicembre 2012)
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