Book Chick City: April 2010

House of Night Week - BOOK REVIEW: Hunted by P. C. & Kristin Cast

Thursday, April 29, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Title: Hunted (HoN #5)

Author: P. C. & Kristin Cast

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: Sept 2009

Paperback: 448 pages

Reading Level: Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 6/10

Goodreads Summary:

The good news: Zoey’s friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings aren’t Neferet’s secrets any longer. The bad news: Ancient evil with the face of an angel has been let loose – that and various other nasties (whose faces aren’t so angelic). Grandma Redbird is in trouble. Heath is in trouble. The House of Night is in trouble. Okay, let’s face it – Zoey’s whole world is in trouble! But when the trouble comes from a being who appears to be beauty personified, will the world believe it? Especially when only a teenager and a group of misfits are the only ones who really understand the danger he brings. Will Zoey have the strength and wisdom to reveal the truth? Especially when, in the House of Night, the truth is often hard to come by…

Review:

Hunted is the fifth book in the House of Night series and continues from Untamed by only a day or two.

Zoey and her friends are now hiding out in the tunnels with the red fledgelings, a different kind of fledgeling who change into a different kind of vampyre, and one which Zoey doesn't know if she can trust yet. Stevie Rae is badly hurt by an arrow piercing through her chest after being fired by the newly risen red fledgeling, Stark. All the gang is pretty freaked out by what happened at the end of Untamed and band together to decide the best course of action.

Erik is also one of the group hiding out and at first things are awkward between him and Zoey, but they decide to forgive each other. Although Heath, Zoey's other ex-boyfriend, are no longer imprinted, he seeks her out at the tunnels and wants to talk. But while she is struggling with her love for Heath and the knowledge that it's best for him if they don't see each other again, Zoey is attacked by one of the raven-men and is now fighting for her life.

Unfortunately, to save herself, Zoey has to drink Heath's blood and so they are imprinted again, at the delight of Heath, but Erik is definitely not happy. But things still do not look good for Zoey so they have to take her back to the House of Night, to Neferet, who is the only one who can heal her. But it feels as though they are entering a different House of Night, one filled with raven-men, fear and Kalona, an evil fallen angel who rose from the Earth at the end of Untamed.

At the end of the last book, Aphrodite was coming through as a very strong character, and was slowly becoming my favourite. After reading Hunted I can now say she *is* my favourite. She still likes the boys but she doesn't let them take over her life. She's funny and sexy as well as strong-willed and determined. I just love all her witty retorts. To me she's the most level headed character and to be honest the most strong, even more so than Zoey.

Zoey still has boy troubles and continues to make them worse, but after reading my previous reviews, I am sure you are now well aware how this part of the series has my eyes rolling. However, the action is still there in Hunted, which kept me reading until the last page.

Verdict:

Although Hunted is quite a roller coaster ride and a good read, it didn't engage me as much as the previous four books. I admit I am getting tired of Zoey and all her boyfriend issues, and the choices she makes when around them, but I'm still looking forward to reading Tempted, the next book in the series.

Source: Thank you to Atom for sending me this book to review

Here are my reviews of the previous books in the series:

1. Marked

2. Betrayed

3. Chosen

4. Untamed

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You can find out more about the author here:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | House of Night UK

Here are my reviews to each book in the series:

1. Marked

2. Betrayed

3. Chosen

4. Untamed

5. Hunted

6. Tempted

7. Burned

Labels: 6/10 Rating, Atom, Book Reviews, House of Night Week, P. C. Cast, Young Adult |

9 comments |

House of Night Week - Guest Blogger: Why I love the HoN series...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Alejandra

Blog: Yummy Hell Faery

Twitter: @alebodden11

Something about me—I love paranormal creatures, and Vampires are on my top favorites list. I like seeing the different depictions of vamps people come up with; some might be categorized as ridiculous or odd, and other as genius, but we all can agree with the fact that they are all quite unique.

I stumbled upon The House of Night Series when Betrayed (HoN Book #2) came out, I bought both (1 & 2) of them at the same time and goodness -- Did I fall in love with these books.

Now the question is, what was it that captivated me so?

First, her original portrayal of vampyres is incredible—artistic and exceptional. From their marks to how they are and what they do is amazingly detailed making them easy to picture in the readers mind. The way their society live in peace with humans, but how there are still people that are not accepting of the vampyres adds to the story a nice spark.

The plot is fast paced in all the six books that are out so far. It is clear that P.C. and Kristin Cast have a clear idea of where the story is going, yet all sorts of twists and turns keep the readers engaged and wanting to know what is going to happen, and how is it going to end.

Now, my favorite thing about these books is how female and male vampyres are portrayed on them—so powerful, especially females. Yes, one might argue if it is a feminist thing, which I think is not considering that it is done in a non sexist way. Also, the characters are very well developed, and strong. I like Zoey, and how confused she is about everything. Though, my favorite character is Aphrodite; she is the strongest one, opinionated, a leader—even despite her nasty personality sometimes [most of the time,] but most important, she is a softy beneath all that. I guess I am a sucker for ill-tempered characters because mean ones are always on my list of favorites… I am going to stop babbling.

All of these along with the whole new vampyre world that P.C. and Kristin cast share with us make these books a great and enjoyable read. Trust me, I start the books as soon as I get them and I finish them in one sitting. Now I cannot wait for Burned! Eeek! *This is me going all fangirl now.*

If you guys have never heard of these books before, well, there might be something wrong with you—Just saying. It starts with Zoey Redbird, a normal human girl, who gets marked by the Vampyre Tracker. Her body starts experiencing the change, now she must move to House of Night (the vampyre boarding school) immediately in order to survive the transformation. After getting there her life changes in every possible way. New friends and foes suddenly appear in her life along with a new boy. And like Hamlet would say if he were in the House of Night: Something stinks in Tulsa… The plot starts building from here and the following books are each more exciting than the one before it.

Labels: Guest Blogger, House of Night Week |

14 comments |

House of Night Week: 20 Questions with P. C. Cast

Monday, April 26, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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I have the great pleasure in welcoming P. C. Cast author of the House of Night series. P. C. kindly answered my questions especially for the HoN week. Enjoy!

Also, don't forget to enter the fantastic HoN Giveaway this week - you can enter via filling in the form below!

20 Questions with P. C. Cast

1. How do you research your novels for House of Night series?

Depends on the book. I have, of course, delved deeply in Cherokee lore, but I've also traveled to Capri, Pompeii, Venice/San Clemente Island and more recently the Highlands of Scotland to research. I always find if I go to a place and meet the people and hear their stories plot nuances I hadn't imagined unfold.

2. Which book of the series did you enjoy writing the most?

BURNED was a special pleasure to write because of the Scottish connection.

3. How many more books are planned for the House of Night series?

I've planned at least 12 books in total.

4. Do you have any other books planned besides HoN and what are you working on right now?

I have lots of books planned! Right now I'm working on AWAKENED, book 8 in the series. But starting in December my wonderful Goddess Summoning Series will begin being released in the UK. I'm really looking forward to that!

5. Do you plan or let the story take you?

Both - I begin with a plan and then the characters take over.

6. If you weren't a writer what would you be?

I'd teach high school. Again.

7. Who are your favourite authors to read? What are you reading at the moment?

I read all across genres. Some of my longtime favorites are: Ray Bradbury, Harper Lee, Robin McKinley, Christopher Moore, Anne McCaffrey, Dean Koontz, Diana Gabaldon...the list goes on and on. Right now I'm actually re-reading one of my own books, GODDESS OF THE ROSE! It's going to be adapted to film and I'm very much involved with the production, so I'll work closely with the screenwriter, and because I haven't read GotR for years I needed to remind myself what I'd written!

8. Which book has made you cry?

Mine? All of them! As for other authors: one of my all time biggest snot cries has been from Tanith Lee's magical book, THE SILVER METAL LOVER.

9. Which book has made you laugh?

All of my books do! Besides me Christopher Moore totally cracks me up.

10. Which books are on your bedside table right now?

Kresley Cole's latest paranormal romance and Jennifer Cruise's WILD RIDE.

11. How do you spend time relaxing?

I read, hang out with my friends, walk my dogs, go to the gym, and I love trying unusual restaurants all over the world.

12. What's your favourite ice-cream?

Depends - sometimes it's chocolate chip and sometimes it's butter pecan.

13. If you had paranormal/supernatural powers what would they be?

I'd like to control the elements.

14. Your Hero?

I have two of them: my dad, Dick Cast, and the man in my life, Seoras Wallace.

15. One influence?

I joined the USAF while I was in high school, and went active duty five days after graduation. The armed forces has influenced me greatly, especially when it comes to self-discipline, working hard, and standing up for what I believe is right.

16. Best place you've ever visited?

A grove on the Isle of Skye.

17. Favourite Word?

Success

18. Favourite possession?

The Luckenbooth Seoras gave me.

19. Do you have an unusual talent or skill?

I'm very intuitive.

20. What is your guilty pleasure?
Wine. Lots of it.

Thank you so much P. C. for taking the time to answer my questions, it's been fun! :)

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You can find out more about P.C. Cast here:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | House of Night

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Don't forget to enter the amazing HoN GIVEAWAY!

This fantastic prize is courtesy of ATOM.

• Special coloured edge editions of the first six novels in the series

• A copy of BURNED, the seventh soon-to-be-released book in the series

• HoN poster

All you have to do to enter is fill in this form!

(One entry per person please)

This contest is open Worldwide and ends 29th April 8am GMT

GOOD LUCK!!

Labels: Author Interviews, House of Night Week, P. C. Cast |

23 comments |

House of Night Week - BOOK REVIEW: Untamed by P. C. & Kristin Cast

Sunday, April 25, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Title: Untamed (HoN #4)

Author: P. C. & Kristin Cast

Publisher: Atom

Publications Date: August 2009

Paperback: 411 pages

Genre: Fantasy

Reading Level: Young Adult

Rating: 7/10

Goodreads Summary:

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

Review:

Untamed follows on from where Chosen left off and Zoey is still trying to find a way to stop Neferet and her evil plans. In Untamed we are introduced to a new evil disguised as ravens and Zoey soon realises that there's a bigger evil than Neferet she has to prevent from rising.

Zoey is burdened with many secrets, which she has to keep to herself, and because of this Zoey has lost her friends as they see her as a liar, when in reality she's keeping secrets to keep them safe. The only one she can talk to is Aphrodite, who knows the secrets that haunt her and completely understands.

Over the last two books Aphrodite has grown on me. Her bitchiness is a breath of fresh air amongst all the loving that goes on between Zoey and her friends. But Aphrodite is also showing a more human, caring side to her nature and when called upon she is strong and completely focused. Of course, she's still as catty as ever, but wonderfully so. She is slowly becoming my favourite character.

Zoey is realising that there is more to Aphrodite too and they are slowly becoming unlikely friends, to the astonishment of those around them. It takes Zoey's friends a little longer to see Aphrodite as part of their inner circle, but once they realise that she's there to help, they begin to treat her a little better - not that Aphrodite cares of course!

In Marked, the first book of the series, we saw Zoey's disgust for Aphrodite regarding her actions with Erik in the hallway at House of Night, and because of it Zoey and her friends have continued to call Aphrodite names. However, Zoey has become boy-mad! At least Aphrodite was only interested in the one!

Zoey never seems happy with just one and always seems to want to complicate her life further by adding another. This time it's Stark, a mysterious boy Zoey feels herself drawn to, who's been transferred from another House of Night. So that makes three boys and one man, in what is only a few months! And she thought Aphrodite was the "ho"! ;)

When it comes to boys this is where my love for Zoey diminishes slightly. Four boys in a few months is a lot for any girl to handle, and falling in and out of love with all of them alternately and thinking of one boy after just kissing another, makes her seem shallow and, in my opinion, not very likeable. These are traits I don't particularly want to see in my heroine. Putting her boy issues aside I like Zoey and think she's a strong character, most of the time. Her actions speak volumes when she's trying to save the lives of her friends and family and wants to do the right thing by Nyx, her Goddess.

Moving away from Zoey's love life, there's a lot of great story telling. Zoey finally reveals what has been going on with Neferet to her friends and they all band together to help Zoey and protect her, even Erik wants to help despite the pain he's feeling due to her betrayal. Aphrodite is still having scary visions and the plot unfolds further with the introduction of Shekinah, the High Priestess of all vampyres, The Sons of Erebus, warriors with vast skills, and a terrifying new evil. We also see a lot more of Zoey's Grandma and I really enjoy the inclusion of Cherokee myths and legends, but we are left worrying about her life due to terrible accident...

Verdict:

I am really enjoying this series. The prose flows easily and the world of House of Night is written very well to the point I could almost be there, but it's the fast-paced plot which is really the core of the series and which makes me reach excitedly for the next book. As with all the books in the series so far, Untamed is a great read. It's not as good as Chosen but it still kept my attention from beginning to end and I can't wait to read Hunted! These books are seriously addictive!

Source: Thank you to Atom for sending me this book to review.

Here are my reviews of the previous books in the series:

1. Marked

2. Betrayed

3. Chosen

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You can find out more about the author here:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | House of Night UK

Here are my reviews to each book in the series:

1. Marked

2. Betrayed

3. Chosen

4. Untamed

5. Hunted

6. Tempted

7. Burned

Labels: 7/10 Rating, Atom, Book Reviews, Fantasy, House of Night Week, P. C. Cast, Young Adult |

10 comments |

House of Night Week - BOOK REVIEW: 'Chosen' by P. C. & Kristin Cast

Sunday, April 25, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Title: Chosen (House of Night #3)

Author: P. C. & Kristin Cast

Publisher: Atom (UK) | St Martin's Griffin (US)

Publication Date: March 2009 (UK) | March 2008 (US)

Paperback: 322 pages

Genre: Fantasy

Young Adult

Source: Review Copy

Reviewed by: Carolyn

RATING: 8/10

BACK COVER SUMMARY:

Zoey's best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead - in an eww! zombie! kind-of-way, not in a cool vampire kind-of-way. She's struggling to retain her humanity and Zoey doesn't have a clue how to help. But she does know that anything they discover must be kept secret. Unfortunately, trust has become a rare commodity. Sinister forces are at work at the House of Night, where the line between friend and enemy is becoming dangerously blurred.

REVIEW:

'Chosen' is the third book in the 'House of Night' series and I really enjoyed it. Each book I've read so far is evolving and the storyline is getting more and more exciting.

Although 'Chosen' was a very addictive read, I do have a few issues with Zoey. She has three guys on the go and even though, for the most part, it is just innocent 'making-out' sessions, I really wish there would have been a reason behind her inability to stick with one guy.

I understand the Heath connection due to the Imprinting forcing them together. I understand Erik, he is also a fledgeling so they have things in common. I sympathise that it's difficult to cut out her old life, leaving it behind to begin a new one, so her conflict between the two boys is realistic.

But then enter Loren. In 'Betrayed' there was just a bit of flirting, more of a crush on Zoey's part, but in 'Chosen' the innocent crush and flirting becomes something more and I'm a bit disappointed in Zoey for allowing herself to become involved with a third. I was hoping that a reason such as 'vampire glamour' would be the cause of her infatuation with Loren, but unfortunately it wasn't and as Zoey so eloquently put it herself, she was "becoming a ho".

Zoey's friends are interesting and I do enjoy reading about them. However, I wish that Shaunee and Erin would stop calling each other 'twin'. Although they are of different colour, one being black the other white, they are seen as 'twins' due to the fact that they are alike in personality and finish each others sentences. But they have a very annoying habit of calling each other 'twin' in nearly all of their conversations and after a while it gets very irritating. I also wish I could get to know all of Zoey's friends a little more. The story is told from Zoey's point of view but I would like to see her friends developed a bit more through the series.

Zoey is growing up very fast, but unfortunately she doesn't often make the right choices. Her shoulders are heavy with secrets and she has no-one to turn to, not even her friends, in fear of getting them hurt - except, that is, for Aphrodite.

Aphrodite and Zoey put aside most of their differences and join forces to help one of Zoey's friends who has died and risen as something dangerous and soulless. But Zoey believes her friends humanity remains and has to figure out a way to save her before it's too late.

Things get seriously hot between Zoey and one of her boyfriends. another gets hurt and because of all the secrets and lies Zoey begins to lose her friends. What was revealed regarding Neferet in 'Betrayed' is developed further in' Chosen' and as I don't want to give too much away all I will say is the plot thickens nicely and drives the story forward to a cliffhanger ending that had me instantly reaching for book four!

VERDICT:

Even with it's faults, 'Chosen' is a thrilling, fast-paced and exciting read, and for me, the best book so far! Here I come book four!!

You can find out more about the author here:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | House of Night UK

Here are my reviews to each book in the series:

1. Marked
2. Betrayed
3. Chosen
4. Untamed
5. Hunted
6. Tempted
7. Burned

Labels: 8/10 Rating, Atom, Book Reviews, Fantasy, House of Night Week, P. C. Cast, Reviews by Carolyn, Young Adult |

9 comments |

House of Night Week - BOOK REVIEW: 'Betrayed' by P. C. & Kristin Cast

Saturday, April 24, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Title: Betrayed (House of Night #2)

Author: P. C. & Kristin Cast

Publisher: Atom (UK) | St Martin's Press US)

Publication Date: Feb 2009 (UK) | Oct 2007 (US)

Paperback: 375 pages

Genre: Fantasy

Young Adult

Source: Review Copy

Reviewed by: Carolyn

RATING: 7/10

GOODREADS SUMMARY:

Things seem to be going pretty well for Zoey Redbird. She's settled in at the House of Night finishing school and is coming to terms with her incredible new powers. It all seems too good to be true. And guess what?

Someone has begun murdering human teenagers, and all evidence points to the vampyres at Zoey's school. Which means her first assignment as the leader of the Dark Daughters is finding out which one of her classmates or - gulp - teachers is a killer.

Sigh. And she thought her boyfriends (yes: plural) were going to be her biggest problem this year...

REVIEW:

'Betrayed' is the second book in the House of Night series and we see Zoey, the main protagonist, more settled in her environment and coming to terms with her new life at the House of Night Vampyre school. She is also dealing with her new powers, which she obtained in Marked. The gang is still together, consisting of Zoey, Stevie Rae, Damian, Erin and Shaunee, and Aphrodite is still around too, and as bitchy as ever.

Zoey's life is just as complicated as it was in Marked, even more so. She's still confused about what she saw in the grounds at House of Night. Did she see the ghosts of Elizabeth and Elliot - two fledglings who died but are now somehow walking around the grounds at night?

Zoey's boy trouble is also at an all time high. She is smitten with her new boyfriend, Erik, another fledgling at House of Night, but is also tied to Heath, her human boyfriend, especially after tasting his blood. They are now imprinted and Heath finds it increasingly difficult to be away from Zoey and vice versa.

There's also the matter of two human boys who have been murdered, with Heath being the third boy to go missing. However, due to the imprint between them, Zoey learns she can 'feel' Heath and uses her power to find him before something terrible happens.

In this installment, without giving too much away, Zoey discovers a secret regarding Neferet and realises she isn't what she seems. The plot moves at a quicker pace than Marked and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. There's also sadness in the Zoey camp as one of her friends die but comes back as something else, and it's not good!

VERDICT:

Zoey is a strong heroine, except when it comes to boys when everything seems to go out the window and she becomes distracted. But overall, the story is getting more interesting and I'm becoming increasingly more excited about this series with each book. 'Betrayed' is a great second installment and after the last few chapters I can't wait to crack on with book three!