Book Reviews of Marked (House of Night, Bk 1)

I don't ever remember speaking like this as a teenager. The forshadowing is comical in it's obviousness. Read Stephanie Meyer if you need some young vampire romance, don't bother with this.

At first I thought this book was going to be way more high school drama than I wanted to read about. But as I got further into the story I was drawn into the unique world that they exsist in. I also began to become curious about various plot theories and eager to find out the resolutions. There were some behaviours that I thought were a little much for a YA book, but I was o.k. with them because the heroine herself does not indulge and speaks out against them. The only thing that left me a little uncomfortable was the way that "the people of faith" (as they are called) were painted. But the book has peeked my interest and I will read the second in the series.

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

"Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse, I saw the dead guy standing next to my locker."

The opening sentence hooks the reader; they will devour the whole book quickly and ask for more.

Zoey's life is about to change forever. She woke up one morning normal and by the end of the day she's been marked. Being marked indicates that she will turn into a vampire. She needs to leave her family and friends behind and start a new life with other marked teens at the House of Night. Zoey's never completely fit in, but now she might have a chance.

After a fight with her mother and stepfather, Zoey goes to her grandmother's house for advice. Before seeing her grandmother, Zoey has a vision of the Goddess Nyx, who states that she is special and names Zoey her personal eyes and ears in the world. Zoey faints, but not before the Goddess replaces her mark with a blue crescent, which is extremely rare.

When Zoey arrives at the House of Night, she finds herself the object of attention because of her crescent. Her roommate and her new acquaintances quickly find their way into Zoey's heart. She finds herself surrounded with friends for the first time, but she also encounters a powerful enemy. As her entire lifestyle changes, Zoey finds peace within herself as she accepts her destiny and steps up to challenge her enemy's misguided judgement.

If you like vampires and enjoy supernatural tales, you don't want to miss this first book in a great new series.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. It was recommended to me so I gave it a try. It was a bit difficult getting into the book fully at first. I have to admit that I am spoiled having read the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer.

I finally got into the book and I'm going to continue reading the series. It is very different and definitely a different take on vampires! I am on the 2nd in the series now and am enjoying the story line.

Give it a try!!

This book is really neat. I am glad the PC Cast has gotten into this genre. If you like Kim Harrison or Stephanie Meyers who will love these books.

The story is about a teenage fledgling vampire named Zoey and her struggles with her new life in the "Vampire Finishing School" called House of Night.

Great mother and daughter writing team. This is one of the most original vampire books I've read. I love the Native American heritage that the main character has. I think the book goes beyond being just another good vampire novel and shows that its is important to honor one's culture and traditions.

I started this series completely new to YA, so I was a little hesitant.
I need not have been. I became so completely engrossed in this book I stayed up all night to finish it and move on to book #2. Since starting this series yesterday evening I have completed book 1 & 2 and am now starting book 3 (early am of next day).

I have to say, this (to date) has been the most original take on vampires I have read about yet. The entire story is just gripping and while they are technically young adults, this is not some rah rah teen stor. As a thirty something mother and wife, I am completely able to appreciate and love love love this series! My new favorite!

A strong YA novel of the vampire persuasion. This is the begining of a coming of age story, which is not particularly surprising in plot (at least in the first book) but is well written with believable and developed characters.

Comparisons to/with "Twilight" are inevitable, but as far as I'm concerned the only thing that series has over this is weight.

Although this book is classified young adult, I got taken in pretty quickly. The characters are teenagers, going through the change from human to vampyre. It is easy to forget they are teenagers though, with some of the issues the main character Zoey Redbird has to face. It reminds us that all light is not good, and all dark is not evil. Excellent book.

What a great twist on the "modern day" vampire. Zoey and her friends are all great characters. I love the tie in of Greek mythology. I picked this book up on a fluke, and I am so glad I did!

This is the first book in the ‘House of Night’ series written by PC Cast and her daughter Kristin Cast. This is billed as a young-adult vampire series. Not much of this story motivates me to read any more in the series. It was a quick read about a sixteen year-old girl who is going to be turned into a vampire, but goes to a boarding high-school for would-be vampires until the actual Change occurs. I thought it really centered more around the pagan Goddess mythology and witchcraft than vampire lore.

There are some explicit sex scenes and sexual discussions that make me hesitant to give it to tweens or younger teens.

Okay so I admit it I'm addicted to vampire books and movies! And this series is a new addiction! A great series with a new take on vampires and although it is YA I think people of all ages will enjoy it I know I did!

I absolutely loved this book. I read it in about 3 days, and I couldn't put it down. It's DEFINITELY a page turner. In fact, I've read all of the Twilight books, and I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I think that this book is better than all of Stephenie Meyer's books!! IT'S A MUST READ!!!!!

Wow! I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed reading this book. After having been so disappointed with that crappy "Twilight" series, I was a little scared to try a new 'teen' vampire series.

This is done so well by this pair of authors. They don't candy-coat teenage behavior and there's actually swearing and sexual encounters that make it more believable. It's a very accurate representation of teen behavior that many adults don't like to admit to. I wasn't driven nuts either by any annoying teenage/vampire angst or a story where the vampires are so whiny they're almost neutered. At first, I did think the high school bullying was a bit much, but after some thought, it's quite believable. Especially when you add power to the mix and the fact that it can corrupt person's with sociopathic behavior.

I also really enjoyed the pagan rituals and lifestyles of the vampires. It made it even more interesting to read. The People of the Faith were a fair representation of how religious bigots would treat others who don't believe as they do. (We have, after all, seen it done for centuries now.)

Overall, this was really an excellent read and I'll definitely be looking for more by either author.

I was given this book to read by one of my 7th grade students after I had made a comment about wanting to read the series. I held on to the book a few days before finally diving in. Twilight/New Moon had left such a sour taste in my mouth that I didn't think I was ready for another "teen vamp" story. I was wrong. I devoured the book in one night.

I won't bother going into a summary of the book - since there are plenty of reviews that do so. I will however state that as a middle school teacher (or anyone who has been behind a group of teens in the mall) - yes, students do talk and act like the characters in the book. A few years back we had a "blow job in the stairwell scandal" at one of our schools. I do love how the authors state "Of course there are girls who think it's "cool" to give guys head. Uh, they're wrong. Those of us with functioning brains know it is not cool to be used like that".

I think the authors did a great job of trying to represent TODAY'S teens. I can see why teens would like the book. I do plan on reading the rest of the series.

I found this book too juvenile in speech and manner. For a young adult book, this had way too much cursing and sexual situations - blow jobs in the hallway??? Catty girls, gay boys, the in-crowd, the pretty people. It was just like high school and if that was the authors aim, I guess she succeeded. Though I found Zoey to be irritating as all get out. Definitely not a series I want to continue reading.

I read the first 100 pages and had to put the book down. I loved Twilight and was looking for something like it, was told this was good, and tried it. Not good at all! There was too much mention of sex, drugs, and alcohol, too many details left out so it was a little hard to follow, and (even for a vampire novel) not believable at all. Try and find something else if you're looking for a good vampire novel, this isn't it!

I read a lot of reviews of this book (before I finally got my copy!!!) and almost all of them compared this story to "Twilight".. Well hell... its nothing like Twilight so it can't be compared, there isn't anything in this book that is like that one, except maybe that there are Vampires in them both, but even that can't be compared. This book really was good and stands by itself, there is no reason why both stories can't be enjoyed!!! I have the whole series now, so, personally, I look forward to Z's adventures!

Three words: Vampire Finishing School.
After being a huge twilight fan I thought giving another designed for teenage readers vampire series a go. I was definitely not disappointed. This book was amazing. I love how in most books the creatures that are made out to be these huge terrifying things are sweet and kind. It seems that every vampire series takes on a new approach to what the vampires do and act like and to be honest I was not a big fan of this one. Considering that the new take was that they were marked and then changed instead of being bitten is a little strange along with the fact that the entire world knows that vampires exist and live peacefully is strange. Along with the fact that that entire side to the book was never explained. Don't get me wrong: the book was a fantastic read but, there could have been a lot more explained which would have made a LOT more sense.

Marked was a branch out for me. You see I am a Vampire “purist” as generally I only read Anne Rice. But than my friends insisted I read the Twilight Saga, and I did and lo and behold I loved it. And so when these same friends recommended the house of Night I decided to read it. Well I have to say good choice.

The house of Night is a school, and to me the way the story is written it’s a little Harry Potter meets Twilight. But that makes for a great combo. You see in the reality that is marked people (humans) are well aware of Vampires. And in-fact vampirism is something that happens with your DNA right around puberty instead of ageing bit. You go through “The Change” you are marked by a Tracker than need to get your hinny to the Vampire school pronto or it won’t go well.

Life isn’t all easy pie with those being Marked, after all your body can reject the change and than you die. Simple as that. The Cast’s write an excellent and compelling book that’s filled with the twists and turns of just wanting to be accepted all the while being different, even among the others you’re changing with. Zoey is after all special, and has some major gifts but even that makes her feel like a bit of an outsider.

Marked even has its own Draco Malfoy in the form of a blonde girl who has dubbed herself Aphrodite (you rename yourself when you start your “New” life.). She is the school bully and makes Zoey’s new friends uncomfortable. But lucky for everyone Zoë can stand up to her. If you like Vampire novels, and don’t mind some teen angst this is a good book for you. The angst is more adult than Twilight, but its there. I really did enjoy reading Marked, and you can bet I will be happy to start reading the second book in the series.

I am not a prude, but being a middle school teacher, I have to be careful what I books I put in my classroom. This one, despite being a riveting read, will not make the cut. There is some mature content in here that tweens and young teens simply aren't ready for, IMO.

An interesting take on vampires, not totally new, but not totally and completely done too much either. We find Zoey Redbird leading a fairly ordinary teenage girl life in the beginning of the book. She has friends, a not-so-ex-boyfriend and parent troubles. Then her life is turned upside down when she is "marked" and thus must attend a special school for vampyre fledglings. I found the vampyres-living among us as a known entity interesting as well as the school.

So fast-forward ahead and she's at the school, but not until she has more problems with her parents. Being Christian I actually thought I would have problems with the divide created between organized religion and the vampyres as evidenced by Zoey's mom and stepdad. But I really didn't. The world is honestly full of hypocrites and while I didn't smile at the way her parents were portrayed, it is actually accurate of a lot of religious people (note I said religious which is not always the same as Christian - though I am not one to judge on that either) - scared of what you do not know. So while there are pagan rituals and the like in the book, I saw them as a side theme - something that developed the story and the school better. I don't have to participate in the ritual to read the book. Nor do I have to be a vampyre :)

Once that was realized I relaxed and really enjoyed the book. A great coming of age story. Zoey is a likable character and I look forward to watching her grow more through the books. She's not perfect but she tries to think about all her decisions and make the best ones for her and for those around her. Something that not many people do anymore.

So after all of that - I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA paranormal. It's just a good fiction read. The Cast's have created an interesting world with likeable and not-so-likeable people. It let me escape a few hours and the characters have stayed with me after I finished reading it. So to me that was a worthwhile book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

I ran across this book, while looking for teen vampire novels for my 13 y/o. Downside is some sexual references. But, to be honest, she's probably heard worst. The author keeps you interested and I look forward to the next book release.

LOVE it, wanted something that was comparable to Twilight and I have found it.

Book 1 in the House of Night series. Even though this one was written for teens (albeit, older teens), I still loved it. I'm rapidly deciding to collect more and more authors that deal with vampires and such. This one had a whole new take on it.

I really enjoyed this book.I found the story intersting and not too,whiny as with some YA books

I Loved this series soo much and can't wait to get the newest one..if you like vampires and drama you will love these books

Slow start but at the end it sucks ya in. Very much a teenage book but fun to read if older. The characters are fun and loveable.

Enter the dark, magical world of the house of night, a world very much like our own, except here vampires have always existed. Zoey Redbird is the main focus in the story, as she becomes a student at the house of night. But when she gets there, she realises that she is the most special vampire yet. This story is packed with love, lust, drama, and mayham.

I was hesitant to start another Vamp series after reading Twilight (liked it) and Sookie (bored to death, didn't finish series). Although the beginning was slow for me, I found it necessary for the overall understanding of the House of Night and how it works. After I got over that hump, I breezed through this book and found it more appealing than Twilight. Not only does it have more adult content, I just liked how it was less frilly than others I've read. The charatcters behaved more suitable for a vampyre tale. I also really enjoy the Mythological references and information...it's a great touch in keeping the readers interest.

I really liks this series. I have read 5 books so far and will read the rest. I like this WAY better than the Immortals series, and not as much as Twilight. But Twilight is different in that that series is emotionally driven, this series is more of a teenage -we are all in high school again with major drama ..which I still think it kind of fun being that I am 31. It does bother me with the cussing that she has in the book sometimes and there is a little more references to gays than I would like and sometimes she looks down on religious people-but not too bad... all in all..it is has a story line that has kept me on edge enough that I want to keep reading them...I wouldn't suggest them to teenagers I know for the fact of the cussing..and sexual references..but now that I am already into them, oh well.

for tweens/young adult.

I could not stand this book. I was dissapointed from page one. There is way too much cussing. I would not have bothered reading it if I knew that it that bad. The story line was annoying too. I do not recommend this book at all.

This book was great! I read it in one day.

This was a great book. Similar to Twilight but with a different take on becoming a Vampyre. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Can't wait to read the next one.

Interesting take on vampyres with a smattering of Cherokee mysticism and a healthy dose of witchcraft. Good start to a new series. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

LOVED IT!

I loved this book!! A friend recomended it and I started it and wasn't able to put it down for a second!! Very fast and easy to read!! Can't wait to start reading the 6th one called Tempted in the series which comes out October 27!!

I really enjoyed this book and have already ordered the next in the series. Initially the synopsis reminded me of "Twilight", but I do not believe this book even compares to "Twilight" (i.e. "Twilight is much, much better). That being said, I really enjoyed the story and was very interested in the characters. The romance is a little juvenile, but it is a young adult book so it is to be expected. Also, the problems the characters encounter are also a little juvenile, but again, it is a young adult book. Sometimes it is nice to reminisce about when life was much simpler and less complicated. Regardless of those issues, the story was written well, and the plot kept me very interested so I very much enjoyed the book. I will definitely continue reading the series.

MARKED begins a series that is uncomfortable mix of compelling action and appalling writing. On the one hand, the idea is superb and well executed: P. C. Cast shows her experience as she deftly weaves an intricate and entracing web of vampyre history and conflict.

On the other hand, a great story idea cannot completely excuse the cringe-inducing writing. It is the voice of someone trying too hard to be "hip" and "in," with complete disregard for how modern-day teenagers actually think, act, and speak. One should not overlook the fact that all the characters seem like they are amateur actors on in a bad horror movie, overdramatizing situations and playing at their trying-too-hard lines.

Being a 38 year old woman, I was not too sure about reading another "teen" book series (The Twilight Saga being the first). I loved this series almost as much as the Twilight saga. This series has a very different take on vamps but is still great! I have referred and even lent my books to my 14 year old to read. Very captivating series! It keeps you wanting to read more and more! It was very hard putting the books down!! A definite read for anyone who enjoys The Twilight Saga.

I didn't realize that this book was a YA read as I found it on a large entry table at a bookstore. It was not categorized for Youth. The back cover sounded interesting so I bought it and am glad that I did. There are quite a few situations that greatly reminded me of when I was in High School, weather parents would like to belie it or not. I feel that by having a mother daughter team write this book they brought a different light to the way High School really is for today.

I enjoy the different outlook on Vampires that the Cast's bring out and how they incorporated American Indian folklore into the stories. I have now read up to book 5 and am anxiously awaiting the 6th book to come out in September/October 2009.

I picked this book up on a whim and I wasn't really sure what to expect. This book was hard to put down. There is a lot of up and down action to keep you really involved and make you fall in love with the main character. But more then anything this book is a shiny new take on vampires and how they come to be and how they mingle with the "human" world. New takes on vampire lore are a dime a dozen but rarely are they so believable and detailed. Very well done and worth a read if you are a fan of Anne Rice or Charline Harris.

good story, very down to earth characters. i love this series. :)

This is definitely a YA book. A short and good read. It will be interesting to see how people react to this book. Will they just relax and enjoy the fiction? Will they be uptight and concentrate on things that really only serve to move the story along? It was a good coming of age story that shows that no one feels like they belong. Even those that consider themselves leaders.

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