Review and Giveaway! Redeemed by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Redeemed (House of Night Series #12) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

YA Fantasy/Parnormal

Rating: 5 Stars

In REDEEMED, Zoey and her friends face the ultimate battle with evil, which will determine the fate of the world, both human and vampyre. Neferet has finally made herself known to mortals as a Dark Goddess, and she is loose on Tulsa, OK and the world. No single vampyre is strong enough to vanquish her - unless that creature has the power to summon the elements as well as the ability to wield Old Magick. Only Zoey Redbird is heir to such power…Find out who will win and who will lose in this epic battle of Light versus Darkness.

My thoughts:

I remember the day I picked up the first House of Night novel. It was just after it first released and I had never heard of it. I was still in high school at the time and my new English class really wanted to get us back into reading so we were required to read a certain amount of books and write papers about them. To get us back into reading my teacher set up a field trip to bring us to the local Barnes & Noble to pick out books that the school will buy for us, or if they don’t want to then she would personally cover it. I ventured back to my fantasy and paranormal section and I came across Marked. I didn’t grab it at first because I want to weigh my options but eventually I went back and I grabbed it. That was the only book I got that day. The minute I started reading it I could not put it down. It was a new take on vampyres and it was amazing.

Eventually I bought more books in the series. I wanted to share my love for this series I created the first ever House of Night Facebook page, which is still growing. That page opened so many doors for me. I worked freelance for St. Martin’s and I have met so many amazing people. It also made me realize I wanted to be a writer. It made me rethink my whole life and I ended back in school for a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment at Full Sail University. In one year I will be graduating and hopefully have an amazing career in writing.

This series changed my entire life and I will never forget that. P.C. and Kristin Cast are my idols. I owe them so much and they don’t even know it. Someday I hope to meet them and tell them. Their tour never brings them to Wisconsin so I have never gotten the chance. I am thrilled and sad to write my last review for their series. It’s not over yet because soon there will be a movie series and even more to talk about. For now, we will stick with this review.

When we last left the House of Night Zoey Redbird has made some mistakes and believes that she is now a murderer. As the audience we know this not to be true. Neferet killed those men and many others. She has ousted herself to the world as the evil person she is.

I have waited seven years for this finale and I can say that I was not disappointed. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’m going to try be as giving as I can without giving out any important pieces. This novel is the perfect ending to such a long series. A story that took twelve books to share it with us and to me it was well worth it.

In the beginning the story was about Zoey but as the series continued the story grew into more than that. We started jumping into someone else’s head and eventually each character had their own story to tell and I think P.C. and Kristin Cast did it beautifully. They all had their flaws but they were well rounded and had their part in main focus of the story. Of course, Aphrodite is the one who grew the most out of all of them. In the beginning she was the enemy but became a major part of the Nerd Herd’s circle.

There is so much more at play in this novel. We have Old Magick was that was introduced a few books ago but we also have a much darker Neferet. It has been a very violent journey for Zoey but this one is different from the rest. This novel is dark and full of death, definitely a lot more detail and horror. It’s like the series grew up with us growing darker and darker with each book.

To finish this review I have to say again how much I enjoyed this series. It was a wonderful journey and it could not have ended any better. The Casts created this entire new world and didn’t hold back. They gave us many extra books to make the experience even better, like the Fledgling Handbook 101 and all of the novellas. This book, like all of the others, pulled me in and wouldn’t let me go until the very last “The End” was read. It’s sad to see such a beautiful series end but at the same time it was joyous. I will never regret picking up Marked and I will never regret sticking with this series until the very end.

Along with this review, I have been given the opportunity to a House of Night Goddess Gift Giveaway. P.C. and Kristin Cast has partnered with companies like Sinful Colors, 21 Drops, Jamberry, Baby Blue Designs and For Strange Women to put together what they are calling “Goddess Gifts.” You now have an opportunity to win one of these amazing gifts! Fill out the form below with your name and e-mail (to notify the winner only) and you will be entered to win. Contest ends a week from today on Wednesday, November 5th, winner will be contacted on Thursday.

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO ENTER!

Cover: 5/5

Writing: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Overall Score,

I received a copy of this novel by Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for my honest review.

Neferet's Curse by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Neferet's Curse by P.C. and Kristin Cast

YA Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

The White City, 1893: In turn-of-the-century Chicago, with the World’s Fair bringing bustle and excitement to her home city, sixteen-year-old Emily Wheiler should be reveling in her youthful beauty and the excitement around her. But her whole life changed when her mother died, leaving her to be the Lady of Wheiler House. Her father, a powerful bank president, is at the center of an important social hub for the booming young city, and he needs Emily to do everything her mother would have – to be a good hostess and make sure the mansion runs smoothly.

As Emily uneasily tries to replace her mother, she also longs for more… for love and a life of her own. When a handsome young man notices her at one of her father’s parties, it seems that her hopes may finally be coming true. Until her father forbids her to see him – or any other man – and starts revealing a darkly violent side that even he can’t understand.

At last, afraid for her life and with nowhere to turn, Emily is Marked by a vampyre and brought to the Chicago House of Night, where she begins a magickal new life that should allow the wounds from her past to heal. But as she gains strength, and a powerful new name, she carries a dark need to wreak vengeance on the man she trusted most.

My thoughts: The much awaited novella!! Finally we find out why Neferet is the evil person she is. I can honestly say I am not disappointed. These novellas are a good step back from the series and I really do enjoy them. Neferet's is probably the most important one out of the novellas, Kalona's book will be even better. The world that the Casts' brought us too is very intriguing and the story of Neferet is very good. It helps you understand what made here susceptible to darkness. Great read!

Cover: 5/5

Writing: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Overall Score:

Hidden by P.C. Kristin Cast

Hidden (House of Night #10) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

YA Fantasy

Rating: 4 Stars

At last, Zoey has what she wanted: the truth is out. Neferet's evil has been exposed, and the High Council is no longer on her side -- but she's far from done wreaking havoc in the vampyre world. First, a mysterious fire ravages the stables. Then, Neferet makes a devastating move that will test them all.
With the seeds of distrust sown and Darkness breeding chaos at the House of Night, everyone must band together -- but that's proving to be more difficult than ever before. The twins are barely speaking and the House of Night's former enemy, Kalona, has now become their warrior, pushing their trust to the limit. To top it off, Zoey is pretty darn sure she might be losing her mind. She saw something when she looked at Aurox through the Seer Stone that she can hardly explain to herself, let alone her friends. Is it possible that Heath has come back in a different form? Is that why Zoey's so intrigued by Aurox, when it's so obvious that he's dangerous? And who would believe her if she told them? Zoey knows that following her instinct about Aurox might be just what they need to defeat evil . . . but if she's wrong, it could cause the destruction of those closest to her.
With the tension at a breaking point and friendships on the line, can the nerd herd come together to stop the spread of Darkness before it's too late?

Hidden by P.C. and Kristin Cast

My thoughts: I know what everyone is thinking, is this series ever going to end? Well, apparently yes, just not now. I have always remained loyal to House of Night and for good reason. When you read it you can tell the amount of work and research that goes into it. So much information buried inside. I like to think of each book as a TV show in a TV series, pretty soon we will reach that finale. The only difference is after that finale it won't be coming back. This book in particular has more twists like usual. I think the thing that bothers me the most in this book is Shaunee and Erin's relationship ending. I know that they are not real twins but I am a twin and relating to that, it would suck. Overall, I loved the story but also can't wait for it to be over. Only a few more books to go!

Cover: 5/5

Writing: 4/5

Characters: 4/5

Overall Score:

Lenobia's Vow by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Lenobia's Vow by P.C. and Kristin Cast

YA Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

A great journey…

A new love….

A dark secret revealed.

Evreux, France, 1788: Before she is Zoey’s favorite professor and the House of Night’s powerful horse mistress… Lenobia is just a normal 16-year-old girl – with enough problems to last a lifetime. As the illegitimate daughter of a powerful baron, she has never quite belonged, and instead has to watch her spoiled half-sister, Cecile, get anything she wants. As if that’s not enough, her remarkable beauty draws unwanted attention wherever she goes. For once, she would like to just fit in.

But when fate intervenes, Lenobia suddenly finds herself surrounded by other girls, on a ship bound for New Orleans, where they will be married off to the city’s richest Frenchmen. And they’re not alone…. An evil bishop who is skilled in Dark magic makes the same journey. His appetite for lovely young women makes him dangerous – most of all to Lenobia, who caught his eye back in France. So she remains hidden, making secret visits to the ship’s stables, where a handsome young man and his beautiful Percheron horses soon capture her attention.

Will they make it to land before the bishop discovers her true identity and a powerful evil breaks loose? And will Lenobia follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? Find out more about one of your favorite professors in the next heart-thumping House of Night Novella.

First Thoughts: I feel like I have been waiting for this one for forever. Then again, I will feel the same for the next and the next one. I have to be honest that I like the covers for these novellas are my favorite, I like them so much better than the novels.

Writing Style: I have never had any complaints with P.C.'s writing style and personally I like the writing in the novella's more because they are more mature. It's supposed to obviously but it's nice for the change but also sticking with the story. Well, sort of since this one is just about Lenobia but it helps in the long run of the series.

Characters: I am in love with these characters. Lenobia is so strong and so honest. She hates to lie and quickly admitted her lie when she knew it was over. She knew what she wanted and told it like it was. I definitely liked Sister Marie as well. So protective. She was exactly what those innocent children and Lenobia needed.

Final Thoughts: Another great addition to my House of Night collection. I really enjoy getting the back stories on other characters than just the main character. I wish some of my other novels would do that too. Can't wait for Neferet's and I definitely can't wait for Kalona's!

House of Night Dragon's Oath Contest!

Howdy! It's contest time! For my House of Night contest I am running two. See, I run a House of Night Facebook page and I have been promising them a contest so I think it's about time and I received an audio book to giveaway on my blog. So, why not kill two birds with one stone?

First contest!!! The first contest is for the Dragon's Oath audio book. I recieved this from MacMillon Audio to giveaway because they loved a review I posted for the book and thought "Hey, they have audio versions of that too!" So this is it. You must be a GFC Follower and fill out the form below, that includes anyone who comes here from the House of Night Facebook page (I will be checking). You are welcome to join the other contest but you have to 'like' my page first, you can find that HERE, and follow the rules stated below for that contest. US & Canada Only.

Second contest!!! The second contest is for a signed copy of Dragon's Oath, so print version. This is for Facebook fans, we are celebrating the recent release of Destined and reaching 150,000 'likes'. Here is what you do, fill out the form linked below. You are welcome to enter the above contest but you have to be a GFC Follwer which means you have to have a Google account. The most important thing you have to do is 'like' the note that I posted about the contest on the page. If your name is chosen and you didn't like the note, you will be disqualified (that is the easiest way to make sure you are a fan of the page). This contest, and only this one, is INTERNATIONAL.

RULES!!!

ONE entry per person per contest.

GFC Follower for contest one.

"Like" House of Night Facebook for contest two.

FILL OUT THIS FORM

Please, PLEASE read the rules. I don't like disqualifying people. It sucks.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing information to House of Night Fan page and Life, Love, Lust and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used to administer this promotion and will be deleted at the end of promotion. No purchase is necessary and a purchase of any kind will not increase an individuals chances of winning.

Contest ends December 24th, winners will be announced and contacted Christmas day!

Destined by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Destined (House of Night #9) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

YA Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet -- which would be a whole lot easier if the High Council saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together -- if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more -- or possibly less -- than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him . . .

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds at extinguishing Light? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect them all? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

First Thoughts: For obvious reasons I bought this book. I have been in love with the House of Night since I picked up Marked in 2007 on a class field trip to Barnes and Noble. I was hooked immediately. There is so much drama around this book series like "Zoey is a ho" and stupid stuff like that but really if you understood the books and the world they live in she wouldn't be called a 'ho,' it's just that people are quick to judge. The cover follows the theme of the rest of the series and has Aurox on the cover (eek!). I love the bull imprints on the hard cover of the book. It's fantastic!

Writing Style: Of course having two authors you can't really rate the writing style the same as the others. I have read other P.C. Cast books so I am pretty sure I can pin point the areas that are true P.C. Cast. Kristin helped making it easier to read and, you know, made it very teenage like. The only issue I have with this book is the horrible editing. Some are easy to miss but some are just popping out and it really makes me disappointed that an editor missed the very common mistakes.

Characters: Zoey has grown up so much. She is still the same nervous and self conscious girl from the beginning. She is still afraid of making mistakes and doesn't feel she is good enough to save the world. I love that even though you can tell she has grown from the first book she still has those traits that make people connect with her. The only other person I want to talk about is Shaunee. In this book she becomes more of her own person. As a real twin, I think all twins should have themselves as well as each other. Erin and Shaunee just wanted to be so much alike that it was bound to change sooner or later. Shaunee is strong though and she sees the good in people. Now you can see the difference between the two and you see that Shaunee isn't as material as I originally thought.

Final Thoughts: I am always disappointed in how short these books are. It's depressing that we get so little and have to wait forever for the next one but honestly to me it's worth the wait. This book was great. I loved all the action and I have to say (like always for this series) I never saw that ending coming. I love it when I don't guess what's going to happen because it was too obvious. It was sort of a sad ending but at the same time happy. I'm not going to explain because of spoilers but I just had to say it. Oh, and of course the cliff hanger where you realize all crap is going to hit the fan in the next book. It's going to be awesome!

Dragon's Oath by P.C. Cast

Dragon's Oath by P.C. Cast

Fantasy, YA

Rating: 5 Stars

The first in an enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Dragon’s Oath tells the story behind the House of Night’s formidable fencing instructor – the love that will transform him, and the promise that will haunt him

In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who re

ally should have nothing to do with a fledgling…

But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all?

First Thoughts: P.C. Cast is one of my ultimate favorite authors. Dragon's Oath was just another book that set that in stone. When I heard she was branching off Zoey's story in the House of Night series and making novellas about the teachers I couldn't wait. Then the cover got released. OMG, it's so beautiful. Anastasia's face in Dragon's sword, it symbolizes so much. UK's cover fits in with the other books in the series and I have to say I'm glad we have ours different because the novellas are different. They set apart from the series but at the same time compliments it.

Writing Style: I love P.C.'s writing style. It's beautiful and somewhat poetic. She comes up with her own chants and poems in her stories and they all fit. This one was no different from the rest of the series except it's not about Zoey. Because it's not from Zoey this one was more grown up, having it in third-person made it even better.

Characters: Dragon is definitely not what I expected. When we met him in the House of Night series he was this amazing professor that everybody loved. I never imagined he would have been an arrogant, stuck up brat. We didn't get to know Anastasia very much but as much as I knew abut her she was the same in this book as the series. Mature, beautiful, and very talented.

Final Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. No doubt in my mind. I am a huge fan of the House of Night series and this just added to the bunch just makes it even more amazing. It was great to hear about the other important people in the House of Night series for once. To find out what made them who they are, what brought them to where they are. All I have to say is I can't wait till the novella about Lenobia comes out early 2012 because she is an amazing character and I can't wait to find out how she got her scar.