House of Night Series (Books 1-8) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast {Read July-Aug 2011}

This series has been out for a while.  I just finished Destined (Book #9) and thought before I could really do a review on just that book I would need to do a quick recap of Books 1-8.  While looking for another Vampire series someone brought the House of Night to my attention.  

The series follows the journeys of teenager Zoey Redbird.  It begins with her life being turned upside down, which isn’t always a bad thing, by her being “marked” by a Vampire tracker.  Zoey, must leave her life (family, friends & school) and move into the Vampire “boarding” type of school the House of Night located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Zoey struggles with letting go of pieces of her past.  She also struggles with fitting into her new school, especially since she is different thanks to their goddess, Nyx making her a full vampire right away, rather than a fledgling (vampire in training), by filling her mark completely in.  Zoey eventually finds her place along with great friends and a strong circle.  The series follows her and her friends thru many situations which tests themselves, their relationships, their strength, and their commitment to their goddess.  It is series of Good vs. Evil; Light vs. Darkness.  

It is a mix of Indian Folklore, Magic, Vampire, and Witch craft all combined into a school full of teenagers.  I was hooked within the first few pages of Marked.  I was lucky enough to get the series late so the majority of the books was already out.  I read them one right after the other. I fell in love with the characters.  I laughed with Zoey, cried with her, and was even annoyed with her a few times.  I would defiantly recommend the series to anyone looking for a journey of fantasy that seems like it could fit right in with the real world.  I give the series 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The books in the House of Night series are:

#1 Marked, #2 Betrayed, #3 Chosen, #4 Untamed, #5 Hunted, #6 Tempted, #7 Burned, #8 Awaked, #9 Destined (review to come soon) and #10 Hidden (Out in 2013) there are set to be 12 books in the series.

Novellas: Dragon’s Oath, Lenobia’s Vow (Out Jan. 31^{st, 2012}), and Neferet’s Curse (Out Jan. 2013).  There is set to be one more Novella about Kalona.

Related Books: The Fledgling Handbook 101 (which is a guide to the life of a Fledgling and the House of Night) and Nyx in the House of Night (which is a companion for the series).

Starting a little early!! Awesome Giveaway!!

 

The Winner will get 4 E-Books from the talented Tim O’Rourke’s amazing Kiera Hudson Series. 

 

>>Enter Here<< for your chance to win these E-Books:  Vampire Shift, Vampire Wake, Vampire Hunt & Wolf House.   

 ***Giveaway ends Sunday January 15^th

Quick Update.....

Since my blog is new I am trying to do a recap/review of books that I read in 2011.  That is the reason my reviews are for entire series' rather than individual books.  It's difficult to write a review for each book when it's been so long since you've read them.  I am also reading and setting up future reviews.  I am almost caught up and will then be reviewing individual books.  Just an f.y.i. :-)  Happy Reading.

Riley Jenson Guardian Series by Keri Arthur {Read May – July 2011}

There are 9 books in the Riley Jenson Guardian series.  I found out about the series on The Vampire Library website.  After reading two vampire series I decided to stick with it.  The series looked interesting so I figured I would read the first book and check it out.

The first book is Full Moon Rising.  Riley Jenson is a tough half vampire/half werewolf agent for the Melbourne Directorate of Other Races where she works with her twin brother Rhoan and a few other interesting characters.  This book is more on the adult (sex scenes) side than young adult.  I was hooked within the first few pages.  Her life is turned upside down when she comes home to a naked vampire, Quinn, on her door step.  I fell in love with Quinn. The series follows Riley thru the dangerous situations she is in because of the Directorate as well as her own personal issues.  I would defiantly recommend the series to anyone who is looking for a tough heroine with a sexy edge.  I loved the way Keri Arthur wrote the books and look forward to reading more from her.  I give the series 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The books in the series are: #1 Full Moon Rising, #2 Kissing Sin, #3 Tempting Evil, #4 Dangerous Games, #5 Embraced by Darkness, #6 The Darkness Kiss, #7 Deadly Desire, #8 Bound to Shadows, #9 Moon Sworn

Keri Arthur also has the Dark Angel Series which picks up in the future of Risa Jones’ life who is mentioned in the Riley Jenson Series.  The books are on my “to read” list.    :-)

Great Giveaway Starting Monday, Jan. 9th!

An amazing author Tim O'Rourke has teamed up with me for a great giveaway.  Keep your eyes out for your chance to enter the give away!

The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris {Read Mar. 2011- May 2011}

This review is for the entire series.  I attempted to write for every book and found myself giving too much away.  I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.  

After reading the My Blood Approves series I decided to go ahead and read the Sookie Stackhouse books.  My best friend told me about the books and that there was a television show based on the books.  I decided to read the books first to catch up.  There are currently 11 books available in the series (as well as some novella) the next book comes out in May 2012.  I was hooked with the first book. I loved the way the books were written.  I fell in love with the characters and was very emotionally invested in the series.  I now am in love with the True Blood Series on HBO.  You first meet Sookie Stackhouse the telepathic, Bill the vampire, Eric the vampire sheriff, Jason Stackhouse, Sam Merlotte and the general Bon Temps crew in Dead Until Dark.  The first book really sets the tone for the series.  It is fast paced and action packed with plenty of twists and turns.  Sookie’s relationships (with her family, friends, and boyfriends) are roller coasters that you can’t help but be sucked into.  I found myself often thinking “No Sookie, you know better.”   I fell in love with each book in the series and the characters (especially Eric Northman).  I have also fallen in love with the television series and now have my sister hooked.  She’s not a reader but I'm working on it.  I would defiantly put this series on your to read list if you haven’t already.  It is not your typical vampire story.  I plan on reading the series again before the next book comes out in May.  I give the series 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The books in the series are: #1 Dead Until Dark, #2 Living Dead in Dallas, #3 Club Dead, #4 Dead to the World, #5 Dead as a Doornail, #6 Definitely Dead, #7 All Together Dead, #8 From Dead to Worse, #9 Dead and Gone, #10 Dead in the family, #11 Dead Reckoning, #12 Deadlocked (May 2012).

Update and Info....

Just a quick update: I am still working on writing reviews for previously read books.  I also wanted to update fans on an exciting book signing by P.C. Cast.  Information is on my facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Page-Away/206769759408813).