Predodređena

House of Night #9

by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast, Vladimir Cvetković Sever (Translator)

Zoey Redbird, predodređena da postane jedna od najdarovitijih Nadsvećenica u povijesti, vratila se u Kuću Noći u Tulsi. Samo, sve dok je Neferet i dalje na čelu škole, Zoey i njezini prijatelji nikad se neće moći osjećati sigurno – čak ni u tunelima ispod starog depoa. A sad, kad je uz nju Aurox, Posrednik samog Mraka – za kojeg cijela škola vjeruje da je dar same Božice Nyx – Neferet počinje prijetiti više nego ikad.

Stevie Rae, prva Nadsvećenica crvenih vampyra u povijesti, napokon je uz svojeg voljenog Rephaima, kojem je Nyx podarila ljudsko obličje preko dana. Sad njihova ljubav napokon može postati tjelesna – premda svake zore za to plaćaju bolno visoku cijenu. A kad se među njih vrate crveni početnici predvođeni Dallasom, moćnim crvenim vampyrom prema kojemu je Stevie Rae gajila osjećaje prije nego što se preobrazio u nešto nakazno, za idilu teško da će više biti mjesta.

Nad svima njima nadvija se mučna tajna jedne nedavne smrti. Iako vlasti smatraju da su zločin skrivili narkomani, Zoey sluti da to nije cijela istina. Uz pomoć jedne dobrodošle novopridošlice u Tulsi, ona i njezini prijatelji poći će tragom razrješenja te tragične pogibije – i stupiti na put sraza osobnih odgovora i božanske predodređenosti…

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Fiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2011

About the author

PC 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 crazy 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!

Reviews

[Thomas Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are they bringing heath back? He's friggin dead. Just let zoey and stark live their life happy without zoeys ho problem >_<

[Sakina (Y.L.) Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the record, I hate this series like I've hated no other. But I just want to know what happens next... :/

...And after finishing it, I'm like: "Great. Not another cliffhanger."

If only the authors had put more thought into it from the start - the books have become so overrun with narratives that I'm wondering what is the point of the authors narrating Zoey in first person now? Seems to me this is a massive case of "we're making this up as we go along..."

If this was an anime, then I suppose it could work in that contrived way that anime plots and Mary-Sues gel together. But no. This is not an anime, a TV show or even godforbid...a movie. It's a book, a terribly written one at that, and yet, I know I'll be reading the next one whilst cursing the writers for making an addictive plot and the most awful main characters in recent book history.

*sigh*

[Heather]

I want to shoot Heath in the face, I <3 STARK!

[is mee... kissa]

DIE HEATH DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!!
ahem - okay Kissa, okay. You're getting closer to the end of the series. Just this one and then 3 more to go.
... and Heath is coming back! He's dead! Heath! The guy who I've wanted to hit since book 1! Don't bring him back! And I thought the books were finally starting to move forward. You're going backwards! Define: House of Night: see, Draco Malfoy's quotes: "if you were any slower, you'd be going backwards".

[Manny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god is she really gonna bring heath into the mix. gggrrrrr he's dead move on. ( GO TEAM STARK!!)
Love thease books
Keep it up girls can't wait till Nov

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW DOWN BELOW!!!

Wow. Okay. Cool cover. I mean, there are abs in it. What could possibly go wrong with a hottie like that on the cover?

Ugh. Despite my love for the cover I can already predict that this book is going to be...yet another usless novel.

1) Heath is coming back. Oh Heath, you can be sweet sometimes, but my real feelings for you lie in my hands that want to slap you senseles. YOU WILL GET NO REMORSE HEATH LUCK!

2) Like I said up there, this is not going to be good. The lack of...ANYTHING in Awakened lessens my hopes for this book. The author tried to cram little miniscule bits of info into a book that really, should've never happened. Or at least combined with Burned, to make one huge mistake.

3) There are going to be three more books after this. Yes, just when I thought I couldn't get enough of Zoey's idiotic thoughts, her stupid actions, and her non-existant IQ, I get another three books to burn. Whoop. De. Doo.

But don't be fooled: I will try and enjoy this book, for whatever its worth. I will just: a) Not buy it at a bookstore for 19.99 when I can get it in the trash bin for free (just joking) b) Try to keep my slapping hands away from Heath, and c) ...

I actually don`t have anything for c.

*SLAP*


***

Countdown the Destined! Only 9 more days! (Oh joy. This is why I'm going to guy the Iron Knight before I even touch this book. It would be a disgrace NOT to.)

Let me predict what is going to happen in this book:

1) Another useless character dies.


If only it were this exciting.

2) Zoey develops some incredible new power that enables her to bring back the dead. (Like it hadn't already happened five books ago.)

3) All of the characters hook up with someone, even if it really wasn't nessecary.



4) This book will be a total waste of my time, yet again.


And if there is the slight chance that this book won't make me want to do this....


Or this...



Then I might consider buying the next one.

***

I got the book. And I've just made probably the stupidest, or most obvious realization:

It isn't Stark on the cover. It's Heath.

***

Three stars? Three stars?!?!?!? WHAT IS THIS??????????



There will be a lot to say about this. So hold on tight.

But the first thing I have to say is that all (at least, almost all) of my predictions came true. I will enlighten you all on that later.

But for now, my overview.

Again let me remind you that if I didn't have such strong mixed feelings for this series, I wouldn't be reading this book at all. I went into reading this insult to literature with an open mind; please remember that.

Anyway, onto the ranting.

Destined was a roller coaster ride of good and bad. I was NOT thrilled in having Heath back...even though somehow, magically, he's a sexy beast. Abs? Yes please.

Oh, eh hem, sorry about that.

From the first chapter I already had the urge to smack this book against the wall, and then continue to beat my head against it just to get the last wisps of Zoey's demented lingo out of my mind. I can't stand how she thinks. No teenager in their right mind would ever talk like that. I can't even explain it, its that bad.

So while we're still on the topic of Zoey, I'd like to point out that she's still the same stuck-up stupid biotch she was in the last...what was it...eight books? So don't get your hopes up for a change. The only way I got through this boook is because of the split POV's, because I wasn't stuck in Zoey's small mind and didn't have to imagine words like smushy and ridiculous sentances like I blinked a bunch of times streaming from a should-be-mature teenage mind.
And that stupid "Ah Hell that's like a quirky little catchphrase to you? Not cool.



Throughout most of this book, I actually had to put it down for a while to be able to think properly.

Honestly, this book was a mess. A. Mess. Obviously this book wasn't properly edited. I mean, they barely come out a couple months behind each other. What do they do? Draft a book in a month and then get someone to fill it with incestant angsty teenage babble? There were thousands of gramatical errors, spelling mistakes, and sentances that just didn't make sense .

The only reason it got three stars is because - again - the split POV's made up for it. That's all. And when I say that's all, I mean that's all .

And also while I was reading this, I daydreamed. I wondered what it would be like to have someone who almost tried to kill you in the past be all friendly and cuddly with you in the same room. If it was me, I would just do this:



Whoops.

I also had weird fantasies when Kalona showed up and Shaunee was in the tunnels with him, about them hooking up. No offense, but that would've been totally awesome. I might have even spared half a star if that happened :P.

Also, I'm glad that some of the other characters have love interests, and not just Zoey, who hogs all of the smexy boys for herself. I thought Lebonia and whats-his-face were so cute together, and I also like Stevie Ray and Rephiam together, although it would be fantastic if one of them died, leaving the other tottally and impearably heartbroken and crushed. But you know, thats just me.

*Sigh* And lets not forget how many times the ending of this book has been used before. It goes kind of like this:

We have to make a circle!

Don't break the circle!

DON'T BREAK THE EFFING CIRCLE!

B-but someone is hurt ...

I DON'T CARE DON'T BREAK THE GOSHDAMNED CIRCLE!

... Let's count, shall we?

1) In the first book. Heath is getting attacked by pervert ghosts. DON'T BREAK THE CIRCLE!

2) In the third book. Stevie Ray is biting Aphrodite and could quite possibly kill her. DON'T BREAK THE CIRCLE!

3) In the fourth book. Stevie Ray just got SHOT WITH AN ARROW and is bleeding all over the place. DON'T BREAK THE CIRCLE!

4) In the fifth book. Stark just got SHOT WITH AN ARROW and is bleeding all over the place. DON"T BREAK THE CIRCLE!

5) In the eight book. Rephiam just got mauled by a bull...DON'T BREAK THE CIRCLE!

.................................

Do you SEE the pattern here? I can already guess what the next book will be like. No seriously, if I get another ending like this I will...do something. I don't know what yet, but I will do something about it.

And while we're on the topic of lists, here's another one.

HOW MANY BOYS ZOEY HAS INTERACTED/"CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF"

1) Heath

2) Erik

3) Loren

4) Stark

5) Kalona


I've anazlyzed this list, and have come to the conclusion that Zoey is not entirely human. She is, due to the excessive ammount of male attention she is getting, (even though she has the IQ of a rock) A ROBOT!



Yes, I am almost positive now...

***

Anyways, like I said before, almost ALL of my predictions came true. I am actually shocked; I didn't know I was that psychic...and instead of ruining the book more than I already have for those who haven't read it yet, I'll just do this:

1) Another usless character dies: Check

2) Zoey develops some incredible new power that enables her to bring back the dead. (Like it hadn't already happened five books ago.): Check (Well, memories of the dead)

3) All of the characters hook up with someone, even if it wasn't really nessecary: Half-Check. (I said ALMOST, not all of my predictions came true)

4) This book will be a total waste of my time, yet again: Check x10

Ahh, at least now I have a break until the next book...HIDDEN!

[~Calliope~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars
Still my favorite character is Rephaim!!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addictions suck. Especially when, as you're reading through it, your thought process is something like "Oh dear lord why am I reading this why are they talking like ten year olds why is absolutely nothing happening in the plot and even worse why am I enjoying it?" I seem to think this way when reading every installment in this series, and Destined is no exception.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about this series is the dichotomy between the plot and the characters. The Casts (well, really, P.C.; does Kristin actually do any of the writing?) have developed a plot that has matured as the series went on; the actions of the antagonists became much darker, and the conflicts became much more grand in scale. However, while the subject matter has matured, the characters have not. This immaturity was okay at the beginning of the series when Zoey and the gang were mostly dealing with relatable teenage issues with a few vampire problems thrown into the mix. This far into the series, however, all traces of normality are gone, and these characters are dealing with death and destruction at every turn. It seems only logical that they would inevitably grow up in the process, but they're still spewing out dialogue that sounds completely idiotic, and their interactions with each other are far too contrived. The "heart-to-heart" moments between Zoey and Stevie Rae were actually painful to read at times. It's almost as if these authors were never actually teenagers because the way these two speak to each other is not natural or relatable at all.

Similar problems arise in this installment that have occurred throughout almost every single House of Night novel in the past. Stereotypes are still at large and don't seem to be going away anytime soon. Damien (setting aside the fact that his character has been reduced to a crying mess) is every single gay stereotype wrapped up into one person, and I still don't understand why the Casts feel the need to riddle Kramisha's dialogue with blatant grammatical errors just because she happens to be black. The pop culture references are getting out of control, too. Dropping the names of popular books and television shows and then awkwardly inserting a contrived conversation about it does not help the audience relate to what's going on; it just makes everything extremely awkward. I was cringing throughout the references to the Sookie Stackhouse series, Game of Thrones, and the others since they were made completely out of context, and they had no relevancy to anything at all.

The plot's pacing was a little strange as well. I just finished it thirty minutes ago, and I cannot remember what happened in the first two hundred pages. These novels tend to fall into a pattern where the characters talk about what they're going to do for the first three quarters of the book before actually doing it, and this installment is no exception. The climax, however, was possibly one of the most memorable of the entire series. Even though, in my opinion, nothing truly happened in this book to move the overall plot forward, it was still nice to have some kind of gratification from the fairly well-done ending.

If you've made it this far into the series, you're obviously going to have to read this one and the ones after it. I've given up hope that I will ever stop reading these books because I'm so far in, and as much as I hate to say it, I actually do find myself enjoying these books for the very trashy things they are. Sigh.

[Patricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

After people seemed to appreciate my Silence review (ahem) I felt like maybe writing a ranty summary-ish not!review for Destined might be in order. (Especially because of the entire "Those books suck, but I still want to know what happens" thing most of the not-fans have going on.)

What's happened till now

- Zoey became first fledgling High Priestess, very buddy buddy with Nyx (Goddess of all vampires)
- Stevie Ray, BBF of Zoey, is read vamp's High Priestess. (Red vamps haven't survived their transformtion, but came back. With red instead of blue markings. Can't walk in sun, are typical vampires, need to decide whether to be good or bad.)
- Zoey's relationships so far: Heath, human guy. Erik, now Tracker of the HoN. Loren, partner in crime of Neferet (evil bitch). Kalona, fallen Warrior of Nyx, has been linked to Neferet, killed Heath. Stark, died, came back as a red vamp, is now Zoey's Guardian and consort.

- Zoey's mom's been killed by Neferet as a sacrifice, to create a weapon.
- Nyx asked Heath if he wanted to be with Zoey again. He wanted to, so now his soul lives in the weapon mentioned above.
- Neferet aka evil bitch is sided with the White Bull, enemy of Nyx, and Evil in general.

First ~50 percent

1. Stark has nightmares
2. Zoey dreams of her mother's death.
3. Both wake up, have sex. - Kind of only thing they do, anyway.

4. Return to House of Night, problems with Neferet.
5. Now live outside of the HoN, Stevie Ray is now officially the High Priestess of the good red fledglings.
6. Raphaem, son of Kalona and ex-Raven Mocker turned sort-of-human and boyfriend of Stevie Ray joins them, causes chaos.

7. Neferet's job is to cause chaos, her weapon also lives from it, as does the White Bull.
8. Because of that she offers humans jobs, eg some cowboy. Horse-lady isn't happy about that. They later have some thing going on. Horse-lady is on Zoey's side.
9. Dragon isn't. Still mourning his mate's death. Very unhappy about Raphaem (who killed Anastacia - the mate)

10. Erik tracks and Marks girl. She is blind, instantly turns to a red fledling (cause broken already) can see again and has the ability to see the true colors of people.
11. Authors make True Blood references that don't work out. Destined is set not long after the first novel, which has been published years ago. So, actually Season 1 or 2 would be airing. Dumb mistake. (Later happens again, this time with a Game of Thrones reference)
12. The other, evil, red vamps attend classes now, too. Neferet asked them. Obviously to create chaos.

Last ~50 Percent

1. New poem: Dragon tears, Dark/Light, Ice/Fire, paradox, blah. Zoey doesn't know what a paradox is. Find that very insulting. Do Casts thing young adults are that dumb?
2. Kalona and Raphaem talk. Kalona tried to make Raphaem spy before, but he refused. Everyone's unhappy about Raphaem not shunning his father, except Twin 1, who has Daddy Issues, too.
3. Because of that Twin 1 and 2 have fall-out, no BFFs or Twins anymore. Twin 2 is bitch.

4. Death-lady from book before arrives at HoN. She's a High Priestess too. Kind of on Zoey's side, wants to know truth about Neferet, makes special students attend her class instead of Neferet's.
5. There they talk about death of parents, Imprinting etc.
6. Death-Lady offers/wants to make a ritual, to see how Zoey's mom died.

7. Aurox, Neferet's weapon starts thinking, feels bond to Zoey. Saves her, too, one time, when Neferet tries to harm her.
8. Kalona talked to Twin 1, she gave him her iPhone, so he could call Raphaem.
9. Aphrodite had a vision of Raphaem's death.

"Does this mean I wasn't meant to find out and I shouldn#t do anything at all?"
Aphrodite shrugged. "Z, I know you'll find this hard to believe because you've been Miss Front and Center ina bunch of my visions, but in this one you barely made an appearance. I just don't think this is about you at all."
"But it's at my Grandma's farm."
"Yeah, but it's Raphaem getting carved up this time and not you," she said.

10. Aurox/weapon/Heath is supposed to do everything so Zoey etc. start/finish the ritual.
11. He doesn't want to anyway.
12. Dragon shall not go to the ritual, because Aphrodite saw that he was there when Raphaem died.

13. Both go, Dragon cause he wants to, Aurox cause Neferet forces him with magic.
14. Aurox attacks Raphaem.
15. Zoey and Co see how her mother died.

16. Stevie Ray calls Kalona.
17. Dragon protects Raphaem and dies, reunited with his mate.
18. Kalona arrives, too late though.

19. Kalona's very sad. Cries, asks Nyx to keep his son alive.
20. Tear drops on Raphaem's forehead, Raphaem heals.
21. Everyone very happy!

22. Kalona wants to be Sword Master of HoN under death-lady/High Priestess
23. Everyone OMFG!
24. Nyx very happy.

The end.

(Except that this series'll most likely never end.)

[Kit Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never really hated a series this much before. This series could have ended like 5 books ago and it's still going. I don't even know when it's going to end and I don't want to find out. The only reason I got so far in this series is because of Stevie Rae and Rephaim. They were the only parts that were interesting and didn't want me to rip the book in half. After reading another extremely badly written book, I have decided to give up. Zoey really got on my nerve and I hate how she treated Eric in the past books when she was the one to cheat on him with that teacher. I have no idea how books like these could be bestsellers when I have read way better books than this that deserve far more attention.

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Camilla Belle]

whyyyyyyy? why??? I know that Heath might look sweet and everything but COME ON Zoey already has Stark and they are bound together for life plus they are in love ... ok now its good to know that in this book not always what is dead stays dead but please Heath was already an issue when he was alive, then he was a problem when he died, clearly nobody wants him back, lmao thats not fair for Stark... Since the first book Zoey has been having boys issues (with her having more than one boyfriend) first Heath-Erick-Blake, then Erick-Heath-Stark, then Heath-Stark, and finally when she is loyal to ONE boy, Heath has to come back to mess everything up, PLEASE NOOOOO

[emily_oriley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The thing I dislike most about this book is that it should've been combined with the previous book -over seventy percent of this was not only unimportant but simply did not even need to be there at all. The parts with Lenobia, completely pointless -I gained NOTHING from reading through them. The whole thing with the Twins is equally pointless unless it's played up in the next book, which, I highly doubt it will be. Overall, this was a blatant excuse to push out as many books in a series as they can. But, sadly, it's still working 'cause people are STILL reading it -whether it's because they like it or, like me, it's just out of spite, they're reading so apparently the Cast family knows something I don't know. T.T

[Katy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Problems I had with this book:
1) Too many points of view.
2) Way too much drama, but I was indifferent to it all.
3) They're talking about "love," but I don't see the spark between any of the romances.

The characters in this book are no longer the ones I liked in the earlier books. And of all the guys, I liked Stark the best, but even now, he's some insignificant consort. I really should have stopped reading this series after Book 5.

[Jess]

I'm at a loss for words. Ok, I'll try to pull myself together enough to make a descent review for this well deserving book. Here it goes. I LOVE THIS SERIES! I can't express why, but I feel like if these books are ever insulted, I feel personally offended and like blow up like a bomb lol ;) This series is a great way to escape the all to troubling world and if this books release date dosen't hurry up and get here, there's gonna be trouble ;) can't tell you how much I love it, really. Thanks for writing it Kristin and Cast. I don't know what I'd do without these books.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this book yet but I can't wait for it to come out! I actually cryed for like 10 minutes because Heath died (I don't usually cry when characters die) and I'm actually glad that Heath may get a second chance and maybe be with Zoey again!

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you guys are crazy for hating Heath he is so adorable. Plus he clearly loves his Zo. I mean Stark is alright, but Heath never fails to make me smile :D

[Sophia Triad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book in the series in which so many things happen and it has too many storylines that have started from previous books and they will continue in the next book. If I try to describe the plot, everything will be a spoiler.

I just have three important things to mention:

1. I love the bookcover which represents the Aurox/white bull. Obviously he plays a big part in this book.

2. My favourite scene of the book is again connected to the death of another favourite character:

“My own,” he said.
“My own,” she said. “I knew you would find yourself again.”
“And in doing so, I found you.” Smiling, he pulled her into his arms and as their lips met the sky shimmered again and the doorway to the Otherworld closed.

3. My favourite quote sounds like a doom for all the things that will be coming in the near future, but actually it is a cool statement:

“The Tulsa House of Night has a new High Priestess, and she is Death.”

The action takes place mostly at the Tulsa House of Night Vampyre Boarding school and obviously the book is not a standalone.

[James Tullos · Rating 1 out of 5]

No.

[jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

finally, FINALLY, the adults in this damn series have some common sense.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Rating* 3.0
*Genre* YA Paranormal

*Review*

I had serious reservations about reading this book and continuing with this series especially with such a horrific main character. Yet again, Zoey is annoying and childish. The why me fascade has become tiresome and boring as all hell. You are no longer a child! You have been given a huge opportunity and yet you whine and cry and mop around like a spoiled brat.

Understandably, Zoe finds out that her own mother was murdered and wants answers. The answers she gets were pretty much expected.

The whole thing with Stark and Kalona? Just plain creepy.

As if we all didn't know who Aurox was after Nyx decided to use him. If you missed that part, go back and read the last book. I honestly thought we had gotten rid of that particular character once and for-all, but this is yet another case of writers retreading thrown away characters.

The ending was the best part of the book and of course, it also leaves readers with yet another cliffhanger ending and yet another character eliminated from the series which we pretty much saw coming from a mile away.

Still, the question begs to be answered: Can anyone truly trust Kalona and his oath?

I really liked Lenobia's part in this story. It's nice to actually step away from all the crap with the Nerd Herd and see what it's like to be a professor at the Tulsa HON under tense circumstances. I'll be interested to see if that storyline continues.

I also loved the arrival of Thanatos who is the Priestess of Death and a vampire council member who finds out more than she wanted to about the Tulsa House of Night. I'm hoping beyond hope that now that she is around, Zoey will take her head out of her backside and realize they have a perfect opportunity to take out Neferet before she can start an all out war.

So, how many more books until the end exactly?

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing ending! I was crying so much!

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heath!!!!!!!:):):):)
I cant wait for more Heath <3
..
"Sometimes I think I should have been the one to die and Heath should have been the one who stayed with you. He believed in love a lot more than I do."
Deepest. Smartest. Most thoughtful. thing Stark said the ENTIRE book. I've always been rooting for Heath but Stark was definatly a close second until I read this. Awesomesauce? Are you freakin kidding me? That is NOT was Stark would have said in any of the other books even if he was trying to make Zoey feel better. Plus I know he's a teenage guy but did he have to be thinking about sex EVERYTIME he was in the book. Ridiculous.
*Deep breathe* I don't know about you..but I feel better now.

Anyway this was an awesome enstallment in the House of Night series. I just wish it wouldn't have been so repeatative and I wouldn't mind more Aphrodite and Darius. I love them:)

[Jay G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...

3.5/5 Stars

[Irene ➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8/5 ~ ITA/ENG

Onestamente questa serie sta inziando un po' a stancarmi... E non è dovuto dalla presenza di 12 libri.
Ero super eccitata nei primi capitoli della serie. Mi ricordo che ne leggevo anche due nel giro di poche settimane e per me è cosa strana perchè ho sempre bisogno di un po' di tempo tra un libro e un altro della stessa serie.
Ma dagli ultimi non trovo più interesse nel continuare la serie, vado avanti proprio perchè ODIO lasciare delle saghe in sospeso considerando 1) quanto mi sia piaciuta all'inizio e 2) ormai mi manca poco al traguardo

Ormai i personaggi li conosco a memoria anche se gli ultimi libri li sto leggengo dopo molta distanza uno dall'altro.
Non ho problemi nel ricollegarmi perchè c'è tutto quel che serve per riprendere da dove si era rimasti.

Il problema principale è che gli ultimi libri hanno almeno 400 pagine e non succede NULLA se non all'inizio (per riprendere il finale) e alla fine. E mi prende il nervoso perchè il finale di questo mi è veramente piaciuto.
Sembra che vengano pubblicati per "riempire la serie e falla diventare bella lunga"
Se si continua così fino alla fine si potrebbero benissimo unire gli ultimi 5 libri in 1 solo.

La scrittura è molto scorrevole e non è pesante da leggere, nonostante il numero di pagine si legge senza fatica in pochissimi giorni.
Bisogna però sistemare la parte della trama e del dove vogliono andare a parare.
Si sa dal terzo libro (forse, non rirordo con esattezza) che c'è questa benedetta battaglia da fare ma al nono libro ancora sembra ben lontana dall'accadere e i punti chiave lasciati sono pochi.

+ Scrittura
+ Storia complessiva della serie (che avanza a passo di lumaca)
+ Finale
- Lunghezza (rapporto azione/pagine)
- Trama del singolo libro
- Si gira attorno sempre agli stessi 3/4 elementi
+- Sviluppo dei personaggi (che continuano a piacermi)
_____________

Honestly I'm getting bored of this series... And it's not because it has 12 books.
I was super excited during the first chapters. I remember reading even two book in few weeks and for me it's unusual because usually I need some time between a book and another from the same series.
But since the last ones, I lost interest in the series, I continue because I HATE leaving series half way through considering that 1) I enjoyed the first ones a lot and 2) I am very close to the end.

I know the characters by heart by now even if I'm reading these last books after a big time lapse between one another.
I don't have problems remembering what happened, the book gives everything I need to start where it left.

The main problem is that the last few books have at least 400 pages and NOTHING happens throughout (except for the beginning where there's a continuation of the last book and the finale). And it's unnerving because I liked the finale of this book a lot.
It looks like these books were published "to fill the series and to make it very cool long"
If it continues like that till the end it would be easily possible to unite the last 5 books into only 1.

The writing is very fluid and it's not heavy to read, even with that number of pages, in a few days it's finished.
It must be adjusted the plot and where they want the story to go.
I know since book three (I think, I don't exactly remember) that there's this damn battle, but at book nine still looks far away and the key points left are few.

+ Writing
+ General series story (even if it goes on veeeery slowly)
+ Ending
- Lenght (action vs pages)
- Single book plot
- Are always used those 3/4 elements
+- Characters development (who I still like)

[Sarah-marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really want to read this book but why does heath have to come back i mean zoey has been through enough stress in her life .Firstly she had to deal with erik the jackass and loren blake slept with her and broke her heart i mean come on leave heath to be dead.

[Nasty Lady MJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

To the full review visit my new blog here.

Well, I have the last two books (well, books that are out) in the House of Night series in my library box this week. Since I want to finish this project I decided I better start reading them. And honestly, I didn't quite know what to make of this one.

I know I always talk about these books being a drinking game and try to relate them in a way where you can actually drink but this one was just an incoherent mess much like Burned except I think Burned had a better excuse to be a mess.

Heaven forbid, I'm defending PC and Kristin Cast. What is this world coming to?

I will say though that as much as I hated Burned (and I really did hate that book) the incoherentness sort of made sense. At least I knew why Zoey's point of view was a mess because she was basically dead. Though here....

Casts. You got to stop with the multiple POVs. Seriously, its making me feel drunk when I'm not drunk. I really don't like having to go online after I finish a book and try to make sense of what I'm reading. And I haven't here. Originally after I read it, I intended to go onto the House of Night Wiki page or what not and see what this POS was about. And I probably will before I torment myself by reading Hidden, but as I thought about how to write this review. I thought, maybe I should let my reviews know what I was thinking when I was reading this. I didn't express myself in status updates (so much) this time because there really wasn't anything to snark about. That's sad when you can't snark about a bad book. That's actually one of the reasons why I occasionally decide to indulge in a bad book because of the snark. So for this installment of the drinking game, here are ten random thoughts that I had during Destined that had me wanting to open a bottle of Yellow Tail at ten o'clock in the morning.

1) Who the hell is talking? Seriously, the random POV were even more random this time around. The Casts need to get this under control. I have real issues when POV shifts in a chapter, even when it is marked. I just don't understand why you can't start a new chapter. I think this is one of the reasons why I appreciated Melissa de la Cruz's Bluebloods series. As fucked up as that particular vampire series got, you always knew whose POV you were getting. Even in the lackluster, Misguided Angel, which format differed from the others you still had a section that was purely one character. I appreciate that, Ms. de la Cruz. Mrs. and Ms. Cast though you gave me a headache that not even a Cherry Coke with extra cherries can cure.

2) Breaking the Fourth wall. Okay, this is probably going to be one of the biggest rants I have in this installment. A few books ago, I want to say Burned, I made a status update regarding the fact that the Casts like to use the "r" word a little too much and how that's offensive. Turns out I'm not the only person who found their behavior disgusting. According to The Book Lantern , a reader informed the Casts that its not exactly PC to use the "r" word in the fashion that they were using it and Cast Snr. through a hissy fit-very professional. Interestingly enough, a couple of books down the road. One of the characters laughs about people who find said "r" word offensive and goes on to state that it should be rape not the word retard that is offensive (Destined Cast and Cast 96). Honestly, Cast Snr. Really? It gets better besides basically stating that people finding the "r" word offensive is stupid, the Cast go on excessively commenting how the kids have to ride the short bus throughout the book and essentially mocking it. Did it ever occur to them that kids or adults with special needs might be reading this shit? Having a niece that is physically disabled this offends me on so many levels. Oh, and by the way, Casts, most hotel shuttles are minibus like the ones the kids were riding here. So, what are you trying to even argue here?

3) Trying to solidify relationships by vilifying the other guy. Seriously, this is the worst way to pimp out a romantic relationship. Its an obvious ploy and it just makes people like me annoyed that in this case the Casts make a character completely OOC so they can celebrate their RDJ crush. Or I don't know what King Douche is supposed to be at this point and yes he does still exist...unfortunately.

4) Bestiality. Oh my God, there are so many allusions to Bestiality in this installment its not even funny. And what really gets to me is why Stevie Rae's relationship to Bird Boy (I forget his name and honestly I don't see any point in trying to remember it) is sort of blessed by Nyx and Zoey (who I'm starting to believe is Nyx because almost as many people kiss her butt as Nyx) Neferet's relationship with the white bull isn't. And I'm pretty sure she's having a relationship with him. I think they said something about the bull being her consort. I'm not sure. Once again, I get confused with this shit. The point is, if one animal human relationship is given approval as much as it disgusts me (and it really disgusts me) the other animal human relationship should be looked at the same way. But seriously, why hasn't anyone reported the Casts to PETA? This shit makes my eyes bleed. I am never going to look at bulls and ravens the same way again and I can only imagine how mentally scarred a pre-teen would be.

5) Half of the time I start wondering why even have the boarding school? What purpose does it serve? They don't learn anything except some weird sex ed class about imprinting. And then it makes me wonder why any parent would let their kids read this. And then I remember the EW interview where PC Cast states that it wasn't for her daughter these books would even be more graphic. And then I go EW!

6) Why do the Casts think that anyone who has an accent has improper grammar? Is it that difficult to realize that people from other parts of the world might talk different than you but still write correct sentences?

7) Why do these books always end like an episode of Captain Planet. Seriously, there's earth, fire, wind, water, and...well, there's no heart but there's spirit. And that makes Nyx pop out not Captain Planet. Which is a shame because at this point I really would like CP to come out. Not that I ever liked that show but even that character and his perfume like goddess were more formed than the Cast characters.

8) Why do the Casts like Heath so much? And why are they rifting off of Heaven Can Wait. I actually liked that movie now I can't watch it again. And why does Zoey automatically have to know that Amethyst (his new real name is something else that I can't bother to write down) is actually Heath? Doesn't that sort of take out the whole suspense element. Isn't that sort of dumb with three books to go in a series? You know, One Life To Live actually knew how to play the Heaven Can Wait story without it being annoying. And that's saying something because I hated the character Marcie on that show.


9) Why do I want to read about some two hundred year old something woman banging the guy who picks up horse manure? Why would any teenager want to read about that? And I don't care if he's apparently still young looking an that he's a hot twenty-seven-year-old it's still boring and gross. But then again, Edward Cullen was looked at as sexy and he's what a hundred. But she's not even a main character and it just wasted page space and it was just. So stupid. Horse manure. Horse manure. How could you fall in love with a guy that smells like shit because he works with shit all day long?

10) Why does Zoey end chapters with catchphrases. Does she think she's on Full House?

[Amandacoventry]

From the little tidbits I've heard, this novel is going to be good.

For those whom adore the House of Night series, Destined is sure to rock you again. All I'd ask of the Cast duo is a longer novel, Awakened only had 270+ pages for $19.99 is a little much for such a small read.
For those thirsting for info, I've heard that Zoey's beloved Human Consort Heath Luck will be returning in the form of a vessel, due to Neferet slaying our poor little Jack. *heartbreak* Nyx offered Heath the ultimate choice; remain in the Otherworld as Good, or return to the world–to Zoey–in the form of Evil?
The novel is sure to remind us that true love is not born within just one soul; it can be found in others.

Release date: November 5th, 2011

ACoventry

[Joyzi]

5.5.2011

REPHAIM!!!

DON'T MIND ME I'M CRAZY

CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS ^^

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

While the series still isn't going to make it onto my "recommended reading" list anytime soon, I will begrudgingly admit that for all of its flaws, the books are taking a much-needed and long-awaited turn for the better.

There are still a few mentions of brown pop, IBS, shopping, and other annoying phrases which I still stumble over and roll my eyes whenever they pop up, but it's been toned down immensely - thank goodness.

While poor language skills, stereotypes aplenty, and a lack of strong characters is a huge downfall of this series, I will give credit to this installment of the HoN series for bringing out the one major strength of the Casts - the ability to tell a fun, thrill-ride of a story. Rephaim, Kalona, and Aurox all had great stories starting to unfold. I agree with a friend who was a bit displeased by the dumbing down of Erik (was he EVER dumb before? Conceited, yes - dumb, no. He is a flipping PROFESSOR, after all), but I like that his character is finally starting to come back into the story after being relegated to being the asshole who was pushed aside. We still don't know if he'll end up on the side of good or evil, and I'm going to enjoy finding out. There's a new character in this story and I'm not sure what to think of her so far. She hasn't interested me yet, we'll just leave it at that.

I'm not sure if I'm liking how fast Kalona seems to be changing, but I do like the direction this is headed in. Hopefully he will find his way back to Nyx someday.

Even though I still wouldn't recommend the series to people who haven't started it (there are far better series in this genre), I would encourage those who are at least partway into the series to keep going. It does get better a little bit at a time.