Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast

Pages: 306

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: Supernatural

Notes for parents: Scenes of violence, coarse language, and mature themes

The Back Cover

Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change – and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny—with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

It tells you everything! Why bother reading the book? I hate when they do that. This is book 1 of a 12 book series. Yes, I said 12! (There are also 3 novellas, a handbook, and a few other related books).

What’s good?

This is a fairly original mash-up of vampire legend, Greek mythology, Wiccan rituals and more. The pace is good, the school is a great setting, and the plot flows nicely. I like the first person narrative – she sounds like a typical teen which gives believability to the strong female lead. The supporting characters are well done although a few are a little overdone. The story itself is interesting and entertaining.

Best part: Stevie Rae.

What’s not so good?

I’m a vampire traditionalist so I don’t particularly like when people mess with tradition. However, it could have been worse – they could’ve sparkled! Needless to say, the lore is a bit cheesy at times. The story’s treatment of religion is a bit nonsensical with its mixed anti-Christian, pro-tolerance message.

Worst part: The use of vampyre instead of vampire is annoying.

Recommendations þþþoo

This series has great potential, but ultimately I felt this first book fell flat. I’ve given it three checkmarks because I did find it interesting and entertaining enough to read the next book in the series. However, I feel it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. I recommend this, but only to vampire enthusiasts looking for a soap opera twist on the old lore.

Cast, P.C. & Cast, Kristen. Marked. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2007.