Lenobia's Vow

Lenobia's Vow

by P.C. and Kristin Cast

A House of Night novella

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? (description from Amazon.com)

I really enjoyed this novella.  While I still feel that the Casts are perhaps just cashing in with this series of novellas, I really liked this one a lot more than the one featuring Dragon. Lenobia was an interesting character and the Bishop was skin-crawlingly creepy. 

The love story was great and heartbreaking and tearjerking and totally fun to read.  The time period was interesting and I loved that most of the story actually took place on a boat.  I, of course, will also read just about anything related to New Orleans, so this book was also really exciting in that they are headed there and that Martin is Creole. 

*Side note - I listened to this one on audio. It was great.  Not only was it short and sweet, but the narrator did a great job tackling the French and Creole accents.  A fun listen.

I still won't buy these novellas, but I do like to read them!

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for AudioFile magazine.



Winner - Destined!

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Destined giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Angie!!

Angie, check your email...and get me your mailing address before the end of the day on Sunday, November 6th, so that I can have the publisher send the book out to you ASAP! Congratulations again!

Destined - Book Trailer and Giveaway!

Are YOU as excited about the next House of Night novel as I am?




In Destined, 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 Counsel 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…


And check out this trailer:


Doesn't it look great? I can't believe that the series is drawing to a close...I'm so addicted! Now, my lucky, lucky friends...if you're as addicted as I am, rejoice! I have a copy of Destined to give away to one lucky fan. *squee!*

For a chance to win, all you need to do is leave me a comment with your name, your email address, and your favorite character from the House of Night series before Wednesday, November 2nd. On Thursday, November 3rd, I will randomly draw a winner and they will have until Sunday, November 6th to get back to me with their full mailing address (US/Canada only per publisher - Sorry!) so we can get the book mailed out.

Good luck!!!

Dragon's Oath

Dragon's Oath
by P.C. and Kristin Cast
A House of Night novella

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 really should have nothing to do with a fledgling… (description from Amazon.com)

Though I don't really feel that this was necessary or even really relevant to the regular House of Night series, it was interesting to see Dragon's back story. Anastasia was a very sweet character and I liked seeing her relationship with Dragon develop. It did give a little back story to Dragon and how Nyx has guided his life and is now sad to have lost him in his grief. I wonder if P.C. and Kristin Cast plan to do novellas for all of the HON teachers?

Awakened

Awakened
by P.C. and Kristin Cast
House of Night, book eight

Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…

And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?

In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart? (description taken from Amazon.com)

Can I tell you how much I like Stark? He is just so good to Zoey...and (without spoilers, I promise!!) I felt so bad for the way he was being used. I am on edge now waiting to see what the future holds for Stark and Zoey...

I was really pleased with how the good/bad mythology deepened in this book. The explainations of the black/white bulls and how they were as old as elemental magic and only manifested when the world was out of balance was very well done.

Trying not to get all spoilery...I loved the confrontations in this book. Lines were drawn, moral battles were waged, and though not everything came out in the open, Zoey and her friends definitely made their point. Along with a heartwrenching moment that almost killed me...some major decisions were made.

Though I just put it down last night, I am ready for the next book TODAY! *sigh* Hope the wait isn't TOO long.

The Fledgling Handbook 101

The Fledgling Handbook
by P.C. Cast
House of Night series, companion book

Merry meet, fledgling. Welcome to a new life, a new world, and a new you. Welcome to the House of Night!

This might seem like a scary time, Fledgling, but never fear! As you start your journey through the ancient halls of the House of Night, this indispensable handbook will aid you in your transition from human to fledgling. Within these pages you will find invaluable information about the history of vampyres. You will also come to a better understanding of your body’s transformation, as well as read words of hope from great vampyres of the past and learn essential foundations of rituals and lore. Now, Fledgling, read on. A new life awaits you; your path to that magickal future begins here!
(description taken from Amazon.com)

As an avid House of Night reader, I was excited to know that a companion book was coming out to tide readers over until the next regular novel (Awakened, Jan 2011) in the series comes out. When it came into the Library, I snatched it right up and took it immediately home.

It was interesting. P.C. Cast obviously delved really deep into her worldbuilding to create the series. The "Handbook" gives a brief history of the vampyres, including stories about Cleopatra, Circe, a set of twins in Pompeii, and even William Shakespeare. Then there were also sections explaining the process of being "Marked," what happens during the change, imprinting and breaking imprints, fledglings with elemental influences, and different rituals.

It was interesting to flip through, but I'm really glad that I did not buy this book. It was not quite thrilling enough to make the cost worth it to me. I don't think I'd ever reread it. Very good for a Library to have, though, to satisfy all those rabid House of Night fans.

Burned

Burned
by P.C. and Kristin Cast
House of Night, book 7

When friends stop trusting each other, Darkness is there to fan the flames...

Things have turned black at the House of Night. Zoey Redbird's soul has shattered. With everything she's ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey's fading fast. It's seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able to pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her. But how? He will have to die to do so, the Vampyre High Council stipulates. And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left...
(description taken from Amazon.com)

Another addictive addition to the House of Night series. The Casts really know how to write a soap opera of a vampire story! I have to say the more I read about Stark the more I root for him. I love Stark! The sacrifices he makes for Zoey are amazing. There is a lot of soul searching and maturing in this book. The depths of friendhip and love between these characters are amazing.
Can't say much more without having spoilers, so I'll just say...LOVED IT!