Marked

Title: Marked (1st book in The House of Night series)

Authors: P.C Cast & Kristin Cast

Book Type: Supernatural/Young Adult

Synopsis: The House of Night series is set in modern day ... but in a world where vampires have always existed among humans. In this first book of the series, new vampire Zoey Redbird enters The House of Night - a residential school for new vampires. Away from her family and friends, Zoey awaits her 'Change' into an adult vampire and hopes that she can survive the change (which often kills a new vamp).

Zoey is no ordinary vampire since she has been specially Marked by the goddess Nyx. She is not the only young vampire with special powers. When she learns that the leader of the school "Dark Daughters" group is misusing her goddess-given powers Zoey knows that she must stop her with the help of her new vampire friends.

My Thoughts: This is the first book in The House of Night series written by mother and daughter authors, P.C and Kristin Cast. I have to say that they did a good job. I think that Kristin helped to make the writing 'young' with the teenage slang etc (which can get a bit annoying at times but they don't overindulge in teen-speak). The storyline moves along at a good pace and is hard to put down at times.

Even though this is a novel written for Young Adults this 30-something quite enjoyed this book. It's easy read with likable characters. I think it's a cross between "Twilight" and "Harry Potter". I actually found quite a few similarities between Harry Potter and this book (new kid at a residential school for kids with special powers who has extra special powers and must fight the evil kid at school as well as an even darker force). This book isn't going to change anyone's lives by reading it nor invoke long and heated book club debates but it's a good read.

This is the first book in the series of 6 books (book 7 is due out on 2010). Read the books in order since there are several on-going storylines.

My Rating: 4/5 (a really good read)