Merry Meet at the House of Night!

Hiya guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be when the reading bug strikes....HARD!

So, for those frequent visitors to the site, you may be wondering why I've been a bit more silent recently.  I mean, a new post every day was sorta my thing...until this month.  Reason?  I've been embarking on a self imposed READ-A-THON!  That's right!  As you may have heard (on Twitter!), I'm hosting a spot on an uber huge blog tour later this week for a little Young Adult series you may have heard of...called....the HOUSE OF NIGHT.

Go ahead.

Feel free to squee.

If you're a fan of the series, then you know the OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE for the FINAL INSTALLMENT is TOMORROW....that's Tuesday, October 14th.  If you've had it on your to read list, (*raises hand*), NOW is the time to get on board the fan train because it's leaving the station and guess what?  I'm a PASSENGER!  Yep.  Now, time for me is an issue so I didn't go into this challenge lightly.  Thus far, I've read ONE, TWO and almost all of THREE.  Still have several thousand pages to go before my Friday due date...no pressure...but in the mean time, forgive the silence.  To break up the crickets, I've decided to break my all-in-one series review post into a few smaller ones followed up with the grand finale.  So....ready to READ ALL ABOUT IT?  Here we go!  Pack your bags and prepare to get some pretty rad tats, today's BOOKS of choice by P.C. and Kristin Cast follow....

MARKED

(Book 1)

Meet Zoey, high school student with boyfriend, bestie, and fairly decent popularity ranking with the masses.  Sounds like a great place to be, right....well it WAS; then she had to go and get herself marked.  In all fairness, you don't decide to BE marked; you are selected because something inside you makes itself known to the local vampyre trackers and BOOM.  The rest is history.  Once marked, you have two choices:  die...or move into the House of Night.  Let's see...if we weigh the pros and cons...what am I sayin'!  Of course people would choose the latter, that is if their families allow them.  Yeah....let's just say that while Zoey's mom was fab once upon a time, when her happily ever after part two came about, she fell prey to a stronger mind...though its depths were MUCH much shallower.  Anywho, anywho....

Zoey has a whole new world to deal with and a whole new Goddess' favor to be bathe in, but with a little help from her friends (and her spunky grandmother), she just might make it through.  Maybe.  Sorta.  Okay, if she can stay away from the uber-witch-with-a-b Aphrodite and her minions (no, they aren't the cute little yellow ones), gain control of her thirst, and handle the new powers and responsibilities (hello Daughters of Darkness!) coming her way.  No sweat....right?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

BETRAYED

(Book 2)

I had a fun time sorting out the title of this one.  My first thoughts were....WHO would be doing the betraying?  Would it be Zoey to her friends, her mentor, or the student body (including one student's body in particular)?  Would it be her friends, her mentor, or the student body betraying HER?  So many ways for it to go and so much loss to suffer along the way regardless.  Yes my friends, we lose an integral part of her circle in this read and if you don't find yourself seriously touched (or brought to tears ... *raises hand*), you may want to check your pulse.  You turn the final page wiser with a better understanding of the new world she's inhabiting...but also WARY.  Betrayed was an appropriate title for this one indeed...

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On a general note, if you're new to the series, you won't miss EVERYTHING by picking it up somewhere along the way.  The authors are pretty good about catching you up at the beginning of each book and along the way when the time is right.  Nice touch!  So, my fair readers....stick with me and join in the HOUSE OF NIGHT fun as it takes over the blog (most of) this week.  

ALSO, tune in to Twitter for the Tweetathon kicking off TOMORROW and running through the 24th to commemerate the final release, hosted by Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc!  Just follow the hashtag #HONRedeemed!

Until next time....merry meet...and happy reading!

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Hi there, insatiable readers!

Hope your week is going well so far.  Just a quick reminder about the contests currently running on the site....several chances for you to win everything from books in a variety of genres to a gift card to spend as you wish, so be sure to check it all out before it's too late!  Just look under "Current Contests" in the right hand sidebar for all the links. 

As we celebrate all things "love" this week....Monday saw the official start with Valentine's Day.  Yesterday we took a look at the power of your voice when raised in love against atrocious acts against mankind.  Today....we delve back into bookish love, but not with a sappy romance....oh no.  The book featured today has a strong lead character that has a mind of her own, a will of iron...and a heart that melts just like any other girl underneath it all....but don't tell her I told you that because she can kick some butt (and she does too)!  Without further adieu, today's book of choice is...

The Demon Trapper’s Daughter

by

Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorne is not just any girl; she's the daughter of master trapper Paul Blackthorne. What do they trap? Demons…and not in some fantastical land far far away; they are here, they are now and they ARE out to get you, unless they (or the roguish hunters) get them first. Though each capture is a challenge, recent events have made things even more so. How? For starters, the demons seem to be working together, which is off considering they’d normally eat each other before sharing space with another of their kind; second and perhaps even more disturbing…they know Riley by name.

No introductions made, nor salutations offered. The mere site of her and they are chomping at the bit to end her existence at all costs. Which begs the question…why now? Why this trapper in training? Is it because she’s a girl? Nawwww. Though trappers have always been male, I doubt even the demons are that chauvinistic. Is it because she has the potential to be a great trapper just like dear old Dad? Perhaps, though potential does not always lead to realization. Or is it something even bigger than merely her self? Something the demons don’t want her to realize until it’s too late? There’s a battle on the horizon, one that leaves your immortal soul hanging in the balance. Choose your side wisely because all of Hell is about to break loose…

Angels, demons, heaven, hell, trappers, hunters…and the still to be explained (Hello? Is anyone else that’s read the book wondering about Ori?!); who’d have thought this unlikely combination all in one book would make such an impressive story? Well, the author for one (hence it was written) and the publisher for two (great call there). What can I say? I loved this book. How could I not when the first demon Riley encounters is a Biblio-Fiend (definition:  small demon that loves nothing more than to shred, tear, and desicrate books...the horror...) that she has to trap before it wreaks any more havoc on the library it is currently vandalizing. They are an avid reader’s nightmare but a great way to draw in bookish fans.

It’s different than other YA paranormal tinged books out there right now even though on the surface, it contains some of the same elements…I mean you can’t have a paranormal book without the paranormal so of course they are bound to share some things, but it’s in how they are presented and the way the story is told that makes them stand out (like in this book). Riley is certainly not your typical heroine and definitely not a damsel in distress though in distress she certainly finds her self on more than one occasion. She’s sort of a cross between Buffy and her rival Faith (you know, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer…just minus the vampire slaying and all); a lot of good intentions but with some definite kick butt girl power (and you've got to love her outfit choice for the book cover...are those plaid pants I see?). For all her foul-mouthed (yes, there are a few word bombs, but it’s not "obscene" by any degree), defiant antics, and “I-need-no-one” behavior…we love her still.

Speaking of loving characters despite their personalities, her comrades are a cast of many colors all their own. From her friend Peter the good guy that gets lost along the way (though not necessarily in a physical sense) to Simon who may not be as straight laced as he comes off, Denver Beck who can’t seem to make his mind up about his real objective to Harper (one of the remaining master trappers) who just loves to treat apprentices like the chewed gum he envisions them to be (though I think there is more to learn about this particular persons past), and let’s not forget her Dad though his presence as the story progresses is not exactly “there” (read it, you’ll see); the combination is volatile at best but that’s just one more thing that gives this book such a high score on the appeal rating.

This book is not about solving everything. It’s about looking for answers to questions known and uncovering questions you didn’t even know you should be asking. If you expect to walk away from this book with a neatly tied package of solution time stamped and logged as COMPLETE….guess again. Things have only just begun and even though there is much story shared within these pages (action, adventure, loss, mystery, romantic interests, hidden love…need I go on?), it is what it is…the start of a new series (Yep, that’s right….woo-hoo!). At books end there are at least as many questions still to answer if not more than when you started, and yet it’s not one of those sticky points that makes you regret the read. On the contrary, you are (okay, I was, but I think you will be too) so swept up in all that is happening (and boy is there a lot going on within the final chapter or two), you barely notice the tally of answered versus unanswered questions growing unbalance in the background.

In the end, it all boils down to this: a great read from a talented emerging writer that will have YA paranormal fans on the edge of their seats from page one and beyond. I for one am eagerly awaiting the next addition to this series and shall be collecting every scrap of information that comes my way in the mean time much like the Magpies in the book collect all things that go “bling” in the night. (Ooh….shiny information….*pockets info*) This book hit shelves the beginning of the month, so be on the look out in a store near you….just be sure to alert the trappers if you run into any Biblio-Fiends attempting to destroy it before you get a copy for yourself. *grabs plastic sippy cup and hefty “novel-of-potential-yawning”*

ARC for review received via LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers and St. Martin’s Griffin, an imprint of MacMillan. (THANKS!) If you haven’t checked out the LibraryThing site, it’s high time you should. Why? I’ll tell you why….not only do they have great opportunities to win and learn about new and upcoming titles, but you can catalog your books, share recommendations, take part in conversations on their blog, and so much more…it’s just perfect for the book lover in you. (Of course, they are also on Twitter…so feel free to follow along!) Still need more information? I thought you might. Take a trip over to the publisher’s website  and then be sure to stop on by their YA dedicated site called WordNStuff. There you can sample chapter one, read a free short story tied into this series and find out about a few other books you just might want to add to your Wish List.

Until next time…happy reading!

 

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

I'm so glad you could join us today as we take a look at another book that's been receiving a lot of BUZZ recently in the blogosphere.  It's from a new author making her debut on the YA scene with book one in a series that you won't want to miss.  Perhaps you've heard of it?  (Trust me, you more than likely have...)  Today's book of choice is....

Infinite Days

by

Rebecca Maizel

What would it feel like to live each day knowing that you will never die nor age in any physical way?  Or wake each morning with unlimited possibilities in front of you, beckoning you to indulge in each and every one?  Sounds like a dream come true.  Oh, did I forget to mention you'd also have this internal pain that would be unquenchable except during acts of violence and destruction?  (I did, I knew it!)  Lenah Beaudonte knows all of this and more.  After all, she is a vampire....or should I say, was one.  As it would seem, her maker and soul mate Rhode, who wanted nothing more than to have her as his own for all time, also strove to keep her happy, granting every wish and whim.  Her most longed for desire after so many years adrift in either causing unbearable pain or seeking refuge from her own was to be what she once was....human.  Unheard of, right?  WRONG! 

After much research and planning, Rhode has uncovered an ancient ritual that could restore her humanity, body and soul....or end both of their lives trying; a high stakes risk he is more than willing to take for you see, his intent is pure.  The ritual is performed and Lenah is now a living, breathing member of the human race.  All that's left is to learn to fit in to a society many years past her prime....not a hard task for someone with so many years of experience, but certainly not without it's share of bumps in the road (many of which are quite funny).  A simple end to a glorious beginning...or is it?  All those years living as a vampire, she didn't just sit idly by and watch the world turn.  She aimed to make her life as convenient and safe as possible thus ensuring her prolonged life all the more and creating a "family" of sorts on which to depend.  The problem?  They don't know that she is now human.  In fact, they think she's underground in a state of hibernation for what was to be 100 years...at the end of which she would "rise" and take her place as the Queen of their coven.  Oh and would you look at that....the 100 year mark is in just a few weeks.  Will the dark magical bonds she forged be forced into the light of her new life?  If so, how could she possibly survive such a conflict in her new form?  Oh dear Lenah...what have you done.....

Though this seems to be another in a long line of vampire themed novels recently released, the author puts her own spin on the facts versus fiction aspect of the lore.  For example, her vampires....some can walk in sunlight (indirectly and usually only the older vamps) while others can not.  Holy water and crosses do nothing for them, but other herbs and flowers will work as protection to some degree (something which is explored in the story and lends another interesting aspect to the book).  She does however keep a few of the trademarks....super speed, super strength, and allure with their unearthly beauty (although that part also has a scary aspect built in...you'll see when you read it). 

When I finished reading this newly released title, I honestly couldn't catch my breath. Lenah Beaudonte's character creates a connection with the reader that just won't let go (thank you author Rebecca Maizel!). You feel her pain, her heartache, her longing, her desires...a definite plus for pulling through the scenes that might otherwise seem bland; the connection to everything draws you in.  Did I mention Lenah's love of books?  Aside from having all the time in the world to read whatever she desired, she has a revelation of sorts in her newly bound state as to the settling effects of books on the nerves.  And I quote....

Library?  That sounded reasonable.  As my thoughts revolved around my days surrounded by books, something miraculous happened.  My anger subsided.  It ebbed away as the thoughts of books, pages, and comfort entered my head.  -- pg 57, ARC

A girl after our own readerly hearts.  Along for the ride, the cast of supporting characters are rather intriguing as well.  Rhode, though he is seen through glimpses rather than head on, is a magnanimous character to say the least...definitely doesn't fit the typical vampire mold.  Suleen, the ancient known of but never seen vampire through which evil and good to not filter....kind of like a "dalai lama" figure in their world.  Vicken, Lenah's other soul mate with which she is forever connected.  Tony, her artistic best friend who would love to be something more to her.  Justin Enos, one of the jock super boy crew that seems like an odd choice to place interest in considering Lenah's current standings, and yet there he is...he's probably the only character that was a tad hard to believe in how his personality/actions changed.  Like I said, an interesting group....

The title itself is also worth looking at as it is an oxymoron of sorts...infinite (without end) and days (limited to 24 hour periods). Interesting combination there.  For what it's worth, Lenah experiences the heights and depths of true human emotions on an infinite level while the days of that experience are counted down from hour to hour (that's the part that could get tedious to read, but thanks to the character connection...didn't!). In the end, the events put in motion from a long held wish come full circle...leaving you with a closing not fully expected, but breath taking nonetheless.

Highly recommended for readers of the YA genre and those looking for a novel full of emotion, feeling, and most of all....intent.  As an added bonus, the author has an awesome-tastic bonus scene for the book online now....not to mention this new series has it's own website, Facebook page, and Twitter!  Check them out for more bookishly good fun.

Special thanks to Eileen at St. Martin's Griffin and LibraryThing's First Reviewers for the ARC to review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the publisher and their fantastic catalog, visit their website.  To see what LibraryThing is all about, here's their site and their Twitter page.  Last but certainly not least, to learn more about this author's debut work and what's up next, visit her site or...you guessed it, Twitter!

Until next time...happy reading!