Review: Marked (House of Night #1)

Title: Marked (Book 1 of the House of Night series)
Author: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Genre: YA Fantasy



The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampyre--that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But 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 club, 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. --Goodreads 


I'd tried reading this book a few times over the last year or so to be honest. And every time, I couldn't make it past the second chapter to continue on with the story. This time around, I was determined to make myself get on past and continue reading until I finished so that I could gain a proper opinion of the book without being "pre-judgemental" if you know what I mean.

Admittedly, it does have a bit of a slow start, and even a bit of a cheesy one. For anyone who hasn't read it, I don't want to give anything away because I'm not one to put spoilers in my reviews. I do like to comment on characterization and storyline, etc... without spoilers to the plotline.

I'm actually a bit glad I finished Marked this time, instead of putting it down again. It wasn't as terrible as I thought. Although I did find some annoying points to the novel. For instance, I felt it lacked detail. The storyline in general was a great idea, with room for amazing potential and full of possible rich history and characterization points... but it was lacking in this area as it felt the authors skimmed through a lot of details just to show strict action or jump right to romance (which I honestly felt was maybe too rushed as well?). Most characters were two-dimensional and needed more depth. There was plenty of room for it, but as I said, it felt as if the detail got cut or lost somewhere along the way in the idea.

I liked the history and the mythos of the vampires that the authors created. I wanted to know more. So that was a good sign when I found myself enjoying a lot of the reading, even if most of it was just light and fluffy.

I wouldn't have called it near great. It certainly wouldn't go on my list of "top vampire favorites", but I will probably continue on with the series just out of curiosity to see where it goes.

I also wouldn't recommend this to younger teens, even if it is a YA read, as it has strong sexually suggestive themes.

Enjoyable, easy read. It was alright. I give it 3 stars.