Betrayed, Book Two in the House of Night Series by P.C. Cast + Kristen Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 320

From the Cover: Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

Zoey Redbird is finally starting to feel at home. She's the new leader of the Dark Daughters and Sons, and she plans to make major changes. She has been able to summon the five elements; earth, water, fire, air, and spirit to help and guide those under her tutelage with the purposes and needs of the Goddess, Nyx. Aphrodite has been exiled away from her and her friends; no more snide comments and actions from her.

But things are always what they appear to be. Neferet claims that the Goddess has taken away Aphrodite's affinity for visions, and Zoey knows that this is not true. Why would a mentor and guide treat another student so cruelly, even if it is Aphrodite? Everyone screws up, Aphrodite was caught and found lacking in her ability. She's a hag from hell, but she also has powerful visions and the school needs her affinity. Also, since two students died from rejection of the change, Zoey believes that she has seen their ghosts. What is going on with the school?

Zoey's life continues to get complicated. She has a totally hot almost boyfriend, Erik Night, but she has accidentally imprinted on her ex-human boyfriend, Heath, and he won't leave her alone. And the visiting professor, Loren (has to be at least 21 to her 17 years), is flirting with her. Now, two football players from her human life have disappeared and are later found dead having been drained of all of their blood. And what's scary and weird is that she's having dreams about them. Then she sees Neferet with one of the 'ghosts' performing an unthinkable deed.

Then tragedy strike leaving Zoey at a loss; this just cannot be happening. What is going on at her school and how will it affect her new life? Will she survive the change and the latest developments?

Betrayed by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast is the second book in House of Night Series. It is an excellent addition to the series, building the House of Night world. As Zoey becomes accustom to being a fledging vampyre, one with powers and abilities well beyond her years, she begins to discover things about the school and her mentor, Neferet, that she didn't think were possible. She is given a message "Light isn't always good and dark isn't always bad". It's confusing and boggling, but it's starting to make sense; and that really scares her. Neferet is the High Priestess of the Goddess Nyx; leader of the House of Night. Zoey is a High Priestess in training, the Goddess has blessed her in many ways; least of all being that her Mark has already gained color and definition. But Zoey is also noticing strange happenings. Things aren't right, and when personal tragedy strikes, Zoey has to begin to question Neferet, the principles that have been given to her, and her feelings toward Aphrodite.

Betrayed leaves the reader with knowledge that the students and professors at the House of Night aren't always what or who they appear to be. It leaves the readers with more questions than answers; wondering who is trust worthy and who is not. I highly recommend this series to all lovers of YA and urban fantasy. It's a ride that has many twists and turns, and not all of them are expected. We can now begin to question the undercurrents within the books. For more information about all the great books in the House of Night Series, enter the House of Night at your own risk.

Book Trailer: Betrayed