Awakened (House of Night Series, Book 8) by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press / Macmillian
Pages:  304

(Released:  January 4, 2011)

From the Cover:

“My love, speak to me.  Tell me everything.”  Neferet went to Kalona, kneeling before him, stroking the soft, dark wings that unfurled loosely around the immortal. 

“What would you have me say?”  He didn’t meet her eyes.  

 “Zoey lives.” Neferet’s voice was flat, cold, lifeless.

“She does.”

“Then you owe me the subservience of your immortal soul.”  She started to walk away from him.
“Where are you going?  What will happen next?”

 “It is quite simple.  I will ensure Zoey is drawn back to Oklahoma.  There, on my own terms, I will complete the task you failed.”

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 this installment of the House of Night series, Neferet has returned as the High Priestess at House of Night, even after all she has done, all she hopes to do. The Darkness has stolen anything that was left of her soul, even though she convinces the Council otherwise. If Neferet has anything to say with Z's outcome, Zoey will not fair well.

But Zoey has found the Isle of Skye, and though everything isn't exactly as it appears to be, she's preparing for the next step in her life, until she's call back to Tulsa, and to the House of Night.


Awakened by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast is another enthralling installment to the House of Night Series. In this installment, Neferet has all of the Vampire High Council fooled, and has been allowed to return to the House of Night... even after everything she has done.  And this time, she's out for blood, Zoey Redbird's blood, but she's not above using others to draw Zoey out.  But, Zoey has other worries, she's lost Heath, but her sworn Warrior in the form of Stark has stayed on the Isle of Skye with Zoey, both healing, and exploring their burgeoning relationship.  I've read where others have thought this book is too racy for YA readers (and yes, for very young YA readers, like high el ed readers and middle grade readers, they probably should choose other reading material, from book 1... it has been a little too mature for very young readers), but I have to argue with that theory, the House of Night Series has always held a certain element of sexuality, it makes the story more real and, honestly, more heartening.  Stevie Rae and Rapheim's growing relationship, which he is hiding from his father, Kalona, is turning out to be an excellent reason to continue reading, even if you have questions about Zoey.  But, there's more going on with Zoey, more things yet to happen, and she'll need all those she trusts around her.

Awakened is another excellent addition to the HON series, it's not to be missed!  If you love Neferet in all her evil glory, you'll want to read this book, she seeks her revenge against Zoey and Stevie Rae. If you're longing to see more of Stevie Rae and Rapheim (like I am), then this is a must read! If you love Zoey (even with her teen angst... come on, she is a teen, a powerful one, but still a teen) and Stark (even if Kalona can seep into his body, waiting to see where this will lead), then pick up this new installment, there's so much going on, it's a page turning read! If you haven't read the House of Night series before, this is not the place to start... Go back to book 1, Marked, and discover Zoey, her grandmother, Neferet when we all hoped she was good, sweet Stevie Ray... this is one of the best series I've read, and each book is another feast for my senses, and for my voracious appetite for HON.  I highly recommend this series and book for all lovers of YA, vampire paranormal romance/urban fantasy.  There is excellent world and mythology building throughout the entire series.  It is a series not to be missed. If you'd like more information about the authors, visit the HON Series, P.C. Cast, and Kristin Cast.

Series in Order:

1 - Marked
2 - Betrayed
3 - Chosen
4 - Untamed
5 - Hunted
6 - Tempted
7 - Burned
8 - Awakened
9 - Destined (November 2011?)

Yet to come Books 10, 11, and 12

I received Awakened from Tara @zeitghostmedia.com and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for review. All opinions expressed are my own.