Brighid's Quest by P.C. Cast

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen/Harlequin
Pages:  544

From the Cover:  "I will go."

Rather than follow her family's restrictive rules, centaur Brighid chose to set out on her own to make friends and form relationships with humans as well as centaurs.

Now she's facing her toughest challenge yet. While helping guide home a grieving human—Cuchulainn, her friend Elphame's brother—Brighid finds herself beginning to care for him. An emotion forbidden by her clan.

To add to her troubles, the Great Goddess has awoken the power of the Shaman within Brighid—the first centaur so blessed in ages. And just as she's torn between taking up a power she never expected and a love she's afraid to admit to, Brighid receives a vision of a tragedy that might destroy everyone she's ever cared about….

Brighid Dhianna of the Dhianna Herd has chosen her own path, away from her manipulative mother, High Shaman of the Herd, but long corrupted by her love of power once bestowed by the Great Goddess, Epona.  Brighid has found her new home with the Clan MacCallan in Partholon, as Centaur Huntress for the Clan.  

Elphame, the Chieftain of the Clan is in turmoil.  Her brother, Cuchulainn, has been lost in sorrow with the death of Brenna, the Clan Healer and his lover at the hands of a mad Formorian, the winged demons from long ago.  Legend and lore says that the demons stole into the Clan stealing and raping the Goddesses Incarnate of the Temple of the Muses.  

Cuchulainn, through his despair, has chosen to travel through the Wasteland to find the home of the winged demons, the Foromians.  He wants to see with his own eyes that these winged demons are no longer infected with the madness, that his sister's sacrifice was not in vain, taking the infected blood into her body to break the madness.  What he finds is hard for his eyes to believe.  It is Cu's Quest to find these New Foromians and bring them back to the land of their foremothers, hoping to find a reason to live without his lover, Brenna.  

It is Brighid's Quest to find Cuchulainn and bring him back to the Clan.  In leading the winged New Foromians back to their homeland, she discovers Cu's soul has been shattered, he no longer feels the desire for life, and if she is to save him, she will have to journey into the Spirit Realm, seek out his soul, and heal the pieces for life to begin again.

Brighid's Quest by P.C. Cast is pure fantasy at it's best.  Our feisty heroine, Brighid, has set her own path.  Her mother is mad with power and has been trying for years to corrupt her children as well.  To save her sanity and her life, Brighid has chosen to leave Centaur Plains and lead the solitary life of the Huntress.  Our hero, Cuchulainn, must find a way passed the pain of losing his love, Brenna.  But to do it, he has to confront the very creatures who have brought her death.  His discovery of their true nature brings him to meet his destiny, either death or healing.  He chooses to heal, to find peace within his soul.  Brighid is his only hope to help find the shattered pieces of his soul and make him whole again.  His mother, Goddess Incarnate, Etain, could do it or Elphame, the Clan's Chieftain, but only can Brighid can do what mother and sister cannot, bring life and love back to the warriror, bridge the Spirit Realm to find Cu's soul and let life begin again.  But can Brighid face what she has so long denied?  Will Cu be able to live without Brenna at his side?

Brighid's Quest is a mythical fantasy, full of magic and mystery.  P.C. Cast weaves an excellent world to be explored; Partholon's legend of the Centaurs, the Clan MacCallan, and of the Great Goddess, Epona.  In this world, the Great Goddess Epona blesses her chosen ones with great power, but with that power comes free will.  The right to choose their own path.  Some choose the path that leads to madness and murder.  Some choose the path that brings enlightenment, leadership, and love.  But those who receive the power must make their own decisions, because the blessing of power can lead to disaster.  Brighid's Quest was a fun read and as with most fantasies, not a quick read.  There is much to be explored and learned about the world within the Centaur Plains and the Clan MacCallan, all of Partholon to be explored.  Fantasy is quickly becoming another favorite for me.  I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy read and recommend it to other fantasy lovers.  Brighid's Quest is book two in this series, Elphame's Choice is book one and though I usually read a series in order, enough background is given in this book that I had no trouble following the storyline.  If you enjoy good fantasy, great story telling, and excellent world building, give the Brighid's Quest a try.  I'm certainly glad I did.


I received this book in ebook format from Harlequin and Net Galley for review.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Review & Giveaway: Immortal: Love Stories With Bite Anthology

From the Cover: In Immortal: Love Stories With Bite, edited by New York Times bestselling author of the House of Night series P.C. Cast, seven of today's most popular YA vampire and contemporary fantasy authors offer new short stories that prove that when you're immortal, true love really is forever.

Rachel Caine (the Morganville Vampires series) revisits the setting of her popular series, where the vampires are in charge and love is risky

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Tantalize) gives us a love triangle between a vampire, a ghost and a human girl, in which none of them are who or what they seem

Claudia Gray (Evernight) takes us into the world of her Evernight series, in which a pre-Civil War courtesan-to-be is courted by a pale, fair-haired man whose attentions are too dangerous to spurn

Richelle Mead (the Vampire Academy series) brings us the tale of a young vampire on the run from the rest of her kind, and the human boy who provides the getaway car

Nancy Holder (the Wicked series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) immerses us in a post-apocalyptic New York where two best friends are forced to make a choice that may kill them both

Kristin Cast (the House of Night series) introduces us to a new kind of vampire: one with roots in Greek mythology, and the power to alter space and time

And Tanith Lee (Black Unicorn) shows us what happens when a bright young woman with some supernatural savvy encounters a misguided (but gorgeous) young vampire

I had read about this book on Rachel Vincent's blog, so when the publisher offered a copy, I snatched up the opportunity to review. I had it on my TBB list and I would have gladly paid the purchase price! Excellent reading!!


P.C. Cast - Offers her views on why there is a fascination with vampyres. Could it be the search for immortality? How do teenagers view lifestyle and does this continues throughout adulthood? Interesting viewpoint, this author stirs my interest with her wit and wisdom.

Haunted Love by Cynthia Leitich Smith (new author for me)
Cody is the only vampire in town ... or so he thought. Come and watch what happens when he buys the local haunted theater. Monsters come in all shapes, sizes, and genders and they aren't always what we think.

Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast
Ever want to meet the furies? If you read this story, not only do you meet them, but their gorgeous son too. He has a mission and he must save her or lose his soul forever.

Dead Man Stalking (A Morganville Vampire Story) by Rachel Caine
What's like to live in a town full of vampires? If you visit Morganville, TX, you won't have to wonder. Vampires, zombies, and a crazy old man make this story come to life.

Table Manners by Tanith Lee (new author for me)
Lel has been sent to find a vampire .... but do you know what a vampire really is?? Only Lel and her father, Anthony Draculian can help with that question .... but wouldn't you like to know??

Blue Moon by Richelle Mead
Have you ever heard the saying 'once in a blue moon'?? Well, Lucy Wade of the Chicagoland Vampire Mob Wades hadn't until her eighteenth birthday draws near. She has to make a choice: leave, escape or die....by her own family's hand. Very blood thirsty.

Changed by Nancy Holder (new author for me)
The day the vampires came, Jilly ran, ran for her life, her love, and away from the death and destruction. But to save her true unrequited love, will she sacrifice herself??

Binge by Rachel Vincent
Andi sings to feed, and feed she must or she will die, all sirens need to feed off the energy of humans. But Mallory is something else all together. She gives to feed. But how do you know when you've given too much??

Free (A Story of Evernight) by Claudia Gray (new author for me)
New Orleans (1841) Patrice and Amos want nothing more than to be together, both are free. But Patrice's mother has other plans, and she'll go to the highest bidder. Until Julien Larroux tries to make her his ... A life for a life.

Each of these little novellas are a tasty treat well worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was filled with just the right amount of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. I'll definitely be trying some of these new authors.

Giveaway!!!!

Jennifer at Ben Bella Books has generously offered a copy of this fabulous book for giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment. For an extra entry post somewhere, please let me know where. For another try, follow and if you already follow, just let me know. This giveaway is open to US and Canada, but as always, for those of you across the big pond if you have a friendly US address to use, please feel free to enter. Contest will run until the end of the month, 11-30-09 midnight anywhere, winner announced December 1, 2009. Thanks and Good Luck!!!

I received this book for review from the publisher, Ben Bella Books. The views I have expressed are my own.

Promo ~ P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast ~ Tempted, House of Night Series, Book 6

Publisher: St. Martin Press
Pages: 336

(Release Date: October 27, 2009)

From the Cover: So...you'd think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark's life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn't go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul? Find out in the next spectacular installment in the House of Night Series, "Tempted."

The House of Night Series follows 16-year-old Zoey Redbird, who gets “Marked” by a vampyre tracker and begins to undergo the Change into an actual vampyre. If you'd like to read the first chapter or listen to the first two chapters, click here.

I can't wait to get my hands on this book!!

Here is an exclusive look at the new book trailer just released today!!

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

Check Out The New Exclusive Trailer for Hunted

Hi Everyone!

Just received an email from Zeitghost Media, part of the marketing effort supporting the release (March 10 , 2009) of Hunted, Book 5 in the House of Night Series by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast. Here is a glimpse of the new exclusive trailer for the book, Hunted, Book 5.





You can also go to the House of Night's new interactive website and read the first chapter @ http://www.houseofnightseries.com/pages/hunted.html. I don't know how long this free preview will be available, so give it a try. It is going to be a huge release with the first hardcover edition in the series and over 3 million copies in print to date, as well as the duo's first book tour. It is an excellent teen series that even has adult appeal. So give it a try, Zoey's story is being told, and it's an attention grabbing read that doesn't let go.



Cover art for Hunted, Book 5 in the House of Night Series.

The first four books in order Marked, Betrayed, Chosen, and Untamed, each one is unique and entertaining, continuing the story of Zoey Redbird.



Chapter Two of Hunted is available here. Listen and enjoy.

Marked by P.C Cast + Kristin Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 306


From the cover: Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird as just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change--and not all of those who are Marked do....

Zoey Montgomery is your average sixteen year old girl with a best friend, Kayla, that never shuts up. Her almost ex-boyfriend is a royal pain in the butt, with his drinking and smoking....most definitely not what she is looking for, and to top it off she's getting some weird kind of flu. When, crap, there's a dead guy or undead guy, however you want to look at it, standing next to her locker. Suddenly, she is Marked by the cresent moon tattoo of the vampyre on her forehead. She is to become a vampyre, one of the undead, if she survives the Change that is about to occur in her body.

So, she has to leave her world behind, but it's not much of a loss--not since her mother married the step-creep, and quit being her mom. Zoey's Grandma Redbird has been Zoey's guiding light. The secrets of the Cherokee have been pasted to Zoey, and she believes in their magic. If anyone can help her, Grandma Redbird can. As Zoey enters her new high school, The House of Night, she is granted a new life with a new name, Zoey Redbird. She has finally found a place where she might fit in, with new friend, Stevie Rae and her friends, and maybe even a new boyfriend, Erik Night.

Zoey is not the average fledgling, and her changes happen before they should, like the bloodlust that she is unprepared for, the way her mark suddenly fills in, and the tattoo that begins to spread across her body as an adult vampyre might have. Neferet, her mentor and High Priestess of the Goddess Nyx--Goddess of the Night, slowly realizes that great power may rest in her new charge. But there are others not eager for Zoey's acceptance, wanting her to be an outcast, on the outside looking in. Will Zoey survive the massive changes her body needs to be vampyre? And, maybe it's just her, but there seems to be something not right at the school, what is her gut trying to tell her?

Marked by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast is the first book in the House of Night Series published in 2007. It is excellent YA urban fantasy. I would highly recommend this book for teens and adults alike. The Casts create a new world where there have always been vampyres, and the People of the Faith, the religious sect that Zoey's step-father belongs to, fear what they cannot understand. Open your mind and enter a new world, the world of House of Night where anything is possible. You can check out all of P.C. Cast + Kirstin Cast's great novels @ http://www.houseofnightseries.com/.