FUN IN RENO!

Yea for St. Martin's Press, publisher of the House of Night - the fabulous young adult series I co-author with my daughter, Kristin. Last weekend they sent us to Reno for a lovely champagne, chocolate and authors event at the American Association of School Librarians National Convention. We had a great time, which Kristin recorded with the new camera I got her for her 21st birthday (I gave it to her early - her b-day isn't until November 4th). So, here's our "adventure" in Reno!

Here we are getting ready to board our plane and leave Tulsa International. Please note how perky we look.








This is Kristin being scared on the plane. Did I mention she's terrified of flying?
And here's me. I'm NOT terrified of flying.

But, of course, we made it to RENO in one lovely piece - or two lovely pieces.


Well, we pretended to gamble (losing...winning...winning...losing the same $5.00 in the slots and not knowing what the hell we were doing) and we stuffed our faces with excellent food whilst we saw the sights at the Silver Legacy Resort. I liked the tacky fountain.

And Kristin liked the gross vampyre.


Then we changed into The Authors, looking to-die-for in our LBDs (little black dresses) and headed to the Silver Ballroom for The Event. Check out the yummy chocolate cake (yes, there was nice champagne, too).


We were first up to speak and read from BETRAYED. Kristin (better known as Chicken Frances) was just "a little" scared, but as soon as we got on stage all was well. First she took this picture of our lovely audience.


Afterwards we visited with some amazing fans (check us out!) and then signed zillions of books.


Then we were exhausted so, of course, we went back to our room and ordered room service. (Sorry, forgot to take a picture of that.)

The next day it was back to the airport to return to Tulsa.

Yes, you may note here that we're definitely NOT as perky as the first airport picture.

Anyway - we had a blast! Next weekend it's Shawnee's Red Dirt Festival! More pictures to come...

BETRAYED LAUNCH PARTY

BETRAYED IS FINALLY OUT! The launch party for it was a blast - lots of excellent costumes - my lovely tarot reader was there - yummy snacks - and, of course, exellent coffee (the launch party was at The Blend, a locally owned coffee shop). Thanks to all the fabulous fans who attended. A special thanks to Don and Ann Maire for sending the fun pictures!

Kristin and me!


Us with Bryan "Dragon" Lankford who surprised us by coming all the way from Dallas!


Amber Taylor (one of my nutty students!)


Laura Shepard (another of my nutty students)


Don's lovely wife, Vickie.

Betrayed: Book Trailer

Even better than the last one!

VAMP RELEASE MONTH PART II

So...response to Marianne and her YA vamps was fabulous! Vamp release number two is the amazing Rachel Caine and MIDNIGHT ALLEY.


Check her out - and remember, if you comment, you might win! I'll announce winners SATURDAY.

Hi, I’m Rachel Caine, author of a young adult series called THE MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES. The latest book, MIDNIGHT ALLEY, is coming out on October 2, and I’m very excited to welcome you back, if you’re already a Morganville resident, or if not, give you the Visitor’s Tour!

Morganville, Texas is a small, dusty town in the middle of nowhere – it has a not-very-good college, and not much else to recommend it. But Morganville hides a drastic secret … because it’s the last safe haven for vampires. In fact, the town was founded by vampires. Vampires are the shadow government – and the not-so-shadowy rules of the human population, sometimes interacting directly, sometimes staying apart.

It’s like the Mafia, with fangs.

Claire Danvers, who was all set to head off to a glorious Ivy League early admission, has been forced to attend Texas Prairie University in Morganville … a “safe place” until she comes of age, at least according to her parents. But her parents don’t know just how dangerous things are. Claire’s made a lot of enemies in town – some accidentally, some deliberately – and she’s also made some very powerful allies, including the biggest, baddest vampire in town, the Founder Amelie.

Now, in MIDNIGHT ALLEY, Claire is being asked to take on a new job as an assistant to a secret, very dangerous vampire … one who holds the secrets to everything in Morganville. She’s balancing that with keeping her boyfriend Shane and friends Michael and Eve out of trouble, making her classes, and keeping her parents from becoming even more suspicious about her Morganville lifestyle. But the new job is going to be both seductive and even more deadly than she’s been told … and all of Morganville is at stake.

You can check out the entire Morganville experience in GLASS HOUSES, THE DEAD GIRLS’ DANCE, and this new release, MIDNIGHT ALLEY. I’ve also got short stories out on my website at www.rachelcaine.com/morganville!

Comment below to win signed copies of all three Morganville books!

YOUNG ADULT VAMP RELEASE MONTH!

October is definitely the Month of the Paranormal, so it's no big surprise that YA publishers have chosen October as the month to release several kick ass vampire/vampyre novels. I'm going to give you guys a heads up on some of the best, as well as a chance to win signed copies from the fabulous authors.

First up is the amazing Marianne Mancusi. Check her out and comment in for a chance to win a copy of her entire BOYS THAT BITE trilogy!



Hi all,
I’m Mari Mancusi and I’m your guest blogger today, here to talk a little bit about my teen vampire series from Berkley Jam (Boys that Bite, Stake That!, Girls that Growl) and about the vampire society I created when writing the books. I will also be giving away copies of the entire trilogy to a commenter, so be sure to tell me what you think! I’ll be stopping by to answer any questions, too.

In BOYS THAT BITE, all sixteen year old Rayne McDonald wanted in life was to become a vampire. She networked, got on the waiting list, even took her vampire certification class (which required some heavy homework.) But on the night she was supposed to be bitten and made undead, her intended Blood Mate, Magnus, accidentally bit her identical twin sister Sunny instead. Sunny had no idea, up until this point, that vampires even existed, and was so not pleased to be informed that she would now be turning into one a week before prom.

Poor Rayne’s luck doesn’t get much better in Book #2, STAKE THAT!. She’s informed by her school’s drama teacher (who also happens to be VP of Slayer Inc) that she’s the one in her generation destined to become--not a vampire, but a vampire slayer. Her first assignment? To get into a seedy blood bar downtown and slay its owner, a baddie vamp named Maverick. Luckily, she has help in the form of brooding, emo vampire Jareth.

In book #3, GIRLS THAT GROWL, our Goth heroine Rayne gets a new assignment—her toughest yet. To infiltrate the ranks of her high school cheerleading squad! Some football players have gone missing and the cheerleaders have been heard, well, growling.

A lot of people have compared my series to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I would definitely say I was influenced by Joss Whedon’s brilliance. But while the humor may be similar, the vampire world I created is very different than his. My vampires are high tech and organized and most of them are good—mingling with humans and getting blood from specially tested paid Blood Donors, instead of running around biting and killing people. They don’t like garlic and crosses, but have no problem with mirrors. They can regenerate quickly when injured, except when infected by tainted blood. They can’t go out in the sunshine and live in massive underground crypts hidden below cemeteries. They are extremely rich and hold many prominent positions around the world.

When Rayne decided she wanted to become a vampire, she had to go through a ton of testing and take certification classes. Once she was approved, the Council had to find her a Blood Mate with compatible DNA. A Blood Mate is kind of like a soul mate, who agrees to share his or her blood with the vampire-to-be and become partners with them for eternity.

I hope you will get a chance to check out the series. Book 1, BOYS THAT BITE, was released in May 2006 and was a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Book 2, STAKE THAT!, came out in December 2006. And now, we continue the story with GIRLS THAT GROWL, out this week!! For more information, visit me at www.boysthatbite.com or friend me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/marimancusi.

Comment below to win the entire trilogy!

CELEBRATE BANNED BOOKS WEEK AND IRONY

According to the ALA (American Library Association) and the Office for Intellectual Freedom, Sept 29 - Oct 6 is the 26th anniversary of Banned Books Week. Check out the list of the 100 most frequently challenged books:

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.htm

Yes, I do aspire to join that list.

I am passionate about the individual's right to read and write what he or she chooses. As the fabulous Ray Bradbury said in one of my all time favorite books, FAHRENHEIT 451, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."

So, ready for some irony? Next week (during Banned Books Week) is the launch of BETRAYED, the second in the young adult House of Night series I co-author with my daughter. We're having the launch party at The Blend, a locally owned coffee shop in downtown Broken Arrow. Yesterday I dropped off a poster and a book to the lovely owner of the shop, Sheri. She said, "You would not believe the phone call I just had." And proceeded to tell me about an asshat man who called and felt the need to inform her that she should know P.C. Cast writes "soft porn" (huh? really?). Lovely Sheri asked if he'd ever read any of my books. As per typical for those kind of people, he hadn't, but he'd been to my website. (again, huh? my website is soft porn?) Sadly, Sheri actually tried to reason with him and explain that I don't write "soft porn," but that my books with adult sexual content are written for ADULTS. My YA books are a whole different world. Again, as per typical, he made a threat about telling people what kind of place she was running...bluster...bully...blah...blah... Sheri hung up on him (obviously not soon enough).

MR. ASSHAT - IF YOU'RE SKULKING ABOUT ON MY BLOG, GET THIS - THIS IS AMERICA AND YOU DO NOT GET TO CHOOSE FOR US WHAT WE READ AND WRITE, AND WHAT OUR CHILDREN READ AND WRITE. IT'S AN INDIVIDUAL CHOICE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY WORK (or don't think you do, you can't actually have an informed opinion unless you READ what you're trying to ban others from reading) DON'T BUY IT.

As for me - I open every school year teaching TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD to my sophomores. Please note it's on the banned books list.

BETRAYED Review

(www.huntressreviews.com)



Thought I'd share a lovely Huntress Review for BETRAYED. Thank you Detra!

TITLE: Betrayed
AUTHORS: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
13 ISBN: 9780312360283
10 ISBN: 0312360282


5 STARS!


Zoey "Z" Redbird is a fledgling vampyre. She has managed to finally settle in at the House of Night finishing school. Z has been Chosen by the vampyre goddess, Nyx, and she has already kicked vampyre ghost butt. Yet still Zoey has a strange feeling something is wrong, like the stillness before a tornado or storm.

Zoey's Imprint with Heath remains and she still finds herself caring for the mortal teenager. The mutual attraction between Z and Erik, also a fledgling, remains as well. Yet Zoey is finding herself intrigued by Loren Blake as well. Loren is a part-time, temporary professor (of poetry class) at the academy. Zoey is sure he cannot be more than five or six years older than she, however, relationships between students and teachers are prohibited.

Zoey is about to conduct her first Full Moon Ritual as leader of the Dark Daughters and Sons. Zoey's life is full and she has little alone time for herself. It soon becomes apparent that she better make some time for a new problem. People Zoey knew from her prior human life are disappearing. When and where their bodies are eventually found, as well as the cause of deaths, point to the House of Night. To save all the humans and vampyres she cares for, Zoey must face a betrayal that could break her heart, if not her very soul. May Nyx protect her!

***** If you have not read the first book, MARKED, then I highly suggest you do so before beginning this title. If you do not, you will still be able to understand what is going on; however, you will not be privy to some references of Zoey's adventurous past and markings. Believe me when I say this series could be categorized as either Young Adult or Fantasy. It does not matter if you are male or female, this series will enthrall you against your will. Authors P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast are a dangerous writing duo with poisonous pens. Highly recommended.



HUNTRESS REVIEWS
(Reviewed by Detra Fitch)

On-line read! DARKNESS BETRAYED

To coincide with the release of DIVINE BY BLOOD, LUNA is publishing DARKNESS BETRAYED, which is an on-line read posted chapter-by-chapter daily (STARTING TODAY!) for twenty chapters. DARKNESS BETRAYED is set fifty years before the events of DIVINE BY MISTAKE, and it tells the story of how the Fomorians, Nuada in particular, take over Guardian Castle. It's also a love story - a very surprising one at that. Okay, this is how you get to it - and, yes, it is FREE. Go to www.eharlequin.com. You'll have to sign in, but that's no big deal - they won't sell your babies or anything. Then click on the TALK bubble towards the bottom of the page. Look on the right side of your screen and click on the LUNA link. You'll see the link for the on-line read of DARKNESS BETRAYED from there. Check it out, and please let me know what you think. Here's the teaser:

Daily Online Read: Darkness Betrayed by P.C. Cast
Though Aine knows it is her destiny to be Guardian Castle’s Healer, she just can’t get used to the stark surroundings and dreary people.

Go back in time, fifty years before the events of author P.C. Cast’s Partholon books…read Darkness Betrayed

Aine longs for the beauty of Partholon. Her only companion in her new home is a centaur huntress, Maev, another outsider. But when Maev is involved in what the warriors call an accident, Aine begins to realize there may be evil forces at work in the castle! And when she is led by her Goddess to an injured winged man—one of the Fomorians Guardian Castle was built to protect against--Aine is forced to make a life-altering choice…

New Obsession

I admit to being behind on several things. First, my TBR pile is daunting and alluring - it teases me constantly. I'm in the middle of the last Potter right now, with Eclipse waiting for me after that. And then I openly admit that I came to the Buffy/Angel obsession late and watched all seasons of both shows on DVD in one big, obsessed rush. Joss Whedon owes me many hours of my life back. And now I've discovered SMALLVILLE. How could I have missed this show? I am Superman's girl, and have been since I read all of the Freeman boys' comics up in their game room when I was, uh, let's see...probably 9-13. I discovered Superman, Swampthing, Thor, Fantastic 4, and the Hulk. I swear those summers of reading with those boys twisted me into the author I am today. And now Smallville! I had never watched it, but bought the first season after watching the first 4 episodes. So what is it about the Superman Mistique that hits so many of us so hard? Is it his honesty - his vulnerbility - or his tall hotness and that damn gorgeous mouth? I really wish Superman wasn't so stringently copyrighted because I would LOVE to bring in a real woman of today for him to fall in love with. Hum...perhaps I should give my agent a call and test the waters...it's about time there was a Superman romance, don't ya think?

ALMOST A HERO - DONE!

I finished the mansucript this weekend (YEA!!!), just in time to enjoy the gorgeous art work Berkley sent for it, my next Goddess Summoning Book, ALMOST A HERO. Check out Achilles! Love this one! And no, I don't have a clue why everything looks all blue when I attached it here. It really has a hystorical look to it and isn't blue at all. Very, very weird. But at least you can get hint of what it's going to look like (just take out the blue!).

New Reviews

Thought you guys would like to check out some new reviews. Enjoy!


http://ck2skwipsandkritiques.com/divinebyblood_debbie.html
http://ck2skwipsandkritiques.com/divinebychoice_debbie.html
http://ck2skwipsandkritiques.com/goddessoflove_debbie.html

WE MADE THE NY POST!

This morning I was thrilled to discover that MARKED has been included in a POST POTTER PICKS roundup by the NY POST! Here's the link to the article:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08182007/entertainment/post_potter_picks_entertainment_maxine_shen.htm

Or if you just want the "most important" part, gaze upon the beauty of this excerpt:

Vampire fans should also check out “Marked” (St. Martin’s Griffin), the first of the “House of Nights” novels written by the mother-daughter team P.C. and Kristin Cast. They introduce a world where vampire mythology mixes with magic when 16-year-old Zoey Redbird enters a boarding school for fledgling vampires and goes up against the psychic leader of the Dark Daughters, who’s misusing her powers.

The second book in the six-part series, “Betrayed,” is out on Oct. 2, with the third book, “Chosen,” due in March.


Yea for THE HOUSE OF NIGHT!

Now, back to deadline hell. Almost finished with the latest Goddess Summoning Book, newly titled ALMOST A HERO. It'll be out May 08 if I don't slit my wrists from struggling with its conclusion...

Very Cool...

Lovely reader and firefighter Chris Barton sent me this great photo. Thought I'd pass it along to y'all...

Check out Shomi

Yes, yes, yes - I know there was a big kerfuffle about "costumes" at this year's RWA. I've gone back and forth with myself about the issue. On one hand I do absolutely lurve costuming. RT and the vamp ball? Lots of fun - I'll dress up in an instant. Y'all who know me know beyond any doubt that I'm up for a good time and I tend to walk outside the norm. I saw Marianne and Liz at RWA and just thought "Huh, wonder what's up with that?" I wasn't scandalized or shocked. My twenty year old daughter and co-author of our YA series was with me, and when someone said "Shomi - they must be dressing up to support their new line" Kristin went, "Ohhhh..." and filled me in. Okey-dokey.

I didn't have a clue about the big Kerfuffle that had broken out around them until the lovely BAM told me about it. I did post on fab Smart Bitches, and basically said that I think authors often fall on their faces when they try to costume. I don't think Marianne and Liz fell on their faces, though. They were tasteful and promo-ing their new line. Good for them.

On the other hand, I do have a problem with ultra-flamboyant authors furthering the stereotype wherein romance author are not simply disrespected, but laughed at, and then used as press poster girls for all of us. Again, I don't think Marianne and Liz fell into this category, but others did and do quite often.

No, I don't think there should be a dress code attitude at RWA. That's ridiculous. Grown-ass women should dress to their own standards. Finger-pointing and tisk-tisking makes us look like a group of women who love to gossip about each other - yet another female stereotype I abhor.

So...Please check out Marianne's debut Shomi novel and let me know what you think. As soon as I turn in The Book That's Trying To Kill Me, I'm definitely going to read it.

MOONGAZER by Marianne Mancusi
Dorchester, August 2007

Imagine every night entering a nightmare world you can't escape and being told your life is a dream. Skye Brown has it all: the cool job, the hot boyfriend, the apartment on New York's Upper West Side. But lately she can't enjoy any of it. She's having dreams of a post-apocalyptic world. Of a bleak futuristic wasteland. Of a struggle against oppression. And she's been told she's a...

MOONGAZER

But what is that? And what is reality? In her dreams, she's not Skye Brown at all, but Mariah Quinn. In her dreams there's Dawn, the beautiful yet haunted soldier, and Skye is but the empty shell of a girl he once loved. And there was a betrayal, a great betrayal. Ripped between Dark Siders and club kids, the mundane and the mystic, Skye must discover who she is, what she wants and who wants her. And why. But in the glow of the moon, it's not always easy to recognize the face in the mirror.

Cover:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0505527251.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V41968999_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/SpecialFeatures.cfm?Special_ID=2222

ABOUT MARIANNE MANCUSI
When it comes to writing, award winning author Marianne Mancusi doesn't like to play by the rules. A multiple Emmy award winning television producer, she sold 11 novels to three publishers (Dorchester, Berkley , Dutton Children's) in less than three years. Marianne has worked in television stations in Orlando , San Diego , and Boston . A graduate of Boston University 's College of Communications , she currently produces for a nationally syndicated lifestyle show. She lives in Manhattan 's Upper West Side .


REVIEWS
“Exhilarating! Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down!”
– New York Times Bestselling Author Gena Showalter

"Dreams, reality and virtual reality collide in Mancusi’s exciting and frightening new futuristic thriller.”
- Romantic Times Magazine 4 Star Review

"An enthralling combination of The Matrix and Snow Crash with a bit of Blade Runner thrown into the mix.”
- SF Scope

Website http://www.mariannemancusi.com

RWA Fun

I've been smothering in deadlines, so I'm in hibernation but when I saw this funny pic of Kristin and me posted on the RWA website from our St. Martin's signing I had to pass it along to y'all. I (we) did have an excellent time at the convention - LOVED The Craft restaurant in the Dallas W Hotel so much that I'm taking Kristin back over the weekend of her 21st birthday in November. It was wonderful to see my author friends, editors, my amazing agent, and Smart Bitches Sarah and Candy!

More when I crawl out of my Goddess Summoning Book hole. Oh, the working title of this one is ALMOST A HERO. BIG cover change to reflect the title change. I can't wait to see what Berkley comes up with. You know I have excellent cover chi!

Off to Dallas!

I'm taking off for RWA Nationals in Dallas tomorrow. Sadly, I won't be at the literacy signing Wed. as a participant, but if I make it down it time I'll definitely be there as a consumer, which will actually be a fun change for me! I will be signing at the Berkley giveaway Friday, at the Frisco Barnes & Noble Saturday from 11:00-1:00, and then Kristin is flying down to join me at the St. Martin's giveaway on Saturday. If you're looking for me, check out the bar...

Hope to see y'all there!

New Photographer!

So quite by accident I found a fabulous new photographer. His name is Greg Poindexter - website, www.boeboi.com. He took some new author photos of me and I want y'all to tell me which you like best.

Also, if you need a good photographer and you're in the Tulsa area, Greg is your guy. It's hard to believe, but I truly hate having my picture taken. Greg made the experience a pleasure. He'll come to your home (or meet you on location) and make sure everything is painless. Let me know if you'd like more contact info - or just contact him directly through his website. Be sure to tell him P.C. sent you!

Now, which one do you like best??

OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE!

Hi Guys!
Well, it's FINALLY the official release date of GODDESS OF LOVE, or as I like to think of it, GoLURVE. I can't wait to hear what you think of this one! It's funny (you've got to lurve Venus!) and so damn hot I made my own self blush!

Here's what people are saying about it:

"GODDESS OF LOVE is touching, clever, and an excellent heiress to the Goddess Summoning series. Cast's ability to subvery misogynistic mythology to celebrate and reaffirm what makes women wonderful is always worth celebrating. As a Goddess of Bitchery, I bestow my snarky blessings on this book." Sarah@smartbitchestrashybooks.com

"Cast is back and doing her usual excellent job of combining ancient mythology with modern day scenarios. The gods and goddesses have never been more sympathetic or amusing than they are in this truly delightful novel. Cast is a wonderful spinner of magical tales." Romantic Times Book Review - 4 stars

"Scorchingly sensual, utterly delicious! P.C. Cast is a true master of her craft." Gena Showalter, NY Times bestselling author of They Nymph King

"Sexy, charming, and fun, GODDESS OF LOVE is the fantasy romance of the year! You will fall in love with this book. (I did!)" Susan Grant, NY Times bestselling author of My Favorite Earthling

"GODDESS OF LOVE is a sexily enchanting read that I couldn't resist. I look forward to our next foray into P.C. Cast's Goddess Summoning world." Kelley A. Hartsell of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques

"I found the book to be delightful with many "hot" love scenes (no pun intended as the God of Fire, Vulcan, is one of the heros!) and a lovely story of friendship, understanding, and acceptance." BookMom, bookmom.wordpress.com

So, give Lurve a try!
XXXOOO
PC

Check out the Marked Video Trailer!

CHECK OUT MARKED!

I have to tell y'all how incredibly excited Kristin and I have been about early reader response to MARKED. Romantic Times gave us a 4 1/2 star Top Pick review! And that was just the beginning of the lurve for MARKED! Check out the latest kick butt review by www.romrevtoday.com:

MARKED – P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

The House of Night, Book 1

A Perfect 10

St. Martin’s GriffinISBN: 978-0-312-36026-9 May 2007Young Adult Contemporary Paranormal Fiction Tulsa, Oklahoma – Present Day

Zoey Redbird is clearly having a bad day. It started off with her best friend Kayla emphasizing that her boyfriend – “almost-boyfriend” – Heath had not been cheating on her at a party. Zoey hadn’t even known there was a question of infidelity in the first place, and, uh, he isn’t really her boyfriend right now. His beer guzzling had so gotten old and totally disgusting, despite the fact that Heath is the high school’s football god. To cap it all off, Zoey is Marked, and that requires some explanation.It’s been proven by scientists and researchers that there truly exists a race called vampyre. Defined by the blue crescent-shaped mark on the forehead, a vampyre is Marked and subsequently leaves for the House of Night to begin “training.” Some may call it ghoul school, some may call it...well, whatever they like, but no one can predict if or when a teen will be Marked. Humans denigrate and fear it, and the unlucky individuals who now have this bodacious mark on their foreheads have a lot to deal with -- a change of life, a new school, and getting used to those who share their fate. Oh, and then there’s that whole blood thing...Yeah, so, see what kind of pain Zoey’s feeling right now? At a new school, with new uniforms, and a new lifestyle, Zoey quickly realizes that a hierarchy similar to that of high school exists at the House of Night. It’s all very confusing, and she quickly realizes that there are a few kids just like her, learning the ropes. With her new roommate, Stevie Rae, and a couple of other new friends, Zoey forms friendships and alliances, and even develops a new crush -- Erik “ohmygod” Night. But Zoey stands out from the others, and it’s not just because the High Priestess Neferet is her mentor. Hey, just because Zoey has been hand-picked by the goddess Nyx doesn’t mean she’s a shoe-in for this gig...Now, about that blood thing...With a nod to Harry Potter and X-Men, P.C. Cast and her daughter Kristin have on their hands a stellar launch to their new series, The House of Night. Already known for her immensely popular Goddess Summoning series, it was only natural for P.C. Cast to team up with daughter Kristin and write from a different perspective. I can only imagine those brainstorming sessions! Teen lingo and machinations is a totally evolving thing, and so much has changed even from my teen time *bleep* years ago. But what gets me with MARKED is that it’s not just a young adult tale that will only entertain those teenyboppers. I’m thirty-...*cough* ahem, well, I’m not exactly a teen, and I still got a total thrill from reading of Zoey and her friends’ adventures. “Wicked cool” and “gnarly” came to mind, but I really think those terms went out back in 1990 -- so just how do you describe a book that has it all these days? Riveting, page-turning, nail-biting, etc? Yep, that pretty much sums up MARKED and has really got me jonesing for more from Zoey and the gang at House of Night. All characters in this book are well-defined and plotted out, making them very easily identifiable. We all had the class bullies and cheerleader snobs to contend with back in the day, so maybe for many MARKED will be a nightmare revisited. But Zoey and her friends, Damien, Stevie Rae, Erin, and Shaunee, truly stand out and add a bit of zaniness, laughter, and tears, and exemplify true friendship.A heads-up for those parental control type folks, however: a bit of colorful language is used here and there throughout the book (not abused, though), and while I understand that this may be normal for teens nowadays, it wasn’t very rampant in the young adult books I read as a kid. I can only imagine I’d have a few ugly words if I were thrown in a situation like Zoey’s...With that said, my next question -- do you award a young adult book RRT’s Perfect 10? Absolutely, and that’s just what I’m doing. My only other thought is this -- how willing would P.C. Cast be to put an adult spin on it and give us stories for the various professors at House of Night?

Amy Cunningham
Romance Reviews Today

Isn't that fantastic?! We're totally thrilled! (We're also almost finished with the third book in the series, CHOSEN.)

So, have you read it yet? What did you think?