Review: Betrayed (House of Night #2) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Synopsis: 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.

Review

Plot: I was happy to finally continue this series and see if the series would go on a good path that the first book left us off with. I was, however, very disappointed with the second installment. I was hoping that we got to see Zoey grow up to be the Dark Daughers' leader and grow into her own. It was hard to see if any of that was happening with the many immature situations going on. I wanted to like this book as much as I liked the first installment, but I couldn't get over the teen angst that was evident in all of the characters. The plot line was intriguing and is very well-developed. I could definitely see issues that will pop up in the third installment and new tensions forming.

Characters: Zoey - There are so many characters, I'll stick with Zoey for now. I loved Zoey in the first book. She was very feisty and passionate about the ones she loved and helping others. It was nice to see a strong character and comfortable with herself. In this installment, I saw that Zoey start to diminish. She seemed to start lacking maturity or just thinking through her decisions. I'm hoping it will get better as the series goes on, but this book did not do her justice.

Cover: I love the series' covers. The intricate designs and dark hues truly make the reader grab the atmosphere of what House of Night is like. Plus, they do an amazing job with getting the models to look like the actual characters.

Overall Rating: I'm giving this book a two out of four. I couldn't get into it and was questioning almost every action Zoey or someone else made. I wish I could get into this series, but after this book, I don't think I can continue. The Casts do an amazing job with their descriptions and writing, but it wasn't enough to keep me drawn in.

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: The Forbidden Game (The Forbidden Game #1-3) by L.J. Smith

"This spectacular repackaged bind-up of a beloved trilogy begins with a board game. What was supposed to be an evening of celebration with friends, fun, and games becomes a night of danger, drama, and obsessive love. Because when Jenny, her boyfriend, Tom, and their friends begin to play the Game, it comes to life. Suddenly they are in a dark world where Julian, the gorgeous guy who sold Jenny the Game, rules as Prince of the Shadows. Julian makes their darkest nightmares realities—and he will do anything to claim the beautiful Jenny as his prize. The Game is real, and the only way to win is to face your most secret fears. You cannot quit—to lose the Game is to lose your life. And that is just the beginning…."Plot: This is technically three books into one and the description above really only describes the first book. This book was definitely a page turner, though! It is about all the kids going through their biggest fears, which makes you feel right there with them as they battle aliens, the Lurker, and the Shadow King.

Characters: This definitely had a great "cast." Together, Jenny, Tom, Audrey, Michael, Dee, Summer, and Zach all go through each others fears and by the end there is nothing they don't know about each other. They were all strong from the shy, secretive Zach to overly dramatic Audrey.

Cover: I have to say I didn't actually like the cover because that is not how I imagine Jenny (guessing that's who it's supposed to be). So even though that's probably what she looks like, I like having covers that leave us to imagine.

Overall Rating: This book is definitely worth four bottles. READ THIS BOOK! I also really enjoy L.J.Smith's other books. I can honestly say I have never read the popular series she has, but my favorites are the ones not getting the same credit. This is an amazing read that will keep you on edge every step of the way.

Sweet Daydream,
Brooke