Zoey Redbird has always wanted to be a normal teenager with normal teenage problems. Sex, school, friends, those are normal. Being Marked as a vampyre though… that will change her life topsy-turvy forever.

As a fledgling, Zoey is attending the House of Night, the school just for vampyres. However, she is not an ordinary fledgling. Almost immediately, it becomes apparent that Zoey is different, special. Her Mark is completed and not the ordinary Mark fledglings have on their foreheads. What does this mean for Zoey? What does the Goddess Nyx have in store for her? It just adds another layer of mystery she must ponder as she becomes accustomed to a new school, new friends, new enemies, and a new way of life. But it becomes apparent that all is not right at the House of Night, particularly with the school’s most powerful clique, the Dark Daughters, and Zoey may just have the power to bring about change. And of course, there is always the worry that not everyone will survive the Change. Will Zoey survive and make a place for herself, a home, at the House of Night?

Marked is superb teen paranormal drama. There is a bit of something for everyone here. There is the normalcy of high school life, the fights, friends, feuds, and romantic interests, but at the House of Night, there is also the powerful allure of the vampyre and all the lore that is attached to it. Zoey is a fabulous protagonist in this first person tale. She is fresh, funny, scared, and also aware that there is something different about herself. She must choose to use those differences wisely and with caution. Engrossing and compelling, Marked brings readers into the world of the House of Night and introduces us to powerful female vampyres who rule with wisdom and intelligence. Authors P.C. and Kristin Cast create a magnetic environment for which the secrets of Zoey Redbird unravel. Marked is high school with a bite, and a story with zing and flavor that will have you keenly anticipating the next in the series.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Sarah W
April 2, 2007