Not So Good...: House of Night

I've written about several of the best books I've read, but this is definatly not a very well written book. Although the first book on it's own isn't to bad, if a bit simplistic for it's cover, as the series goes on it gets progressively worse. Despite this House of Night has been very well reviewed by many people who are in my opinion to scared to say anthing else in fear of being hated by twilighters.

As a concept, it isn't to bad if a bit of cliche, it vampires have been intergrated into society for centurys and the heroine of the series Zoe Redbird has been reluctently chosen to join them. How ever the writing for the series is more suited to perhaps a childrens novel. It just doesn't read well and seems more in place for something a 10yr old would read. That would be fine, except the cover suggests something for older readers. However I would definately not let a 10yr old read this. House of Night includes scenes that would belong in a novel for much older people, and some of the things suggested and written about surpass the books age for which the writing is suitable. This is not me being a prude. If thw writing matched the adult scenes then they would be for any 15yr old. At least in the first book. But the writing style is not good enough to keep the person intrested and belongs with books like "the magic mermaid" or "Ben  Ten" not a teen novel. The plot it self is samey and the characters under developed. P.C and Kristen Cast have written characters and given them supernatural gifts that should make them all powerful, which is a bad idea for most books as a character with no flaws just isn't exciting. But one of the most frustrating things is that when evr a problem comes along, Zoe Redbird seems to "forget" she has them and repeatedly requires saving. Coupled with the predictible plot that tends to repeat itself, House of Night is one of the most annoying books i have ever read.
Do you want to know what the worst of it is? Atsome points this series has the potential to be excellent as it has with several excellent bad guys (and some pretty rubbish ones) and funny characters who's interaction with each other a humorous and realistic. But one of two things need to happen P.C and Kisten Casts writing needs to grow up, or they should dumb the book down.

“No, Kramisha, he's not black. He's a killer bird with evil for his Daddy.”

Nellxxx