Daily Buzz- March 26, 2009
Posted by Generate Studios on March 26th 2009 in Generate Insight Daily Buzz
Topic: House of Night Series by P.C. & Kristen Cast
On Saturday, I made my way to Border’s book store in West Hollywood. I made a pit stop at the young adult section, and found myself among 6 girls (all strangers) looking for their next read. There was a commonality amongst these girls, and that was they were all huddled around a specific section. That section catered to all things ‘Goth’ & ‘Vampire’. This made me think back to the time when Harry Potter was the read of choice – and how the ‘sci-fi’, ‘wizardry’ section expanded in size. Well that section of books have now given way to all things ‘gothic’ and ‘vampire’ specific.
As I watched the girls pull different books out , I noticed them fighting for space in this one row, so I peered over their heads, interested to see the book that had them ready for a throw-down. What I saw wasn’t a book, but more a series. A series called ‘House of Night’ by P.C. & Kristen Cast. Some say the series is like a ‘Twilight’ knock-off because it’s based on vampires – but when I asked the girls at the bookstore this question, they gasped. One girl blurted out “Not even close – the House of Night series is so much more in depth and interesting.” I was happy I got the girls attention because I wanted to know more. I wanted to know what makes the ‘House of Night’ series better and different than Twilight. Here’s the lite-version of what resulted in a 45 minute discussion.
HON (House of Night – but they call it HON) as a series, seems so much more interesting to these girls and written in such a mature manner – that made it more appealing (than that of Twilight). The reason is all in the characters (Zoey, Neferet, Stevie and Stark to name a few – and another is where the story takes place for the most part – in the HON school for vampires).
Zoey is your typical angst-ridden teens with a twist…she’s a vampire. A vampire with very different gifts which make her different from the others – she is the first vampire fledgling to ever have an affinity for all five elements (air, fire, water, earth and spirit). Her gifts allow her to fit in socially with humans. There is also a love triangle in the series – which really appeals to the girls. The drama surrounding her love for Erik (her ex whom she cheated on) and her lust for Stark (confident bad-boy). Her best-friendship with Stevie is also something the girls find endearing. They all really related to the strength and deep bond between characters Zoey and Stevie. School, relationship drama, frenemies and best friendships are the elements that make this series both relatable and intriguing – even if it is all based around a culture of vampires.
Out of all the books in the series – this is how they girls (and our Insighters) ranked them in order of appeal:
‘Hunted’ – the 5th book and most recently launched book in the series.
“I love the HON series…and while Hunted was super exciting, it wasn’t really the best in the series. I felt it was somewhat repetitive of the others. Zoey rocks though…her and her men and fabulous friends. I want to be Stevie!” – Maryanne, 15
‘Marked’ – the 1st book in the series, introducing the story of Zoey and the House of Night to the masses
“Marked is in my top three favorite books of all time. I read it in a day – because I could not put it down. It kicked the Twilight series ass in my opinion. It was so interesting and well written – and the characters are very complex – which I love. This book got me back to imagining and writing creatively.” – Kris, 17
‘Betrayed’ – the 2nd book in the series where Zoey struggles between the world as a vampire and the world of a angst-ridden teen
“This is the book where Zoey takes over leadership of the Dark Daughters and Sons…let havoc be reeked. I could not put this book down. It got so bad that during this book, I would fall asleep in first period bc I was up the night before so late reading this.” – Bethany, 16
‘Chosen’ – the 3rd book in the series which has Zoey pulled between protecting her best friend Stevie and juggling her three boyfriends.
“I felt like I needed parental permission to read Chosen. It was very sexy and adult-like. I mean I still read it and liked it – but there were parts I was blushing at. I didn’t like Zoey calling herself a ‘ho’ though. She called herself this often – and don’t think it was called for. She can’t help it if 3 boys like her.” – Jill, 14
‘Untamed’ – the 4th book in the series where Zoey loses all her boyfriends when she gets caught cheating on one and has a falling out with her friends.
“I have never been disappoint with the HON series but Untamed has got to be my favorite. It was action-packed and so well written. Zoey grows up in this one and finally uses the gifts that she has fought so hard against since knowing of her vampire-ness. Awesome book.” – Mark, 15
‘Tempted’ – released Oct 2009
After walking away from my Border’s focus group of six, I felt that this series has a whole other cult-like following, similar to Twilight. HON may not have gotten the praise and recognition being in the shadow of Twilight – but it definitely has a strong, passionate and loyal fanbase!
Dare to enter the House of Night: WWW.HOUSEOFNIGHTSERIES.COM <http://WWW.HOUSEOFNIGHTSERIES.COM>
