Book Review: Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publish Date: October 25, 2011

Hardcover, 325 pages 
Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal
 ISBN: 978-0312650254
House of Night #9

My Review:
I have read the House of Night books from the beginning and while they don't have the strength that they did in those first few books, they still draw me in and entertain me.

A lot goes on in this one and honestly most of it I figured out from the beginning.  That's not to say it wasn't worth reading because to me it was.  It definitely kept me turning pages to see if I was right and to see what would happen next.  I am fully invested in these characters having been with them for nine books now.  What's funny is I listened to the last book as an audiobook so I now have that reader's accent and voices in my head for each character - I actually think it made the book a little more fun.  To hear Stevie Rae say some of her favorite sayings in her accent and I could easily hear Aphrodite say "for sh#!% sake!" in her way, it was quite amusing, so if you get a chance I highly recommend listening to one of these on audio.

Lots of action, new bad guys, love, healing and things that start to get back to a new normal for the kids at the Oklahoma House of Night.  And of course things are tied up to a point, but we are left hanging some waiting for the next book, which is Neferet's Curse in January 2012.  As a side note, Lenobia's Vow comes out in January 2012 as well and since she was a minor player in this book (more than she's been in the past).  I'm interested in this book to learn about her past and hope she has a more major part in the next book as I really like her.

So if you enjoy the series, this is another interesting installment.  Not the best, not the worst, but an entertaining romp and hey that's why I read so I have no problem with it.

Another side note that has no effect on how I rated this book I do feel I should add.  I saw the tweet last week from The Book Latern blog about the quote from this book and I remembered the quote well because I thought it was rather inappropriate.  I'm not one for political correctness, but I don't believe in using the word retard, it is a hurtful, shameful word and Aphrodite uses it rather liberally through the books.  The author has been called on this in the past and may or may not have used this quote in the book as a way to get back at the people who called her out.  To really understand what is going on, read this blog post, I think it highlights the situation best. 

My Rating: 3.5/5.0

Parental guidance: Sexual references occur in the book, most of it is off-screen, but you know the characters are having sex.  There is also bad language and while it does not go overboard, it is in the book.  Definitely a book for the 15+ age range because of content in my opinion, for what that's worth.

About the Book:
Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet -- which would be a whole lot easier if the High Council saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together -- if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more -- or possibly less -- than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him . . .

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds at extinguishing Light? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect them all? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
P.C. Cast
P.C. Cast was born in Watseka, Illinois, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. Since her tour in the USAF, she has been speaking and teaching professionally.

Ms. Cast is a New York Times Best Selling author. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath.

Ms. Cast writes the popular Goddess Summoning Series for Berkley Publishing. The sixth book
in the series, WARRIOR RISING, was released in May 2008. Cast also writes an epic fantasy series
for LUNA set in Partholon, the unique, award-winning world she created.

Ms. Cast coauthors a paranormal young adult series with her daughter, Kristin. CHOSEN,
the third book in their House of Night series (St. Martin’s Press) debuted at #2 on the
New York Times Best Seller List. HUNTED, the 5th book in this blockbuster series, will be
released on March 10th, 2009. Please check out the series website, www.houseofnightseries.com.

P.C. Cast is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. If your organization is interested in information about her workshops or presentations, please contact phyl@pccast.net, or if the request is specific to her young adult series, you may contact her St. Martin’s publicist, Katy Hershberger, at Katy.Hershberger@stmartins.com.

Ms. Cast lives in Oklahoma with her fabulous daughter, her spoiled cat, and her adorable Scotties!

Kristin Cast
At 19-years-old, Kristin is thrilled to be coauthoring the YA series, THE HOUSE OF NIGHT, with her mother. The first book in the series will be her first published novel. She has won awards for her poetry, as well as served as journalist for her intermediate high school newspaper, Tiger Tales, and as editor for her high school magazine, Tiger Eye. Kristin attends Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is working hard to fulfill her goal of becoming a veterinarian without bankrupting her mother. One of the Scottinators belong to her, although we’re not telling either of the dogs that she’s going to someday be their veterinarian. Kristin would love to hear from her fans, and can also be reached through her mother’s website.


P.C. Cast's Website
House of Night Website

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FTC Information: I checked this book out from my local library for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.