House of Night - Awakened (Book 8)

Rephaim!

(I love this UK version of cover!)

AWAKENED: Book Eight of House of Night Series

AUTHOR(S): P.C.Cast and Kristin Cast

Read the Reviews of previous books in the Series ------->Here<-----

SYNOPSIS (From the Book Cover): Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa's House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn't it? And what about Stevie Rae and Rephraim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be ok with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?

EXCERPT: 

"So I have somethin’ to tell you about your son, and I want you to listen to me. I don’t know how or why it happened, but I love him, and I think he loves me.” 

Here she paused and met Rephaim’s gaze. 

“I do,” he said clearly and distinctly so that his voice carried to everyone watching. “I love you, Stevie Rae.” She took one moment to smile at him, full on, filled with pride, and happiness, and above all, love.

MSM Speaks: After a long time, I picked up House of Night Series again, and guess what? I wasn't disappointed. After Burned, this book surprisingly picks up really good pace. Our Zoey has grown for a bit (Thank the Goddess!) and I am proud of her. She has returned from the Otherworld, with her Guardian and Warrior Stark (I swear, he totally rocks the hot-guardian-boyfriend role! ;)) Now, Zoey is faced with the choice to stay forever on the Isle of Skye, where new powers and magickal portals are opened and the option to be the Queen as wished by Sgiach or return to the poop (Hahah!) that's waiting for her, in the real world. Like most of the choices made before by Zoey, this one also ends up being correct, as she chooses to return. Neferet has totally turned into Demoness - Tsigili and ancient immortal Kalona finally starts seeing through Neferet's super sexy exterior to her Darkness reeking mind. What will he choose? Stevie Rae and Rephaim stand on a cross road, while extenuating circumstances test the power of love, friendship and trust.  A totally I-can't-put-this-down-till-I-finish-it book :P :D MSM shall be generous with the love on this one. ;)

When I first opened this book, I wasn't keeping my hopes high as I had been let down a bit by Tempted, even though Burned was much better, I thought I will end up giving up. (But voila! I didn't!) Enough with the hate, I heart me some House of Night, anyway! ;) So, Neferet has seriously become freaky and super scary, mingling, reveling and controlling Darkness like never before. Her power has swollen so much, that Kalona himself is bound by her. The fight in Goddess's realm gets Kalona reminiscing, but will it have any effect, we shall know later. Neferet now plots with the White Bull (Darkness Personified) by her side. Zoey and Stark unite at the Isle of Skye and discover their love, need and comfort with each other. Stark really is Hot!, especially with that Scottish Accent - Aye Wumman! Better than Erik and Heath! (You know by now, I am totally crushing on the Arrow Boy! Make that Brooding-Warrior-Guardian-Hot Arrow Boy ;))

Anyhow, on a serious note, Rephaim now feels guilt, that may be it is right that Stevie Rae is not with him, as he chooses to stand by his Daddy (Eeesh! Kalona). He believes that he is a monster, not worth loving. So when Stevie Rae calls to him, it is THE call to his yearning heart for her. But what does Stevie Rae want with him? One of the nicely penned portions of the Book and I am not gonna spoil it. Go pick this one up! :D While Zoey decides to return to the House of Night, because of the loss and damage that is waiting for her there, Queen Sgiach gifts her a stone which seeks ancient magic. It is now Zoey's responsibility to use it well. 

In a seriously sick evil plan, Neferet seeks forgiveness from Zoey before the entire House of Night, but our Zoey (way to go girl!) sees through her oh-so-innocent charade. Divine power intervenes and what ensues is, totally worth reading. Let's just say that my wish about Stevie Rae and Rephaim, sort of gets fulfilled. Zoey learns a life changing truth and James Stark is yet to fight the battle to save his soul. Will the blessing of Nyx and second life granted by Kalona, be curse for Zoey's Guardian (Nooo! Please don't screw with him dear writers!) I apologize people for that deviation. (Ahem) While in Otherworld, Heath's time has come to make one choice of the three given to him by Nyx. Choices that will change the destinies of everyone on Earth, including his Zoey. Will Heath's choice turn out to be disastrous and soul-shattering or prove to be a beacon of hope for his friends? Towards the end of the book, while Zoey finally seeks the embrace of her Guardian to get some sleep, a truth is revealed which will haunt Zoey for the life to come. I recommend you all to read this once. You guys won't be disappointed. Promise! :D

My rating: 3.75/5

House of Night (Book 8): Awakened @ St. Martin's 2011 ISBN 13 9781905654857 

Publisher(s): Atom. St. Martin's Griffin Version - Rs. 989/- INR (Hardcover)

Landmark Bookstore in Bangalore: ISBN 10 1905654855

List Price: 299/- INR. Special Price: 207/- INR

*I could't find a direct .pdf link, but here's a torrent link from where I downloaded. http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/308178457/Awakened?tab=summary 

Have Fun people! Happy Diwali and Blessed Be!! :) :)