Cast, P.C. and Kristin: Marked.

CAST, P. C. and Kristin Marked Atom (House of Night), 2009 349pp $16.99 pbk ISBN 9781905654314 SCIS 1410227

Sixteen year old Zoey Redbird never feels like she really fits in--at home, where her family disapprove of her and at school with her shallow friends. Then she is marked and must enter the House of Night. But she is no ordinary fledgeling, having been chosen by the goddess, Nyx. Her roommate, Stevie-Rae, introduces her to a group of mismatched teens and she begins to feel like she finally belongs.

But there is evil lurking in the form of Aphrodite, beautiful blonde leader of the Dark Daughters, and Zoey must summon all her strength and new found powers to challenge her leadership. Together with her daughter, P.C. Cast creates a new vampire mythos where 'vampyres' coexist with humans, having first been marked when a teen, then undergoing the Change. Fledgeling vampyres attend the House of Night, a finishing school for vampyres. This matriarchal society is governed by high priestesses who worship the goddess, Nyx and perform pagan rituals. Vampyres do not have fangs but do drink blood. This story has overtones of Harry Potter, but it makes for an entertaining read. It is the first in a series and contains sexual references. Recommended for older readers/ lovers of the paranormal.