This is a great story about betral and good vs evil. The main character first doesn't want to become a vampire but she also doesn't want to die. It's better then other vampire books because there is a biological reason why some teens become vampires and others don't. It's a great mix of wicca and blood. lol
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Vampire series start is more gossipy than gory.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–16
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Marked: House of Night, Book 1
Parents need to know that the violence is much milder here than in other vampire books -- two teens are presumed dead, but it's barely described. There's some swearing (including "f--k"), teen use of alcohol and pot (looked upon unfavorably by the main character), and a teen receiving oral sex in the dorm hallway -- it's barely described but often referred to. Some readers may dislike the way the main character and all her teen fledgling vampire friends embrace goddess worship and participate in a number of well-described ceremonies. This worship is contrasted with the church the main character's stepfather belongs to -- the fictitious, fundamentalist-sounding People of Faith, whom she believes are narrow minded.
Read our full review by carriew
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the occult aspects of this book, discussing their beliefs on the subject. Do you think Zoey could have been another religion and still joined the school, or do goddess worship and vampirism have to go hand in hand in this book? How do you think this vampire series compares to others -- like the Twilight Saga? Which version of vampire lore do you prefer? Why?
Our Members Say
See all 27 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
The most obssesive book EVER
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Great series for older teens; not for jr high readers
While positive messages may seem an ironic for a vampire book, I think the main character sets a good example of trying to use her new powers for the good of the whole. She tries to do the right thing and not hurt people. Of course, she makes some mistakes along the way but she does learn from them. It's a good book for adults, but I think the sexual content and language makes this an OFF for tween readers and an IFFY for teen readers under 16 or 17.
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Not appropriate fo anyone under 16
I read the first 4 in the series. Common Sense's review is way off. The sex gets more graphic as the series progresses, and you can barely get through a paragraph without the F-bomb making an appearance. Zoe starts out proud of her virginity, but it is gone by book 3 (with a teacher). She becomes increasingly promiscuous as the series goes on. Even more disturbing is the blatant racism. The authors co-opt Cherokee culture and create their own mythos. This is demeaning to a proud people. Later in the series, Zoe kills two young black boys who are stereotypically depicted as young gang-bangers out to gang-rape her. This series is pure trash.
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Do not let your tweens read this series.
I really enjoyed this series for myself, however; I have a tween at home that won't be reading them any time soon because of language, sexual situations, and drinking/drugs.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Great!
I really like this book and the whole series! I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under the age of 14 though. There are some gruesome things as the series goes on and more mature themes as well.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 83% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 83% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 50% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 50% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 33% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
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For Your Family
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