Book Review - Awakened

Title: Awakened
Author: P.C & Kristin Cast
Series: House of Night
Publisher: ATOM
ISBN-13: 978-1905654840

Synopsis
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?

My Review
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS (FOR THIS & THE EARLIER BOOKS)
I waited soooo long for this book to come through, I got totally hooked into the series and wanted more. I've got the rest of the series in paperback so didn't want to buy it yet. The request list at the library was long, but my copy came in yesterday. I literally jumped up and down and squealed with joy. I sat down with it this morning and finished it this evening (had to stop to go to work in the middle, was hours of torture). Zoey is recovering with Stark in the Isle of Skye, life is bliss there, but how long will it last. Stevie-Rae is still hiding her bond with Rephraim but finding it harder with every day. Neferet is on the war path again. 
Although it was a long wait between reading Burned and starting this one, I was instantly back into the story and characters, it was like returning to long lost friends, and being welcomed back with open arms. Stevie-Rae is still my favourite character with her southern charm and sarcastic attitude, although Aphrodite is definitely growing on me too, I find myself laughing more at her sarcasm and scathing attitude, she is the one you love to hate.
Zoey is definitely growing up, she seems more sure of herself and has stopped messing about and acting like a spoilt child, she knows she has to be responsible with her powers and draws on the love of her friends and Nyx to help her through instead of being reckless, I liked this side of her and hope it continues.
Neferet was still the crazy loon, but this time so much more over the edge. I'm still loving the books, but kind of wishing someone would just deal with her and get it over with. This book also seemed a little more grown up, Neferet seems to try to get with anyone male that moves and strangely spends a lot of the book with no clothes on. Not sure why. 
I did thoroughly enjoy it and could not put it down, the writing flows well and I found myself being totally submerged in the book. It seemed to lift me up and carry me into the pages.
Awakened sets the scene a lot for the next book, but i didn't feel like it was a filler, just a good, well written book that gets you further into the world. Bring on 'Destined' Cannot wait for it.


My Rating
I would give this 9/10, I remembered what I loved about this series.

 
This book counts towards 'Morbid Romantica' Challenge - March book 'Tormented Hero' - Zoey and friends never have it easy.