Abrasada
7.94 / 10 168K ratings
- Language
- Spanish
- Published
- 2011
- Publisher
- LA FACTORÍA DE IDEAS
- Pages
- 288
- ISBN
- 9788498006803
Zoey Redbird's soul has shattered. Following a devastating loss, she is trapped in the Otherworld, and her very existence is fading. The task of saving her falls to her closest friends, who must decipher prophetic clues to find a way to bring her back. Her Guardian, Stark, is the only one who can reach her, but the path requires a sacrifice that may cost him everything. With only seven days to rescue her, the stakes have never been higher.
While Zoey's friends race against time, her best friend, Stevie Rae, is wrestling with her own secrets. She is hiding a truth that could be the key to saving Zoey, but it also threatens to destroy her own world by connecting her to a dangerous and forbidden darkness. As friends are divided and loyalties are tested, the group must confront their own inner demons to piece their leader back together before she is lost to the darkness for good. This story explores whether the bonds of love and friendship are powerful enough to mend a soul that has been utterly broken.
While Zoey's friends race against time, her best friend, Stevie Rae, is wrestling with her own secrets. She is hiding a truth that could be the key to saving Zoey, but it also threatens to destroy her own world by connecting her to a dangerous and forbidden darkness. As friends are divided and loyalties are tested, the group must confront their own inner demons to piece their leader back together before she is lost to the darkness for good. This story explores whether the bonds of love and friendship are powerful enough to mend a soul that has been utterly broken.
Original edition
QueimadaOriginally published in 2010 Portuguese Novo Século
Other editions (59)
Darkness has fallen over the House of Night, not just metaphorically, but deeply within its chosen High Priestess. Zoey Redbird's soul has shattered, leaving her adrift in the Otherworld, a realm of twilight and memory, unwilling to leave the side of Heath Luck, her human "almost-boyfriend," who was brutally slain by Kalona. Here, in this ethereal space, she clings to him, oblivious to the world she left behind, her spirit fragmenting further with each passing moment.
Back in the land of the living, a desperate race against time begins. Zoey's closest companions, led by her warrior Stark, along with Aphrodite and the "nerd herd," pore over Kramisha's prophetic poems, seeking a way to retrieve their High Priestess. Stark, tormented by his own jealousy that contributed to Heath's death and Zoey's shattered state, understands he must be the one to reach her. Their quest leads them to the mystical Isle of Sgiach, where Stark, through a painful ritual and the sacrifice of a part of himself, becomes a Shaman, a bridge between worlds, enabling him to step into the Otherworld to confront Kalona and reclaim Zoey's soul.
Meanwhile, in Tulsa, the burden of leadership falls upon Stevie Rae Johnson, the first red vampyre High Priestess, who struggles to hold the House of Night together. She grapples with the unruly rogue red fledglings and navigates a dangerous, burgeoning secret: her deepening connection with Rephaim, Kalona's son, a Raven Mocker. Their bond, a forbidden imprint, offers a strange comfort amidst the chaos, but it also forces Stevie Rae to confront her own loyalties and a looming pact with the Light that will bind her to Rephaim's humanity.
Aphrodite, no longer a fledgling but still touched by the goddess Nyx, finds herself an unwilling oracle, the goddess's voice speaking through her in cryptic visions and prophecies. Her pronouncements, often delivered with her characteristic bluntness, guide the desperate efforts to understand Zoey's plight and the path to her retrieval, even as she wrestles with the weight of these divine messages.
In the Otherworld, Zoey drifts, her memories blurring, her connection to her former life weakening. She refuses to be parted from Heath again, convinced that staying with him is her only solace. Stark, having made his arduous journey, finds her there, a ghost of her former self, and must battle not only Kalona but also Zoey's own despair and attachment to the deceased Heath.
The confrontation culminates in a harrowing arena within the Otherworld. Stark, trying to shock Zoey back to reality, faces Kalona, sacrificing himself in a desperate attempt to make her fight for her life. Seeing Stark fall, seemingly killed, finally shatters Zoey's paralysis. The fragments of her soul rush back, and she unleashes her formidable power, calling upon all five elements. Nyx herself materializes, acknowledging the debt Kalona owes Zoey for Heath's death. Kalona is banished from Nyx's realm, and a part of his immortality is forced into Stark, saving him and forever linking him to Zoey as her immortal warrior.
With Zoey's soul restored, albeit scarred, she returns to her body, ready to face the continuing threat of Neferet, who now openly embraces Darkness as the immortal consort and witch queen of the Tsi Sgili. Stevie Rae, having recovered from nearly burning down on a roof due to her connection with Rephaim, makes the painful decision to part ways with him, unable to fully reconcile their worlds, though their imprint remains. The House of Night, though bruised, stands ready for the battles to come, with its High Priestess returned, but the echoes of sacrifice and the ever-present shadow of Darkness linger.
Back in the land of the living, a desperate race against time begins. Zoey's closest companions, led by her warrior Stark, along with Aphrodite and the "nerd herd," pore over Kramisha's prophetic poems, seeking a way to retrieve their High Priestess. Stark, tormented by his own jealousy that contributed to Heath's death and Zoey's shattered state, understands he must be the one to reach her. Their quest leads them to the mystical Isle of Sgiach, where Stark, through a painful ritual and the sacrifice of a part of himself, becomes a Shaman, a bridge between worlds, enabling him to step into the Otherworld to confront Kalona and reclaim Zoey's soul.
Meanwhile, in Tulsa, the burden of leadership falls upon Stevie Rae Johnson, the first red vampyre High Priestess, who struggles to hold the House of Night together. She grapples with the unruly rogue red fledglings and navigates a dangerous, burgeoning secret: her deepening connection with Rephaim, Kalona's son, a Raven Mocker. Their bond, a forbidden imprint, offers a strange comfort amidst the chaos, but it also forces Stevie Rae to confront her own loyalties and a looming pact with the Light that will bind her to Rephaim's humanity.
Aphrodite, no longer a fledgling but still touched by the goddess Nyx, finds herself an unwilling oracle, the goddess's voice speaking through her in cryptic visions and prophecies. Her pronouncements, often delivered with her characteristic bluntness, guide the desperate efforts to understand Zoey's plight and the path to her retrieval, even as she wrestles with the weight of these divine messages.
In the Otherworld, Zoey drifts, her memories blurring, her connection to her former life weakening. She refuses to be parted from Heath again, convinced that staying with him is her only solace. Stark, having made his arduous journey, finds her there, a ghost of her former self, and must battle not only Kalona but also Zoey's own despair and attachment to the deceased Heath.
The confrontation culminates in a harrowing arena within the Otherworld. Stark, trying to shock Zoey back to reality, faces Kalona, sacrificing himself in a desperate attempt to make her fight for her life. Seeing Stark fall, seemingly killed, finally shatters Zoey's paralysis. The fragments of her soul rush back, and she unleashes her formidable power, calling upon all five elements. Nyx herself materializes, acknowledging the debt Kalona owes Zoey for Heath's death. Kalona is banished from Nyx's realm, and a part of his immortality is forced into Stark, saving him and forever linking him to Zoey as her immortal warrior.
With Zoey's soul restored, albeit scarred, she returns to her body, ready to face the continuing threat of Neferet, who now openly embraces Darkness as the immortal consort and witch queen of the Tsi Sgili. Stevie Rae, having recovered from nearly burning down on a roof due to her connection with Rephaim, makes the painful decision to part ways with him, unable to fully reconcile their worlds, though their imprint remains. The House of Night, though bruised, stands ready for the battles to come, with its High Priestess returned, but the echoes of sacrifice and the ever-present shadow of Darkness linger.
What other readers say
Liked
This installment in the series garnered a mixed reception, with some readers finding it a notable improvement over previous books and others expressing significant disappointment. Positive feedback frequently highlighted a perceived increase in maturity in the authors' writing style, leading to a more complex and darker plot. Many appreciated the enhanced character development, particularly for Zoey, Stark, Stevie Rae, Aphrodite, and Rephaim, feeling a deeper connection to them as their individual storylines progressed. The romance and dynamic between Stevie Rae and Rephaim were often singled out as a compelling and well-executed aspect of the book, while Stark's character arc was also praised for its impact. The ending was generally seen as strong and satisfying, providing either good resolution or intriguing new developments that left some eager for the next book.
Disliked
Conversely, many criticisms focused on a perceived lack of substantial plot, with large sections feeling like filler dedicated to resolving conflicts from the previous book. A common complaint was the extensive use of multiple points of view, which many found jarring, excessive, and poorly executed, leading to a choppy narrative and difficulty staying engaged. The pacing was often described as slow, causing the book to drag for long stretches. Several readers expressed frustration with what they considered predictable plotlines, repetitive language, and a writing style that felt condescending or simplistic. Concerns were also raised about the portrayal of stereotypical characters and the inconsistent or poorly researched handling of mythology and cultural elements, which some found offensive.
In short
Overall, this book appears to be divisive among its readership. While some found it to be a refreshing and more mature entry with strong character development and compelling romantic subplots, others were frustrated by its narrative structure, pacing, and perceived lack of depth or originality. It seems most likely to appeal to established fans of the series who are invested in the characters' journeys, particularly those interested in the relationships of Stevie Rae and Rephaim, or Stark. However, readers seeking tightly plotted narratives, consistent writing quality, or a departure from familiar young adult tropes may find themselves struggling to connect with this particular installment.
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