Tempted
by P. C. Cast
7.9 / 10 176K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2013
- Publisher
- ATOM
- Pages
- 336
- ISBN
- 9780349001173
After banishing the malevolent immortal Kalona, fledgling High Priestess Zoey Redbird is far from safe. The dark allure of Kalona continues to haunt her waking thoughts and sleeping dreams, a dangerous connection rooted in a past life she is only beginning to understand. As he seeks to gain power and influence over the Vampyre High Council, Zoey is plagued by prophetic visions that warn her to stay away, yet reveal she is the only one with the power to stop him. The choice she makes could either save everything she loves or lead to a fiery, devastating destruction.
At the same time, Zoey's world is fracturing from within. Her friendship with Stevie Rae is threatened by dangerous secrets and growing suspicion, leaving Zoey to question if she can trust the person who always had her back. Juggling the affections of three different guys, including a protective Warrior who can sense her every emotion, adds to the mounting pressure. This story explores the intricate battle between light and darkness, where loyalties are tested and the courage to face one's own heart is the most critical fight of all.
At the same time, Zoey's world is fracturing from within. Her friendship with Stevie Rae is threatened by dangerous secrets and growing suspicion, leaving Zoey to question if she can trust the person who always had her back. Juggling the affections of three different guys, including a protective Warrior who can sense her every emotion, adds to the mounting pressure. This story explores the intricate battle between light and darkness, where loyalties are tested and the courage to face one's own heart is the most critical fight of all.
Original edition
TemptedOriginally published in 2009 English ATOM
Other editions (58)
The echoes of the battle against Neferet and Kalona linger, but peace remains elusive for Zoey Redbird. Though the malevolent immortal and the fallen High Priestess have been banished from Tulsa, their shadow stretches long, haunting Zoey's dreams and threatening the very foundations of the vampyre world. Now, as High Priestess in training, Zoey finds herself grappling with a fractured heart and a mind burdened by impossible choices, all while the danger intensifies around her.
Zoey's personal life is a tangle of emotions and conflicting loyalties. She navigates the complex affections of three different boys: Heath, her human ex-boyfriend, who carries her imprint; Erik, her vampyre boyfriend, whose jealousy often flares; and Stark, her warrior, whose bond to protect her has deepened into something far more profound, allowing him to sense her very emotions. This romantic turmoil is a constant undercurrent, adding to the immense pressure she feels.
Meanwhile, dark forces stir beneath the surface of the House of Night. The mysterious power lurking in the tunnels beneath the Tulsa Depot begins to spread, and a growing suspicion gnaws at Zoey: could her best friend, Stevie Rae, be connected to this encroaching darkness, perhaps even responsible for the misfit red fledglings? Stevie Rae, with her burgeoning red vamp powers, carries her own dangerous secrets, creating a chasm of mistrust between the two friends at a time when unity is paramount.
Aphrodite, with her unsettling visions, sees the path ahead with terrifying clarity. Her prophecies warn Zoey to resist Kalona's seductive allure, but they also reveal a stark truth: only Zoey possesses the power to truly stop the ancient immortal. It becomes horrifyingly clear that if Zoey does not confront Kalona, he will unleash a fiery vengeance upon those she holds dearest. The weight of this destiny, coupled with a bewildering connection to A-ya, a Cherokee maiden from Kalona's distant past, pulls Zoey deeper into a struggle against an enemy who tempts her soul.
The stakes escalate when Zoey, heeding a new prophecy, realizes she must follow her enemies to the Vampyre High Council. Here, Neferet and Kalona seek to corrupt the highest echelons of vampyre society, their influence spreading like a disease. Zoey finds herself fighting not just for her own survival, but for the very soul of her world, while the Council, distrusting of her youth and immense power, offers little support.
Amidst this chaos, a devastating blow strikes. Heath, in a moment of desperate love, confronts Kalona and Neferet, only to be brutally slain by the immortal. Zoey, arriving just in time to witness his death, is consumed by an anguish so profound that her spirit shatters. Her soul, unable to bear the weight of such loss, is torn from her body and cast into the Otherworld, leaving her allies reeling and the fate of everything hanging precariously in the balance.
Zoey's personal life is a tangle of emotions and conflicting loyalties. She navigates the complex affections of three different boys: Heath, her human ex-boyfriend, who carries her imprint; Erik, her vampyre boyfriend, whose jealousy often flares; and Stark, her warrior, whose bond to protect her has deepened into something far more profound, allowing him to sense her very emotions. This romantic turmoil is a constant undercurrent, adding to the immense pressure she feels.
Meanwhile, dark forces stir beneath the surface of the House of Night. The mysterious power lurking in the tunnels beneath the Tulsa Depot begins to spread, and a growing suspicion gnaws at Zoey: could her best friend, Stevie Rae, be connected to this encroaching darkness, perhaps even responsible for the misfit red fledglings? Stevie Rae, with her burgeoning red vamp powers, carries her own dangerous secrets, creating a chasm of mistrust between the two friends at a time when unity is paramount.
Aphrodite, with her unsettling visions, sees the path ahead with terrifying clarity. Her prophecies warn Zoey to resist Kalona's seductive allure, but they also reveal a stark truth: only Zoey possesses the power to truly stop the ancient immortal. It becomes horrifyingly clear that if Zoey does not confront Kalona, he will unleash a fiery vengeance upon those she holds dearest. The weight of this destiny, coupled with a bewildering connection to A-ya, a Cherokee maiden from Kalona's distant past, pulls Zoey deeper into a struggle against an enemy who tempts her soul.
The stakes escalate when Zoey, heeding a new prophecy, realizes she must follow her enemies to the Vampyre High Council. Here, Neferet and Kalona seek to corrupt the highest echelons of vampyre society, their influence spreading like a disease. Zoey finds herself fighting not just for her own survival, but for the very soul of her world, while the Council, distrusting of her youth and immense power, offers little support.
Amidst this chaos, a devastating blow strikes. Heath, in a moment of desperate love, confronts Kalona and Neferet, only to be brutally slain by the immortal. Zoey, arriving just in time to witness his death, is consumed by an anguish so profound that her spirit shatters. Her soul, unable to bear the weight of such loss, is torn from her body and cast into the Otherworld, leaving her allies reeling and the fate of everything hanging precariously in the balance.
What other readers say
Liked
This book elicits a wide range of opinions, but many readers found the overarching plot to be increasingly engaging, appreciating the darker and more complex direction the series is taking. The introduction of multiple points of view, moving beyond just the main character, is frequently cited as a significant improvement, offering fresh perspectives, enhancing the pacing, and making the narrative feel more dynamic. Several reviewers highlight the compelling character arcs for supporting figures, particularly Stevie Rae and Aphrodite, noting their development and evolving relationships as strong points. Despite criticisms regarding the writing, some readers praise its flowing style and ability to create an immersive atmosphere, leading to a captivating and often breathless reading experience, especially in the latter half of the book. The ending, often described as a powerful and dramatic cliffhanger, successfully leaves many eager for the next installment.
Disliked
However, a dominant criticism revolves around the main character, Zoey, whom many reviewers describe as unlikable, self-absorbed, immature, and hypocritical, particularly concerning her numerous and often inconsistent romantic entanglements. The writing style itself draws considerable negative feedback, with dialogue often described as jarring, repetitive, or filled with excessive, unnatural slang. Pacing is another frequent complaint, with long stretches of filler content dominated by relationship drama that often stalls plot progression. Reviewers also point out issues with character development for several supporting figures, deeming them stereotypical, one-dimensional, or unfairly portrayed, with their arcs feeling forced or inconsistent with earlier books. Additionally, concerns are raised about problematic moral themes, including inconsistent portrayals of feminism, a perceived lack of sympathy for victims, and a shallow approach to diversity, alongside elements of romantic or dream sequences that some found inappropriate for younger audiences.
In short
Overall, this book elicits a strongly divided response. While it frustrates many with its main character's inconsistencies, perceived decline in writing quality, and problematic themes, it still manages to captivate a segment of readers with its evolving plot, expanded perspectives, and compelling side character narratives. The book is marked by a dramatic, often shocking, ending that leaves many readers emotionally invested and eager to discover what happens next, despite their frustrations. This book would likely appeal to established fans of the series who are invested in the overarching plot and the development of supporting characters, especially those who can overlook or tolerate the main character's flaws and the criticized writing style. Readers who enjoy fast-paced, dramatic young adult paranormal romance with multiple character viewpoints and high stakes, and who appreciate a cliffhanger ending, may find it an engaging, if sometimes flawed, read.
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