In the fifth book of this popular series for older teens, Zoey Redbird is back with her old friends once again.  But there are new problems confronting her in the shape of High Priestess Neferet’s new consort Kalona, who has taken over the House of Night.  As if that wasn’t enough Zoey has more boy troubles (can super-hot Eric replace Stark?), and having to hide out with the new fledglings in the old tunnels is surely even worse.  Zoey needs to break Kalona’s influence, and fast.

If you loved Buffy and then devoured the Twilight series, this six-part set is surely your cup of tea... or rather blood might be more apt.  I tend to see this as a coming of age story, with Zoey and her companions dealing with teenage problems such as dating, relationships, new responsibilities, trust and finding a place in the adult world.  Written in the first person, this makes it all seem more immediate and sometimes akin to reading letters or a diary.  This approach does not suit every novel it is used for, but it does well here.  To its detriment, perhaps not a lot of great import happens in this penultimate book and it left me wondering how it was all going to end.  "More of the same" is a phrase I kept thinking of, but it is the sort of same that sells books and if you love this type of thing this series is a good example of it.