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rosepetals1984's review
2.0
There are some series that actually can benefit from the transition to graphic reinterpretation, while others simply cannot, no matter how good the artwork. I don't think House of Night counts as one of the better adaptations. The story covered in issue 1 takes place between events in the second novel of the House of Night series, Betrayed, so it assumes that the reader has already read the novels, and that's kind of an odd measure since it's a comic series intended to introduce/expand the franchise. If you're entirely new to the House of Night series, you're not really getting a full story here, so jumping into it might not only be confusing, but also a bit sparse on the details of Zoey Redbird's role and introducing the collective cast of characters.
I didn't like the adaptation at all from the story angle. The characters seem bland, there's little to no introduction or context put into any of them, and it probably would've benefited a little more if the comic were longer than it was, as in a full graphic novel rather than just a short. The artwork is decent in spurts, which is probably the only reason I'm giving this more than a star. I loved the cover images and also the insert image of Zoey, but the panels themselves don't really measure up to some of the better graphic/comic art that are in peer series.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this.
I didn't like the adaptation at all from the story angle. The characters seem bland, there's little to no introduction or context put into any of them, and it probably would've benefited a little more if the comic were longer than it was, as in a full graphic novel rather than just a short. The artwork is decent in spurts, which is probably the only reason I'm giving this more than a star. I loved the cover images and also the insert image of Zoey, but the panels themselves don't really measure up to some of the better graphic/comic art that are in peer series.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this.
mamers's review
I was finally approved for the giant 6 page preview arc! It only took 3 tries! Now I just find myself confused. Is this based on the first novel? Cuz of the 6 pages, 4 had nothing to do with [b:Marked|30183|Marked (House of Night, #1)|P.C. Cast|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1317067002s/30183.jpg|30573].
Just sayin'.
No, really. Where did the Norwegian vamps come from? I know it's been a good two years since I read Marked, but I don't think I would completely miss a whole set of vamps from another country.
Next.
I have a serious problem with purposely poor grammar. This is an example of the dumbing down of America's youth. For-instance, "Whoever said 'everything can change in a day' musta been reading my future." Um, no. I don't care if the author is trying to be cool with teen speak. It's must have. (Best part is the fact that I wrote "cuz" in my first paragraph. Shut up, you.)
On to the graphics... I have mixed feelings. Sometimes the drawings are excessively beautiful, sometimes all I can look at are the extremely big heads.
Until I get a chance to read the full graphic novel, I will not be upgrading my two star rating. Nope. Can't do it.
Just sayin'.
No, really. Where did the Norwegian vamps come from? I know it's been a good two years since I read Marked, but I don't think I would completely miss a whole set of vamps from another country.
Next.
I have a serious problem with purposely poor grammar. This is an example of the dumbing down of America's youth. For-instance, "Whoever said 'everything can change in a day' musta been reading my future." Um, no. I don't care if the author is trying to be cool with teen speak. It's must have. (Best part is the fact that I wrote "cuz" in my first paragraph. Shut up, you.)
On to the graphics... I have mixed feelings. Sometimes the drawings are excessively beautiful, sometimes all I can look at are the extremely big heads.
Until I get a chance to read the full graphic novel, I will not be upgrading my two star rating. Nope. Can't do it.
ckreads28's review
5.0
I really loved this I thought the comic was going to be just like the 1st book, but it wasn't. The stories included were beyond cute. Especially because the moments that weren't included in the book. Readers shouldn't read it though if they haven't read the second book though. The illustrations I loved and can't wait to share it with friends!!!
bookfever's review
1.0
Well...
That says enough doesn't it? As you can see I gave it 1 star, so yes, it kinda sucked. I love the House of Night series. Well, I love some parts of it. Some characters of it and definitely NOT Zoey. Just wanted to state that fact.
I did not enjoy this graphic novel, even though I really love graphic novels in general. I got it from Netgalley so I didn't get to see the art work in "real". But I really disliked the art. Some parts were good but other parts were just awful. Not my thing, no. And the story seemed really confusing to me even though I know the first House of Night book by heart. Yes, it isn't exactly the first story but more like what happened between after the first and second book. The only positive thing I have to say about it that Zoey's little brother, Kevin was in it. I loved that she was protecting him. Maybe that's just me as an older sister talking but Zoey ought to seek more contact with him in the actual series. I admit, she has been busy trying to just stay alive... or just dating so many guys... ugh. Another thing I liked were the stories the nerd herd and Zoey read about. Especially the one with Cleopatra.
So I wouldn't recommend this graphic novel to anyone. I'm glad I never bought this one since it would've been a waste of my money.
That says enough doesn't it? As you can see I gave it 1 star, so yes, it kinda sucked. I love the House of Night series. Well, I love some parts of it. Some characters of it and definitely NOT Zoey. Just wanted to state that fact.
I did not enjoy this graphic novel, even though I really love graphic novels in general. I got it from Netgalley so I didn't get to see the art work in "real". But I really disliked the art. Some parts were good but other parts were just awful. Not my thing, no. And the story seemed really confusing to me even though I know the first House of Night book by heart. Yes, it isn't exactly the first story but more like what happened between after the first and second book. The only positive thing I have to say about it that Zoey's little brother, Kevin was in it. I loved that she was protecting him. Maybe that's just me as an older sister talking but Zoey ought to seek more contact with him in the actual series. I admit, she has been busy trying to just stay alive... or just dating so many guys... ugh. Another thing I liked were the stories the nerd herd and Zoey read about. Especially the one with Cleopatra.
So I wouldn't recommend this graphic novel to anyone. I'm glad I never bought this one since it would've been a waste of my money.
alliesmusings's review
4.0
This was way better than the books and I really liked the story about Freya, also the graphics are so pretty.
rinn's review
3.0
I received a copy of this book for free through Netgalley, in exchange for a review. Also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.
I have read the first three books of the House of Night series, as my sister owns them - I think I actually read them all in two days. They're very easy reads, but the characters are so vapid, shallow and frustrating that this series is often the target of snarky reviews. So even though the series had not previously impressed me, I wanted to give the graphic novel a try because I love the cover art, and I like graphic novels.
My immediate thought was that it wouldn't be fair to rate this book on the story, since I didn't enjoy the books too much - but actually, it's not too bad and isn't just a graphic novel adaptation of the first novel. Somehow the characters are different, although we barely see the personalities of anyone but Zoey, and she's lost her bitchy, hypocritical ways.
Anyone who has read the books will remember the opening scene - some random guy just appears next to Zoey at school, points at her and BAM! She's a vampire. Seriously. I'm so glad this just skipped straight over that part and starts about a month into the school term. This also means it skips the slut-shaming and various other frustrating things about Zoey.
The basic story covers Zoey trying to fulfil five tasks set by Nyx, and involves her and her friends reading through their Fledgling Handbook, which recounts stories of previous famous vampyres and the elements, all of them historical figures. These historic narrations were really interesting - the Odysseus one even has a completely different art style which is really lovely and abstract compared to the rest of the book. However, there were a couple of issues with these scenes. One is about Boudicca and is set in 'Briton'... that's the people of Britain, not the country itself. It also claims that Boudicca travelled to the West Midlands after laying siege to Londinium, but she in fact moved on to Verulamium which is in the east (yeah, my ancient history nerd is showing...). On a more serious note, I would say that the novels are suitable for young teens, but the graphic novel has some more disturbing scenes which may make it only suitable for older readers.
I enjoyed the use of several different illustrators throughout the book - the main story was drawn by one artist, whereas others contributed full page drawings between chapters. However, this means that the story art looks nothing like the cover art, which is a shame. That's not to say it's bad however - it uses an interesting mix of bright, bold colours in contrast with the 'dark' story matter. The characters have striking, angular features which work very well, but some of the panel backgrounds are a bit plain, and there's a lot of empty space.
Overall, I was quite surprised by this book - Zoey is practically a different character, the art style is lovely, but the characters honestly fall a bit flat and the stories are rather disjointed. There's not much to connect them together, just Zoey and her friends going 'Oh, let's read more of the Handbook'. If the House of Night series was a disappointment to you, but you still read more than one, I think you'd be surprised by this graphic novel. It feels more like a side story than part of the main plot, but then I've only read the books once, and it was a while ago.
Also posted at my blog, Rinn Reads.
I have read the first three books of the House of Night series, as my sister owns them - I think I actually read them all in two days. They're very easy reads, but the characters are so vapid, shallow and frustrating that this series is often the target of snarky reviews. So even though the series had not previously impressed me, I wanted to give the graphic novel a try because I love the cover art, and I like graphic novels.
My immediate thought was that it wouldn't be fair to rate this book on the story, since I didn't enjoy the books too much - but actually, it's not too bad and isn't just a graphic novel adaptation of the first novel. Somehow the characters are different, although we barely see the personalities of anyone but Zoey, and she's lost her bitchy, hypocritical ways.
Anyone who has read the books will remember the opening scene - some random guy just appears next to Zoey at school, points at her and BAM! She's a vampire. Seriously. I'm so glad this just skipped straight over that part and starts about a month into the school term. This also means it skips the slut-shaming and various other frustrating things about Zoey.
The basic story covers Zoey trying to fulfil five tasks set by Nyx, and involves her and her friends reading through their Fledgling Handbook, which recounts stories of previous famous vampyres and the elements, all of them historical figures. These historic narrations were really interesting - the Odysseus one even has a completely different art style which is really lovely and abstract compared to the rest of the book. However, there were a couple of issues with these scenes. One is about Boudicca and is set in 'Briton'... that's the people of Britain, not the country itself. It also claims that Boudicca travelled to the West Midlands after laying siege to Londinium, but she in fact moved on to Verulamium which is in the east (yeah, my ancient history nerd is showing...). On a more serious note, I would say that the novels are suitable for young teens, but the graphic novel has some more disturbing scenes which may make it only suitable for older readers.
I enjoyed the use of several different illustrators throughout the book - the main story was drawn by one artist, whereas others contributed full page drawings between chapters. However, this means that the story art looks nothing like the cover art, which is a shame. That's not to say it's bad however - it uses an interesting mix of bright, bold colours in contrast with the 'dark' story matter. The characters have striking, angular features which work very well, but some of the panel backgrounds are a bit plain, and there's a lot of empty space.
Overall, I was quite surprised by this book - Zoey is practically a different character, the art style is lovely, but the characters honestly fall a bit flat and the stories are rather disjointed. There's not much to connect them together, just Zoey and her friends going 'Oh, let's read more of the Handbook'. If the House of Night series was a disappointment to you, but you still read more than one, I think you'd be surprised by this graphic novel. It feels more like a side story than part of the main plot, but then I've only read the books once, and it was a while ago.
Also posted at my blog, Rinn Reads.
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