LibraryThing: Early Review for "Chosen"

I used to have a LibraryThing widget on the right on my blog, to show off the titles in my library. I forget now why I removed it---something wasn't working quite right. Anyway, I signed up to become an Early Reviewer and received an advance copy of "Chosen" by P. C. and Kristin Cast. What follows is my first review.

A word of...not warning, so much as information: I'm used to reading author's works-in-progress and doing deep line-level critiques and reviews. I'm actually new to doing lighter "overall reaction" type reviews. So, please comment on my reviews. What should I have mentioned that I didn't? What information do you depend on when deciding to purchase a book? I'll try to come back and add any information requested as long as it doesn't break the following vow:

Spoiler-free Review: I've made every effort to review the quality of this book without revealing the story. This is not a *summary* but what I think of this book.

And now, the actual review:

Title: Chosen
Author(s): P. C. and Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

This is the third book in the "House of Night" series. While it *could* stand alone, I believe the prior books ("Marked", "Betrayed") establish the world and Zoey's relationships with the people around her and therefore add fullness to this book.

This book is written for a Young Adult audience but I think some of the plotting is pretty obvious. That's not to say it's *bad*, just...."I saw that coming"...

I've enjoyed the books in this series--Zoey isn't an amazing superhero who always has the answers or does the right thing. I like that about her. She makes bad choices and tries to live with the results of those choices.

My only complaint in this series is the almost simple "aimed at teens" language and plotting. Teen writing doesn't have to be dumb, just interesting to teens. I don't count in that category (hitting 38 in February 2008), but I've read other teen fiction which I felt was less predictable and more complex of a read (Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series comes to mind here).

Potential readers should be aware there is some sexual content in this book.

My only regret in reviewing an advance copy is this: it's that much longer until the *next* book in the series comes out!