A Captivating Novella for an Impressive Character | Lenobia's Vow by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
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About
The House of Night is an international publishing sensation;
with almost 12 million books in print, and an incredible 120 weeks on
the New York Times bestseller list, the series has taken the
world by storm. Now, the excitement continues as the Cast
mother-daughter duo shares the back stories of a few of the House of
Night's most important – and mysterious – characters. The second of the
House of Night Novellas brings us Lenobia, the strong, beautiful
horseback riding instructor, who guides Zoey through some of her darkest
hours, and has a dark secret buried in her own past...
In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.
In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.
Lenobia's Vow by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Rating: ★★★★★
Oh, this was beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. Lenobia is my favourite adult in the House of Night world, and I loved her romantic plotline and characteristics in later books as she was developed, so I was definitely eager to *finally* get into the groove and read her prequel novella Lenobia's Vow. Much like with Dragon's Oath we are given a window into the inner workings of Lenobia's heart and soul.
It was completely necessary and offers a heck of an emotional punch. Lenobia's Vow was always destined to be my favourites of the novellas because Lenobia is my favourite. Even further, I'd been itching to know more about her true-love's past life and ached to know the origins of how they came to be and how he, tragically, passed on too soon. What we knew of their past relationship was fairly simple: a ship was born on a literal ship.
As always, the relationship is rooted in complexities. Unlike Dragon's Oath, the majority of Lenobia's Vow takes place before she is marked. (Dragon's story begins with him as a young human, but quickly shifts into him being marked as fledgling.) I think this makes the story itself all the more impactful and we come to understand the tragedy of how she lost her only love. It also is quick to remind us of the fragility of life; it begins with the death of Lenobia's half sister and, sadly, concludes with the death of the only man she'd ever love.
Another thing that makes Lenobia's Vow so intriguing and indulgent (for me) is the fact that it takes place, primarily, on a voyage. I think that, outside of Outlander and Passenger , I so rarely read books that take place upon a ship and the journey that follows. It's easy to see how connection of all kinds could be formed on such a trip. It also adds that extra layer of suspense--being in close confinements to not only your beloved, but another who serves as the central villain and the biggest threat--which is absolutely a plus.
Ultimately, Lenobia's Vow proves to be an enthralling and romantic journey. Not only does it add some insight on one of our beloved professor's early years, it makes her future all the more impressive.
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