Destined (House of Night 9) by P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast

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In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa’s House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side – and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through... read more

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In Destined, the ninth installment of the House of Night series, the book is told from no less than 11 points of view, respectively Zoey, Stevie Rae, Rephaim, Kalona, Stark, Aurox, Neferet, Shaunee, Lenobia, Dragon, and Erik. At the start of the book, Zoey is confused about the vision she had of her mother’s death and wonders what it means. During the night, she notices Darkness surrounding a sleeping Stark and uses her Spirit element to banish it. Zoey is filled with a sense of foreboding.

Aurox is proving to be an effective weapon for Neferet who has passed him off as a gift from Nyx. Despite the White bulls warning that the vessel is imperfect due to the imperfect sacrifice, Neferet remains oblivious to Heath’s soul which has been inserted into the vessel by Nyx.

Zoey and her friends return to school where she blindsides Neferet by initiating a Skype meeting with Duantia, the leader of the High Council. She gives her version of the events in Awakened and puts Neferet in the uncomfortable position of having to accept Rephaim at the House of Night. Next, she asks for a second House of Night under the Tulsa depot, but although Stevie Rae is accepted as the High Priestess of all the red fledglings by the Council, Duantia doesn't give a full answer regarding the request.

Having been freed by Kalona along with the gift of human from as a result of Nyx’s forgiveness, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally together. However, Rephaim’s shape shifting from a boy to a raven during daylight hours means that he still has to battle with the darkness as a result of his father’s legacy, threatens to tear them apart. Rephaim is determined to fit in with Stevie Rae’s friends and adapt to the lessons taught at the House of Night.

Rephaim takes refuge in the garden to avoid the fencing class headed by the hostile Dragon Lankford and is surprised when he is visited by three of his Raven Mocker brothers who have been sent by Kalona. Kalona has taken Rephaim’s loss quite hard as he, unlike his brothers, was the closest to human. He lives in hope that Rephaim will reconsider and return to him and urges him to spy on the House of Night for him. The brothers are stunned to see Rephaim in human form as a result of Nyx’s forgiveness. Their meeting is interrupted by Aurox who kills one of them and proceeds to attack Rephaim. Stevie Rae using her earth element incapacitates Aurox, but not before she along with Rephaim and Zoey, witness him half-shift into a bull. Neferet appears and diffuses the situation but Zoey is unnerved by Aurox although she is unable to explain why.

Erik hears the commotion, but falls under the Tracker compulsion before he can actually intervene. He finds Shaylin, a blind girl. Having Marked her, Eric is stunned when she reveals a red Mark instead of the traditional blue and blames himself for slipping up. Shaylin recovers her eyesight and gains her first gift, the very rare True Sight, which allows a person to 'see' others in colors. Confused, Erik decides to take her to Stevie Rae. At the school, Zoey receives a visit from her grandmother, who confirms Linda's death and leaves for a seven-day period of mourning. Zoey runs off to mourn and Aurox finds her. He offers her a Kleenex, just like Heath used to. At the bus, Erik presents them with the girl. Neferet appears and Shaylin pretends to faint, later telling them she had the general color of dead fish eyes.

Kalona is shocked to learn that Rephaim has become human as a result of Nyx’s forgiveness and feels bitter that Nyx didn’t forgive him when he asked her in the Otherworld.

To stir things up and invoke chaos, Neferet has hired humans to begin working at the House of Night. Lenobia finds herself drawn to the horse whisperer Travis, who reminds her of her past – something which Neferet has already foreseen.

The next day at school, Rephaim feels the call of his father and calls Zoey to stand witness to the meeting. Kalona appears on the wall and offers them a truce against Neferet, which Zoey reluctantly accepts. As the discussion takes place during her first class, with Neferet, she skips it altogether. When she returns to the school building for her second period she finds out that the Council has sent Thanatos, a vampyre Priestess with an affinity for Death, to report on the situation at the House of Night, much to Neferet's displeasure. As Thanatos too can see the threads of Darkness, Zoey finds her sympathetic and eventually reveals her concerns about Neferet and her mother's death. Thanatos offers to perform a reveal ritual at the place of Linda's death on the fifth day of mourning.

Back at the depot, Zoey and her friends sit down to discuss the events. Rephaim finds unexpected support in Shaunee, who empathizes with him because of her father, but this leads to a break between the Twins, as Erin doesn't understand why Shaunee feels so strongly about this. Two more prophecies, one from Kramisha and one from Aphrodite, warn of Rephaim's death at the reveal ritual, probably at the hand of Dragon, so Thanatos asks him to remain at the House of Night. However, Dragon’s instinct tells him that something is wrong and he feels duty bound to go to the ritual regardless.

While wondering in the tunnels, Shaunee spots Kalona, waiting for his son. Shaunee gives him her iPhone so that he can contact him until she can get him another phone. Later Kalona follows Rephaim and witnesses him changing from a human into a raven. This enrages him as he thinks Nyx is still punishing Rephaim rather than understanding that this is Rephaim’s chance to atone for the wrong he did as a Raven Mocker.
Neferet finds out about the reveal ritual and sends Aurox to intervene. When Aurox arrives at the scene of Linda’s murder, he realises that Darkness and Neferet were responsible and emphasising with Zoey does nothing to prevent the ritual. Neferet realises that something is wrong and sacrifices a mystery feline to force Aurox to do her bidding.

When Aurox charges out in full bull form during the ritual, Dragon (who has been secretly watching him) attempts to prevent him from attacking Rephaim and breaking the circle. Dragon is mortally wounded as a result. Rephaim is also injured but Thanatos urges the group not to break the circle as that’s what darkness wants.

During the ritual, Zoey and her grandmother discover the real circumstances of Linda's murder but death demands payment in return for the revealing spell and refuses to let the group leave. As Aurox prepares to impale Rephaim with his horns, Dragon steps in front of Rephaim and is gored through his chest. With his final breath he tells the group that, “If only death can release you, then my death releases you.” Dragon's death closes up the ritual. The effects of Neferet’s spell wear off and Aurox is horrified when he sees Dragon’s battered body. He tells Zoey he chose a different future. With Nyx’s help as well as the Seer’s Stone, Zoey realises that Heath is Aurox and is shocked to her core. She prevents Darius and Stark from killing him and Aurox runs off into the night.

The group is saddened by Dragon’s death and it seems that Rephaim they are about to lose Rephaim too. Kalona arrives on the scene - having been called by Stevie Rae - and he tearfully expresses regret, asking Nyx not to kill Rephaim for his own mistakes. A tear drop falls on the gash on Rephaim’s head which closes the wound and Rephaim regains consciousness. Thanatos then proceeds to Dragon and guides him to the Otherworld. A gateway is opened and everybody can see him happily reunited with Anastasia. Thanatos decides to become the new High Priestess of the Tulsa House of Night. Much to everybody's surprise, Kalona pledges himself as Thanatos's Warrior.

As they leave the scene, Zoey and her friends see a vision of Nyx, who reminds them that the fight will continue.

Characters edit see section history

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Zoey Redbird: Zoey is a 17-year-old girl from Broken Arrow who, when she becomes a fledgling, moves to the House of Night. Given special powers by the goddess Nyx, whom she encounters in a vision, her crescent moon is filled in and she has an affinity for all five elements (Wind, Fire, Water, Earth, Spirit). The novels are written in the first person point of view with her as narrator, so her interior monologues assume center stage. Zoey is a lot like author Kristin Cast was at her age; this was done deliberately, to make it easier for Kristin to tell how Zoey would react in any given situation, and may have added depth and realism to Zoey's character, the most fully developed of the series. Zoey has a love for brown pop. Zoey has hazel eyes, olive-y skin, and hair almost as dark as her grandmother's used to be. She is the reincarnate of A-ya, a woman created by ancient Cherokee women created only to love Kalona and to trap him under the earth, and has some of A-ya's memories.
James Stark: Stark appears briefly, after being transferred from the House of Night in Chicago, then quickly dies in Zoey's arms as Zoey begins to develop feelings for him. Stark's gift from Nyx is that he never misses his target. Though he never misses his ability is as a double edged sword. He is capable of never missing his true target in his heart and mind not necessarily the object in his eye sight. After a terrible accident he gave up archery until Zoey spoke to him and helped him through his issues. He and Zoey almost have an instant connection with each other, and later on fall in love too. After he becomes a red fledgling Zoey helps him choose the right path which causes him to Change, this happens when she accepts his Warrior Oath to her. He becomes the second red vampyre. He was saved by Zoey in Nyx's Realm after he saved her. Kalona took Stark's life and was ordered to bring him back by Nyx. Because of this, they are faintly linked.
Stevie Rae Johnson: A nice girl from Henryetta, Oklahoma, Stevie Rae becomes Zoey's best friend immediately. She has an affinity for Earth. She's also obsessed with Kenny Chesney. Stevie Rae is often depicted as straight forward and honest, but as the series continues we see other sides of her. Her affinity also grows stronger. She was a fledgling who failed the Change and was turned into one of Neferet's evil red fledglings. Once Zoey helps her find her humanity, she is Changed into the first red Vampyre. While drinking Aphrodite's blood, they accidentally Imprint with each other in Hunted but in Tempted the Raven Mocker and Stevie Rae Imprint, which breaks the one between her and Aphrodite. Stevie Rae is the only one of the only fledglings with short hair, which is super curly, and the little country bumpkin is usually wearing cowboy boots and roper jeans. She is also the High Priestess of the Red Vampyres.
Rephaim: Former Raven Mocker turned human by Nyx. The first son of Kalona. Consort of Stevie Rae.
Aurox: Neferet's new weapon given to her by the white bull. He is supposed to have no soul, but something is strange about him.
Heath Luck: Quarterback of his high school football team and in love with Zoey since third grade, Heath was her boyfriend before she became a fledgling. Later, when Zoey accidentally tastes his blood, they become imprinted on each other. They stay imprinted on and off during all of the books and always have a good, romantic connection. He is willing to do anything for Zoey even if it means that he has to share her with others. He is killed by Kalona in Tempted, causing Zoey's soul to shatter, due to the imprint between them.
Aphrodite LaFont: Daughter of Tulsa's extremely rich mayor, Aphrodite enters the series as a conceited, selfish rich girl who tells Zoey, "Things go my way. You want to get along here, you'd best remember that." But Aphrodite, afflicted with painful prophetic visions and mentally abused by her domineering parents, soon is seen as a richer, more complex character, and in the end becomes Zoey's friend. She is described as gorgeous and having very blond, big hair. Aphrodite is also introduced as the leader of a group known as the Dark Daughters until control is taken from her and given to Zoey once Zoey shows the power that was bestowed upon her by the goddess Nyx. She is a fledgling in the first couple of books, but then gets changed back into a human in the end of Chosen. She befriends Zoey, and falls in love with Darius too. Aphrodite is statuesque and is referred to as looking like an angel. After Stevie Rae's death, she took on her earth affinity, which was taken back by Nyx herself and returned to Stevie Rae after her rebirth as a Red Fledgling. Also known as a frenemy of Zoey.
Darius: A vampyre warrior and member of the elite Sons of Erebus vampyre guard, Darius enters the story in Chosen and becomes Zoey's ally. He's also the first real lover of Aphrodite. He is the only Son of Erebus not to believe Kalona was Erebus. He saved Stevie Rae's life too although Aphrodite and Zoey got a lot of the credit for that.
Shaunee Cole: Vampyre fledgling and friend of Zoey. She has an affinity for Fire and her Twin is Erin.
Erin Bates: Fledgling and friends with Zoey. She has an affinity for Water. Her Twin is Shaunee Cole
Damien Maslin: Damien is very intelligent, warm-hearted and proudly gay. Damien likes to use very long words that usually confuse the group. He has been dating Jack Twist who has an affinity for "Modern Technology". Damien has an affinity for Air. He's described as well built for fencing. Damien has brown colored hair and deer-like brown eyes. And is the cutest gay guy.
Jack Twist: Jack is Damien's young and very emotional boyfriend. He always around when the group is in need of an AV guy, or with a package of travel tissues from his 'man purse'. Jack is gifted with a vast knowledge about technology. He also shares ownership of James Stark's giant Labrador, Duchess. He's described as young and . He's passionate and proud about being gay and is very cute and cuddly. Jack has blond hair and hazel eyes.
Neferet: The High Priestess of the House of Night that has gone over to the dark side. Main villain of the novels. She is extremely manipulative and has a skill for twisting other people's words.
Sylvia Redbird: A native Cherokee, a wise woman and Zoey's grandma, provides comfort and advice to Zoey. She is by default the mother figure in Zoey's life. In touch with ancient Cherokee spirits, she helps Zoey deal with her new world of vampyres, spirits and demons. She also accepts Zoey for who she is and not what everyone wants her to be. She even helps Zoey save her own life in Untamed too.
Kramisha: Red Fledgling. Poet Laureate.
Lenobia: Professor at House of Night. Horse Mistress
Kurtis: Red Fledgling. Part of Dallas' group.
Travis Foster: Human. Hired by Neferet to work in stables as Lenobia's assistant.
Linda Heffer: Deceased. Zoey's mother
Bryan Lankford: 'Dragon' Sword Master at House of Night
Sgiach: Vampire Queen living on Isle of Skye
Johnny B: Red Fledgling.
Kalona: Former Warrior of the Goddess, Nyx. Fell. Formerly Neferet's consort. Father of the Raven Mockers
Becca: Fledgling at House of Night
Dallas: Red Vampire. Formerly Stevie Rae's boyfriend. Serves Neferet
Shaylin Ruede: Red Fledgling who was marked as such by Erik. Has 'True Sight'
Duantia: Leader of Vampire High Council
Nichole: Red Fledgling. Part of Dallas' group.
Erik Night: Drama Professor who had dreams of fame as an actor while a student. One of Zoey's former boyfriends. Formerly Aphrodite's boyfriend. Recently made the Night Tracker for the House of Night who goes and marks kids as fledglings.
Drew: Fledgling
Gaea: Professor at House of Night. Responsible for the grounds
Nyx: Goddess
Tsi Sgili: Name given to Neferet by Kalona.
Anastasia: Deceased. Dragon's mate.
Thanatos: Part of the Vampire High Council. Sent to House of Night to be a Professor.
Nisroc: Raven Mocker. One of Rephaim's brothers.

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Quotes edit see section history

“I'd rather not hide." "I'd rather not have you dead." "I'd rather sleep."”
Rephaim, Stevie Ray, Aphrodite
“They're havin' a bunch of guy fun, which means they're hittin' each other with wooden swords and shootin' arrows at things while they yell alot.”
Stevie Ray
“Howdy, ma'am I'm the new stable manager. I'd 'preciate it if you could point me to the man in charge." "Uh-oh" "John Wayne just totally fucked up." "I am Lenobia. I am the woman in charge of these stables and your new boss.”
“"Don't encourage him. He's been holding fledgling court all day. The girls want to date him. The boys want to be him. He's making my head hurt." "So you like him a little?”
Lenobia & Zoey
“What does the pea green and the watery stuff say about me?" "What do you think it says?" "Why are you answering my question with a question?" "Hey, you just answered my question with a question." "I asked you first." Does it really matter?" "Yes."”
Erik and Shaylin
“"Over more than one hundred years the one consistent thing I have found is that there really is no normal when it comes to women."”
Dragon to Aurox
“"Yeah, it was all psycho-windy, but tellin' you that would be like tryin' to tell white about rice." "What in the for-shit's-sake is that supposed to mean?" "It means, Hateful, that Damien already knows it was windy today 'cause his affinity is wind. Just like rice is white. I don't even know what was hard about that analogy." "Just. Don't. Speak."”
Stevie Rae and Aphrodite
“I do accept your oath, Kalona, and I will hold it as binding.”

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“Poker face? Sorry, I only know how to play Candyland.”
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I think evil’s greatest threat comes from its own pride and arrogance and greed.
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“There are worse things than death. Being trapped by your fear of it is one of those things.”
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Darkness does not always equate to evil Light does not always bring good.”
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“He’s right. I was with him the whole time. It’s okay. Well, as okay as it can be when He Who Cannot Be Named is involved,” I whispered. “Oh for shit’s sake. This isn’t Hogwarts,” Aphrodite said. “Wish it was,” Erin said.
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“But, like I said before, you’re gonna come through all of this just fine and not crazy because you’re smart and strong and beautiful and basically covered with awesomesauce.”
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“You don’t have to be jealous. Ever. Because you’re not just covered with awesomesauce. You’re what awesomesauce is made of.”
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“You can borrow my two-carat diamond stud earrings,” Aphrodite said. I stopped and looked back at her. “Huh?” She shrugged. “That’s as close to a declaration of love as you’re gonna get from me.”
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Shaunee was digging in her purse like she’d misplaced a tube of one of MAC’s seasonal lipsticks that you buy and fall in love with AND THEN THEY DISCONTINUE IT BECAUSE THEY REALLY HATE US AND WANT US TO BE CRAZY.
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The question of what we are can only be answered by ourselves. We each decide what we are by the life choices we make. How we were made, who are parents are, where we are from, the color of our skin, who we choose to love, all those things do not define us. Our actions define us, and will keep defining us until even after death.”
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Organizations edit see section history

High Counsel of Nyx: a Council formed by 7 High Priestess.

First Sentence edit see section history

I think my mom is dead.

Table of Contents edit see section history

Half Title
Series Title Page
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Half Title

Prologue - Zoey
Chapter 1 - Aurox / Aurox
Chapter 2 - Zoey
Chapter 3 - Kalona / Rephaim
Chapter 4 - Zoey
Chapter 5 - Rephaim / Zoey
Chapter 6 - Erik
Chapter 7 - Zoey
Chapter 8 - Zoey / Aurox
Chapter 9 - Zoey
Chapter 10 - Kalona / Rephaim / Stevie Rae
Chapter 11 - Lenobia
Chapter 12 - Aurox
Chapter 13 - Stark / Zoey
Chapter 14 - Zoey
Chapter 15 - Zoey
Chapter 16 - Zoey / Kalona
Chapter 17 - Shaunee
Chapter 18 - Zoey / Aurox
Chapter 19 - Zoey
Chapter 20 - Lenobia
Chapter 21 - Neferet / Zoey
Chapter 22 - Zoey / Shaunee
Chapter 23 - Zoey
Chapter 24 - Neferet / Rephaim / Kalona
Chapter 25 - Zoey / Neferet
Chapter 26 - Dragon / Zoey
Chapter 27 - Aurox / Dragon / Zoey
Chapter 28 - Neferet / Zoey / Aurox / Zoey
Chapter 29 - Kalona / Zoey

Glossary edit see section history

Tsi Sgili: Evil force of Dark Power.
Raven Mockers: Sons of Kalona; They are a mix between bird and human

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 9 of 16 in House of Night. (standard series)

Preceded by Awakened, and followed by Hidden.

This is book 12 of 15 in House of Night: Reading Order. (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

P. C. Cast (Author)
Kristin Cast (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Country: USA
Publication Date: October 25, 2011
ISBN: 978-0312650254
Page Count: 325

Classification edit see section history

Library of Congress: PS3603.A869 D47 2011b
Dewey: 813.6

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Young Adults

Some sexual content (not very graphic, though).

Subjects edit see section history

Books › Teens › Science Fiction & Fantasy › Fantasy
Books › Science Fiction & Fantasy › Fantasy › Urban
Books › Romance › Vampires

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Destined (2011) (edit title/settings)

by P. C. Cast (Author), Kristin Cast (Author) (edit contributors)