The House of Night is the first comic book I’ve read that is not related to any “mainstream” characters. In the beginning, I was a little lost, but as I kept reading I was able to put most of the pieces together for myself. Based off the books of the same name, the graphic novel helps to bring the characters and story to life in a new way.
The story centers on a Zoey Redbird, a young vampyre fledging. We learn early on that the colored in mark on her forehead is a big deal. We also meet Aphrodite, who is upset that Zoey has been chosen to replace her as the leader of the Dark Daughters. I’m not entirely sure what all of this means, but I can tell that it makes her special among her peers and that it’s a big responsibility.
It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the characters. Zoey appears to be really down to earth and cares a lot about fulfilling her responsibilities. Her friends are all unique individuals who vow to stand by her side and help keep her on the straight and narrow path of leadership. Together they go through their handbook to help Zoey learn five lessons that the vampyre Goddess Nyx has set in front of her to learn.
With each lesson having to do with one of the five elements of the earth, we get to hear five different stories of various vamypre women. Each one is different and has an ending that can be considered good or tragic. Through the stories, Zoey must decide what lesson the Goddess Nyx is trying to teach her. Only after realizing the lesson and fully understanding it, will she become the leader of the Dark Daughters.
I was not aware when I started to read the story that it was about vampyre fledgings. I’m happy that I didn’t because it might have kept me from reading it for fear it would be to dark for my tastes. Overall, I was surprised at how light it was. Zoey’s friends all feel like real and relatable people. I feel that some of the lessons Zoey and her friends learn are ones that the young people of today need to learn.
I would recommend this book for anyone ages 13 and up. I wish I could recommend it for a younger group, but I feel that some of the subject matter and graphics may be inappropriate for younger readers.
A copy of this issue was provided for review by Dark Horse Comics.
