Burned
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Burned
“Burned” is the seventh installment in the young adult paranormal fantasy series, House of Night, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Set in a world where humans and vampyres coexist, the story continues the saga of Zoey Redbird, a powerful fledgling marked by the vampyre goddess Nyx. In this volume, Zoey's soul is shattered after a traumatic event, leaving her friends to navigate a dangerous path to bring her back from the Otherworld. The narrative also delves into the challenges faced by Zoey's best friend, Stevie Rae, as she grapples with a secret relationship and attempts to maintain order at the House of Night. The book explores themes of destiny, choice, friendship, and confronting inner darkness, all against a backdrop of supernatural powers and intricate relationships. Aimed at young adult readers, it continues the series' blend of fantasy, romance, and coming-of-age drama, with an intensifying tone compared to earlier books.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book features a confirmed gay couple, Damien Maslin and Jack Twist, who are described as 'gay love birds'. However, the representation is criticized for being stereotypical and 'pigeonholed'. Additionally, previous implied same-sex attraction between characters Stevie Rae and Aphrodite is explicitly negated within the narrative, with reviewers noting a strong 'no homo' sentiment from the narrative when discussing their prior 'imprint'.
The characters Damien Maslin and Jack Twist are presented as a 'gay couple' and 'gay love birds, lovely and sweet'. However, a review identifies them as the 'gay stereotype(Damian and Jack)'. Furthermore, the book goes to lengths to clarify Stevie Rae's sexual orientation following an earlier 'imprint' with Aphrodite, with the narrative emphasizing 'Stevie Rae making it super-duper clear that she's not gay and totally not attracted to Aphrodite ever not for one moment'.
Romance and Sexual Content
The book features multiple complex and sometimes problematic romantic relationships. There are instances of magically compelled attraction and implied sexual activity rather than explicit descriptions. Concerns include a protagonist with multiple simultaneous romantic interests and derogatory sexual language used by a character.
Profanity
The book includes frequent and strong profanity, with reviewers specifically noting the pervasive use of expletives, including the 'F-bomb.' This level of language is highlighted as a concern by educators, making it unsuitable for some classroom libraries.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the entire narrative. The story is set in a vampyre academy where students wield elemental magic, interact with a pagan goddess, and engage in various rituals and supernatural battles. Fallen angels and various magical beings are key characters.
Anti-Christian Themes
The book and its series are steeped in a pagan-based mythology centered around the vampyre Goddess Nyx, which serves as the primary spiritual framework for the characters and world. This pantheistic system, with its own deities and rituals, stands in direct opposition to monotheistic Christian beliefs.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 16+ is recommended. While officially rated for ages 13-17, the book contains frequent strong profanity, mature romantic relationships with implied sexual content, significant supernatural elements, and themes of death and psychological distress. Reviewers note it is 'darker and more mature' than earlier books in the series, making it more suitable for older teens who can critically engage with its complex and potentially problematic themes.
Good to Know
The House of Night series, of which 'Burned' is the seventh book, is known for its evolving content. Parents should be aware that themes and content, particularly regarding sexual content, violence, and language, tend to intensify as the series progresses. Some critics have also pointed out 'problematic' aspects in the series concerning LGBTQ+ and racial stereotypes, as well as the handling of sexual assault themes in broader series context, which may warrant further consideration. The complex web of relationships and the pagan religious system are foundational to the series.
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