Taking another step in the journey of Zoey Redbird, as she learns the final lesson from the Goddess Nyx, fans of the House of Night will finally have a closed circle on the first story arc, from which the comic continues into its next in the coming issue. The last lesson is one that follows the life of Hippolyte, Queen of the Amazons, as Zoey learns how to use her spirit powers.

With original story by P.C Cast and Kristin Cast, the comic script was done by Kent Dalian. The art is in the established style of House of Night, by Joelle Jones and Eric Canete. Lettering was done by Nick Piekos of Blambot. The beautiful cover art is by Jenny Frison.

This time around, the events revolve around the issues that plague a conventional human, as well as some that rise as the result of a Vampire’s changing physical maturity into adulthood. Some fledglings cannot fully adjust to the change, and there is always the constant fear amongst those at the House of Night that they will go to the Goddess Nyx before their time. Passing on to join the Goddess Nyx happens usually in a manner that is painful and requires an elixir to stem the tidal wave of bloody pain.

It is at this point where Zoey must understand the final lesson, as she comforts a follow housemate, while they pass out of their world to join the Goddess Nyx. Rather than requiring the painkilling elixir, Zoey is able to use her power to ease the pain of her friend’s passing. This is done to explain Zoey’s growing power, as well as emphasizing the risk and reward aspects of becoming a member of the House of Night.

Another test she faces is what to do with her human ex-boyfriend Heath, who is still infatuated with Zoey after she drank some of his blood. Zoey believes there’s a strong possibility that Heath may have been imprinted with her after she felt a rush of euphoria overcome her while tasting his blood. Her imprinting and Heath’s desperate need for her is mirrored in the story of Herakles and Hippolyte.

The story of Herakles and Hippolyte is one from the history pages. According to the original legend, Theseus attacks without proper authority but rather than the Amazons and Greeks coming to blows, the two leaders fight each other alone. They fight for more than an hour and in the end call it a draw of sorts.

Herakles accepts her as the victor and offers a taste of his immortal blood which she has been craving since she first bled him during their trial of combat. Their imprinting is passionate yet tragic, for he still has duties to god and king while she has duties to her people and breaks the imprinting.

Zoey however, does not break the imprinting with Heath due to advice from Nyx herself. Perhaps there will be a use for Heath and his imprinted ability to locate Zoey wherever she is? This remains to be seen on the comic book pages but fans of the novel already know some of what is going to happen.

Zoey completes the Full Moon Ritual and it signifies her full command of the Dark Daughters; to promoting equality, respect and acceptance for every Vampire fledgling within the walls of the House of Night. The ritual itself is a lighting of candles and an offering of food which was delivered with very little fan fare or anticipation.

The events of the first five issues of House of Night have changed Zoey Redbird from class outcast to leader of the Dark Daughters. Following the lessons that she has learned from the Goddess Nyx, she now knows compassion and leadership, forgiveness and respect.

Her impulsiveness has been tempered to a certain degree and she now has a council of friends for which to call upon for help. Issue # 5 is already in stores. The release of the hard cover collection of all five issues is currently available for preorder and due for release on July 4.

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About the author

Calvin Li
Calvin is currently a Politics and Entertainment writer, as well as the Assistant Gaming Editor for Toonari Post. He holds a Master's Degree in History and a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. A Native New Yorker, he enjoys speed reading and eating, as well as exploring, snowboarding and bowling.