Archive for the ‘Laurell K Hamilton’ Category

1. A Kiss of Shadows (Meredith Gentry, Book 1)
2. A Caress of Twilight (Meredith Gentry, Book 2)
3. Seduced by Moonlight (Meredith Gentry, Book 3)
4. A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Book 4)
5. Mistral’s Kiss (Meredith Gentry, Book 5)
6. A Lick of Frost (Meredith Gentry, Book 6)
7. Swallowing Darkness (Meredith Gentry, Book 7)
8. Divine Misdemeanors: A Novel (Meredith Gentry) (will be released Oct 20th 2009)

1. Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)  (read my review)
2. The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 2) (read my review)
3. Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 3)
4. The Lunatic Cafe (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 4)
5. Bloody Bones (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 5)
6. The Killing Dance (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 6)
7. Burnt Offerings (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 7)
8. Blue Moon (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book
9. Obsidian Butterfly (An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 9)
10. Narcissus in Chains (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 10)
11. Cerulean Sins (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 11)
12. Incubus Dreams (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 12)
13. Micah (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 13)
14. Danse Macabre (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 14)
15. The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 15) (read my review)
16. Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 16)  (read my review) 
17. Skin Trade (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 17) (being released June 2nd 2009)

Book #16 – Quick Note: CAREFUL! Do not read this review if you are not that far into the series please. I love experiencing the character development through a series, and there is a *slight* spoiler here in that sense.

This was a nice easy read. Nothing too traumatic, and not too much of a whirlwind of male characters (at least not compared to her last few books). This one is slightly reminiscent to some of her older books, (a slight mystery, some danger, etc…)

It is based mostly on the deep friendship of Anita and Jason (somewhat like the “Micah” book in terms that it is more of a one on one concentration). Jason’s father is dying, and although they are not on good terms, he agrees to see him before he dies. Anita accompanies him, for moral support, and to give the illusion, to his father, that they are a couple.

When they arrive in Jason’s hometown, they discover that someone in his family is having a wedding, and due to their political standing, there is a whirlwind of media attention awaiting. Unfortunately, Jason is almost identical in looks, to the cousin in question, and is mistaken by the media (and other bad guys) as the actual cousin (who is also the Governor’s son). This one was kind of interesting!

Anita does encounter yet another wereanimal trying to break free of her, and again finds a potential “assistant” in this issue that I feel might become a frequent character in the future. I actually liked this new character. Another sweet and gentle “male stripper” that is almost reminiscent of Nathaniel.

Crispin put a hand on the side of my face, and the touch helped, quieted my pulse. he leaned over me and spoke just before he kissed me. “I hear the lady’s call and I answer.”

A pretty good chapter with Richard (a new and interesting development that I hope will continue to be played out in more stories to come). What surprised me was how Richard and friends, (or should I say not friends), in the last book, ”finale -ied” (I know, I know, it’s not a word – but it’s my blog, and I’ll make up words if I want to!). However, in this one, he seems to be right where he always is with Anita? Am I missing something?

Unfortunately, there was barely any Jean-Claude (again). Since he is my favorite (as a “one on one” character), I was disappointed, that he has been portrayed lately, as a “Busy Master Vampire”, and his character is delivered mostly via the conversations of other characters.

Luckily, we did get one of his gentle phone conversations, so at least, there was that:

“You are not thirty and he is twenty three. You are both so very young, ma petite. You will go away to his hometown and be very young together. It is something I cannot be with you. I cannot be young and naive and uncertain.”

“You wouldn’t be you if you were any of those things. I love you the way you are, Jean-Claude.”

“Did I sound like I needed to hear that, ma petite?”;

“Yes,” I said.

…”I find myself strangely conflicted. Jason is my pomme de sang, and is precious to me. That my human servant is taking care of him in such a caring way is a lovely thing. It will make other vampires think me a very kind master, but I know that you do it because you care for him. He is young and handsome and charming.”;

“You cannot be insecure.”

“Why can I not be?”

“Because you are beautiful and amazing in bed, and I love you.”

“But Jason can be one thing for you that I cannot, ma petite.”

“What’s that?”

“Mortal….”

All I can say is ”Awwwwwwwwwww”. Someone undead most certainly needs a *hug*

Book # 15 of the series. This was definitely not one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten some of the story since it has been a week or so since I’ve read it. I usually retain almost every bit of a book that I’ve loved, but with this series, I don’t know if it is because there are so many of them, that they are simply running into each other in my own memory, or if it’s that I am a little more bored with this series.  However, since I have followed the “Anita Blake” crew from the start, I still appreciate my time with this set.

A quick overview: This is about a group of Vampires called “The Harlequin” (almost like a “secret vampire policing agency”) that investigates, and has the right to “dispose of” other Vampires that are not abiding by the Vampire laws. Unfortunately, they set their sights on Jean Claude, Anita and their entourage, but as time progresses, our Heroine discovers that “The Harlequin” are also not abiding by the rules, and yet again, another metaphysical fight for their lives ensue.

What I liked? Some touching scenes between Anita and her men (Richard in particular). Richard, like usual has some clearer, more accepting, moments of the situations at hand. One particular scene is when Richard, one night, decides to take comfort in Anita and her entourage.

“Ok I love Anita. I’m trying to learn to love all of her, even the part that wants to live with two other men.”

I also thought Edward’s character (he’s back in a big way!) was very human in this novel. We also see a new side of Micah, although, it is somewhat shortlived, as he is not prevalent in this installment.

Of all the people in the room,I hadn’t expected problems from Micah. From the look on Rafael’s face, him either. “I meant no disrespect Nimir-Raj”.

“Yes you did”, Micah said,

“Micah…” I said

He shook his head at me. “No Anita, we can’t let an insult like this go. We can’t.”

What I did not like as much: Richard has his “fits” again (so the constant push-pull is prevalent in this novel). We have a TON of characters in this book, and therefore nobody gets real one on one time. It’s just a constant whirlwind of conversations, love declarations and angst (lots and lots of angst)! I like angst in books, but more so when there seems to be some sort of happy resolution and completion in the end.

One of the softer “angst” moments:

Requiem squeezed my hand and gave me one of his rare smiles. “I take no offense my evening star; he hates what I am, many people do”…

He stopped closer to the door and Edward, away from Dolph, but turned to the big man. ” ‘Darkling I listen; and, for many a time I have been half in love with easeful Death, Call’d him soft names in many a mused rhyme.”

“Are you threatening me?” Dolph asked in a voice gone cold.

“Not you,” I said. “I don’t think he was threatening you.”

“Then what did he mean by that?”

“He’s quoting Keats. ‘Ode to a Nightingale,’ I think,” I said…

“I don’t care what he’s quoting, Anita. I want to know what he meant by it.”

“What it means,” I said, meeting Requiem’s blue blue gaze, “at a guess, is that he’s half-wishing you’d pull the trigger.”

In the Anita Blake series, I never get that sense of relief. Perhaps that’s why I keep coming back for more. I am bound and determined to see it through until true love finally shows. Yes, I know that the concept of this series is that “true love” exists amongst the whole group and Anita (not one is more loved than the other), but my own socially conscious mind, cannot wrap itself wholeheartedly around this concept. Come on…she’s got to have a favorite!!! I know who I vote for! What about you?

WARNING: Although this is just a synopsis, some of the information given, may be considered spoilers…My review in no way gives away the ending, and there is MUCH to read about!

Anita Blake is on a case to solve the recent murders of humans by a supernatural being (appearing to be a murderous Zombie). She is lead to “Dominga Salvadore” (the most powerful Voodoo Priestess in all of the Midwest) through a fellow colleague, that believes Dominga might be able to help in solving the identity of what, exactly, is killing everyone. Anita soon learns about the true power of magic (and evil), in the likes of this Voodoo Priestess.

You see, Dominga, had discovered a way to manipulate the souls of the dead, removing and replacing their souls from their bodies, at will, thus delaying any decay. She intends on using this power to create “sex slaves”, (by selling the dead/alive zombies) and not ever allowing their souls to pass on.

Dominga recognizes the true power Anita possesses and the potential of what Anita could become. She offers to teach Anita how to develop her abilities (and not just her voodoo skills that she limits herself to), and wants Anita to partner with her on this project. When Dominga is refused, she causes a world of torment for Anita, and Anita (all on her own) learns to use her powers to their maximum potential for the fight against evil.

Anita also has a smaller battle to deal with in her private life, in resisting the irresistible Vampire “Jean Claude”. In the recent onslaught of battles, the results of his protecting Anita have also bonded them together via “Vampire Marks” which allow her to heal quickly, be stronger than most humans, and allow each other to communicate in ways unspoken. In the Vampire world, she is now considered his “Human Servant”. However, in the real world, Anita is nobody’s servant, and refuses to attach herself to anyone, let alone a VAMPIRE, in such a way. Despite being seriously attracted to Jean Claude, she is a devout Christian,  and fears damnation by allowing herself to succumb to a Vampire).

Her struggle with her spiritual beliefs

“How do you know what compromises my soul? You don’t have one anymore”

Her struggle with her attraction to Jean Claude:

“I feel your desire for me, ma petite, as I desire you”

I shrugged. What could I say? “It’s just a little lust, Jean Claude, nothing special”. That was a lie. I knew it even as I said it.

While most Vampires would force the issue with their power and through fear, Jean Claude’s affection for Anita is stronger than his desire to control her, and he allows her to fight him, while gently easing his way into her heart.

Problem is, now that he is the Master of the City, he may appear somewhat weak to the other Vampires, as he is unable and unwilling to control his “Human Servant”.

“By fighting me, you make me appear weak. I cannot afford that ma petite“

Anita again, is thrown into a whirlwind of deadly magic, murderous monsters, and fights for her life multiple times throughout this book (she has three different evil villains to contend with – the murderous monster, the Evil Voodoo Priestess, and one of her own clients, who threatens her life if she doesn’t perform his request in raising a certain dead). The tensions run high, the events always frightful. Her strength, skill and strong mind almost always keep her a step ahead, but not without the deadly close calls always nipping at her heels.

Believe me! The end will leave you breathless and wanting more (despite the possible nightmares that you may experience)…

I started this series after my “love affair” with the Sookie Stackhouse novels, came to a reluctant end. I was desperate to get involved in another series that had a ton of already published books (so that my journey wouldn’t be cut short), and was thrilled to discover that with the “Anita Blake” novels, this trip wouldn’t be over quickly.

Although there were mixed reviews on a few of the 15 books that make up this lengthy expedition, I thought I’d give it a try, anyway, and I’m happy to say it’s been pretty fun so far. While I admit, the mood and tone of the stories change significantly, midway through the series, I had already become quite attached to many of the characters, and therefore I wasn’t so quick to disregard future story lines.

The 1st novel of this series introduces us to “Anita Blake”, a pretty, petite, hard-ass type (strapped in guns) that works for both an “animation” company (as in “raising the dead” – she is a necromancer), and for the FBI on “supernatural” murder investigations (and as a Vampire Executioner for murderous vampires not abiding by the law). You see, Vampires are now legally considered citizens, and well, raising the dead is just another necessary service available to the public (you know, to raise possible witnesses for court cases, or help in legal proceedings for contested Wills and such).

Anita is not fond of Vampires (she considers them “Monsters” – simply “walking dead”). Although she is partially immune to their powers, she still mistrusts them completely, and won’t look them directly in the eyes (they can “roll” you with their eyes – mind control). She slightly prefers Lycanthropes (shape shifters/werewolves, and other wereanimals – yes – they exist and are legal citizens too), and she believes it is not their fault they caught “Lycanthropy”. They are still half human, after all. Anita, along with the rest of society, has a slight prejudice towards them, as regular humans fear “catching” their disease.

During a “bachelorette party”, Anita finds herself dragged to a strip club called “Guilty Pleasures”, featuring male Vampires, and Lycanthrope strippers. It is owned by Master Vampire “Jean Claude (tall, lean and French. Simply gorgeous, and exactly what you’d expect a beautiful Vampire to look like – long dark hair, lacy frilly shirts, leather pants and boots, and a voice that is dripping with eroticism).

After things go awry at the club, Anita finds herself suddenly entrenched in the Vampire world, as she realizes they have used her friend (by bespelling the bachelorette) as a bargaining chip to force Anita’s hand to help them (Vampires are being murdered, and the police investigators are not having much luck solving the crimes).

Anita (considered a Vampire expert) is essentially kidnapped, and somewhat brutalized by some of the vampires involved (The Master of the City – Nikolaos and her flunkies), however Jean Claude curiously has a deep affinity towards Anita, and finds himself protecting her.

Horrific battles ensue, as Nikolaos, the Master Vampire proves to be pure evil. Despite her (forced) promise to Nikolaos that she will solve the Vampire murders, Anita soon finds herself constantly battling for her own life, as well as the innocents around her.

This book was a great read! Lots of action, beautiful detail, and a good introduction to many characters that we would soon find ourselves rooting for in future works. Although no real sexual interactions, there is plenty of sexual tension, and an interesting foreshadowing of what was soon to come…

Quick sidenote: I found an artist online, who has drawn the most BEAUTIFUL (and in my opinion, accurate) renditions of the characters described in Anita Blake novels. I have actually made a paper bookmark featuring her drawings that I have used personally, throughout each book. It helped me figure out who was who while I was reading, and I always love to have a good visualization of what a character looks like. It makes them more “human” to me, (haha – funny choice of words here) vs. simply having a vague idea in my head. My favorites are her renditions of “Jean Claude”, and of “Asher” – wow! Making someone (Asher) who was so scarred look so handsome (as described in later books), is quite incredible!

Take a look. You will not be disappointed! http://wycked.deviantart.com/gallery/

I can’t wait to get started! I have been avidly following the whole Anita Blake series, and am quite fond of that eccentric bunch!

Of course I have my favorite books out of this series…and perhaps a few that have left me somewhat bewildered, but its all in good fun!

After all of this time, the whole group of ‘em feel like old friends now, and every time I get a new Anita Blake book, I get all warm and fuzzy inside (wait – that didn’t sound right, considering some of the crazy scenes depicted…).

OK well…forget I said that!!!

In fact, I will start blogging about this series soon enough, and boy do I have a lot to catch up with on that!