Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)
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*
3 stars
Check out the entire series reading order guide right here ——> Laurell K Hamilton – Anita Blake Series Reading Order
Thanks for the book review, I just got into this series and finished this book. I think your review was spot on and I also missed jean claude in this. Happy reading….