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Jane Yellowrock #5
Death's Rival
Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker you don’t want to cross—especially if you’re one of the undead…
For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires and makes their masters easy prey.
For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires and makes their masters easy prey.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
574 people are currently reading
3818 people want to read
About the author
Faith Hunter
90 books5,716 followersFaith Hunter's Junkyard Cats novella series is available in Audible, eBook, and "ridiculously expensive" (her words) trade paperback books at this time.
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats. 15 books and several compilations of shorts
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED. 6 books
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith is a full time writer who finally hired a housekeeper when the dust bunnies multiplied, She bakes homemade bread and loves to cook.
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. She has a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, a boar skull, a deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. Her prize skull is a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers to kayak all over the Southeast. Whitewater Kayaking is her very favorite sport, discovered when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com . To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... and see her website blog at
www.faithhunter.net
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats. 15 books and several compilations of shorts
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED. 6 books
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith is a full time writer who finally hired a housekeeper when the dust bunnies multiplied, She bakes homemade bread and loves to cook.
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. She has a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, a boar skull, a deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. Her prize skull is a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers to kayak all over the Southeast. Whitewater Kayaking is her very favorite sport, discovered when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com . To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... and see her website blog at
www.faithhunter.net
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December 7, 2019
Reread
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
March 5, 2017
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with the Wednesday UF fanatics @ BB&B - because we love the Beast in all of us!!!
I was not planning on writing a review, but I felt I had to say couple of words about this very important point of Jane's development in the series. When we left her at the end of the last book, Jane's boyfriend went the way of a separate from her life and somewhat blames her for being a cheating douchebag and screwing his life up; her best girlfriend turned her back on her and blames her for everything going wrong in her life, despite Jane saving her and her family over and over again and protecting her from making difficult decisions; the vampires whom she used to hunt now she has to protect, and all those who are supposed to have her back either abandon her or turn against her.... She has no home, no loved ones who would stand by her, and all the guilt the people around her keep on piling up on top of her, for some reason she accepts and caries on her shoulders... On top of everything, Beast has been very quiet since the meeting with an angel... She feels lonelier than ever and maybe more than ever needs her friends to stand by her, but not one of them is!!!! It is heartbreaking!
So, here she is, in the lowest point since we met her, and her boss, Leo, entraps and abuses her in such a despicably cruel and unforgivable way, enslaving her and eventually Beast, that this strong and independent warrior we have come to love, is debased beyond what any of us could have expected. It is painful, it is disturbing, it is horrible!!! What happens to our beloved Jane Y. is abominable, but the story itself, the writing, and the extreme feelings it provokes are amazingly strong!!!! Although I was enraged by the way Jane is treated and the constant betrayals and entrapments by characters Jane should be able to trust explicitly, the drama and growth those situations provide are very well thought out and planned by the author. She has not tried to create a world where things go Jane's way, and it pains me to have to watch our girl be bitten down and demoralized by the darkness that the author surrounds her with. But I am glued to the story not because of the horrors which bring Jane to her knees. I am hanging on every sentence and word because of the way Jane never stops trying to get up! It is because despite all of her friends turning their backs on her, she is still going to find it in her soul to forgive without forgetting, and to always try to stand up for what is right! I am rooting for her because I have been down in the dirt and I know what it takes to be able to gather the emotional strength to raise your head up and try to get up one more time!!! And yes, it is ugly, it's unfair, and it is very, very painful, but there are things, people and concepts which are worth trying to get up for! And this is why Jane speaks to my heart, despite how angry I get with the rest of the cast most of the time.
No, the book is not perfect, the story can be a bit disjointed at times, and even I want to tell Jane to stop it with the guilt already, but despite all of that, this is one addictive series which is very compelling with the strength of the world building and storyline. The characters could have more debt and I am all for more Beast and Pia getting more page time, but I will be happy with just being in this world!
I would recommend this series to the UF fans out there and those who enjoy adventure and some crazy vampires:-)
Now I want to wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a Good book!!!
A buddy read with the Wednesday UF fanatics @ BB&B - because we love the Beast in all of us!!!
I was not planning on writing a review, but I felt I had to say couple of words about this very important point of Jane's development in the series. When we left her at the end of the last book, Jane's boyfriend went the way of a separate from her life and somewhat blames her for being a cheating douchebag and screwing his life up; her best girlfriend turned her back on her and blames her for everything going wrong in her life, despite Jane saving her and her family over and over again and protecting her from making difficult decisions; the vampires whom she used to hunt now she has to protect, and all those who are supposed to have her back either abandon her or turn against her.... She has no home, no loved ones who would stand by her, and all the guilt the people around her keep on piling up on top of her, for some reason she accepts and caries on her shoulders... On top of everything, Beast has been very quiet since the meeting with an angel... She feels lonelier than ever and maybe more than ever needs her friends to stand by her, but not one of them is!!!! It is heartbreaking!
So, here she is, in the lowest point since we met her, and her boss, Leo, entraps and abuses her in such a despicably cruel and unforgivable way, enslaving her and eventually Beast, that this strong and independent warrior we have come to love, is debased beyond what any of us could have expected. It is painful, it is disturbing, it is horrible!!! What happens to our beloved Jane Y. is abominable, but the story itself, the writing, and the extreme feelings it provokes are amazingly strong!!!! Although I was enraged by the way Jane is treated and the constant betrayals and entrapments by characters Jane should be able to trust explicitly, the drama and growth those situations provide are very well thought out and planned by the author. She has not tried to create a world where things go Jane's way, and it pains me to have to watch our girl be bitten down and demoralized by the darkness that the author surrounds her with. But I am glued to the story not because of the horrors which bring Jane to her knees. I am hanging on every sentence and word because of the way Jane never stops trying to get up! It is because despite all of her friends turning their backs on her, she is still going to find it in her soul to forgive without forgetting, and to always try to stand up for what is right! I am rooting for her because I have been down in the dirt and I know what it takes to be able to gather the emotional strength to raise your head up and try to get up one more time!!! And yes, it is ugly, it's unfair, and it is very, very painful, but there are things, people and concepts which are worth trying to get up for! And this is why Jane speaks to my heart, despite how angry I get with the rest of the cast most of the time.
No, the book is not perfect, the story can be a bit disjointed at times, and even I want to tell Jane to stop it with the guilt already, but despite all of that, this is one addictive series which is very compelling with the strength of the world building and storyline. The characters could have more debt and I am all for more Beast and Pia getting more page time, but I will be happy with just being in this world!
I would recommend this series to the UF fans out there and those who enjoy adventure and some crazy vampires:-)
Now I want to wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a Good book!!!
March 12, 2017
Oh Jane I want to love you but you make it really hard sometimes. At least I always love beast.
Honestly I was the most engaged in this book for various reasons and I had probably my strongest emotional reaction to this one so I think that in ways FH’s writing is getting a better but I struggle with Jane’s incessant need to take responsibility for abso-freaking-lutely everything. If a meteor hit near New Orleans I’m sure Jane would find a way to make it her fault and her responsibility to clean up.
I’ll mention the good here and then I’m going to rant for awhile *clears throat*
The bad guy. We don’t get a ton of time with him but his entire power play in an effort to take over various vampires territory is really different and interesting. Using illness to make the vampires so weak they need to concede to his rule to receive an antidote was a new take that I hadn’t seen before in a UF book so far.
I loved seeing Sabina and her role on the vampire council. She is amazing and I really want to learn more about both her and Bethany since they are both outclan and we get a glimpse of what that means here.
There is also the addition of Eli and his brother to Jane’s inner circle. I like those two and it looks like Eli has no intention of getting mixed up in Jane’s love life so I hope he will be a good friend to her and his little brother a.k.a. ‘The Kid’ will offset all the dark characters lingering in Jane’s life. They seem like work wise they can be a good team and be totally on Team Jane as opposed to Derek who also seems to work for Jane, himself and Leo depending on the situation.
The reveals about Jane’s past and what happened to the rest of the skinwalkers was also a nice addition to the story and did give her some purpose in the fight against the big bad unknown vampire in town.
Ranting in
3….
2….
1….
I have a few issues with this book and this series is general. I haven’t read any of the short stories in-between books and so when we go into this and Jane says that her relationship with Rick is completely over, Molly isn’t her friend anymore and she has left Leo’s service to I seriously went back to see if I accidentally skipped a book.
But nope I was on the right book I’m just missing the shorts in-between and so I have no context for most of that and it really isn’t explained it is just dropped and then we are moving on.
I was actually really happy that the Rick debacle was supposedly over. I’ve hated that dude from book 1. But nope he shows up later this book too and we are back to the oh he is so cute I think I love him we can find a way to be together. *throw up in my mouth a little*. No just no. I’m so over the love triangle quadrangle that is this series. Pick a dick, pick a chick, pick to be celebate the rest of your life if these are your choices but decide already. Jane had thoughts that she was in love with Bruiser and Rick in this book I HATE that part of this story. I think it is time for beast to take charge and sleep with all of them and then decide. Just kidding I really hate love triangles and Jane seems to think every guy out there is sex on a stick.
Why is Jane still with Leo in New Orleans??? I don’t get it she is miserable. She talks about how much she doesn’t like the person she is becoming and how horrible everything is. She was a rogue vampire hunter there have to be some rogue vamps somewhere else you think that she would do that instead of taking everything as her responsibility so she must stay and help Leo (who I remind you has tried to kill her more than once). *Throws hands in the air* why are you still there.
Okay and now we come to The Thing
Look I am of the opinion you hang out with Vamps or anything long enough and stuff just becomes normal. If you put yourself in that kind of proximity to them then yes at some point you are going to get burned. I still hated what Leo did to Jane. It was wrong on so many levels especially since she had recently saved him from something similar. I don’t blame Bruiser, if anything I feel so sorry for him and hope this is the wake up event he needed to see that if he is with Leo he can never have Jane. I feel bad for Jane too she played with fire and got burned but both lost trust in things they took for granted when ‘the thing’ happened. Beast is smart after this happened and she knows how to win in the long run.
I wish that the character relationships were stronger in this series. Most of the time I think that many things can be cleared up with a simple conversation but it never happens and I wonder how long Ms Hunter plans on dragging out certain plot arcs.
I need Jane to grow up a little and take charge of her personal life. She can kill and maim and hurt but she needs to balance that with a few other life skills. Even when others are telling her that she isn’t responsible for certain things she still claims them.
The ending with Rick is again something I just toss my hands up in the air and say “REALLY?” It needed to go down like that??? *Sigh, double sigh*. Rick is an utter jerk 90% of the time but Jane is clueless when it comes to other people. But maybe this means that we have really seen the last of him. At least that is my hope.
Since I’m reading this with a group I’m continuing on. Maybe just because it is so fun to argue and rant with them. But if I were reading it on my own I’d probably drop it and wander off to read some Kate Daniels so my faith in the Urban Fantasy Heroine could be restored.
Read with
Honestly I was the most engaged in this book for various reasons and I had probably my strongest emotional reaction to this one so I think that in ways FH’s writing is getting a better but I struggle with Jane’s incessant need to take responsibility for abso-freaking-lutely everything. If a meteor hit near New Orleans I’m sure Jane would find a way to make it her fault and her responsibility to clean up.
I’ll mention the good here and then I’m going to rant for awhile *clears throat*
The bad guy. We don’t get a ton of time with him but his entire power play in an effort to take over various vampires territory is really different and interesting. Using illness to make the vampires so weak they need to concede to his rule to receive an antidote was a new take that I hadn’t seen before in a UF book so far.
I loved seeing Sabina and her role on the vampire council. She is amazing and I really want to learn more about both her and Bethany since they are both outclan and we get a glimpse of what that means here.
There is also the addition of Eli and his brother to Jane’s inner circle. I like those two and it looks like Eli has no intention of getting mixed up in Jane’s love life so I hope he will be a good friend to her and his little brother a.k.a. ‘The Kid’ will offset all the dark characters lingering in Jane’s life. They seem like work wise they can be a good team and be totally on Team Jane as opposed to Derek who also seems to work for Jane, himself and Leo depending on the situation.
The reveals about Jane’s past and what happened to the rest of the skinwalkers was also a nice addition to the story and did give her some purpose in the fight against the big bad unknown vampire in town.
Ranting in
3….
2….
1….
I have a few issues with this book and this series is general. I haven’t read any of the short stories in-between books and so when we go into this and Jane says that her relationship with Rick is completely over, Molly isn’t her friend anymore and she has left Leo’s service to I seriously went back to see if I accidentally skipped a book.
But nope I was on the right book I’m just missing the shorts in-between and so I have no context for most of that and it really isn’t explained it is just dropped and then we are moving on.
I was actually really happy that the Rick debacle was supposedly over. I’ve hated that dude from book 1. But nope he shows up later this book too and we are back to the oh he is so cute I think I love him we can find a way to be together. *throw up in my mouth a little*. No just no. I’m so over the love triangle quadrangle that is this series. Pick a dick, pick a chick, pick to be celebate the rest of your life if these are your choices but decide already. Jane had thoughts that she was in love with Bruiser and Rick in this book I HATE that part of this story. I think it is time for beast to take charge and sleep with all of them and then decide. Just kidding I really hate love triangles and Jane seems to think every guy out there is sex on a stick.
Why is Jane still with Leo in New Orleans??? I don’t get it she is miserable. She talks about how much she doesn’t like the person she is becoming and how horrible everything is. She was a rogue vampire hunter there have to be some rogue vamps somewhere else you think that she would do that instead of taking everything as her responsibility so she must stay and help Leo (who I remind you has tried to kill her more than once). *Throws hands in the air* why are you still there.
Okay and now we come to The Thing
Look I am of the opinion you hang out with Vamps or anything long enough and stuff just becomes normal. If you put yourself in that kind of proximity to them then yes at some point you are going to get burned. I still hated what Leo did to Jane. It was wrong on so many levels especially since she had recently saved him from something similar. I don’t blame Bruiser, if anything I feel so sorry for him and hope this is the wake up event he needed to see that if he is with Leo he can never have Jane. I feel bad for Jane too she played with fire and got burned but both lost trust in things they took for granted when ‘the thing’ happened. Beast is smart after this happened and she knows how to win in the long run.
Beast lost much here. Beast lost winter food. Beast lost meat. Hissed thought, Lost to pack. Tonight Jane lost to pack. Bruiser lost to pack. But Jane is not pack. Bruiser is not pack. Jane is Jane and Bruiser is Bruiser. I batted a rib bone hard with paw. It spun into dark and landed in brush. There is no shame in losing to pack with strong alpha. Shame is from not fighting again when pack is smaller, when pack-alpha is not expecting attack. Only shame is giving up.
I wish that the character relationships were stronger in this series. Most of the time I think that many things can be cleared up with a simple conversation but it never happens and I wonder how long Ms Hunter plans on dragging out certain plot arcs.
I need Jane to grow up a little and take charge of her personal life. She can kill and maim and hurt but she needs to balance that with a few other life skills. Even when others are telling her that she isn’t responsible for certain things she still claims them.
The ending with Rick is again something I just toss my hands up in the air and say “REALLY?” It needed to go down like that??? *Sigh, double sigh*. Rick is an utter jerk 90% of the time but Jane is clueless when it comes to other people. But maybe this means that we have really seen the last of him. At least that is my hope.
Since I’m reading this with a group I’m continuing on. Maybe just because it is so fun to argue and rant with them. But if I were reading it on my own I’d probably drop it and wander off to read some Kate Daniels so my faith in the Urban Fantasy Heroine could be restored.
Read with
November 7, 2022
There’s a disease of some sort infecting vampire covens. Once infected, covens are switching loyalties over to a different head vampire in exchange for a cure. Hmmm… sounds fishy. When one of Leo’s cities is infected, he sends Jane to investigate. And of course, everywhere Jane goes, people keep trying to kill her. This one was kind of murky for a while with lots of Jane on her own with random people trying to assassinate her every few pages, and then dying plague victims. Still, a super-cool story line we hadn’t seen before.
Things definitely got INTERESTING in this one with regards to Leo, Bruiser, and I liked the new players we met in this one. And the way things unfolded with the plague plot was COOL and complex. That’s one thing I super-love about Faith Hunter, the tricky world building that twists and never disappoints.
Things definitely got INTERESTING in this one with regards to Leo, Bruiser, and I liked the new players we met in this one. And the way things unfolded with the plague plot was COOL and complex. That’s one thing I super-love about Faith Hunter, the tricky world building that twists and never disappoints.
October 10, 2012
Not a bad read, more likely a 3.7 rating for me but Jane has to really decide who the hell she wants??
Everyone is good mate...
Everyone wants a piece of Jane...
Leo... Bruiser... Rick... Eli....
Damn vampire politics.
Damn the crazy vamps.
What I really hope not to read again?
What type of gear she is wearing.. what weapons she has on.
Just go out and kill someone.
And really.. the romance.
Fix it, if not sleep with everyone and move on!
Everyone is good mate...
Everyone wants a piece of Jane...
Leo... Bruiser... Rick... Eli....
Damn vampire politics.
Damn the crazy vamps.
What I really hope not to read again?
What type of gear she is wearing.. what weapons she has on.
Just go out and kill someone.
And really.. the romance.
Fix it, if not sleep with everyone and move on!
November 8, 2012
So I've had a nasty migraine lurking all day, getting breathers for an hour or two after i take some drugs. It's my sister's birthday and she kind of insisted on having lasagna, and by 'insisted,' i mean that she threatened to have a temper-tantrum. So I had to run to the grocery store with a pounding headache because she was only in town for ten days. Drugs kick in again and I'm feeling almost human, so I drop off the groceries with my mom, so she could do the truly dirty work of putting the lasagna together while I tried to recover from the headache. I pretended I was laying down to take a nap but instead read Death's Rival.
Yes, it was that good.
A disease is spreading through the vampires, the first time anyone had heard of vamps getting sick. The illness seems to come with a challenge; accept a new master of the city or die. Jane heads off to Arizona to collect blood samples from the infected and check in on one of Leo's former lovers who is sick. She's attacked. She meets up with the Arizona vamps. She's attacked again. She completes the mission by checking in on Seattle vamps and getting a blood sample from an infected. Then it starts getting convoluted.
Jane starts to realize she's overly dependent on her current network of backup, consisting of Derek and the gang, and her hacker, Reach. Someone's been leaking information to the enemy. She works on developing her business and disentangling herself from reliance on the vampires. A smart move that is more in keeping with Jane's initial character development, so I appreciate a return to her core values. It also provided opportunities for entertaining interactions between her and a pair of brothers, one ex-military and one hacker (a little convenient, but I'm okay with it). Events also spark memories for Jane, so she makes several trips to the sweat lodge. Once again, sections with Aggie One Feather shine as Jane continues her journey of understanding her past and accepting her dual nature. Sections with Beast, her cat-soul, were enjoyable. Hunter achieves an unique voice, but has stepped up Beast's thought process and sophistication as she and Jane continue to actively learn from each other.
Romance readers beware--there isn't much here but hints and flirts. Since I'm not a romance/paranormal romance reader, I enjoyed the fact that there was very little focus on Jane's romantic relationship(s). A section with Rick that made me felt like I was missing an in-between story, although I've bought all her paper books, as there were underlying issues that I don't remember from the last book.
One detraction for me is
Overall, a good read and a nice step forward in character development. Anything that can grab me despite a headache is something worth reading.
Yes, it was that good.
A disease is spreading through the vampires, the first time anyone had heard of vamps getting sick. The illness seems to come with a challenge; accept a new master of the city or die. Jane heads off to Arizona to collect blood samples from the infected and check in on one of Leo's former lovers who is sick. She's attacked. She meets up with the Arizona vamps. She's attacked again. She completes the mission by checking in on Seattle vamps and getting a blood sample from an infected. Then it starts getting convoluted.
Jane starts to realize she's overly dependent on her current network of backup, consisting of Derek and the gang, and her hacker, Reach. Someone's been leaking information to the enemy. She works on developing her business and disentangling herself from reliance on the vampires. A smart move that is more in keeping with Jane's initial character development, so I appreciate a return to her core values. It also provided opportunities for entertaining interactions between her and a pair of brothers, one ex-military and one hacker (a little convenient, but I'm okay with it). Events also spark memories for Jane, so she makes several trips to the sweat lodge. Once again, sections with Aggie One Feather shine as Jane continues her journey of understanding her past and accepting her dual nature. Sections with Beast, her cat-soul, were enjoyable. Hunter achieves an unique voice, but has stepped up Beast's thought process and sophistication as she and Jane continue to actively learn from each other.
Romance readers beware--there isn't much here but hints and flirts. Since I'm not a romance/paranormal romance reader, I enjoyed the fact that there was very little focus on Jane's romantic relationship(s). A section with Rick that made me felt like I was missing an in-between story, although I've bought all her paper books, as there were underlying issues that I don't remember from the last book.
One detraction for me is
Overall, a good read and a nice step forward in character development. Anything that can grab me despite a headache is something worth reading.
July 17, 2016
Wow, this was the best one so far!
Truth be told, I didn't expect more than a 3.5, 4 star rating on this book, saw some pretty bad reviews. But wow, I absolutely loved this one!
I mean, I don't even know where all those pages went, it was a really fast paced novel that I couldn't put down. I love the Jane we find here, and the plot was brilliant!
What more can you want from a book, great characters, an excellent plot, really good writing and a fast-paced story. It's the kind of book I'd read again and again.
Truth be told, I didn't expect more than a 3.5, 4 star rating on this book, saw some pretty bad reviews. But wow, I absolutely loved this one!
I mean, I don't even know where all those pages went, it was a really fast paced novel that I couldn't put down. I love the Jane we find here, and the plot was brilliant!
What more can you want from a book, great characters, an excellent plot, really good writing and a fast-paced story. It's the kind of book I'd read again and again.
March 17, 2016
3 stars
Incoherent rant ahead, more as a reminder to me, why I will put this series on pause.
Incoherent rant ahead, more as a reminder to me, why I will put this series on pause.
August 30, 2014
I'm trying to stick out this series because a) I love urban fantasy and there's not enough of it, and b) I'm still (unreasonably) hoping for some romantic resolution or character growth for Jane.
I'd also like to give a big shout out now for all those liar-liar-pants-on-fire reviewers who said this series is like Kate Daniels or Mercy Thompson. That could not be further from the truth. If you're looking for a good comparison think Anita Blake (and getting more cray-cray by the minute) or Sookie Stackhouse.
In this book Leo forcibly feeds on Jane to put her under his power. He is assisted in this by Bruiser (the most one dimensional male love interest in romantic/fantasy novel history). Jane is angry for like... 2 seconds. Then she goes and has a sauna and gets over it and starts working for them again. She has no self-respect and no standards. There is Not. One. Single. good-looking male character (no matter how minor) that walks past Jane without her having some sort of involuntary heat/lust/moan reaction. It happens all the time. It's like a disease. Even in the middle of life and death battles she has to stop and pash a couple of guys. And it's not because their conversation or intelligence or beliefs have anything to do with it. It's because they have a cute butt or face or both.
The plot is the same in all the books. Some bad/crazy vampires are killing people and Jane has to rescue everyone.
Anyway at this stage, I think Jane is the most pathetic female UF heroine ever. I hate each and every one of her male love interests (and all the other guys she pants after). I hope in the last book of the series they all die.
Disclaimer: Obviously I'm having emotional issues with the direction the author is taking her characters. Please read some of the many glowing reviews for a balanced opinion. In another telling sign I am still buying these stupid books!
I'd also like to give a big shout out now for all those liar-liar-pants-on-fire reviewers who said this series is like Kate Daniels or Mercy Thompson. That could not be further from the truth. If you're looking for a good comparison think Anita Blake (and getting more cray-cray by the minute) or Sookie Stackhouse.
In this book Leo forcibly feeds on Jane to put her under his power. He is assisted in this by Bruiser (the most one dimensional male love interest in romantic/fantasy novel history). Jane is angry for like... 2 seconds. Then she goes and has a sauna and gets over it and starts working for them again. She has no self-respect and no standards. There is Not. One. Single. good-looking male character (no matter how minor) that walks past Jane without her having some sort of involuntary heat/lust/moan reaction. It happens all the time. It's like a disease. Even in the middle of life and death battles she has to stop and pash a couple of guys. And it's not because their conversation or intelligence or beliefs have anything to do with it. It's because they have a cute butt or face or both.
The plot is the same in all the books. Some bad/crazy vampires are killing people and Jane has to rescue everyone.
Anyway at this stage, I think Jane is the most pathetic female UF heroine ever. I hate each and every one of her male love interests (and all the other guys she pants after). I hope in the last book of the series they all die.
Disclaimer: Obviously I'm having emotional issues with the direction the author is taking her characters. Please read some of the many glowing reviews for a balanced opinion. In another telling sign I am still buying these stupid books!
March 3, 2017
Buddy read with the amazing Wednesday UF Freaks at BB&B!
This was the best book in the series so far. I was tempted to give it 5 stars but the beginning was a bit disconnected from the previous book and that annoyed me enough to knock out a star from the rating.
Jane is in a bad place at the beginning of Death's Rival. She's lost the foundation of her life - Molly has turned her back on her, Ricky's gone to be a supernat cop and most important of all Beast is silent. Somehow Jane has turned from a vampire hunter to one of their servants - a nasty realization for our girl. And she's sinking farther and faster into the world of vampire politics. Thanks to the suckheads predisposition for never providing adequate information Jane has gotten herself in quite the bind by claiming to be Leo's Enforcer. I have a theory about that particular problem that I'll share in a minute. That little title becomes the source of all the problems in this book, including a blood feud with a wacko vampire. Even though it's just an excuse for the fangheads and they all know it. It doesn't stop Leo from acting the jerk that he is and blaming Jane for the mess and using it as an excuse for mind-rape. And we circle back to my theory. Jane got the idea of claiming she's Leo's Enforcer from the info Mr. Pellissier provided. As always the information is incomplete and comes to bite Jane on the ass. And it suits Leo's agenda splendidly because he wants Jane bonded to him (though I personally prefer the term enslaved because let's face it - it's slavery in all but name) when she bites and uses the title to save lives. To me this whole set up felt like a trap, one that didn't spring immediately. Until now, when in one of the most emotionally taxing scenes of this series, Leo forces a feeding and binding. He betrays Jane and forces Bruiser to be part of it. This part convinced me that being bonded to a vampire is essentially slavery because even if you want to disobey, you can't. Yet again Leo acts like a jealous teenager and drives another wedge between Jane and Bruiser. He could have done this without his primo's "help" but he wants to destroy what little feelings Jane and Bruiser have for each other and punish them both for... I don't know what! Having the audacity to like Bruiser more than him (on Jane's part) and being unwilling to share his woman with his master (on Bruiser's part). Seriously, Leo is just a petty tyrant that throws a fit when things don't go his way. If I was Jane, I would have started killing Leo's vamps one at a time, working my way to Katie and Leo in a bloody revenge for that insult. I'm so mad at that bloodsucker that I can't see straight!
And since I'm in the mood to rant let's continue with the topic of Jane's "best friend" Molly. Such a good friend she is! Time and again Jane saves her life and the lives of her family *cough* the binding of Angie's powers *cough* but when things get rough Molly turns the cold shoulder. I get it that she has conflicting emotions about her sister's death but surely she has the brain capacity to grasp the fact that it was inevitable. Would it have been better if she was the one that has to kill Evangelina? Or for Evil Evie to have drained them all, her children included, of their magic and unleashed a demon on the world? And would you like to bet that when things get bad for the Everhearts again they'll run to Jane to fix things? Jane needs better friends and to stay away from the fangheads!
The bright spot of the book were the two new characters, the brothers Eli and Alex and Beast of course. Beast rules! The brothers are new recruits that work for Jane directly, unlike Derek's boys. I like both of them and it seems they'll be much better friends to poor Jane than the current batch. I have to admit I would like to see Jane and Eli as an item but I doubt it'll happen. Which is too bad because he is amazing and most importantly not on Leo's chain! I don't think I'll live down that betrayal anytime soon and the ending of the book did nothing to make me feel better! I WANT TO STAKE THE BLOODSUCKER!!!
Okay, I should get away from the keyboard before I descend back into ranting about the stupid vampire. Have a great day, ya'll!
P.S. Special thanks to Steven for translating all those French lines!
This was the best book in the series so far. I was tempted to give it 5 stars but the beginning was a bit disconnected from the previous book and that annoyed me enough to knock out a star from the rating.
Jane is in a bad place at the beginning of Death's Rival. She's lost the foundation of her life - Molly has turned her back on her, Ricky's gone to be a supernat cop and most important of all Beast is silent. Somehow Jane has turned from a vampire hunter to one of their servants - a nasty realization for our girl. And she's sinking farther and faster into the world of vampire politics. Thanks to the suckheads predisposition for never providing adequate information Jane has gotten herself in quite the bind by claiming to be Leo's Enforcer. I have a theory about that particular problem that I'll share in a minute. That little title becomes the source of all the problems in this book, including a blood feud with a wacko vampire. Even though it's just an excuse for the fangheads and they all know it. It doesn't stop Leo from acting the jerk that he is and blaming Jane for the mess and using it as an excuse for mind-rape. And we circle back to my theory. Jane got the idea of claiming she's Leo's Enforcer from the info Mr. Pellissier provided. As always the information is incomplete and comes to bite Jane on the ass. And it suits Leo's agenda splendidly because he wants Jane bonded to him (though I personally prefer the term enslaved because let's face it - it's slavery in all but name) when she bites and uses the title to save lives. To me this whole set up felt like a trap, one that didn't spring immediately. Until now, when in one of the most emotionally taxing scenes of this series, Leo forces a feeding and binding. He betrays Jane and forces Bruiser to be part of it. This part convinced me that being bonded to a vampire is essentially slavery because even if you want to disobey, you can't. Yet again Leo acts like a jealous teenager and drives another wedge between Jane and Bruiser. He could have done this without his primo's "help" but he wants to destroy what little feelings Jane and Bruiser have for each other and punish them both for... I don't know what! Having the audacity to like Bruiser more than him (on Jane's part) and being unwilling to share his woman with his master (on Bruiser's part). Seriously, Leo is just a petty tyrant that throws a fit when things don't go his way. If I was Jane, I would have started killing Leo's vamps one at a time, working my way to Katie and Leo in a bloody revenge for that insult. I'm so mad at that bloodsucker that I can't see straight!
And since I'm in the mood to rant let's continue with the topic of Jane's "best friend" Molly. Such a good friend she is! Time and again Jane saves her life and the lives of her family *cough* the binding of Angie's powers *cough* but when things get rough Molly turns the cold shoulder. I get it that she has conflicting emotions about her sister's death but surely she has the brain capacity to grasp the fact that it was inevitable. Would it have been better if she was the one that has to kill Evangelina? Or for Evil Evie to have drained them all, her children included, of their magic and unleashed a demon on the world? And would you like to bet that when things get bad for the Everhearts again they'll run to Jane to fix things? Jane needs better friends and to stay away from the fangheads!
The bright spot of the book were the two new characters, the brothers Eli and Alex and Beast of course. Beast rules! The brothers are new recruits that work for Jane directly, unlike Derek's boys. I like both of them and it seems they'll be much better friends to poor Jane than the current batch. I have to admit I would like to see Jane and Eli as an item but I doubt it'll happen. Which is too bad because he is amazing and most importantly not on Leo's chain! I don't think I'll live down that betrayal anytime soon and the ending of the book did nothing to make me feel better! I WANT TO STAKE THE BLOODSUCKER!!!
Okay, I should get away from the keyboard before I descend back into ranting about the stupid vampire. Have a great day, ya'll!
P.S. Special thanks to Steven for translating all those French lines!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2024
3.5 stars. A bit of a rant review.
At the start Jane is lonely, she has lost her best friend and boyfriend and says she goes to work for Leo Pellissier "to do the right thing" but really I think she doesn't know what else to do with herself.
From here the story is pretty fast paced and exciting as Jane is drawn deeper into vampire society whether she wants to or not. Jane seems irresistibly drawn to work for the vampires and ends up entrapped by something that is somewhat her fault, though this is questionable.
Continuing the trend of the previous books Jane has the absolute worst taste in men - all of them have questionable loyalty and sanity. Her friends are actually the same way . Beast's tastes are even worse . Yet I still like Jane, I really feel for her I want her to be happy. She is truly a caring, protective person.
Also -- where are the women in this series?? There is Jane surrounded by a ton of men and while there are a few women sprinkled in none are really possible strong friendships or working partners. It's hard to believe all the vampire security and former marines are exclusively men except Jane. This is a pet peeve of mine with some urban fiction and I like nothing more than seeing some female friendships, plus it is fun to have some side romances that help if the love life of the main character sucks.
Finally the guilt, the guilt! Jane needs a damn friend!
And wow this review is ranty. Despite all that I do like Jane! I liked the new brothers who come to work for Jane, Alex is awesome and funny, Eli is hot and hopefully not getting entangled in Jane's romantic life unless he becomes the one and only (doubtful). I loved learning more about Jane's past, Aggie One Feather, and Jane beginning to accept more of heritage and align it with her religious beliefs.
At the start Jane is lonely, she has lost her best friend and boyfriend and says she goes to work for Leo Pellissier "to do the right thing" but really I think she doesn't know what else to do with herself.
From here the story is pretty fast paced and exciting as Jane is drawn deeper into vampire society whether she wants to or not. Jane seems irresistibly drawn to work for the vampires and ends up entrapped by something that is somewhat her fault, though this is questionable.
Continuing the trend of the previous books Jane has the absolute worst taste in men - all of them have questionable loyalty and sanity. Her friends are actually the same way . Beast's tastes are even worse . Yet I still like Jane, I really feel for her I want her to be happy. She is truly a caring, protective person.
Also -- where are the women in this series?? There is Jane surrounded by a ton of men and while there are a few women sprinkled in none are really possible strong friendships or working partners. It's hard to believe all the vampire security and former marines are exclusively men except Jane. This is a pet peeve of mine with some urban fiction and I like nothing more than seeing some female friendships, plus it is fun to have some side romances that help if the love life of the main character sucks.
Finally the guilt, the guilt! Jane needs a damn friend!
And wow this review is ranty. Despite all that I do like Jane! I liked the new brothers who come to work for Jane, Alex is awesome and funny, Eli is hot and hopefully not getting entangled in Jane's romantic life unless he becomes the one and only (doubtful). I loved learning more about Jane's past, Aggie One Feather, and Jane beginning to accept more of heritage and align it with her religious beliefs.
October 14, 2024
Death’s Rival is book five in Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter.
Jane, kicked-ass and Beast, really shined.
I was pulled in from the first to the last page. So much happens that you just can’t help, but get pulled in. The story is action-packed, full of suspense, secrets, and shocking moments. The story was set at a perfect pace and gives readers no excuse not to gobble this one up.
I enjoyed Jane. Loved Beast, Eli and the Kid. It was great to get some new characters. I hope Eli and the Kid become more then colleges, more then friends, maybe a family and that Jane can rely on them. She needs someone in her life. Someone to rely on. Rick is gone and that relationship is over and Molly isn’t her friend anymore, so Jane is alone and has no one to trust or be in her corner.
The author treats us to a more in-depth look into Jane’s personal history. Her memories of her past are frayed and it’s more difficult then she anticipated to pieces them together. As we all know by now Jane is a unique Skinwalker who houses Beast inside her, which only adds another element.
Beast, was her own character in this one. She’s smart, has a hidden depth to her, and we learn a few rare things about her. I loved learning more about Jane and Beast. It made both of them more real.
I do have issues with this series and they are:
- The love triangle. I still have issues with the men in Jane’s life and Jane thinking that every man she meets is sex on a stick. I’m so over this and wish she would be done and pick a man. Rick, also pops bak up near the end in Death’s Rival. He was a dick at the very end to Jane. OMG, I’m so over him and have been from book one.
- Then their was The Thing that happens in Death's Rival. I’m going to call it The Thing with Leo. This scene was so wrong on so many levels. Trust was lost all around. I hated what Leo did to Jane and to Bruiser. As for Bruiser I feel sorry for him. He couldn’t help his part in it. It was just wrong all around.
- And last I don’t get why Jane is still in New Orleans and working with Leo. Their has to be rogue vampires somewhere else for her to go after? She knows being around vampires will only bring trouble. Why does she stay?
Death’s Rival is a major turning point. At least for me. After five novels I finally see what everyone raves about. I had a blast reading, loved the non-stop action, and learning about Jane’s heritage. I couldn’t put this book down.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
Jane, kicked-ass and Beast, really shined.
I was pulled in from the first to the last page. So much happens that you just can’t help, but get pulled in. The story is action-packed, full of suspense, secrets, and shocking moments. The story was set at a perfect pace and gives readers no excuse not to gobble this one up.
I enjoyed Jane. Loved Beast, Eli and the Kid. It was great to get some new characters. I hope Eli and the Kid become more then colleges, more then friends, maybe a family and that Jane can rely on them. She needs someone in her life. Someone to rely on. Rick is gone and that relationship is over and Molly isn’t her friend anymore, so Jane is alone and has no one to trust or be in her corner.
The author treats us to a more in-depth look into Jane’s personal history. Her memories of her past are frayed and it’s more difficult then she anticipated to pieces them together. As we all know by now Jane is a unique Skinwalker who houses Beast inside her, which only adds another element.
Beast, was her own character in this one. She’s smart, has a hidden depth to her, and we learn a few rare things about her. I loved learning more about Jane and Beast. It made both of them more real.
I do have issues with this series and they are:
- The love triangle. I still have issues with the men in Jane’s life and Jane thinking that every man she meets is sex on a stick. I’m so over this and wish she would be done and pick a man. Rick, also pops bak up near the end in Death’s Rival. He was a dick at the very end to Jane. OMG, I’m so over him and have been from book one.
- Then their was The Thing that happens in Death's Rival. I’m going to call it The Thing with Leo. This scene was so wrong on so many levels. Trust was lost all around. I hated what Leo did to Jane and to Bruiser. As for Bruiser I feel sorry for him. He couldn’t help his part in it. It was just wrong all around.
- And last I don’t get why Jane is still in New Orleans and working with Leo. Their has to be rogue vampires somewhere else for her to go after? She knows being around vampires will only bring trouble. Why does she stay?
Death’s Rival is a major turning point. At least for me. After five novels I finally see what everyone raves about. I had a blast reading, loved the non-stop action, and learning about Jane’s heritage. I couldn’t put this book down.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
June 16, 2021
For me this was the best Yellowrock novel yet. If you're like me a great fan of Beast--the unique female mountain lion who shares body and soul with first-person narrator Jane Yellowrock--you're in for a treat. Not only do Beast and Jane go deeper than before in their interior communications but get ready for Beast to take decisive action more than once.
Most of what's special and new about Beast and Jane lies deep within spoiler territory, along with several of the other developments that propel my rating up to five stars, so this review is going to be hopelessly inadequate to give you a real sense of where this story goes.
Maybe I can share this much. We already know that Jane is 100% Tsalagiyi (also known as "Cherokee") and she's a skinwalker; she has a spiritual bond of the mentor-disciple kind with Aggie Two Feather and visits her sweat lodge more than once in a major spiritual journey linking her to her remote past and her skinwalker heritage--and that turns out to be a deciding factor for Jane in the struggle between her vampire boss and his "powerful and vicious" rival.
Jane's relation to her boss Leo Pellissier, master vampire of most of the Southeastern United States, is the crux of this plot. In the previous book she not only claimed wrongly to be his Enforcer but--in self-defense--killed an attacker who turns out to have been that nasty rival's Enforcer. Now a blood feud is on, with no holds barred, outside the purview of the Vampira Carta that has been a kind of constitution governing the international vampire power structure for centuries. Human law enforcement and the ruling vampire council get involved, the politics are intricate, and Jane's in the middle of it.
And the action is bloody as ever; lots of killing, and not just vampires. The rival, whose identity isn't known till more than halfway through the story, fires his first salvo in the form of a carefully orchestrated plague that kills vampires. For the first time ever, vampires are getting sick! Four cities fall under the rival's thumb as their master vampires become his puppets.
Along the way Jane picks up a possible partnership with the fully human Younger brothers, Eli (military) and Alex (hacker). They make a team I could really root for, and I hope they'll work together in future adventures. They're certainly a breath of fresh air contrasting with the sordidness of the vampire world, where even good guys (like Bruiser) do bad things under compulsion from higher up. Be warned; there are some tough scenes of that sort, on top of all the combat.
I thought the climactic confrontation was very well done, and except for one or two details I liked the resolution and of course that final twist that changes everything. But best of all, Beast comes into her own in Jane's world.
Most of what's special and new about Beast and Jane lies deep within spoiler territory, along with several of the other developments that propel my rating up to five stars, so this review is going to be hopelessly inadequate to give you a real sense of where this story goes.
Maybe I can share this much. We already know that Jane is 100% Tsalagiyi (also known as "Cherokee") and she's a skinwalker; she has a spiritual bond of the mentor-disciple kind with Aggie Two Feather and visits her sweat lodge more than once in a major spiritual journey linking her to her remote past and her skinwalker heritage--and that turns out to be a deciding factor for Jane in the struggle between her vampire boss and his "powerful and vicious" rival.
Jane's relation to her boss Leo Pellissier, master vampire of most of the Southeastern United States, is the crux of this plot. In the previous book she not only claimed wrongly to be his Enforcer but--in self-defense--killed an attacker who turns out to have been that nasty rival's Enforcer. Now a blood feud is on, with no holds barred, outside the purview of the Vampira Carta that has been a kind of constitution governing the international vampire power structure for centuries. Human law enforcement and the ruling vampire council get involved, the politics are intricate, and Jane's in the middle of it.
And the action is bloody as ever; lots of killing, and not just vampires. The rival, whose identity isn't known till more than halfway through the story, fires his first salvo in the form of a carefully orchestrated plague that kills vampires. For the first time ever, vampires are getting sick! Four cities fall under the rival's thumb as their master vampires become his puppets.
Along the way Jane picks up a possible partnership with the fully human Younger brothers, Eli (military) and Alex (hacker). They make a team I could really root for, and I hope they'll work together in future adventures. They're certainly a breath of fresh air contrasting with the sordidness of the vampire world, where even good guys (like Bruiser) do bad things under compulsion from higher up. Be warned; there are some tough scenes of that sort, on top of all the combat.
I thought the climactic confrontation was very well done, and except for one or two details I liked the resolution and of course that final twist that changes everything. But best of all, Beast comes into her own in Jane's world.
February 28, 2013
Jane is raped, tortured and betrayed by everyone she held dear. Beast was raped, tortured and betrayed, and is now enslaved. And you people think this is good? The total annihilation of yet another strong female character?
Hunter did a crap job in this one. Leo sent her to Ashville to do a job, she protected herself from death, and protected his scions also, and she was punished for it.
A man breaks into her room in a hotel while she is sleeping, naked, and shoots at her, TWICE, before she responds, so SHE is guilty of starting a war, NOT him. Yet she is punished by the most vile rape scene I have had the unhappiness of witnessing in an author I used to respect.
And then, Hunter has Leo give and take Jane's blood - - - which, remind me if I am wrong, turned the last Skinwalker into a raving lunatic. So, she is going to use the vaunted next three novels she was just awarded for this stupidity into us watching Jane turn into a raving lunatic, killing and eating humans until she is hunted down and destroyed?
Hunter has lost my respect, and my money. I am sickened and disappointed, not only by the turn the books took, but by the number of people who found this sort of rape and destruction of a once strong character both exciting and wonderful. Where are your minds, people? I don't know what is worse - the fact that I am so deeply sickened by the people that liked this book, or the fact that I am so deeply HURT by Hunter's betrayal of her character - and her betrayal of me, as a reader.
I liked and admired Hunter's portrayal of Jane Yellowrock. She has known more pain in her life than any one person should have to stand. She lost her life, her friends, her self respect, and yet still she helped people, she met her responsibilities, and she gave of her heart, her body and her soul. Everyone. EVERYONE. Betrayed her. And yet she soldiered on, only to be demeaned, raped, and tossed aside like a used come rag. And everyone read it and called it good. I suppose I feel so deeply betrayed because I, like Jane, have been so brutally betrayed through my life. I too was used, betrayed, and thrown aside. Brutalized and yet I still tried to do my best. I Identified with Jane's strength and caring. Only to have her turned into a broken mess, with even Beast ripped from her, chained to Leo, a prisoner in her own mind. Her life, her very soul, is destroyed. Sort of like mine.
I suppose I shouldn't allow myself to become so tied in with a character in a book. But with my own life of pain and betrayal, I had found a friend in Jane. Through Hunter's betrayal of her character, I have again been betrayed. It hurts. I sit here, crying, once again being reminded that my world is nothing but pain. And knowing that, not even in books, can I ever escape.
Go me.
Hunter did a crap job in this one. Leo sent her to Ashville to do a job, she protected herself from death, and protected his scions also, and she was punished for it.
A man breaks into her room in a hotel while she is sleeping, naked, and shoots at her, TWICE, before she responds, so SHE is guilty of starting a war, NOT him. Yet she is punished by the most vile rape scene I have had the unhappiness of witnessing in an author I used to respect.
And then, Hunter has Leo give and take Jane's blood - - - which, remind me if I am wrong, turned the last Skinwalker into a raving lunatic. So, she is going to use the vaunted next three novels she was just awarded for this stupidity into us watching Jane turn into a raving lunatic, killing and eating humans until she is hunted down and destroyed?
Hunter has lost my respect, and my money. I am sickened and disappointed, not only by the turn the books took, but by the number of people who found this sort of rape and destruction of a once strong character both exciting and wonderful. Where are your minds, people? I don't know what is worse - the fact that I am so deeply sickened by the people that liked this book, or the fact that I am so deeply HURT by Hunter's betrayal of her character - and her betrayal of me, as a reader.
I liked and admired Hunter's portrayal of Jane Yellowrock. She has known more pain in her life than any one person should have to stand. She lost her life, her friends, her self respect, and yet still she helped people, she met her responsibilities, and she gave of her heart, her body and her soul. Everyone. EVERYONE. Betrayed her. And yet she soldiered on, only to be demeaned, raped, and tossed aside like a used come rag. And everyone read it and called it good. I suppose I feel so deeply betrayed because I, like Jane, have been so brutally betrayed through my life. I too was used, betrayed, and thrown aside. Brutalized and yet I still tried to do my best. I Identified with Jane's strength and caring. Only to have her turned into a broken mess, with even Beast ripped from her, chained to Leo, a prisoner in her own mind. Her life, her very soul, is destroyed. Sort of like mine.
I suppose I shouldn't allow myself to become so tied in with a character in a book. But with my own life of pain and betrayal, I had found a friend in Jane. Through Hunter's betrayal of her character, I have again been betrayed. It hurts. I sit here, crying, once again being reminded that my world is nothing but pain. And knowing that, not even in books, can I ever escape.
Go me.
February 13, 2016
Three stars do not accurately reflect my feeling/appreciation of this entry in the Jane Yellowrock saga, but more than three stars ignore the many problems that plagued this book.
This series has been something of a surprise to me from the beginning, and after reading I am still very impressed with the scope of the plot Ms. Hunter has created. I find myself reading to find out what has happened, which is out of character for me- I usually read to follow a character, not the plot.
However, Jane changed in this book- and not for the better. Janie now has a God-complex, blaming herself for any and everything, including not being omniscient. In addition to making Jane sound immensely egotistic (EVERYTHING is my fault) it absolves blame/shifts the focus from the people who are really responsible for all the havoc- like Leo for withholding necessary, crucial information, the other vampires and their cruel practices, and the bad guys for being plain evil. So yes, not focusing on evil and wrong so you can be self-centered is NOT cool.
Additionally the 'love' in this book/series squicked me clean out because it is just unhealthy. All of it: Beast's love for just about every XY chromosome Jane sees, Jane's uneven relationship with Rick (along with that fake declaration of love)....don't even get me started on Bruiser! Ugh! After what he did....no. Just no. Leo....ugh!
The relationships in this book bugged me to no end, and severely affected my enjoyment.
In the end, although I find myself having been impressed by he plot, I feel sad and wanting because my Janie is not there. I miss the severely flawed, cool, sensible character we had and am bewildered by this nincompoop who is severely narcissistic and makes self-confessed "stupid mistakes" all the time. Fail.
This series has been something of a surprise to me from the beginning, and after reading I am still very impressed with the scope of the plot Ms. Hunter has created. I find myself reading to find out what has happened, which is out of character for me- I usually read to follow a character, not the plot.
However, Jane changed in this book- and not for the better. Janie now has a God-complex, blaming herself for any and everything, including not being omniscient. In addition to making Jane sound immensely egotistic (EVERYTHING is my fault) it absolves blame/shifts the focus from the people who are really responsible for all the havoc- like Leo for withholding necessary, crucial information, the other vampires and their cruel practices, and the bad guys for being plain evil. So yes, not focusing on evil and wrong so you can be self-centered is NOT cool.
Additionally the 'love' in this book/series squicked me clean out because it is just unhealthy. All of it: Beast's love for just about every XY chromosome Jane sees, Jane's uneven relationship with Rick (along with that fake declaration of love)....don't even get me started on Bruiser! Ugh! After what he did....no. Just no. Leo....ugh!
The relationships in this book bugged me to no end, and severely affected my enjoyment.
In the end, although I find myself having been impressed by he plot, I feel sad and wanting because my Janie is not there. I miss the severely flawed, cool, sensible character we had and am bewildered by this nincompoop who is severely narcissistic and makes self-confessed "stupid mistakes" all the time. Fail.
April 19, 2022
2022 Re-Read
Ah yes, the Younger Brothers join Jane's posse in this volume. Hunter was keeping her options open regarding Jane’s love life at this point. Ricky-bo seems to be on the way out, George (aka Bruiser) is determined to be Primo of Jane’s life as well as Leo's. Eli Younger is figuring out that his chances are slim. Jane juggles them ruthlessly, with Beast reminding her regularly that mountain lionesses are not faithful to any mate. (Go, Beast!)
Leo has also broken what Jane had consider an unspoken agreement between them, that there would be no blood sharing. There is wrath and hurt on Jane's side and she & Beast are working on defeating this psychic bond. Nevertheless, she prevails in her chosen combat and produces exactly the results that were needed. She has discovered that skinwalkers can't easily walk away from what they consider to be their duty.
I love Jane’s tendency to nickname her friends and allies. I confess to doing the same to my neighbours, although once I know their true names I feel like I have to give up those monikers. I was so disappointed when I learned that Monkey Boy was actually named Ian. I much preferred my label.
Ah yes, the Younger Brothers join Jane's posse in this volume. Hunter was keeping her options open regarding Jane’s love life at this point. Ricky-bo seems to be on the way out, George (aka Bruiser) is determined to be Primo of Jane’s life as well as Leo's. Eli Younger is figuring out that his chances are slim. Jane juggles them ruthlessly, with Beast reminding her regularly that mountain lionesses are not faithful to any mate. (Go, Beast!)
Leo has also broken what Jane had consider an unspoken agreement between them, that there would be no blood sharing. There is wrath and hurt on Jane's side and she & Beast are working on defeating this psychic bond. Nevertheless, she prevails in her chosen combat and produces exactly the results that were needed. She has discovered that skinwalkers can't easily walk away from what they consider to be their duty.
I love Jane’s tendency to nickname her friends and allies. I confess to doing the same to my neighbours, although once I know their true names I feel like I have to give up those monikers. I was so disappointed when I learned that Monkey Boy was actually named Ian. I much preferred my label.
April 30, 2023
RE-READ REVIEW APR 2023
Because this is re-read and I thoroughly reviewed the book's happenings in my initial review, I'll take this time to say, DAMN, I love this series and I'm so sad it's over. One of the best aspects of this series is the growth of Jane's character. Faith introduces some of the most intriguing side characters throughout. I'm very hopeful she'll create a new spin-off/same-world series; there was mention of a possibility, so YAY!
Quick recap: The consequences of Jane's actions in Raven Cursed come to a head in this installment. Her limits are tested, she takes on some new employees (the Younger Brothers - LOVE!) and her relationships with Rick and Bruiser go through some changes.
Some things noted on my re-read:
1. I remember being sad about the changes in Jane and Rick's relationship initially; now, not so much.
2. I was just as devastated by Leo's (and his "gang's") actions this time as the first time I read it.
3. I love reliving the growth (progresses and setbacks) of Jane and Bruiser's relationship.
4. The Younger brothers! They continue to impress. Jane couldn't have asked for a better team.
5. Re-reading this series will never get old!
INITIAL REVIEW OCT 2012
Death's Rival is the 5th book in Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series. If you haven't read the first 4, stop reading this and get 'ta readin' those! Spoilers may exist throughout - consider yourself forewarned.
I'll let Jane give ya a rundown of the sitch ~
Somehow, someway vamps (new, old and old, old) are becoming sick with some sort of virus or plague. Seems impossible, but Jane's witnessed it firsthand. This on top of fallout from her actions while in Asheville in Raven Cursed means Jane's plate is full. She's tasked with finding out who is making vamps sick and how while also trying to deal with the aftermath from her earlier protect-yourself-now-ask-questions-later sharpshooting.
What else is full to overflowing? Her dance card! Many a men make her heart (and mine) go pitterpat fastfastfast. To include the newest testosterone filled morsel in her life, Eli Younger. Remembering that Derek belongs to Leo first and foremost, she asks him to suggest some security and intel boys for her to hire independently. Eli, a former Ranger, and his younger brother, Alex, a computer whiz show up for the job. They're a package deal though - take it or leave it. Jane takes it, for now. And, it's the right decision because these two are just what she needs - companionship around the house, trustworthy intel and added badassery on the field. Eli's an enticing man; he's got skills and looks - and he's human. But, when you add into the mix Rick LaFleur, who was infected with the were-taint and is currently physically off-limits, but holds a piece of her heart and Bruiser (George Dumas, Leo's right-hand blood-meal, and arguably the most powerful nonvamp in New Orleans) who is going through some potentially major changes, but winds her up quicker than you can blink, she has one helluva decision to make. (Poor Jane. Not!) Beast finds each of these lovelies and Leo, not surprising based on his strength, as strong mates. Which will Jane choose?
For me, the romance in this series is but a delicious side story so I'm not too upset that she hasn't fully mated/paired with anyone as yet. Instead, my enjoyment comes from watching Jane's growth since we first met her in Skinwalker. She's lost a great deal, including much of her past. But, with each recovered piece of her past (with the help of Aggie) the puzzle of her life becomes clearer. She is beginning to realize that she cannot continue (or may not be able to continue) to hide what she is, but she seems okay with that, which is awesome! I am anxiously awaiting Blood Trade as this one ended with a "Well, crap" from Jane, an amused huff from Beast and a bit of a cliffhanger.
» Below are some notes for myself, so I can quickly refresh before reading Blood Trade in April. They are spoiler blocked for a reason, but feel free to read them. «
Because this is re-read and I thoroughly reviewed the book's happenings in my initial review, I'll take this time to say, DAMN, I love this series and I'm so sad it's over. One of the best aspects of this series is the growth of Jane's character. Faith introduces some of the most intriguing side characters throughout. I'm very hopeful she'll create a new spin-off/same-world series; there was mention of a possibility, so YAY!
Quick recap: The consequences of Jane's actions in Raven Cursed come to a head in this installment. Her limits are tested, she takes on some new employees (the Younger Brothers - LOVE!) and her relationships with Rick and Bruiser go through some changes.
Some things noted on my re-read:
1. I remember being sad about the changes in Jane and Rick's relationship initially; now, not so much.
2. I was just as devastated by Leo's (and his "gang's") actions this time as the first time I read it.
3. I love reliving the growth (progresses and setbacks) of Jane and Bruiser's relationship.
4. The Younger brothers! They continue to impress. Jane couldn't have asked for a better team.
5. Re-reading this series will never get old!
INITIAL REVIEW OCT 2012
Death's Rival is the 5th book in Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series. If you haven't read the first 4, stop reading this and get 'ta readin' those! Spoilers may exist throughout - consider yourself forewarned.
I'll let Jane give ya a rundown of the sitch ~
I'm Jane Yellowrock, and I used to kill vamps for a living. Until I started working for them. It wasn't easy money, and I'd dumped the contract with Leo Pellissier, the chief fanghead of the Southeastern U.S., when the retainer ran out. But when Leo had requested my help yesterday, I'd re-upped to resolve this problem, because it was the right thing to do. Leo and his people had been attacked under my watch. Humans had been injured. Blood-servants had died. I'd killed some of them. No one knew who this new enemy was, and now vamps were sick, maybe dying, and a new, powerful vamp had entered the vampire political scene.
Somehow, someway vamps (new, old and old, old) are becoming sick with some sort of virus or plague. Seems impossible, but Jane's witnessed it firsthand. This on top of fallout from her actions while in Asheville in Raven Cursed means Jane's plate is full. She's tasked with finding out who is making vamps sick and how while also trying to deal with the aftermath from her earlier protect-yourself-now-ask-questions-later sharpshooting.
What else is full to overflowing? Her dance card! Many a men make her heart (and mine) go pitterpat fastfastfast. To include the newest testosterone filled morsel in her life, Eli Younger. Remembering that Derek belongs to Leo first and foremost, she asks him to suggest some security and intel boys for her to hire independently. Eli, a former Ranger, and his younger brother, Alex, a computer whiz show up for the job. They're a package deal though - take it or leave it. Jane takes it, for now. And, it's the right decision because these two are just what she needs - companionship around the house, trustworthy intel and added badassery on the field. Eli's an enticing man; he's got skills and looks - and he's human. But, when you add into the mix Rick LaFleur, who was infected with the were-taint and is currently physically off-limits, but holds a piece of her heart and Bruiser (George Dumas, Leo's right-hand blood-meal, and arguably the most powerful nonvamp in New Orleans) who is going through some potentially major changes, but winds her up quicker than you can blink, she has one helluva decision to make. (Poor Jane. Not!) Beast finds each of these lovelies and Leo, not surprising based on his strength, as strong mates. Which will Jane choose?
For me, the romance in this series is but a delicious side story so I'm not too upset that she hasn't fully mated/paired with anyone as yet. Instead, my enjoyment comes from watching Jane's growth since we first met her in Skinwalker. She's lost a great deal, including much of her past. But, with each recovered piece of her past (with the help of Aggie) the puzzle of her life becomes clearer. She is beginning to realize that she cannot continue (or may not be able to continue) to hide what she is, but she seems okay with that, which is awesome! I am anxiously awaiting Blood Trade as this one ended with a "Well, crap" from Jane, an amused huff from Beast and a bit of a cliffhanger.
» Below are some notes for myself, so I can quickly refresh before reading Blood Trade in April. They are spoiler blocked for a reason, but feel free to read them. «
September 6, 2016
I have to say, I didn't love the last Jane Yellowrock book, but this one came back for me with a vengeance. I was absolutely enthralled in the story from the beginning to the unexpected ending --which left me gaping like a fish.
This latest installment follows Jane as she investigates a mysterious illness that is infecting some of the vampires. It seems an unnamed vamp is making a power-play, using the illness to force other vampires to swear fealty to him. Leo thinks it's the same person who attacked his people and he wants the threat identified and neutralized. Even though Jane was planning to stop working for him, the money was too good to pass up one last job.
There's a lot going on here. One of my big complaints in the last book was how Jane's personal life felt ignored for much of the book. Not here. Jane is mourning the loss of Rick (though to be honest, I hadn't realized they had broken up.) She is still crazy-hot for Bruiser. And there is even a new guy in the mix (I'll get to that in a minute.) The Rick issue didn't bother me -- I have never been a big fan of his and after the whole cheating thing, I was ready for him to get lost. Bruiser, on the other hand... Well, I've always had a soft spot for Bruiser. But every time I feel the slightest bit validated in these feelings, Faith Hunter pees in my Cheerios and reminds me that he will never put Jane first. And while the near-sexual encounters are hot, they're getting old. Do it, don't do it, or move on.
Then, all of a sudden there is Eli. At this point, I started having Anita Blake flashbacks. No, wait, hear me out. The writing is much, much better here. There is no comparison on that front. And Jane is not having dirty monkey sex with 15 guys. But... every time I open one of these books, I am hoping that we'll narrow down her pool of potential love interests. And instead, it keeps growing. Add to that, the very premise that Jane is a former vampire hunter who now uses her bad-ass killing skill to work for her one-time enemy. Add to that, she is beginning to sympathize with the monsters. She becomes part of their clan. And she's got all kinds of really conflicted personal morality she is trying to work out. It is very reminiscent of pre-porn Anita in those ways. (Though again, with much better writing.)
I don't understand Jane's choices, especially in the second half. Something Very Disturbing happens to her and it utterly baffles me why she does not cut her losses and get the hell out of dodge Why she would want to do anything for Person-X after what happens makes no sense to me. She should hate that person! And then, in the end, she's really screwed. (*sigh*)
Though I didn't love everything that happened, I most assuredly did not want to put this book down. And I amscared eager to see what happens next.
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by Roc
This latest installment follows Jane as she investigates a mysterious illness that is infecting some of the vampires. It seems an unnamed vamp is making a power-play, using the illness to force other vampires to swear fealty to him. Leo thinks it's the same person who attacked his people and he wants the threat identified and neutralized. Even though Jane was planning to stop working for him, the money was too good to pass up one last job.
There's a lot going on here. One of my big complaints in the last book was how Jane's personal life felt ignored for much of the book. Not here. Jane is mourning the loss of Rick (though to be honest, I hadn't realized they had broken up.) She is still crazy-hot for Bruiser. And there is even a new guy in the mix (I'll get to that in a minute.) The Rick issue didn't bother me -- I have never been a big fan of his and after the whole cheating thing, I was ready for him to get lost. Bruiser, on the other hand... Well, I've always had a soft spot for Bruiser. But every time I feel the slightest bit validated in these feelings, Faith Hunter pees in my Cheerios and reminds me that he will never put Jane first. And while the near-sexual encounters are hot, they're getting old. Do it, don't do it, or move on.
Then, all of a sudden there is Eli. At this point, I started having Anita Blake flashbacks. No, wait, hear me out. The writing is much, much better here. There is no comparison on that front. And Jane is not having dirty monkey sex with 15 guys. But... every time I open one of these books, I am hoping that we'll narrow down her pool of potential love interests. And instead, it keeps growing. Add to that, the very premise that Jane is a former vampire hunter who now uses her bad-ass killing skill to work for her one-time enemy. Add to that, she is beginning to sympathize with the monsters. She becomes part of their clan. And she's got all kinds of really conflicted personal morality she is trying to work out. It is very reminiscent of pre-porn Anita in those ways. (Though again, with much better writing.)
I don't understand Jane's choices, especially in the second half. Something Very Disturbing happens to her and it utterly baffles me why she does not cut her losses and get the hell out of dodge Why she would want to do anything for Person-X after what happens makes no sense to me. She should hate that person! And then, in the end, she's really screwed. (*sigh*)
Though I didn't love everything that happened, I most assuredly did not want to put this book down. And I am
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by Roc
February 11, 2014
Well good. We get back to the Jane we know and love with this book and the story elements I care about got some definite... progress (even if some of it was retrograde).
This one starts off a bit slow and, for me, boring. I mean, fighting a disease is dramatic and all, but it's all labs and blood samples and infection avoidance. It doesn't help that all the fighting is by proxy--neither Jane nor those close to her are infected... yet... Still, the whole time she's wandering around trying to get the right data to the squints in charge I just felt flat; my main connection with the book at that point was impatience.
And the book isn't helped by the continual reminder that they have a traitor somewhere in Leo's organization and none of the team back home can be bothered to try to ferret out who it is. That got frustrating fast.
Still, even with those niggling elements, and even with the fallout from the previous book, Jane is the kick-butt heroine I've some to love and enjoy. She has struggles both internal and external and can't seem to catch a break as even those closest to her are acting more out of their most selfish impulses than any care or concern for her. But she's a fighter and keeps on swinging and you have to respect that.
Plus we got some fantastic movement on her backstory and conflicted relationship to both cultures that informed her impressionable years. There's a piece near the end as she is reconciling the need for vengeance (and its accomplishment) with both her Cherokee and Christian heritages that is beautifully profound and moving. It's an imperfect reconciliation, of course, but then, it kind of has to be so it ends up exactly right.
For the movement on her background, awesome cultural examinations, as well as the fact I couldn't force myself to put it down from about the mid-point on, this is a solid, and appreciated, four stars.
This one starts off a bit slow and, for me, boring. I mean, fighting a disease is dramatic and all, but it's all labs and blood samples and infection avoidance. It doesn't help that all the fighting is by proxy--neither Jane nor those close to her are infected... yet... Still, the whole time she's wandering around trying to get the right data to the squints in charge I just felt flat; my main connection with the book at that point was impatience.
And the book isn't helped by the continual reminder that they have a traitor somewhere in Leo's organization and none of the team back home can be bothered to try to ferret out who it is. That got frustrating fast.
Still, even with those niggling elements, and even with the fallout from the previous book, Jane is the kick-butt heroine I've some to love and enjoy. She has struggles both internal and external and can't seem to catch a break as even those closest to her are acting more out of their most selfish impulses than any care or concern for her. But she's a fighter and keeps on swinging and you have to respect that.
Plus we got some fantastic movement on her backstory and conflicted relationship to both cultures that informed her impressionable years. There's a piece near the end as she is reconciling the need for vengeance (and its accomplishment) with both her Cherokee and Christian heritages that is beautifully profound and moving. It's an imperfect reconciliation, of course, but then, it kind of has to be so it ends up exactly right.
For the movement on her background, awesome cultural examinations, as well as the fact I couldn't force myself to put it down from about the mid-point on, this is a solid, and appreciated, four stars.
March 3, 2025
In some ways one of the best - and in many ways one of the worst and most frustrating. I'm at the point of the time lately to WANT Jane to try to leave just to see what would happen. Molly is pissing me off, Derek is pissing me off, and screw Reach now too? There is a horrible scene with Leo and Katie (can't stand that twisted vamp) that made me turn against the master vamp - although again there was some redemption at the end of it.
Bruiser is still my favorite - a particularly steamy scene made me forgive pretty much everything, although let's face it that they're all flawed. There's a big change for him.
The first 20% of the book is spent out of town with lead-ups that aren't as interesting, but a Beast save scene before going back to New Orleans reminded me why I love that cat so much, even if she did chomp a goat. The ending fight was epic - the best fight scene in the series - both in the fight and the limo. The author unfortunately leaves out details sometimes I'd like to see, and the book starts a little sped up from the last book which can be annoying at times. I'm not in the mood for yet annoying tempting guy to be added to the mix really, but I actually loved the new pair of brothers and having a new hacker in the group. Oh, and screw the Magic Blade too for his part in the betrayal.
Bruiser is still my favorite - a particularly steamy scene made me forgive pretty much everything, although let's face it that they're all flawed. There's a big change for him.
The first 20% of the book is spent out of town with lead-ups that aren't as interesting, but a Beast save scene before going back to New Orleans reminded me why I love that cat so much, even if she did chomp a goat. The ending fight was epic - the best fight scene in the series - both in the fight and the limo. The author unfortunately leaves out details sometimes I'd like to see, and the book starts a little sped up from the last book which can be annoying at times. I'm not in the mood for yet annoying tempting guy to be added to the mix really, but I actually loved the new pair of brothers and having a new hacker in the group. Oh, and screw the Magic Blade too for his part in the betrayal.
May 2, 2022
I felt like I was missing something (perhaps a whole book) but it turns out it was a short story, but this book takes leaps from the book before it. Once I got past that I liked the main plot of this story with a plague that can infect vampires and make them sicken and die. It felt more unique and it ensured part of the story was drama free. I think the thing that annoys me most about these books is the endless drama over the “love interest” (who all suck in my mind) and Jane’s inability to choose or let them go in her mind as possibilities. I did like the new characters of Eli and Alex and I do hope they continue to appear. I am also hopeful that Molly and her children were make appearances in future books. I understand what happened and how that might make their relationship difficult, but I think it’s worth further attention as I also think there is room for rebuilding. I hated the ending of this book as Ricky had to swoop in and leave with possibility when his jerk self would be better off going off into his cop sunset. I liked that we saw a bit more of Beast’s personality and the tricks she’s been hiding. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for Beast.
May 16, 2019
5 Stars... This read left me feeling an array of emotions from anger, to sadness, to disgust, and ultimately to relief... There are acts of betrayal that cut deep as well as acts of loyalty that are a testament to the strength and dignity of the characters' relationships... The storyline in and of itself is intriguing and challenging; built with multiple layers of history and paranormal myth that paint a picture of several of the characters' backgrounds and true nature... Although I find some of these characters exasperating, I love how Faith Hunter does not keep things straightforward and easy; this story is complicated and complex leaving her readers simply wanting more...I found this whole read to be fast paced and enthralling from start to finish, and I am chomping at the bit to read the next one to see how these characters continue to evolve within themselves and their relationships.
December 5, 2017
4.5/5.0
There is a point in a few very rare series that one must admit that no matter what is happening in the storyline, the writing is near perfect and there is very little one can honestly fault. This is one of those books. So no matter what I think of the events in the book please remember, the overall is almost pitch perfect.
NOW... what I think about certain aspects? Oh My GOSH. The scene where Jane was betrayed about tore my heart out! After growing to love this character for four previous books, and having watched her fight and put her life on the line for these people every day - only to have them completely betray her trust? Oh.... words just can’t express.
And, that brings me to my only complaint about this installment. There is NO WAY Jane should have allowed Bruiser back into her good graces so fast - and to kiss him again so soon after. Nope, nope, uh uh. Stupid and disappointing on so many levels. Although I think they could be a perfect couple eventually - I NEEDED her to make him pay for at least a book or two. As of now, he is completely tied to Leo, he would do it again in a heartbeat even IF he didn’t want to - and she knows it. So, why would she give in so easily?
Okay, okay - enough of the whining and back to the awesome. The action storyline is - as always - amazing. The twists and turns are impossible to guess without even a breath in-between. Ms. Hunter also writes some of the best secondary characters I have ever read. We love them almost as much as Jane - I’m talking Derek, Eli et al. Not necessarily Leo and his gang - although even those anti-heroes pull out just as strong feelings. GREAT writing, great story!
There is a point in a few very rare series that one must admit that no matter what is happening in the storyline, the writing is near perfect and there is very little one can honestly fault. This is one of those books. So no matter what I think of the events in the book please remember, the overall is almost pitch perfect.
NOW... what I think about certain aspects? Oh My GOSH. The scene where Jane was betrayed about tore my heart out! After growing to love this character for four previous books, and having watched her fight and put her life on the line for these people every day - only to have them completely betray her trust? Oh.... words just can’t express.
And, that brings me to my only complaint about this installment. There is NO WAY Jane should have allowed Bruiser back into her good graces so fast - and to kiss him again so soon after. Nope, nope, uh uh. Stupid and disappointing on so many levels. Although I think they could be a perfect couple eventually - I NEEDED her to make him pay for at least a book or two. As of now, he is completely tied to Leo, he would do it again in a heartbeat even IF he didn’t want to - and she knows it. So, why would she give in so easily?
Okay, okay - enough of the whining and back to the awesome. The action storyline is - as always - amazing. The twists and turns are impossible to guess without even a breath in-between. Ms. Hunter also writes some of the best secondary characters I have ever read. We love them almost as much as Jane - I’m talking Derek, Eli et al. Not necessarily Leo and his gang - although even those anti-heroes pull out just as strong feelings. GREAT writing, great story!
June 5, 2017
This latest installment of the Jane Yellowrock series has me so ready for the next one!
So much happens in this one and it all seems that it is a direct result of Jane killing a man in her hotel room during Raven Cursed. Poor Jane. How was she supposed to know that guy was the Enforcer of another MOC come to check her out so that he could challenge her to fight so that a Blood Challenge could be made against Leo? But like others said, why did he come into her hotel room, at night, while she was sleeping with a gun drawn that had a silencer on it? If he was going to challenge her, he sure was going about it the wrong way. Seemed to me he was going to murder her. Too bad there was no proof of that since Jane, Gregoire and the B-Twins had no idea he was a vamps Enforcer.
There was so much fallout from that one thing and it had Jane second-guessing herself and wondering what working for the vamps was turning her into. She doesn't like so much the person she has slowly been becoming, but I don't feel that Jane has been turning into a bad person. I still love her. She does her best to do what's right. A lot of blood and violence is done to achieve those goals, but at the core of it, Jane is always, always trying to protect someone. Even Beast thinks some of the vamps deserve to be protected. Even though the vamps can do some serious harm to Jane at times. Beast does her best to protect Jane, too.
Jane is forced to realize again that even the vamps she works with are vamps before they are anything else. This is reinforced when . It was violent and it hurt her and damn near broke Jane's spirit. Lucky for her, Beast is a smart cat and figures out that she can remove it. Later of course, . I can't wait to see the results of that!
I'm going to put my thoughts from a post I made in a group about the book here:
Katie:
Leo:
Brusier:
Eli/Alex:
Rick:
Jane:
This pretty much sums up how I felt about the book and about the various character interactions. I know Leo is probably hated and nonredeemable in the eyes of many readers, but I've loved Leo from the gate and despite everything he's done to Jane, that love has not wavered. I'm still Team Leo all the way. *pom poms*
Hey, Faith Hunter! Gimme dat book 6!
So much happens in this one and it all seems that it is a direct result of Jane killing a man in her hotel room during Raven Cursed. Poor Jane. How was she supposed to know that guy was the Enforcer of another MOC come to check her out so that he could challenge her to fight so that a Blood Challenge could be made against Leo? But like others said, why did he come into her hotel room, at night, while she was sleeping with a gun drawn that had a silencer on it? If he was going to challenge her, he sure was going about it the wrong way. Seemed to me he was going to murder her. Too bad there was no proof of that since Jane, Gregoire and the B-Twins had no idea he was a vamps Enforcer.
There was so much fallout from that one thing and it had Jane second-guessing herself and wondering what working for the vamps was turning her into. She doesn't like so much the person she has slowly been becoming, but I don't feel that Jane has been turning into a bad person. I still love her. She does her best to do what's right. A lot of blood and violence is done to achieve those goals, but at the core of it, Jane is always, always trying to protect someone. Even Beast thinks some of the vamps deserve to be protected. Even though the vamps can do some serious harm to Jane at times. Beast does her best to protect Jane, too.
Jane is forced to realize again that even the vamps she works with are vamps before they are anything else. This is reinforced when . It was violent and it hurt her and damn near broke Jane's spirit. Lucky for her, Beast is a smart cat and figures out that she can remove it. Later of course, . I can't wait to see the results of that!
I'm going to put my thoughts from a post I made in a group about the book here:
Katie:
Leo:
Brusier:
Eli/Alex:
Rick:
Jane:
This pretty much sums up how I felt about the book and about the various character interactions. I know Leo is probably hated and nonredeemable in the eyes of many readers, but I've loved Leo from the gate and despite everything he's done to Jane, that love has not wavered. I'm still Team Leo all the way. *pom poms*
Hey, Faith Hunter! Gimme dat book 6!
September 6, 2012
Review: Death’s Rival
The latest installment of Jane Yellowrock’s story, Death’s Rival could also be called Jane’s Revenge.
Jane walked out of the forest as a young child, without memory of who she was and not speaking. As an adult she becomes a vampire hunter, killing rogue vampires for a living. I guess it’s as good a profession as any.
In Skinwalker we discover Jane’s dark world, a universe filled with vampires and Jane, the last (?) Cherokee Skinwalker. Skinwalkers are able to shift into various animals when she has a sample of their DNA. Jane also shares her body with the soul of Beast, a cougar. Molly, an Earth Witch, is her best and pretty much her only friend. Molly and her immediate family are the only ones to know Jane’s secret.
Her life takes an about turn when the Vampire Master of the City of New Orleans, Leo Pellissier, hires her. Now she’s working closely for vampires, rather than just being hired to kill them.
In addition to Leo, we are introduced to some interesting men, including Rick, a cop, and Bruiser, Leo’s blood servant and right hand man.
In Death’s Rival, she feels very alone due to events in Raven Cursed. She is estranged from her best friend, and lost her boyfriend. Things are not going well and now she is drawn back into the world of vampires.
Death’s Rival is a foremost a mystery. Vampires are not supposed to be able to get sick, yet they are. There is a plague taking down the MOC throughout the US and Jane has to find out the cause and who is behind it. We are there every step of the way, as Jane’s support team, Derrick and his men, and Reacher, an computer expert, teases out the answers.
While she works through the threads, untangling the answers, she also discovers what happened to her people so long ago.
In addition Jane hires her own team, not associated with Leo. I adore these new characters—they are wonderfully developed. An ex-ranger and his younger brilliant brother are hired on as a team. The former ranger is the brawn of the family, and the younger brother is the brains, able to hack into anything. Which landed him on probation and under his brother’s care. Jane is sucked into the family dynamics, the squabbles and compromises of a typical family.
It all seems to puzzle Jane a bit, but she rolls with it and we see a more mature Jane.
Unfortunately, she still has trust issues and it’s interfering with her love life. Her lack of trust may mean the irreconcilable end to one of the men in her life. There appears to be a strengthening with another. This makes Beast very happy.
Beast is becoming a very strong character in her own right. We see more of the story through her point of view and the change in voice from Jane to Beast is marvelous. The big cat remains an animal, with animal senses and thoughts. She has accepted something that Jane hasn’t yet—they are more than just Jane and Beast. Together they are stronger and more.
I can’t wait until the next book in this series, and while the mystery is solved, there are so many places it can still go. Excellent story!
The latest installment of Jane Yellowrock’s story, Death’s Rival could also be called Jane’s Revenge.
Jane walked out of the forest as a young child, without memory of who she was and not speaking. As an adult she becomes a vampire hunter, killing rogue vampires for a living. I guess it’s as good a profession as any.
In Skinwalker we discover Jane’s dark world, a universe filled with vampires and Jane, the last (?) Cherokee Skinwalker. Skinwalkers are able to shift into various animals when she has a sample of their DNA. Jane also shares her body with the soul of Beast, a cougar. Molly, an Earth Witch, is her best and pretty much her only friend. Molly and her immediate family are the only ones to know Jane’s secret.
Her life takes an about turn when the Vampire Master of the City of New Orleans, Leo Pellissier, hires her. Now she’s working closely for vampires, rather than just being hired to kill them.
In addition to Leo, we are introduced to some interesting men, including Rick, a cop, and Bruiser, Leo’s blood servant and right hand man.
In Death’s Rival, she feels very alone due to events in Raven Cursed. She is estranged from her best friend, and lost her boyfriend. Things are not going well and now she is drawn back into the world of vampires.
Death’s Rival is a foremost a mystery. Vampires are not supposed to be able to get sick, yet they are. There is a plague taking down the MOC throughout the US and Jane has to find out the cause and who is behind it. We are there every step of the way, as Jane’s support team, Derrick and his men, and Reacher, an computer expert, teases out the answers.
While she works through the threads, untangling the answers, she also discovers what happened to her people so long ago.
In addition Jane hires her own team, not associated with Leo. I adore these new characters—they are wonderfully developed. An ex-ranger and his younger brilliant brother are hired on as a team. The former ranger is the brawn of the family, and the younger brother is the brains, able to hack into anything. Which landed him on probation and under his brother’s care. Jane is sucked into the family dynamics, the squabbles and compromises of a typical family.
It all seems to puzzle Jane a bit, but she rolls with it and we see a more mature Jane.
Unfortunately, she still has trust issues and it’s interfering with her love life. Her lack of trust may mean the irreconcilable end to one of the men in her life. There appears to be a strengthening with another. This makes Beast very happy.
Beast is becoming a very strong character in her own right. We see more of the story through her point of view and the change in voice from Jane to Beast is marvelous. The big cat remains an animal, with animal senses and thoughts. She has accepted something that Jane hasn’t yet—they are more than just Jane and Beast. Together they are stronger and more.
I can’t wait until the next book in this series, and while the mystery is solved, there are so many places it can still go. Excellent story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2012
Jane, our little Vampire Hunter is still working for Leo. She is now sent to two different states to retrieve blood samples from sick vampires.
A new master is getting vampires under his wing, if they don't plegde to him, they get infected with a disease that can kill them.
During these two trips, Jane is attacked. Again, Beast comes to the rescue.
As Leo's Enforcer she is to have a blood Bond with Leo. She is trying to avoid this.
Jane decides to hire two guys to form her own team. The older brother, Eli is a fighter and he shows some interest in Jane. The younger brother is a geek tech guy.
At the end Jane may need to confront the New Master, but can she survive this fight?
As much as I like this series, I was disappointed with Jane's unresolved love life- I mean how many guys have showed interest in her. Rick (who could infect her), Bruiser (who is under Leo's dominance) Leo (who is a bastard in this book) and now Eli. I may wait until the series is done to read the rest otherwise I may throw my Kindle to the wall the next time Jane doesn't know who she wants.
Beast on the other hand is darn smart. Jane should listen to Beast for a change.
Spoiler Fangalert: Leo forcing the bond on her is callous and worse is that he uses poor Bruiser to hurt Jane. One sentence Bruiser is awesome the next Bruiser is forcing her to do something she doesn't want. I think Jane needs to pack her bags and leave forever. No money is worth it. Saying that I still like Bruiser better than Rick.
3/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot.com
A new master is getting vampires under his wing, if they don't plegde to him, they get infected with a disease that can kill them.
During these two trips, Jane is attacked. Again, Beast comes to the rescue.
As Leo's Enforcer she is to have a blood Bond with Leo. She is trying to avoid this.
Jane decides to hire two guys to form her own team. The older brother, Eli is a fighter and he shows some interest in Jane. The younger brother is a geek tech guy.
At the end Jane may need to confront the New Master, but can she survive this fight?
As much as I like this series, I was disappointed with Jane's unresolved love life- I mean how many guys have showed interest in her. Rick (who could infect her), Bruiser (who is under Leo's dominance) Leo (who is a bastard in this book) and now Eli. I may wait until the series is done to read the rest otherwise I may throw my Kindle to the wall the next time Jane doesn't know who she wants.
Beast on the other hand is darn smart. Jane should listen to Beast for a change.
Spoiler Fangalert: Leo forcing the bond on her is callous and worse is that he uses poor Bruiser to hurt Jane. One sentence Bruiser is awesome the next Bruiser is forcing her to do something she doesn't want. I think Jane needs to pack her bags and leave forever. No money is worth it. Saying that I still like Bruiser better than Rick.
3/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot.com
July 8, 2016
Much better than the last one. Love Eli and the Kid. Don't like Leo. Not sure about Bruiser. I'm not even sure I like Jane right now. And Rick... well, we'll see in the next book. I'm reserving judgment on him right now.
November 16, 2012
This review might bounce all over the place. I might clean it up later, but most likely I won't. To summarize I liked the plot, but not the characters or the 'romance'.
So, I started this book this book when it first came out and had to put it down because the way Jane spoke worked my last nerve. I want to say she used 'peeps' or something and it was just so out of nowhere that I had to stop until I was clearly less irritable to pick it back up.
Started it this morning, was enjoying it until the author decided to include the 'romance' elements and then was upset on my whole ride home back from work.
Wait? What? Why? Why do we have all these people in the story and she's jumping about "acceptable mate" like, Jane, Beast was quiet a lot of the time, you're the one calling men you've known two days "my Eli", get outta here with that mess.
Seriously, the plot was enjoyable, the writing solid (except for the soliloquoys about her outfits. I mean, I like visuals as much as the next person but just say "suit up" and done after a while. we get the picture)
I didn't understand the attraction of that dumbass Rick from the first book. He seemed super sleazy undercover cop or no, I was all for Bruiser. Or the twins. I don't mind sex with my urban fantasy, I just need it to not turn the main character into an idiot.
Five books later, and hey Jane, making out during the middle of a shoot out? You're an idiot.
I just... argh. She felt the same but like a totally different character.
I already had a huge issue with the author's tendency to end the book one way and then start the next in the series as if the issue had been resolved and we were all in on it.
And then we lose characters I actually like, and Jane takes the blame/feels guilty for things when she wasn't the one who made someone's bitch witch sister lose her goddamn mind and try to woowoo people into doing what she wanted.
Maybe I'm just blood thirsty but after a while, when someone who's pretty much a hired killer keeps getting hit with guilt for something I honestly can't see as her fault I just, no. But hey, I wouldn't still be working for people who manipulate me, view me as food, and pretty much control me even though I'm a predator too.
AND, for someone with so much conscience, how does she not feel some sort of way about making out with Bruiser then being all giddy about seeing Rick? That really doesn't mesh with the personality she's been given, at least I don't think so. I might just be sick of her having all of these men and not sleeping with any of them.
I mean, if I'm going to have to read through this nonsense, at least let their be sex AT APPROPRIATE TIMES. Stop with the 'I feel pretty' nonsense. Clearly you're attractive. Clearly you've been told this a lot of times. Stop the shit.
I just...I really wish there was less "Oh Bruiser, woowoo, *growly*mine*purr*, oh Rick-bo *growly*mine*growlypurr* oooh Leo (and why is he still alive?! Bunk your excuses about the money, you clearly like being at his beck and call and almost getting killed multiple times. dumbass.)
And here's the thing, the 'romance' isn't that huge of a part, but she puts it in so awkwardly so purposelessly (for me) that it just makes it that much worse and then makes everything else that much more irritating.
And also not sure why is Jane attractive to so many people, and then dudes who don't want to bone her (her sensei, Derek) now want to fight her just because they know she's not human. UGH.
I just, no. I had suspicions around book three but I kept trucking on, but she's no longer on my auto-buy. Life's too short for me to be raging in my mind.
I give it 2.5 stars, although maybe on a read through I'll enjoy it more? who knows.
So, I started this book this book when it first came out and had to put it down because the way Jane spoke worked my last nerve. I want to say she used 'peeps' or something and it was just so out of nowhere that I had to stop until I was clearly less irritable to pick it back up.
Started it this morning, was enjoying it until the author decided to include the 'romance' elements and then was upset on my whole ride home back from work.
Wait? What? Why? Why do we have all these people in the story and she's jumping about "acceptable mate" like, Jane, Beast was quiet a lot of the time, you're the one calling men you've known two days "my Eli", get outta here with that mess.
Seriously, the plot was enjoyable, the writing solid (except for the soliloquoys about her outfits. I mean, I like visuals as much as the next person but just say "suit up" and done after a while. we get the picture)
I didn't understand the attraction of that dumbass Rick from the first book. He seemed super sleazy undercover cop or no, I was all for Bruiser. Or the twins. I don't mind sex with my urban fantasy, I just need it to not turn the main character into an idiot.
Five books later, and hey Jane, making out during the middle of a shoot out? You're an idiot.
I just... argh. She felt the same but like a totally different character.
I already had a huge issue with the author's tendency to end the book one way and then start the next in the series as if the issue had been resolved and we were all in on it.
And then we lose characters I actually like, and Jane takes the blame/feels guilty for things when she wasn't the one who made someone's bitch witch sister lose her goddamn mind and try to woowoo people into doing what she wanted.
Maybe I'm just blood thirsty but after a while, when someone who's pretty much a hired killer keeps getting hit with guilt for something I honestly can't see as her fault I just, no. But hey, I wouldn't still be working for people who manipulate me, view me as food, and pretty much control me even though I'm a predator too.
AND, for someone with so much conscience, how does she not feel some sort of way about making out with Bruiser then being all giddy about seeing Rick? That really doesn't mesh with the personality she's been given, at least I don't think so. I might just be sick of her having all of these men and not sleeping with any of them.
I mean, if I'm going to have to read through this nonsense, at least let their be sex AT APPROPRIATE TIMES. Stop with the 'I feel pretty' nonsense. Clearly you're attractive. Clearly you've been told this a lot of times. Stop the shit.
I just...I really wish there was less "Oh Bruiser, woowoo, *growly*mine*purr*, oh Rick-bo *growly*mine*growlypurr* oooh Leo (and why is he still alive?! Bunk your excuses about the money, you clearly like being at his beck and call and almost getting killed multiple times. dumbass.)
And here's the thing, the 'romance' isn't that huge of a part, but she puts it in so awkwardly so purposelessly (for me) that it just makes it that much worse and then makes everything else that much more irritating.
And also not sure why is Jane attractive to so many people, and then dudes who don't want to bone her (her sensei, Derek) now want to fight her just because they know she's not human. UGH.
I just, no. I had suspicions around book three but I kept trucking on, but she's no longer on my auto-buy. Life's too short for me to be raging in my mind.
I give it 2.5 stars, although maybe on a read through I'll enjoy it more? who knows.
October 5, 2020
Fifth in the Jane Yellowrock urban fantasy series based in New Orleans and revolving around a skinwalker who works security for a kiss of vampires.
My Take
Arghhhh!!! I do NOT want to have to wait until April 2 for Blood Trade . No…don't make me!! Faith Hunter, you are so unfair leaving us as you did in Death's Rival!
This was so excellent! Resolves that Rick/Jane question that's been floating around GR! Even as it opens some new ones. We learn about a very formative episode in Jane's childhood and the truth about her skinwalker nature is leaking badly. Bruiser's recovery has Jane asking questions about his new nature. And what does that mental chain mean for Beast?
Beast certainly has the hots for some of the men in Jane's life! And I do not understand why everyone thinks that Rick and Jane broke up. It just doesn't read that way to me. Then there's Leo's screw up with Jane after that attack on her. And, LOL, there's Jane-the-Parent. I did enjoy the maneuvering Jane set up to get Kid Stinky to take a shower!
There is no end to the action or betrayals in this one. Yet, even with the betrayals, there are some bright spots.
Faith Hunter is an amazing writer. I haven't read anything of hers that I haven't loved and Death's Rival is no exception! Hunter has taken the vampire genre and given it a twist. I particularly like the trauma she's putting Bruiser through! Jerk.
Aggie is certainly forcing Jane to face up to the consequences of her choices and that's a hard bit of real life we don't always find in a novel. It gives us all something to think about.
The Story
It's a dangerous trip Jane is making to collect blood samples from the affected Masters of the City. Only, it's not the dangers Jane thought. There has to be a leak back in New Orleans and Jane is determined to prevent more people from dying.
But the Big Bad Vamp is determined. He's also nuts and willing to lie, cheat, and steal to get what he wants.
The Characters
Jane Yellowrock is both Cherokee and a skinwalker with Beast as her primary alter ego. Originally a bounty hunter taking down vampires, she had contracted with Leo Pellissier to do his security. When the retainer ran out, so did Jane. Until this new problem cropped up because Jane claimed she was Leo's Enforcer. Bitsa is her chopped Harley. Reach is an amazingly fast and thorough researcher Jane uses. Aggie One Feather is a Cherokee elder who has been aiding Jane in her search for her past. Eli Younger and his brother Alex are sent by Derek to work for Jane. Eli is a former U.S. Ranger who is pretty handy with a hammer and saw; Alex is a computer expert determined to be better than Reach. They move in with Jane and merge in this story to become a unit, set up a business. Daniel is Jane's sensei.
Rick LaFleur is a former undercover cop with NOPD until he was bitten. Now he's a member of Psychometry Law Enforcement (PsyLED), a division of Homeland Security. Jane keeps claiming she's lost him, but he's simply moved into a arm of law enforcement that will accept his shifter nature. With Jane working for Leo, a thug essentially, it makes their relationship difficult. The rest of his unit with PsyLED includes a stuck werewolf, Brute, who hates him; Pea, a juvenile grindylow who will destroy anyone who gets too close to Rick; and, Soul, his supervisor.
Bruiser, a.k.a., George Dumas, has a blood bond with Leo and is his real Enforcer, blood servant, plaything, right-hand man; he's also well-nuanced in politics. Leonard Pellissier is the Master of the City (MOC) in New Orleans as well as the head of the Southeastern U.S. Tory is the lucky steward aboard Leo's Bombardier Learjet 85; Flyboy Dan is the unlucky pilot. Girrard DiMercy is Leo's Mercy Blade (see Mercy Blade ). Koun and Wrassler are blood-servants. Amitee Marchand is Leo's former daughter-in-law. Innara and her anamchara Jena are the mind-joined leaders of Clan Bouvier and bound to Leo. Grégoire is Leo's second heir. Bethany Salazar y Medina is a vamp priestess. Sabina Delgado y Aguilar is an older outclan priestess who lives in the vamp graveyard. A graveyard?? For vampires?? She's also an emissary of the Outclan Council of Mithrans.
Katie, Leo's heir, is a madam with one of the oldest still-operating brothels in New Orleans, Katie's Ladies. Tom, a.k.a., Troll, is a blood servant. Deon is her three-star chef. Christie is one of the ladies who specializes in kinky BDSM. Scary, huh? I thought regular BDSM was fairly kinky...
Derek Lee, a.k.a., V. Lee's Surrender, is second-in-command of Leo's security; Jane thinks he's hers, but he's actually Leo's. Derek's old Vodka crew are all from the same unit and includes: Martini, Lime Rickey, Chi-Chi, Hi-Fi, Sunrise, and Angel Tit (Corporal Joran Stevens). The new Tequila crew includes: Sunrise, Cheek Sneak, Grenada, Blue Voodoo, El Diablo, and Firecracker. Guys picked from different military units.
Of the vampires infected and forced to surrender
Dacey Mooney is Lincoln Shaddock's heir (he's the head of the Asheville vamps, but bound to Leo); Adelaide is Dacey's daughter. Rosanne Romanello is the former MOC in Sedona. She's one of Leo's. Nicolas Nivikov is her heir and lover. Hieronymus is the vamp in Mississippi who should have reported to Leo.
Jodi Richoux is Jane's contact with the NOPD supernatural crimes unit. She's about to become acquainted with Sophie Gallaud.
Ramondo Pitri is the the Enforcer Jane killed when he was in her hotel room rummaging through her stuff. With a silenced gun out and ready and to use ( Raven Cursed ). Greyson Labs was paying his freight. Lucas Vazquez de Allyon owns the companies and practices Naturaleza. He owns most of Georgia and that part of the Southeastern states that Leo doesn't claim. He's also specialized in draining any skinwalker he could find. Hellene de Romanova is his heir; Adam Jonas is his secundo; and, Jude Talley is his Enforcer. Corpse, a.k.a., Callan, is one of the BBV's vamps captured in the firefight at Leo's house who rolls over.
Hayyel is the angel who rescued Jane/Beast in Raven Cursed . Blood-Call is a vampire escort service. The Vampira Carta is a contract of laws by which vampires abide. Unless you're de Allyon.
The Cover
The cover is gold and browns with a deep brownish gold of stylized bats forming a left border against a black background that bleeds out to create a top and bottom band that gradates inward to the textured golds and brighter yellows that create the park and stream in which we find a posed Jane, sword in hand and ready to slash the next comer. Her long hair is tangled and wet as are her black and shiny leather pants while the interestingly cut top she's wearing is showing cleavage she'd never notice.
The title is all about the very bad boy who is Death's Rival.
My Take
Arghhhh!!! I do NOT want to have to wait until April 2 for Blood Trade . No…don't make me!! Faith Hunter, you are so unfair leaving us as you did in Death's Rival!
This was so excellent! Resolves that Rick/Jane question that's been floating around GR! Even as it opens some new ones. We learn about a very formative episode in Jane's childhood and the truth about her skinwalker nature is leaking badly. Bruiser's recovery has Jane asking questions about his new nature. And what does that mental chain mean for Beast?
Beast certainly has the hots for some of the men in Jane's life! And I do not understand why everyone thinks that Rick and Jane broke up. It just doesn't read that way to me. Then there's Leo's screw up with Jane after that attack on her. And, LOL, there's Jane-the-Parent. I did enjoy the maneuvering Jane set up to get Kid Stinky to take a shower!
There is no end to the action or betrayals in this one. Yet, even with the betrayals, there are some bright spots.
Faith Hunter is an amazing writer. I haven't read anything of hers that I haven't loved and Death's Rival is no exception! Hunter has taken the vampire genre and given it a twist. I particularly like the trauma she's putting Bruiser through! Jerk.
Aggie is certainly forcing Jane to face up to the consequences of her choices and that's a hard bit of real life we don't always find in a novel. It gives us all something to think about.
The Story
It's a dangerous trip Jane is making to collect blood samples from the affected Masters of the City. Only, it's not the dangers Jane thought. There has to be a leak back in New Orleans and Jane is determined to prevent more people from dying.
But the Big Bad Vamp is determined. He's also nuts and willing to lie, cheat, and steal to get what he wants.
The Characters
Jane Yellowrock is both Cherokee and a skinwalker with Beast as her primary alter ego. Originally a bounty hunter taking down vampires, she had contracted with Leo Pellissier to do his security. When the retainer ran out, so did Jane. Until this new problem cropped up because Jane claimed she was Leo's Enforcer. Bitsa is her chopped Harley. Reach is an amazingly fast and thorough researcher Jane uses. Aggie One Feather is a Cherokee elder who has been aiding Jane in her search for her past. Eli Younger and his brother Alex are sent by Derek to work for Jane. Eli is a former U.S. Ranger who is pretty handy with a hammer and saw; Alex is a computer expert determined to be better than Reach. They move in with Jane and merge in this story to become a unit, set up a business. Daniel is Jane's sensei.
Rick LaFleur is a former undercover cop with NOPD until he was bitten. Now he's a member of Psychometry Law Enforcement (PsyLED), a division of Homeland Security. Jane keeps claiming she's lost him, but he's simply moved into a arm of law enforcement that will accept his shifter nature. With Jane working for Leo, a thug essentially, it makes their relationship difficult. The rest of his unit with PsyLED includes a stuck werewolf, Brute, who hates him; Pea, a juvenile grindylow who will destroy anyone who gets too close to Rick; and, Soul, his supervisor.
Bruiser, a.k.a., George Dumas, has a blood bond with Leo and is his real Enforcer, blood servant, plaything, right-hand man; he's also well-nuanced in politics. Leonard Pellissier is the Master of the City (MOC) in New Orleans as well as the head of the Southeastern U.S. Tory is the lucky steward aboard Leo's Bombardier Learjet 85; Flyboy Dan is the unlucky pilot. Girrard DiMercy is Leo's Mercy Blade (see Mercy Blade ). Koun and Wrassler are blood-servants. Amitee Marchand is Leo's former daughter-in-law. Innara and her anamchara Jena are the mind-joined leaders of Clan Bouvier and bound to Leo. Grégoire is Leo's second heir. Bethany Salazar y Medina is a vamp priestess. Sabina Delgado y Aguilar is an older outclan priestess who lives in the vamp graveyard. A graveyard?? For vampires?? She's also an emissary of the Outclan Council of Mithrans.
Katie, Leo's heir, is a madam with one of the oldest still-operating brothels in New Orleans, Katie's Ladies. Tom, a.k.a., Troll, is a blood servant. Deon is her three-star chef. Christie is one of the ladies who specializes in kinky BDSM. Scary, huh? I thought regular BDSM was fairly kinky...
Derek Lee, a.k.a., V. Lee's Surrender, is second-in-command of Leo's security; Jane thinks he's hers, but he's actually Leo's. Derek's old Vodka crew are all from the same unit and includes: Martini, Lime Rickey, Chi-Chi, Hi-Fi, Sunrise, and Angel Tit (Corporal Joran Stevens). The new Tequila crew includes: Sunrise, Cheek Sneak, Grenada, Blue Voodoo, El Diablo, and Firecracker. Guys picked from different military units.
Of the vampires infected and forced to surrender
Dacey Mooney is Lincoln Shaddock's heir (he's the head of the Asheville vamps, but bound to Leo); Adelaide is Dacey's daughter. Rosanne Romanello is the former MOC in Sedona. She's one of Leo's. Nicolas Nivikov is her heir and lover. Hieronymus is the vamp in Mississippi who should have reported to Leo.
Jodi Richoux is Jane's contact with the NOPD supernatural crimes unit. She's about to become acquainted with Sophie Gallaud.
Ramondo Pitri is the the Enforcer Jane killed when he was in her hotel room rummaging through her stuff. With a silenced gun out and ready and to use ( Raven Cursed ). Greyson Labs was paying his freight. Lucas Vazquez de Allyon owns the companies and practices Naturaleza. He owns most of Georgia and that part of the Southeastern states that Leo doesn't claim. He's also specialized in draining any skinwalker he could find. Hellene de Romanova is his heir; Adam Jonas is his secundo; and, Jude Talley is his Enforcer. Corpse, a.k.a., Callan, is one of the BBV's vamps captured in the firefight at Leo's house who rolls over.
Hayyel is the angel who rescued Jane/Beast in Raven Cursed . Blood-Call is a vampire escort service. The Vampira Carta is a contract of laws by which vampires abide. Unless you're de Allyon.
The Cover
The cover is gold and browns with a deep brownish gold of stylized bats forming a left border against a black background that bleeds out to create a top and bottom band that gradates inward to the textured golds and brighter yellows that create the park and stream in which we find a posed Jane, sword in hand and ready to slash the next comer. Her long hair is tangled and wet as are her black and shiny leather pants while the interestingly cut top she's wearing is showing cleavage she'd never notice.
The title is all about the very bad boy who is Death's Rival.
June 20, 2022
Death's Rival
4 Stars
Leo Pellisier, Master of the City of New Orleans, hires Jane to discover the identity of an unknown master vampire, who seeks to supplant him by using a deadly plague that targets the Mithrin. As Jane gets closer to uncovering the truth, her role in the mysterious vampire’s dangerous game becomes more personal and she will have to deal both with threats from afar and betrayals closer to home…
Unlike the previous books, the storyline in Death’s Rival is less convoluted and easier to follow. The details regarding Jane’s family background are very compelling and are woven seamlessly into the investigation plot. The villain is one seriously disturbed vampire and that is saying a lot considering the nature of the species.
There are also compelling developments in terms of the men in Jane’s life. To begin with, Leo’s behavior is simply appalling and underscores the fact that whatever his intentions, he is not the man for Jane (not that he was ever really in contention). Thankfully, Jane’s complex relationship with Rick seems to be coming to an end as their differences drive them further apart. In contrast, Jane and Bruiser’s growing attraction takes on a life of its own and will hopefully work itself out despite the obstacles. Finally, Jane enters into a partnership with a new man who has potential both personally and professionally although Bruiser remains my favorite.
All in all, an engrossing addition to the series with an action packed plot and exciting changes that will have far-retching consequences for Jane and her Beast. Khristine Hvam’s incomparable narration truly brings Jane’s story to life and I have every intention of catching up with the rest of the series in 2015.
4 Stars
Leo Pellisier, Master of the City of New Orleans, hires Jane to discover the identity of an unknown master vampire, who seeks to supplant him by using a deadly plague that targets the Mithrin. As Jane gets closer to uncovering the truth, her role in the mysterious vampire’s dangerous game becomes more personal and she will have to deal both with threats from afar and betrayals closer to home…
Unlike the previous books, the storyline in Death’s Rival is less convoluted and easier to follow. The details regarding Jane’s family background are very compelling and are woven seamlessly into the investigation plot. The villain is one seriously disturbed vampire and that is saying a lot considering the nature of the species.
There are also compelling developments in terms of the men in Jane’s life. To begin with, Leo’s behavior is simply appalling and underscores the fact that whatever his intentions, he is not the man for Jane (not that he was ever really in contention). Thankfully, Jane’s complex relationship with Rick seems to be coming to an end as their differences drive them further apart. In contrast, Jane and Bruiser’s growing attraction takes on a life of its own and will hopefully work itself out despite the obstacles. Finally, Jane enters into a partnership with a new man who has potential both personally and professionally although Bruiser remains my favorite.
All in all, an engrossing addition to the series with an action packed plot and exciting changes that will have far-retching consequences for Jane and her Beast. Khristine Hvam’s incomparable narration truly brings Jane’s story to life and I have every intention of catching up with the rest of the series in 2015.
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