What do you think?
Rate this book
Jessica McClain #5
Pure Blooded
Jessica arrives back from the Underworld to find her father embroiled in a battle against the Made wolves. She and her crew drop everything to join them.
Once she arrives, the threat is after her. Jessica is lured into danger when her adversary takes something precious from her. With help from an unlikely source, Jessica goes up against her creator in a battle that will decide the path of everyone involved. She must war against a new set of foes, ones who could not only steal her power, but could take her soul as well.
Once she arrives, the threat is after her. Jessica is lured into danger when her adversary takes something precious from her. With help from an unlikely source, Jessica goes up against her creator in a battle that will decide the path of everyone involved. She must war against a new set of foes, ones who could not only steal her power, but could take her soul as well.
285 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2015
33 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Carlson
28 books712 followersAmanda Carlson is the author of the upcoming Jessica McClain series. The first book, Full Blooded, will be released by Hachette Book Group, ORBIT US & UK SEPT 2012. She’s been writing for over ten years. Full Blooded is her first novel. She lives in Minneapolis, with her husband and three kids.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 18, 2015
The latest installment in the Jessica McClain series was the most disappointing yet. I'm not sure if it is because I've been doing lots of heavy duty urban fantasy reading recently, if my tastes are evolving, or if this book is just less nuanced, but I finished this one feeling very underwhelmed.
"Pure Blooded" picks up right where the last book in the series left off, and we are thrust right into the action. Where this book shines is really that it keeps you engaged: you are never allowed to catch your breath before the next problem arises. The plot rolls right along, and I was mildly entertained by all the stuff thrown Jessica's way.
Here is my problem: as the books progress, Jessica seems to grow stronger and stronger to the point where she is nearly invincible. Every scenario has an out, everything has an increasingly easy-feeling answer. Even Marcy, the sidekick witch, appears to be growing in power to the point where she can handle everything. Nothing is exciting anymore. The anxiety, the tension, the fear... it's just gone. The best part about urban fantasy, to me, is when you think a character is WAY over their head and they pull a miracle at the last minute. As I'm making my way through the Harry Dresden series, I can't help thinking that this book is missing the blood, sweat, and tears that he always gives us. It felt almost cartoonish, and not in a good way.
Also, the plots are becoming more and more convoluted. There are getting to be too many players and too many side characters, and this author isn't able to weave them together as well as in other urban fantasy books. The world building is starting to feel sloppy, which is disappointing. Also, I have to say, this author does NOT write love scenes well. She should stick to completely fade-to-black because her sex scenes are super awkward.
There is still some good stuff there, but I think this might be the end of the road for me and this series. Goodbye, Jessica McClain.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
"Pure Blooded" picks up right where the last book in the series left off, and we are thrust right into the action. Where this book shines is really that it keeps you engaged: you are never allowed to catch your breath before the next problem arises. The plot rolls right along, and I was mildly entertained by all the stuff thrown Jessica's way.
Here is my problem: as the books progress, Jessica seems to grow stronger and stronger to the point where she is nearly invincible. Every scenario has an out, everything has an increasingly easy-feeling answer. Even Marcy, the sidekick witch, appears to be growing in power to the point where she can handle everything. Nothing is exciting anymore. The anxiety, the tension, the fear... it's just gone. The best part about urban fantasy, to me, is when you think a character is WAY over their head and they pull a miracle at the last minute. As I'm making my way through the Harry Dresden series, I can't help thinking that this book is missing the blood, sweat, and tears that he always gives us. It felt almost cartoonish, and not in a good way.
Also, the plots are becoming more and more convoluted. There are getting to be too many players and too many side characters, and this author isn't able to weave them together as well as in other urban fantasy books. The world building is starting to feel sloppy, which is disappointing. Also, I have to say, this author does NOT write love scenes well. She should stick to completely fade-to-black because her sex scenes are super awkward.
There is still some good stuff there, but I think this might be the end of the road for me and this series. Goodbye, Jessica McClain.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 28, 2015
Mon avis en Français
My English review
After a volume full of events, I was curious to find Jessica and know what she would do in the course of her adventures. And it must be said that once again she is far from being able to stay quiet or rest.
Back from hell, our heroine meets with her father to help him in his battles but a new enemy emerges and our group is facing a priestess who seems determined destroy them all. Injuring her friends, Jessica is determined to find a solution to her problems and to advance to finally have a quiet life. However, it seems that nothing is possible, and the troubles are only accumulating again and again.
It was a novel rich in action (perhaps too much?) but it was nice to see Jessica and her friends. We still would like for her to finally have a little time because it is ultimately not the case here and it is quite tiring to see her do so many things. Even if I found a few elements annoying here, I had a good time with all the characters that I’ve come to love. Some new stories are also highlighted in this book, making us curious for the future.
So as I said we have a volume in the line of the previous one and I remain curious to discover the next one of the saga.
My English review
After a volume full of events, I was curious to find Jessica and know what she would do in the course of her adventures. And it must be said that once again she is far from being able to stay quiet or rest.
Back from hell, our heroine meets with her father to help him in his battles but a new enemy emerges and our group is facing a priestess who seems determined destroy them all. Injuring her friends, Jessica is determined to find a solution to her problems and to advance to finally have a quiet life. However, it seems that nothing is possible, and the troubles are only accumulating again and again.
It was a novel rich in action (perhaps too much?) but it was nice to see Jessica and her friends. We still would like for her to finally have a little time because it is ultimately not the case here and it is quite tiring to see her do so many things. Even if I found a few elements annoying here, I had a good time with all the characters that I’ve come to love. Some new stories are also highlighted in this book, making us curious for the future.
So as I said we have a volume in the line of the previous one and I remain curious to discover the next one of the saga.
June 23, 2015
4.5*s
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Pure Blooded may be the fifth book in the series but it is still as awesome as book one and a series that is one of my favourites.
Following book four Jessica has some problems; she has changed the course of fate and something that should have happened in the future will no longer be happening, so fate has it in for her. Her father has left their territory in pursuit of the rogue pack and is currently camped in the swamp lands of Florida and is at a stalemate with the enemy so, it’s up to Jessica, Rourke and co. to fly down there and help out. The thing is… danger is coming for Jess in every direction and her enemies are not above using those closest to her to achieve their goals. Jessica is in for the fight of her life.
This is another fabulous read in the Jessica McClain series and it is a series I have championed from the very beginning. I love everything about it – the characters, the different species, the world – I also love how it straddles the lines of Urban Fantasy and straight out fantasy and I always wait for the next book with baited breath. Fifth book in and it is still awesome, filled with danger, death threats, action, magic and romance with our heroine stuck right in the middle. Jessica became something special in the last book, more so than previous books and now the word is out – people want her and want her power. She has matured a lot but also has new powers to break in so it’s like watching her get to grips with her shifting abilities again. One of the things I love about those she surrounds herself with is that they are loyal to a fault and she is just as loyal to them and all are willing to die for each other. At the heart of it all, Jessica is pack so it wasn’t a long shot to think that she would head straight back into danger for them and that’s exactly what she does.
I really liked the change of scenery again, the author isn’t afraid to use different settings that tie in so well to the story and as you can imagine with Florida being a multi-cultural state, you are going to get different belief systems that include magic. I have to say, the enemy in this one looked to be unwinnable and possesses immense power but it went so well with the progression of Jessica’s character. The things that happened gave the story an eerie, mysterious and evil feel and it was very atmospheric and also stretched the imagination a bit- but doesn’t all hocus pocus? She has help from a couple of sources and both will make you smile but you will always understand the danger they’re in and all won’t come away unscathed. It will take everything she has…. But she will still need more as fate catches up to her and decides that the only way to right her wrongs, is if she dies! So she is straight out of the frying pan and straight into the fire. You think the last enemy was bad? Think again!! This is brutal, it is deadly and when fate wants you dead – how do you survive?
Again Jess has a fabulous supporting cast, they all champion her and non-more so than Rourke who will be with her every step of the way. She will have to call on each and every one to overcome what fate has in store. I really feel for Jess and Rourke, no sooner had they found each other then all hell broke loose! They’ve had to deal with sadistic Goddesses, Vampire Queens with agendas and Jessica’s nearly fatal trip to hell so it’s totally understandable that Rourke be super protective of her –even if she can look after herself- but I love this side to him, he is a primal man and even if your mate is capable, it’s hard to push aside those instincts. I love how their relationship is developing, their magic is evening up and their love adds a balm to the deadly situations they find themselves in. To be honest, I don’t think anyone could be the man/shifter that Jess needs other than Rourke and his beast.
To sum it up – This was another action packed adventure for Jessica, Rourke and the gang, I love where the plot is headed, I love the progression of the characters even the secondary characters, I like the new characters that were introduced, I liked some of the reveals that were shared and I’m excited to see where it will go next…. I’m thinking the missing witches need finding ;)
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Pure Blooded may be the fifth book in the series but it is still as awesome as book one and a series that is one of my favourites.
Following book four Jessica has some problems; she has changed the course of fate and something that should have happened in the future will no longer be happening, so fate has it in for her. Her father has left their territory in pursuit of the rogue pack and is currently camped in the swamp lands of Florida and is at a stalemate with the enemy so, it’s up to Jessica, Rourke and co. to fly down there and help out. The thing is… danger is coming for Jess in every direction and her enemies are not above using those closest to her to achieve their goals. Jessica is in for the fight of her life.
This is another fabulous read in the Jessica McClain series and it is a series I have championed from the very beginning. I love everything about it – the characters, the different species, the world – I also love how it straddles the lines of Urban Fantasy and straight out fantasy and I always wait for the next book with baited breath. Fifth book in and it is still awesome, filled with danger, death threats, action, magic and romance with our heroine stuck right in the middle. Jessica became something special in the last book, more so than previous books and now the word is out – people want her and want her power. She has matured a lot but also has new powers to break in so it’s like watching her get to grips with her shifting abilities again. One of the things I love about those she surrounds herself with is that they are loyal to a fault and she is just as loyal to them and all are willing to die for each other. At the heart of it all, Jessica is pack so it wasn’t a long shot to think that she would head straight back into danger for them and that’s exactly what she does.
I really liked the change of scenery again, the author isn’t afraid to use different settings that tie in so well to the story and as you can imagine with Florida being a multi-cultural state, you are going to get different belief systems that include magic. I have to say, the enemy in this one looked to be unwinnable and possesses immense power but it went so well with the progression of Jessica’s character. The things that happened gave the story an eerie, mysterious and evil feel and it was very atmospheric and also stretched the imagination a bit- but doesn’t all hocus pocus? She has help from a couple of sources and both will make you smile but you will always understand the danger they’re in and all won’t come away unscathed. It will take everything she has…. But she will still need more as fate catches up to her and decides that the only way to right her wrongs, is if she dies! So she is straight out of the frying pan and straight into the fire. You think the last enemy was bad? Think again!! This is brutal, it is deadly and when fate wants you dead – how do you survive?
Again Jess has a fabulous supporting cast, they all champion her and non-more so than Rourke who will be with her every step of the way. She will have to call on each and every one to overcome what fate has in store. I really feel for Jess and Rourke, no sooner had they found each other then all hell broke loose! They’ve had to deal with sadistic Goddesses, Vampire Queens with agendas and Jessica’s nearly fatal trip to hell so it’s totally understandable that Rourke be super protective of her –even if she can look after herself- but I love this side to him, he is a primal man and even if your mate is capable, it’s hard to push aside those instincts. I love how their relationship is developing, their magic is evening up and their love adds a balm to the deadly situations they find themselves in. To be honest, I don’t think anyone could be the man/shifter that Jess needs other than Rourke and his beast.
To sum it up – This was another action packed adventure for Jessica, Rourke and the gang, I love where the plot is headed, I love the progression of the characters even the secondary characters, I like the new characters that were introduced, I liked some of the reveals that were shared and I’m excited to see where it will go next…. I’m thinking the missing witches need finding ;)
June 11, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Orbit) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Pure Blooded is the fifth installment in the Jessica McClain series. Jessica went to hell and back to rescue her brother Tyler in Red Blooded. She came back more powerful than when she left. But, in the process, she also made yet another powerful enemy with her actions. Trying to put her Underworld adventure behind her, Jessica now has one real objective; finding her father who has been in the Everglades battling rogue werewolves and the priestess who controls them. So, off we go to the Everglades!
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews 06/10/2015*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 05/20/2015 via Netgalley* Expected publication: June 16th 2015 by Orbit
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Pure Blooded is the fifth installment in the Jessica McClain series. Jessica went to hell and back to rescue her brother Tyler in Red Blooded. She came back more powerful than when she left. But, in the process, she also made yet another powerful enemy with her actions. Trying to put her Underworld adventure behind her, Jessica now has one real objective; finding her father who has been in the Everglades battling rogue werewolves and the priestess who controls them. So, off we go to the Everglades!
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews 06/10/2015*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 05/20/2015 via Netgalley* Expected publication: June 16th 2015 by Orbit
July 14, 2015
Initial Thoughts: A solid installment in the Jessica MacClain series however I feel that it could have been a novella ending at around the halfway point. The second part of the book dragged a bit. I am still invested in the series and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
The Review:
Pure Blooded is the fifth installment in Amanda Carlson's Jessica MacClain series. This book continues the ongoing adventures of Jessica MacClain, a female werewolf and her pack. This is by no means your regular werewolf tale (no pun intended!) - Jessica is a special werewolf and in this book we learn more about her abilities.
What makes this series special is the combination of supernatural beings who work together. Jessica's pack includes witches, a vampire, even a reaper. The antagonists are also quite a challenge for Jessica and her friends. I was also very happy to see that Jessica got some time with Rourke, even though it never seems to be enough one on one time.
Pure Blooded is a solid installment in the series. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that while it resolved a big problem for Jessica about halfway through, the second half of the book lagged a little. Despite my small criticism, Pure Blooded was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I can't wait to read more.
The Jessica MacClain series is best read in order, starting with Full Blooded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!
The Review:
Pure Blooded is the fifth installment in Amanda Carlson's Jessica MacClain series. This book continues the ongoing adventures of Jessica MacClain, a female werewolf and her pack. This is by no means your regular werewolf tale (no pun intended!) - Jessica is a special werewolf and in this book we learn more about her abilities.
What makes this series special is the combination of supernatural beings who work together. Jessica's pack includes witches, a vampire, even a reaper. The antagonists are also quite a challenge for Jessica and her friends. I was also very happy to see that Jessica got some time with Rourke, even though it never seems to be enough one on one time.
Pure Blooded is a solid installment in the series. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that while it resolved a big problem for Jessica about halfway through, the second half of the book lagged a little. Despite my small criticism, Pure Blooded was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I can't wait to read more.
The Jessica MacClain series is best read in order, starting with Full Blooded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!
August 10, 2015
"Now I just have to figure out how to get marsh water out of my lady parts.", page 11.
That almost sounds like it could be funny, but it seems to ignore the way a woman's 'lady parts' actually work. 'Lady parts' aren't in any way shaped like a cup, and aren't made up of sponge-like material, there's no need for a woman to make an effort to get fluid out of there, gravity does it for us. It's not like we need to turn a tap to release any build up of fluid, if we did a certain time of the month could be made much more convenient. In fact gravity's effects are why women who are attempting to get pregnant are told to stay lying for down for 15 minutes after having sex so that the semen doesn't drain out too quickly before the sperm has the chance to fertilise the egg.
I felt like Carlson rushed this book, like she had a looming deadline and didn't have the time to give this the attention it deserved. Pure Blooded is the shortest book of the series so far, by 25 pages or more and the 'climax' of the book was, strangely, in the middle of the book. The book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger, so it's obvious there's going to be another book, but I don't feel any desperate desire to get my hands on the next book right now. The cliff hanger just didn't have any tension attached to it. I look forward to reading the continuing story, but I'm not going to be tearing my hair out waiting for it (which is good, the next book doesn't even have a placeholder marking its spot, so I imagine it'll be a while before it's published).
That almost sounds like it could be funny, but it seems to ignore the way a woman's 'lady parts' actually work. 'Lady parts' aren't in any way shaped like a cup, and aren't made up of sponge-like material, there's no need for a woman to make an effort to get fluid out of there, gravity does it for us. It's not like we need to turn a tap to release any build up of fluid, if we did a certain time of the month could be made much more convenient. In fact gravity's effects are why women who are attempting to get pregnant are told to stay lying for down for 15 minutes after having sex so that the semen doesn't drain out too quickly before the sperm has the chance to fertilise the egg.
I felt like Carlson rushed this book, like she had a looming deadline and didn't have the time to give this the attention it deserved. Pure Blooded is the shortest book of the series so far, by 25 pages or more and the 'climax' of the book was, strangely, in the middle of the book. The book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger, so it's obvious there's going to be another book, but I don't feel any desperate desire to get my hands on the next book right now. The cliff hanger just didn't have any tension attached to it. I look forward to reading the continuing story, but I'm not going to be tearing my hair out waiting for it (which is good, the next book doesn't even have a placeholder marking its spot, so I imagine it'll be a while before it's published).
July 5, 2015
Do you know what I hate? Ebooks that fool you into thinking there are 20 pages still to go. No no. Suddenly the book ended and I was all, was that it? There should be a law against that.
This book was non-stop action. Good and bad.
Good that is was non-stop action, so something kept on happening. Bad cos there was non.stop action. I am pretty sure no one ever took a pee break, or had anything to eat except that hamburger on page 1. I was all spread it out, let them breath. Now there was non-stop action, or talk about the next course of action. And everything happened in the same swamp.
SO yes, duh, non-stop action. Jessica comes out from the underworld, is in a plane crash in a swamp and must find the next bad guy there and kill that person. She is kick-ass, and gets the job done.
But that big bad that happened in the last book is still hanging over her so the next book is sure to be intense. Stuff is going down! It will be...non-stop action for sure ;)
So yes I enjoyed it, but honestly, I could take a break from the non-stop action for a sec. Let the poor girl breathe and then throw a demon at her.
This book was non-stop action. Good and bad.
Good that is was non-stop action, so something kept on happening. Bad cos there was non.stop action. I am pretty sure no one ever took a pee break, or had anything to eat except that hamburger on page 1. I was all spread it out, let them breath. Now there was non-stop action, or talk about the next course of action. And everything happened in the same swamp.
SO yes, duh, non-stop action. Jessica comes out from the underworld, is in a plane crash in a swamp and must find the next bad guy there and kill that person. She is kick-ass, and gets the job done.
But that big bad that happened in the last book is still hanging over her so the next book is sure to be intense. Stuff is going down! It will be...non-stop action for sure ;)
So yes I enjoyed it, but honestly, I could take a break from the non-stop action for a sec. Let the poor girl breathe and then throw a demon at her.
May 30, 2015
Really fun and action-packed
Review to come
Review to come
June 18, 2015
I gave it 3.5
I was VERY hesitant to read PURE BLOODED because RED BLOODED really threw me off the Jessica McClain train.
I can not begin to tell you how happy I am that PURE BLOODED took place outside of the Underworld. I truly never want to have to read about that place again. I loved the twists and turns involving Jessica's neighbor. Who would have thought? I am glad she has another powerful person in her corner. There was a great deal of action in PURE BLOODED, but I don't feel that any of the Jessica McClain series books ever lacked that. There wasn't a whole lot of romance between Jessica and Rourke going on, but he is right along with her for most of the book. I was happy that the whole group was back together as well, it's weird when they are all separated.
Although I am not totally back on the Jessica McClain train, I need another good read in the series to put me back there, I am more excited to read book 6 than I was to read PURE BLOODED so that's a positive check in the series corner.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2015
Dont know if this series continues to stay interesting for adults. Maybe it leans more to ya, urban fantasy new adult? Love the main character. Unfortunately, there's not much/none romance in Pure Blooded.
September 30, 2015
Jessica has survived the Underworld and now that she is back, it's off to save her father who has been battling Made wolves. From the moment Jessica's plane takes to the air, she quickly realises that while she might be back on an earthly plane, she is in no less danger. Having pissed off a Hag, by killing her sister, Jessica's fate is in great flux. Thankfully, Jessica has a strong team around her but is Jessica strong enough to fight off the creator of the werewolves now that he Hags have set them up on a collision course.
It's book five and at this point, it very much feels like Carlson is sick of her own story. Nothing happened in Pure Blooded, absolutely nothing. If that were not enough, it ended on such an odd note that I had to flip backward through the book to ensure that I hadn't missed anything. Character development seems to about having Jessica pull a fancy new magical power out of her ass whenever she feels threatened and having her entourage swear loyalty to her.
At this point It would be fair to say that Jessica is a typical Mary Sue. Everyone around her loves her without question and is absolutely devoted to her. We are told repeatedly how special Jessica is and that if she dies, the supernatural world will simply fall to pieces. At this point I would rather see Carlson's world fall apart than to read anymore of this story. Pure Blooded made me want to scream, "I get it, Jessica's the super special werewolf." Beyond her ability to pull magical abilities out of her ass, I'm not even sure why everyone is so damn devoted to her.
For the first part of Pure Blooded Jessica had to do battle with a bokor who was being ridden by loa. As it turns out, the creator of the werewolves wanted the power that she invested into Jessica's wolf. After some running and dodging along with advise from a wise person of colour, Jessica emerged victorious. Jessica's next challenge was a necromancer who she defeated by simply following her heart. Apparently, brains and logic can't keep one safe but the mystical gut is all knowing. Yes, I'm snarking. To me it just sounds like an excuse for the fact that Jessica does not read as intelligent. Jessica is impatient and rushes in headlong with her team barely holding on. In Pure Blooded, she is even spoon fed information and then gripes about it not being detailed enough. Sure, Jessica is a young immortal and that works as an excuse for awhile but I'm simply tired of her ignorance and the fact that she never sits down long enough to learn about the world she is supposed to change so drastically. In fact, when Jessica is informed about counsel protocol is supposed to work, she casually brushes it aside.
Jessica's neighbour Juanita makes an appearance in Pure Blooded as a Hag who has decided to spend her life protecting the super special Jessica. We see Juanita only briefly in person and for the rest of the novel she communicates in cryptic texts to guide Jessica or warn her about approaching trouble. Juanita is the absolute essence of the magical person of colour; she exists like every character in this book to champion Jessica and alternately hand out timely advice. Juanita is the only character of colour to make a semi regular appearance in this series and so far, and her characterisation is decidedly lacking.
Read More
It's book five and at this point, it very much feels like Carlson is sick of her own story. Nothing happened in Pure Blooded, absolutely nothing. If that were not enough, it ended on such an odd note that I had to flip backward through the book to ensure that I hadn't missed anything. Character development seems to about having Jessica pull a fancy new magical power out of her ass whenever she feels threatened and having her entourage swear loyalty to her.
At this point It would be fair to say that Jessica is a typical Mary Sue. Everyone around her loves her without question and is absolutely devoted to her. We are told repeatedly how special Jessica is and that if she dies, the supernatural world will simply fall to pieces. At this point I would rather see Carlson's world fall apart than to read anymore of this story. Pure Blooded made me want to scream, "I get it, Jessica's the super special werewolf." Beyond her ability to pull magical abilities out of her ass, I'm not even sure why everyone is so damn devoted to her.
For the first part of Pure Blooded Jessica had to do battle with a bokor who was being ridden by loa. As it turns out, the creator of the werewolves wanted the power that she invested into Jessica's wolf. After some running and dodging along with advise from a wise person of colour, Jessica emerged victorious. Jessica's next challenge was a necromancer who she defeated by simply following her heart. Apparently, brains and logic can't keep one safe but the mystical gut is all knowing. Yes, I'm snarking. To me it just sounds like an excuse for the fact that Jessica does not read as intelligent. Jessica is impatient and rushes in headlong with her team barely holding on. In Pure Blooded, she is even spoon fed information and then gripes about it not being detailed enough. Sure, Jessica is a young immortal and that works as an excuse for awhile but I'm simply tired of her ignorance and the fact that she never sits down long enough to learn about the world she is supposed to change so drastically. In fact, when Jessica is informed about counsel protocol is supposed to work, she casually brushes it aside.
Jessica's neighbour Juanita makes an appearance in Pure Blooded as a Hag who has decided to spend her life protecting the super special Jessica. We see Juanita only briefly in person and for the rest of the novel she communicates in cryptic texts to guide Jessica or warn her about approaching trouble. Juanita is the absolute essence of the magical person of colour; she exists like every character in this book to champion Jessica and alternately hand out timely advice. Juanita is the only character of colour to make a semi regular appearance in this series and so far, and her characterisation is decidedly lacking.
Read More
June 20, 2015
You can always count on the Jessica McClain series to deliver a good action packed read. Jessica is as kick-ass as Roark sexy.
Pure Blooded takes off shortly after Red Blooded. In this installment, Jessica seeks out her father whom she has been out of touch with for some time. In this journey, Jessica will find out her big paranormal world will get even bigger. Her services the coalition are requested and, of course, the nonbelievers will threaten her life.
Jessica seems to get stronger each installment of this series. At this point, she has gained so much power that she's almost a super shifter. She has been accepted by many of her peers and accepted as a powerful alpha. She has definitely come a long way from book one that's for sure.
There are a couple of things that holds me back from fully enjoying this book. One is the lack of Roarke action. I'm not talking sexy scenes or love scenes because there's enough of that. We even get some cute and funny moments. But when hell brakes lose, Roarke is again just in the sidelines. I'm not sure exactly how he can fit in being that Jessica is not really his Alpha or the other way around, but I wish he'd have a stronger role in the story not just her mate.
The second thing is the new addition of new characters such as the ghouls, hags, and the warlock, etc. I feel like every paranormal being has been added to the story. Also, the formality and rules of the Coalition was a bit overwhelming.
I did enjoy the strong build up of the secondary characters. Especially of Marcy, Tyler, and even Jeb. I'm intrigued to what Ms. Carlson plans for this series but I'm sure there will be quite a change in the story line.
*ARC provided by publisher
❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
July 19, 2015
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
PURE BLOODED follows the formula that Carlson has nailed for the Jessica McClain series. With high action, evil villains around every corner, and Jessica saving the day, PURE BLOODED doesn't do much differently than previous books in the series.
Though billed in multiple places (including from the publisher) as the final book in the series, Carlson did point out on her Facebook page that there is more Jessica to come. Luckily, because as I finished PURE BLOODED, I felt a twinge of disappointment at the cliffhanger ending. No surprise there - pretty much all the Jessica McClain books have ended in a relatively unresolved manner. Jessica is always heading off to fight the next big baddie, surrounded by her loyal crew and always with tantalizing bits of information being revealed about the prophecy and Jessica's specialness in the supernatural world.
What I would have liked to see more of is character development. With all of the fighting and the travelling, it doesn't feel like Jessica really gets to develop as a character. I would say that we've seen her decision making skills grow, but not much else. Another aspect is the relationship between Jessica and Rourke. In the first book they've got some major sexual tension going on, but now that they've gotten together, it feels like there's a perfunctory sex scene between them, and then off to the races again! Not much conversation between them or growth of the relationship.
All in all, while I enjoyed PURE BLOODED, I was a little disappointed by the formulaic feel and lack of depth of the characters. However, the action and the mystery are excellent, and that is what brings me back for more. Despite my disappointments, this series has me hooked, and I know I'll be back for more.
Sexual content: One steamy sex scene
PURE BLOODED follows the formula that Carlson has nailed for the Jessica McClain series. With high action, evil villains around every corner, and Jessica saving the day, PURE BLOODED doesn't do much differently than previous books in the series.
Though billed in multiple places (including from the publisher) as the final book in the series, Carlson did point out on her Facebook page that there is more Jessica to come. Luckily, because as I finished PURE BLOODED, I felt a twinge of disappointment at the cliffhanger ending. No surprise there - pretty much all the Jessica McClain books have ended in a relatively unresolved manner. Jessica is always heading off to fight the next big baddie, surrounded by her loyal crew and always with tantalizing bits of information being revealed about the prophecy and Jessica's specialness in the supernatural world.
What I would have liked to see more of is character development. With all of the fighting and the travelling, it doesn't feel like Jessica really gets to develop as a character. I would say that we've seen her decision making skills grow, but not much else. Another aspect is the relationship between Jessica and Rourke. In the first book they've got some major sexual tension going on, but now that they've gotten together, it feels like there's a perfunctory sex scene between them, and then off to the races again! Not much conversation between them or growth of the relationship.
All in all, while I enjoyed PURE BLOODED, I was a little disappointed by the formulaic feel and lack of depth of the characters. However, the action and the mystery are excellent, and that is what brings me back for more. Despite my disappointments, this series has me hooked, and I know I'll be back for more.
Sexual content: One steamy sex scene
June 17, 2015
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
I really love how every book in this series is a guaranteed roller coaster ride. I know when I pick a new one of these books up, I'm in store for nonstop action, and PURE BLOODED was no exception. Jessica, like always has landed herself in a new mess, and it's up to her and her "crew" to stop the current evil. As much as I love the action, honestly it's that crew that really draws me to this series each time. Every single character is so well fleshed out that I can't help falling right into the story with them and cheering on their triumphs as well as shedding tears when they do. I really love a book I can get attached to and this one, as well as the entire series fits the bill.
This was pitched to me by the publisher as the final Jessica McClain book, which I truly hope was a mistake. Things definitely were not settled at all, in fact I'd almost say it was a mild cliffhanger. Unfortunately it colored my reading experience just a bit as I was expecting things to be wrapped up as the final book, so imagine my surprise when the ending surely made it seem like it's not. I know I'll definitely be stalking the author's networks to hear news about a next book as I really do enjoy this series and hope it has a proper send off.
Series ending confusion aside, this was yet another a fun, and fast paced installment that kept me entertained from page one. Jessica never fails to meet (and defeat) a new "big bad" and it's always fun to watch her dig her way out of her latest mess. I recommend these books to anyone who loves Urban Fantasies that are full of great characters and non stop from start to finish.
I really love how every book in this series is a guaranteed roller coaster ride. I know when I pick a new one of these books up, I'm in store for nonstop action, and PURE BLOODED was no exception. Jessica, like always has landed herself in a new mess, and it's up to her and her "crew" to stop the current evil. As much as I love the action, honestly it's that crew that really draws me to this series each time. Every single character is so well fleshed out that I can't help falling right into the story with them and cheering on their triumphs as well as shedding tears when they do. I really love a book I can get attached to and this one, as well as the entire series fits the bill.
This was pitched to me by the publisher as the final Jessica McClain book, which I truly hope was a mistake. Things definitely were not settled at all, in fact I'd almost say it was a mild cliffhanger. Unfortunately it colored my reading experience just a bit as I was expecting things to be wrapped up as the final book, so imagine my surprise when the ending surely made it seem like it's not. I know I'll definitely be stalking the author's networks to hear news about a next book as I really do enjoy this series and hope it has a proper send off.
Series ending confusion aside, this was yet another a fun, and fast paced installment that kept me entertained from page one. Jessica never fails to meet (and defeat) a new "big bad" and it's always fun to watch her dig her way out of her latest mess. I recommend these books to anyone who loves Urban Fantasies that are full of great characters and non stop from start to finish.
June 9, 2015
5 stars on the action, 3 on character development. There's too much going on Jessica feels more like a mechanized soldier than anything at this point.
December 25, 2018
67 points/100 (3.5/5 stars)
Jessica is back from hell, and trying to find her Dad in the Everglades when she gets a mysterious phone call who is helping. There in the Everglades, Jessica finds an even more powerful enemy bent on Jessica's demise.
This story is so complicated now, I have no idea how everything is going to end in the next book. I'm becoming increasingly convinced it won't be. Absolutely nothing in this series is straightforward. More and more it just feels like we're winging it as it is being written.
There is so much wasted time. All of it seems to have a purpose, but only because Carlson said it does. We can't go 10 miles in this series without running into some kind of trouble or another. All of it seems to have a purpose, but mostly it just feels like a giant time sink. I think this is mostly a symptom of having very little direction to the series. I still have no idea what the end goal is going to be, because the series hasn't presented anything other than "everything stops being dangerous".
The plot still relies on massive amounts of coincidence to fuel what is happening. First there is the magical Juanita who just happens to turn out to be a very powerful supernatural creature who literally drives the characters telling them exactly what to do and when, but not why. Yeah, because that is what this series needed, another thing to account for. Not only was there that delightful new development, but Carlson also relies on all the other characters to dredge up some random bit of information from their memory at the last second that reveals and/or solves it all. That has been going on for a while.
While things keep happening, nothing actually seems to stick. People get hurt, oh it is nothing, Jessica can save them. Oh, we finally learned what was going on? Nope, it is changing again! I've lost the ability to really care what is going on because of it. If I thought for a second anything bad might actually happen, I'd care again. But, I know that nothing bad will actually happen, so I just don't care. I need that belief to enjoy a book. I have to believe that things aren't going to end up fine in the end, even if they mostly do.
Jessica acts so...human. No one else around her acts like anything other than what they are. This just feels so wrong, she grew up in a werewolf colony. She has only been with the humans for a few years. Why in the world does she have so many human hangups that the others are all "hehe silly barely changed werewolf!" on? It doesn't make sense. Her and Tyler were not raised as humans. They were raised with the full assumption, at least through puberty, that they would be were. This just is really getting to me.
Lastly, are we really going to see everyone get their mate in this series? It is ridiculous. Everyone is pairing up together. Something that is extremely rare is happening with increasing regularity. No, not everyone has to be paired off at the end of the series to make the series a success! They have hundreds of years, you know!
The penultimate (because I really don't think this series is getting more) book in the series, and we just keep ramping up on the plot instead of winding down. We'll see how the next goes.
Jessica is back from hell, and trying to find her Dad in the Everglades when she gets a mysterious phone call who is helping. There in the Everglades, Jessica finds an even more powerful enemy bent on Jessica's demise.
This story is so complicated now, I have no idea how everything is going to end in the next book. I'm becoming increasingly convinced it won't be. Absolutely nothing in this series is straightforward. More and more it just feels like we're winging it as it is being written.
There is so much wasted time. All of it seems to have a purpose, but only because Carlson said it does. We can't go 10 miles in this series without running into some kind of trouble or another. All of it seems to have a purpose, but mostly it just feels like a giant time sink. I think this is mostly a symptom of having very little direction to the series. I still have no idea what the end goal is going to be, because the series hasn't presented anything other than "everything stops being dangerous".
The plot still relies on massive amounts of coincidence to fuel what is happening. First there is the magical Juanita who just happens to turn out to be a very powerful supernatural creature who literally drives the characters telling them exactly what to do and when, but not why. Yeah, because that is what this series needed, another thing to account for. Not only was there that delightful new development, but Carlson also relies on all the other characters to dredge up some random bit of information from their memory at the last second that reveals and/or solves it all. That has been going on for a while.
While things keep happening, nothing actually seems to stick. People get hurt, oh it is nothing, Jessica can save them. Oh, we finally learned what was going on? Nope, it is changing again! I've lost the ability to really care what is going on because of it. If I thought for a second anything bad might actually happen, I'd care again. But, I know that nothing bad will actually happen, so I just don't care. I need that belief to enjoy a book. I have to believe that things aren't going to end up fine in the end, even if they mostly do.
Jessica acts so...human. No one else around her acts like anything other than what they are. This just feels so wrong, she grew up in a werewolf colony. She has only been with the humans for a few years. Why in the world does she have so many human hangups that the others are all "hehe silly barely changed werewolf!" on? It doesn't make sense. Her and Tyler were not raised as humans. They were raised with the full assumption, at least through puberty, that they would be were. This just is really getting to me.
Lastly, are we really going to see everyone get their mate in this series? It is ridiculous. Everyone is pairing up together. Something that is extremely rare is happening with increasing regularity. No, not everyone has to be paired off at the end of the series to make the series a success! They have hundreds of years, you know!
The penultimate (because I really don't think this series is getting more) book in the series, and we just keep ramping up on the plot instead of winding down. We'll see how the next goes.
June 8, 2015
I received this eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.
Jessica McClain is back in Amanda Carlson's Pure Blooded, the next installment in the series! This series has been a whirlwind of action and nonstop fun since its beginning! Jessica has taken very well to becoming a werewolf and yet she still learns a thing or two along the way.
This time her journey takes her on a dangerous path to meet up with her father and his wolves to help battle it out with enemy wolves. Yet the journey is halted when the plane she was on is taken over by magic. Thankfully, Marcy has her own magic and everyone lands safely, in a swamp. There were definitely some creepy moments in there alone what with snakes and gators--two things that are not my most favorite things in the world! A very powerful being is after Jessica and will do whatever it takes to get to her. No one is a match for this force and all her friends are in danger just by association.
While this was an incredibly fun read, I found myself struggling to remember what happened last go around. We get a few hints and reminders, but I felt like an action or two from the last book had an impact on this one and I couldn't quite remember the events well enough. But as always, I just kept reading on through. There's a new enemy afoot and that's what taking presedence.
I always enjoy seeing Jessica's friends and pack members taking part in the story. They're a tight knit group and for some reason that always makes me happy to read about. And we're slowly see more hookups among them, as we have seen Marcy and James already found one another. While on the one hand, it does seem too convenient that this group of friends are finding their soulmates in one another, I still find it sweet just based on the fact that they are finding their soulmates. So it's sort of a twisted notion that I both like and dislike!
As for Jessica and Rourke's romance, these two rarely seem to get a moment of peace together. There's always so much danger surrounding them. But yet, when they can steal a moment or two for themselves, it's really quite romantic...and steamy! I think one of the things I love so much about werewolves is how devoted their are to their "mater" or significant other. It's quite the redeeming quality.
The action in this one was superb. As I mention, this entire series has been a whirlwind of action from the getgo, I have yet to see where things can be totally and completely calm just before the next storm. Jessica and Co. seem to move from storm to storm and that's exactly how this one ends. While one problem gets mostly solved, they find themselves in the thick of danger about to encounter the next storm at dawn! We leave them in the middle of the night, hence the precise timing of the coming storm! Lol.
If you haven't picked up this series yet, then I highly recommend you do! Especially for Urban Fantasy readers! This is pure gold! Werewolves, witches, demons and more all thrown together in a fast paced story that will leave you craving for more!
Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars--a little half notch taken off that's more so for me, because I can't remember all that happened in the last book and some of those details were important in the moment for this book. Other than that though, I totally loved this one!
Pure Blooded releases June 16, 2015
Jessica McClain is back in Amanda Carlson's Pure Blooded, the next installment in the series! This series has been a whirlwind of action and nonstop fun since its beginning! Jessica has taken very well to becoming a werewolf and yet she still learns a thing or two along the way.
This time her journey takes her on a dangerous path to meet up with her father and his wolves to help battle it out with enemy wolves. Yet the journey is halted when the plane she was on is taken over by magic. Thankfully, Marcy has her own magic and everyone lands safely, in a swamp. There were definitely some creepy moments in there alone what with snakes and gators--two things that are not my most favorite things in the world! A very powerful being is after Jessica and will do whatever it takes to get to her. No one is a match for this force and all her friends are in danger just by association.
While this was an incredibly fun read, I found myself struggling to remember what happened last go around. We get a few hints and reminders, but I felt like an action or two from the last book had an impact on this one and I couldn't quite remember the events well enough. But as always, I just kept reading on through. There's a new enemy afoot and that's what taking presedence.
I always enjoy seeing Jessica's friends and pack members taking part in the story. They're a tight knit group and for some reason that always makes me happy to read about. And we're slowly see more hookups among them, as we have seen Marcy and James already found one another. While on the one hand, it does seem too convenient that this group of friends are finding their soulmates in one another, I still find it sweet just based on the fact that they are finding their soulmates. So it's sort of a twisted notion that I both like and dislike!
As for Jessica and Rourke's romance, these two rarely seem to get a moment of peace together. There's always so much danger surrounding them. But yet, when they can steal a moment or two for themselves, it's really quite romantic...and steamy! I think one of the things I love so much about werewolves is how devoted their are to their "mater" or significant other. It's quite the redeeming quality.
The action in this one was superb. As I mention, this entire series has been a whirlwind of action from the getgo, I have yet to see where things can be totally and completely calm just before the next storm. Jessica and Co. seem to move from storm to storm and that's exactly how this one ends. While one problem gets mostly solved, they find themselves in the thick of danger about to encounter the next storm at dawn! We leave them in the middle of the night, hence the precise timing of the coming storm! Lol.
If you haven't picked up this series yet, then I highly recommend you do! Especially for Urban Fantasy readers! This is pure gold! Werewolves, witches, demons and more all thrown together in a fast paced story that will leave you craving for more!
Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars--a little half notch taken off that's more so for me, because I can't remember all that happened in the last book and some of those details were important in the moment for this book. Other than that though, I totally loved this one!
Pure Blooded releases June 16, 2015
July 23, 2015
Dolly's Thoughts on Pure Blooded (Jessica McClain #5) by Amanda Carlson Jessica never has a spare moment to just think anything through. She's too busy trying to stay alive!!What I liked: When reading a book in this series, I take a deep breath and dive in. The problem then is trying to find another spot to take a breath or put the book down. I'm totally addicted to the Jessica McClain series. Ms Carlson has built these characters, mainly Jessica, and developed a world in which I love to get lost. Pure Blooded is another roller coaster ride for Jessica and her crew. It seems they go from one disaster to another and it's never just regular in-fighting between species. All the problems/disasters circle around Jessica and the meaning of her being who she is.I enjoyed that more of the characters had a bigger part to play than in the last book. Marcy, a witch and friend, totally kicks butt with her spells. Also, Jessica is caught in the middle of two Hags; one wants to destroy her as she thinks Jessica represents the end of the supernaturals and the other, Juanita, is trying to help Jessica, as she believes Jessica will end up saving all the different races. Poor Jessica, she doesn't know what's what with her talents and who is a friend or a foe. A few new characters are introduced and I'm anxious to see how they play into the story. I especially feel I'm going to enjoy Jessica's new "secretary". I know I'm not saying very much about the plot of Pure Blooded and the reason is I focus on the characters and the development of the overall story line. I've not figured out exactly what Jessica is and what she's supposed to do to save the world. It keeps me thinking!What I didn't like: The Jessica McClain series is one of my favorites because for me, it's pure escapism. I get lost in all the unlikely situations, the characters and what's coming next. I would like to see Jessica and Rourke have more time together as a couple and not fighting for their lives. I know some of my friends don't feel the same way I do but there are books for everyone and their tastes and expectations are different. I would normally say I got more than my money's worth in Pure Blooded. Alas, I can't and won't! (Beware...rant coming)I know Ms Carlson is not responsible for the pricing on her books. That's between her publisher and Amazon. Luckily, I can afford my book habit but I am beginning to cringe at the pricing. I even went and got a library card!! Pure Blooded is the first time I've paid full price for a book in this series. I'm getting to the point in my life that I'm counting the pennies I spend on books. I can get the earlier Kindle editions of J. D. Robb's books for less than publishers/Amazon are charging for today's newest releases. There is only $2.50 between the Kindle and paperback editions of Pure Blooded. I'm still in the process of downsizing my collection of physical books and don't want to feel like the only way to get my money's worth is buying a paperback. Dang, it just doesn't make sense to me.I guess my point is...if you can easily afford it, buy Pure Blooded, if money is a problem; try borrowing it or getting it at the library.Love this series! Highly Recommended!!!!
June 5, 2015
Review originally published at Vampire Book Club and based on a copy provided by the publisher.
3.5 stars
I’m having something of a love-hate relationship with Jessica McClain’s to-do list right now. At the beginning of Pure Blooded, as with most of the books in the series, Jessica has clearly defined objectives. Since the end of book 3, Cold Blooded, her father has been in the Everglades battling rogue werewolves who are in league with a voodoo priestess. So one item on her list is to travel to Florida and help resolve that conflict.
In book 4, Red Blooded, a coven of witches helped Jessica travel to hell to rescue her brother. When she returned, she discovered the witches, led by her best friend’s Aunt Tally had disappeared. Her second task then is to find, and probably rescue, Aunt Tally. When Jessica accomplishes one of her goals a little more than halfway through the book, I thought I knew what was going to happen in the second half. Then I thought, “There’s kind of a lull here between part one and part two. Why is this taking so long?” And then that second thing never happened and I felt like I was left hanging.
I realize that I’ve basically just defined the term “cliffhanger” and even that most of the books in the series have had unresolved issues at the end. But I felt like nothing happened in the second half of the book and that was frustrating. It’s also not entirely true. Jessica and her friends did encounter some new creatures and have an exciting action scene. She also added some interesting new characters to her entourage. Despite my frustrations, there are still plenty of things I like about Pure Blooded. Jessica’s best friend Marcy, who always gets left behind, finally gets to play a bigger role and show off her magic skills. Danny and Naomi have always been my favorite supporting characters and I loved the direction their stories take.
Jessica also learns a lot about her magic and her destiny in this book. I always thought it was odd that she had conversations with her wolf, like Jane Yellowrock does with Beast, but I finally found out why. And I’m happy to finally have the whole story about the Fates and their involvement in Jessica’s life. The downside of that is that I feel like Jessica needs to reclaim her agency and independence going forward. I also wish she had actually used her magic more, rather than just listening to people talk about it.
Despite being disappointed with the previous book in the series, I’m glad that I stuck with Jessica McClain. I feel like Pure Blooded is moving in the right direction and I’m happy to finally have some big questions answered. I’m looking forward to finding out what’s next for Jessica and her friends.
- See more at: http://vampirebookclub.net/early-revi...
3.5 stars
I’m having something of a love-hate relationship with Jessica McClain’s to-do list right now. At the beginning of Pure Blooded, as with most of the books in the series, Jessica has clearly defined objectives. Since the end of book 3, Cold Blooded, her father has been in the Everglades battling rogue werewolves who are in league with a voodoo priestess. So one item on her list is to travel to Florida and help resolve that conflict.
In book 4, Red Blooded, a coven of witches helped Jessica travel to hell to rescue her brother. When she returned, she discovered the witches, led by her best friend’s Aunt Tally had disappeared. Her second task then is to find, and probably rescue, Aunt Tally. When Jessica accomplishes one of her goals a little more than halfway through the book, I thought I knew what was going to happen in the second half. Then I thought, “There’s kind of a lull here between part one and part two. Why is this taking so long?” And then that second thing never happened and I felt like I was left hanging.
I realize that I’ve basically just defined the term “cliffhanger” and even that most of the books in the series have had unresolved issues at the end. But I felt like nothing happened in the second half of the book and that was frustrating. It’s also not entirely true. Jessica and her friends did encounter some new creatures and have an exciting action scene. She also added some interesting new characters to her entourage. Despite my frustrations, there are still plenty of things I like about Pure Blooded. Jessica’s best friend Marcy, who always gets left behind, finally gets to play a bigger role and show off her magic skills. Danny and Naomi have always been my favorite supporting characters and I loved the direction their stories take.
Jessica also learns a lot about her magic and her destiny in this book. I always thought it was odd that she had conversations with her wolf, like Jane Yellowrock does with Beast, but I finally found out why. And I’m happy to finally have the whole story about the Fates and their involvement in Jessica’s life. The downside of that is that I feel like Jessica needs to reclaim her agency and independence going forward. I also wish she had actually used her magic more, rather than just listening to people talk about it.
Despite being disappointed with the previous book in the series, I’m glad that I stuck with Jessica McClain. I feel like Pure Blooded is moving in the right direction and I’m happy to finally have some big questions answered. I’m looking forward to finding out what’s next for Jessica and her friends.
- See more at: http://vampirebookclub.net/early-revi...
June 22, 2015
As I´ve mentioned in my last reviews of this series, Jessica does not rest at all, because this book begins right where the previous ends, this is the fifth book in the series and for Jessica it has been only a few months since she had her first change and becoming the first female werewolf of an all male race. And in just a few months she has managed to amass a great supernatural power that for a few powerful supernatural had take years or centuries to reach such power and that is why all the supernaturals (vampires, witches, sorcerers, demons, gods, etc) want to somehow get her power, so this new adventure is no exception, as she is drawn to the swamps of Florida to help her father but once there she learns the real reason of why it was necessary for her to go to that place.
I feel the plot and is getting a bit repetitive, because in the first part of the book someone wants to steal Jessica´s power, something that has happened in last books, it just change the threat and how they try to achieve the stealing of power. The good thing about this book was that such threat was not a threat throughout all the book, because the problem is solved at the 60% (approx.) of the book and then she has to face another threat and at least this person doesn´t want her power, she just wants kill her for something that Jessica did while she was in the underworld, so it´s simple and pure revenge.
So far in all the books Daniel Walker had been the funny guy, he´s a werewolf friend of Jessica, he eases the tension on the dangerous situations and he´s one of my favorite characters in the series. And regarding the action in Pure Blooded, it has a very good action scenes due to Jessica facing various threats, with the help of some of her friends.
About the romance between Jessica and her mate Rourke, due that they´re constantly under attack, their romance is not moving forward beyond that are a fated mates and they can be together as a couple for brief moments when the situation allows it (which is to be expected in an urban fantasy book). But a plus in this book was that another destined-couple than on the previous books were sort of flirting finally become a real couple, and there is also a hint of another possible fated couple for subsequent books.
And something very interesting is that we get to learn a bit more of the origin of werewolves.
Jessica McClain series is a very good option for those that like reading urban fantasy for adults as it has a lot of action that does not stop and the threats rain from all sides and it has a strong female character, ready to kick butt when situation allows it.
The ending was open, but without a cliffhanger, in fact I feel I missed some pages because I was reading its on my kindle and it finished at 92%, but I really enjoy it!.I'm looking forward to the next book.
I feel the plot and is getting a bit repetitive, because in the first part of the book someone wants to steal Jessica´s power, something that has happened in last books, it just change the threat and how they try to achieve the stealing of power. The good thing about this book was that such threat was not a threat throughout all the book, because the problem is solved at the 60% (approx.) of the book and then she has to face another threat and at least this person doesn´t want her power, she just wants kill her for something that Jessica did while she was in the underworld, so it´s simple and pure revenge.
So far in all the books Daniel Walker had been the funny guy, he´s a werewolf friend of Jessica, he eases the tension on the dangerous situations and he´s one of my favorite characters in the series. And regarding the action in Pure Blooded, it has a very good action scenes due to Jessica facing various threats, with the help of some of her friends.
About the romance between Jessica and her mate Rourke, due that they´re constantly under attack, their romance is not moving forward beyond that are a fated mates and they can be together as a couple for brief moments when the situation allows it (which is to be expected in an urban fantasy book). But a plus in this book was that another destined-couple than on the previous books were sort of flirting finally become a real couple, and there is also a hint of another possible fated couple for subsequent books.
And something very interesting is that we get to learn a bit more of the origin of werewolves.
Jessica McClain series is a very good option for those that like reading urban fantasy for adults as it has a lot of action that does not stop and the threats rain from all sides and it has a strong female character, ready to kick butt when situation allows it.
The ending was open, but without a cliffhanger, in fact I feel I missed some pages because I was reading its on my kindle and it finished at 92%, but I really enjoy it!.I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 2, 2015
3.5 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
Nowhere left to run.
Back from Hell, Jessica arrives to find her world thrown into chaos. Her father is fighting a losing battle against the Made wolves, and when Jessica and her crew rush to his aid, they discover the war is not as straightforward as it seems. Something larger is on the hunt, something ancient and powerful that won't rest until Jessica is dead. Now Jessica's plan of attack must change -- but how can she defeat someone who can predict her every move?
REVIEW:
I've been reading the Jessica McClain series from the beginning. The writing is top-notch, the characters kick-ass, so when I saw book five was just released, I quickly grabbed a copy.
Jessica returns from Hell, spending some well deserved time off with Rourke, her main squeeze. *Yum* But the real world cuts their vacation short. Rabid wolves have migrated south, spreading chaos in their wake. Her father gives pursuit, determined to rid them from the world, but soon discovers that things are not quite what they seem. Members of the pack start to disappear, and Jessica fears her father might be next. When she rushes to his side, she falls into a carefully set trap and is ripped away from her pack. If she fails to discover the truth, she'll lose everything she holds dear...her father, her pack, her love, not to mention her very life.
I love that the book takes off with a bang, with tons of action and adventure to suck me into the story. Unfortunately, the pacing seems a little off during the whole book. While I found the world building fascinating, the story soon becomes bogged down -- with too much internal contemplation, too little time with her pack (I wanted more Rourke!), and too much explanation -- to keep up with the promising beginning. Jessica seems to take a back role in her own story, following step-by-step directions to get herself out of trouble. By half way through the book, I figured out what bothered me most...the mystery was solved before we reached the end. I kept waiting for the next big problem, but the ending just petered out, the last few chapters used to set-up the next book. What could've been a fascinating story ended up getting buried. So, while I love this series, this book suffers from the dreaded middle book slump. I found myself more interested in the last few chapters than the first half of the book. That being said, I can't wait to see what's in store next for Jessica and her pack.
Posted from my site: www.StaceyBrutger.com
DESCRIPTION:
Nowhere left to run.
Back from Hell, Jessica arrives to find her world thrown into chaos. Her father is fighting a losing battle against the Made wolves, and when Jessica and her crew rush to his aid, they discover the war is not as straightforward as it seems. Something larger is on the hunt, something ancient and powerful that won't rest until Jessica is dead. Now Jessica's plan of attack must change -- but how can she defeat someone who can predict her every move?
REVIEW:
I've been reading the Jessica McClain series from the beginning. The writing is top-notch, the characters kick-ass, so when I saw book five was just released, I quickly grabbed a copy.
Jessica returns from Hell, spending some well deserved time off with Rourke, her main squeeze. *Yum* But the real world cuts their vacation short. Rabid wolves have migrated south, spreading chaos in their wake. Her father gives pursuit, determined to rid them from the world, but soon discovers that things are not quite what they seem. Members of the pack start to disappear, and Jessica fears her father might be next. When she rushes to his side, she falls into a carefully set trap and is ripped away from her pack. If she fails to discover the truth, she'll lose everything she holds dear...her father, her pack, her love, not to mention her very life.
I love that the book takes off with a bang, with tons of action and adventure to suck me into the story. Unfortunately, the pacing seems a little off during the whole book. While I found the world building fascinating, the story soon becomes bogged down -- with too much internal contemplation, too little time with her pack (I wanted more Rourke!), and too much explanation -- to keep up with the promising beginning. Jessica seems to take a back role in her own story, following step-by-step directions to get herself out of trouble. By half way through the book, I figured out what bothered me most...the mystery was solved before we reached the end. I kept waiting for the next big problem, but the ending just petered out, the last few chapters used to set-up the next book. What could've been a fascinating story ended up getting buried. So, while I love this series, this book suffers from the dreaded middle book slump. I found myself more interested in the last few chapters than the first half of the book. That being said, I can't wait to see what's in store next for Jessica and her pack.
Posted from my site: www.StaceyBrutger.com
October 11, 2015
I received an ARC copy through NetGalley.
Just like Red Blooded, this book dragged for me, but despite Red Blooded it was more jam packed with action, new love and drama and I totally loved it! I started reading this September 27th and just finished today (October 11). A little longer than I usually read a book, but I kept putting it off because it dragged for the first few chapters. However, I'm glad I picked it back up because it was kick ass.
Amanda Carlson is a brilliant writer. She has a way with creating a world that grips you in and makes you feel like a character in it. Her characters are beyond astonishing. She gives them such power and weakness that makes it relate-able despite the fantasy/paranormal aspect. She makes her characters lovable
Jessica McClain is still bold, bad and strong in every way possible. Once again, her signature has changed and she now realizes she has two souls within her -- hers and her wolfs. She is the most powerful wolf and probably the most powerful female supe. She handles her problems head on and never backs down even when it seems tough. I will always love me some Jessica!
Rourke is hot damn hot, sexy, strong and probably my favorite kitty cat. I love his love for Jessica and how much they are connected. It's simply beautiful how he always finds her within minutes. He is one strong, yet sensitive man and I absolutely love that about him -- besides his sexual talk of course. Tyler is freaking awesome, but I suspect that this necromancer Kayla is who he will mate with because his wolf could hardly be contained once he laid eyes on her.
This whole thing with Naomi and Daniel took me by a shock, but not so much because they just seemed made for each other. Marcy is seriously the best-friend on earth. Nick and Ray are still kick ass. Juanita being a Hag was definitely a freaking shocker...she has my love because from day one she was always friendly to Jessica and always made things more lively. I love how she is helping Jessica to live and find another way to get Fate back on track. She's awesome.
All these crazy women from Selene to Lilith to the Ioa and the crazy bokar and now Edin -- they need to all chill out and relax. Can't nobody beat Jessica, so I'm ready for the next book to see what she has to sacrifice!
Just like Red Blooded, this book dragged for me, but despite Red Blooded it was more jam packed with action, new love and drama and I totally loved it! I started reading this September 27th and just finished today (October 11). A little longer than I usually read a book, but I kept putting it off because it dragged for the first few chapters. However, I'm glad I picked it back up because it was kick ass.
Amanda Carlson is a brilliant writer. She has a way with creating a world that grips you in and makes you feel like a character in it. Her characters are beyond astonishing. She gives them such power and weakness that makes it relate-able despite the fantasy/paranormal aspect. She makes her characters lovable
Jessica McClain is still bold, bad and strong in every way possible. Once again, her signature has changed and she now realizes she has two souls within her -- hers and her wolfs. She is the most powerful wolf and probably the most powerful female supe. She handles her problems head on and never backs down even when it seems tough. I will always love me some Jessica!
Rourke is hot damn hot, sexy, strong and probably my favorite kitty cat. I love his love for Jessica and how much they are connected. It's simply beautiful how he always finds her within minutes. He is one strong, yet sensitive man and I absolutely love that about him -- besides his sexual talk of course. Tyler is freaking awesome, but I suspect that this necromancer Kayla is who he will mate with because his wolf could hardly be contained once he laid eyes on her.
This whole thing with Naomi and Daniel took me by a shock, but not so much because they just seemed made for each other. Marcy is seriously the best-friend on earth. Nick and Ray are still kick ass. Juanita being a Hag was definitely a freaking shocker...she has my love because from day one she was always friendly to Jessica and always made things more lively. I love how she is helping Jessica to live and find another way to get Fate back on track. She's awesome.
All these crazy women from Selene to Lilith to the Ioa and the crazy bokar and now Edin -- they need to all chill out and relax. Can't nobody beat Jessica, so I'm ready for the next book to see what she has to sacrifice!
July 9, 2016
I enjoyed Pure Blooded much more than its predecessor. While there were some awkward spots, and the ending was a bit abrupt for my tastes, this book was entertaining. The nonstop action had a lot to do with me not being able to put this book down, and the pacing was really fast. The character development was lacking a little bit, but the plot developed quite a bit more. This book was a good addition to the series.
Jessica was strong, as usual, and she kept growing in her powers throughout this book. However, her character didn't grow that much. Rourke was about the same, but I do really like him as the love interest. Tyler annoyed me a little bit, and Marcy always gets on my nerves, so that was nothing new. Danny and Naomi were okay, but we didn't get to see much of them. I really liked learning more about Juanita, though. That was a fun part of the story. We also got to meet some new supernatural types, which was cool. The characters weren't as interesting (so far) as their supernatural talents, but that may change in the next installment.
The pace was super fast and a lot happened in this novel. I felt like the last book, set in the Underworld, dragged on forever, but this installment flew by. The Florida part was the slowest, but it went by pretty quickly, too. One thing I noticed about this book is that it wasn't really set up "traditionally." I felt like the climax of the story happened at like 50-60%, and the remainder of the book was falling action and rising action for the next novel. The story itself stopped in a really odd and awkward place. Also, the sex scenes weren't exactly steamy. They were kind of forced and uncomfortable.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, though it's not my favorite in the series. I will be reading the next installment to see what Jessica and company get up to next.
Jessica was strong, as usual, and she kept growing in her powers throughout this book. However, her character didn't grow that much. Rourke was about the same, but I do really like him as the love interest. Tyler annoyed me a little bit, and Marcy always gets on my nerves, so that was nothing new. Danny and Naomi were okay, but we didn't get to see much of them. I really liked learning more about Juanita, though. That was a fun part of the story. We also got to meet some new supernatural types, which was cool. The characters weren't as interesting (so far) as their supernatural talents, but that may change in the next installment.
The pace was super fast and a lot happened in this novel. I felt like the last book, set in the Underworld, dragged on forever, but this installment flew by. The Florida part was the slowest, but it went by pretty quickly, too. One thing I noticed about this book is that it wasn't really set up "traditionally." I felt like the climax of the story happened at like 50-60%, and the remainder of the book was falling action and rising action for the next novel. The story itself stopped in a really odd and awkward place. Also, the sex scenes weren't exactly steamy. They were kind of forced and uncomfortable.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, though it's not my favorite in the series. I will be reading the next installment to see what Jessica and company get up to next.
August 16, 2015
I really enjoyed the first three books in the series, but somewhere by book 4 I was left pretty disappointed in the series and unfortunately book 5 didn’t do much for me either.
I was initially attracted to the series by its fresh premise, but things that I could gloss over in the beginning are now a tad annoying.
Firstly, while I love me some action-packed series, there’s never any downtime with Jessica McClain at all – she goes from one problem to a bigger problem to an even bigger problem, so the characters are constantly on the go and its exhausting just reading about it. I want to see some scenes where the characters are just allowed to chill, without fear of impending doom.
Secondly, while Jess is a pretty tough lady, she’s a special snowflake in terms of her abilities. She starts out as the first female werewolf, and from there she just keeps getting more special and more powerful – I mean, in this installment, she has to literally reshape fate. And it’s not just our MC – her best friend Marcy, a very young, recently trained witch, somehow has the ability to do stuff way beyond her level or skillset. Its no fun watching characters who can just keep doing things without any struggle.
Overall, I didn’t particularly enjoy this book, although I found the last part to redeem it somewhat, and I think it might be time for the series and I to go our separate ways.
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially attracted to the series by its fresh premise, but things that I could gloss over in the beginning are now a tad annoying.
Firstly, while I love me some action-packed series, there’s never any downtime with Jessica McClain at all – she goes from one problem to a bigger problem to an even bigger problem, so the characters are constantly on the go and its exhausting just reading about it. I want to see some scenes where the characters are just allowed to chill, without fear of impending doom.
Secondly, while Jess is a pretty tough lady, she’s a special snowflake in terms of her abilities. She starts out as the first female werewolf, and from there she just keeps getting more special and more powerful – I mean, in this installment, she has to literally reshape fate. And it’s not just our MC – her best friend Marcy, a very young, recently trained witch, somehow has the ability to do stuff way beyond her level or skillset. Its no fun watching characters who can just keep doing things without any struggle.
Overall, I didn’t particularly enjoy this book, although I found the last part to redeem it somewhat, and I think it might be time for the series and I to go our separate ways.
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2015
Pure Blooded (Jessica McClain #5) by Amanda Carlson Jessica returns from the underworld and goes to help her father against the war against the Made wolves.
I have respected Jessica since book one. She is a worthy heroine who is honorable. She has a really great support system of friends and family. They are a bit unconventional, but that is what makes them special.
Marcy has grown so much since book one. She has always been an upright friend to Jessica. She has matured to be a powerful witch.
Naomi is great. She is extremely loyal to Jessica despite being a vampire. I enjoy her relationship with Danny.
Ray and Jessica’s relationship has changed drastically since he was introduced. He is a key character that is also dedicated to Jessica’s cause.
Amanda Carlson has created amazing characters that are well-developed and likeable; except the bad guys of course, they are easy to hate.
The plot is loaded with surprises and action. The story is thought-provoking and full of details. There is a never a dull moment in Jessica’s life. Poor Rourke and Jessica barely ever get any time to themselves. I look forward to the next adventure in book 6.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have respected Jessica since book one. She is a worthy heroine who is honorable. She has a really great support system of friends and family. They are a bit unconventional, but that is what makes them special.
Marcy has grown so much since book one. She has always been an upright friend to Jessica. She has matured to be a powerful witch.
Naomi is great. She is extremely loyal to Jessica despite being a vampire. I enjoy her relationship with Danny.
Ray and Jessica’s relationship has changed drastically since he was introduced. He is a key character that is also dedicated to Jessica’s cause.
Amanda Carlson has created amazing characters that are well-developed and likeable; except the bad guys of course, they are easy to hate.
The plot is loaded with surprises and action. The story is thought-provoking and full of details. There is a never a dull moment in Jessica’s life. Poor Rourke and Jessica barely ever get any time to themselves. I look forward to the next adventure in book 6.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2015
Well Jessica is back from Hell and boy is she back with a bang! Having survived and changed Fate she now finds herself part of the infamous Coalition but first things first her father needs help with a fracture Pack and there's dark and deadly magic at work. From the first crazy scene in a plane crash to landing in an alternative reality it's clear that this book is going to be a non stop action packed treat. Add in possessed snakes, voodoo and loa's, ghouls and even Wendigos oh and I can't miss out the hilarious but diminutive Jeb and this book just takes no prisoners!
Well this the fifth instalment just flew by. It has a definite urban fantasy vibe and there's a lot less romance then previous books although having said that certain characters do meet/ accept soul mates . Now as an ensemble piece this really works because yes folks the gangs all here! Jessica may be this uber tough strong alpha female but in this book it's the support of all those she loves that really makes the difference. At times it felt like a book of two halves as I thought one particular storyline was over and then bam! A huge plot devise was thrown in and off Jessica and company go again straight back into more danger! I'm a little disappointed with the end if honest but for sheer entertainment do admit this book had it all.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Well this the fifth instalment just flew by. It has a definite urban fantasy vibe and there's a lot less romance then previous books although having said that certain characters do meet/ accept soul mates . Now as an ensemble piece this really works because yes folks the gangs all here! Jessica may be this uber tough strong alpha female but in this book it's the support of all those she loves that really makes the difference. At times it felt like a book of two halves as I thought one particular storyline was over and then bam! A huge plot devise was thrown in and off Jessica and company go again straight back into more danger! I'm a little disappointed with the end if honest but for sheer entertainment do admit this book had it all.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
July 9, 2015
This book is literally non-stop action from beginning to end for Jessica and her ever-developing pack. It will not disappoint as Amanda Carlson pulls out all the stops to ensure we all so intrigued by what may happen next; that you cannot stop reading.
October 2, 2015
fantastic loved it as good as the others couldnt put it down
September 13, 2015
Killing me with the cliff hangers!!
October 8, 2015
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Approaching reading this book, the fifth in the series I am looking forward to catching up with Jessica and Rourke. I also want to see what happens with Jessica's father and the problems of the rogue pack too.. . .My only worry is will I remember the key events from the last book as it feels like it has been such a long time since I read it
MY REVIEW
So I was super lucky with this title, I requested an e-copy on Netgalley but didn't expect to receive one as they were being targeted at the US audience, so I spoke to the lovely publicist at Little Brown/Orbit/Piatkus etc who kindly sent me a paperback copy. The cover again features Jessica McClain who is the kick butt female lead character in this series. The cover fits well with the rest of the series, so the paperback I was sent will look great on my bookshelf with my other books from the series. There's a quote about the book from Karen Chance, which is usually one of my pet hates but the quote is well placed so that it doesn't interfere with the cover. So would the cover make me pick this book up in a book store? Yes! It shouts shifter, and mystery and makes me want to learn more about the plot.
So my worry of not remembering how things were left from the last book was left was taken care of fairly quickly as this book sort of recaps about what has happened before as it goes along. I admit the pace for this book was a little slow and meandering for my taste to begin with. Though once I got past the initial slower paced part of the book, it picked up pace and became more interesting and wow it had me hooked. I didn't want to put the book down. We caught up with old favourites Naomi the vampire and Danny the werewolf who was bonded to Jessica. These two have come to the realisation that they are soul mates and are allowed to go off to complete the "soul mate" rituals. Jessica now has the power of 5 forms of magic combined and is still reeling from the shock of it. Jessica has given her wolf the responsibility of holding this power, so she is wary when she has to follow her instincts and allow her wolf to release and use this new power in this book.
So the first threat's Jessica faces are dealing with a voodoo priestess/sourceress, a bokor, a loa, "zombie" man made werewolves, snakes and crocodiles. Though she does have Marcy and some spells to help her win that battle
Just as you begin to relax thinking Jessica and her pack have sorted out one threat, she is kidnapped by a driver-less van and taken to meet an old Warlock called Jebediah Amel to talk about Coalition business. Her reveals quite a lot of things that Jessica hadn't really thought of, like the as she is the enforcer she is also the head of the coalition. Jebediah also explains that the job Jessica will be doing for the Coalition involves doing a lot of paperwork which he will be sending to her. Jessica hasn't even heard of Jebediah before so its a surprise meeting. Jebediah is also there to tell Jessica how much danger she is in from the hag Enid. Whilst in the Underworld Jessica killed an important supernatural before fate said it was their time to die so now Jessica has to make amends. The two remaining hags are in disagreement about what need to be done to reset fate on the correct course. One hag thinks Jessica can put things right. Where as the hag sister called Enid insists fate can only be put right by the death of Jessica. Luckily Jessica has one powerful hag on her side championing her. Can she put fate right, or will Jessica die as Enid wishes?
Jessica's other half and protector becomes frustrated in this book when they come up against the very old and powerful magic of Enid. In fact he isn't sure he can safeguard Jessica from the magic. It's quite strange to see a vulnerable side to Rourke, but made him even more endearing.
It turns out someone who Jessica thought was "human" is in fact a strong supernatural who has been cloaking themselves from her for years. We discover that this "human" has had a hand in the course of Jessica's life journey from a young age. This "human" turns out to be a powerful ally that helps Jessica on many occasions in this book. Enid blackmails a young necromancer into helping her so Jessica and Rourke find themselves fighting We meet a young necromancer called Kayla who Tyler becomes tremendously caring and protective over. . . . hmmm I'm thinking ahead with this one. I'll say more in my final thoughts. We also hear of a potentially very strong teenage boy that may need rescuing.
Throughout this book there are hints at what may be forthcoming in subsequent books. Jessica is told she must follow her heart, that she will lose someone/something precious to her . . . .(yeah I immediately though Oh no, they're gonna kill Rourke off) but it will be something she can cope with. so that prediction leaves you asking what she is going to lose.
So this book really had me thinking about what could happen. . .and I decided to share some of my idea's. Could Kayla & Tyler be soulmates? Will Kayla & Ajax become part of Jessica's team? Then there's the whole Jessica losing someone/something precious. . . Could that be losing her Alpha father Callum. . .I mean he has just recovered from being cursed and he is getting older. . . .he does express in this book that he wants Jessica to have her own pack around her to help her and protect her. Or Could she have to give up working at her Private Investigating Business with friend and fox shifter Nick? Or maybe It will no longer be safe for her to live in her flat and she could class that as having to give up some elements of her independence? Then there's What is happening? Where is Tally? and What will Jessica come up against next?
I could so go on and on about this book, I feel like I haven't told you very much but at the same time I don't want to get too detailed about the plot as you want things to be revealed in the correct order and within the sequence of events within the book. It really is a MUST read!
FINAL THOUGHTS
My final thoughts are numerous, consisting of the questions I have asked above as well as me looking forward to the Coalition and meeting the other members, the strong women, that will sit alongside Jessica on the council. We know one of those sitting on the council with Jessica is Eudoxia, the Vampire Queen so who are the others and how will they all work together? To sum up Slightly slower and a few pace changes made this one harder to enjoy initially. When the pace increased, and the plot became more complex I was drawn further into the book and loved it there was plenty of action, and battles to fight.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, I loved it. Action packed, with hints of more to come in the following book/books. Would I recommend this book? Of course, I'd recommend this series .. . .and this Author. Would I want to read another book in this series? Yessss, please,when can I read it? This is the bit I hate. . waiting for the next book.
Would I want to read any other titles by this author? Yes, I have read the Sin City Collectors books written by Amanda too. I love how she writes and have read her Jessica McClain Series from the very beginning when I didn't even have a kindle and due to a medical condition I cannot read for long enough to read a book on a computer, and her PA at the time was so kind and printed the novella off and sent it through the post for me to read it. I have been a "super fan" ever since. I do consider myself a devoted fan of this author.
Approaching reading this book, the fifth in the series I am looking forward to catching up with Jessica and Rourke. I also want to see what happens with Jessica's father and the problems of the rogue pack too.. . .My only worry is will I remember the key events from the last book as it feels like it has been such a long time since I read it
MY REVIEW
So I was super lucky with this title, I requested an e-copy on Netgalley but didn't expect to receive one as they were being targeted at the US audience, so I spoke to the lovely publicist at Little Brown/Orbit/Piatkus etc who kindly sent me a paperback copy. The cover again features Jessica McClain who is the kick butt female lead character in this series. The cover fits well with the rest of the series, so the paperback I was sent will look great on my bookshelf with my other books from the series. There's a quote about the book from Karen Chance, which is usually one of my pet hates but the quote is well placed so that it doesn't interfere with the cover. So would the cover make me pick this book up in a book store? Yes! It shouts shifter, and mystery and makes me want to learn more about the plot.
So my worry of not remembering how things were left from the last book was left was taken care of fairly quickly as this book sort of recaps about what has happened before as it goes along. I admit the pace for this book was a little slow and meandering for my taste to begin with. Though once I got past the initial slower paced part of the book, it picked up pace and became more interesting and wow it had me hooked. I didn't want to put the book down. We caught up with old favourites Naomi the vampire and Danny the werewolf who was bonded to Jessica. These two have come to the realisation that they are soul mates and are allowed to go off to complete the "soul mate" rituals. Jessica now has the power of 5 forms of magic combined and is still reeling from the shock of it. Jessica has given her wolf the responsibility of holding this power, so she is wary when she has to follow her instincts and allow her wolf to release and use this new power in this book.
So the first threat's Jessica faces are dealing with a voodoo priestess/sourceress, a bokor, a loa, "zombie" man made werewolves, snakes and crocodiles. Though she does have Marcy and some spells to help her win that battle
Just as you begin to relax thinking Jessica and her pack have sorted out one threat, she is kidnapped by a driver-less van and taken to meet an old Warlock called Jebediah Amel to talk about Coalition business. Her reveals quite a lot of things that Jessica hadn't really thought of, like the as she is the enforcer she is also the head of the coalition. Jebediah also explains that the job Jessica will be doing for the Coalition involves doing a lot of paperwork which he will be sending to her. Jessica hasn't even heard of Jebediah before so its a surprise meeting. Jebediah is also there to tell Jessica how much danger she is in from the hag Enid. Whilst in the Underworld Jessica killed an important supernatural before fate said it was their time to die so now Jessica has to make amends. The two remaining hags are in disagreement about what need to be done to reset fate on the correct course. One hag thinks Jessica can put things right. Where as the hag sister called Enid insists fate can only be put right by the death of Jessica. Luckily Jessica has one powerful hag on her side championing her. Can she put fate right, or will Jessica die as Enid wishes?
Jessica's other half and protector becomes frustrated in this book when they come up against the very old and powerful magic of Enid. In fact he isn't sure he can safeguard Jessica from the magic. It's quite strange to see a vulnerable side to Rourke, but made him even more endearing.
It turns out someone who Jessica thought was "human" is in fact a strong supernatural who has been cloaking themselves from her for years. We discover that this "human" has had a hand in the course of Jessica's life journey from a young age. This "human" turns out to be a powerful ally that helps Jessica on many occasions in this book. Enid blackmails a young necromancer into helping her so Jessica and Rourke find themselves fighting We meet a young necromancer called Kayla who Tyler becomes tremendously caring and protective over. . . . hmmm I'm thinking ahead with this one. I'll say more in my final thoughts. We also hear of a potentially very strong teenage boy that may need rescuing.
Throughout this book there are hints at what may be forthcoming in subsequent books. Jessica is told she must follow her heart, that she will lose someone/something precious to her . . . .(yeah I immediately though Oh no, they're gonna kill Rourke off) but it will be something she can cope with. so that prediction leaves you asking what she is going to lose.
So this book really had me thinking about what could happen. . .and I decided to share some of my idea's. Could Kayla & Tyler be soulmates? Will Kayla & Ajax become part of Jessica's team? Then there's the whole Jessica losing someone/something precious. . . Could that be losing her Alpha father Callum. . .I mean he has just recovered from being cursed and he is getting older. . . .he does express in this book that he wants Jessica to have her own pack around her to help her and protect her. Or Could she have to give up working at her Private Investigating Business with friend and fox shifter Nick? Or maybe It will no longer be safe for her to live in her flat and she could class that as having to give up some elements of her independence? Then there's What is happening? Where is Tally? and What will Jessica come up against next?
I could so go on and on about this book, I feel like I haven't told you very much but at the same time I don't want to get too detailed about the plot as you want things to be revealed in the correct order and within the sequence of events within the book. It really is a MUST read!
FINAL THOUGHTS
My final thoughts are numerous, consisting of the questions I have asked above as well as me looking forward to the Coalition and meeting the other members, the strong women, that will sit alongside Jessica on the council. We know one of those sitting on the council with Jessica is Eudoxia, the Vampire Queen so who are the others and how will they all work together? To sum up Slightly slower and a few pace changes made this one harder to enjoy initially. When the pace increased, and the plot became more complex I was drawn further into the book and loved it there was plenty of action, and battles to fight.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, I loved it. Action packed, with hints of more to come in the following book/books. Would I recommend this book? Of course, I'd recommend this series .. . .and this Author. Would I want to read another book in this series? Yessss, please,when can I read it? This is the bit I hate. . waiting for the next book.
Would I want to read any other titles by this author? Yes, I have read the Sin City Collectors books written by Amanda too. I love how she writes and have read her Jessica McClain Series from the very beginning when I didn't even have a kindle and due to a medical condition I cannot read for long enough to read a book on a computer, and her PA at the time was so kind and printed the novella off and sent it through the post for me to read it. I have been a "super fan" ever since. I do consider myself a devoted fan of this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews