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Jaz Parks #6
Bite Marks
Jaz Parks here. But I'm not alone. I'm hearing voices in my head -- and they're not mine.
The problem, or maybe the solution, is work. And the job's a stinker this time -- killing the gnomes that are threatening to topple NASA's Australian-based space complex. Yeah, I know. Vayl and I should still be able to kick this one in our sleep. Except that Hell has thrown up a demon named Kyphas to knock us off track. And damn is she indestructible!
The problem, or maybe the solution, is work. And the job's a stinker this time -- killing the gnomes that are threatening to topple NASA's Australian-based space complex. Yeah, I know. Vayl and I should still be able to kick this one in our sleep. Except that Hell has thrown up a demon named Kyphas to knock us off track. And damn is she indestructible!
314 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2009
35 people are currently reading
1875 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Rardin
19 books891 followersI’ve spent all my life in the Midwest, which has certainly shaped my perspective on all kinds of issues, from the question of whether or not we really have an accent, to the many and varied uses of corn.
I was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 28, 1965. Mom tells me almost every year what crappy weather it was that day. However I like to think of my birthday as the first frost-free date for my planting area. See what happens when you grow up around farmers? Scary, huh?
After a youth spent up to my eyeballs in fairy tales, nordic myths and supernatural legends I made the solid and practical decision to go to college and major in English. After which I never really held a well paying job until this gig came along! Which is why my kids love to sing that song to me from the musical “Avenue Q.” The one that begins with the line, “What do you do with a B.A. in English?”
Once I figured out the answer to that question, I wrote Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Now my laptop is my constant companion. We reside in an old farmhouse along with my husband and our two teenagers. No pets since the cat died last winter, but the birds seem to appreciate his absence. They come to feast at the feeders while I write on the back porch in the cool of the morning. Lovely.
I was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 28, 1965. Mom tells me almost every year what crappy weather it was that day. However I like to think of my birthday as the first frost-free date for my planting area. See what happens when you grow up around farmers? Scary, huh?
After a youth spent up to my eyeballs in fairy tales, nordic myths and supernatural legends I made the solid and practical decision to go to college and major in English. After which I never really held a well paying job until this gig came along! Which is why my kids love to sing that song to me from the musical “Avenue Q.” The one that begins with the line, “What do you do with a B.A. in English?”
Once I figured out the answer to that question, I wrote Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Now my laptop is my constant companion. We reside in an old farmhouse along with my husband and our two teenagers. No pets since the cat died last winter, but the birds seem to appreciate his absence. They come to feast at the feeders while I write on the back porch in the cool of the morning. Lovely.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 28, 2011
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 just because....
There are gnomes in this book! Not those cute little gnomes you may see in your grandmother’s garden or in those travel ads, but meat-eating, nasty, larvae sprouting, musically-challenged gnomes. These gnomes have plans: they want to take over NASA’s Canberra Deep Space Complex.
This installment of the Jaz Parks series finds Jaz and her crew down under in Australia. Getting a crew that consists of an assassin, a sniper, a vampire, a seer, a gadgets guy, and a dog and all their gear to Australia is no mean feat, especially when a member of your team is sunlight challenged. Solution – a funeral marching band complete with mourners to meet your team at the airport.
And so begins the hysterically funny book, Bite Marks.
Please don’t read this book if you are looking for something serious. This book is anything but serious. Prepare to suspend belief and I assure you that you will enjoy this book.
I love the camaraderie of the team. They have inside jokes. They are able to laugh at each other (rolling on the floor laughter) and are able to laugh with each other. Each character brings their own strengths to the team. Vayl brings his vampiric talents and special abilities. Bergman is an amazing inventor of most useful gadgets. Cassandra has the ability to see the future. Cole is their GQ good looking sniper. Jaz has her own talents as well.
Bergman’s gadgets are wonderfully creative. I absolutely loved Astral the robokitty. The robokitty became an integral part of the team, providing some of the funniest moments in the book. Other notably funny moments included Cole’s quest to pet a kangaroo with no thought to his own safety.
Jaz’s internal dialogue during this book was a little confusing. Jaz seems a little schizophrenic in that her mind is occupied by a whole slew of characters. It takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve figured it out, Jaz’s mind becomes a fascinating place with Granny May dispensing advice, librarian Jaz filing information, teen Jaz acting like a love sick girl/spoiled brat, and Lush Jaz falling off her barstool. It’s hard to notice that one voice that doesn’t belong to Jaz…
For those of you wondering about Jaz and Vayl’s relationship, let’s just say that there is a lot of sexual tension in this book.
This series is a guilty pleasure of mine. Jennifer Rardin creates such a wacky, zany world that is fun to escape to.
There are gnomes in this book! Not those cute little gnomes you may see in your grandmother’s garden or in those travel ads, but meat-eating, nasty, larvae sprouting, musically-challenged gnomes. These gnomes have plans: they want to take over NASA’s Canberra Deep Space Complex.
This installment of the Jaz Parks series finds Jaz and her crew down under in Australia. Getting a crew that consists of an assassin, a sniper, a vampire, a seer, a gadgets guy, and a dog and all their gear to Australia is no mean feat, especially when a member of your team is sunlight challenged. Solution – a funeral marching band complete with mourners to meet your team at the airport.
And so begins the hysterically funny book, Bite Marks.
Please don’t read this book if you are looking for something serious. This book is anything but serious. Prepare to suspend belief and I assure you that you will enjoy this book.
I love the camaraderie of the team. They have inside jokes. They are able to laugh at each other (rolling on the floor laughter) and are able to laugh with each other. Each character brings their own strengths to the team. Vayl brings his vampiric talents and special abilities. Bergman is an amazing inventor of most useful gadgets. Cassandra has the ability to see the future. Cole is their GQ good looking sniper. Jaz has her own talents as well.
Bergman’s gadgets are wonderfully creative. I absolutely loved Astral the robokitty. The robokitty became an integral part of the team, providing some of the funniest moments in the book. Other notably funny moments included Cole’s quest to pet a kangaroo with no thought to his own safety.
Jaz’s internal dialogue during this book was a little confusing. Jaz seems a little schizophrenic in that her mind is occupied by a whole slew of characters. It takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve figured it out, Jaz’s mind becomes a fascinating place with Granny May dispensing advice, librarian Jaz filing information, teen Jaz acting like a love sick girl/spoiled brat, and Lush Jaz falling off her barstool. It’s hard to notice that one voice that doesn’t belong to Jaz…
For those of you wondering about Jaz and Vayl’s relationship, let’s just say that there is a lot of sexual tension in this book.
This series is a guilty pleasure of mine. Jennifer Rardin creates such a wacky, zany world that is fun to escape to.
August 14, 2010
I keep reading these books...and yet I've only really enjoyed one installment. What is it that keeps me going?
I suppose it's the handful of moments toward the end of each that show what Rardin is capable of accomplishing. There's usually a fight scene or a splattering of gore that's particularly exhilarating.
In this one, the final showdown is entertaining, as is the audacious use of kangaroos. It's exciting, but I saw the resolution coming many, many chapters before, so...eh.
We do get a compelling glimpse into Vayle's past, in his own voice--a piece of writing that, stylistically, far surpasses anything coming from Jaz's disjointed mind.
It's that discombobulated mind that causes most of my irritation with the series. Once again, we're faced with a maddening internal dialogue, as anthropomorphized aspects of Jaz's personality battle an invading influence. This girl is nuttier than a fruitcake, and it does not endear her to me. Nor do her incessant potty jokes (which I still can't see someone like Vayle tolerating).
Pair this up with Jaz's massively stubborn refusal to trust those around her and all I want to do is bind her in a straight jacket and pump her full of meds.
Oh, and I found it anti-climactic to suddenly have the answers to our Vampere / sverhamin / avhar questions dropped casually in our laps during a chat on the patio. All this dancing around the topic for five books, and it's suddenly laid out for everyone in three pages flat? Bizarre.
Jack is cute and I want to know why he's so damn smart. His robokitty playmate Astral is hilarious after her meltdown. Bergman grows a set, which is nice, but I always liked his conspiracy theory neuroses. Cole is breezy and amusing, but I don't know how he doesn't get killed amid all the wisecracks.
I'm not sure I'll read the next. I'll ponder it when the reviews roll in.
I suppose it's the handful of moments toward the end of each that show what Rardin is capable of accomplishing. There's usually a fight scene or a splattering of gore that's particularly exhilarating.
In this one, the final showdown is entertaining, as is the audacious use of kangaroos. It's exciting, but I saw the resolution coming many, many chapters before, so...eh.
We do get a compelling glimpse into Vayle's past, in his own voice--a piece of writing that, stylistically, far surpasses anything coming from Jaz's disjointed mind.
It's that discombobulated mind that causes most of my irritation with the series. Once again, we're faced with a maddening internal dialogue, as anthropomorphized aspects of Jaz's personality battle an invading influence. This girl is nuttier than a fruitcake, and it does not endear her to me. Nor do her incessant potty jokes (which I still can't see someone like Vayle tolerating).
Pair this up with Jaz's massively stubborn refusal to trust those around her and all I want to do is bind her in a straight jacket and pump her full of meds.
Oh, and I found it anti-climactic to suddenly have the answers to our Vampere / sverhamin / avhar questions dropped casually in our laps during a chat on the patio. All this dancing around the topic for five books, and it's suddenly laid out for everyone in three pages flat? Bizarre.
Jack is cute and I want to know why he's so damn smart. His robokitty playmate Astral is hilarious after her meltdown. Bergman grows a set, which is nice, but I always liked his conspiracy theory neuroses. Cole is breezy and amusing, but I don't know how he doesn't get killed amid all the wisecracks.
I'm not sure I'll read the next. I'll ponder it when the reviews roll in.
May 25, 2010
This is Jennifer Rardin’s sixth ‘Jaz Parks’ book. I've been a big fan from book one.
Jasmine (Jaz) Parks is an assassin with the CIA, who works with her handsome Romanian vampire boss, Vayl, to track down supernatural terrorists around the world. Since book one there's been sexual tension between Jaz and Vayl, and this book is all about them finally becoming a couple and trusting each other to rely on one another.
Jaz and the team (Vayl, Cole, Bergman, Cassandra) are back and are in Australia’s capital, Canberra. Now when I say the team, I cannot for Jack, the hilariously cute dog and now there's one more quirky pet into the picture, but I won't give anything away.
The story picks up right where Jaz left off in ‘One More Bite’.
Jaz and her team find themselves on an assignment to stop a horde of gnomes led by the followers of the god Ufran from getting their larvae into the Canberra Deep Space Complex. She also finds herself with some extra company who makes her life even more difficult. ( Pretty crazy! )
This book is one of the more serious ones when it comes to the relationship between Jaz and Vayl. I found it was a turning point in the series.Their personal life is mixing with their professional life, and we get to see how they handle it. In Bite Marks Bergman and Cassandra also both play pretty important roles in the plot, and we get to see more of some other characters motivations. Like always, Cole is hilarious. At times, I wish Jaz and him were together, but most of the time I love Vayl more.
I think there was a set up for the next story with Cole and Kyphas from Cassandra's vision.something big is going to happen. I hope Cole will be okay! He's a sucker for a girl with good looks. *shakes my head*. All that said, Rardin outdid herself with this one. Like all the Jaz books, it was filled with great action and twists. I loved it and cannot wait to read Bitten In Two.
Jasmine (Jaz) Parks is an assassin with the CIA, who works with her handsome Romanian vampire boss, Vayl, to track down supernatural terrorists around the world. Since book one there's been sexual tension between Jaz and Vayl, and this book is all about them finally becoming a couple and trusting each other to rely on one another.
Jaz and the team (Vayl, Cole, Bergman, Cassandra) are back and are in Australia’s capital, Canberra. Now when I say the team, I cannot for Jack, the hilariously cute dog and now there's one more quirky pet into the picture, but I won't give anything away.
The story picks up right where Jaz left off in ‘One More Bite’.
Jaz and her team find themselves on an assignment to stop a horde of gnomes led by the followers of the god Ufran from getting their larvae into the Canberra Deep Space Complex. She also finds herself with some extra company who makes her life even more difficult. ( Pretty crazy! )
This book is one of the more serious ones when it comes to the relationship between Jaz and Vayl. I found it was a turning point in the series.Their personal life is mixing with their professional life, and we get to see how they handle it. In Bite Marks Bergman and Cassandra also both play pretty important roles in the plot, and we get to see more of some other characters motivations. Like always, Cole is hilarious. At times, I wish Jaz and him were together, but most of the time I love Vayl more.
I think there was a set up for the next story with Cole and Kyphas from Cassandra's vision.something big is going to happen. I hope Cole will be okay! He's a sucker for a girl with good looks. *shakes my head*. All that said, Rardin outdid herself with this one. Like all the Jaz books, it was filled with great action and twists. I loved it and cannot wait to read Bitten In Two.
February 12, 2022
I loved the first few books but it took me longer to read this one than the others.
Still really good but I think that this one was kind of slow. But amazing non the less.
Still really good but I think that this one was kind of slow. But amazing non the less.
October 1, 2011
Book 6 in the Jaz Parks series, set in of all places, Canberra.
Vayl, Jaz and all the team including Raoul get to come to Australia and get stuck fighting Gnomes to save the Canberra based NASA Space Command Centre.
Jennifer Rardin obviously did a lot of research on Canberra, kangaroos and our Space Command Centre. And only one glaring mistake did I spot, "flaming jerk", which hasn't been used here in at least 60 years, but there were certainly a lot of 'mates' thrown around too, but I'll let that one pass as we do still use that one. LOL.
I enjoyed this instalment immensely, I think particularly as I know Canberra and will be spending a weekend there next month, as well as the fact that all the team was there and we got to know the newest member, robotkitty, Astral. She was a scream and I think even upstaged that wonder doggy Jack. The use of appropriate musical sound-tracks was inspired.
Only 2 more books in the series, plus a couple of shorts to go.
Vayl, Jaz and all the team including Raoul get to come to Australia and get stuck fighting Gnomes to save the Canberra based NASA Space Command Centre.
Jennifer Rardin obviously did a lot of research on Canberra, kangaroos and our Space Command Centre. And only one glaring mistake did I spot, "flaming jerk", which hasn't been used here in at least 60 years, but there were certainly a lot of 'mates' thrown around too, but I'll let that one pass as we do still use that one. LOL.
I enjoyed this instalment immensely, I think particularly as I know Canberra and will be spending a weekend there next month, as well as the fact that all the team was there and we got to know the newest member, robotkitty, Astral. She was a scream and I think even upstaged that wonder doggy Jack. The use of appropriate musical sound-tracks was inspired.
Only 2 more books in the series, plus a couple of shorts to go.
January 8, 2012
I like series, I like urban fantasy and kick-ass heroines, and I've enjoyed the books in this particular series to different degrees so far. At this point, though, it just seems to be spinning its wheels. I've had to force myself to get halfway through this book, and it's taken weeks! (I'm not a slow reader). I'm giving up.
November 25, 2009
Yay! The Jaz Parks books are always fun, but I felt like the action was kind of toned down in this installment. I'm glad though that there was much more personal interaction between Vayl and Jaz however. Vayl is quite delicious :)
May 28, 2023
I think I would drop this series. It's not that it is bad, there are a ton of good things going on in there. Jaz humor is the best, and I really enjoy it. Vayl is a great character, too, and I am always happy to see him around. And even if I am not the biggest Cole fan, he is funny and I appreciated him. A lot. And we have an amazing dog! Jack is such a good boy! And we have a robot kitty! It is so cool!
And I know that these all are great reasons to continue the series but... I just don't care about the stories. I love the characters, but the plots are not interesting to me. I can't say that they are boring, and I don't really know what does not work for me, but even if I enjoy the characters a lot, I have problems caring for the plot, and it was so for almost all the books so far so... I don't see the point in going on with the series.
And I know that these all are great reasons to continue the series but... I just don't care about the stories. I love the characters, but the plots are not interesting to me. I can't say that they are boring, and I don't really know what does not work for me, but even if I enjoy the characters a lot, I have problems caring for the plot, and it was so for almost all the books so far so... I don't see the point in going on with the series.
March 21, 2011
Looking for a turbo-charged actionfest? Want a solid urban fantasy read with a heroine that doesn't make you want to smack her for being stupid or neurotic? Want a fine hunk of a vamp to partner with her? Protect her? Be willing to die for her? Even though she doesn't need him to because she's strong in her own right?
Well then look no further, peeps, because Rardin's Jaz Parks series delivers it all on a silver platter for your reading delight.
If you're unfamiliar with the series then start with book #1, Once Bitten, Twice Shy. The series is layered, plots and characters intertwined, and while each book has its own arc, none can be fully appreciated as a stand-alone. There are too many things that go on as a result of occurrences in previous books, too many nods given to past moments.
I've been a fan of the series since the beginning; it's absolutely one of my favorite series in the genre. Not because the books are perfect on their own - they're not. In fact, there are aspects of the story telling in each book that I would have preferred done differently, but in this case, the experience of the series as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts...if you know what I mean.
Rardin has a few quirks as an author that tend to disrupt the flow of the narrative - she has a tendency to slip into a description of what happened at some point days, minutes, or hours previously to get Jaz and her crew to where they are in the books without warning the reader that it's coming, so I've had occasion to wonder if I'm reading past events or current ones at times. That's mostly (but not exclusively) done in the beginning of each book, so you jump into the action right away, then find out how you got to that action a bit later. It's a little disconcerting. Another grievance I have is that Rardin has a tendency to throw everything and the kitchen sink at Jaz and Co. in a seemingly never-ending barrage of badness during each "mission" and in so doing, she sacrifices cohesion in the plot. I've never felt that any "mission" was written in any sort of easily followed, linear fashion and as a result, I haven't been able to really cheer for the CIA aspects - even when they're successful.
Oddly enough, that's what keeps each book from garnering a solid five star mark from me, yet it doesn't affect at all how much I love the series. Because the things I do love about the series, Rardin is absolutely fantastic with. And that's, quite frankly, the people. The characters. Their lives. Their feelings. Their...story.
Jaz Parks is a tortured, flawed, and in some ways slightly nutso heroine whose loyalty and bravery are unequaled. She's got a dark side - a very, very dark side that she hides from the people she's sworn to herself to protect, yet she carries on funny and insightful conversations with her dead grandmother...in her head...as Granny Mae plays poker (or canasta or whatever) with Bob Hope and Abe Lincoln.
Vayl is a nearly three hundred year old vampire and while he's the country's top assassin - holding that position for the past eighty-some odd years, he's got his own baggage. Industrial-sized and hefty weight baggage in the shape of two sons lost centuries ago. The drive to find their reincarnated souls pushes him for so long that they are the reason for his entire existence - until Jaz Parks blows into his tattered soul and clings.
Their relationship is complex, fraught with insecurity and past demons, yet changing and strengthening through each book. I'm a paranormal romance fan - and while this isn't what I'd consider a romance-laden series, it's still satisfying the romance lover in me. It's written brilliantly, and in a very satisfying way. And I can't say enough about the wide and varied array of secondary and ancillary characters that have wormed their way into my heart. There are a legion of them, and they are vital to the series as a whole - and written as three dimensional and as important as Jaz and Vayl. Kudos on that.
So it all boils down to this...I didn't give a synopsis of the plot Bite Marks because the main plot of each book isn't really why I read the series. I suppose I could say that Jaz and Vayl have another mission and all hell breaks loose on this one, just like on all the others. That's the quick and dirty. And largely unimportant (to me). It's the fierce artistry in how they handle it and how Jaz manages to continue to triumph over past traumas and losses one labored step at a time that is really the driving force in the series (for me) and that just can't be summarized easily. You just gotta experience it.
Okay...and I admit...I just have to know what Bergman's going to dream up next. *snickers* Robokitty. Hee!
**Reviewer's note: I'm deeply saddened to have learned of the untimely death of Jennifer Rardin late last year. My sympathies and condolences are extended to her family and friends. Her talents and her presence will be missed.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Well then look no further, peeps, because Rardin's Jaz Parks series delivers it all on a silver platter for your reading delight.
If you're unfamiliar with the series then start with book #1, Once Bitten, Twice Shy. The series is layered, plots and characters intertwined, and while each book has its own arc, none can be fully appreciated as a stand-alone. There are too many things that go on as a result of occurrences in previous books, too many nods given to past moments.
I've been a fan of the series since the beginning; it's absolutely one of my favorite series in the genre. Not because the books are perfect on their own - they're not. In fact, there are aspects of the story telling in each book that I would have preferred done differently, but in this case, the experience of the series as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts...if you know what I mean.
Rardin has a few quirks as an author that tend to disrupt the flow of the narrative - she has a tendency to slip into a description of what happened at some point days, minutes, or hours previously to get Jaz and her crew to where they are in the books without warning the reader that it's coming, so I've had occasion to wonder if I'm reading past events or current ones at times. That's mostly (but not exclusively) done in the beginning of each book, so you jump into the action right away, then find out how you got to that action a bit later. It's a little disconcerting. Another grievance I have is that Rardin has a tendency to throw everything and the kitchen sink at Jaz and Co. in a seemingly never-ending barrage of badness during each "mission" and in so doing, she sacrifices cohesion in the plot. I've never felt that any "mission" was written in any sort of easily followed, linear fashion and as a result, I haven't been able to really cheer for the CIA aspects - even when they're successful.
Oddly enough, that's what keeps each book from garnering a solid five star mark from me, yet it doesn't affect at all how much I love the series. Because the things I do love about the series, Rardin is absolutely fantastic with. And that's, quite frankly, the people. The characters. Their lives. Their feelings. Their...story.
Jaz Parks is a tortured, flawed, and in some ways slightly nutso heroine whose loyalty and bravery are unequaled. She's got a dark side - a very, very dark side that she hides from the people she's sworn to herself to protect, yet she carries on funny and insightful conversations with her dead grandmother...in her head...as Granny Mae plays poker (or canasta or whatever) with Bob Hope and Abe Lincoln.
Vayl is a nearly three hundred year old vampire and while he's the country's top assassin - holding that position for the past eighty-some odd years, he's got his own baggage. Industrial-sized and hefty weight baggage in the shape of two sons lost centuries ago. The drive to find their reincarnated souls pushes him for so long that they are the reason for his entire existence - until Jaz Parks blows into his tattered soul and clings.
Their relationship is complex, fraught with insecurity and past demons, yet changing and strengthening through each book. I'm a paranormal romance fan - and while this isn't what I'd consider a romance-laden series, it's still satisfying the romance lover in me. It's written brilliantly, and in a very satisfying way. And I can't say enough about the wide and varied array of secondary and ancillary characters that have wormed their way into my heart. There are a legion of them, and they are vital to the series as a whole - and written as three dimensional and as important as Jaz and Vayl. Kudos on that.
So it all boils down to this...I didn't give a synopsis of the plot Bite Marks because the main plot of each book isn't really why I read the series. I suppose I could say that Jaz and Vayl have another mission and all hell breaks loose on this one, just like on all the others. That's the quick and dirty. And largely unimportant (to me). It's the fierce artistry in how they handle it and how Jaz manages to continue to triumph over past traumas and losses one labored step at a time that is really the driving force in the series (for me) and that just can't be summarized easily. You just gotta experience it.
Okay...and I admit...I just have to know what Bergman's going to dream up next. *snickers* Robokitty. Hee!
**Reviewer's note: I'm deeply saddened to have learned of the untimely death of Jennifer Rardin late last year. My sympathies and condolences are extended to her family and friends. Her talents and her presence will be missed.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
April 17, 2025
Jaz is a fun MF
July 30, 2014
Vayl and Jaz's assignment is of the utmost importance. If they fail, NASA's entire infrastructure will crumble leaving one heck of mess in its wake. The job should have been just another notch in their belts, but when Cassandra's Demon comes out to play things get a little hairy as she is one heck of a force to be reckoned with. Add in some crazy voices in Jaz's head, and you have one heck of bumpy ride that may just lead to disaster for this assassin team. They haven't failed a mission yet, but this one may be the one to knock them down. Permanently.
Something I have loved about this series is that while it is full of action and high stakes, there also is plenty of humor and witty comments from the characters. This book however took the humor to a whole new level, yet still maintained that sense of looming danger making it one heck of a ride. Between Cole's kangaroo issues and Jaz's conversations with the "crew" her head, I can't count how many times I burst out laughing. There was another hilarious aspect that was a new element to the series. I won't say too much to keep from spoiling things, but just wait till you meet Jaz's new cat. She sure has one heck of "personality" that will leave you in tears from laughing so hard.
Jaz and Vayl's relationship is still growing and there are some trust issues on Jaz's part. However, since she is literally what you would call damaged goods, I imagine full trust is still a long ways off. She has either lost or been betrayed by everyone she has ever cared about in her entire life, so it is no wonder none of this comes easy. She also has a tendency to let her temper over run her and jump the gun in certain situations. However, this is all why Vayl is the perfect match for her as he calms her fire and stays the voice of reason she so desperately needs at times. It also seems like Cole has finally realized he just wasn't they guy for her, and is taking it with his usual sense of humor. Which of course causes problems of its own, but at least he isn't trying to come between them anymore.
This book had a whole lot going on. Between Jaz's possession, the gnomes and their plot to destroy NASA, and a Demon that is bent on dragging Cassandra to Hell, I barely had time to catch a breath. A lot of series by this point can give a sense of deja vu with the dangers just seeming to be a rehashment of previous ones. This is definitely not the case in these books, and I really admire the author's ability to keep things fresh. Bite Marks is a must read that will suck you right in and make you desperate for more. I'd recommend having the next book ready as you won't want a delay in being able to dive into reading it. Definitely another great installment in a fantastic Urban Fantasy series!
Something I have loved about this series is that while it is full of action and high stakes, there also is plenty of humor and witty comments from the characters. This book however took the humor to a whole new level, yet still maintained that sense of looming danger making it one heck of a ride. Between Cole's kangaroo issues and Jaz's conversations with the "crew" her head, I can't count how many times I burst out laughing. There was another hilarious aspect that was a new element to the series. I won't say too much to keep from spoiling things, but just wait till you meet Jaz's new cat. She sure has one heck of "personality" that will leave you in tears from laughing so hard.
Jaz and Vayl's relationship is still growing and there are some trust issues on Jaz's part. However, since she is literally what you would call damaged goods, I imagine full trust is still a long ways off. She has either lost or been betrayed by everyone she has ever cared about in her entire life, so it is no wonder none of this comes easy. She also has a tendency to let her temper over run her and jump the gun in certain situations. However, this is all why Vayl is the perfect match for her as he calms her fire and stays the voice of reason she so desperately needs at times. It also seems like Cole has finally realized he just wasn't they guy for her, and is taking it with his usual sense of humor. Which of course causes problems of its own, but at least he isn't trying to come between them anymore.
This book had a whole lot going on. Between Jaz's possession, the gnomes and their plot to destroy NASA, and a Demon that is bent on dragging Cassandra to Hell, I barely had time to catch a breath. A lot of series by this point can give a sense of deja vu with the dangers just seeming to be a rehashment of previous ones. This is definitely not the case in these books, and I really admire the author's ability to keep things fresh. Bite Marks is a must read that will suck you right in and make you desperate for more. I'd recommend having the next book ready as you won't want a delay in being able to dive into reading it. Definitely another great installment in a fantastic Urban Fantasy series!
April 17, 2011
I can’t get enough of Jaz and Vayl and their kick-ass supporting cast.
Jaz is a smart, sassy, CIA Agent. She’s a sensitive who’s died twice and been brought back by her spirit guide to help fight evil. Her gifts continue to grow when she donates blood to Vayl, a werewolf and received tears from Asha. Jasmine lost her old team including her sister-in-law and fiancé. With Vayl’s help, she’s been working on moving past the loss.
Vayl is a strong, intelligent, 290 year old vampire and CIA Agent, who's perfection on the eyes. Vayl suffered from the loss of his two boys and is now trying to move past his loss and work towards his future with Jasmine.
Jaz and Vayl started off as a CIA team, became sverhamin and avahar, and are now a hot and heavy couple. I love their chemistry.
Bergman is a genius who creates the best high tech gadgets. Cassandra is a sophisticated psychic who’s engaged to Dave, Jaz’s twin. Cole is an incredibly charming ‘sensitive’ with mad language and sharp shooting skills. Our fur friends include Jack (Jacket Humper) who’s a great tracker and animal chaser. Astral is a robo-kitty created by Bergman to assist Jaz in her missions.
This book is based in Australia where the team must stop gnomes from destroying NASA satellites and causing billions of dollars of destruction. The shaman has abducted a family and is forcing the father to give his life to birth of the gnome larve. There’s lots of twists in this book and we’re surprised to find out who the shaman is and what the real story is all about. There are multiple missions within this mission. Cassandra’s demon returns to claim her soul and ends up supporting the team in her mission and trading Cassandra’s soul for some evil politicians. Jaz is possessed by Brude and she must lock him away so he doesn’t use the possession to ruin her relationships and destroy the mission. The team loses two of their own and Jasmine considers leaving the CIA with Vayl and joining Bergman in his business. A change would mean more time off and not having to worry about being double crossed by evil politicians.
I’ve loved every Jaz parks book and this one is no exception. Keep them coming Jennifer Rardin!
Jaz is a smart, sassy, CIA Agent. She’s a sensitive who’s died twice and been brought back by her spirit guide to help fight evil. Her gifts continue to grow when she donates blood to Vayl, a werewolf and received tears from Asha. Jasmine lost her old team including her sister-in-law and fiancé. With Vayl’s help, she’s been working on moving past the loss.
Vayl is a strong, intelligent, 290 year old vampire and CIA Agent, who's perfection on the eyes. Vayl suffered from the loss of his two boys and is now trying to move past his loss and work towards his future with Jasmine.
Jaz and Vayl started off as a CIA team, became sverhamin and avahar, and are now a hot and heavy couple. I love their chemistry.
Bergman is a genius who creates the best high tech gadgets. Cassandra is a sophisticated psychic who’s engaged to Dave, Jaz’s twin. Cole is an incredibly charming ‘sensitive’ with mad language and sharp shooting skills. Our fur friends include Jack (Jacket Humper) who’s a great tracker and animal chaser. Astral is a robo-kitty created by Bergman to assist Jaz in her missions.
This book is based in Australia where the team must stop gnomes from destroying NASA satellites and causing billions of dollars of destruction. The shaman has abducted a family and is forcing the father to give his life to birth of the gnome larve. There’s lots of twists in this book and we’re surprised to find out who the shaman is and what the real story is all about. There are multiple missions within this mission. Cassandra’s demon returns to claim her soul and ends up supporting the team in her mission and trading Cassandra’s soul for some evil politicians. Jaz is possessed by Brude and she must lock him away so he doesn’t use the possession to ruin her relationships and destroy the mission. The team loses two of their own and Jasmine considers leaving the CIA with Vayl and joining Bergman in his business. A change would mean more time off and not having to worry about being double crossed by evil politicians.
I’ve loved every Jaz parks book and this one is no exception. Keep them coming Jennifer Rardin!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2016
Again this was a better adventure which I was pleased about and the entire team is back together AT LAST which I'd been hoping for. Gnomes in a cult in Australia worship their God on Saturn and are getting annoyed at NASA messing with its rings and decide to destroy the program. The team are sent to investigate so the last thing they need is Jaz being possessed and Cassandra's demon locating her at last.
I so much liked the cult of gnomes story. OK so it sounds a bit dumb but it was a fun idea and better than some what happened in books 3 and 4. This book had plenty action scenes and daft humour which the series was in need of I think. I liked Bergman's new smart cat robot invention which leads to some amusing scenes with it and Jack. I also liked seeing Raoul's obsession with train sets which gave him a bit more of a human side. Readers have had mixed views about the voices in Jaz's head but I found thatr Granny May in particular was pretty funny. There was also a shocking and unexpected twist that took me by surprise but I won't spoil the book by talking about it.
*sigh* Why does Cole even exist? I thought all that crap with him chasing Jaz was over with in the last book but no, he's still trying to win her away from Vayl. Look you dumb muppet, it's never going to happen so leave the girl alone! Seriously he is like a deranged stalker and if I was Jaz I'd be reporting him for sexual harrassment. He drives me round the bend. I hate Cole so much and I'm fed up with him. Can't he just die or something? The other annoying thing was Jaz refusing to tell everyone the rather important detail about being possessed. You are working with a team of paranormal experts Jaz so for once in your dumb life, let them help!
Despite Cole, this was another good book and it was great to have Cassandra and Bergman back at last. Why can't we have them instead of Cole spoiling things? Grrr. Or have Albert on the team again! Albert and the gnomes had so much potential in my head! Anyway, a good story to enjoy as we go into the last two books in the series.
I so much liked the cult of gnomes story. OK so it sounds a bit dumb but it was a fun idea and better than some what happened in books 3 and 4. This book had plenty action scenes and daft humour which the series was in need of I think. I liked Bergman's new smart cat robot invention which leads to some amusing scenes with it and Jack. I also liked seeing Raoul's obsession with train sets which gave him a bit more of a human side. Readers have had mixed views about the voices in Jaz's head but I found thatr Granny May in particular was pretty funny. There was also a shocking and unexpected twist that took me by surprise but I won't spoil the book by talking about it.
*sigh* Why does Cole even exist? I thought all that crap with him chasing Jaz was over with in the last book but no, he's still trying to win her away from Vayl. Look you dumb muppet, it's never going to happen so leave the girl alone! Seriously he is like a deranged stalker and if I was Jaz I'd be reporting him for sexual harrassment. He drives me round the bend. I hate Cole so much and I'm fed up with him. Can't he just die or something? The other annoying thing was Jaz refusing to tell everyone the rather important detail about being possessed. You are working with a team of paranormal experts Jaz so for once in your dumb life, let them help!
Despite Cole, this was another good book and it was great to have Cassandra and Bergman back at last. Why can't we have them instead of Cole spoiling things? Grrr. Or have Albert on the team again! Albert and the gnomes had so much potential in my head! Anyway, a good story to enjoy as we go into the last two books in the series.
April 10, 2017
I forgot how much I like Jaz Parks. She really is a great character and her crew is awesome too. It has been quite a while since I last read one of her books so it took me a bit to remember some of the characters and their circumstance but once I did I was off. Miles is a great character with Robo Kitty invention being hysterical to read about. Jaz's dog is also hysterical as well and avail has some lip quirk moments as well. In between the comedy is the more seriousness of the plot about the gnomes and what they plan to do to NASA in Australia. Which is where this book takes place. You have a great intriguing story here and I wasn't a 100% who the villain was. Jaz sarcasm is right up my alley and something I thoroughly enjoy. I plan to read another of her series soon. I'm trying to make it last since I know I don't have many books to go and with the author being deceased I know there will be no more.
November 4, 2009
in this sixth installment of the supernatural mission impossible team led by jaz parks and vampire vayl, they find themselves up at odds as they go into a job that should be a walk in the park. when they get their they realize that the "fun" is just beginning. in order to stop a pack of religiously fanatic gnomes jaz and team head to australia in order to scope out and eliminate their targets. along the way jaz finds out she has a familiar tag-along who has plans of his own. they also have to face off against kyphas, the demon who has a contract with cassandra, the team's psychic. all of this makes for a interesting job and a more interesting read. enjoy as the plot thickens and the series gets even more interesting!
June 20, 2016
This was an enjoyable read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the others in the series. I will say I did laugh really hard at times, but I didn't really find the villains that convincing in this one... maybe it's because they were skewed by Jaz's awesome, but slightly odd view? Still, I enjoyed the read and look forward to picking up the next installment.
October 31, 2009
It's another fabulous Jaz Parks saga!!!! I loved it!!! Please do yourself a favor and read this book now!!! As usual it was smart, funny, witty, and adventurous!! It will really make you rethink your feelings about gnomes! Every time I see a garden gnome now I get the willies!!!
November 12, 2021
Interesting story, though the flash backs and sequencing was a bit confusing at times.
August 31, 2020
Bite Marks is the sixth book in the Jaz Parks series written by Jennifer Rardin. It centers on CIA operative Jasmine "Jaz" Parks, who is regularly partnered with her boss, the enigmatic vampire Vayl. They are tasked with stopping paranormal or mythological beings who've taken criminal roles in human society, or humans engaged in related activities.
Jaz Park is possessed and in order to keep the voices within her from taking control, she has to do complicated demon warding rituals. With her on the mission are her official boyfriend Vayl, Cole Bemont, Miles Bergman, Cassandra, and her malamute Jack. Her mission is to kill the gnomes that are threatening to topple NASA's Australian-based space complex. However, things don’t goes to plan as not only are bad things happening to Jaz, but there is also a demon after Cassandra and soon becomes a war between two factions with the team in the middle.
Bite Marks is written rather well. As always the narrative is non-stop action, as Rardin typically jumps into the story and goes full-throttle until the end. Rardin's action scenes are written rather well as Jaz and Vayl are at their best when their fighting back-to-back. The romantic development between Vayl and Jaz has turned romantic and sexual and it is rather nice to see their relationship develop over the course of the series.
All in all, Bite Marks is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Jaz Park is possessed and in order to keep the voices within her from taking control, she has to do complicated demon warding rituals. With her on the mission are her official boyfriend Vayl, Cole Bemont, Miles Bergman, Cassandra, and her malamute Jack. Her mission is to kill the gnomes that are threatening to topple NASA's Australian-based space complex. However, things don’t goes to plan as not only are bad things happening to Jaz, but there is also a demon after Cassandra and soon becomes a war between two factions with the team in the middle.
Bite Marks is written rather well. As always the narrative is non-stop action, as Rardin typically jumps into the story and goes full-throttle until the end. Rardin's action scenes are written rather well as Jaz and Vayl are at their best when their fighting back-to-back. The romantic development between Vayl and Jaz has turned romantic and sexual and it is rather nice to see their relationship develop over the course of the series.
All in all, Bite Marks is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
July 6, 2021
I read the entire series back to back so one review for all. Great characters, lots of action and a decent overall storyline. I suspect Rardin had more planned but she passed away in 2010. Fortunately, the last book gave a solid ending.
September 13, 2017
My favorite one in the series thus far!
July 14, 2018
Best one so far. Onto the next one. :)
June 23, 2020
Jaz is back and she's possessed. Jaz finds herself fighting for dominance of her own mind whilst preforming well on her latest mission or she faces the unemployment line! This book was jam packed with action, lots of humour and a sprinkling of romance.
May 3, 2024
If you are a fan of the series, it's super satisfying. If you haven't read the series you will be a bit lost.
April 11, 2019
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96 points, 5 STARS!
Jaz Parks made a mistake on her last mission, and now she is hearing voices. Well, a voice, at least. Now, her vacation is once again being cut short and she and Vayl are being sent to Australia to stop some gnomes from destroying the NASA space complex there. Should be easy, until the demon Kyphas shows up on the mission to take one of their crew with her back to hell!
Bite Marks is so much fun in the most ridiculous ways possible. Have you ever read something that is like every ridiculous idea an author has ever had, all put together in a neat little package? That is Bite Marks, and it is so much stupid fun. I cannot even begin to figure out with where Rardin got the ideas for this book.
That isn't to say that this book doesn't have a place in the series, or that it isn't serious as well. While it is probably the least connected to the rest of the series and has the most side story, it is also very high stakes. Not only are bad things happening to Jaz, there is also a demon after Cassandra and there is the very real potential for death via infection. Yet, this is also the weirdest of the entire series, with the most coincidence. But goddamn do I love it. It is so much fun, it is so utterly fucking bizarre. Maybe I just like weird things.
One of the best things about Bite Marks is that Raoul, Jaz's guardian angel, is around to help. The reason he is around is because the demons are interfering with Jaz and her crew. Jaz has been possessed by Brude who is working on the side of the demons. Kyphas the demon is after Cassandra. It is turning into a war between the two factions, centered on Jaz and her crew. Great shift from The Raptor, the series needed something to keep it going for a few more books.
Also, his presence helps set up one of the greatest things in the entire series.
It involves kangaroos.
You're welcome.
Also, if that wasn't enough to sell you on this series I have one word for you: robokitty.
Astral is the greatest introduction to this entire series, and I despair that she only first shows up in the sixth book of the series. What more could you possibly want out of a series that gives you a robokitty that allows the main character to spy on her lover while he is taking off his clothes, blows up, sings, and drops grenades out of her ass because "Where else would they launch from?"?! Nothing, that's what. Bergman is the best .
I have so, so many quotes I want to share with everyone with Bite Marks. I'm not typically a big quote person, but goddamn was this book just so much fun. I'll leave you with this one:
96 points, 5 STARS!
Jaz Parks made a mistake on her last mission, and now she is hearing voices. Well, a voice, at least. Now, her vacation is once again being cut short and she and Vayl are being sent to Australia to stop some gnomes from destroying the NASA space complex there. Should be easy, until the demon Kyphas shows up on the mission to take one of their crew with her back to hell!
Bite Marks is so much fun in the most ridiculous ways possible. Have you ever read something that is like every ridiculous idea an author has ever had, all put together in a neat little package? That is Bite Marks, and it is so much stupid fun. I cannot even begin to figure out with where Rardin got the ideas for this book.
That isn't to say that this book doesn't have a place in the series, or that it isn't serious as well. While it is probably the least connected to the rest of the series and has the most side story, it is also very high stakes. Not only are bad things happening to Jaz, there is also a demon after Cassandra and there is the very real potential for death via infection. Yet, this is also the weirdest of the entire series, with the most coincidence. But goddamn do I love it. It is so much fun, it is so utterly fucking bizarre. Maybe I just like weird things.
One of the best things about Bite Marks is that Raoul, Jaz's guardian angel, is around to help. The reason he is around is because the demons are interfering with Jaz and her crew. Jaz has been possessed by Brude who is working on the side of the demons. Kyphas the demon is after Cassandra. It is turning into a war between the two factions, centered on Jaz and her crew. Great shift from The Raptor, the series needed something to keep it going for a few more books.
Also, his presence helps set up one of the greatest things in the entire series.
It involves kangaroos.
You're welcome.
Also, if that wasn't enough to sell you on this series I have one word for you: robokitty.
Astral is the greatest introduction to this entire series, and I despair that she only first shows up in the sixth book of the series. What more could you possibly want out of a series that gives you a robokitty that allows the main character to spy on her lover while he is taking off his clothes, blows up, sings, and drops grenades out of her ass because "Where else would they launch from?"?! Nothing, that's what. Bergman is the best .
I have so, so many quotes I want to share with everyone with Bite Marks. I'm not typically a big quote person, but goddamn was this book just so much fun. I'll leave you with this one:
"I'll spill if you tell me what's up with that hat you're wearing."
His hand flew to the brim and yanked it down. "Nothing! Can't a guy support his favourite baseball team without people getting all over his case?"
"Bergman?"
"Yeah?"
"What's an RBI?"
He stared at me for a full five seconds. Then he said, "Fine. Don't share," and went over to slump in the chair beside Cassandra's.
December 30, 2010
This is the 6th book in the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin. The 7th book "Bitten in Two" will be out in 2010. Last I read there are 8 books planned for this series. This was another great book; tons of action and humor.
Jaz and crew are assigned to a mission in which some gnomes are trying to take out the Australian based NASA complex. Not a straight-forward mission in and of itself. Things get even more complicated when Jaz discovers she's been possessed by King Brude, Lucifer's assassin. Then when they arrive in Australia they find out the demon Cassandra has been fleeing from has finally found her. To add to this mess Cole is set on petting a kangaroo and Bergman has created a new robo-kitty called Astral that is making life a little crazy.
Like all the previous books in this series this book was a great read. It is fast-paced, with awesome action scenes, great gadgets, and hilarious dialogue and plot points. Vayl and Jaz have great chemistry together and there are a number of nice steamy scenes that bring tension to the story, yet never get really graphic. The characters, as usual, are what make the story, coupled with all the great fight scenes.
The addition of Jack (Jaz's dog) and Astral (the robo-kitty) really made for some hilarious scenes. We got to spend more time with the celestial Raoul and met the demon that has been plaguing Cassandra for centuries.
Rardin does a good job at keeping Jaz's inner dialogue (with her possessor) easy to read and non-confusing. The plot is twisty-turny but never confusing. Some of the side items, like Cole's kangaroo petting adventures and Astral's quirks, really add some fun into the story.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it kept losing the main story line. So much of the first half of the book dealt with Cassandra's demon problems that I forgot what their original mission was. Then in the second half of the book a lot of time was spend dealing with Jaz's demon possession problems. The mission sounded really cool, but not much page space was actually spent on the mission itself. That being said everything was nicely tied together in the end. And new plot points were left opened up for the next book.
I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series before this one. Rardin does a great job of reminding you what happened in previous books, but I still think you need the back-story from previous books to understand what is going on in this one.
Overall a fun read. I enjoyed the book a lot and look forward to the next book in the series.
Jaz and crew are assigned to a mission in which some gnomes are trying to take out the Australian based NASA complex. Not a straight-forward mission in and of itself. Things get even more complicated when Jaz discovers she's been possessed by King Brude, Lucifer's assassin. Then when they arrive in Australia they find out the demon Cassandra has been fleeing from has finally found her. To add to this mess Cole is set on petting a kangaroo and Bergman has created a new robo-kitty called Astral that is making life a little crazy.
Like all the previous books in this series this book was a great read. It is fast-paced, with awesome action scenes, great gadgets, and hilarious dialogue and plot points. Vayl and Jaz have great chemistry together and there are a number of nice steamy scenes that bring tension to the story, yet never get really graphic. The characters, as usual, are what make the story, coupled with all the great fight scenes.
The addition of Jack (Jaz's dog) and Astral (the robo-kitty) really made for some hilarious scenes. We got to spend more time with the celestial Raoul and met the demon that has been plaguing Cassandra for centuries.
Rardin does a good job at keeping Jaz's inner dialogue (with her possessor) easy to read and non-confusing. The plot is twisty-turny but never confusing. Some of the side items, like Cole's kangaroo petting adventures and Astral's quirks, really add some fun into the story.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it kept losing the main story line. So much of the first half of the book dealt with Cassandra's demon problems that I forgot what their original mission was. Then in the second half of the book a lot of time was spend dealing with Jaz's demon possession problems. The mission sounded really cool, but not much page space was actually spent on the mission itself. That being said everything was nicely tied together in the end. And new plot points were left opened up for the next book.
I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series before this one. Rardin does a great job of reminding you what happened in previous books, but I still think you need the back-story from previous books to understand what is going on in this one.
Overall a fun read. I enjoyed the book a lot and look forward to the next book in the series.
January 18, 2012
Bite Marks is probably a little weaker than the previous two installments. The whole team is back together again and this time they are headed to Australia to help NASA from being taken over by Gnomes. Besides NASA our group is also dealing with the reemergence of Cassandra's demon (the one who helped her out of servitude all those centuries ago) and Jaz's mind being taken over by voices (King Brude).
For me, there was just too much going on here. And the events take place only over the course of a day. While still fast paced, I just felt like we were getting off track by dealing with and switching what we are dealing with so much. I don't even think it was explained why Cassandra's demon showed up in the first place. They talked about how she had to be summoned, but who summoned her? It's one thing that seems to get lost in amonst everything else going on.
Then we have Jaz's "voices" or King Brude. He appeared in the Thin in the previous book and instantly decided he wanted Jaz as his queen. I just wish Jaz could have a break. She's already got a lot going on in her life in general with her job and everything and now she has to worry about someone controlling her through her mind. I would much rather prefer that Brude was on outside force to deal with instead of in Jaz's mind. I also didn't really care for the way he was linked to the original conflict, it almost made everything too easy.
While it seems that there was a lot that I didn't like, I still enjoyed the book. Just not as much as the previous two books which I thought were great. I liked that the whole crew was together this time. I liked that we got to see Raoul on a more personal level. It started in One More Bite and I like it that Raoul is not just this spirit entity anymore. We see him converse with Jaz and everyone else he even strikes a deal with Cole which proved to be pretty interesting.
This book really felt like a set up for the next book in line
. Not all of the problems started in this book are solved as they have been in previous installments. Therefore, they carry over into the next book. Only two left until the end of the series. I'll be sad to see it end. Until Then!
For me, there was just too much going on here. And the events take place only over the course of a day. While still fast paced, I just felt like we were getting off track by dealing with and switching what we are dealing with so much. I don't even think it was explained why Cassandra's demon showed up in the first place. They talked about how she had to be summoned, but who summoned her? It's one thing that seems to get lost in amonst everything else going on.
Then we have Jaz's "voices" or King Brude. He appeared in the Thin in the previous book and instantly decided he wanted Jaz as his queen. I just wish Jaz could have a break. She's already got a lot going on in her life in general with her job and everything and now she has to worry about someone controlling her through her mind. I would much rather prefer that Brude was on outside force to deal with instead of in Jaz's mind. I also didn't really care for the way he was linked to the original conflict, it almost made everything too easy.
While it seems that there was a lot that I didn't like, I still enjoyed the book. Just not as much as the previous two books which I thought were great. I liked that the whole crew was together this time. I liked that we got to see Raoul on a more personal level. It started in One More Bite and I like it that Raoul is not just this spirit entity anymore. We see him converse with Jaz and everyone else he even strikes a deal with Cole which proved to be pretty interesting.
This book really felt like a set up for the next book in line
. Not all of the problems started in this book are solved as they have been in previous installments. Therefore, they carry over into the next book. Only two left until the end of the series. I'll be sad to see it end. Until Then!
January 28, 2010
My thoughts...I am a series reader. Picking up a book from a series is like having lunch with an old friend or (wiggles eyebrows) an old flame. In true Jaz Parks style, Jennifer Rardin does not disappoint with the sixth installment in this action packed series.
Jaz and her team find themselves trying to save the Space Program. She also finds herself with some extra company who makes their mission even more difficult. All of my favorites are around to take part in the action including Cole, Cassandra, Raul, Vayl and Bergman. He was my favorite in this book, we really see him start to come out of his shell. I love the new side of him and I am continually impressed with his inventions. Big props to Rardin for her latest idea, I want one for myself. As in the other books, the team dynamic made the story interesting, funny, and even emotional at times.
Although the plot seemed slower than previous books, a lot happened. This book seemed to be a turning point in the series. There were plenty of fight scenes with high-tech weapons, magic from Cassandra and her Enkyklios, and wit from Cole. The end had a smooth finish, but definitely left the reader itching for more. For any new readers, I highly recommend going in order. The characters have developed so much at this point that you need to know their history.
The cons...I have two small issues with this book. I am a devout Jaz Parks fan but this one did not hold my attention as well as the others. I am not a huge fan of Science Fiction. I love the vamps, witches, and all the paranormal creatures but aliens and mutant larvae are close to the edge for me. That being said, little green men did not come down from Mars, I still enjoyed the story. Secondly, I kept forgetting what mission they were trying to preform. There were so many subplots that were much more interesting.
Overall, I am a huge fan of the Jaz Parks series and I do recommend this series to new readers, especially if you like urban dark fantasy. If you are already a Jaz fan, you need to read this book because the there are some huge events that I believe will shape the rest of the series.
Jaz and her team find themselves trying to save the Space Program. She also finds herself with some extra company who makes their mission even more difficult. All of my favorites are around to take part in the action including Cole, Cassandra, Raul, Vayl and Bergman. He was my favorite in this book, we really see him start to come out of his shell. I love the new side of him and I am continually impressed with his inventions. Big props to Rardin for her latest idea, I want one for myself. As in the other books, the team dynamic made the story interesting, funny, and even emotional at times.
Although the plot seemed slower than previous books, a lot happened. This book seemed to be a turning point in the series. There were plenty of fight scenes with high-tech weapons, magic from Cassandra and her Enkyklios, and wit from Cole. The end had a smooth finish, but definitely left the reader itching for more. For any new readers, I highly recommend going in order. The characters have developed so much at this point that you need to know their history.
The cons...I have two small issues with this book. I am a devout Jaz Parks fan but this one did not hold my attention as well as the others. I am not a huge fan of Science Fiction. I love the vamps, witches, and all the paranormal creatures but aliens and mutant larvae are close to the edge for me. That being said, little green men did not come down from Mars, I still enjoyed the story. Secondly, I kept forgetting what mission they were trying to preform. There were so many subplots that were much more interesting.
Overall, I am a huge fan of the Jaz Parks series and I do recommend this series to new readers, especially if you like urban dark fantasy. If you are already a Jaz fan, you need to read this book because the there are some huge events that I believe will shape the rest of the series.
May 29, 2010
Jasmine "Jaz" Parks is an assassin working for a special branch of the CIA. Bite Marks is the sixth book of Jennifer Rardin's paranormal fantasy series. In this book, Jaz finds herself in Australia. With her is her boss (and lover), the centuries-old vampire Vayl; her nerdy and brilliant former college roomate Bergman, who creates marvellous gadgets for her and her team; the ex-PI turned CIA-sniper Cole (who used to have a crush on her); and Cassandra, the gorgeous centuries-old seeress and former oracle who is now dating (and may be marrying) Jaz' brother Dave.
Jaz' mission in Australia revolves around saving NASA's Australian-based space complex from being sabotaged by evil gnomes. Said mission is complicated by the fact that Jaz seems to be possessed by the spirit of a malevolent Scottish warrior king, and because a very determined and ruthless demon has shown up to drag Cassandra to Hell.
Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks series is light entertainment fodder, and its heroine is the paranormal equivalent of Sydney Bristow from Alias. She's smarter than Sookie Stackhouse, a lot less annoying (and has vastly less sex) than Anita Blake, and has a fascinating cast of characters in her head to help her stay on top of her game. The books contain witty banter, sexual tension, gadged-filled undercover missions and action-packed set pieces. Like a James Bond-movie, each books features more or less the same cast of quirky characters, having to save the world from some paranormal disaster.
Normally, I find the Jaz Parks books and easy and entertaining read, but this time, the book was less engaging than some of the previous books in the series. I don't know if it was the lack of a proper villain, or that some of the excitement has gone out of the books now that finally Jaz and Vayl have given in to the sizzling sexual tension between them and become and item, but this book did not entertain and amuse me as much as some of the others have. Hoping for an improvement with book 7. As book 6 in a series, it is also not the best place to start, if one is interested in checking out Jennifer Rardin's writing - Once Bitten, Twice Shy is the first book in the series.
Jaz' mission in Australia revolves around saving NASA's Australian-based space complex from being sabotaged by evil gnomes. Said mission is complicated by the fact that Jaz seems to be possessed by the spirit of a malevolent Scottish warrior king, and because a very determined and ruthless demon has shown up to drag Cassandra to Hell.
Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks series is light entertainment fodder, and its heroine is the paranormal equivalent of Sydney Bristow from Alias. She's smarter than Sookie Stackhouse, a lot less annoying (and has vastly less sex) than Anita Blake, and has a fascinating cast of characters in her head to help her stay on top of her game. The books contain witty banter, sexual tension, gadged-filled undercover missions and action-packed set pieces. Like a James Bond-movie, each books features more or less the same cast of quirky characters, having to save the world from some paranormal disaster.
Normally, I find the Jaz Parks books and easy and entertaining read, but this time, the book was less engaging than some of the previous books in the series. I don't know if it was the lack of a proper villain, or that some of the excitement has gone out of the books now that finally Jaz and Vayl have given in to the sizzling sexual tension between them and become and item, but this book did not entertain and amuse me as much as some of the others have. Hoping for an improvement with book 7. As book 6 in a series, it is also not the best place to start, if one is interested in checking out Jennifer Rardin's writing - Once Bitten, Twice Shy is the first book in the series.
November 22, 2010
Jaz & Vayl’s steamy vacation on his private island (BTW- I want, I want!) is cut short when Pete asks them to travel to Australia and stop a group of gnomes from wreaking havoc on and ultimately taking out the Canberra Deep Space Complex. With the whole team back together they head to their safe house but then come under attack by the demon Kyphas, who has a contract for Cassandra’s soul. Raoul arrives to help out with his demon fighting weaponry and with Bergman’s latest invention, a cute but kick-ass robo-kitty, Astral; they just might make it out of this mess. That is, if Jaz can stop the unknown voice in her head from taking over.
Like the rest of the series Bite Marks is creative & imaginative with a fast-paced plot that includes lots of twists & turns, action, cool gadgets, laugh out loud comic relief and great characters. Jaz & Vayl have great chemistry and a few steamy scenes but not graphic ones. The beginning of the book is hilarious where Cole meets Jaz off the plane with a jazzy funeral precession for Vayl that includes a golf bag coffin! And Jaz’s improve when Vayl starts to awaken, too funny! Cole’s quest to pet a kangaroo while down under is also a fabulously hilarious scene.
This isn’t one of my favorites in the series but still good. I felt here, unlike the rest of the series, there were a few instances when the story dragged and the sub plots were more interesting then the main plot/mission.
Also, some of Jaz’s inner dialogue got a bit confusing for me, that girls got a heck of a lot of voices yammering on in her head!
Jaz’s teammates doubt her ability to perform in the mission because of the extra hitchhiker she has peeping in on her thoughts & actions and some of the subterfuge with her team was a bit over my head but since you’re reading in Jaz’s POV and she is the one having one put over on her I guess that is the point. And some scenes were kind of nasty, like gnome larvae exploding everywhere out of a body. Yuck. Everything came together at the end though leaving some plot points open for future books that I am interested in seeing.
Like the rest of the series Bite Marks is creative & imaginative with a fast-paced plot that includes lots of twists & turns, action, cool gadgets, laugh out loud comic relief and great characters. Jaz & Vayl have great chemistry and a few steamy scenes but not graphic ones. The beginning of the book is hilarious where Cole meets Jaz off the plane with a jazzy funeral precession for Vayl that includes a golf bag coffin! And Jaz’s improve when Vayl starts to awaken, too funny! Cole’s quest to pet a kangaroo while down under is also a fabulously hilarious scene.
This isn’t one of my favorites in the series but still good. I felt here, unlike the rest of the series, there were a few instances when the story dragged and the sub plots were more interesting then the main plot/mission.
Also, some of Jaz’s inner dialogue got a bit confusing for me, that girls got a heck of a lot of voices yammering on in her head!
Jaz’s teammates doubt her ability to perform in the mission because of the extra hitchhiker she has peeping in on her thoughts & actions and some of the subterfuge with her team was a bit over my head but since you’re reading in Jaz’s POV and she is the one having one put over on her I guess that is the point. And some scenes were kind of nasty, like gnome larvae exploding everywhere out of a body. Yuck. Everything came together at the end though leaving some plot points open for future books that I am interested in seeing.
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