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lilyantan's review
3.0
Although it hurts me to admit it, these books are getting boring.
Bones and Kat's story-line should have ended way earlier then now. I feel like Frost is really pushing her luck with having book 6 and 7. Book 5 barely made the cut so not sure how the last 2 are going to fly. I really enjoy reading about the characters and their relationships, but it's just dragging on.
This was the weakest installment so far, it could also be cause I read Mencheres and Spade's stories between book 4 and 5. It's good that she's giving the other character's their own books. I'm really looking forward to Vlad's and hoping Ian gets one. Kat & Bones should have ended on a high! I hope it still does. They're my favorite and they deserve the best goddamn it!
The main thing that this series has going for it is Bone's character. In a literary world infested with Christian Greys, Edward Cullens and their infinite variations, it's wonderful to see a supportive male that trusts in his partner and backs her up rather than over playing the damsel in distress vs Alpha male stereotype crap. This series shines in that regard.
Bones and Kat's story-line should have ended way earlier then now. I feel like Frost is really pushing her luck with having book 6 and 7. Book 5 barely made the cut so not sure how the last 2 are going to fly. I really enjoy reading about the characters and their relationships, but it's just dragging on.
This was the weakest installment so far, it could also be cause I read Mencheres and Spade's stories between book 4 and 5. It's good that she's giving the other character's their own books. I'm really looking forward to Vlad's and hoping Ian gets one. Kat & Bones should have ended on a high! I hope it still does. They're my favorite and they deserve the best goddamn it!
The main thing that this series has going for it is Bone's character. In a literary world infested with Christian Greys, Edward Cullens and their infinite variations, it's wonderful to see a supportive male that trusts in his partner and backs her up rather than over playing the damsel in distress vs Alpha male stereotype crap. This series shines in that regard.
"If you think you can control a woman, you must be single"
Bones
mvbookreviewer's review against another edition
5.0
Another 5 Stars Addition to the Night Huntress Series
At long last, the much coveted 5th installment in the Night Huntress series by the amazingly talented Jeanine Frost is out and it is as good or maybe even way better than I envisioned it would turn out to be.
It is as usual Cat’s uniqueness when it comes to being a half-vampire or being a full vampire which she had embraced quite recently that stirs up trouble of all sorts in the undead world. It is when vampires start turning up dead all over the country that Bones and Cat decide to investigate, knowing deep inside that something seriously wrong was brewing up in the world of the undead.
What comes to light is a plan concocted by an old enemy of the 29 year old Cat and her 200+ year old husband Bones, a ghoul leader known as Apollyon whose weapon is creating a sense of distrust and alarm amongst his race against Cat and her abilities to temporarily absorb the power of whichever vampire that she feeds from. Though this fact is not common knowledge, Cat’s very public performances in slaying their enemies have definitely caught the eyes of the prominent members of the undead circle though Cat tries her damnedest to keep the fact that she is different from every other vampire even in full form.
Its kick ass action, witty dialogs that this series is famous for coupled with a lethal dosage of the scorching hot passion and sensuality that has always played a key role in all the Night Huntress novels that greets the reader even from page 1 itself. All our favorite characters who are so much a part of the Night Huntress world as Bones and Cat are come together to make this a delectable addition to an already kick-ass series.
What struck me the most about the 5th book is how much Cat has grown up and continues to grow through each book which makes her stronger and more lovable than ever. Willing to finally open up all of herself to Bones her husband who has her undying love and loyalty was one of the best parts about the story coupled with the sizzling hot usage of candle wax in making Bones lose control! I don’t think I would be eying candle wax ever again without thinking of Bones losing his legendary control whenever it comes to his beloved wife and partner for life and forever. And talk about a blast from the past when Mencheres and Kira’s characters made me want to re-read Eternal Kiss of Darkness all over again to feel the full force of Mencheres’ tamped down power and sensuality.
Needless to say, I loved revisiting the Night Huntress world, what one reviewer has called feels like coming home, which exactly sums up how I felt as I delved into Cat and Bones’ latest adventure. True to classical Jeaniene Frost style, the adventure in this one is non-stop, packed with lots of laugh-out-loud moments when Cat’s wry sense of humor comes into play and let me not forget the intense connection between our territorial vampire Bones and his beloved which seems to just grow stronger with time. It is the way that he loves and cossets Cat without being a total wimpy pussy about it that makes Bones the most appealing vampire hero for me. All in all very highly recommended for all Night Huntress book fans. I know that you would need no further urging from anyone for you to run out and pick this one up! If you are new to Jeaniene Frost, pick up book 1 and let Cat and Bones take you on the wildest ride of your life whilst curled up in your bed. I promise you, it would all be very well worth it.
Head onto http://bit.ly/e5ziKa to read the full review with quotes.
At long last, the much coveted 5th installment in the Night Huntress series by the amazingly talented Jeanine Frost is out and it is as good or maybe even way better than I envisioned it would turn out to be.
It is as usual Cat’s uniqueness when it comes to being a half-vampire or being a full vampire which she had embraced quite recently that stirs up trouble of all sorts in the undead world. It is when vampires start turning up dead all over the country that Bones and Cat decide to investigate, knowing deep inside that something seriously wrong was brewing up in the world of the undead.
What comes to light is a plan concocted by an old enemy of the 29 year old Cat and her 200+ year old husband Bones, a ghoul leader known as Apollyon whose weapon is creating a sense of distrust and alarm amongst his race against Cat and her abilities to temporarily absorb the power of whichever vampire that she feeds from. Though this fact is not common knowledge, Cat’s very public performances in slaying their enemies have definitely caught the eyes of the prominent members of the undead circle though Cat tries her damnedest to keep the fact that she is different from every other vampire even in full form.
Its kick ass action, witty dialogs that this series is famous for coupled with a lethal dosage of the scorching hot passion and sensuality that has always played a key role in all the Night Huntress novels that greets the reader even from page 1 itself. All our favorite characters who are so much a part of the Night Huntress world as Bones and Cat are come together to make this a delectable addition to an already kick-ass series.
What struck me the most about the 5th book is how much Cat has grown up and continues to grow through each book which makes her stronger and more lovable than ever. Willing to finally open up all of herself to Bones her husband who has her undying love and loyalty was one of the best parts about the story coupled with the sizzling hot usage of candle wax in making Bones lose control! I don’t think I would be eying candle wax ever again without thinking of Bones losing his legendary control whenever it comes to his beloved wife and partner for life and forever. And talk about a blast from the past when Mencheres and Kira’s characters made me want to re-read Eternal Kiss of Darkness all over again to feel the full force of Mencheres’ tamped down power and sensuality.
Needless to say, I loved revisiting the Night Huntress world, what one reviewer has called feels like coming home, which exactly sums up how I felt as I delved into Cat and Bones’ latest adventure. True to classical Jeaniene Frost style, the adventure in this one is non-stop, packed with lots of laugh-out-loud moments when Cat’s wry sense of humor comes into play and let me not forget the intense connection between our territorial vampire Bones and his beloved which seems to just grow stronger with time. It is the way that he loves and cossets Cat without being a total wimpy pussy about it that makes Bones the most appealing vampire hero for me. All in all very highly recommended for all Night Huntress book fans. I know that you would need no further urging from anyone for you to run out and pick this one up! If you are new to Jeaniene Frost, pick up book 1 and let Cat and Bones take you on the wildest ride of your life whilst curled up in your bed. I promise you, it would all be very well worth it.
Head onto http://bit.ly/e5ziKa to read the full review with quotes.
jenagregoire's review
5.0
I am officially hitting that point where I am having a hard time reviewing this series. Not because I find anything wrong with it. VERY MUCH the opposite. I love it so much that I just want to start spewing verbal vomit all over the place about the things I love in the book and I can’t without giving frikkin spoilers. So I am going to do my best to push through and then get my ass to work planning out the Pure Textuality chat room so we can all discuss these books!!!
Surprise, surprise! I loved This Side of the Grave, the 5th installment in the Night Huntress Series. I am already about half way through the 6th installment (One Grave at a Time) and I am already starting to dread the ending because then I have to wait for the next one to be released. That, my friends, is Literary Limbo and I am about to kiss it head-on. Alas, I will have Once Burned, the Vlad Tapesh spin-off, to keep me company come June 26th though and I couldn’t be happier about that. He’s definitely one of my very favorite characters from this series.
Anyway, let’s chat a littler bit about This Side of the Grave.
One of the (MANY) things that I loved about this book is the humanity. Sure, I totally heart the vamps but sometimes, we need a reminder put in place to show us why the vamps of the story aren’t just mindless killing machines like they are basically designed to be. This Side of the Grave gives us that reminder. This books brings us backwards a bit to deal with the very human scenarios that make the Jeaniene Frost vamps so special. Loss of loved ones is one of those very human scenarios.
When dealing with the loss of a loved one in most (Not all! Don’t attack me!) vamp fiction, vampires are more likely to react to the loss with a blasé oh well, all humans die kind of attitude. That is something that I really cant stand but never really noticed it prior to reading the Jeaniene Frost novels. The vamps in her books feel that loss and understand it, rather than scoffing and looking down their nose at it. They understand and respect the fragility of the human existence and try to protect it when possible. These vamps are not cold creatures with no feeling and no heart. They love and they grieve. That fact alone probably makes me adore the Jeaniene Frost vamps so much more than almost any other vamp fiction I have ever read. I am not going to tell you who/what gets lost in this book but I assure you, you WILL cry. So have the damn tissue box handy….
Another human issue that they deal with in this book is racism. Unfortunately, racism is all around us on a daily basis. As a species, we have come so far yet we are still back in the powdered wig days on so many levels. I personally have never understood racism at all. I was raised in a very forward thinking household where I was taught from a very young age that no matter the skin color or heritage, we are all just people. In the end, we all bleed the same. This book is a parallel to our own world’s racist issues. Although it’s ghoul vs. vampire and not black vs white, it’s still the same idea – hatred bred out of misguided fear and bigotry. Not a message you’d normally see in a vampire romance novel but it’s a good one.
One last thing I want to mention in regards to the human issues is emotional baggage. Even though Cat isn’t exactly human anymore, she’s still got chips on her shoulder. And it’s high time to let some of them go. Cat made a huge leap of progress in Destined for an Early grave to shed all the crap she’s been lugging around with her for years but in This Side of the Grave, we get to witness her really get last of it out there and conquer it. Yes, I know that I look like I am yelling “YAY THERAPY”. I’m not. One of the things that I hate is how vamp fiction always takes a turn for the worse because the main character doesn’t simply say what they’re thinking. I know that they need to hang on to some things for the sake of a plot line but after a while, the readers are just FRUSTRASTED by the hang ups. *cough*southernvampiremysteries*cough Not naming names or anything…..
The scene in which Cat finally deals with her own shit is perfect and wonderful and you just want to reach into the book and give her a great big pat of the back. The scene really leaves you smiling.
So we are now five books into the series and it is safe to say that Jena is invested. I absolutely adore these characters! Cat and Bones (obviously!!), Spade and Denise, Mencheres and Kira, Ian, Vlad Tepesh, Fabian, Juan (the hysterically funny pervy man), and so so many more. I love the fact that Jeaniene Frost isn’t afraid to hand her characters a Happily Ever After. I read the Night Huntress World books before reading the Night Huntress series and now that I am this far in, I know exactly where First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World #1) and Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World #2) took place and coming into This Side of the Grave, I loved seeing them paired up. Call me a romantic or whatever but I am a lover of love and hot vamp characters finding a love that makes their existence seem worth trudging on into for a few millennia really makes this story. Cant wait to see where Once Burned takes Vlad!!!!
This book more prominently features a character who made a bit of a guest appearance in previous books, Marie Laveau. She’s one creepy bitch but I want to meet her soooooooo bad! Her first introduction scene with Cat is one of the funniest moments I have ever witnessed in a book. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch The Matrix prior to reading the book or the humor will be completely lost on you. Her scenes in This Side of the Grave are just as good but for different reasons. Let’s just say that this installment in the series gave me a new found respect for and fear of her.
Overall I am giving This Side of the Grave 5 stars!!! That’s 5 for 5 so far! Best record of any series I have reviewed yet and worth every single moment!!
This book delivers on every level! Well written mystery, great lore, LOTS of action and some perfectly places lemons. As I said, have the tissues ready. You’re going to need them in a big way.
Surprise, surprise! I loved This Side of the Grave, the 5th installment in the Night Huntress Series. I am already about half way through the 6th installment (One Grave at a Time) and I am already starting to dread the ending because then I have to wait for the next one to be released. That, my friends, is Literary Limbo and I am about to kiss it head-on. Alas, I will have Once Burned, the Vlad Tapesh spin-off, to keep me company come June 26th though and I couldn’t be happier about that. He’s definitely one of my very favorite characters from this series.
Anyway, let’s chat a littler bit about This Side of the Grave.
One of the (MANY) things that I loved about this book is the humanity. Sure, I totally heart the vamps but sometimes, we need a reminder put in place to show us why the vamps of the story aren’t just mindless killing machines like they are basically designed to be. This Side of the Grave gives us that reminder. This books brings us backwards a bit to deal with the very human scenarios that make the Jeaniene Frost vamps so special. Loss of loved ones is one of those very human scenarios.
When dealing with the loss of a loved one in most (Not all! Don’t attack me!) vamp fiction, vampires are more likely to react to the loss with a blasé oh well, all humans die kind of attitude. That is something that I really cant stand but never really noticed it prior to reading the Jeaniene Frost novels. The vamps in her books feel that loss and understand it, rather than scoffing and looking down their nose at it. They understand and respect the fragility of the human existence and try to protect it when possible. These vamps are not cold creatures with no feeling and no heart. They love and they grieve. That fact alone probably makes me adore the Jeaniene Frost vamps so much more than almost any other vamp fiction I have ever read. I am not going to tell you who/what gets lost in this book but I assure you, you WILL cry. So have the damn tissue box handy….
Another human issue that they deal with in this book is racism. Unfortunately, racism is all around us on a daily basis. As a species, we have come so far yet we are still back in the powdered wig days on so many levels. I personally have never understood racism at all. I was raised in a very forward thinking household where I was taught from a very young age that no matter the skin color or heritage, we are all just people. In the end, we all bleed the same. This book is a parallel to our own world’s racist issues. Although it’s ghoul vs. vampire and not black vs white, it’s still the same idea – hatred bred out of misguided fear and bigotry. Not a message you’d normally see in a vampire romance novel but it’s a good one.
One last thing I want to mention in regards to the human issues is emotional baggage. Even though Cat isn’t exactly human anymore, she’s still got chips on her shoulder. And it’s high time to let some of them go. Cat made a huge leap of progress in Destined for an Early grave to shed all the crap she’s been lugging around with her for years but in This Side of the Grave, we get to witness her really get last of it out there and conquer it. Yes, I know that I look like I am yelling “YAY THERAPY”. I’m not. One of the things that I hate is how vamp fiction always takes a turn for the worse because the main character doesn’t simply say what they’re thinking. I know that they need to hang on to some things for the sake of a plot line but after a while, the readers are just FRUSTRASTED by the hang ups. *cough*southernvampiremysteries*cough Not naming names or anything…..
The scene in which Cat finally deals with her own shit is perfect and wonderful and you just want to reach into the book and give her a great big pat of the back. The scene really leaves you smiling.
So we are now five books into the series and it is safe to say that Jena is invested. I absolutely adore these characters! Cat and Bones (obviously!!), Spade and Denise, Mencheres and Kira, Ian, Vlad Tepesh, Fabian, Juan (the hysterically funny pervy man), and so so many more. I love the fact that Jeaniene Frost isn’t afraid to hand her characters a Happily Ever After. I read the Night Huntress World books before reading the Night Huntress series and now that I am this far in, I know exactly where First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World #1) and Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World #2) took place and coming into This Side of the Grave, I loved seeing them paired up. Call me a romantic or whatever but I am a lover of love and hot vamp characters finding a love that makes their existence seem worth trudging on into for a few millennia really makes this story. Cant wait to see where Once Burned takes Vlad!!!!
This book more prominently features a character who made a bit of a guest appearance in previous books, Marie Laveau. She’s one creepy bitch but I want to meet her soooooooo bad! Her first introduction scene with Cat is one of the funniest moments I have ever witnessed in a book. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch The Matrix prior to reading the book or the humor will be completely lost on you. Her scenes in This Side of the Grave are just as good but for different reasons. Let’s just say that this installment in the series gave me a new found respect for and fear of her.
Overall I am giving This Side of the Grave 5 stars!!! That’s 5 for 5 so far! Best record of any series I have reviewed yet and worth every single moment!!
This book delivers on every level! Well written mystery, great lore, LOTS of action and some perfectly places lemons. As I said, have the tissues ready. You’re going to need them in a big way.
openandhostile's review
4.0
Interesting to see Cat and Bones grow up a bit, reflecting on their flaws / progrss they've made so far. Also a good portrayal of the villain. Hes barely in the story at all, which is a cool contrast from previous villains in the series. Also the author isn't afraid to kill characters throughout the series. Love Marie!
topdragon's review
3.0
Another good entry in the series but this one didn't seem as interesting as past entries. I know it has to be difficult to keep things fresh but the originality of the series has worn off a bit for me. I do appreciate that Kat and Bones don't spend half the novel bickering at each other and close to a break-up as in previous novels. I'll keep reading them because they are certainly still enjoyable.
bookishwonderlandco's review
5.0
I was so excited to get back into this series and see what's new with Bones and Cat. This has been an incredible series so far, and this book was no exception! This book seemed to go by really fast, and I couldn't tear myself away! I was addicted to this book! It had all the normal action and romance and jokes, and the characters were incredible! I even got to see a new side of Mencheres, and learned more about Marie. They really are way different than what meets the eye. Cat also had some major changes that she had to learn about, and even opened up to Bones. It was such a good story, the book was incredible! I am just so speechless I can't even say how truly amazing this book was. I seemed to fly right through it, which made me sad, but the story was so good and the ending was incredible! I loved every moment of this book, and I can't wait to read the next book for more of Cat and Bones!
mystery_jem's review
5.0
Danger waits on both sides of the grave.
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .
I love Vlad- he rocks.
Sad things happen in this one. And I HATE the new guy at the compound.
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .
I love Vlad- he rocks.
Sad things happen in this one. And I HATE the new guy at the compound.
iamhume's review
4.0
Loved it just like I love all the rest of the books in this series! But my only complaint was that it felt like nothing really happened at all.
audiogirl511's review
It's been interesting to see Cat develop and mature. The adventures of Cat and Bones will certainly keep your interest.
woowoospooky's review
5.0
This book... no no no, this SERIES is amazing!!!!! Like the rest of the books in this series, it made me fall in love with the characters all over again. My only MAJOR complaint about it is that it seemed too rushed and she skipped so much! I can't believe she did that! ESPECIALLY after when Cat & Bones meet with Marie (the voodoo queen) and "something" happens. I really don't want to make this a spoiler review. Three times she did that though (that I remember). There were a few grammar mistakes as well.
Why OH WHY Jeaniene would you do that?!?!?!?!!!????? I need to know why she was so rushed with this book!!! Or maybe it was that it's been a while since the last book came out so when this one was finally out I was having high expectations that it would be long. the book seemed kind of short to me. Again tho, time would pass that the author skipped. I hated that.
On the good side though, of course I laughed when I read this. Along with Cat & Bones, Vlad had me cracking up. I have to admit, Cat reminds me so much of myself. ahhaha This one scene had me laughing so hard I'm sure everyone thought I was crazy: "Winston Gallagher!" I said, recognizing the first ghost I'de met. Then my eyes narrowed & I covered my hand in front of my crotch as I saw Winstons gaze fasten there next. "Don't even think about poltergeisting my panties again". "This is the sod? Come here you scurvy little--" "Bones don't!" I interrupted. He stopped, giving a last glare to him while mouthing YOU. ME. EXORCIST. before returning to my side." LOL
One scene had me crying like a baby. (dammit *mumbles*) Some old characters come back into the book that I was surprised at. Somethings may be a little predictable but it was well worth still reading. The ending was such a tease to me! I'm so sad that I have to wait til Fall for the next one to come out. =( Yes, I own this book and hell no I am not swapping it on here for another!!!!
Why OH WHY Jeaniene would you do that?!?!?!?!!!????? I need to know why she was so rushed with this book!!! Or maybe it was that it's been a while since the last book came out so when this one was finally out I was having high expectations that it would be long. the book seemed kind of short to me. Again tho, time would pass that the author skipped. I hated that.
On the good side though, of course I laughed when I read this. Along with Cat & Bones, Vlad had me cracking up. I have to admit, Cat reminds me so much of myself. ahhaha This one scene had me laughing so hard I'm sure everyone thought I was crazy: "Winston Gallagher!" I said, recognizing the first ghost I'de met. Then my eyes narrowed & I covered my hand in front of my crotch as I saw Winstons gaze fasten there next. "Don't even think about poltergeisting my panties again". "This is the sod? Come here you scurvy little--" "Bones don't!" I interrupted. He stopped, giving a last glare to him while mouthing YOU. ME. EXORCIST. before returning to my side." LOL
One scene had me crying like a baby. (dammit *mumbles*) Some old characters come back into the book that I was surprised at. Somethings may be a little predictable but it was well worth still reading. The ending was such a tease to me! I'm so sad that I have to wait til Fall for the next one to come out. =( Yes, I own this book and hell no I am not swapping it on here for another!!!!