Book Review -- One Grave at a Time

Title: One Grave at a Time
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: Paperback, 358
Published: 2011
Opening Lines: "Donald Batholomew Williams, get your ass back here now!"

"Having narrowly averted an (under)World War, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans's voodoo queen just keeps on giving -- leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

"Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk al to send him back to the other side of eternity -- forever. But one wrong step and they'll be digging their own graves."

~ Jacket copy

Thoughts: It is no understatement when I say that I love this series! I could hardly wait for this book to finally hit the shelves! So it is hard for me to admit that I felt this book to be a little lacking :(

I have to preface this, it is nice to see Cat and Bones finally not facing perilous, life and death, undead world ending situations, etc. However, it did kind of make the book slow and not as thrilling. I felt that the villains weren't up to par with the previous books. Kramer was a cool idea, but I felt he kind of fell flat. The constant badgering felt as though Frost didn't know what to do with him. Also, while I didn't necessarily like the introduction of Madigan along with Kramer, he just kind of disappeared off the map after the cave adventure. Wtf? I figure that she is going to throw him into future books, but the way we were left hanging with the whole Don issue and Madigan just felt disappointing and a bad plot maneuver.

Bones and Cat didn't have all the funny and playful banter I loved in the previous books. The lack almost made it wonder if it was their response to extreme danger and death, instead of something they shared. Also, the steam wasn't there! Okay, there were some really good build ups that got interrupted, and it really pissed me off. When things finally got heated between the two, it was a real let down. I'm sorry, but the idea of flying and fucking just seemed stupid and campy.

I did enjoy the book, but not nearly as much as previous ones. I'm hoping that they pick up; however, she might be spending her energy on the next series featuring Vlad. Even though I adore Cat and Bones -- mostly Bones >:) -- I am curious to see how the new series turns out! In the previous books, Vlad was pretty damn sexy himself!

Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆
Currently: Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen
Current Pages: 19864
Current Progress:

55/50 books

Book Review -- This Side of the Grave

Title: This Side of the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Urban fantasy
Pages: Paperback, 357
Published: 2011
Opening Lines: "The vampire pulled on the chains restraining him to the cave wall."

"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 . . .

"With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally" -- the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price for her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined."

~ Jacket copy

Thoughts (contains SPOILERS): As with the previous books in the series, I really enjoyed it.

My biggest problems with the book surrounds Cat drinking Marie's blood. I liked that the author thought about whether Cat would also gain abilities from a ghoul after drinking their blood; however, I felt that the 2 day shagfest after consuming Marie's blood was really, really over the top. I can understand being taken over by the hunger of the Remnants and the ghosts, but this overpowering lust seemed too forced. Also, it felt too much like slutty-Laurel-K-Hamilton filler.

In addition, I continually kept wondering what I missed in the previous book. Frost kept dropping all these tidbits about Denise and Mencheres' new lover/wife as though the reader should already know the back stories. After digging into it, I figured out that all of this lead up she alludes to is contained in the spin-off novels, which happen between the Night Huntress #4 and this book. However, since the spin-off series is not considered part of the Night Huntress series, I was unaware of the fact that I would need to read these in order with the other novels. Frost really needs to rethink this.

I also felt like it was a little rushed when she finally confronted Apollyon. It took awhile to get to the confrontation. It was also extremely short. The way she wrote it, it makes complete sense, but I felt it needed to be a bit longer. Sometimes it feels as though things come way too easily for Cat. I hate to say it, but I would like to see her get beaten down a couple of times before she is finally able to overcome the bad.

Aside from these issues, the story was good. I don't have too much to say. I tear through these books like there is no tomorrow and enjoy every minute of it!

Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Currently: Undecided
Pages: 5599
Horror/Urban Fantasy Challenge: 12/24
Current Progress:

18/50 books

Book Review -- Destined for an Early Grave

Title: Destined for an Early Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Urban fantasy/paranormal romance
Pages: Paperback, 355
Published: 2009
Opening Line: "If he catches me, I'm dead."

"Since half-vampire cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakens one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has tie to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about.

"Gregor believes Cat is his and he won't stop until he has her. As the battle beings between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor's hold over her. She'll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she's ever faced . . . even if getting that power will result in an early grave."

~ Jacket copy

Thoughts (might contain SPOILERS!): After reading a lot of the reviews on Amazon, I was a little timid when I opened this book. From the descriptions, I was in for a sob, ice cream eating, alcohol induced crying fest. While the crying part is definitely true, I have to argue that Cat drinks less in this book than the previous three.

At the beginning of the book, I really, really hated it. The concept of an unknown past is kind of interesting, but this was too much! Suddenly finding out that she spent a month in Paris with this mysterious vampire when she was 16 was a killer for me. Honestly, it felt as though Frost was doing anything and everything she could to keep the series going. And this latest adventure, was just short of disastrous! For me, this hidden past was too hard for me to believe. However, getting over that, I really enjoyed the book.

Even though the vehicle seems too campy to me, I felt that Frost did pull it off. In addition, I felt that she was able to return to the relationship Cat and Bones had while making it stronger. I must admit, I would have walked out on Bones several times throughout the book!

I found Gregor to be an interesting, well thoughout character. His special abilities really set him apart from the other vampires. Even though he shares the ability to see the future with Mencheres, I found him to be very unique. As fas as Mencheres goes, the reader really got to see his true colours. Never once would I say that Mencheres is evil, but I enjoyed the fact that Frost addressed the issue of what it means to be a thousand year-old vampire with a bloodline to protect. Upon hearing this interesting truths, I understood Cat and Bones' response; however, it really showed how young Bones truly is.

In the previous book, I was a little uncertain about her adding Vlad to the series. He his this amazing mythical and historical character, and I was afraid that she would be unable to tackle that while giving a realistic and unique prospetive. Frost leaves him just vague enough that she doesn't step on any toes. This book, while still staying vague, showed an neat side to Vlad. I feel that, while still maintaining and nodding to his past, she has made Vlad her own.

I felt that some of the problems between Cat and Bones showed a lack of age and experience on both sides. What could have been worked out by cooling down and talking turned into something horrible. Many times, I wondered why Cat didn't just walk away. I was annoyed that Frost made it out to be Cat's fault. Some of the problems Bones lists are not flaws, just admirable character traits (wanting to stop loved ones from being hurt or killed). It frustrated me all the time Cat spent apologizing to Bones. After his behavior, I felt he had more to be contrite over.

Setting aside my feelings for this sudden past, I was able to fully enjoy the novel.

Rating: 4/5
Currently: Malice by Chris Wooding
Pages: 3445
Horror/Urban Fantasy Challenge: 9/24
Current Progress:

10/50 books

Book Review -- At Grave's End

Title: At Grave's End
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Urban fantasy/paranormal romance
Pages: Paperback, 347
Published: 2009
Opening Line: "The man smiled and I let my gaze linger over his face."

"It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield's life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she's successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat's worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover's finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

"As if that wasn't enough, a woman from Bones's past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat's about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she's learned as a special agent won't help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself -- and Bones -- from a fate worse than the grave."

~ Jacket copy

Thoughts (contains SPOILERS): It would be a lie to say that I am, at some level, a little biased about these books. Since the first in the series, I have been hooked. I feel that Frost has written some interesting characters and put them in a well thought out world. However, in this book, things are too 2 dimensional. The characters aren't as fleshed out and vivid as the previous books; the plot, while a good concept, wasn't executed; the connection with the audience wasn't as strong; etc.

The alliance with Bones and his grandsire would have allowed Frost to explore and delve more deeply into the vampire society. There were a few instances that she scratched at the surface, but I felt she did not utilize this chance. I also felt as though she introduced an excellent and interesting character in Mencheres, but that did not pan out. There was also missing chemistry between Bones and Cat. I hate to say it, but, in some ways, I missed the sex. In the first two books, Cat and Bones had this amazing connection both in and out of the bedroom. Their banter was one of the best parts of the previous books. This book, however, really lacked that. In some ways, Vlad's character seemed truer to Bones' character.

And then there's Tate. Really? When he finally accepts the existence of vampires, he is ruthless and almost more prejudiced than Cat's mother in his views/treatment of them. However, for some reason other than -- supposedly -- trying to win Cat over, he has Bones change him into a vampire. First off, this makes no sense. Not only does he loath vampires and view them as a base, non-human life form, he despises Bones. Why would he choose to become a vampire (aside from the painfully obvious reason of going after Cat, which he denies)? On top of that, why would he want Bones to be his sire? And, if this isn't enough, his actions towards Cat through the entire book is ridiculous! First of all, Cat's vampire marriage to Bones sets her out as untouchable. Having a romantic relationship outside of her marriage to Bones means that her life is now forfeit. Why would Tate risk her life in his selfish pursuit of winning her? On top of that, why would he betray his sire? Rattler is killed because he betrays Bones to Patra. Before his death, Bones makes it clear that betraying your sire is the worst sin a vampire could commit. That being the case, what is up with Tate?

Another strange character shift is seen in Ian. In the second book, he spends his time trying to force Cat into his menagerie of one-of-a-kind treasures. When Bones marries Cat to keep her from being forced into Ian's family, Ian is more than livid. If I remember correctly, they didn't necessarily leave with smoothed over feelings. However, when this book starts, Ian -- even after feeling slighted over the alliance with and gifted power from Mencheres -- he is easily willing to return to their friendship as though nothing had happened between them. Not only that, but his treatment of Cat feels very out of character from what Frost showed the audience in book two.

While I enjoyed this book, it really didn't live up to my expectations. It took me a lot longer to get through this book. It was engaging, there was a lot of action, and Frost had ZOMBIES in it. However, it just wasn't up to par.

Rating: 3.5/5
Currently: Destined For the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Pages: 3090
Horror/Urban Fantasy Challenge: 8/24
Current Progress:

9/50 books

Book Review -- One Foot in the Grave

Title: One Foot in the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Urban fantasy/paranormal romance
Pages: Paperback, 357
Published: 2008
Opening Line: "I waited outside the large, four-story home in Manhasset that was owned by Mr. Liam Flannery."

"Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help is the vampire she left behind.

"Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head -- wanted: dead or half-alive -- means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won't let her get away again."

~ Jacket copy

Thoughts: I don't have too much to say. I have really been enjoying this series. Unlike certain other books, this one actually has a plot!

My biggest problem was the length of time Frost skipped in the beginning of the book. To get where she was going, there needed to be time jumps. However, several one right after the other was a little overkill. Also, Cat's reaction at the wedding and to Annette seemed way over the top.

The sex in this book was ramped up to another level. The scenes were longer and very graphic. However, while there was repressed sexual angst and outrageous scenes, I felt that Frost still tried to stay true to the plot and storyline. I will say that the intense sex scene was not really needed. It didn't add anything to the story. But, as it says on the spine, it is a paranormal romance, so I expect some level of sex.

All in all, I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It tore through it in a matter of days. The other books are sitting next to my computer waiting to be devoured.

Rating: 5/5
Currently: At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost
Pages: 2734
Horror/Urban Fantasy Challenge: 7/24
Current Progress:

8/50 books

Book Review -- Halfway to the Grave

Title: Halfway to the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Urban fantasy/paranormal romance
Pages: Paperback, 358
Published: 2007
Opening Line: "I stiffened at the red and blue lights flashing behind me, because there was no way I could explain what was in the back of my truck."
Favorite Line: "Charlie whistled 'Amazing Grace' as he drove. It was all I could do to no whip my head around and snap, Are you kidding me? Couldn't be pick something more appropriate like 'Shout at the Devil' or 'Don't Fear the Reaper'? Some people had no sense of the proper music for kidnapping." (179)
Theme Song: Tears Don't Fall by Bullet for My Valentine

"Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father -- the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bone, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

"In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't en up as his dinner -- are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat."

~ Jacket copy

Thoughts: My hubby got this book shortly after it was published. It has been sitting on our shelves collecting dust. After finishing Feast of Fool, I decided to pick this one up. What possessed me to do it, I have no idea. Since he got it, I have been avoiding in like the plague. After being horribly traumatized by Laurell K. Hamilton, I have steered clear of anything that feels as though it could have too much of a romantic element for fear that it would end up worse than a badly written porn. However, I have to admit that Frost really surprised me!

The book follows Cat Crawfield. She struggles with her nature as a half-vampire and cannot find her place in the world. Since she was 16, her mother has made it clear that half of her is evil. Hence, I feel as though Cat hates herself. She is always in conflict with this other half. As a way to purge this perceived evil and to get retribution for her mother's rape, she becomes a vampire killer.

Admittedly, at points, Cat is beyond stupid. Her adventure in the vampire bar with the roofies was pretty unbelievable. Aside from instances like that, I really enjoyed Cat as a character. Frost did a good job capturing this inner turmoil. Unlike some characters, Cat didn't feel angsty or whiny. I get really tired of main characters who are into bemoaning there life and circumstances. While Cat didn't necessarily deal with her deeply rooted issues, she went out at did something about it: Kicked ass! I can respect that.

I also really enjoyed Bones. It was neat to see a vampire who hunted his own kind. While he appeared to be a vampire bounty-hunter, his reasons behind his profession are very noble. Even though Bone is described as being a blondie, I kept picturing Matt Tuck from Bullet for My Valentine.

When Bones started to get extremely territorial over Cat, I felt that it was a little out of his character, and it made me think Frost was pushing too hard. Timmie was not a believable character to me; however, it was obvious that he was no threat to Bones, so his reaction was over the top. In addition, Cat's response to Francesca also seemed a little out of character. She never showed her territorial side at any other point in the novel, and, like Bone's response to Timmie, it was over the top. I felt her starting to spout sexual comments and accidentally grabbing Bones by the balls (literally) was just in bad taste and unbelievable. I have no issues with vampires being extremely territorial. In fact, it makes sense to me. I just wish she had dropped little tidbits about it before it was shoved in your face, especially with Francesca!

In addition, the special branch of the FBI dealing with paranormal activities was too "Laurell K. Hamilton." I liked the deal that Cat cut with them, but it was way too close to Anita's position. At some level, I accept that urban vampire fantasy might take elements from her books, but this felt a little too close for comfort. However, after starting the second book, it really doesn't upset me. With the a fore mentioned deal, I think that Frost is able to make it her own.

Aside from some of my minor issues, I really enjoyed this book! Last night, I forced my hubby to take me to Hastings, so I could grab the next book in the series. There was no way I was finishing the book last night without the other one waiting beside me :)

Rating: 5/5
Currently: One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Pages: 2019
Horror/Urban Fantasy Challenge: 6/24
Current Progress:

7/50 books